Patent Application
20190196622
The present invention relates generally to electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic device having an actuating user interface.
There exists today many types of consumer electronic devices, each of which utilizes some sort of user interface. The user interface typically includes an output device in the form of a fixed display, such as an Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and one or more input devices. The input devices can be mechanically actuated as for example, switches, buttons, keys, dials, joysticks, navigation pads, or electrically activated as for example touch pads and touch screens. The display is typically configured to present visual information such as text and graphics, and the input devices are typically configured perform operations such as issuing commands, making selections or moving a cursor or selector in the consumer electronic device. Each of these well known devices has considerations such as size and shape limitations, costs, functionality, complexity, etc. that must be taken into account when designing the consumer electronic device. In most cases, the user interface is positioned on the front face of the electronic device for easy viewing of the display and easy manipulation of the input devices.
To elaborate, the telephone 10A typically includes a display 12 such as a character or graphical display, and input devices 14 such as a number pad and in some cases a navigation pad. The PDA 10B typically includes a display 12 such as a graphical display, and input devices 14 such as a touch screen and buttons. The media player 10C typically includes a display 12 such as a character or graphic display, and input devices 14 such as buttons or wheels. The iPod® brand media player manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. is one example of a media player that includes both a display and input devices disposed next to the display. The remote control 10D typically includes an input device 14 such as a keypad and may or may not have a character display 12. The camera 10E typically includes a display 12 such as a graphic display and input devices 14 such as buttons. The GPS module 10F typically includes a display 12 such as graphic display and input devices 14 such as buttons, and in some cases a navigation pad. The laptop computer 10G typically includes a display 12 such as a graphic display, and input devices 14 such as a keyboard, a touchpad and in some cases a joystick. The iBook® brand notebook computer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. is one example of a laptop computer that includes both a display and input devices disposed next to the display (e.g., in a base). The stereo 10H typically includes a display 12 such as a character display, and input devices such as buttons and dials. The fax machine 10I typically includes a display 12 such as a character display, and input devices 14 such as a number pad and one or more buttons.
Although the user interface arrangements described above work well, improved user interface devices, particularly ones that can reduce the amount of real estate required and/or ones that can reduce or eliminate input devices, are desired. By reducing or eliminating the input devices, the display of the electronic device can be maximized within the user interface portion of the electronic device, or alternatively the electronic device can be minimized to the size of the display.
There also exists today many styles of input devices for performing operations on consumer electronic devices. The operations generally correspond to moving a cursor and making selections on a display screen. By way of example, the input devices may include buttons, switches, keyboards, mice, trackballs, touch pads, joy sticks, touch screens and the like. Each of these input devices has advantages and disadvantages that are taken into account when designing the consumer electronic device. In handheld computing devices, the input devices are generally selected from buttons and switches. Buttons and switches are generally mechanical in nature and provide limited control with regards to the movement of a cursor (or other selector) and making selections. For example, they are generally dedicated to moving the cursor in a specific direction (e.g., arrow keys) or to making specific selections (e.g., enter, delete, number, etc.). In the case of hand-held personal digital assistants (PDA), the input devices tend to utilize touch-sensitive display screens. When using a touch screen, a user makes a selection on the display screen by pointing directly to objects on the screen using a stylus or finger.
In portable computing devices such as laptop computers, the input devices are commonly touch pads. With a touch pad, the movement of an input pointer (i.e., cursor) corresponds to the relative movements of the user's finger (or stylus) as the finger is moved along a surface of the touch pad. Touch pads can also make a selection on the display screen when one or more taps are detected on the surface of the touch pad. In some cases, any portion of the touch pad may be tapped, and in other cases a dedicated portion of the touch pad may be tapped. In stationary devices such as desktop computers, the input devices are generally selected from mice and trackballs. With a mouse, the movement of the input pointer corresponds to the relative movements of the mouse as the user moves the mouse along a surface. With a trackball, the movement of the input pointer corresponds to the relative movements of a ball as the user rotates the ball within a housing. Both mice and trackballs generally include one or more buttons for making selections on the display screen.
In addition to allowing input pointer movements and selections with respect to a GUI presented on a display screen, the input devices may also allow a user to scroll across the display screen in the horizontal or vertical directions. For example, mice may include a scroll wheel that allows a user to simply roll the scroll wheel forward or backward to perform a scroll action. In addition, touch pads may provide dedicated active areas that implement scrolling when the user passes his or her finger linearly across the active area in the x and y directions. Both devices may also implement scrolling via horizontal and vertical scroll bars as part of the GUI. Using this technique, scrolling is implemented by positioning the input pointer over the desired scroll bar, selecting the desired scroll bar, and moving the scroll bar by moving the mouse or finger in the y direction (forwards and backwards) for vertical scrolling or in the x direction (left and right) for horizontal scrolling.
With regards to touch pads, mice and track balls, a Cartesian coordinate system is used to monitor the position of the finger, mouse and ball, respectively, as they are moved. The Cartesian coordinate system is generally defined as a two dimensional coordinate system (x, y) in which the coordinates of a point (e.g., position of finger, mouse or ball) are its distances from two intersecting, often perpendicular straight lines, the distance from each being measured along a straight line parallel to each other. For example, the x, y positions of the mouse, ball and finger may be monitored. The x, y positions are then used to correspondingly locate and move the input pointer on the display screen.
To elaborate further, touch pads generally include one or more sensors for detecting the proximity of the finger thereto. By way of example, the sensors may be based on resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave sensing, pressure sensing, optical sensing, capacitive sensing and the like. The sensors are generally dispersed about the touch pad with each sensor representing an x, y position. In most cases, the sensors are arranged in a grid of columns and rows. Distinct x and y position signals, which control the x, y movement of a pointer device on the display screen, are thus generated when a finger is moved across the grid of sensors within the touch pad. For brevity sake, the remaining discussion will be held to the discussion of capacitive sensing technologies. It should be noted, however, that the other technologies have similar features.
Capacitive sensing touch pads generally contain several layers of material. For example, the touch pad may include a protective shield, one or more electrode layers and a circuit board. The protective shield typically covers the electrode layer(s), and the electrode layer(s) is generally disposed on a front side of the circuit board. As is generally well known, the protective shield is the part of the touch pad that is touched by the user to implement cursor movements on a display screen. The electrode layer(s), on the other hand, is used to interpret the x, y position of the user's finger when the user's finger is resting or moving on the protective shield. The electrode layer (s) typically consists of a plurality of electrodes that are positioned in columns and rows so as to form a grid array. The columns and rows are generally based on the Cartesian coordinate system and thus the rows and columns correspond to the x and y directions.
