Scrolling input arrangements using capacitive sensors on a flexible membrane

• Main Authors: Forsblad, Larry, Hotelling, Steve, Lynch, Brian, Lyon, Benjamin, Moolsintong, Jan, Weber, Doug, Zadesky, Steve
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 02.03.2010

Scrolling input arrangements are presented including: a flexible membrane; a number of capacitive sensors mechanically integrated with the flexible membrane, the capacitive sensors radially disposed with respect to a first axis that is perpendicular with respect to the flexible membrane; an integrated circuit mechanically coupled with the flexible membrane and electronically coupled with the capacitive sensors, the integrated circuit configured to process a number of electronic signals from the capacitive sensors to provide a scrolling function; and a connection region on the flexible membrane for electronically coupling the scrolling input arrangement with an electronic device. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensors are configured with a plate element having a first surface area and a trace element having a second surface area such that the first surface area and second surface area comprise a sensor surface area, wherein the sensor surface areas for the capacitive sensors is substantially equal in size.