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`POWER OF ATTORNEY TO PROSECUTE APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE USPTO
`
`37 CFR 3.73 b .
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`i hereby appoint:
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`OR
`B Practitioner(s) named below (if more than ten patent practitioners are to be named. then a customer number must be used):
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` as attorney(s) or agent(s) to represent the undersigned before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in connection with '
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`Atmel Corporation
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`San Jose. CA 95131
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`and must identify the a optication in which this Power of-Attorne is to be filed.
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`ms GN TURE ofAssignee of Record
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`The indiv'
`11
`.- is supplied below is authorized to act on behalf of the
`signce
`he e signer: e : ad t'
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`M-m-_
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`-M
`--’—
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.31, 1.32 and 1.33. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to tile (and
`by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 3 minutes
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`Ifyou need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0001
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0001
`
`
`
`NOISE/96 (07-09)
`Approved for use through 0713112012. {iii/t8 0551-0031
`US, Patent and Trademark Qifice; US. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. no persons are required to respond to a ooiieciion of information uriess it disptyas a
`
`
`STATEMENT UNQER 3? CFR 3.?3izr
`
`
`Awficanypamm Ownfir: Haraid Phiiiop et at.
`
`{3809001059
`
`-MW._W Fiiediissue flate: duty 25, 2608
`
`:
`
`Titied:
`
`_
`.
`Proxrrnrty Sensor
`
`
`
`EAtmei Corporation
`(Name of Assignee)
`
`states that it is:
`
`a Deiaware corporation
`«(Type of Assignee. (3.9., corporation. partnership. university. government agency, etc.
`
`
`
`LXJ
`
`the assignee of the entire right, titie, and interest in;
`
`m an assignee oi iess than the entire right, titie, and interest in
`"""
`{The extent (by percentage) of its ownership interest is
`
`3. [j
`
`the assignee of an undivided interest in the entirety of (a compiete assignment from one of the joint inventors was made).
`
`the patent anoiicationinatent identified above, by virtue of either:
`
`______
`
`An assignment from the inventoris) of the patent aopiioation/patent identified above. The assignment, was recorded in
`the United States Patent and Trademark Office at Root
`, Frame
`, or for which a
`copy therefore is attached.
`
`A chain of titie from the inventorts‘). ot the patent acoiicetionipetent identified above, to the current assignee as foiiows:
`
`t. From: Haraid Phiiioo et at.
`
`T0; QRG Limited
`
`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
`
`Reei 021753
`
`,
`
`Frame 0843
`
`,
`
`or for which a copy thereof is attached.
`
`
` To: Aime! Corporation
`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
`
`Reei 022508
`
`,
`
`Frame 9133
`
`,
`
`or for which a copy thereof is attached.
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`3. From:
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`To:
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`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
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`Reei
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`_
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`,
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`Frame
`
`,
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`or for which a copy thereof is attached.
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`[:1
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`Additionai documents in the chain of titie are iisied on a soopiernentai sheetis}.
`
`As required by 37’ CFR 3.73th}(‘i)(i), the documentary evidence of the chain of titie from the originai owner to the assignee was,
`or concurrentiy is heirrg‘, submitted for recordaiion pursuant to 37 CFR 3.11.
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`{NOTE A separate copy (Le, a true copy of the originai assignment document(s)) must he submitted to Assignment Division in
`accordance with 3‘? CFR Part 13, to record the assignment in the records of the USPTQ. §ee MPEP 302.68}
`
`The undersigned (whose titie is sororities heiow) is authorized to act on hehaii of the essignee.
`
`itravis w. themes! REG. NO. 48667
`
`25 May 2911
`
`Date
`
`E
`
`EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
`This coiieciion of information is required try 37 CFR 3.7363). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the oohiic which is to fits (and by the USPTQ to
`process) an application. Confidentiaiity is. governed by 35 ti.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This coiiection is estimated to take 12 minutes to compiete, incioding
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`for Patents, Rt}. Sex 1450, Aiexandria, VA 223134 456.
