Ultrasound-Based Force Sensing

摘要

A force sensing device for computer or electronic devices. The force sensing device is configured to determine an amount of force applied, and changes in amounts of force applied, by the user when contacting a device, such as a touch device, and which can be incorporated into devices using touch recognition, touch elements of a graphical user interface, and touch input or manipulation in an application program. Additionally, the force sensing device may determine an amount of force applied, and changes in amounts of force applied, by the user when contacting a device, such as a touch device, and in response thereto, provide additional functions available to a user of a touch device, track pad, or the like.

主权项

1. An electronic device, including:
a housing; an electronic component at least partially surrounded by the housing and connected to the housing; one or more force sensitive sensors positioned beneath the electronic component and providing information with respect to applied force, the information including a measure of an amount of force presented at the one or more locations on an exterior of the device at which a touch occurs; wherein the force sensitive sensors are responsive to an ultrasonic pulse emitted through the electronic component and reflected from a surface of the device corresponding to the applied force.