Computing
Pacinian/Synaptics
Compact Keyboards Enhanced with Capacitive Touch
Computing
Pacinian/Synaptics
Compact Keyboards Enhanced with Capacitive Touch
52
Patent References to IEEE
$30M
Acquisition Deal
52
Patent References to IEEE
$30M
Acquisition Deal
Pacinian co-founders, Jim Schlosser and Cody Peterson, observed that computers were becoming smaller and sleeker but that keyboards were still heavy, clunky, and easily damaged.
They developed a ThinTouch™ keyboard that uses tiny magnets and a small ramp to generate an optimal typing feel.
In this thinner keyboard, pressing the keys makes the magnets separate and allows a tiny depression of the key. Users feel they are pressing down, but the keys barely move less than 1 millimeter. The smaller key depression means keyboards can be skinnier—barely more than the width of two credit cards.10
In 2012, the Pacinian founders sold their firm to Synaptics for $30 million. The acquisition included the patents related to the ThinTouch keyboard, which were reassigned to Synaptics.
The patents in this set with five or more citations are included in this study. These patents are all highly cited relative to their peers and include 3.7 IEEE references on average.
In addition to keyboards, Synaptics now uses the capacitive touch technology in smart-phones, biometric devices and touchpads for IoT (Internet of Things) and automotive applications.11
Frequently Referenced IEEE Publications
The Pacinian/Synaptics patents frequently reference influential articles from the below IEEE publications.
10 Peters, Basil. (2013) "Pacinian – Pre-Revenue $30 Million Exit," Strategic Exits, August 13, 2013. https://www.exits.com/blog/pacinian-pre-revenue-30-million-exit/ Last accessed June 9, 2020 11 Synaptics Website (2020). https://www.synaptics.com/technology/touch-sensing Last accessed June 9, 2020.