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`12323
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`sone|LLEVNitsfy
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`jTte|(7SeniorVicePresidentandOfficerChiefLegal
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`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 bénefit by the public whichfs to file (and
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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
`
`

`

`: ApnlicantPatent Owner: Harald Philipp et al.
`|
`| Titled:
`
`i.
`Proximity Sensor
`
`Atmel Corporation
`(Name of Assignee}
`
`§
`
`states that itis:
`
`PTO/SB/96 (07-09)
`Approved for use through 07/31/2012. OMB 0851-0034
`U.S, Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`
`O80960. 1659
`Filed/issue Date: July 25, 2008
`
`_qa Delaware corporation
`(Type of Assignee, 2.g., corporation, partnership, university, government agency, etc.
`
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`
`[X|
`
`the assigneeofthe entireright, title, and interest in;
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`an assignee of fess than the entire right, fille, and interest in
`{The extent (by percentages} of its ownership interest is
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`An assignment from ihe Inventor(s) of the patent application/patent identified above. The assignment was recorded in
`the United States Patent and Trademark Office at Reel
`, Frame
`_ or for which a
`copy therefore is attached.
`
`A chain of title frorn the Inventor(s), of the patent application/patent identified above, to the current assignee as follows:
`+. From: Harald Philipp et al. To: GRG Limited
`
`
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`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
`Reel 021758
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`Frame 0843
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`orfor which a copythereof is allached.
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` To: Atmel Corporation
`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Tracdernark Office at
`Reel 022608
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`Frame 8189
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`orfor which a copy thereof is attached.
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`3. From
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`Ta:
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`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
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`or concurrently is being, submitted for recordation pursuant to 37 CFR 3.71.
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`accordance with 37 CFR Part 3, ta record the assignment in the records of the USPTO. See MPEP 302.08]
`
`The undersigned (whosetitle is supplied below} is authorized to act on behalf of the assignee.
`fravis w. thomas/ REG. NO. 48667
`
`26 May 2011
`Date
`
`Attorney of Record
`Title
`
`This collection of informationis required by 37 CFR 3.73(b). The informationis required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the USPTO te
`process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 36 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated fo lake 12 minutes to complete, including
`gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form io the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amountof time
`vou require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be seni io the Chief Information Officer, US. Patent and Trademark Cffice, U.S.
`Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22312-1450, DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner
`for Patents, P.O. Box 1458, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450,
`
`Fou need assistance in completing ihe form, call 1-800DGTPFaresaAStngand Sony Ex-1004. 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.:
`
`Filing Date:
`
`Unassigned
`
`Herewith
`
`Confirmation No.:
`
`Unassigned
`
`Title:
`
`Proximity Sensor
`
`Information Disclosure Statement
`
`§
`Information Disclosure Statement under 37 C.F.R.
`this
`submits
`Applicant
`1.97(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 U.S. Patent Application No.
`12/179769, filed 25 July 2008. Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.98(d), Applicant has not provided copies
`of references previously submitted to or cited by the Office in U.S. Patent Application No.
`12/179769. Moreover, under 37 C.F.R. § 1.98(a)(2)Gi), Applicant has not provided copies of
`U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications.
`
`the filing of this IDS shall not be construed as a
`§ 1.97(g),
`Under 37 C.F.R.
`representation that a search has been made. Moreover, under 37 C.F.R. § 1.97(h), the filing
`of this IDS shall not be construed to be an admission that the information cited in this IDS is
`or
`is considered to be material
`to patentability as defined by 37 C.F.R. §1.56(b).
`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. 8§ 102-103.
