Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2023-10-03)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

1\. (Original) An input device comprising:
a base member placed on a front surface of a touchscreen panel;
an operating member provided to be rotatable around a rotational axis with respect to the base member; and
a first fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode arranged on a principal surface of the base member, the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode being configured to, as the operating member is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state into an electrically non- conductive state, or vice versa, the touchscreen panel including:
one or more first line electrodes extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and having a portion overlapping with the first fixed electrode when viewed along a normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel; and
a plurality of second line electrodes intersecting with the one or more first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the first fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a first tangential line and a second tangential line, the first tangential line being located more distant, in a first direction intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the first line electrode, from a particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the second tangential line being located more distant, in a second direction opposite from the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the second fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a third tangential line and a fourth tangential line, the third tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the fourth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the third tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the first fixed electrode including a first shifted portion shifted by a first predetermined distance between the second tangential line and the fourth tangential line with respect to the second fixed electrode, the second fixed electrode including a second shifted portion shifted by a second predetermined distance between the first tangential line and the third tangential line with respect to the first fixed electrode.

2\. (Original) The input device of claim 1, further comprising a moving electrode provided for the operating member, the moving electrode being configured to switch, as the operating member is turned, the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode from the electrically conductive state into the electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa.

3\. (Original) The input device of claim 1, wherein the operating member is configured to be bought closer toward, or away from, the base member, and
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are made electrically conductive or non-conductive with each other as the operating member is brought closer toward, or away from, the base member.

4\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 1, wherein the first shifted portion of the first fixed electrode has an area at least one-third as large as an area of the first fixed electrode, and
the second shifted portion of the second fixed electrode has an area at least one-third as large as an area of the second fixed electrode.
5\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 1, wherein the first shifted portion of the first fixed electrode has the same area as the first fixed electrode, and
the second shifted portion of the second fixed electrode has the same area as the second fixed electrode.

6\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from a second particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode, the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.
7\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from a second particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode, the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.
8\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode, the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.
9\. (Currently Amended) The input device o laim 1, wherein the moving electrode is configured to move, as the operating member is turned, along a circular orbit, and
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are arranged adjacent to each other along the circular orbit when viewed along a rotational axis of the operating member.

10\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 1, wherein each of the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode has a pair of lateral sides extending along the longitudinal axis.

11\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 1, further comprising an elastic sheet, the elastic sheet being provided on the other side of the base member, the other side being opposite from one side, where the operating member is provided, of the base member.

12\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the base member is provided with an externally recognizable marker.

13\. (Currently Amended) The input device of 1claim 1, wherein the one or more first line electrodes include a plurality of first line electrodes which are arranged parallel to each other.

14\. (Original) The input device of claim 13, wherein all of the plurality of first line electrodes, but one first line electrode, receive a scan voltage applied sequentially thereto, the one first line electrode that does not receive the scan voltage is connected to a reference potential.

15\. (Original) The input device of claim 13, wherein the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are arranged to avoid overlapping with the same one of the plurality of first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel.

16\. (Currently Amended) The input device of laim 13, wherein respective centers of the plurality of first line electrodes are arranged at a predetermined pitch, and
the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are equal to or greater than the predetermined pitch.

17\. (Currently Amended) The input device of claim 1, wherein the second line electrode is extended perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

18\. (Original) An input system comprising:
the input device of claim
14; and
the touchscreen panel.
4 5 6 7 8 9

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
This is in reply to an application and a preliminary amendment, both filed on December 7, 2021, regarding Application No. 17/617,291.  Applicants amended claims 4-13, 16, and 17 in the preliminary amendment.  Claims 1-18 are pending.
Priority
The instant application is a 371 National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2020/006637, filed on February 19, 2020, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2019-107485, filed on June 7, 2019.
Acknowledgment is made of Applicants’ claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d).  A certified copy of the JP 2019-107485 application filed in Japan on June 17, 2019 has been filed.  It is noted that the conditions for foreign priority are not met (i.e., the instant application was not filed within 12 months from the earliest date on which the foreign application was filed).
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on December 7, 2021 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97.  Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the Office.  Please note that the Office has included the application number and art unit number on the IDS.
Claim Objections
Claims 1-18 are objected to for the reasons discussed below.
Claim 1: “the longitudinal axis of the first line electrode from a particular first line electrode” (8th limitation: lines 5-6) may need to be changed to “the longitudinal axis of [[the ]]a first line electrode from a particular first line electrode”.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
Also, “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines” (4th to last limitation: 3rd-4th to the last lines, and 2nd to last and last lines) should each be changed to, e.g., “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the first fixed electrode” for clarification.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
In addition, “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines” (3rd to last limitation: 2nd to last and last lines) should each be changed to, e.g., “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the second fixed electrode” for clarification.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
Claim 5: “the same area” (line 2, and line 4) may each need to be changed to “[[the ]]a same area”.
Claim 6: “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines” (2nd limitation: 2nd-3rd to last lines, and last line) should each be changed to, e.g., “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode” for clarification.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
Also, “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines” (3rd limitation: 3rd to last line, and 2nd to last and last lines) should each be changed to, e.g., “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode” for clarification.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
Claim 7: “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines” (2nd limitation: 2nd-3rd to last lines, and last line) should each be changed to, e.g., “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode” for clarification.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
Also, “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines” (3rd limitation: 3rd to last line, and last line) should each be changed to, e.g., “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode” for clarification.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
Claim 8: “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines” (2nd limitation: 3rd to last line, and 2nd to last and last lines) should each be changed to, e.g., “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode” for clarification.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
Also, “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines” (3rd limitation: 3rd to last line, and 2nd to last and last lines) should each be changed to, e.g., “any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode” for clarification.  For purposes of examination, the claim language will be interpreted as discussed in the rejections.
Claim 9: “the moving electrode” (line 2) should be changed to “[[the ]]a moving electrode” since the term was not previously recited.
Claim 11: “the other side of the base member” should be changed to, e.g., “[[the ]]an other side of the base member” since the term was not previously recited.
Claim 15: “the same one of the plurality of first line electrodes” may need to be changed to “[[the ]]a same one of the plurality of first line electrodes”.
Claim 17: “the second line electrode” should be changed to “[[the ]]a second line electrode” since the term was not previously recited.
Claims 2-18: these claims depend from an objected to base claim.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains.  Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or non-obviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors.  In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary.  Applicants are advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1-10 and 12-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Rao et al. in US 2020/0104006 A1 (hereinafter Rao) in view of Sawada et al. in US 2017/0316901 A1 (hereinafter Sawada).
Note: FIG. 4 may be misidentified as “FIG. 6” in line 3 of [0054] of Rao.  (See FIGs. 4 and 6).
Regarding claim 1, Rao teaches:
An input device (32; FIG. 2 and [0043]) comprising:
a base member (46; FIG. 3A and [0046]) placed on a front surface of a touchscreen panel (30; FIG. 2 and [0044]) (FIGs. 2-3A, see also FIGs. 3B-4, [0044], and [0046]);
an operating member (42 and 44; FIG. 3A and [0044]) provided to be rotatable around a rotational axis (36; FIG. 3A and [0044], see also FIG. 2) with respect to the base member (see FIG. 4, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3A-3B); and
a first fixed electrode (a first 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]) and a second fixed electrode (a second 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]) arranged on a principal surface of the base member (lower surface of 46; [0046]) (FIG. 3A and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4),
the touchscreen panel including:
one or more first line electrodes (74; FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B) extending along a longitudinal axis (see FIG. 4, see also FIGs. 2-3B) thereof and having a portion overlapping with the first fixed electrode (see FIG. 3B) when viewed along a normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel (see 3B); and
a plurality of second line electrodes (72; FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B) intersecting with the one or more first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel (FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the first fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a first tangential line (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and a second tangential line (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the first tangential line being located more distant, in a first direction (left direction) intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the first line electrode, from a particular first line electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the second tangential line being located more distant, in a second direction (right direction) opposite from the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the second fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a third tangential line (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and a fourth tangential line (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the third tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the fourth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the third tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the first fixed electrode including a first shifted portion (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a first predetermined distance (corresponding to predetermined 52 locations; see [0048], see also [0051]) between the second tangential line and the fourth tangential line with respect to the second fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the second fixed electrode including a second shifted portion (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a second predetermined distance (corresponding to predetermined 52 locations; see [0048], see also [0051]) between the first tangential line and the third tangential line with respect to the first fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below).
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However, it is noted that Rao does not explicitly teach:
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode being configured to, as the operating member is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state into an electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa.
Sawada teaches:
a first fixed electrode (141; FIG. 16 and [0159], see also [0127]-[0128]) and a second fixed electrode (142; FIG. 16 and [0159], see also [0127]-[0128]) being configured to, as an operating member (118 and 121; FIG. 14, [0156], and [0164]-[0165]) is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state (corresponding to brought into contact with 115A; see FIGs. 16 and 18 and [0159]) into an electrically non-conductive state (corresponding to spaced apart from 115A; see FIGs. 16 and 18 and [0159]), or vice versa (see FIGs. 16-18, see also [0156], [0159], and [0162], see also FIGs. 1-12).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the device taught by Rao to include: the features taught by Sawada, to provide capacitive sensing and to enable a user wearing gloves to provide input.  (Sawada: see [0167]).
Regarding claim 2, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, further comprising a moving electrode (Sawada: 115A; FIG. 18, [0138], and [0159]) provided for the operating member (Sawada: see FIGs. 14 and 18, [0138], [0140], and [0159]),
the moving electrode being configured to switch, as the operating member is turned, the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode from the electrically conductive state into the electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa (Sawada: see FIG. 18 and [0159]).
Regarding claim 3, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the operating member (Sawada: 23 and 25; FIG. 3, [0072], and [0097]) is configured to be bought closer toward (Sawada: press; [0097]), or away from (Sawada: cancelled press; [0097]), the base member (Sawada: 11; FIG. 3 and [0039], see also [0100]) (Sawada: see FIG. 3 and [0097], see also FIG. 10 and [0105]; note: input devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 of FIGs. 3, 10, and 14 of Sawada are interchangeable as they are input devices), and
