Integrated normal sensing and proximity sensing on a multi-dimensional sensor array

摘要

Apparatuses and methods for coupling a group of sensor elements together in one mode to collectively measure a capacitance on the group of sensor elements, in addition to individually measuring a capacitance on each of the sensor elements in another mode. The apparatus may include a processing device, and a plurality of sensor elements that are individually coupled in a first mode for normal sensing and collectively coupled in a second mode for proximity sensing.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
detecting a presence of a conductive object on a surface of a device having a multi-dimensional sensory array by individually measuring a capacitance for each of a plurality of sensor elements of the multi-dimensional array; coupling a group of sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements together; conductively coupling to the group of sensor elements another conductor substantially surrounding at least one of the plurality of sensor elements; and detecting a presence of the conductive object in proximity to the surface of the device by applying a signal to the group of coupled sensor elements to measure a single collective capacitance for the group of coupled sensor elements while the group of coupled sensor elements is conductively coupled to the another conductor substantially surrounding the at least one of the plurality of sensor elements.