Inventors:
Larry Forsblad - Cupertino CA, US
Steve Hotelling - Cupertino CA, US
Brian Lynch - Cupertino CA, US
Benjamin Lyon - Cupertino CA, US
Jan Moolsintong - Cupertino CA, US
Doug Weber - Cupertino CA, US
Steve Zadesky - Cupertino CA, US
Assignee:
Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA
International Classification:
G09G 5/00
US Classification:
345156, 3616791, 36167918
Abstract:
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.