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`Attorney of Record
`
`:
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`if you need assistance in comoiezirro the form. car’l' LEGO—Pigtiafififiréilegieg 31%ng n 9 an d Sony EX-1 004 0002
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0002
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213-COA
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`First Named Inventor:
`
`Harald Philipp
`
`Application No.:
`
`Unassigned
`
`Filing Date:
`
`Herevvith
`
`Confirmation N0.:
`
`Unassigned
`
`Title:
`
`Proximity Sensor
`
`Information Disclosure Statement
`
`§
`Information Disclosure Statement under 37 C.F.R.
`this
`submits
`Applicant
`l.97(b)(3). Applicant respectfully requests the Examiner to consider and cite in the
`examination of this Application the documents listed in the attached Form PTO/SB/08. This
`Application is a continuing application under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of US. Patent Application No.
`12/179769, filed 25 July 2008. Under 37 CPR. § 1.98(d), Applicant has not provided copies
`of references previously submitted to or cited by the Office in US. Patent Application No.
`12/179769. Moreover, under 37 C.F.R. § l.98(a)(2)(ii), Applicant has not provided copies of
`US. patents and US. patent application publications.
`
`thc filing of this IDS shall not bc construcd as a
`§ 1.97(g),
`Undcr 37 C.F.R.
`representation that a search has been made. Moreover, under 37 C.F.R. § l.97(h), the filing
`of this IDS shall not be construed to be an admission that the information cited in this IDS is
`
`to patentability as defined by 37 C.F.R. §l.56(b).
`is considered to be material
`or
`Furthermore,
`the filing of this IDS shall not be construed to be an admission that any
`information cited in this IDS is or is considered to be prior art under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102-103.
`
`The Commissioner may charge any fee due and credit any overpayment in this
`Application to Deposit Account No. 02-03 84 of Baker Botts L.L.P.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
`
`Attorneys for Applicant
`
`\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'
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`§
`9‘?
`
`szmm‘"
`
`“\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
`gawk“
`Ss
`9% M\\\\\m\\\\\\\\\\“\w
`
`x
`
`Travis Thomas
`
`Reg. No. 48,667
`
`Date: 26 May 2011
`
`PAL012111622
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0003
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0003
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`P
`
`Q
`
`1536314 A2
`
`2431725 Al
`
`06-01-2005
`
`05/02/2007
`
`P
`
`GB
`
`PTO/SB/08
`
`INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
`
`Application Number:
`Unassincd
`
`First Named Inventor:
`Harald Phili 0 0
`
`
`
`
`
`Filing Date:
`Attorney Docket No: Art Unit:
`
`
`Herewith
`STATEMENT BY APPLICANT
`
`080900.1059
`Unassigned
`
`
`
`ISSUED U.S. PATENTS AND PUBLISHED U.S. APPLICATIONS
`
`DOCUMENT
`NUMBER
`
`PUBLICATION OR ISSUE DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`Philiu
`
`Harrison
`
`Philiu
`
`
`E
`7,091,727
`08-15-2006
`Lee
`
`
`G
`
`7,714,595
`
`05-11-2010
`
`Fu'iwara
`Tasher
`
`Ellenz
`
`J
`2006/0250142
`Abe
`
`
`L
`2007/0076897
`04-05-2007
`Phili .
`
`M
`2009/0027068
`01-29-2009
`Philipp
`
`UNPUBLISHED U.S. APPLICATIONS
`
`
`DOCUMENT
`NUMBER
`
`FILING DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DOCUMENT
`
`PUBLICATION OR ISSUE
`
`TRANSLATION
`
`mas OR NO)
`
`
`
`NON-PATENT LITERATURE (NPL)
`
`R UK Intellectual Pro oert Office, Search Reoort for GB 0813682.2
`
`Datasheet “QTlOO-Charge Transfer IC,” Quantum Research Group
`S
`T Datasheet “QTl lO-Touch Sensor IC,” Quantum Research Grou
`
`DATE
`
`11-04-2008
`
`2006
`2004
`
`EXAMINER
`
`DATE CONSIDERED
`
`
`
`
`
`EXAMINER: Initial if citation considered, whether or not citation is in conformance with MPEP § 609. Draw line through citation if not in conformance and not
`considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to the applicant.
