Movable touch pad with added functionality

Abstract

An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a first control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A device, comprising:
 a controller,   an I/O mechanism,   a touch sensor,   a first communication line connecting the touch sensor to the controller, and   a second communication line connecting the I/O mechanism to the controller,   wherein the controller is configured to switch between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein
 in the first mode of operation, the controller is configured to operate the touch sensor using the first and second communication lines, and 
 in the second mode of operation, the controller is configured to operate the I/O mechanism using the first and second communication lines. 
   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the touch sensor comprises a capacitive sensing electrode. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the I/O mechanism is positioned entirely within all outer edges of the capacitive sensing electrode. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the I/O mechanism is positioned partially within and partially outside an outer edge of the capacitive sensing electrode. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3  wherein a portion of the I/O mechanism and a portion of the second communication line are positioned in an open area within the capacitive sensing electrode. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the I/O mechanism comprises an input mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the input mechanism comprises a switch. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the switch comprises a momentary switch. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the controller is configured to cycle between operating in the first mode and operating in the second mode. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 2  further comprising a capacitor coupling the first and second communication lines. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the touch sensor and the I/O mechanism contact each other at a common connection point. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the touch sensor and the I/O mechanism are connected to one another via a line. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the device is a touch pad. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the device is a touch sensitive housing. 
     
     
         16 . A device, comprising:
 a controller,   a first I/O mechanism,   a second I/O mechanism,   a touch sensor,   a first communication line connecting the touch sensor to the controller, and   a second communication line connecting the first I/O mechanism and the second I/O mechanism to the controller,   wherein the controller is configured to switch between a first mode of operation, a second mode of operation and a third mode of operation, wherein
 in the first mode of operation, the controller is configured to operate the touch sensor using the first and second communication lines, 
 in the second mode of operation, the controller is configured to operate the first I/O mechanism using the first and second communication lines, and 
 in the third mode of operation, the controller is configured to operate the second I/O mechanism using the first and second communication lines. 
   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the touch sensor comprises a capacitive sensing electrode. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the first I/O mechanism and the second I/O mechanism are positioned entirely within all outer edges of the capacitive sensing electrode. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18  wherein the first I/O mechanism comprises a switch and the second I/O mechanism comprises a switch.