PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8581870-B2
Application Number: US-201113312803-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Touch-sensitive button with two levels

Abstract:
A touch-sensitive depressible button with multiple depression thresholds is provided. When the button is depressed to a first depression threshold, the touch sensor can be switched from a low-power, non-sensing state to a sensing state. When the button is depressed to a second depression threshold, the touch sensor can sense the touch context and input can be generated based on the depression and the touch context. In this way, the touch-sensitive depressible button with multiple depression thresholds can facilitate timely switching of the touch sensor to a sensing state.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A touch-sensitive depressible button comprising:
 a touch sensor for detecting touch events on a surface of the touch sensor; and 
 an actuator coupled with the touch sensor and depressible from an initial position to both a first and a second depression threshold; 
 wherein the touch sensor is configured to switch from a non-sensing state to a sensing state when the actuator is depressed to the first depression threshold; and 
 wherein the touch sensor is configured to determine a touch context based on detected touch events when the actuator is depressed to the second depression threshold. 
 
     
     
       2. The touch-sensitive depressible button of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises:
 a first deformable electrode dome; 
 a second deformable electrode dome within the first electrode dome; and 
 a first electrode within the second electrode dome; 
 wherein the first electrode dome is configured to contact the second electrode dome when the actuator is depressed to the first depression threshold; and 
 wherein the second electrode dome is configured to contact the first electrode when the actuator is depressed to the second depression threshold. 
 
     
     
       3. The touch-sensitive depressible button of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises:
 a self-capacitive deformable electrode dome; 
 a first electrode within the electrode dome; 
 wherein the electrode dome is configured to detect the presence of a proximate touch object when the actuator is depressed to the first depression threshold; and 
 wherein the electrode dome is configured to contact the first electrode when the actuator is depressed to the second depression threshold. 
 
     
     
       4. The touch-sensitive depressible button of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a display device situated between the touch sensor and the actuator. 
 
     
     
       5. The touch-sensitive depressible button of  claim 1  incorporated within a computing system. 
     
     
       6. A method for generating input from a touch-sensitive depressible button, the method comprising:
 setting a touch sensor of the button to a non-sensing state; 
 determining that the button has been depressed to a first depression threshold; 
 switching the touch sensor to a sensing state based on the determination that the button has been depressed to the first depression threshold; 
 determining that the button has been depressed to a second depression threshold; 
 determining a touch context based on a touch event performed on the touch sensor; and 
 generating input based on the touch context. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein setting the touch sensor to the non-sensing state includes supplying power to the touch sensor without scanning for touch events. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , wherein determining that the button has been depressed to the first depression threshold includes determining that a first electrode has contacted a second electrode. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 6 , wherein determining that the button has been depressed to the second depression threshold includes determining that a second electrode has contacted a third electrode. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6 , wherein switching the touch sensor to the sensing state includes initiating a scanning process for detecting touch events. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 scanning the touch sensor to detect the touch event performed on the touch sensor. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the touch context includes a motion of a touch object. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the motion of the touch object includes one of a velocity of the touch object or a gesture of the touch object. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the touch context includes a position of a touch object. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the touch context includes a touchdown time. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 determining a first depression threshold time based on the determination that the button has been depressed to the first depression threshold; 
 determining a second depression threshold time based on the determination that the button has been depressed to the second depression threshold; and 
 determining an elapsed time between the first depression threshold time and the second depression threshold time; 
 wherein the touch context includes the elapsed time. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 sending a command to a computing system based on the generated input. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the command includes one of adjusting a volume level, initiating an application, or moving a cursor. 
     
     
       19. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored therein, which, when executed by an apparatus including a touch-sensitive mechanical button, causes the apparatus to perform a method comprising:
 setting a touch sensor of the button to a non-sensing state; 
 determining that the button has been depressed to a first depression threshold; 
 switching the touch sensor to a sensing state based on the determination that the button has been depressed to the first depression threshold; 
 determining that the button has been depressed to a second depression threshold; 
 determining a touch context based on a touch event performed on the touch sensor; and 
 generating input based on the touch context. 
 
     
     
       20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein the touch context includes a motion of a touch object. 
     