the first fixed electrode (Sawada: a first 22; FIGs. 3-4, [0047], and [0097]) and the second fixed electrode (Sawada: a second 22; FIGs. 3-4, [0047], and [0097]) are made electrically conductive (Sawada: corresponding to a press; [0097]) or non-conductive (Sawada: corresponding to a canelled press; [0097]) with each other as the operating member is brought closer toward, or away from, the base member (Sawada: see FIG. 3 and [0097], see also FIG. 10 and [0105]; note: input devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 of FIGs. 3, 10, and 14 of Sawada are interchangeable as they are input devices).
Regarding claim 4, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the first shifted portion of the first fixed electrode has an area at least one-third as large as an area of the first fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIG. 3B above and [0048] and [0051]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use), and
the second shifted portion of the second fixed electrode has an area at least one-third as large as an area of the second fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIG. 3B above and [0048] and [0051]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 5, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the first shifted portion of the first fixed electrode has the same area as the first fixed electrode (Rao: i.e., placements of 52 such that the claim language is met; see FIG. 3B, annotated FIG. 3B above, [0048], and [0051]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use), and
the second shifted portion of the second fixed electrode has the same area as the second fixed electrode (Rao: i.e., placements of 52 such that the claim language is met; see FIG. 3B, annotated FIG. 3B above, [0048], and [0051]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 6, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode (Rao: a third 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]; see also Sawada: 143; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3-4) and a fourth fixed electrode (Rao: a fourth 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]; see also Sawada: 144; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3-4), both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member (Rao: FIG. 3A and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4; see also Sawada: on a lower surface of a base member 111; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3 and 14),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and a sixth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from a second particular first line electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and an eighth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a distance (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a distance (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below).
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Regarding claim 7, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode (Rao: a third 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]; see also Sawada: 143; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGS. 3-4) and a fourth fixed electrode (Rao: a fourth 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]; see also Sawada: 144; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3-4), both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member (Rao: FIG. 3A and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4; see also Sawada: on a lower surface of a base member 111; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3 and 14),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode (Rao see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and a sixth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from a second particular first line electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and an eighth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a distance (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a distance (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below).
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Regarding claim 8, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode (Rao: a third 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]; see also Sawada: 143; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGS. 3-4) and a fourth fixed electrode (Rao: a fourth 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]; see also Sawada: 144; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3-4), both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member (Rao: FIG. 3A and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4; see also Sawada: on a lower surface of a base member 111; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3 and 14),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and a sixth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and an eighth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a distance (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a distance (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below).
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Regarding claim 9, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the moving electrode (Sawada: 51A; FIG. 11, [0106], [0108], and [0117]) is configured to move, as the operating member (Sawada: 23 and 25; FIG. 10, [0097], [0105], and [0108]) is turned, along a circular orbit (Sawada: see FIGs. 10-11 and [0108]) (Sawada: see FIGs. 10-11, see also FIGs. 3-4; note: input devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 of FIGs. 3, 10, and 14 of Sawada are interchangeable as they are input devices), and
the first fixed electrode (Sawada: 53; FIG. 10 and [0107]) and the second fixed electrode (Sawada: 54; FIG. 10 and [0107]) are arranged adjacent to each other along the circular orbit when viewed along a rotational axis of the operating member (Sawada: see FIG. 10, see also FIGs. 3-4 and 12 and [0115]; note: input devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 of FIGs. 3, 10, and 14 of Sawada are interchangeable as they are input devices).
Regarding claim 10, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein each of the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode has a pair of lateral sides extending along the longitudinal axis (Rao: i.e., shapes of the first and second fixed electrodes such that the claim language is met; see [0048] (“52 may vary in… shape”); also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 12, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
an outer peripheral surface of the base member (Sawada: 111; FIG. 14 and [0127], see also FIG. 15) is provided with an externally recognizable marker (Sawada: see annotated FIG. 15 below, see also FIGs. 1-4, 6, 9-10, 13-14, and 16-17 and [0039]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use) (Sawada: FIGs. 13-15, see also FIGs. 1-4, 6, 9-10, and 16-17 and discussion above).
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Regarding claim 13, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the one or more first line electrodes include a plurality of first line electrodes (Rao: 74; FIG. 3B and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A and 4) which are arranged parallel to each other (Rao: FIG. 3B and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A and 4).
Regarding claim 14, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 13, wherein
all of the plurality of first line electrodes, but one first line electrode, receive a scan voltage applied sequentially thereto (i.e., scanning of all of the plurality of first line electrodes of Rao but one first line electrode of Rao corresponding to a ground electrode of Sawada; see Sawada: 163; FIGs. 13 and 19-20 and [0169], see also [0065] and claim 13 above; it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use),
the one first line electrode that does not receive the scan voltage is connected to a reference potential (Sawada: [0169]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 15, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 13, wherein
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are arranged to avoid overlapping with the same one of the plurality of first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel (Rao: see claim 1 annotated FIGs. 3A-3B above, see also [0048] and [0051] ; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 16, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claims 13, wherein
respective centers of the plurality of first line electrodes are arranged at a predetermined pitch (Rao: P, P1; FIG. 3B and [0051], see also FIGs. 4 and 6 and [0054]), and
the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are equal to or greater than the predetermined pitch (Rao: see 3B and claim 1 annotated FIGs. 3A-3B above).
Regarding claim 17, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein the second line electrode (Rao: 72; FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B) is extended perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (Rao: FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B).
Regarding claim 18, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
An input system (Rao: see FIG. 2, see also FIGs. 3A-4) comprising:
the input device of claim 14 (claim 14 above); and
the touchscreen panel (claim 1 above).
Claim 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Rao in view of Sawada, in further view of Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG in DE 20 2018 000 111 U1 (hereinafter Diehl; an original copy and full machine translation thereof is/was provided with the first Office action mailed in response to the filing of the instant Office action and preliminary amendment filed on the same day).
Regarding claim 11, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1.
However, it is noted that Rao as modified by Sawada does not teach:
further comprising an elastic sheet,
the elastic sheet being provided on the other side of the base member, the other side being opposite from one side, where the operating member is provided, of the base member.
Diehl teaches:
an elastic sheet (20; Fig. 2 and [0019], see also Fig. 6),
the elastic sheet being provided on an other side (lower side; see Figs. 2-3) of a base member (19; Fig. 2 and [0019]) (Figs. 2-3, see also Fig. 6), the other side being opposite from one side (upper side; see Figs. 2-3, see also Fig. 6), where an operating member (28, 32, 34, 30, and 22; Figs. 2-3 and [0020], see also Figs. 4 and 6) is provided, of the base member (see Figs. 2-3, see also Figs. 4 and 6).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the device taught by Rao as modified by Sawada to include: the features taught by Diehl, such that Rao as modified teaches: the claimed features, to releasably attach an input device.  (Diehl: see [0019]).
Conclusion


