Sensor module and method for detecting and characterizing side inputs at devices

Abstract

One variation of a system includes: a frame; a sensor module; and a controller. The frame includes: a base structure that locates a display defining a front face of a device; and a lateral frame structure extending along and adjacent an edge of the display and supported on a side of the base structure. The base structure and the lateral frame structure cooperate to define a channel arranged behind the display and extending longitudinally between the lateral frame structure and the side of the base structure. The sensor module is arranged in the channel and includes: a substrate; and a linear array of sensors arranged on the substrate and outputting sense signals representing local deflections of the lateral frame structure. The controller detects locations and force magnitudes of side inputs on the device, proximal the edge of the display, based on sense signals output by the linear array of sensors.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A system for detecting side inputs at a device comprising:
 a base structure;   a frame structure:
 supported on the base structure; 
 cooperating with the base structure to define a channel extending between the frame structure and a first side of the base structure; 
 defining a front edge configured to deflect toward the first side of the base structure responsive to force inputs applied to the front edge; and 
 defining a series of bridges:
 extending across the channel from the first side of the base structure to the frame structure; 
 longitudinally offset along the channel; and 
 configured to locate a rear edge of the frame structure on the base structure; and 
 
   a sensor module arranged in the channel and configured to output sense signals representing local deflections of the frame structure.