Patent ID: 7721609

Claim:
A combination force-sensing button and switch, comprising: a first conductive plate having a first shape, wherein the first conductive plate is coupled to a capacitance measuring circuit, wherein an insulating layer is formed on a surface of the first conductive plate, wherein the capacitance measuring circuit is configured to measure a first capacitance value in response to a press on the surface by an actuator having a conductive deformable surface, and wherein a force of actuation is generated in accordance with the measured first capacitance value; a second conductive plate having a second shape, wherein the second conductive plate is coupled to a detection circuit; and a third conductive plate having a third shape, wherein the third conductive plate is coupled to a reference voltage, wherein the first, second, and third conductive plates are electrically isolated from each other and arranged in proximity to one another, and wherein the detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical connection between the second and third conductive plates to indicate a switch activation when the second and third conductive plates are pressed by the actuator, wherein the first shape is a substantially semicircular shape, and wherein the second and third shapes each are a substantially quadrant shape.