Implementing a Virtual Controller Outside an Area of a Touch Sensor

A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium embodying logic that is configured when executed to:

• apply a drive signal to an electrode of a touch sensor of a device, wherein:
• the touch sensor extends across an area of a surface of the device;
• and
• the drive signal is configured to generate an electric field that extends outward from the area of the surface that the touch sensor extends across and reaches a pre-determined location on the device that is outside the area of the surface that the touch sensor extends across;
• and
• receive a sense signal from the touch sensor produced at least in part by the electric field, wherein the sense signal indicates whether an object has come within a pre-determined proximity of the pre-determined location.

A device comprising:

• a touch sensor that extends across an area of a surface of the device;
• and
• a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium coupled to the touch sensor and embodying logic that is configured when executed to:
• apply a drive signal to an electrode of the touch sensor of the device, wherein the drive signal is configured to generate an electric field that extends outward from the area of the surface that the touch sensor extends across and reaches a pre-determined location on the device that is outside the area of the surface that the touch sensor extends across;
• and
• receive a sense signal from the touch sensor produced at least in part by the electric field, wherein the sense signal indicates whether an object has come within a pre-determined proximity of the pre-determined location.