U.S. Philips Corporation

U.S. Phillips Corporation

Kofi A Makinwa

Theunis S Baller

Arne L Duwaer

Marcellinus A Grooten

Gerardus J Koolen

Paul Mateman

Antonius J Hafkamp

Jan E Van Beek

R Emy Polaert

The invention relates to the determination of the velocity of a conductive pen,along a graphic tablet,Generation of successive pulses in successive conductors, arranged in a regular pattern in the tablet, produces an electromagnetic signal in a conductive pen situated in the vicinity of the tablet. When the pen is near the writing surface of the tablet, the pen signal exhibits a local maximum which is indicative of the location of the pen. The distance between the edges to both sides of this local maximum constitutes an indication of the velocity of the pen.

Method of determining the pen velocity along a graphic tablet, and graphic tablet suitable for carrying out the method

A graphic tablet includes a number of parallel electrodes whereto a series of patterns is presented in order to determine the position of a pen relative to the electrodes. As a result of such presentation, a series of code elements is formed on an electrode, which series can be picked up by the pen and is representative of the relevant electrode. When the patterns are suitably chosen, a short series of patterns suffices, so that the determination of the position requires less time.

Employing gray codes for pen detection

In a data processing system comprising a graphic tablet and a wireless stylus cooperating with the tablet, the stylus is activated by an activation signal transmitted by a display screen integrated with the tablet. For the activation signal use is made of a signal which is transmitted any way by the display screen in the normal operational mode. The stylus is arranged to receive the signal and to change over from a battery-saving standby mode to an operational mode upon reception of this signal.

Data processing system comprising a graphic tablet and a stylus and

In a data processing system including a graphic tablet and a wireless stylus cooperating with the tablet, the stylus transmits an electromagnetic field to be received by the tablet. The stylus has a detector whereby a disturbance of the field, caused by a means external of the stylus, can be detected. The stylus also includes a switch whereby the stylus can be switched to a power-saying standby mode in response to the disturbance. A contactless on/off switch is thus realized for the stylus.

Data processing system comprising a graphic tablet and a stylus, and

A touch screen device includes a panel; a sensor coupled to the panel for detection of a force applied to the panel and a data processor coupled to the sensor for processing data transmitted by the sensor upon detection of the force. The sensor is provided to be co-deformable with the panel for detecting a deformation of the panel itself as a result of the force being applied. This avoids the use of a rigid frame as in conventional devices, saving weight, costs and components, and reducing manufacturing problems. The sensor means may comprise strain gauges that are physically integrated with the panel. Combined with a display such device presents a minimum parallax.

Force activated touch screen measuring deformation of the front panel

A data processing device comprises a touch screen with a touch position sensor. The position sensor is suitable to detect a touch position on the screen from a change in a current pattern in a conductive panel. The device also comprises a touch force sensor provided with a second conductive panel which extends substantially parallel to the touch screen. The screen is at least partly movable relative to the second panel in a direction transversely of the second panel. The force sensor is suitable to determine a force from a capacitance value between the touch screen and the second panel. The device is suitable for the combined processing of the position and force detected in response to touching.

Data processing device comprising a touch screen and a force sensor

A graphical tablet and a stylus interact electromagnetically with one another. The stylus includes a coil and a transducer to affect an inductance of the coil in response to a force exerted on a tip of the stylus. The transducer comprises first and second ferrite cores. The cores are mounted to move with respect to one another in response to the force. The cores are substantially in contact with one another in the absence of the force. Disengaging causes a well detectable jump in the inductance.

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Eindhoven, Netherlands

Kofi A Makinwa