An apparatus includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode having first and second opposing surfaces. The first opposing surface is adjacent the first electrode and separated from the first electrode by a first distance, and the second opposing surface is adjacent the second electrode and separated from the second electrode by a second distance. The third electrode is configured to move relative to the first and second electrodes. A capacitance sensing circuit is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The capacitive sensing circuit is configured to determine a capacitance using the first and second electrodes.

A circuit for operating a capacitive sensor configured to be operated alternately in a first mode over a first time interval and in a second mode over a second time interval. The circuit includes a GM stage configured to receive a sensor voltage of the capacitive sensor at a first input contact and convert the sensor voltage into a sensor current to charge a first boxing capacitor with the sensor current in the second time interval, an integrator that is configured to, in the second interval, integrate a voltage applied across the first boxing capacitor over its time curve and output a resulting output voltage at a first output, and a hold circuit configured to tap the output voltage of the integrator in the second interval and hold it as a hold voltage.

A circuit for operating a capacitive sensor configured to be operated alternately in a first mode over a first time interval and in a second mode over a second time interval. The circuit includes a GM stage configured to receive a sensor voltage of the capacitive sensor at a first input contact and convert the sensor voltage into a sensor current to charge a first boxing capacitor with the sensor current in the second time interval, an integrator that is configured to, in the second interval, integrate a voltage applied across the first boxing capacitor over its time curve and output a resulting output voltage at a first output, and a hold circuit configured to tap the output voltage of the integrator in the second interval and hold it as a hold voltage.

Provided is an electronic pen that includes a body portion housing of an electronic pen body portion has housed therein a refill body and a circuit board having a side switch formed by a push button switch mounted thereon, and has a pen-point opening portion through which a pen point of the refill body protrudes. A pressing member is provided in a side opening portion of the body portion housing such that the pressing member is disposed on the side switch in such a manner as to be prevented by an engagement portion from protruding outwardly from a side surface of the body portion housing. The side switch of the circuit board is operated through the pressing member of the electronic pen body portion when an operation unit of the outer housing having the electronic pen body portion installed therein is pressed.

An operation panel provided on a vehicle is provided with: a panel member exposed to an interior of a vehicle cabin of the vehicle; an operation part provided on the panel member; and a load sensor provided so as to face a back surface of the panel member, the a load sensor being configured to detect that the operation part has been operated based on a load caused by a displacement of the panel member, wherein the load sensor is provided at a position where the displacement of the panel member is greater than a displaced amount of the operation part when the operation part is operated, the panel member has a projected portion projecting out from the back surface such that a tip end portion faces the load sensor, and the projected portion is formed of divided projected portions, the divided projected portions being provided by being divided into a plurality of parts.

An operation panel provided on a vehicle is provided with: a panel member exposed to an interior of a vehicle cabin of the vehicle; an operation part provided on the panel member; and a load sensor provided so as to face a back surface of the panel member, the a load sensor being configured to detect that the operation part has been operated based on a load caused by a displacement of the panel member, wherein the load sensor is provided at a position where the displacement of the panel member is greater than a displaced amount of the operation part when the operation part is operated, the panel member has a projected portion projecting out from the back surface such that a tip end portion faces the load sensor, and the projected portion is formed of divided projected portions, the divided projected portions being provided by being divided into a plurality of parts.

A switch to be attached to a panel having an opening in a surface includes: a stationary member to be attached to the panel; a movable member to be placed at a distance from the panel, the movable member having a manipulation surface separated from the panel in the opening with a gap intervening between the manipulation surface and the panel, the manipulation surface being exposed from the opening; and a vibration element disposed between the stationary member and the movable member, the vibration element vibrating the movable member.

A switch assembly that provides haptic feedback includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first planar surface that faces in a first direction and a second planar surface that faces in a second direction, the second direction being opposite from the first direction, a touch plate having a first surface that faces in the first direction and a second surface that faces in the second direction, wherein the first surface of the touch plate is proximate the second planar surface of the PCB, and a haptic exciter that has a conductive coil of wire having a hollow inner core and a magnet that is at least partially disposed within the hollow inner core of the coil of wire such that the magnet alternatively moves in the first and second directions as an alternating current passes through the conductive coil of wire.

An input device has an operative member on which switches are arranged to receive a pushing force. The input device has a control unit which is configured to store both a first correction coefficient and a second correction coefficient. The first correction coefficient may correct variations in displacement caused by differences in pushing positions on the operative member. The second correction coefficient may correct differences in sensitivity among a plurality of sensors. The control unit is configured to perform: correcting a plurality of displacements by the first correction coefficient and the second correction coefficient; and determining whether presence or absence of a push operation by comparing a summation of corrected values with a predetermined threshold value.

A number of user interface devices are described. In one example, a user interface device includes a lens having a graphic visible through the lens, a transparent circuit film comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a reflector film bonded to the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, the reflector film including an embossed area which defines a pocket between the reflector film and the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, a light emitting diode (LED) bonded to the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film and positioned within the pocket between the reflector film and the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, and a layer of transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed between the bottom surface of the lens and the top surface of the transparent circuit film.