`
`U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`PAL01:111623
`
`Page 1 ofl
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0004
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0004
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`
`080900.1059
`
`P03 lZl3QRG-COA
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`l of 37
`
`PROXIMITY SENSOR
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[1]
`
`This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C.
`
`§ 120 of US. Patent
`
`Application No. 12/179769, filed 25 July 2008, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §
`
`119(e) of US. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/952053, filed 27 July 2007.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[2]
`
`This disclosure generally relates to proximity sensors.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0005
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0005
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`
`080900.1059
`
`P03 lZl3QRG-COA
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`2 of 37
`
`[3]
`
`Capacitive position sensors have recently become increasingly common and
`
`accepted in human interfaces and for machine control. For example, in the fields of portable
`
`media players it is now quite common to find capacitive touch controls operable through glass or
`
`plastic panels. Some mobile telephones are also starting to implement these kinds of interfaces.
`
`[4]
`
`Many capacitive touch controls incorporated into consumer electronic devices for
`
`appliances provide audio or visual feedback to a user indicating whether a finger or other
`
`pointing object
`
`is present or approaches
`
`such touch controls.
`
`A capacitive sensing
`
`microprocessor may typically be comprised in touch-controlled devices which are arranged to
`
`provide an “on” output signal when a finger is adjacent to a sensor and an “off ’ output signal
`
`when a finger is not adjacent to a sensor. The signals are sent to a device controller to implement
`
`a required function dependent on whether a user’s finger is in proximity with or touching an
`
`associated touch control.
`
`[5]
`
`Some touch-controlled devices remain “on” or “active” despite the user having
`
`moved away from the device or a particular filnction no longer being required. This results in
`
`the device consuming a large amount of power which is not efficient.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0006
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0006
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`
`080900.1059
`
`P03 lZl3QRG-COA
`
`OVERVIEW
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`3 of 37
`
`[6]
`
`Particular embodiments provide a sensor for determining the presence of an
`
`object comprising: a sensing element; a capacitance measurement circuit operable to measure the
`
`capacitance of the sensing element; and a control circuit operable to determine whether an object
`
`is in proximity with the sensor based on a measurement of the capacitance of the sensing
`
`element, the control circuit further being operable to provide an output signal to control a
`
`function of an apparatus when it is determined that an object has not been in proximity with the
`
`sensor for a predetermined time duration.
`
`[7]
`
`The control circuit may be configured so that the predetermined time duration is
`
`selectable from a number of different predefined time durations.
`
`[8]
`
`The control circuit may include a time input terminal and the predetermined time
`
`duration may selectable from the number of different predefined time durations according to a
`
`voltage applied to the time input terminal.
`
`[9]
`
`The control circuit may include a delay multiplier terminal and be configured so
`
`that a selected one of the number of different predefined time durations is multiplied by a
`
`multiplication factor according to a voltage applied to the delay multiplier terminal so as to
`
`provide the predetermined time duration.
`
`[10]
`
`The control circuit may be configured so that the predetermined time duration is
`
`programmable by a user to provide a user-selected time duration.
`
`[11]
`
`The sensor may comprise a resistor-capacitor (RC) network coupled to the control
`
`circuit and the predetermined time duration may depend on a time constant of the RC network.
`
`[12]
`
`The control circuit may include a delay multiplier terminal and be configured so
`
`that the user-selected time duration is multiplied by a multiplication factor according to a voltage
`
`applied to the delay multiplier terminal to provide the predetermined time duration.
`
`[13]
`
`The control circuit may be configured such that the provision of the output signal
`
`to control a filnction of an apparatus after the predetermined time duration may be overridden so
`
`the output signal is not provided when it is determined that an object has not been in proximity
`
`with the sensor for a predetermined time duration. For example, the control circuit may be
`
`operable to receive an override pulse and on receipt of the override pulse to retrigger the
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0007
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0007
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`
`080900.1059
`
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`4 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`predetermined time duration to so as to extend the time before the output signal to control a
`
`function of an apparatus is provided.
`
`[14]
`
`The control circuit may be configured such that the provision of the output signal
`
`to control a fianction of an apparatus after the predetermined time duration may be overridden so
`
`the output signal is provided before it is determined that an object has not been in proximity with
`
`the sensor for a predetermined time duration. For example, the control circuit may be operable
`
`to receive an override pulse and on receipt of the override pulse to provide the output signal to
`
`control a function of an apparatus.