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
This is in reply to an amendment filed on January 2, 2024 regarding Application No. 17/617,291.  Applicants amended claims 1, 5, 9, 11, 15, and 17 and canceled claims 6-8.  Claims 1-5 and 9-18 are pending.
Priority
The instant application is a 371 National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2020/006637, filed on February 19, 2020, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2019-107485, filed on June 7, 2019.
Acknowledgment is made of Applicants’ claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d).  A certified copy of the JP 2019-107485 application filed in Japan on June 17, 2019 has been filed.  It is noted that the conditions for foreign priority are not met (i.e., the instant application was not filed within 12 months from the earliest date on which the foreign application was filed).
Response to Arguments
Applicants’ amendments to claims 1, 5, 9, 11, 15, and 17, cancelation of claims 6-8, and argument (Remarks, p. 10) regarding claim objections are acknowledged.  In view of the amendments and canceled claims, the objections are, except as discussed below, moot.
Applicants’ arguments filed on January 2, 2024 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
In response to the argument regarding newly amended independent claim 1, Rao and Sawada, and patentable (Remarks, p. 10), the Office respectfully disagrees for the reasons discussed below and in the rejections.
In response to the argument regarding newly amended independent claim 1, “at least two first line electrodes overlap the first fixed electrode” (underline emphasis in the original), cited prior art references, and “the foregoing elements of claim 1” (Remarks, p. 12), the Office respectfully disagrees and submits that all features of newly amended independent claim 1 are taught and/or suggested by the cited references, as discussed below and in the rejections.
In response to the argument regarding Fig. 3A of Rao, contact pad 52, overlaps two lines 72, and “the foregoing elements of claim 1” (Remarks, p. 12), the Office respectfully disagrees and submits that figures 2-4 and paragraphs [0044], [0046], [0048]-[0049], and [0051] of Rao teach: one or more first line electrodes 74 extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and having a portion overlapping with the first fixed electrode 52 when viewed along a normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel 30 (e.g., a particular first line electrode portion overlapping as claimed, as shown in annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below).  Also, note that the number, placement, size, shape, thickness, and the like of the contact pads 52 may vary/selected.  See paragraphs [0048] and [0051] of Rao.
In response to the argument regarding Figs. 17 and 19 of Sawada, “two or more dedicated electrodes overlap one of the fixed electrodes 141 to 144” (italics and underline emphasis in the original), and “the foregoing elements of claim 1” (Remarks, p. 12), without conceding the argument, the Office respectfully submits that the relevant claimed features are taught and/or suggested by Rao, as discussed above and in the rejections.
In response to the argument regarding newly amended independent claim 1, prima facie case of obviousness, Rao and Sawada, and patentable (Remarks, p. 13), the Office respectfully disagrees and submits that all features of newly amended independent claim 1 are taught and/or suggested by Rao and Sawada, as discussed above and in the rejections.  As such, newly amended independent claim 1 is not allowable.
In response to the argument regarding the pending dependent claims and patentable (Remarks, p. 13), the Office respectfully disagrees and submits that all features of newly amended independent claim 1 are taught and/or suggested by Rao and Sawada, as discussed above and in the rejections.  As such, newly amended independent claim 1 is not allowable.  In addition, the pending dependent claims are not allowable by virtue of their individual dependencies from newly amended independent claim 1, and as discussed in the rejections.
For the reasons discussed above and in the rejections, pending claims 1-5 and 9-18 are not allowable.
Claim Objections
Claim 5 is objected to because “the same area” (line 2, and line 4) should each be changed to “[[the ]]a same area”.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains.  Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or non-obviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors.  In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary.  Applicants are advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1-5, 9, 10 and 12-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Rao et al. in US 2020/0104006 A1 (hereinafter Rao) in view of Sawada et al. in US 2017/0316901 A1 (hereinafter Sawada).
Note: FIG. 4 may be misidentified as “FIG. 6” in line 3 of [0054] of Rao.  (See FIGs. 4 and 6).
Regarding claim 1, Rao teaches:
An input device (32; FIG. 2 and [0043]) comprising:
a base member (46; FIG. 3A and [0046]) placed on a front surface of a touchscreen panel (30; FIG. 2 and [0044]) (FIGs. 2-3A, see also FIGs. 3B-4, [0044], and [0046]);
an operating member (42 and 44; FIG. 3A and [0044]) provided to be rotatable around a rotational axis (36; FIG. 3A and [0044], see also FIG. 2) with respect to the base member (see FIG. 4, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3A-3B); and
a first fixed electrode (a first 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]) and a second fixed electrode (a second 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]) arranged on a principal surface of the base member (lower surface of 46; [0046]) (FIG. 3A and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4),
the touchscreen panel including:
one or more first line electrodes (74; FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B) extending along a longitudinal axis (see FIG. 4, see also FIGs. 2-3B) thereof and having a portion overlapping with the first fixed electrode (see FIG. 3B) when viewed along a normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel (see 3B, see also Response to Arguments section above); and
a plurality of second line electrodes (72; FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B) intersecting with the one or more first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel (FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the first fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a first tangential line (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and a second tangential line (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the first tangential line being located more distant, in a first direction (left direction) intersecting with the longitudinal axis of one or more the first line electrodes, from a particular first line electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) in contact with the outer edges of the first fixed electrode, the second tangential line being located more distant, in a second direction (right direction) opposite from the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the first fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the second fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a third tangential line (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and a fourth tangential line (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the third tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the second fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the fourth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the third tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the second fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the first fixed electrode including a first shifted portion (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a first predetermined distance (corresponding to predetermined 52 locations; see [0048], see also [0051]) between the second tangential line and the fourth tangential line with respect to the second fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the second fixed electrode including a second shifted portion (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a second predetermined distance (corresponding to predetermined 52 locations; see [0048], see also [0051]) between the first tangential line and the third tangential line with respect to the first fixed electrode (see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the input device further comprising a third fixed electrode (Rao: a third 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]; see also Sawada: 143; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3-4) and a fourth fixed electrode (Rao: a fourth 52; FIG. 3A, [0044], and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4 and [0048]-[0049] and [0051]; see also Sawada: 144; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3-4), both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member (Rao: FIG. 3A and [0046], see also FIGs. 3B-4; see also Sawada: on a lower surface of a base member 111; FIG. 16 and [0127]-[0128], see also FIGs. 3 and 14),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and a sixth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from a second particular first line electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) and an eighth tangential line (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below), the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a distance (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below),
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) shifted by a distance (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below) between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIGs. 3A-3B below).
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However, it is noted that Rao does not explicitly teach:
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode being configured to, as the operating member is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state into an electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa.
Sawada teaches:
a first fixed electrode (141; FIG. 16 and [0159], see also [0127]-[0128]) and a second fixed electrode (142; FIG. 16 and [0159], see also [0127]-[0128]) being configured to, as an operating member (118 and 121; FIG. 14, [0156], and [0164]-[0165]) is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state (corresponding to brought into contact with 115A; see FIGs. 16 and 18 and [0159]) into an electrically non-conductive state (corresponding to spaced apart from 115A; see FIGs. 16 and 18 and [0159]), or vice versa (see FIGs. 16-18, see also [0156], [0159], and [0162], see also FIGs. 1-12).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the device taught by Rao to include: the features taught by Sawada, to provide capacitive sensing and to enable a user wearing gloves to provide input.  (Sawada: see [0167]).
Regarding claim 2, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, further comprising a moving electrode (Sawada: 115A; FIG. 18, [0138], and [0159]) provided for the operating member (Sawada: see FIGs. 14 and 18, [0138], [0140], and [0159]),
the moving electrode being configured to switch, as the operating member is turned, the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode from the electrically conductive state into the electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa (Sawada: see FIG. 18 and [0159]).
Regarding claim 3, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the operating member (Sawada: 23 and 25; FIG. 3, [0072], and [0097]) is configured to be bought closer toward (Sawada: press; [0097]), or away from (Sawada: cancelled press; [0097]), the base member (Sawada: 11; FIG. 3 and [0039], see also [0100]) (Sawada: see FIG. 3 and [0097], see also FIG. 10 and [0105]; note: input devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 of FIGs. 3, 10, and 14 of Sawada are interchangeable as they are input devices), and
the first fixed electrode (Sawada: a first 22; FIGs. 3-4, [0047], and [0097]) and the second fixed electrode (Sawada: a second 22; FIGs. 3-4, [0047], and [0097]) are made electrically conductive (Sawada: corresponding to a press; [0097]) or non-conductive (Sawada: corresponding to a canelled press; [0097]) with each other as the operating member is brought closer toward, or away from, the base member (Sawada: see FIG. 3 and [0097], see also FIG. 10 and [0105]; note: input devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 of FIGs. 3, 10, and 14 of Sawada are interchangeable as they are input devices).
Regarding claim 4, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the first shifted portion of the first fixed electrode has an area at least one-third as large as an area of the first fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIG. 3B above and [0048] and [0051]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use), and
the second shifted portion of the second fixed electrode has an area at least one-third as large as an area of the second fixed electrode (Rao: see annotated FIG. 3B above and [0048] and [0051]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 5, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the first shifted portion of the first fixed electrode has same area as the first fixed electrode (Rao: i.e., placements of 52 such that the claim language is met; see FIG. 3B, annotated FIG. 3B above, [0048], and [0051]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use), and
the second shifted portion of the second fixed electrode has same area as the second fixed electrode (Rao: i.e., placements of 52 such that the claim language is met; see FIG. 3B, annotated FIG. 3B above, [0048], and [0051]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 9, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
a moving electrode (Sawada: 51A; FIG. 11, [0106], [0108], and [0117]) is configured to move, as the operating member (Sawada: 23 and 25; FIG. 10, [0097], [0105], and [0108]) is turned, along a circular orbit (Sawada: see FIGs. 10-11 and [0108]) (Sawada: see FIGs. 10-11, see also FIGs. 3-4; note: input devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 of FIGs. 3, 10, and 14 of Sawada are interchangeable as they are input devices), and
the first fixed electrode (Sawada: 53; FIG. 10 and [0107]) and the second fixed electrode (Sawada: 54; FIG. 10 and [0107]) are arranged adjacent to each other along the circular orbit when viewed along a rotational axis of the operating member (Sawada: see FIG. 10, see also FIGs. 3-4 and 12 and [0115]; note: input devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 of FIGs. 3, 10, and 14 of Sawada are interchangeable as they are input devices).
Regarding claim 10, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein each of the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode has a pair of lateral sides extending along the longitudinal axis (Rao: i.e., shapes of the first and second fixed electrodes such that the claim language is met; see [0048] (“52 may vary in… shape”); also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 12, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
an outer peripheral surface of the base member (Sawada: 111; FIG. 14 and [0127], see also FIG. 15) is provided with an externally recognizable marker (Sawada: see annotated FIG. 15 below, see also FIGs. 1-4, 6, 9-10, 13-14, and 16-17 and [0039]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use) (Sawada: FIGs. 13-15, see also FIGs. 1-4, 6, 9-10, and 16-17 and discussion above).
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Regarding claim 13, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein
the one or more first line electrodes include a plurality of first line electrodes (Rao: 74; FIG. 3B and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A and 4) which are arranged parallel to each other (Rao: FIG. 3B and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A and 4).
Regarding claim 14, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 13, wherein
all of the plurality of first line electrodes, but one first line electrode, receive a scan voltage applied sequentially thereto (i.e., scanning of all of the plurality of first line electrodes of Rao but one first line electrode of Rao corresponding to a ground electrode of Sawada; see Sawada: 163; FIGs. 13 and 19-20 and [0169], see also [0065] and claim 13 above; it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use),
the one first line electrode that does not receive the scan voltage is connected to a reference potential (Sawada: [0169]; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 15, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 13, wherein
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are arranged to avoid overlapping with a same one of the plurality of first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel (Rao: see claim 1 annotated FIGs. 3A-3B above, see also [0048] and [0051] ; also, it would have been obvious to include the claimed features since it would have been within the general skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select features on the basis of their suitability for the intended use).
Regarding claim 16, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claims 13, wherein
respective centers of the plurality of first line electrodes are arranged at a predetermined pitch (Rao: P, P1; FIG. 3B and [0051], see also FIGs. 4 and 6 and [0054]), and
the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are equal to or greater than the predetermined pitch (Rao: see 3B and claim 1 annotated FIGs. 3A-3B above).
Regarding claim 17, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second line electrodes (Rao: 72; FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B) is extended perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (Rao: FIG. 4 and [0049], see also FIGs. 3A-3B).
Regarding claim 18, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
An input system (Rao: see FIG. 2, see also FIGs. 3A-4) comprising:
the input device of claim 14 (claim 14 above); and
the touchscreen panel (claim 1 above).
Claim 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Rao in view of Sawada, in further view of Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG in DE 20 2018 000 111 U1 (hereinafter Diehl; an original copy and full machine translation thereof was provided with the October 3, 2023 Office action).
Regarding claim 11, Rao as modified by Sawada teaches:
The input device of claim 1.
However, it is noted that Rao as modified by Sawada does not teach:
further comprising an elastic sheet,
the elastic sheet being provided on an other side of the base member, the other side being opposite from one side, where the operating member is provided, of the base member.
Diehl teaches:
an elastic sheet (20; Fig. 2 and [0019], see also Fig. 6),
the elastic sheet being provided on an other side (lower side; see Figs. 2-3) of a base member (19; Fig. 2 and [0019]) (Figs. 2-3, see also Fig. 6), the other side being opposite from one side (upper side; see Figs. 2-3, see also Fig. 6), where an operating member (28, 32, 34, 30, and 22; Figs. 2-3 and [0020], see also Figs. 4 and 6) is provided, of the base member (see Figs. 2-3, see also Figs. 4 and 6).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the device taught by Rao as modified by Sawada to include: the features taught by Diehl, such that Rao as modified teaches: the claimed features, to releasably attach an input device.  (Diehl: see [0019]).
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL.  Applicants are reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action.  In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action.  In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20201004905A1: [content unavailable]
Ref DE202018000111U1: Claims:
Operating device, in particular for a household electrical appliance, comprising:

a touch screen (10) having a user side (11a) facing a user and an inside (11b) facing away from a user configured to detect a touch of the user side (11a) or approach the user side (11a) in a spatially resolved manner;

a controller (12) connected to the touch screen (10); and

a rotary knob (16) freely positionable on the user side (11a) of the touchscreen (10),

wherein the rotary knob (16) has a positioning device (18) for positionally and rotationally fixed positioning of the rotary knob on the user side (11a) of the touch screen (10) and a switching ring (22),

wherein the switching ring (22) about a perpendicular to the touch screen (10) aligned rotational axis (26) relative to the positioning (18) is rotatable and at least one electrically conductive encoder element (25) which upon actuation of the rotary knob (16) by a user is in electrically conductive communication with the user.
Control device after Claim 1 in which the switching ring (22) has an electrically non-conductive first switching ring element (23) on its side facing the touchscreen (10) and an electrically conductive second switching ring element (24), wherein the second switching ring element (24) upon actuation of the rotary knob (16) is contactable by a user of the user and the at least one encoder element (25) is electrically connected to the second switching ring element (24).
Control device after Claim 2 in which the encoder element (25) is formed integrally with the second switching ring element (24).
Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the positioning device (18) has a sleeve (19) which is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation (26) of the rotary knob (16), and a connecting element (20) for the stationary and rotationally fixed connection of the sleeve (19). 19) with the user side (11a) of the touch screen (10).
Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device further comprises a display device (14), the touch screen (10) is designed to be at least partially translucent, and the rotary knob (16) is designed to be at least partially translucent.
Control device after Claim 5 in which the rotary knob (16) on its side facing away from the touch screen (10) has a cover (28) with at least one transparent area (36).
Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary knob (16) further comprises a latching device (30-34) for locking the switching ring (22) relative to the positioning device (18) in a plurality of predetermined rotational positions.
Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary knob (16) on its side facing away from the touch screen (10) has a cover (28) which is rotatably connected either with the switching ring (22) or with the positioning device (18).
A rotary knob (16) for positioning on a user side (11a) of a touch screen (10) of an operating device, comprising:

a positioning device (18) for positionally and rotationally fixed positioning of the rotary knob at an arbitrary position on the user side (11a) of the touch screen (10), and

a switching ring (22) about a perpendicular to the touch screen (10) aligned axis of rotation (26) relative to the positioning (18) is rotatable and at least one electrically conductive encoder element (25) which upon actuation of the rotary knob (16) by a User is in an electrically conductive connection with the user.
Turning knob after Claim 9 , which as a rotary knob (16) according to one of Claims 2 to 8th is designed.
Ref JP2020006637: Claims:
A pattern printing layer provided on one surface of the base film layer, A surface protective layer provided on the pattern printing layer, A transparent film layer containing a polypropylene-based material, which is attached to a surface of the base film layer opposite to the surface on which the pattern printing layer is provided, via an adhesive layer, A decorative sheet comprising:
or more and 20 MPa / mm 2 or less. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein the decorative sheet is in a range.
or more 10 g / m 2 range below.
· day or less.
Ref JP2019107485: Claims:
An ophthalmic examination apparatus comprising: an analysis unit that generates risk information including each disease name of a plurality of specific diseases and a risk value indicating the degree of the risk by analyzing test data obtained by the test unit.
A first acquisition unit that acquires, from the first related information, one or more test items associated with the specific disease indicated by the risk information generated by the analysis unit; An ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a first output unit that outputs examination menu information including the acquired one or more examination items.
The risk range to which the risk value indicated by the risk information generated by the analysis unit belongs is specified from the plurality of risk ranges, and one or more inspection items associated with the specified risk range are the second relation A second acquisition unit to acquire from information; The ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a second output unit that outputs examination menu information including the acquired one or more examination items.
Ref US20200104006A1: Claims:
1. A system for failure diagnostics for a Human Machine Interface (HMI) comprising:
a physical knob; a button; a touchscreen interface; the physical knob and the button disposed on the touchscreen interface and in communication with the touchscreen interface; a touch sensor in communication with the touchscreen interface; a controller in communication with the touch sensor, the controller having memory for storing control logic and a processor configured to execute the control logic, the control logic including a first logic for determining a state of the touchscreen interface, and a second logic for determining a state of a portion of the touchscreen interface smaller than a full area of the touchscreen interface.
2. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 1 wherein each of the physical knob and the button further comprise a plurality of contact pads disposed on a lower surface of the physical knob and proximate the touchscreen interface and a lower surface of the button proximate the touchscreen interface.
3. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 2 wherein the plurality of contact pads is distributed asymmetrically across the lower surface of the physical knob.
4. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 2 wherein the touchscreen interface further comprises a sensing grid in communication with the touch sensor via a cable, the sensing grid having electrical traces, and wherein a first plurality of electrical traces electrically interacts with a second plurality of electrical traces, and forms a plurality of sensing nodes.
5. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 4 wherein the plurality of contact pads have a predetermined diameter selected to interact with the plurality of sensing nodes.
6. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 4 wherein the sensing nodes register at least one of: a presence, an absence, or a proximity of a contact pad disposed on the physical knob or button.
7. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 6 further comprising a third logic for determining whether a majority of the contact pads disposed on the button and the physical knob are interacting with the sensing nodes, and selectively generating and storing a diagnostic code in memory and selectively generating a notification for a user of the HMI.
8. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 4 wherein a pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid is variable across the touchscreen interface.
9. The system for diagnostics for an HMI of claim 8 wherein a first pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid is optimized for use with the physical knob and the button.
10. The system for diagnostics for an HMI of claim 9 wherein a second pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid is optimized for use with a finger, and wherein the first pitch is smaller than the second pitch.
11. The system for diagnostics for an HMI of claim 4 wherein the first logic further comprises:
determining, from data generated by a third plurality of electrical traces defining a perimeter of the touchscreen interface, an electrical and physical continuity of an entire surface of the touchscreen interface, and
wherein the second logic further comprises:
determining, from data generated by a fourth plurality of electrical traces defining a button zone or loop in the portion of the touchscreen interface smaller than the full area of the touchscreen interface, an electrical and physical continuity of the surface of the touchscreen interface making up the portion of the touchscreen interface.
12. A system for failure diagnostics for a Human Machine Interface (HMI) in a motor vehicle comprising:
a physical knob; a button; a plurality of contact pads disposed on a lower surface of each of the physical knob and the button; a touchscreen interface having a plurality of electrical traces disposed at predefined angles to one another forming a sensing grid having a plurality of sensing nodes; the physical knob and the button disposed on the touchscreen interface and in communication with the touchscreen interface via the contact pads; a touch sensor in communication with the touchscreen interface through a cable; a controller in communication with the touch sensor, the controller having memory for storing control logic and a processor configured to execute the control logic, the control logic including a first logic for determining an electrical continuity of the touchscreen, a second logic for determining an electrical continuity of a portion of the touchscreen smaller than a full area of the touchscreen, and a third logic for determining whether a majority of the contact pads disposed on the button and the physical knob are interacting with the sensing grid and selectively generating and storing a diagnostic code in memory and selectively generating a notification for a user of the HMI.
13. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 12 wherein the plurality of contact pads is distributed asymmetrically across a lower surface of the physical knob and across a lower surface of the button.
14. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 12 wherein the plurality of contact pads have a predetermined diameter selected to interact precisely with the plurality of sensing nodes, and wherein the sensing nodes register at least one of: a presence, an absence, or a proximity of at least one contact pad disposed on the physical knob or button.
15. The system for failure diagnostics for an HMI of claim 12 wherein a pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid is variable across the touchscreen interface.