The touch pad may also include sensing electronics for detecting signals associated with the electrodes. For example, the sensing electronics may be adapted to detect the change in capacitance at each of the electrodes as the finger passes over the grid. The sensing electronics are generally located on the backside of the circuit board. By way of example, the sensing electronics may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is configured to measure the amount of capacitance in each of the electrodes and to compute the position of finger movement based on the capacitance in each of the electrodes. The ASIC may also be configured to report this information to the computing device.
Referring to
The invention relates to an actuating user interface for a media player or other electronic device. According to a first aspect, the invention relates, in one embodiment, to an integral input/output device. The integral input/output device includes a display that moves relative to a frame or housing. The integral input/output device also includes a movement detection mechanism configured to generate signals when the display is moved. The signals are indicative of at least one predetermined movement of the display. The invention relates, in another embodiment, to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing. The electronic device also includes a movable display apparatus constrained within the housing, wherein physically moving the movable display apparatus within the housing operates to signal at least one user input.
According to a second aspect, the invention relates, in one embodiment, to an input device. The input device, in one embodiment, includes a touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto. More particularly, the invention relates to a touch pad capable of moving in order to increase the functionality of the touch pad. For example, the touch pad may be depressible so as to provide additional button functionality. In one embodiment, the input device includes a movable touch pad configured to generate a first control signal when the movable touchpad is moved and a second control signal when an object is positioned over the movable touchpad.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a display apparatus that both displays visual information and serves as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals. That is, the display apparatus is not only an output device, but also a mechanically actuated input device. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the display apparatus can be referred to as a display actuator. By way of example, the display apparatus, which displays visual information such as text, characters and/or graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device (such as a joystick or navigation pad), and/or the like. The display apparatus may be incorporated into any electronic device to control various aspects of the electronic device. Alternatively, the display apparatus may be a stand alone device that operatively couples to an electronic device through wired or wireless connections. For example, the display apparatus may be a peripheral input/output device that connects to a personal computer. In either case, the display apparatus can be configured to generate commands, make selections and/or control movements in a display.
Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are discussed below with reference to
The display 52, which again is configured to display text, characters and/or graphics via one or more display signals, is typically selected from flat panel devices although this is not a requirement and other types of displays may be utilized. Flat panel devices typically provide a rigid planar platform, which is robust and which makes for easy manipulation thereof. By way of example, the display 52 may correspond to a liquid crystal display (LCD) such as character LCDs that are capable of presenting text and symbols or graphical LCDs that are capable of presenting images, video, and graphical user interfaces (GUI). Alternatively, the display 52 may correspond to a display based on organic light emitting diodes (OLED), or a display that is based on electronic inks. More alternatively, the display may be based on plasma and DLP technologies.
The movements of the display 52 may be widely varied. For example, the movable display 52 may be configured to translate, slide, pivot, and/or rotate relative to the frame 54. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the movements shown in
In order to produce the various movements, the display 52 may be coupled to the frame 54 through various axles, pivot joints, slider joints, ball and socket joints, flexure joints, magnetic joints, roller joints, and/or the like. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, an axle may be used in the embodiment shown in
Furthermore, in order to generate signals indicative of the movements, the detection mechanism 56 generally includes one or more movement indicators 57 such as switches, sensors, encoders, and/or the like as well as input control circuitry 59. In one embodiment, the input control circuitry 59 can be embodied in an integrated circuit chip, such as an ASIC. These devices, which can be directly attached to the frame 54 or indirectly through for example a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The devices may also be placed underneath the display 52 or at the sides of the display 52 in order to monitor the movements of the display 52. Alternatively or additionally, these devices may be attached to the display 52 or some component of the display 52. The movement indicators 57 may be any combination of switches, sensors, encoders, etc.
Switches are generally configured to provide pulsed or binary data such as activate (on) or deactivate (off). By way of example, an underside portion of the display 52 may be configured to contact or engage (and thus activate) a switch when the user presses on the display 52. Sensors are generally configured to provide continuous or analog data. By way of example, the sensor may be configured to continuously measure the position or the amount of tilt of the display 52 relative to the frame 54 when a user presses on the display 52. Encoders, on the other hand, typically utilize one or more switches or sensors to measure rotation, for example, rotation of the display 52.
Any suitable mechanical, electrical and/or optical switch, sensor or encoder may be used. For example, tact switches, force sensitive resistors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, infrared sensors, mechanical or optical encoders and/or the like may be used in any of the arrangement described above.
Referring to
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To elaborate, touch screens allow a user to make selections and/or move a cursor by simply touching the display screen via a finger or stylus. For example, a user may make a selection by pointing directly to a graphical object displayed on the display screen. The graphical object may for example correspond to an on-screen button for performing specific actions in the electronic device. In general, the touch screen recognizes the touch and position of the touch on the display and a controller of the electronic device interprets the touch and thereafter performs an action based on the touch event. There are several types of touch screen technologies including resistive, capacitive, infrared and surface acoustic wave.
In one particular embodiment, the touch screen is a capacitive touch screen that is divided into several independent and spatially distinct sensing points, nodes or regions that are positioned throughout the touch screen. The sensing points, which are typically hidden from view (transparent), are dispersed about the touch screen with each sensing point representing a different position on the surface of the touch screen (or touch screen plane). The sensing points may be positioned in a grid or a pixel array where each pixilated sensing point is capable of generating a signal. In the simplest case, a signal is produced each time an object is positioned over a sensing point. When an object is placed over multiple sensing points or when the object is moved between or over multiple sensing point, multiple signals can be generated. As should be appreciated, the sensing points generally map the touch screen plane into a coordinate system such as a Cartesian coordinate system a Polar coordinate system or some other coordinate system.
As shown in
In some cases, the display is configured to display information associated with the actuator portion of the display. For example, it may present information indicating how to use the actuator or what function the actuator will implement when the display is moved. The information is typically only presented in the region of relevance. For example, if a forward tilt produces a menu command, then the display may present a title “MENU” in the location of where the forward tilt is implemented. Alternatively, the display may present selectable icons in the region where the actuator will affect selection of one or more of the icons.