`
`[15]
`
`The sensor may be configured to perform a recalibration when the sensor is
`
`powered up, when an object is determined to be in proximity with the sensor for more than a
`
`timer setting, and / or when an override is released.
`
`[16]
`
`The control circuit may be configured such that the output signal is toggled
`
`between a high state and a low state when an object is determined to be in proximity with the
`
`sensor.
`
`[17]
`
`The function of an apparatus controlled by the output signal may be a switch-off
`
`function.
`
`[18]
`
`The capacitance measurement circuit may employ bursts of charge- transfer
`
`cycles to acquire measurements.
`
`[19]
`
`The capacitance measurement circuit may be configured to operate in one of more
`
`than one acquisition modes depending on the output signal, for example a low-power mode or a
`
`fast mode.
`
`[20]
`
`The capacitance measurement circuit and the control circuit may be comprised in
`
`a general purpose microcontroller under firmware control.
`
`[21]
`
`The capacitance measurement circuit and the control circuit may be comprised
`
`within a six-pin integrated circuit chip package, such as an SOT23-6.
`
`[22]
`
`Particular embodiments provide an apparatus including a sensor as described
`
`above.
`
`[23]
`
`Particular embodiments provide a method for controlling a function of an
`
`apparatus comprising: determining whether an object is in proximity with a sensor based on a
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0008
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0008
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`
`080900.1059
`
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`5 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`measurement of the capacitance of a sensing element and providing an output signal to control
`
`the function of the apparatus when it is determined that an object has not been in proximity with
`
`the sensor for a predetermined time duration.
`
`[24]
`
`The function of the apparatus controlled by the output signal may be a switch-off
`
`function.
`
`[25]
`
`Particular embodiments provide a sensor for determining the presence of an
`
`object comprising: a sensing element, a capacitance measurement circuit operable to measure the
`
`capacitance of the sensing element, and a control circuit operable to determine whether an object
`
`is in proximity with the sensor based on a measurement of the capacitance of the sensing
`
`element, the control circuit also being operable to provide an output signal to control a function
`
`of an apparatus based on an object not being in proximity with the sensor and the output signal
`
`being produced after a predetermined time duration.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0009
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0009
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`
`080900.1059
`
`P03 lZl3QRG-COA
`
`6 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[26]
`
`Reference is now made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in
`
`which:
`
`[27]
`
`FIGURE 1 schematically shows sense electrode connections for an example chip
`
`for implementing an auto-off function in particular embodiments;
`
`[28]
`
`FIGURE 2 schematically represent an application of drift compensation in the
`
`chip of FIGURE 1;
`
`[29]
`
`FIGURE 3 schematically shows a basic circuit configuration for providing a 15
`
`minute auto switch-off function in an active high output
`
`implementation of particular
`
`embodiments;
`
`[30]
`
`FIGURE 4 schematically shows a series of fast mode bursts on the SNSK pin of
`
`the chip shown in FIGURE 1 where in an on condition;
`
`[31]
`
`FIGURE 5 schematically shows a series of low-power mode bursts and a switch
`
`to fast mode power bursts on the SNSK pin of the chip shown in FIGURE 1 when switching
`
`from an off condition to an on condition;
`
`[32]
`
`FIGURE 6 schematically shows use of an output configuration resistor Rop to
`
`configure the chip of FIGURE 1 to have an active high or an active low output;
`
`[33]
`
`FIGURE 7 schematically shows an example circuit configuration for the chip
`
`shown in FIGURE 1 with the output connected to a digital transistor;
`
`[34]
`
`FIGURE 8 schematically shows an example circuit configuration for the chip
`
`shown in FIGURE I configured to provide a predefined auto-off delay;
`
`[35]
`
`FIGURE 9 schematically shows an example circuit configuration for the chip
`
`shown in FIGURE 1 configured to provide a programmable auto-off delay;
`
`[36]
`
`FIGURE 10 schematically shows an example pulse applied to the chip shown in
`
`FIGURE 1 to override an auto-off delay;
`
`[37]
`
`FIGURE ll schematically shows another example pulse applied to the chip
`
`shown in FIGURE 1 to override an auto-off delay;
`
`[38]
`
`FIGURE 12 schematically shows example voltage levels for the chip shown in
`
`FIGURE 1 in overriding of an auto-off delay;
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0010
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0010
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`
`080900.1059
`
`P03 lZl3QRG-COA
`
`7 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`[39]
`
`FIGURES l3 and 14 schematically show typical values of RC divisor K as
`
`[40]
`
`a function of supply voltage VDD for the chip shown in FIGURE 1 with active
`
`high output and active low output respectively;
`
`[41]
`
`FIGURE 15 schematically shows typical curves of auto-off delay as a function of
`
`timing resistor value for different capacitor values and different supply voltages for an active
`
`high output configuration;
`
`[42]
`
`FIGURE 16 schematically shows typical curves of auto-off delay as a function of
`
`timing resistor value for different capacitor values and different supply voltages for an active low
`
`output configuration;
`
`[43]
`
`FIGURE 17 schematically shows an example application of the chip shown in
`
`FIGURE 1 in an active low output configuration driving a PNP transistor with an auto-off time
`