     
       21. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 20 , wherein the motion of the touch object includes one of a velocity of the touch object or a gesture of the touch object. 
     
     
       22. A computing system comprising;
 a processor; 
 a memory; and 
 a touch-sensitive depressible button; 
 wherein the button comprises
 a touch sensor for detecting touch events on a surface of the touch sensor, and 
 an actuator coupled with the touch sensor and depressible from an initial position to both a first and a second depression threshold; 
 
 wherein the touch sensor is configured to switch from a non-sensing state to a sensing state when the actuator is depressed to the first depression threshold; and 
 wherein the touch sensor is configured to determine a touch context based on detected touch events when the actuator is depressed to the second depression threshold.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This relates generally to touch-sensitive depressible buttons, and more particularly, to a touch-sensitive mechanical button with multiple depression thresholds. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Many types of input devices are available for performing operations in a computing system, such as buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, touch sensor panels, touch screens, and the like. Touch screens, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular because of their ease and versatility of operation as well as their declining price. Touch screens can include a touch sensor panel, which can be a clear panel with a touch-sensitive surface, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) that can be positioned partially or fully behind the panel so that the touch-sensitive surface can cover at least a portion of the viewable area of the display device. Touch screens generally allow a user to perform various functions by touching (e.g., physical contact or near-field proximity) the touch sensor panel using a finger, stylus or other object at a location often dictated by a user interface (UI) being displayed by the display device. In general, touch screens can recognize a touch event and the position of the touch event on the touch sensor panel, and the computing system can then interpret the touch event in accordance with the display appearing at the time of the touch event, and thereafter can perform one or more actions based on the touch event. 
     A touch sensor panel can be coupled with an actuator to form a depressible button. For example, a trackpad can include a touch sensor panel with a continuous top surface and a portion of the continuous top surface forming a depressible button. In some cases, the touch sensing functionality may only be used to determine the touch context when the button is depressed. However, frequently scanning the touch sensor for touch events when the button is not depressed can be an inefficient use of power, especially in mobile devices running on battery power. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This relates to a touch-sensitive depressible button with multiple depression thresholds. A touch-sensitive depressible button can generate input based on a depression of the button or based on a touch event performed on a surface of the button. Additionally, the button can generate input based on both the depression and the touch event. For example, a button might generate a first input when it is depressed by a finger on a left portion of the surface of the button and a second input when it is depressed by a finger on a right portion of the surface of the button. In this way, a single depressible button can serve multiple functions depending on where it is depressed. 
     In some embodiments, a touch-sensitive depressible button can only generate input when the button is depressed. Touch events might not be accepted when the button is not depressed. In such a case, the button&#39;s touch sensor can be kept in a low power, non-sensing state until the button is depressed, at which point the touch sensor can be switched to a sensing state to provide a touch context for the depression. Conserving power can be especially important in battery-powered devices such as mobile phones. However, the process of switching to a sensing state might take an amount of time too large to provide an immediate touch context for the depression of the button. 
     Accordingly, a touch-sensitive depressible button can have multiple depression thresholds to facilitate timely switching of the touch sensor to a sensing state. The button can be depressed from an initial position to a first depression threshold and from the first depression threshold to a second depression threshold. When the button is depressed to the first depression threshold, the touch sensor can be switched from a low-power, non-sensing state to a sensing state. When the button is depressed to the second depression threshold, the touch sensor can sense the touch context and input can be generated based on the depression and the touch context. In some embodiments, the distance from the initial position to the first depression threshold can be so small so as to be imperceptible to a user. Additionally, in some embodiments the distance from the initial position to the second depression threshold can be large enough to be perceived by the user as a complete button depression. 
