PTO/SB/BO (11-08)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2011. 0MB 0651-0035
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of Information unless It displays a valid 0MB control number.
`
`POWER OF ATTORNEY TO PROSECUTE APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE USPTO
`
`I hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney given In the application identified In the attached statement under
`37 CFR 3.73(b).
`I hereby appoint:
`[l] Practitioners associated with the Customer Number:
`OR
`
`12323
`
`I
`I
`□ Practltloner(s) named below (if more than ten patent practitioners are to be named, then a customer number must be used):
`
`Name
`
`Registration
`Number
`
`Name
`
`Registration
`Number
`
`as attorney(s) or agent(s) to represent the undersigned before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) In connection with
`any and all patent applications assigned Q.!J1: to the undersigned according to the USPTO assignment records or assignment documents
`attached to this form In accordance with 37 CFR 3.73(b).
`
`Please change the correspondence address for the application Identified In the attached statement under 37 CFR 3.73(b) to:
`
`[Z] The address associated with Customer Number:· I
`OR LJ Finn or
`
`lndlvldual Name
`Address
`
`12323
`
`I
`
`City
`
`Country
`
`Telephone
`
`Assignee Name and Address:
`Atmel Corporation
`2325 Orchard Parkway
`San Jose, CA 95131
`
`I State
`
`I Zip
`
`I Email
`
`A copy of this form, together with a statement under 37 CFR 3.73(b) (Form PTO/SB/96 or equivalent) Is required to be
`filed in each application in which this form is used, The statement under 37 CFR 3.73(b) may be completed by one of
`the practitioners appointed in this form if the appointed practitioner is authorized to act on behalf of the assignee,
`and must identify the application in which this Power of Attorney is to be filed.
`·
`·
`
`Q
`JG:P}TURE of Assignee of Record
`The indiv~ ~ho;~ signa e cl r
`is supplied below is authorized to act on behalf of the !IJSignee
`y ?//~// ~ ~ Date /1.5/d
`//
`Teleph9rfe 1 4'68-436-4229
`Scott Wornow
`Name
`(/
`TIiie
`Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
`This collection of Information Is required by 37 CFR 1.31, 1.32 and 1.33, The Information 1s required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which Is to file (and
`by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality ls governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection Is estimated to take 3 minutes
`to complete, Including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPT.O. Time wlll vary depending upon the Individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer,
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P,O, Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P .0. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`....
`
`1~
`
`
`
`Signature
`
`If you need assistance in completing the form, ca/11-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 1 of 289
`
`

`

`PTOiSB/96 (07-09)
`Approved for use through 07131/2012. 0MB 0651-0031
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid 0MB control number.
`
`STATEMENT UNDER 37 CFR 3.73(b)
`
`Applicant/Patent Owner: Harald Philipp et al.
`-------------------------------------------
`App Ii cation No./Patent No,: 12/179769
`-----------------
`
`080900.1059
`
`Filed/Issue Date: July 25, 2008
`--'-----------------
`
`Titled:
`
`Proximity Sensor
`
`Atmel Corporation
`______________________
`
`(Name of Assignee)
`
`states that it is:
`
`,a Delaware corporation
`(rype cf Assignee, e.g., corporation, partnership, university, government agency, etc.
`
`1, [_g] the assignee of the entire right, title, and interest in;
`
`2. □ an assignee of less than the entire right, title, and interest in
`(The extent (by percentage) of its ownership interest is ____
`
`%); or
`
`3. D the assignee of an undivided interest in the entirety of (a complete assignment from one of the joint inventors was made)
`
`the patent application/patent identified above, by virtue of either:
`
`□ An assignment from the inventor(s) of the patent application/patent identified above. The assignment was recorded in
`
`, Frame _______
`
`, or for which a
`
`the United States Patent and Trademark Office at t~eel _______
`copy therefore is attached.
`
`A.
`
`OR
`B.
`
`[_g] A chain of title from the inventor(s), of the patent application/patent identified above, to the current assignee as foHows:
`To: ORG Limited
`·1. From: Harald Philipp et al.