Referring to all the previous Figures, the display actuator 50, which includes both input and output functionality, is typically connected to an electronic device. The display actuator 50 may be a stand alone unit that is operatively coupled to the electronic device through wired or wireless connections. Alternatively, the display actuator 50 may be integrated into the electronic device, i.e., it is a permanent fixture of the electronic device. When a stand alone unit, the display actuator 50 typically has its own enclosure and can be considered a peripheral input device, such as a keyboard or mouse. When integrated with an electronic device, the display actuator 50 typically uses the enclosure of the electronic device and can be considered a permanent fixture of the electronic device.
The electronic device may correspond to any consumer related electronic product. By way of example, the electronic device may correspond to computers such as desktop computers, laptop computers or PDAs, media players such as music players, photo players or video players, communication devices such as telephones, cellular phones or mobile radios, peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, and printers, cameras such as still cameras and video cameras, GPS modules, remote controls, car displays, audio/visual equipment such as televisions, radios, stereos, office equipment such a fax machines and teleconference modules, and the like.
In essence, the display actuator 50 can be integrated with any electronic device that requires an input means such as buttons, switches, keys, dials, wheels, joysticks/pads, etc. In fact, the display actuator 50 can in some instances completely replace all other input means (as well as output) of the electronic device. By way of example, the display and buttons of the media player shown in
According to one embodiment, one of the advantages of the display actuator 50 is that because the display provides user inputs, conventional user input means on electronic devices having displays can be substantially eliminated. Furthermore, the size of the display 52 can be maximized since the real estate is no longer needed for the conventional input means. For example, the display 52 can be configured to substantially fill the entire user interface portion of a hand-held electronic device without impairing the user input functionality. Alternatively, the hand-held electronic device can be minimized to the size of the display 52. In either case, the display 52 is allowed to utilize a greater amount of the real estate of the electronic device.
The clicking actions are arranged to actuate one or more movement indicators contained inside the housing 106. That is, a particular button zone 108 moving from a first position (e.g., upright) to a second position (e.g., tilted) is caused to actuate a movement indicator. The movement indicators are configured to detect movements of display device 104 during the clicking action and to send signals corresponding to the movements to a controller of the electronic device. By way of example, the movement indicators may be switches, sensors and/or the like. In most cases, there is a movement indicator for each button zone. It should be noted, however, that this is not a limitation and that button zones do not necessarily require their own movement indicator. For example, a virtual button zone disposed between adjacent button zones can be created when two movement indicators associated with the adjacent button zones are activated at the same time. Using this technique, the four button zones shown in
The tilt of the display device 104 can be provided by a variety of different mechanisms including, for example, ball and socket arrangements, pivot pin arrangements, flexure arrangements, gimbal arrangements and the like. Each of these mechanisms allows the display device 104 to at least pivot about a first axis 110 so that the display device 104 can be tilted in the region of button zones 108A and 108D, and about a second axis 112 so that the display device 104 can be tilted in the region of button zones 108B and 108C.
The transparent cover 134, which may be formed from a clear plastic material, may be part of the touch screen 130 or it may be a separate component. Furthermore, the platform 132, which is formed from a rigid material such as plastic or steel, may be a part of the display 128 or it may be a separate component. The platform 132 is primarily configured to help form a rigid structure to prevent bowing and flexing of the display device. The platform 132 may also include a printed circuit board to aid the connectivity of the devices coupled thereto. In some cases, all the elements of the display device 122 are attached together to form an integrated stacked unit. In other cases, the cover 134 and platform 132 are configured to encase the display 128 and touch screen 130. In fact, in cases such as this, the cover 134 may be configured to distribute a majority of the load exerted on the display device 122 to the platform 132 thereby protecting the display 128 and touch screen 130.
In order to generate input signals based on movements of the display device 122, the electronic device 120 further includes one or more mechanical switches 140 disposed between the display device 122 and the housing 124. The mechanical switches 140 include actuators 142 that generate input signals when depressed by movement of the display device 122. For example, tilting the display device 122 in the region of a mechanical switch 140 compresses the actuator 142 thereby generating input signals. In most cases, the actuators 142 are spring biased so that they extend away from the switch 140 and bias the display device 122 in the upright position. The mechanical switches 140 may be attached to the housing 124 or to the display device 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical switches 140 are attached to the backside of the display device 122, for example, at the platform 132. As such, the mechanical switches 140 and more particularly the actuators 142 act as legs for supporting the display device 122 in its upright position within the housing 124 (i.e., the actuators rest on the housing or some component mounted to the housing as for example a PCB). By way of example, the mechanical switches may correspond to tact switches and more particularly, enclosed SMT dome switches (dome switch packaged for SMT).
To elaborate further, the display device 122 is movably restrained within a cavity 144 provided in the housing 124. That is, the display device 122 is capable of moving within the cavity 144 while still being prevented from moving entirely out of the cavity 144 via the walls of the housing 124. In essence, the display device 122 floats in space relative to the housing 124 while still being constrained thereto (the display device is not attached to the housing). This is sometimes referred to as a gimbal.
As shown, the display device 122 is surrounded by side walls 146, a top wall 148 and bottom wall 150. The side walls 146 are configured to substantially prevent movements in the x and y directions as well as rotations about the z axis (e.g., excluding a small gap that allows a slight amount of play in order to prevent the display from binding with the housing during the tilting action). The top and bottom walls 148 and 150, however, are configured to allow movement (although limited) in the z direction as well as rotation about the x and y axis in order to provide the tilting action. That is, while the top and bottom walls 148 and 150 may constrain the display device 122 to the cavity 144, they also provide enough room for the display device 122 to tilt in order to depress the actuator 142 of the mechanical switches 140. Furthermore, the spring force provided by the mechanical switches 140 places the top surface of the display device 122 into mating engagement with the bottom surface of the top wall 148 of the housing 124 (e.g., upright position). When upright, the display device 122 may be flush with the outer peripheral surface of the housing 124 (as shown), or it may be recessed below the outer peripheral surface of the housing 124. It is generally believed that a flush mounted display is more aesthetically pleasing.
Referring to
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By way of example, and referring to
Alternatively or additionally, the buttons zones 108A-108D may be associated with arrow keys such that the actuation of the first button zone 108A initiates upward motion in the display 102, the actuation of the second button zone 108B initiates left side motion in the display 102, the actuation of the third button zone 108C initiates right side motion in the display 102, and the actuation of the fourth button zone 108D initiates downward motion in the display 102. This arrangement may be used to implement cursor control, selector control, scrolling, panning and the like.