`of3.33 hours;
`
`[44]
`
`FIGURE 18 schematically shows another example application of the chip shown
`
`in FIGURE 1 in an active high output configuration driving a high impedance with an auto-off
`
`time of 135 seconds;
`
`[45]
`
`FIGURE 19 schematically shows an implementation of the chip shown in
`
`FIGURE 1 in an SOT23-6 package; and
`
`[46]
`
`FIGURE 20 schematically shows a pin diagram for an implementation of the chip
`
`shown in FIGURE 1 in an SOT23-6 package.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0011
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0011
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`
`080900.1059
`
`P03 lZl3QRG-COA
`
`8 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
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`[47]
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`Particular embodiments may be implemented in an integrated circuit chip
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`providing a proximity sensor function. The integrated circuit chip may thus be incorporated into
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`a device or apparatus to provide and control a proximity sensor filnctionality for the device or
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`apparatus in particular embodiments. For the purposes of explanation, a specific integrated
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`circuit chip providing the functionality of an example embodiment will be described further
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`below. The chip will in places be referred to by product name QT102. However, it will be
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`appreciated that the QT102 chip is merely a specific example application of an example
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`embodiment. Particular embodiments need not be implemented in a chip in this way, and
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`furthermore, particular embodiments may be provided in conjunction with all, some or none of
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`the additional features of the QT102 chip described fiarther below.
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`[48]
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`Before turning specifically to the QT102 chip embodiment, a summary is
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`provided.
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`[49]
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`It is known that a touch sensitive sensor may comprise a sensor element, such as
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`an etched copper electrode mounted on a PCB substrate, and a control circuit for measuring a
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`capacitance of the sensor element to a system reference potential. The sensor element may be
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`referred to as a sense electrode. The capacitance of the sense electrode is affected by the
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`presence of nearby objects, such as a pointing finger. Thus the measured capacitance of the
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`sense electrode, and in particular changes in the measured capacitance, may be used to identify
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`the presence of an object adjacent the sense electrode. The control circuit may be configured to
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`provide an output signal, e. g. by setting an output logic level as high or low, indicating whether
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`or not an object is deemed to be adjacent the sense electrode. A controller of a device in which
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`the touch sensitive sensor is implemented may receive the output signal and act accordingly.
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`[50]
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`There are various known technologies for measuring capacitance of a sense
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`electrode in a capacitive touch sensor.
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`Particular embodiments may be implemented in
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`conjunction with any of these technologies or measurement circuits.
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`For example,
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`the
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`fundamental principles underlying the capacitive sensors described in US. Patent No. 5,730,165,
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`US. Patent No. 6,466,036, and US. Patent No. 6,452,514 could be used.
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0012
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0012
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`ATTORNEY DOCKET
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`080900.1059
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`P03 lZl3QRG-COA
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`PATENT APPLICATION
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`[51]
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`In particular embodiments, the control circuit of the sensor can determine whether
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`an object or a user’s finger is no longer in proximity with the sensor and based on a pre-
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`determined time duration, the control circuit can produce an output signal automatically to
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`prevent the capacitance measurement circuit from continually measuring changes in capacitance
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`due to, for example, the perceived presence of an object in proximity with the sensor.