`
`The Commissioner may charge any fee due and credit any overpayment in this
`Application to Deposit Account No. 02-0384 of Baker Botts L.L.P.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
`Attorneys for Applicant
`
`SANE
`ae
`:
`é SEAR
`
`AANA
`gees
`;x
`=
`2 Reena
`
`Travis Thomas
`Reg. No. 48,667
`
`Date: 26 May 2011
`
`PALO1:111622
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0003
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0003
`
`

`

`
` First Named Inventor:
`
`Application Number:
`PTO/SB/08
`Harald Philipp
`Unassigned
`
`
`
`
`
`
`INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
`Art Unit:
`Filing Date:
`Attorney Docket No:
`080900.1059
`STATEMENT BY APPLICANT
`Herewith
`
`
`Unassigned
`
`
`ISSUED U.S. PATENTS AND PUBLISHED U.S. APPLICATIONS
`
`A
`B
`C
`
`DOCUMENT
`NUMBER
`PUBLICATION OR ISSUE DATE
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`5,730,165
`03-24-1998
`Philipp
`6,452,494
`09-17-2002
`Harrison
`6,452,514
`09-17-2002
`Philipp
` m)o
`6,466,036
`10-15-2002
`Philipp
`7,091,727
`08-15-2006
`Lee
`
`G
`7,714,595
`05-11-2010
`Fujiwara
`Tasher
`Ellenz
`Abe
`
`
`Philipp
`04-05-2007
`2007/0076897
`L
`
`
`
`M Philipp 2009/0027068 01-29-2009
`
`UNPUBLISHEDU.S. APPLICATIONS
`
`DOCUMENT
`NUMBER
`
`FILING DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DOCUMENT
`
`PUBLICATION OR ISSUE
`
`TRANSLATION
`
`
`
`P
`Q
`
`1536314 A2
`2431725 Al
`
`06-01-2005
`05/02/2007
`
`NON-PATENT LITERATURE(NPL)
`
`DATE
`
`R_|UKIntellectual Property Office, Search Report for GB 0813682.2 11-04-2008
`S|
`Datasheet “QT100-Charge Transfer IC,” Quantum Research Group
`2006
`
`T|Datasheet “QT110-Touch Sensor IC,” Quantum Research Group 2004
`
`EXAMINER
`
`DATE CONSIDERED
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EXAMINER:Initialif 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 TRADEMARKOFFICE
`
`PALO1:111623
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0004
`
`Page | of 1
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0004
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`1 of 37
`
`PROXIMITY SENSOR
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[1]
`
`This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C.
`
`§ 120 of U.S. Patent
`
`Application No. 12/179769, filed 25 July 2008, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §
`
`119(e) of U.S. 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
`P031213QRG-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 commonto find capacitive touch controls operable through glass or
`
`plastic panels. Some mobile telephonesare also starting to implement these kinds ofinterfaces.
`
`[4]
`
`Manycapacitive touch controls incorporated into consumerelectronic 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
`
`whenafinger 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 function no longer being required. This results in
`
`the device consuming a large amount of power whichis notefficient.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0006
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0006
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-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 measurementcircuit 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 whenit 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 numberofdifferent predefined time durations.
`
`[3]
`
`The control circuit may include a time input terminal and the predetermined time
`
`duration may selectable from the numberof 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 predeterminedtime 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 comprisearesistor-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 function of an apparatus after the predetermined time duration may be overridden so
`
`the output signal is not provided whenit 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 apparatusis provided.
`
`[14]
`
`The control circuit may be configured such that the provision of the output signal
`
`to control a function 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 overrideis 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 measurementcircuit may be configured to operate in one of more
`
`than one acquisition modes depending on the output signal, for example a low-power modeor a
`
`fast mode.
`
`[20]
`
`The capacitance measurementcircuit and the control circuit may be comprised in
`
`a general purpose microcontroller under firmware control.