When the display device 122 is depressed at a particular button zone (overcoming the spring force), the display device 122 moves into contact with one or more switches 164 positioned underneath the button zone of the display device 122. Upon contact, the switch 164 generates a button signal. The switch 164 may be attached to the display device 122 or the housing 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 164 is attached to the housing 124. In some cases, a seal 166 may be provided to eliminate crack and gaps found between the display device 122 and the housing 124 when the display device is tilted. The spring element 162 may be widely varied. For example, it may be formed from one or more conventional springs, pistons, magnets or compliant members. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 162 takes the form of a compliant bumper formed from rubber or foam.
The clicking actions are arranged to actuate one or more movement indicators contained inside the housing 204. That is, display device 202 moving from a center position to a side position is caused to actuate a movement indicator. The movement indicators are configured to detect movements of display device 202 during the clicking action and to send signals corresponding to the movements to a controller of the electronic device 200. By way of example, the movement indicators may be switches, sensors and/or the like.
The sliding action of the display device 202 can be provided by a variety of different mechanisms including for example channel arrangements, roller arrangements, and the like. Each of these mechanisms allows the display device to at least slide in the direction of the arrows A-D, and in some cases may also allow the display device to slide in the x-y plane.
The transparent cover 234, which may be formed from a clear plastic material, may be part of the touch screen 230 or it may be a separate component. Furthermore, the platform 232, which is formed from a rigid material such as plastic or steel, may be a part of the display 228 or it may be a separate component. The platform 232 is primarily configured to help form a rigid structure to prevent bowing and flexing of the display device 222. In some cases, all the elements of the display device 222 are attached together to form an integrated stacked unit. In other cases, the cover 234 and platform 232 are configured to encase the display 228 and touch screen 230. In fact, in cases such as this, the cover 234 may be configured to distribute a majority of the load exerted on the display device 222 to the platform 232 thereby protecting the display 228 and touch screen 230.
In order to produce the sliding action, the display device 222 is disposed within a channel 240. The width of the channel 240 is generally sized and dimension to receive the ends of the display device 222 and the depth of the channel 240 is generally sized to constrain the display device 222 to the housing 224 while leaving room for sliding movement. As shown, the channel 240 is formed by a top wall 242 of the housing 224 and a lower support structure 244 that protrudes away from the side wall 246 of the housing 224. The lower support structure 244 may span the entire length of the housing 224 from side to side or it may only span a partial length (as shown). Furthermore, the lower support structure 244 may be an integral component of the housing 224 (as shown) or it may be a separate component attached thereto. Alternatively, only the platform may be disposed within the channel.
The top surface of the lower support structure 244 may include a frictionless or low friction surface to enhance the sliding action and preventing sticktion between the display device 222 and the lower support structure 244 when the display device 222 is slid therebetween. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom surface of the display device 222 may also include a frictionless or low friction surface. Alternatively or additionally, the top surface of the display device in the location of the channel and/or the bottom surface of the top wall 242 may include a frictionless or low friction surface. By way of example, the frictionless or low friction surface may be formed from frictionless or low friction material such as Teflon®. Alternatively, roller bearings may be used.
In most cases, the display device 222 is suspended within the channel 240 via one or more spring elements 250. The spring elements 250 are disposed between the sides of the display device 222 and the side walls of the housing 224. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a spring element 250 located at each of the sides of the display device 222. In most cases, the spring elements 250 are centered relative to the display device 222 so that the forces exerted by each spring elements 250 on the display device 222 are equally balanced. In essence, the spring elements 250 bias the display device 222 so that the display device 222 is centered relative to the opening 226 in the top wall 242. In order to slide the display device 222 from the center position to one of the side positions, the biasing force provided by the spring elements 250 must be overcome.
In order to generate input signals based on movements of the display device 222, the electronic device 220 further includes one or more sensors 252, such as force sensitive resistors (FSR), strain gauges or load cells, disposed between the display device 222 and the housing 224 in the location of the spring elements 250. These types of sensors 252 monitor the pressure exerted on them by the moving display device 222, and control circuitry generates signals when the force reaches a predetermined limit. By way of example, sliding the display device 222 towards the FSR sensor 252 compresses the FSR sensor 252 and as a result input signals are generated. The sensor 252 may be attached to the housing 224 or to the display device 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 252 are attached to the housing 224 between the spring element 250 and the housing 224.
Referring to
In most cases, the processor 356 together with an operating system operates to execute computer code and produce and use data. The operating system may correspond to well known operating systems such as OS/2, DOS, Unix, Linux, and Palm OS, or alternatively to special purpose operating system, such as those used for limited purpose appliance-type devices (e.g., media players). The operating system, other computer code and data may reside within a memory block 358 that is operatively coupled to the processor 356. Memory block 358 generally provides a place to store computer code and data that are used by the electronic device 350. By way of example, the memory block 358 may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive and/or the like.
The electronic device 350 also includes a movable display 368 that is operatively coupled to the processor 356. The display 368 is generally configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides an easy to use interface between a user of the electronic device 350 and the operating system or application running thereon. The display 368 may for example be a liquid crystal display (LCD).
The electronic device 350 also includes a touch screen 370 that is operatively coupled to the processor 356. The touch screen 370 is configured to transfer data from the outside world into the electronic device 350. The touch screen 370 may for example be used to perform tracking and to make selections with respect to the GUI on the display 368. The touch screen 370 may also be used to issue commands in the electronic device 350.
The touch screen 370, which is positioned in front of the display 368, recognizes touches, as well as the position and magnitude of touches on a touch sensitive surface. The touch screen 370 reports the touches to the processor 356 and the processor 356 interprets the touches in accordance with its programming. For example, the processor 356 may initiate a task in accordance with a particular touch. A dedicated processor can be used to process touches locally and reduce demand for the main processor of the electronic device.
