Shared electrode pattern field effect sensor and joystick therewith

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a shared electrode pattern field effect touch sensor apparatus. The apparatus includes first and second spaced electrode patterns, each having an inner electrode and an outer electrode. The inner electrode includes a primary portion defining a primary sense area and at least one secondary portion. Secondary portions of at least two patterns are adjacently disposed, and define secondary sense areas. A pulse generation circuit and a detection circuit are electrically coupled to each pattern. The presence of an object proximate a primary sense area activates one detection circuit. The presence of an object proximate a secondary sense area activates two detection circuits. A controller in communication with the detection circuits senses activation of the detection circuits. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a navigational control device. A method of processing touch sensor field effect signals is also disclosed.