`
`[21]
`
`The capacitance measurementcircuit 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 whenit 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 measurementcircuit 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 producedafter a predetermined time duration.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0009
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0009
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-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 | 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 FIGURE1;
`
`[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 showsa series of fast mode bursts on the SNSK pin of
`
`the chip shown in FIGURE1 where in an on condition;
`
`[31]
`
`FIGURE 5 schematically showsa series of low-power mode bursts and a switch
`
`to fast mode powerbursts 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 FIGURE1 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 connectedto a digital transistor;
`
`[34]
`
`FIGURE 8 schematically shows an example circuit configuration for the chip
`
`shown in FIGURE 1 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
`
`FIGURE1to override an auto-off delay;
`
`[37]
`
`FIGURE 11 schematically shows another example pulse applied to the chip
`
`shown in FIGURE1|to override an auto-off delay;
`
`[38]
`
`FIGURE 12 schematically shows example voltage levels for the chip shown in
`
`FIGURE1in overriding of an auto-off delay;
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0010
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0010
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`7 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`[39]
`
`[40]
`
`FIGURES 13 and 14 schematically show typical values of RC divisor K as
`
`a function of supply voltage VDD for the chip shown in FIGURE1 with active
`
`high output and active low output respectively;
`
`[41]
`
`FIGURE 15 schematically showstypical 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 showstypical 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
`
`of 3.33 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 showsa pin diagram for an implementation of the chip
`
`shown in FIGURE1 in an SOT23-6 package.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0011
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0011
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`8 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
`
`[47]
`
`Particular embodiments may be implemented in an integrated circuit chip
`
`providing a proximity sensor function. The integrated circuit chip may thus be incorporated into
`
`a device or apparatus to provide and control a proximity sensor functionality for the device or
`
`apparatus in particular embodiments. For the purposes of explanation, a specific integrated
`
`circuit chip providing the functionality of an example embodiment will be described further
`
`below. The chip will in places be referred to by product name QT102. However, it will be
`
`appreciated that the QT102 chip is merely a specific example application of an example
`
`embodiment. Particular embodiments need not be implemented in a chip in this way, and
`
`furthermore, particular embodiments may be provided in conjunction with all, some or none of
`
`the additional features of the QT102 chip described further below.
`
`[48]
`
`Before turning specifically to the QT102 chip embodiment, a summary is
`
`provided.
`
`[49]
`
`It is knownthat a touch sensitive sensor may comprise a sensor element, such as
`
`an etched copper electrode mounted on a PCB substrate, and a control circuit for measuring a
`
`capacitance of the sensor element to a system reference potential. The sensor element may be
`
`referred to as a sense electrode. The capacitance of the sense electrode is affected by the
`
`presence of nearby objects, such as a pointing finger. Thus the measured capacitance of the
`
`sense electrode, and in particular changes in the measured capacitance, may be usedto identify
`
`the presence of an object adjacent the sense electrode. The control circuit may be configured to
`
`provide an output signal, e.g. by setting an output logic level as high or low, indicating whether
`
`or not an object is deemed to be adjacent the sense electrode. A controller of a device in which
`
`the touch sensitive sensor is implemented may receive the output signal and act accordingly.
`
`[50]
`
`There are various known technologies for measuring capacitance of a sense
`
`electrode in a capacitive touch sensor.
`
`Particular embodiments may be implemented in
`
`conjunction with any of these technologies or measurement circuits.
`
`For example,
`
`the
`
`fundamental principles underlying the capacitive sensors described in U.S. Patent No. 5,730,165,
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,466,036, and U.S. Patent No. 6,452,514 could be used.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0012
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0012
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`9 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`[51]
`
`In particular embodiments, the control circuit of the sensor can determine whether
`
`an object or a user’s finger is no longer in proximity with the sensor and based on a pre-
`
`determined time duration, the control circuit can produce an output signal automatically to
`
`prevent the capacitance measurementcircuit from continually measuring changes in capacitance
`
`due to, for example, the perceived presence of an object in proximity with the sensor.
`
`[52]
`
`Therefore, the control circuit is able to deactivate, turn-off, or power down the
`
`capacitance measurement circuit where an apparatus has inadvertently been left on or with the
`
`erroneous perception that a useris still present. This may, for example, be referred to as an
`
`“auto-off’
`
`feature.