16. The system for diagnostics for an HMI of claim 15 wherein a first pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid is optimized for use with the physical knob and the button.
17. The system for diagnostics for an HMI of claim 16 wherein a second pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid is optimized for use with a finger, and wherein the first pitch is smaller than the second pitch.
18. The system for diagnostics for an HMI of claim 12 wherein the first logic further comprises:
determining, from data generated by a third plurality of electrical traces defining a perimeter of the touchscreen interface, an electrical and physical continuity of an entire surface of the touchscreen interface, and
wherein the second logic further comprises:
determining, from data generated by a fourth plurality of electrical traces defining a button zone or loop in the portion of the touchscreen interface smaller than the full area of the touchscreen interface, an electrical and physical continuity of the surface of the touchscreen interface making up the portion of the touchscreen interface.
19. The system for diagnostics for an HMI of claim 12 wherein the third logic further comprises generating an estimated position of the physical knob and the button based on a position of the majority of the contact pads.
20. A system for diagnostics for a Human Machine Interface (HMI) in a motor vehicle comprising:
a touchscreen interface having a plurality of electrical traces disposed at predefined angles to one another forming a sensing grid, a first plurality of electrical traces intersects at the predefined angles with a second plurality of electrical traces, and forms a plurality of sensing nodes at each intersection, a pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid being variable across the touchscreen interface, wherein a first pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid is optimized for use with a physical knob and a button; a plurality of contact pads disposed asymmetrically on a lower surface of each of the physical knob and the button, the contact pads having a predetermined diameter selected to interact precisely with the plurality of sensing nodes, and wherein the plurality of sensing nodes register at least one of: a presence, an absence, or a proximity of at least one contact pad disposed on the physical knob or button, and wherein a second pitch of the electrical traces comprising the sensing grid is optimized for use with a finger, and wherein the first pitch is smaller than the second pitch; the physical knob and the button disposed on the touchscreen interface and in communication with the touchscreen interface via the contact pads; a touch sensor in communication with the touchscreen interface through a cable; a controller in communication with the touch sensor, the controller having memory for storing control logic and a processor configured to execute the control logic, the control logic including a first logic for determining, from data generated by a third plurality of electrical traces defining a perimeter of the touchscreen interface, an electrical and physical continuity of an entire surface of the touchscreen interface, a second logic for determining, from data generated by a fourth plurality of electrical traces defining a button zone or loop in the portion of the touchscreen interface smaller than the full area of the touchscreen interface, an electrical and physical continuity of the surface of the touchscreen interface making up the portion of the touchscreen interface, and a third logic for determining whether a majority of the contact pads disposed on the button and the physical knob are interacting with the sensing grid and selectively generating and storing a diagnostic code in memory and selectively generating a notification for a user of the HMI, the third logic generating an estimated position of the physical knob and the button based on a position of the majority of the contact pads.
Ref US20170316901A1: Claims:
1. An input device comprising:
a first electrode; a second electrode that opposes to the first electrode while being spaced apart from the first electrode; and a third electrode that is spaced apart from the first electrode and rotatably or slidably provided relative to the second electrode, wherein the third electrode being in contact with or spaced apart from the second electrode changes an electrical state between the first electrode and the second electrode.
2. The input device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the first electrodes,
wherein each of the plurality of first electrodes includes a transmitter electrode, and a receiver electrode being electrically independent of the transmitter electrode.
3. The input device according to claim 2, further comprising a fourth electrode that is electrically connected to the third electrode,
wherein the fourth electrode is different from the transmitter electrode in potential.
4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein the fourth electrode is connected to ground.
5. The input device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the first electrodes and a plurality of the second electrodes,
wherein. the third electrode is spaced apart from the plurality of first electrodes and rotatably provided relative to the plurality of second electrodes, the third electrode has an annularly formed pattern, and the third electrode being in contact with or spaced apart from each of the plurality of second electrodes changes an electrical state between each of the plurality of first electrodes and opposing one of the plurality of second electrodes so that a phase difference occurs.
6. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a light-transmissive first base member that retains the first electrode.
7. The input device according to claim 6, further comprising a light-transmissive second base member that retains the second electrode.
8. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a manipulation knob that is electrically connected to the third electrode.
9. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth electrode that is electrically connected to the third electrode, wherein the fourth electrode is connected to ground.
Ref APP-17_617291: Claims:
An input device comprising: a base member placed on a front surface of a touchscreen panel; an operating member provided to be rotatable around a rotational axis with respect to the base member; and a first fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode arranged on a principal surface of the base member, and configured to remain fixed in all directions relative to the touchscreen panel when the operating member is rotated, the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode being configured to, as the operating member is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state into an electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa, the touchscreen panel including: one or more first line electrodes extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and having a portion overlapping with the first fixed electrode when viewed along a normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel; and a plurality of second line electrodes intersecting with the one or more first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the first fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a first tangential line and a second tangential line, the first tangential line being located more distant, in a first direction intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes, from a particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the first fixed electrode, the second tangential line being located more distant, in a second direction opposite from the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the first fixed electrode, all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the second fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a third tangential line and a fourth tangential line, the third tangential line being located more distan
[Truncated to input limit]