Patent ID: 6522032
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
An electrical switch comprising:a switch actuation surface adapted to receive an object pressed thereagainst; pressure sensing means for sensing the condition of an object being pressed against said switch actuation surface; pressure sensing signal means for generating a pressure sensing electrical signal in response to said pressure sensing means sensing said pressed against condition; presence sensing means for sensing the presence of said object in the vicinity of said switch actuation surface; presence sensing signal means for generating a presence sensing electrical signal in response to said presence sensing means sensing the presence of said object in the vicinity of said switch actuation surface; determining means responsive to both said pressure sensing signal means and to said presence sensing signal means for determining whether said pressure sensing electrical signal is generated within a predetermined time interval of which said presence sensing electrical signal is generated; and means responsive to said determining means for generating an electric switch output signal if said determining means determines that said pressure sensing signal is generated within said predetermined time interval.