`
`The signal
`
`for preventing the capacitance measurement circuit
`
`from
`
`continually measuring changes in capacitance may be referred to as an auto-off signal. The
`
`capacitance measurementcircuit and the auto-off control circuit may be comprised in a general-
`
`purpose microcontroller under firmware control, for example, such as the QT102 chip described
`
`further below.
`
`[53]
`
`As described in Section 3.5 of the below numbered sections, and in conjunction
`
`with the drawings, the control circuit of the sensor may be implemented by different methods—
`
`for example,
`
`the auto-off signal output may be produced automatically after different pre-
`
`determined time durations to effect powering down the capacitance measurementcircuit due to
`
`no presence of the user; the control circuit may be programmedby a user so that it may power
`
`down an apparatus based on a user-selected time duration; the control circuit output signals may
`
`be overridden, for example, to extend time durations before an apparatus is turned-off or to
`
`immediately turn-off an apparatus whena useris no longerpresent.
`
`[54]
`
`The sensor of particular embodiments may be useful in various applications, for
`
`example in kitchen appliances, light switches, headsets, and other electronic consumer devices.
`
`For example, a coffee machine incorporating a sensor of particular embodiments may be
`
`programmed to power-down after a time period of, say, 30 minutes, where the coffee machine
`
`has been left on inadvertently. This will beneficially conserve energy use and minimize the
`
`possibility of damage or accidents caused by the coffee machine or glass container(s)
`
`overheating.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0013
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0013
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`10 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`[55]
`
`Aspects of the QT102 chip referred to above will now be described in the
`
`following numberedsections.
`
`[56]
`
`The numbered sections may be considered to relate generally to features of the
`
`QT102 chip as follows: Section 1 — Overview (including 1.1 Introduction, 1.2 Electrode Drive,
`
`1.3 Sensitivity, 1.3.1 Introduction, 1.3.2 Increasing Sensitivity, 1.3.3 Decreasing Sensitivity, 1.4
`
`Recalibration Timeout, 1.5 Forced Sensor Recalibration, 1.6 Drift Compensation, 1.7 Response
`
`Time, 1.8 Spread Spectrum). Section 2 — Wiring and Parts (including 2.1 Application Note, 2.2
`
`Cs Sample Capacitor, 2.3 Rs Resistor, 2.4 Power Supply, PCB Layout, 2.5 Wiring). Section 3 —
`
`Operation (including 3.1 Acquisition Modes, 3.1.1 Introduction, 3.1.2 OUT Pin “On” (Fast
`
`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,
`
`3.5.1 Introduction, 3.5.2 Auto Off — Predefined Delay, 3.5.3 Auto Off — User-programmed
`
`Delay, 3.5.4 Auto Off — Overriding the Auto Off Delay, 3.5.5 Configuring the User-programmed
`
`Auto-off Delay, 3.6 Examples of Typical Applications). Section 4 — Specifications (including
`
`4.1 Absolute Maximum Specifications, 4.2 Recommended Operating Conditions, 4.3 AC
`
`Specifications, 4.4 Signal Processing, 4.5 DC Specifications, 4.6 Mechanical Dimensions, 4.7
`
`Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)).
`
`1
`
`Overview
`
`1.1
`
`Introduction
`
`[57]
`
`The QT102 is a single key device featuring a touch on / touch off (toggle) output
`
`with a programmable auto switch-off capability.
`
`[58]
`
`The QT102 is a digital burst mode charge-transfer
`
`(QT) sensor designed
`
`specifically for touch controls; it includes hardware and signal processing functions to provide
`
`stable sensing under a wide variety of changing conditions.