The touch screen 370 may be based on sensing technologies including but not limited to capacitive sensing, resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave sensing, and/or the like. Furthermore, the touch screen may be based on single point sensing or multipoint sensing. Single point sensing is capable of only distinguishing a single touch, while multipoint sensing is capable of distinguishing multiple touches that occur at the same time. By way of example, a touch screen which can be used herein is shown and described in greater detail in copending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862, titled “MULTIPOINT TOUCHSCREEN,” filed on May 6, 2004 and published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0097991, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
In some cases, the electronic device 350 may be designed to recognize gestures applied to the touch screen 370 and to control aspects of the electronic device 350 based on the gestures. Generally speaking, a gesture is defined as a stylized interaction with an input device that is mapped to one or more specific computing operations. The gestures may be made through various hand, and more particularly finger motions. Alternatively or additionally, the gestures may be made with a stylus. In all of these cases, the touch screen 370 receives the gestures and the processor 356 executes instructions to carry out operations associated with the gestures. In addition, the memory block 358 may include a gesture operational program, which may be part of the operating system or a separate application. The gestural operation program generally includes a set of instructions that recognizes the occurrence of gestures and informs one or more software agents of the gestures and/or what action(s) to take in response to the gestures. By way of example, gesture methods, which can be used herein, are shown and described in greater detail in copending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,964, titled “GESTURES FOR TOUCH SENSITIVE INPUT DEVICES,” filed on Jul. 30, 2004 and published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0026521, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
The electronic device 350 also includes a detection mechanism 380 that is operatively coupled to the processor 356. The detection mechanism 380, utilizing movement indicators 382 such as switches and sensors, is configured to monitor movements of the display 368 or some component thereof (e.g., cover), and to send signals indicative of the movements to the processor 356, which interprets the signals in accordance with its programming. In some cases, a dedicated processor can be used to process the movement signals and reduce demand for the main processor of the electronic device.
As mentioned above, the movable display 368 is configured to mimic a mechanical actuator such as a clickable button, a sliding switch or a joystick. The display region of the electronic device 350 can therefore be used to transfer data from the outside world into the electronic device 350. The display region may for example be used to issue commands in the electronic device 350 or control motion and make selections with respect to the GUI on the display 368.
In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the electronic devices described above correspond to hand-held electronic devices with small form factors. As used herein, the term “hand held” means that the electronic device is typically operated while being held in a hand and thus the device is sized and dimension for such use. Examples of hand held devices include PDAs, Cellular Phones, Media players (e.g., music players, video players, game players), Cameras, GPS receivers, Remote Controls, and the like.
Hand held electronic devices may be directed at one-handed operation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operations with the user interface during use. Cellular phones such as handsets, and media players such as music players are examples of hand held devices that can be operated solely with one hand. In either case, a user may grasp the device in one hand between the fingers and the palm and use the thumb to make entries using keys, buttons or a navigation pad. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform operations during use. PDA's and game players are examples of hand held device that are typically operated with two hands. In the case of the PDA, for example, the user may grasp the device with one hand and make entries using the other hand, as for example using a stylus. In the case of the game player, the user typically grasps the device in both hands and makes entries using either or both hands while holding the device.
The display actuator of the present invention is a perfect fit for small form factor devices such as hand held devices, which have limited space available for input interfaces, and which require central placement of input interfaces to permit operation while being carried around. This is especially true when you consider that the functionality of handheld devices have begun to merge into a single hand held device (e.g., smart phones). At some point, there is not enough real estate on the device for housing all the necessary buttons and switches without decreasing the size of the display or increasing the size of the device, both of which leave a negative impression on the user. In fact, increasing the size of the device may lead to devices, which are no longer considered “hand-held.”
When the display is incorporated into the hand held device (e.g., integrated into the device housing), the display presents the visual information associated with the hand-held electronic device, while the mechanical action of the display and possibly the touch sensitivity of the touch screen provides the input means necessary to interact with the hand-held electronic device. The display actuator can therefore reduce the number of input devices needed to support the device and in many cases completely eliminate input devices other than the display actuator. As a result, the hand-held electronic device may appear to only have a display and no input means (or very few). The device is therefore more aesthetically pleasing (e.g., smooth surface with no breaks gaps or lines), and in many cases can be made smaller without sacrificing screen size and input functionality, which is very beneficial for hand-held electronic device especially those hand-held electronic device that are operated using one hand (some hand-held electronic device require two handed operation while others do not). Alternatively, the screen size can be made larger without affecting the size of the device and input functionality, i.e., the display can be made to substantially fill the entire front surface of the hand held device.
In one particular implementation, the hand held device is a music player and the display actuator is configured to substantially fill the entire front surface of the music player. The display actuator is the primary input means of the music player and in some cases is the only input means. Furthermore, the display actuator is configured to generate control signals associated with a music player. For example, the display actuator may include button functions including, Select, Play/Pause, Next, Previous and Menu. Alternatively or additionally, the button functions may include volume up and volume down.
While this aspect of the invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
According to a second aspect, the invention relates, in one embodiment, to an input device. The input device, in one embodiment, includes a touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto. More particularly, the invention relates to a touch pad capable of moving in order to increase the functionality of the touch pad. For example, the touch pad may be depressible so as to provide additional button functionality. In one embodiment, the input device includes a movable touch pad configured to generate a first control signal when the movable touchpad is moved and a second control signal when an object is positioned over the movable touchpad.
Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention are discussed below with reference to
As shown in
The touch pad 434 provides an intuitive interface configured to provide one or more control functions for controlling various applications associated with the electronic device to which it is attached. By way of example, the touch initiated control function may be used to move an object or perform an action on the display screen or to make selections or issue commands associated with operating the electronic device. In order to implement the touch initiated control function, the touch pad 434 may be arranged to receive input from a finger (or object) moving across the surface of the touch pad 434 (e.g., linearly, radially, rotary, etc.), from a finger holding a particular position on the touch pad 434 and/or by a finger tapping on a particular position of the touch pad 434. As should be appreciated, the touch pad 434 provides easy one-handed operation, i.e., lets a user interact with the electronic device with one or more fingers.
The touch pad 434 may be widely varied. For example, the touch pad 434 may be a conventional touch pad based on the Cartesian coordinate system, or the touch pad 434 may be a touch pad based on a Polar coordinate system. An example of a touch pad based on polar coordinates may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/188,182, entitled “TOUCH PAD FOR HANDHELD DEVICE,” filed Jul. 1, 2002 and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0076306, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. Furthermore, the touch pad 434 may be used in a relative and/or absolute mode. In absolute mode, the touch pad 434 reports the absolute coordinates of where it is being touched. For example x, y in the case of the Cartesian coordinate system or (r, θ) in the case of the Polar coordinate system. In relative mode, the touch pad 434 reports the direction and/or distance of change, for example, left/right, up/down, and the like. In most cases, the signals produced by the touch pad 434 direct motion on the display screen in a direction similar to the direction of the finger as it is moved across the surface of the touch pad 434.
The shape of the touch pad 434 may be widely varied. For example, the touch pad 434 may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, and the like. In general, the outer perimeter of the touch pad 434 defines the working boundary of the touch pad 434. In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad is circular. Circular touch pads allow a user to continuously swirl a finger in a free manner, i.e., the finger can be rotated through 360 degrees of rotation without stopping. Furthermore, the user can rotate his or her finger tangentially from all sides thus giving it more range of finger positions. Both of these features may help when performing a scrolling function. Furthermore, the size of the touch pad 434 generally corresponds to a size that allows them to be easily manipulated by a user (e.g., the size of a finger tip or larger).
The touch pad 434, which generally takes the form of a rigid planar platform, includes a touchable outer surface 436 for receiving a finger (or object) for manipulation of the touch pad. Although not shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad 434 is based on capacitive sensing. As is generally well known, a capacitively based touch pad is arranged to detect changes in capacitance as the user moves an object such as a finger around the touch pad. In most cases, the capacitive touch pad includes a protective shield, one or more electrode layers, a circuit board and associated electronics including an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The protective shield is placed over the electrodes; the electrodes are mounted on the top surface of the circuit board; and the ASIC is mounted on the bottom surface of the circuit board. The protective shield serves to protect the underlayers and to provide a surface for allowing a finger to slide thereon. The surface is generally smooth so that the finger does not stick to it when moved. The protective shield also provides an insulating layer between the finger and the electrode layers. The electrode layer includes a plurality of spatially distinct electrodes. Any suitable number of electrodes may be used. In most cases, it would be desirable to increase the number of electrodes so as to provide higher resolution, i.e., more information can be used for things such as acceleration.
Capacitive sensing works according to the principals of capacitance. As should be appreciated, whenever two electrically conductive members come close to one another without actually touching, their electric fields interact to form capacitance. In the configuration discussed above, the first electrically conductive member is one or more of the electrodes and the second electrically conductive member is the finger of the user. Accordingly, as the finger approaches the touch pad, a tiny capacitance forms between the finger and the electrodes in close proximity to the finger. The capacitance in each of the electrodes is measured by ASIC located on the backside of the circuit board. By detecting changes in capacitance at each of the electrodes, the ASIC can determine the location, direction, speed and acceleration of the finger as it is moved across the touch pad. The ASIC can also report this information in a form that can be used by the electronic device.
In accordance with one embodiment, the touch pad 434 is movable relative to the frame 432 so as to initiate another set of signals (other than just tracking signals). By way of example, the touch pad 434 in the form of the rigid planar platform may rotate, pivot, slide, translate, flex and/or the like relative to the frame 432. The touch pad 434 may be coupled to the frame 432 and/or it may be movably restrained by the frame 432. By way of example, the touch pad 434 may be coupled to the frame 432 through axles, pin joints, slider joints, ball and socket joints, flexure joints, magnets, cushions and/or the like. The touch pad 434 may also float within a space of the frame (e.g., gimbal). It should be noted that the input device 430 may additionally include a combination of joints such as a pivot/translating joint, pivot/flexure joint, pivot/ball and socket joint, translating/flexure joint, and the like to increase the range of motion (e.g., increase the degree of freedom). When moved, the touch pad 434 is configured to actuate a circuit that generates one or more signals. The circuit generally includes one or more movement indicators such as switches, sensors, encoders, and the like. An example of a rotating platform which can be modified to include a touch pad may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/072,765, entitled “MOUSE HAVING A ROTARY DIAL,” filed Feb. 7, 2002 and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0076303, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.
In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad 434 takes the form of a depressible button that performs one or more mechanical clicking actions. That is, a portion or the entire touch pad 434 acts like a single or multiple button such that one or more additional button functions may be implemented by pressing on the touch pad 434 rather tapping on the touch pad or using a separate button. As shown in
As shown in
To elaborate, the touch pad 434 is configured to actuate one or more movement indicators, which are capable of generating the button signal, when the touch pad 434 is moved to the depressed position. The movement indicators are typically located within the frame 432 and may be coupled to the touch pad 434 and/or the frame 432. The movement indicators may be any combination of switches and sensors. Switches are generally configured to provide pulsed or binary data such as activate (on) or deactivate (off). By way of example, an underside portion of the touch pad 434 may be configured to contact or engage (and thus activate) a switch when the user presses on the touch pad 434. The sensors, on the other hand, are generally configured to provide continuous or analog data. By way of example, the sensor may be configured to measure the position or the amount of tilt of the touch pad 434 relative to the frame when a user presses on the touch pad 434. Any suitable mechanical, electrical and/or optical switch or sensor may be used. For example, tact switches, force sensitive resistors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, and the like may be used. In some case, the spring bias for placing the touch pad 434 in the upright position is provided by a movement indicator that includes a spring action.
Both the touch pad 444 and the switch 446 are operatively coupled to the computing device 442 through a communication interface 454. The communication interface provides a connection point for direct or indirect connection between the input device and the electronic device. The communication interface 454 may be wired (wires, cables, connectors) or wireless (e.g., transmitter/receiver).
Referring to the computing device 442, the computing device 442 generally includes a processor 454 (e.g., CPU or microprocessor) configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the computing device 442. For example, using instructions retrieved for example from memory, the processor may control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of the computing device 442. In most cases, the processor 454 executes instruction under the control of an operating system or other software. The processor 454 can be a single-chip processor or can be implemented with multiple components.
The computing device 442 also includes an input/output (I/O) controller 456 that is operatively coupled to the processor 454. The (I/O) controller 456 may be integrated with the processor 454 or it may be a separate component as shown. The I/O controller 456 is generally configured to control interactions with one or more I/O devices that can be coupled to the computing device 442 as for example the input device 440. The I/O controller 456 generally operates by exchanging data between the computing device 442 and I/O devices that desire to communicate with the computing device 442.
The computing device 442 also includes a display controller 458 that is operatively coupled to the processor 454. The display controller 458 may be integrated with the processor 454 or it may be a separate component as shown. The display controller 458 is configured to process display commands to produce text and graphics on a display screen 460. By way of example, the display screen 460 may be a monochrome display, color graphics adapter (CGA) display, enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) display, variable'-graphics-array (VGA) display, super VGA display, liquid crystal display (e.g., active matrix, passive matrix and the like), cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma displays and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the display device corresponds to a liquid crystal display (LCD).
In most cases, the processor 454 together with an operating system operates to execute computer code and produce and use data. The computer code and data may reside within a program storage area 462 that is operatively coupled to the processor 454. Program storage area 462 generally provides a place to hold data that is being used by the computing device 442. By way of example, the program storage area may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive and/or the like. The computer code and data could also reside on a removable program medium and loaded or installed onto the computing device when needed. In one embodiment, program storage area 462 is configured to store information for controlling how the tracking and button signals generated by the input device are used by the computing device 442.
