Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An active matrix surface pressure input panel comprises a piezoelectric sheet having electrode lines formed thereon and coupled to a piezoelectric body for vibrating the sheet at a given reference frequency. When an object having surface variations, such as a fingertip, is pressed against the sheet, corresponding underlying portions of the sheet vibrate at frequencies that differ from the reference frequency. The local vibration frequencies are detected by electrode lines applied to opposing sides of the sheet, preferably in an X-Y grid, so that the relative locations of the sheet from where the detected signals emanate can be determined. The surface pressure input panel exhibits high definition over a relatively large detection area so that complicated surfaces, such as fingerprints, can be accurately detected and reproduced.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim