System and method for communicating through a capacitive touch sensor

Abstract

A device for communicating a plurality of distinctly identifiable touches through a capacitive touch sensor includes a conductive element electrically coupled to a power source through a switching mechanism and including a conductive tip. The conductive tip includes a plurality of conductive pads. The device further includes a controller operatively coupled to the switching mechanism that directs the switching mechanism to switch on and off the electrical properties of the conductive tip between an on condition and an off condition. The off condition provides no identifiable parasitic capacitance effect on a capacitive touch sensor and the on condition provides a uniquely identifiable parasitic capacitance effect on the capacitive touch sensor. The on condition provides a movement pattern by switching on and off each conductive pad in an alternating pattern. The device further includes a selector for selecting between the off condition and conducting the on position.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device for communicating a distinctly identifiable touch through a capacitive touch sensor comprising:
 a conductive element electrically coupled to a power source through a switching mechanism, the conductive element including a plurality of conductive pads;   a controller operatively coupled to the switching mechanism, wherein the controller directs the switching mechanism to switch on and off the electrical properties of each of the conductive pads between an on condition and an off condition in a first electrical pattern, wherein in the off condition the corresponding conductive pad provides no identifiable parasitic capacitance effect on a capacitive touch sensor and in the on condition the corresponding conductive pad provides an identifiable parasitic capacitance effect on a capacitive touch sensor, further wherein the first electrical pattern switches on and off each conductive pad in manner that simulates a touch moving in a first pattern of movement; and   a selector for selecting between the off position and conducting the first electrical pattern.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the conductive pads are located in a fixed position relative to each other.