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`[52]
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`Therefore, the control circuit is able to deactivate, tum-off, or power down the
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`capacitance measurement circuit where an apparatus has inadvertently been left on or with the
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`erroneous perception that a user is still present. This may, for example, be referred to as an
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`“auto-off” feature.
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`The signal
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`for preventing the capacitance measurement circuit
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`from
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`continually measuring changes in capacitance may be referred to as an auto-off signal. The
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`capacitance measurement circuit and the auto-off control circuit may be comprised in a general-
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`purpose microcontroller under firmware control, for example, such as the QT102 chip described
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`further below.
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`[53]
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`As described in Section 3.5 of the below numbered sections, and in conjunction
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`with the drawings, the control circuit of the sensor may be implemented by different methods—
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`for example,
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`the auto-off signal output may be produced automatically after different pre-
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`determined time durations to effect powering down the capacitance measurement circuit due to
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`no presence of the user; the control circuit may be programmed by a user so that it may power
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`down an apparatus based on a user-selected time duration; the control circuit output signals may
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`be overridden, for example, to extend time durations before an apparatus is tumed-off or to
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`immediately tum-off an apparatus when a user is no longer present.
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`[54]
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`The sensor of particular embodiments may be useful in various applications, for
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`example in kitchen appliances, light switches, headsets, and other electronic consumer devices.
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`For example, a coffee machine incorporating a sensor of particular embodiments may be
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`programmed to power-down after a time period of, say, 30 minutes, where the coffee machine
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`has been left on inadvertently. This will beneficially conserve energy use and minimize the
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`possibility of damage or accidents caused by the coffee machine or glass container(s)
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`overheating.
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0013
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0013
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`
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`ATTORNEY DOCKET
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`080900.1059
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`P031213QRG-COA
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`10 of 37
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`PATENT APPLICATION
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`[55]
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`Aspects of the QT102 chip referred to above will now be described in the
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`following numbered sections.
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`[56]
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`The numbered sections may be considered to relate generally to features of the
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`QT102 chip as follows: Section 1 — Overview (including 1.1 Introduction, 1.2 Electrode Drive,
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`1.3 Sensitivity, 1.3.1 Introduction, 1.3.2 Increasing Sensitivity, 1.3.3 Decreasing Sensitivity, 1.4
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`Recalibration Timeout, 1.5 Forced Sensor Recalibration, 1.6 Drift Compensation, 1.7 Response
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`Time, 1.8 Spread Spectrum). Section 2 — Wiring and Parts (including 2.1 Application Note, 2.2
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`Cs Sample Capacitor, 2.3 Rs Resistor, 2.4 Power Supply, PCB Layout, 2.5 Wiring). Section 3 —
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`Operation (including 3.1 Acquisition Modes, 3.1.1 Introduction, 3.1.2 OUT Pin “On” (Fast
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`Mode), 3.1.3 OUT Pin “Off ’ (Low Power Mode), 3.2 Signal Processing, 3.2.1 Detect Integrator,
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`3.2.2 Detect Threshold, 3.3 Output Polarity Selection, 3.4 Output Drive, 3.5 Auto Off Delay,
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`3.5.1 Introduction, 3.5.2 Auto Off — Predefined Delay, 3.5.3 Auto Off — User-programmed
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`Delay, 3.5.4 Auto Off — Overriding the Auto Off Delay, 3.5.5 Configuring the User-programmed
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`Auto-off Delay, 3.6 Examples of Typical Applications). Section 4 — Specifications (including
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`4.1 Absolute Maximum Specifications, 4.2 Recommended Operating Conditions, 4.3 AC
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`Specifications, 4.4 Signal Processing, 4.5 DC Specifications, 4.6 Mechanical Dimensions, 4.7
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`Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)).
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`1
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`Overview
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`1 . 1
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`Introduction
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`[57]
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`The QT102 is a single key device featuring a touch on / touch off (toggle) output
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`with a programmable auto switch-off capability.