     In this way, the touch-sensitive depressible button with multiple depression thresholds can facilitate timely switching of the touch sensor to a sensing state. Additionally, a touch sensing process can have more time to accurately determine the touch context. For example, a touch sensor might switch to a sensing state before the button has been depressed to the second depression threshold. In such a case, the remaining time before the button is depressed to the second depression threshold can be used to begin determining the touch context in advance. Furthermore, the touch sensing process of the depressible button can be initiated by the user, thereby providing a more immediate touch context than with a continual touch sensing process, which can be asynchronous to user contact. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button at an initial depression position according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button at a first depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button at a second depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a high-level flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of generating input from a touch-sensitive depressible button according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of an exemplary touch sensor that can be used to detect touch events and determine a touch context on the touch-sensitive depressible button according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button with a double-dome actuator at an initial depression position according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button with a double-dome actuator at a first depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button with a double-dome actuator at a second depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button with a self-capacitive actuator at an initial depression position according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button with a self-capacitive actuator at a first depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button with a self-capacitive actuator at a second depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary computing system that can include a touch sensor panel coupled to an actuator to form a touch-sensitive depressible button according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an exemplary mobile telephone that can include a touch sensor panel and a display device, the touch sensor panel coupled to an actuator to form a touch-sensitive depressible button according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates an exemplary digital media player that can include a touch sensor panel and a display device, the touch sensor panel coupled to an actuator to form a touch-sensitive depressible button according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates an exemplary personal computer that can include a touch sensor panel (trackpad) and a display, the touch sensor panel and/or display of the personal computer coupled to an actuator to form a touch-sensitive depressible button according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. 
     Various embodiments relate to a touch-sensitive depressible button with multiple depression thresholds. A touch-sensitive depressible button can generate input based on a depression of the button or based on a touch event performed on a surface of the button. Additionally, the button can generate input based on both the depression and the touch event. For example, a button might generate a first input when it is depressed by a finger on a left portion of the surface of the button and a second input when it is depressed by a finger on a right portion of the surface of the button. In this way, a single depressible button can serve multiple functions depending on where it is depressed. 
     In some embodiments, a touch-sensitive depressible button can only generate input when the button is depressed. Touch events might not be accepted when the button is not depressed. In such a case, the button&#39;s touch sensor can be kept in a low power, non-sensing state until the button is depressed, at which point the touch sensor can be switched to a sensing state to provide a touch context for the depression. Conserving power can be especially important in battery-powered devices such as mobile phones. However, the process of switching to a sensing state might take an amount of time too large to provide an immediate touch context for the depression of the button. 
     Accordingly, a touch-sensitive depressible button can have multiple depression thresholds to facilitate timely switching of the touch sensor to a sensing state. The button can be depressed from an initial position to a first depression threshold and from the first depression threshold to a second depression threshold. When the button is depressed to the first depression threshold, the touch sensor can be switched from a low-power, non-sensing state to a sensing state. When the button is depressed to the second depression threshold, the touch sensor can sense the touch context and input can be generated based on the depression and the touch context. In some embodiments, the distance from the initial position to the first depression threshold can be so small so as to be imperceptible to a user. Additionally, in some embodiments the distance from the initial position to the second depression threshold can be large enough to be perceived by the user as a complete button depression. 
     In this way, the touch-sensitive depressible button with multiple depression thresholds can facilitate timely switching of the touch sensor to a sensing state. Additionally, a touch sensing process can have more time to accurately determine the touch context. For example, a touch sensor might switch to a sensing state before the button has been depressed to the second depression threshold. In such a case, the remaining time before the button is depressed to the second depression threshold can be used to begin determining the touch context in advance. Furthermore, the touch sensing process of the depressible button can be initiated by the user, thereby providing a more immediate touch context than with a continual touch sensing process, which can be asynchronous to user contact. 
     Although embodiments disclosed herein may be described and illustrated herein primarily in terms of mutual capacitance touch sensor panels, it should be understood that the embodiments are not so limited, but are additionally applicable to self-capacitance sensor panels, and both single and multi-touch sensor panels. Although embodiments disclosed herein may be described and illustrated herein in terms of touch sensor panels without a coupled display device, it should be understood that embodiments are not so limited, but are additionally applicable to touch sensor panels coupled with a display device. 