`
`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
`Reel 021758
`Frame0843
`or for which a copy thereof is attached.
`
`2. From: QRG Limited
`
`To: Atmel Corporation
`
`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
`
`Reel 022608
`
`Frame 0130
`
`or for which a copy thereof is attached.
`
`3. From:
`
`To: --------------------
`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
`Frame ________
`_
`
`Reel
`
`or for which a copy thereof is attached.
`
`D
`
`Additional documents in the chain of title are listed on a supplemental sheet(s).
`
`[_g]
`As required by 37 CFR 3. 73(b){'1 )(i), the documentary evidence of the chain of title from the original owner to the assignee was,
`or concurrently is being, submitted for recordation pursuant to 37 CFR '.i 11.
`
`[NOTE: A separate copy (i.e., a true copy of the original assignment document(s)) must be submitted to Assignment Division in
`accordance with 37 CFR Part 3, to record the assignment in the records of the USPTO. See MPEP 302.08]
`
`The undersigned (whose title is supplied below) is authorized to act on behalf of the assignee.
`/travis w. thomas/ REG. NO. 48667
`Signature
`
`Travis W. Thomas
`
`26 May 2011
`
`Date
`
`Attorney of Record
`
`Title
`Printed or Typed Name
`This collection cf information is required by 37 CFR 3.73(b), The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to tile (and by the USPTO to
`process) an applicaUon. Confidentiality is govemeti by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take ,2 minutes to complete, including
`gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments en the amount cf t;me
`you require to complete ihjs form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be seni to the Chief lnformaijon Officer, U,S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S.
`Depa1tment of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SENO TO; Commissioner
`for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Aiexa111."!ria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`If vou need assistance in comoietina the form. cali 1-800-PTO-9199 and select ootion 2,
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 2 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213-COA
`
`1
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`First Named Inventor:
`
`Harald Philipp
`
`Application No.:
`
`Filing Date:
`
`Confirmation No.:
`
`Unassigned
`
`Herewith
`
`Unassigned
`
`Title:
`
`Proximity Sensor
`
`Information Disclosure Statement
`this
`Information Disclosure
`Statement under 37 C.F.R. §
`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)(ii), 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
`Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.97(g),
`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. §§ 102-103.
`
`The Commissioner may charge any fee due and credit any overpayment
`Application
`to Deposit Account No. 02-0384 of Baker Botts L.L.P.
`
`in this
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
`Attorneys for Applicant
`
`~-..._,
`
`.... ,
`
`
`~"¢,. ............................
`
`,-❖ .......... ...
`
`~,~"<--''''x--..,,,....,._,~...._,,,
`i
`'
`I ~ ...........
`
`
`
`
`,,,'X-.,_,,,,,,,,,, .............. ...
`
`i
`
`~~-...9,.~
`
`.... ,..,.,
`
`Travis Thomas
`Reg. No. 48,667
`
`Date: 26 May 2011
`
`PAL0l:111622
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 3 of 289
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/08
`INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
`STATEMENT BY APPLICANT
`
`Application Number:
`Unassigned
`
`I First Named Inventor:
`Harald Philipp
`
`Attorney Docket No: Art Unit:
`080900.1059
`Unassigned
`
`Filing Date:
`Herewith
`
`ISSUED U.S. PATENTS AND PUBLISHED U.S. APPLICATIONS
`
`A
`B
`C
`D
`E
`F
`G
`H
`I
`J
`K
`L
`M
`
`N
`0
`
`p
`
`Q
`
`DOCUMENT
`NUMBER
`5,730,165
`6,452,494
`6,452,514
`6,466,036
`7,091,727
`7,567,088
`7,714,595
`7,797,115
`2003/0132763
`2006/0250142
`2007 /0062739
`2007 /0076897
`2009/0027068
`
`DOCUMENT
`NUMBER
`
`PUBLICATION OR ISSUE DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`03-24-1998
`09-17-2002
`09-17-2002
`10-15-2002
`08-15-2006
`07-28-2009
`05-11-2010
`09-14-2010
`07-17-2003
`11-09-2006
`03-22-2007
`04-05-2007
`01-29-2009
`
`Philipp
`Harrison
`Philipp
`Philipp
`Lee
`Yoshida
`Fujiwara
`Tasher
`Ellenz
`Abe
`Philipp
`Philipp
`Philipp
`
`UNPUBLISHED U.S. APPLICATIONS
`
`FILING DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DOCUMENT
`NUMBER
`1536314 A2
`2431725 Al
`
`PUBLICATION OR ISSUE
`DATE
`06-01-2005
`05/02/2007
`
`COUNTRY
`
`EP
`GB
`
`NON-PATENT LITERATURE
`
`(NPL)
`
`TRANSLATION
`(YES ORNO)
`
`DOCUMENT (Includin2 Author, Title, Source, and Pertinent Pa2es)
`R UK Intellectual Property Office, Search Report for GB 0813682.2
`s Datasheet "QTIO0-Charge Transfer IC," Quantum Research Group
`T Datasheet "QT 110-Touch Sensor IC," Quantum Research Group
`
`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
`
`PAL0l:111623
`
`Page 1 of 1
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 4 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`1 of37
`
`PROXIMITY SENSOR
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[l]
`
`This application 1s 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.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 5 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`2 of37
`
`[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 function no longer being required. This results in
`
