Touch sensor
AssigneeNXP B.V.
InventorChristophe Marc Macours
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A touch sensor (200) for a mobile device is disclosed which includes an acoustic port, and a loudspeaker operable to output audio through the acoustic port. The touch sensor is operable to generate a user input signal in response to the acoustic port being at least partially sealed. Partially sealing the acoustic port changes the acoustic load of the loudspeaker. The touch sensor may replace one or more hardware buttons on mobile devices such as mobile phones including smart phones. A method of operation of a touch sensor is also disclosed.
Claims15
A touch sensor for a mobile device, the touch sensor comprising:
- an acoustic port,
- a loudspeaker operable to output audio through the acoustic port, and
- a detector coupled to the loudspeaker;
- wherein
- the detector is operable to detect a change in the acoustic load of the loudspeaker and the touch sensor is operable to generate a user input signal in response to the acoustic port being at least partially sealed.
A method for detecting a user input to a mobile device, the mobile device comprising an acoustic port, and a loudspeaker arranged to output audio through the acoustic port, the method comprising:
- in response to the acoustic port being at least partially sealed detecting a change in the acoustic load of the loudspeaker, and generating a user input signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.