       FIGS. 1A-C  illustrate an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  100  according to embodiments of the disclosure. The button  100  comprises a touch sensor  102  coupled to a depressible actuator  104 . 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  100  at an initial depression position according to embodiments of the disclosure. When the button  100  is at the initial depression position, the touch sensor  102  can be in a low-power, non-sensing state. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  100  at a first depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. A touch object  106 , such as a finger or a stylus, can depress the button  100  by exerting force on a top surface of the touch sensor  102 , which can cause the actuator  104  to depress or generally change its state or configuration. When the button  100  reaches the first depression threshold, the touch sensor  102  can switch from the low-power, non-sensing state to a sensing state. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  100  at a second depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. Touch object  106  can further depress the button  100  by exerting force on the top surface of the touch sensor  102 , further causing the actuator  104  to depress or generally change its state or configuration. When the button  100  reaches the second depression threshold, the touch sensor  102  can determine a touch context of the touch object  106  based on detection of various touch events. For example, the touch sensor  102  can determine the location of the touch object  106  on the top surface of the touch sensor. Additionally, the touch sensor  102  can determine a motion of the touch object  106  along its surface. In some embodiments, the touch context can include at least a position, a velocity, or a gesture, for example. The touch context can also include a touchdown time (e.g., a time when a touch object makes contact with the top surface of the touch sensor), or an elapsed time between the moment the button  100  reaches the first depression threshold and the moment the button reaches the second depression threshold. In other embodiments, the touch context can include the shape of the contact(s) on the touch sensor and/or an identification of the touch objects (e.g., an identification of a particular finger or thumb). 
     The distance from the initial depression position to the first depression threshold can, in some embodiments, be so small so as to be imperceptible to a user. Additionally, the first depression threshold can be a hair-trigger, wherein even the slightest touch of the top surface of the touch sensor  102  can cause the button  100  to reach the first depression threshold. For example, the hair-trigger can be any detected depression as compared to a no-touch, no-depression steady-state. The distance from the initial depression position to the second depression threshold can, in some embodiments, be large enough to be perceived by the user as a complete button depression. 
       FIG. 2  is a high-level flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of generating input from a touch-sensitive depressible button according to embodiments of the disclosure. At block  200 , a touch sensor of the button can be set to a non-sensing state. In some embodiments, the touch sensor in the non-sensing state can consume no power. Alternatively, the touch sensor in the non-sensing state can consume a small amount of power to enable a shorter wake up time, wherein the wake up time is the time it takes to switch to a touch sensing state. In some embodiments, the touch sensor in the non-sensing state can wake up occasionally (e.g., once every second) to sense an environmental baseline for calibration purposes and then immediately thereafter resume the non-sensing state. In other embodiments, the touch sensor in the non-sensing state can wake up more frequently or less frequently. 
     At block  202 , it can be determined that the button has been depressed to a first depression threshold. Depression thresholds can be determined differently according to various embodiments. As discussed below, depression thresholds can be determined by a double-dome actuator or a self-capacitive actuator, among other embodiments. In some embodiments, upon depression to the first depression threshold, a first depression threshold time can be determined. The first depression threshold time can be used later to determine a touch context. 
     At block  204 , the touch sensor can be switched from the non-sensing state to a touch sensing state. The touch sensor in the touch sensing state can, in some embodiments, idly scan to detect touch events or actively scan to detect touch events. In one example, an idle scan rate can be in the range of 10 Hz to 30 Hz, and an active scan rate can be in the range of 60 Hz to 125 Hz. Other embodiments may actively or idly scan at different rates. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the touch sensor in the non-sensing state may already be powered on. Accordingly, the touch sensor can be switched to the touch sensing state merely by initiating the idle scanning process or the active scanning process. 
     In some embodiments, the touch sensor in the touch sensing state can scan once to detect touch events. For example, the touch sensor may scan once to determine a position of any touch objects on the surface of the touch sensor. In such a case, the touch sensor can be switched to the touch sensing state merely by initiating a single scan. 
     At block  206 , it can be determined that the button has been depressed to a second depression threshold. Depression thresholds can be determined differently according to various embodiments. As discussed below, depression thresholds can be determined by a double-dome actuator or a self-capacitive actuator, among other embodiments. In some embodiments, upon depression to the second depression threshold, a second depression threshold time can be determined. The second depression threshold time can be used later to determine a touch context. 