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`[58]
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`The QT102 is a digital burst mode charge-transfer
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`(QT) sensor designed
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`specifically for touch controls; it includes hardware and signal processing fianctions to provide
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`stable sensing under a wide variety of changing conditions.
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`In examples, low cost, non-critical
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`components are employed for configuring operation.
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1OO4, 0014
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0014
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`ATTORNEY DOCKET
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`080900.1059
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`P031213QRG-COA
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`ll of 37
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`PATENT APPLICATION
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`[59]
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`The QT102 employs bursts of charge-transfer cycles to acquire its signal. Burst
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`mode permits power consumption in the microampere range, dramatically reduces radio
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`frequency (RE) emissions, lowers susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and yet
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`permits good response time. Internally the signals are digitally processed to reject impulse noise,
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`using a “consensus” filter which in this example requires four consecutive confirmations of a
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`detection before the output is activated.
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`[60]
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`The QT switches and charge measurement hardware functions are all internal to
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`the QT102.
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`1.2
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`Electrode Drive
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`[61]
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`FIGURE 1 schematically shows the sense electrode connections (SNS, SNSK) for
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`the QT102.
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`[62]
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`For improved noise immunity, it may be helpful if the electrode is only connected
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`to the SNSK pin.
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`[63]
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`In examples the sample capacitor Cs may be much larger than the load
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`capacitance (Cx). E.g. typical values for Cx are 5 to 20pF while Cs is usually I or 2 to 50nF.
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`(Note: Cx is not a physical discrete component on the PCB, it is the capacitance of the touch
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`electrode and wiring. It is shown in FIGURE 1 to aid understanding of the equivalent circuit.)
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`[64]
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`Increasing amounts of Cx destroy gain, therefore it is important to limit the
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`amount of load capacitance on both SNS terminals. This can be done, for example, by
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`minimizing trace lengths and widths and keeping these traces away from power or ground traces
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`or copper pours.
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`[65]
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`The traces and any components associated with SNS and SNSK will become
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`touch sensitive and so may need to be considered to help in limiting the touch-sensitive area to
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`the desired location.
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`[66]
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`A series resistor, Rs, may be placed in line with SNSK to the electrode to
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`suppress electrostatic discharge (ESD) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) effects.
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0015
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0015
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`PATENT APPLICATION
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`12 of 37
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`ATTORNEY DOCKET
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`080900.1059
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`P03 lZl3QRG-COA
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`l .3
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`Sensitivity
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`13.1
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`Introduction
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`[67]
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`The sensitivity of the QT102 is a fianction of such things as:
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`o
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`°
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`°
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`0
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`°
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`°
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`the value of Cs
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`electrode size and capacitance
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`electrode shape and orientation
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`the composition and aspect of the object to be sensed
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`the thickness and composition of any overlaying panel material
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`the degree of ground coupling of both sensor and object
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`1 .32 Increasing Sensitivity
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`[68]
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`In some cases it may be desirable to increase sensitivity; for example, when using
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`the sensor with very thick panels having a low dielectric constant. Sensitivity can often be
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`increased by using a larger electrode or reducing panel thickness.
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`Increasing electrode size can
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`have diminishing returns, as high values of Cx will reduce sensor gain.
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`[69]
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`The value of Cs also has an effect on sensitivity, and this can be increased in
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`value with the trade-off of slower response time and more power.
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`Increasing the electrode’s
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`surface area will not substantially increase touch sensitivity if its diameter is already significantly
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`larger in surface area than the object being detected. Panel material can also be changed to one
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`having a higher dielectric constant, which will better help to propagate the field.
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`[70]
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`Ground planes around and under the electrode and its SNSK trace may lead to
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`high Cx loading and destroy gain. Thus in some cases the possible signal-to-noise ratio benefits
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`of ground areas may be more than negated by the decreased gain from the circuit, and so ground
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`areas around electrodes may be discouraged in some circumstances. Metal areas near the
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`electrode may reduce the field strength and increase Cx loading and so it may be helpful if these
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`are avoided if possible. It may be helpful to keep ground away from the electrodes and traces.
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`Petitioners Samsung and Sony EX-1004, 0016
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`Petit