`the device consuming a large amount of power which is not efficient.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 6 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`OVERVIEW
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`3 of37
`
`[ 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 function 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
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 7 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`4 of37
`
`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 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 1s
`
`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
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 8 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`5 of37
`
`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.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 9 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`6 of37
`
`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 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
`
`FIGURE 1 to override an auto-off delay;
`
`[37] FIGURE 11 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;
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 10 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`7 of37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`[39] FIGURES 13 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
`
`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 m
`
`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.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 11 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`8 of37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
`
`[47]
`
`Particular embodiments may be implemented m 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 QT 102 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 1s
`
`provided.
`
`[49]
`
`It is known that 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 used to 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.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 12 of 289
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`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`9 of37
`
`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(cid:173)
`
`determined time duration, the control circuit can produce an output signal automatically to
`
`prevent the capacitance measurement circuit 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, tum-off, or power down the
`
`capacitance measurement circuit where an apparatus has inadvertently been left on or with the
`
`erroneous perception that a user is 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 measurement circuit and the auto-off control circuit may be comprised in a general(cid:173)
`
`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(cid:173)
`
`for example, the auto-off signal output may be produced automatically after different pre(cid:173)
`
`determined time durations to effect powering down the capacitance measurement circuit due to
`
`no presence of the user; the control circuit may be programmed by 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 tum-off an apparatus when a user is no longer present.
`
`[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.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 13 of 289
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`10 of 37
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`PATENT APPLICATION
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`[55] Aspects of the QT102 chip referred to above will now be described in the
`
`following numbered sections.
`
`[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,
`
`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.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 14 of 289
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`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`11 of 37
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
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`[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 output is activated.
`
`[60] The QT switches and charge measurement hardware functions are all internal to
`
`the QT102.
`
`1.2
`
`Electrode Drive
`
`[61]
`
`FIGURE 1 schematically shows the 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 50nF.
`
`(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 1 to aid understanding of the equivalent circuit.)
`
`[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 power or ground traces
`
`or copper pours.
`
`[ 65] The traces and any components associated with SNS and SNSK will become
`
`touch sensitive and so may need to 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.
`
`Petitioner STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.,
`Ex. 1002, IPR2021-01161 Page 15 of 289
`
`

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`PATENT APPLICATION
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`12 of 37
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`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`080900.1059
`P031213QRG-COA
`
`1.3
`
`Sensitivity
`
`1.3 .1
`
`Introduction
`
`[ 67]
`
`The sensitivity of the QT 102 is a function of such things as:
`
`•
`
`•
`
`•
`
`•
`
`•
`
`•
`
`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 some cases it may be desirable to increase sensitivity; for example, when using
`
`the sensor with very thick panels having a low dielectric constant. Sensitivity can oft