     At block  208 , the touch context can be determined based on touch events detected during scans of the touch sensor. The touch context can include positions of any touch objects on the surface of the touch sensor. Additionally, the touch context can include motion of the touch objects, including velocities and gestures. The touch context can also include a touchdown time (e.g., a time when a touch object makes contact with the top surface of the touch sensor), or an elapsed time between the first depression threshold time and the second depression threshold time. In other embodiments, the touch context can include the shape of the contact(s) on the touch sensor and/or an identification of the touch objects (e.g., an identification of a particular finger or thumb). 
     At block  210 , input can be generated based on the touch context and the determination that the button has been depressed to a second depression threshold. According to some embodiments, generating input can include the generation of a control signal. Such a control signal can be sent to a connected computing system, causing the computing system to execute a command associated with the control signal. For example, based on the touch context, a control signal might be sent to the computing system, causing the computing system to adjust a volume level, initiate an application, or move a cursor. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of an exemplary touch sensor  300  that can be used to detect touch events and determine a touch context on the touch-sensitive depressible button  100  according to embodiments of the disclosure. Touch sensor  300  can include an array of pixels  305  that can be formed at the crossing points between rows of drive lines  301  (D 0 -D 3 ) and columns of sense lines  303  (S 0 -S 4 ). Each pixel  305  can have an associated mutual capacitance Csig  311  formed between the crossing drive lines  301  and sense lines  303  when the drive lines are stimulated. The drive lines  301  can be stimulated by stimulation signals  307  provided by drive circuitry (not shown) and can include an alternating current (AC) waveform. The sense lines  303  can transmit touch or sense signals  309  indicative of a touch at the panel  300  to sense circuitry (not shown), which can include a sense amplifier for each sense line. 
     To sense a touch at the touch sensor  300 , drive lines  301  can be stimulated by the stimulation signals  307  to capacitively couple with the crossing sense lines  303 , thereby forming a capacitive path for coupling charge from the drive lines  301  to the sense lines  303 . The crossing sense lines  303  can output touch signals  309 , representing the coupled charge or current. When a user&#39;s finger (or other object) touches the panel  300 , the finger can cause the capacitance Csig  311  to reduce by an amount ΔCsig at the touch location. This capacitance change ΔCsig can be caused by charge or current from the stimulated drive line  301  being shunted through the touching finger to ground rather than being coupled to the crossing sense line  303  at the touch location. The touch signals  309  representative of the capacitance change ΔCsig can be transmitted by the sense lines  303  to the sense circuitry for processing. The touch signals  309  can indicate the pixel where the touch occurred and the amount of touch that occurred at that pixel location. 
     While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  includes four drive lines  301  and five sense lines  303 , it should be appreciated that touch sensor  300  can include any number of drive lines  301  and any number of sense lines  303  to form the desired number and pattern of pixels  305 . Additionally, while the drive lines  301  and sense lines  303  are shown in  FIG. 3  in a crossing configuration, it should be appreciated that other configurations are also possible to form the desired pixel pattern. While  FIG. 3  illustrates mutual capacitance touch sensing, other touch sensing technologies may also be used in conjunction with embodiments of the disclosure, such as self-capacitance touch sensing, resistive touch sensing, projection scan touch sensing, and the like. Furthermore, while various embodiments describe a sensed touch, it should be appreciated that the touch sensor  300  can also sense a hovering object and generate hover signals therefrom. 
       FIGS. 4A-C  illustrate an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  400  with a double-dome actuator  404  according to embodiments of the disclosure. The double-dome actuator  404  can include a first deformable electrode dome  408 , a second deformable electrode dome  410 , and a first electrode  412 . The first and second electrode domes can each be coupled to a microcontroller for detecting when the first electrode dome  408  contacts the second electrode dome  410  and further for detecting when the second electrode dome contacts the first electrode  412 . Additionally, the first electrode  412  can be coupled to a microcontroller. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  400  with a double-dome actuator  404  at an initial depression position according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  400  with a double-dome actuator  404  at a first depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. The force applied to the touch sensor  402  can cause the first deformable electrode dome  408  to deform and contact the second deformable electrode dome  410 . Contact between the first and second electrode domes can indicate that the first depression threshold has been reached. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  400  with a double-dome actuator  404  at a second depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. The force applied to the touch sensor  402  can cause the first deformable electrode dome  408  to contact and exert force on the second deformable electrode dome  410 . This can cause the second electrode dome  410  to deform and contact the first electrode  412 . Contact between the second electrode dome  410  and the first electrode  412  can indicate that the second depression threshold has been reached. In some embodiments, an electric potential applied to the first and second electrode domes and the first electrode, and/or the electrical resistance of the material comprising the domes, can enable detection circuitry (not shown) to detect contact between the first and second domes, or contact between the second dome and the first electrode. 
