Finger stylus for use with capacitive touch panels

Abstract

Capacitive styluses and methods for use thereof. A stylus according to the present application may include a finger engagement portion adapted to engage the finger of a user. Furthermore, the stylus may include an extension portion that is adapted to extend beyond the distal tip of the finger of the user. An electrically conductive contact surface may be disposed beyond the distal tip of the finger and be contactable with a capacitive touch panel. An electrically conductive path may be provided between the contact surface and the finger engagement portion to establish electrical communication therebetween. The contact surface may be of sufficient size to affect a capacitive sensor of a capacitive touch panel when in contact therewith and when the stylus is mounted to the finger of a user.

1 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of using a finger mountable stylus with a capacitive touch panel to manipulate the capacitive touch panel by affecting a capacitive sensor of the capacitive touch panel, comprising:
 mounting the stylus to a finger, wherein an electrically conductive contact surface is disposed beyond a distal tip of the finger;   contacting the contact surface to a capacitive touch panel;   
       establishing electrical communication between the capacitive touch panel and the finger; 
       affecting the capacitive touch sensor of the capacitive touch panel in response to the contacting and establishing; and 
       manipulating the capacitive touch panel in response to the affecting. 
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 27 , wherein the mounting comprises attaching an attachment surface of the stylus to at least a portion of a fingernail of the finger. 
     
     
         29 . A method according to  claim 27 , wherein the mounting comprises slideably engaging an attachment structure with a distal end portion of the finger. 
     
     
         30 . A method according to  claim 27 , wherein the manipulating comprises moving the contact surface with respect to the capacitive touch panel while maintaining the contact surface in contact with the capacitive touch panel, wherein electrical communication is maintained between the capacitive touch panel and the finger during the moving. 
     
     
         31 . (canceled)