Patent ID: 8766910
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: G06F,H03K

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving a plurality of signals from a sensor array disposed on a side wall of a non-movable, non-mechanical protrusion, wherein the protrusion is integrated into a surface of a control panel of a device as one integrated piece and physically resembles a mechanical knob that protrudes from the surface of the control panel of the device, wherein the protrusion extends out from the surface of the control panel such that a user's hand can at least grab an outer surface of the protrusion or move over the outer surface to operate the device and includes an opening on a back side of the protrusion that allows access to the side wall of the protrusion; and detecting interaction of the user's hand with the sensor array based on the plurality of signals when the user's hand grabs the protrusion or moves over the outer surface; wherein detecting the interaction comprises: