Finger actuated device having a proximity detector

摘要

The present invention is a button (22) on a device that has the ability to detect when a finger (38) touches or is proximate to the button, especially to cause the initiation of a particular feature/function of the device. The button includes a proximity detector (34) that is operable to sense or detect when a user's finger is proximate or on the button. The proximity detector may take many forms. These forms may be combined to provide greater selectivity. Additionally, sensitivity of the proximity detector may be set via threshold values. Sensitivity of the proximity detector correlates to detection or sensing of a user's finger at various distances from the button. One application is as an autofocus/shutter button on a camera (20).