Patent ID: 7324095

Claim:
A pressure-sensitive input device for data processing systems comprising: a transferable overlay having: an inner surface oriented toward a supporting structure, and an outer surface spaced a distance above the inner surface; a plurality of substantially parallel conductive columns disposed within the transferable overlay proximate to the inner surface; a plurality of substantially parallel conductive rows disposed within the transferable overlay proximate to the outer surface and oriented to cross the conductive columns; and a deformable isolation layer, disposed between the conductive columns and the conductive rows, wherein the user input deforms the isolation layer and changes a distance between the conductive columns and the conductive rows, and further wherein the change in distance between the conductive columns and the conductive rows alters a flow of current conducted across the conductive columns and conductive rows; a controller to detect at least one analog response signal generated in response to pressure exerted on the outer surface by a user input; and a processor, in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the processor receives the analog response signal and calculates both a location of the user input on the outer surface, and a differential in pressure exerted on the outer surface by the user input.