As should be appreciated, the button functions generated by pressing on each button zone may include selecting an item on the screen, opening a file or document, executing instructions, starting a program, viewing a menu, and/or the like. The button functions may also include functions that make it easier to navigate through the electronic system, as for example, zoom, scroll, open different menus, home the input pointer, perform keyboard related actions such as enter, delete, insert, page up/down, and the like. In the case of a music player, one of the button zones may be used to access a menu on the display screen, a second button zone may be used to seek forward through a list of songs or fast forward through a currently played song, a third button zone may be used to seek backwards through a list of songs or fast rearward through a currently played song, and a fourth button zone may be used to pause or stop a song that is being played.
To elaborate, the touch pad 472 is capable of moving relative to a frame 476 so as to create a clicking action for each of the button zones 474 (i.e., zones A-D). The frame 476 may be formed from a single component or it may be a combination of assembled components. The clicking actions are generally arranged to actuate one or more movement indicators contained inside the frame 476. That is, a particular button zone moving from a first position (e.g., upright) to a second position (e.g., depressed) is caused to actuate a movement indicator. The movement indicators are configured to sense movements of the button zones during the clicking action and to send signals corresponding to the movements to the electronic device. By way of example, the movement indicators may be switches, sensors and/or the like.
The arrangement of movement indicators may be widely varied. In one embodiment, the input device may include a movement indicator for each button zone 474. That is, there may be a movement indicator corresponding to every button zone 474. For example, if there are two button zones, then there will be two movement indicators. In another embodiment, the movement indicators may be arranged in a manner that simulates the existence of a movement indicator for each button zone 474. For example, two movement indicators may be used to form three button zones. In another embodiment, the movement indicators may be configured to form larger or smaller button zones. By way of example, this may be accomplished by careful positioning of the movement indicators or by using more than one movement indicator for each button zone. It should be noted that the above embodiments are not a limitation and that the arrangement of movement indicators may vary according to the specific needs of each device.
The movements of each of the button zones 474 may be provided by various rotations, pivots, translations, flexes and the like. In one embodiment, the touch pad 472 is configured to gimbal relative to the frame 476 so as to generate clicking actions for each of the button zones. By gimbal, it is generally meant that the touch pad 472 is able to float in space relative to the frame 476 while still being constrained thereto. The gimbal may allow the touch pad 472 to move in single or multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) relative to the housing. For example, movements in the x, y and/or z directions and/or rotations about the x, y, and/or z axes (θx, θy, θz).
Referring to
As shown in
The movement indicators 478 may be widely varied, however, in this embodiment they take the form of mechanical switches. The mechanical switches 478 are typically disposed between the platform 480 and the frame 476. The mechanical switches 478 may be attached to the frame 476 or to the platform 480. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical switches 478 are attached to the backside of the circuit board 484 of the platform 480 thus forming an integrated unit. They are generally attached in a location that places them beneath the appropriate button zone 474. As shown, the mechanical switches 478 include actuators 490 that are spring biased so that they extend away from the circuit board 484. As such, the mechanical switches 478 act as legs for supporting the touch pad 472 in its upright position within the frame 476 (i.e., the actuators 490 rest on the frame 476). By way of example, the mechanical switches may correspond to tact switches and more particularly, enclosed SMT dome switches (dome switch packaged for SMT).
Moving along, the integrated unit of the touch pad 472 and switches 478 is restrained within a space 492 provided in the frame 476. The integrated unit 472/478 is capable of moving within the space 492 while still being prevented from moving entirely out of the space 492 via the walls of the frame 476. The shape of the space 492 generally coincides with the shape of the integrated unit 472/478. As such, the unit is substantially restrained along the x and y axes via a side wall 494 of the frame 476 and along the z axis and rotationally about the x and y axis via a top wall 496 and a bottom wall 500 of the frame 476. A small gap may be provided between the side walls and the platform to allow the touch pad to move to its four positions without obstruction (e.g., a slight amount of play). In some cases, the platform 480 may include tabs that extend along the x and y axis so as to prevent rotation about the z axis. Furthermore, the top wall 496 includes an opening 502 for providing access to the touch sensitive surface 482 of the touch pad 472. The spring force provided by the mechanical switches 478 places the touch pad 472 into mating engagement with the top wall 496 of the frame 476 (e.g., upright position) and the gimbal substantially eliminates gaps and cracks found therebetween.
Referring to
Referring to
The stiffener plate 538, which is attached to the back side of the circuit board 536, is configured to add stiffness to the circuit board 536. As should be appreciated, circuit boards typically have a certain amount of flex. The stiffener plate 538 reduces the amount of flex so as to form a rigid structure. The stiffener plate 538 includes a plurality of holes. Some of the holes 552 are configured to receive the four mechanical switches 550 therethrough while other holes such as holes 554 and 556 may be used for component clearance (or other switches). The stiffener plate 538 also includes a plurality of ears 558 extending from the outer peripheral edge of the stiffener plate 538. The ears 558 are configured to establish the axes around which the touch pad assembly 530 pivots in order to form a clicking action for each of the button zones 526A-526D as well as to retain the touch pad assembly 530 within the housing 532. The stiffener plate may be formed from any rigid material. For example, the stiffener plate may be formed from steel, plastic and the like. In some cases, the steel may be coated. Furthermore, the stiffener plate 538 may be attached to the circuit board 536 using any suitable attachment means, including but not limited to adhesives, glue, snaps, screws and the like. In one embodiment, double sided tape is positioned between the circuit board 536 and the stiffener plate 538 in order to attach the stiffener plate 538 to the circuit board 536.
Furthermore, the button cap 540 is disposed between the cosmetic disc 534 and the top side of the circuit board 536. A portion of the button cap 540 is configured to protrude through an opening 560 in the cosmetic disc 534 while another portion is retained in a space formed between the cosmetic disc 534 and the top surface of the circuit board 536 (see
The housing 532, on the other hand, is formed by a base plate 542, a frame 544 and a pair of retainer plates 546. When assembled, the retaining plates 546, base plate 542 and frame 544 define a space 566 for movably restraining the stiffener plate 538 to the housing 532. The frame 544 includes an opening 568 for receiving the stiffener plate 538. As shown, the shape of the opening 568 matches the shape of the stiffener plate 538. In fact, the opening 568 includes alignment notches 570 for receiving the ears 558 of the stiffener plate 538. The alignment notches 570 cooperate with the ears 558 to locate the touch pad assembly 530 in the x and y plane, prevent rotation about the z axis, and to establish pivot areas for forming the clicking actions associated with each of the button zones 524A-524D. The base plate 542 closes up the bottom of the opening 568 and the corners of the retaining plates 546 are positioned over the ears 558 and alignment notches 570 thereby retaining the stiffener plate 538 within the space 566 of the housing 532.