     According to various embodiments, the first and second depression thresholds can be determined by the shape and composition of each deformable electrode dome. For example, the height difference between the first and second electrode domes can determine the distance from the initial position to the first depression threshold. Additionally, the height of the second electrode dome can determine the distance from the first depression threshold to the second depression threshold. In some embodiments, the force required to reach each of the first and second depression thresholds can be determined by the composition, thickness and deformation resistance of each of the first and second electrode domes. For example, a first electrode dome with a low resistance to deformation may require only a small amount of force to reach the first depression threshold. In contrast, a second electrode dome with a higher resistance to deformation may require a larger amount of force to reach the second depression threshold. 
       FIGS. 5A-C  illustrate an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  500  with a self-capacitive actuator  504  according to embodiments of the disclosure. The self-capacitive actuator  504  comprises a self-capacitive deformable electrode dome  508 , and a first electrode  512 . The self-capacitive deformable electrode dome  508  can be coupled to a microcontroller for detecting changes in the self-capacitance of the electrode dome with respect to the first electrode  512  as the dome approaches the electrode, and further for detecting when the electrode dome contacts the first electrode  512 . Additionally, the first electrode  512  can be coupled to a microcontroller. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  500  with a self-capacitive actuator  504  at an initial depression position according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  500  with a self-capacitive actuator  504  at a first depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. The self-capacitive deformable electrode dome  508  can have a self-capacitance to ground that can be changed by the proximate presence of the touch object  506 . The change in capacitance can indicate that the first depression threshold has been reached. 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates an exemplary touch-sensitive depressible button  500  with a self-capacitive actuator  504  at a second depression threshold according to embodiments of the disclosure. The force applied to the touch sensor  502  can cause the self-capacitive deformable electrode dome  508  to contact the first electrode  512 . Contact between the electrode dome  508  and the first electrode  512  can indicate that the second depression threshold has been reached. 
     In some embodiments, alternate structures can be employed to detect that the first and second depression thresholds have been reached. For example, an accelerometer sensing vibration from a touch object can detect that a first depression threshold has been reached, and a simple dome-switch can detect that a second depression threshold has been reached. Alternatively, a force sensing resistive sheet can detect that a first depression threshold has been reached, and again a simple dome-switch can detect that a second depression threshold has been reached. In still further embodiments, multiple force sensing resistive sheets can be utilized for multiple depression thresholds. It should also be understood that although the embodiments disclosed herein describe and illustrate only two depression thresholds, more than two depression thresholds are also contemplated using additional structures. 
     A touch-sensitive depressible button as described above can generate input based on a depression of the button or based on a touch event or gesture performed on a surface of the button. Additionally, the button can generate input based on both the depression and the touch event. For example, a button might generate a first input when it is depressed by a finger on a left portion of the surface of the button and a second input when it is depressed by a finger on a right portion of the surface of the button. In this way, a single depressible button can serve multiple functions depending on where it is depressed. In addition, the touch-sensitive depressible button can detect multiple depression thresholds and utilize this additional information to perform additional functions, such as switching between various power states or providing a z-axis input in addition to x and y axis input. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates exemplary computing system  600  that can include a touch sensor panel  624  coupled to an actuator to form a touch-sensitive depressible button as in one or more of the embodiments described above. Computing system  600  can include one or more panel processors  602  and peripherals  604 , and panel subsystem  606 . Peripherals  604  can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) or other types of memory or storage, watchdog timers and the like. Panel subsystem  606  can include, but is not limited to, one or more sense channels  608 , channel scan logic  610  and driver logic  614 . Channel scan logic  610  can access RAM  612 , autonomously read data from the sense channels and provide control for the sense channels. In addition, channel scan logic  610  can control driver logic  614  to generate stimulation signals  616  at various frequencies and phases that can be selectively applied to drive lines of touch sensor panel  624 . In some embodiments, panel subsystem  606 , panel processor  602  and peripherals  604  can be integrated into a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 