`
`In examples, low cost, non-critical
`
`components are employed for configuring operation.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0014
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0014
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`11 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`[59]
`
`The QT102 employs bursts of charge-transfer cycles to acquire its signal. Burst
`
`mode permits power consumption in the microampere range, dramatically reduces radio
`
`frequency (RE) emissions, lowers susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and yet
`
`permits good response time. Internally the signals are digitally processed to reject impulse noise,
`
`using a “consensus” filter which in this example requires four consecutive confirmations of a
`
`detection before the outputis activated.
`
`[60]
`
`The QT switches and charge measurement hardware functionsare all internal to
`
`the QT102.
`
`1.2
`
`Electrode Drive
`
`[61]
`
`FIGURE 1 schematically showsthe sense electrode connections (SNS, SNSK) for
`
`the QT102.
`
`[62]
`
`For improved noise immunity, it may be helpful if the electrode is only connected
`
`to the SNSK pin.
`
`[63]
`
`In examples the sample capacitor Cs may be much larger than the load
`
`capacitance (Cx). E.g. typical values for Cx are 5 to 20pF while Cs is usually 1 or 2 to 5OnF.
`
`(Note: Cx is not a physical discrete component on the PCB, it is the capacitance of the touch
`
`electrode and wiring. It is shown in FIGURE| to aid understanding of the equivalentcircuit.)
`
`[64]
`
`Increasing amounts of Cx destroy gain, therefore it is important to limit the
`
`amount of load capacitance on both SNS terminals. This can be done, for example, by
`
`minimizing trace lengths and widths and keeping these traces away from poweror groundtraces
`
`or copper pours.
`
`[65]
`
`The traces and any components associated with SNS and SNSK will become
`
`touch sensitive and so may needto be considered to help in limiting the touch-sensitive area to
`
`the desired location.
`
`[66] A series resistor, Rs, may be placed in line with SNSK to the electrode to
`
`suppress electrostatic discharge (ESD) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)effects.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0015
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0015
`
`

`

`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`12 of 37
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`1.3
`
`Sensitivity
`
`1.3.1
`
`Introduction
`
`[67]
`
`The sensitivity of the QT102 is a function of such thingsas:
`
`*
`
`*
`
`*
`
`¢
`
`¢
`
`¢
`
`the value of Cs
`
`electrode size and capacitance
`
`electrode shape and orientation
`
`the composition and aspect of the object to be sensed
`
`the thickness and composition of any overlaying panel material
`
`the degree of ground coupling of both sensor and object
`
`1 3.2 Increasing Sensitivity
`
`[68]
`
`In somecases it may be desirable to increase sensitivity; for example, when using
`
`the sensor with very thick panels having a low dielectric constant. Sensitivity can often be
`
`increased by using a larger electrode or reducing panel thickness.
`
`Increasing electrode size can
`
`have diminishing returns, as high values of Cx will reduce sensor gain.
`
`[69]
`
`The value of Cs also has an effect on sensitivity, and this can be increased in
`
`value with the trade-off of slower response time and more power.
`
`Increasing the electrode’s
`
`surface area will not substantially increase touch sensitivity if its diameteris already significantly
`
`larger in surface area than the object being detected. Panel material can also be changed to one
`
`having a higher dielectric constant, which will better help to propagate the field.
`
`[70]
`
`Ground planes around and under the electrode and its SNSK trace may lead to
`
`high Cx loading and destroy gain. Thus in somecases the possible signal-to-noise ratio benefits
`
`of ground areas may be more than negated by the decreased gain from the circuit, and so ground
`
`areas around electrodes may be discouraged in some circumstances. Metal areas near the
`
`electrode may reducethe field strength and increase Cx loading and so it may behelpful if these
`
`are avoidedif possible. It may be helpful to keep ground away from the electrodes andtraces.
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0016
`
`Petitioners Samsung and Sony Ex-1004, 0016
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`13 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`1.4~~Recalibration Timeout
`
`[71]
`
`Ifan object or material obstructs the sense electrode the signal may rise enough to
`
`create a detection, preventing f