As shown in
In the configuration illustrated in
Although not shown, the touch pad assembly 530 may be back lit in some cases. For example, the circuit board can be populated with light emitting diodes (LEDs) on either side in order to designate button zones, provide additional feedback and the like.
As previously mentioned, the input devices described herein may be integrated into an electronic device or they may be separate stand alone devices.
Referring back to
In one embodiment, the media player is a handheld device that is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device, as in a laptop or notebook computer). For example, in the case of a music player, a user may use the device while working out at the gym. In case of a camera, a user may use the device while mountain climbing. In the case of a game player, the user can use the device while traveling in a car. Furthermore, the device may be operated by the user's hands, no reference surface such as a desktop is needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the media player 602 is a pocket sized hand held MP3 music player that allows a user to store a large collection of music (e.g., in some cases up to 4,000 CD-quality songs). By way of example, the MP3 music player may correspond to the iPod® brand MP3 player manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Although used primarily for storing and playing music, the MP3 music player shown herein may also include additional functionality such as storing a calendar and phone lists, storing and playing games, storing photos and the like. In fact, in some cases, it may act as a highly transportable storage device.
As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the media player 602 includes a hard drive thereby giving the media player massive storage capacity. For example, a 20 GB hard drive can store up to 4000 songs or about 266 hours of music. In contrast, flash-based media players on average store up to 128 MB, or about two hours, of music. The hard drive capacity may be widely varied (e.g., 5, 10, 20 GB, etc.). In addition to the hard drive, the media player 602 shown herein also includes a battery such as a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. These types of batteries are capable of offering about 10 hours of continuous playtime to the media player.
The media player 602 also includes a display screen 624 and related circuitry. The display screen 624 is used to display a graphical user interface as well as other information to the user (e.g., text, objects, graphics). By way of example, the display screen 624 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD). In one particular embodiment, the display screen corresponds to a 160-by-128-pixel high-resolution display, with a white LED backlight to give clear visibility in daylight as well as low-light conditions. As shown, the display screen 624 is visible to a user of the media player 602 through an opening 625 in the housing 622, and through a transparent wall 626 that is disposed in front of the opening 625. Although transparent, the transparent wall 626 may be considered part of the housing 622 since it helps to define the shape or form of the media player 602.
The media player 602 also includes the touch pad 600 such as any of those previously described. The touch pad 600 generally consists of a touchable outer surface 631 for receiving a finger for manipulation on the touch pad 630. Although not shown in
In addition to above, the touch pad may also include one or more movable buttons zones A-D as well as a center button E. The button zones are configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating the media player 602. By way of example, in the case of an MP3 music player, the button functions may be associated with opening a menu, playing a song, fast forwarding a song, seeking through a menu, making selections and the like. In most cases, the button functions are implemented via a mechanical clicking action.
The position of the touch pad 600 relative to the housing 622 may be widely varied. For example, the touch pad 600 may be placed at any external surface (e.g., top, side, front, or back) of the housing 622 that is accessible to a user during manipulation of the media player 602. In most cases, the touch sensitive surface 631 of the touch pad 600 is completely exposed to the user. In the embodiment illustrated in
The shape of the touch pad 600 may also be widely varied. Although shown as circular, the touch pad may also be square, rectangular, triangular, and the like. More particularly, the touch pad is annular, i.e., shaped like or forming a ring. As such, the inner and outer perimeter of the touch pad defines the working boundary of the touch pad.
The media player 602 may also include a hold switch 634. The hold switch 634 is configured to activate or deactivate the touch pad and/or buttons associated therewith. This is generally done to prevent unwanted commands by the touch pad and/or buttons, as for example, when the media player is stored inside a user's pocket. When deactivated, signals from the buttons and/or touch pad are not sent or are disregarded by the media player. When activated, signals from the buttons and/or touch pad are sent and therefore received and processed by the media player.
Moreover, the media player 602 may also include one or more headphone jacks 636 and one or more data ports 638. The headphone jack 636 is capable of receiving a headphone connector associated with headphones configured for listening to sound being outputted by the media device 602. The data port 638, on the other hand, is capable of receiving a data connector/cable assembly configured for transmitting and receiving data to and from a host device such as a general purpose computer (e.g., desktop computer, portable computer). By way of example, the data port 638 may be used to upload or down load audio, video and other images to and from the media device 602. For example, the data port may be used to download songs and play lists, audio books, ebooks, photos, and the like into the storage mechanism of the media player.
The data port 638 may be widely varied. For example, the data port may be a PS/2 port, a serial port, a parallel port, a USB port, a Firewire port and/or the like. In some cases, the data port 638 may be a radio frequency (RF) link or optical infrared (IR) link to eliminate the need for a cable. Although not shown in
Although only one data port is shown, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that multiple data ports may be incorporated into the media player. In a similar vein, the data port may include multiple data functionality, i.e., integrating the functionality of multiple data ports into a single data port. Furthermore, it should be noted that the position of the hold switch, headphone jack and data port on the housing may be widely varied. That is, they are not limited to the positions shown in
While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/850,901 (now U.S. Publication No. 2016/0004355), filed Sep. 10, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/527,585 (now U.S. Publication No. 2015/0049059), filed Oct. 29, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/477,469 (now U.S. Publication No. 2006/0250377), filed Jun. 28, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/057,050 (now U.S. Publication No. 2006/0181517), filed Feb. 11, 2005 and also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/643,256, filed Aug. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,499,040, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In addition, this application is related to the following applications, which are all herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,663,607), titled “MULTIPOINT TOUCHSCREEN,” filed May 6, 2004; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,964 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,122), titled “GESTURES FOR TOUCH SENSITIVE INPUT DEVICES,” filed Jul. 30, 2004.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14850901 | Sep 2015 | US |
| Child | 16276954 | US | |
| Parent | 14527585 | Oct 2014 | US |
| Child | 14850901 | US | |
| Parent | 11477469 | Jun 2006 | US |
| Child | 14527585 | US | |
| Parent | 11057050 | Feb 2005 | US |
| Child | 11477469 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10643256 | Aug 2003 | US |
| Child | 11057050 | US |