     Touch sensor panel  624  can include a capacitive sensing medium having a plurality of drive lines and a plurality of sense lines, although other sensing media can also be used. Each intersection of drive and sense lines can represent a capacitive sensing node and can be viewed as picture element (pixel)  626 , which can be particularly useful when touch sensor panel  624  is viewed as capturing an “image” of touch. (In other words, after panel subsystem  606  has determined whether a touch event has been detected at each touch sensor in the touch sensor panel, the pattern of touch sensors in the multi-touch panel at which a touch event occurred can be viewed as an “image” of touch (e.g. a pattern of fingers touching the panel).) Each sense line of touch sensor panel  624  can drive sense channel  608  (also referred to herein as an event detection and demodulation circuit) in panel subsystem  606 . 
     Computing system  600  can also include host processor  628  for receiving outputs from panel processor  602  and performing actions based on the outputs that can include, but are not limited to, moving an object such as a cursor or pointer, scrolling or panning, adjusting control settings, opening a file or document, viewing a menu, making a selection, executing instructions, operating a peripheral device coupled to the host device, answering a telephone call, placing a telephone call, terminating a telephone call, changing the volume or audio settings, storing information related to telephone communications such as addresses, frequently dialed numbers, received calls, missed calls, logging onto a computer or a computer network, permitting authorized individuals access to restricted areas of the computer or computer network, loading a user profile associated with a user&#39;s preferred arrangement of the computer desktop, permitting access to web content, launching a particular program, encrypting or decoding a message, and/or the like. Host processor  628  can also perform additional functions that may not be related to panel processing, and can be coupled to program storage  632  and display device  630  such as an LCD display for providing a UI to a user of the device. Display device  630  together with touch sensor panel  624 , when located partially or entirely under the touch sensor panel, can form touch screen  618 . Touch screen  618  coupled to an actuator can form a touch-sensitive depressible button as in one or more of the embodiments described above. 
     Note that one or more of the functions described above, can be performed, for example, by firmware stored in memory (e.g., one of the peripherals) and executed by the panel processor  602 , or stored in the program storage  632  and executed by the host processor  628 . The firmware can also be stored and/or transported within any computer readable storage medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer readable storage medium” can be any medium that can contain or store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) (magnetic), a portable optical disc such a CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, or DVD-RW, or flash memory such as compact flash cards, secured digital cards, USB memory devices, memory sticks, and the like. 
     The firmware can also be propagated within any transport medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “transport medium” can be any medium that can communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The transport readable medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic or infrared wired or wireless propagation medium. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates exemplary mobile telephone  736  that can include touch sensor panel  724  and display device  730 , the touch sensor panel coupled to an actuator to form a touch-sensitive depressible button as in one or more of the embodiments described above. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates exemplary digital media player  740  that can include touch sensor panel  724  and display device  730 , the touch sensor panel coupled to an actuator to form a touch-sensitive depressible button as in one or more of the embodiments described above. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates exemplary personal computer  744  that can include touch sensor panel (trackpad)  724  and display  730 , the touch sensor panel and/or display of the personal computer (in embodiments where the display is part of a touch screen) coupled to an actuator to form a touch-sensitive depressible button as in one or more of the embodiments described above. 
     Although the disclosed embodiments have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosed embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20111206
Publication Date: 20131112
Grant Date: 20131112
Priority Date: 20111206
Inventors: BOKMA LOUIS W.
FISHER, JR. JOSEPH R.
VORA SAKET
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3262", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04104", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0354", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04104", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2017/9615", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2017/9615", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2017/9615", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3262", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04104", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0447", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0447", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3262", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0447", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3262", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46832625