Patent Application
20080143679
Disclosed are devices, user interfaces and methods thereof, that include a touch sensitive surface configured to receive user input, and more particularly, devices, user interfaces, and methods that include a touch sensitive surface collocated with at least a portion of a keypad and disposed proximal keycaps corresponding to the portion of the keypad.
The makers of mobile communication devices, including those of cellular telephones, are increasingly adding functionality to their devices. For example, cellular telephones include features such as still and video cameras, video streaming, two-way video calling and music playback features such as MP3. While there is a trend toward the inclusion of more features and improvements for current features, there is also a trend toward smaller mobile communication devices. As mobile communication device technology has continued to improve, the devices have become increasingly smaller. Therefore, there may less surface area for placement of user interface components as manufacturers continue to add features and reduce their products' size.
Mobile users are increasingly spending time on their mobile communication devices. With the mobile communication devices' increased functionality, the more time users spend navigating menus and lists stored in their mobile communication devices. When placing a telephone call, for example, a user will scroll through a contact list stored in the memory of the mobile communication device. When using the device as an MP3 player, the user will scroll through a catalog of audio tracks stored in the memory. To scroll through a list, a user will hold down or repeatedly press a navigation key. However, a set of the navigation keys may occupy valuable surface area. Moreover, a set of navigation keys may not provide a tactile guide to the user of the keys for input since the navigation keys are typically the same height as an input keypad, such as a QWERTY keypad or conventional cell phone keypad.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
It would be beneficial if navigation functionality were collocated for example on a keypad of an electronic device, and more particularly a mobile communication device. In this way surface area otherwise allocated for navigation keys may be reallocated. Moreover, it would be beneficial were there a tactile guide to assist the user in providing navigation input.
Disclosed are devices, user interfaces and methods thereof, that include a touch sensitive surface configured to receive user input, the touch sensitive surface collocated with at least a portion of the keypad and disposed proximal keycaps corresponding to the portion of the keypad. A track of a particular shape is superimposed on the keycaps of the portion of the keypad collocated with the touch sensitive surface, the particular shape of the track configured to direct user input along the touch sensitive surface. In one embodiment, the track is curved and the finger of a user may be guided along the track. For example, a tactile feature of the track may be a height difference between the track and the keycaps.
In one embodiment, the particular shape of the track can be configured to direct user input to the touch sensitive surface for scrolling through a list displayed on the display. For example, the track can include a first end and a second end and the list can include a top and a bottom. The user input near the first end of the track can produces scrolling toward the top of the list and user input near the second end of the track produces scrolling toward the bottom of the list. Moreover, scrolling speed may increase with proximity to an end of the track.
The instant disclosure is provided to explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of making and using various embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the invention principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. While the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described here, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. It is understood that the use of relational terms, if any, such as first and second, up and down, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
At least some inventive functionality and inventive principles may be implemented with or in software programs or instructions and integrated circuits (ICs) such as application specific ICs. In the interest of brevity and minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts according to the present invention, discussion of such software and ICs, if any, is limited to the essentials with respect to the principles and concepts within the preferred embodiments.
The mobile communication device 102 may be implemented as a cellular telephone (also called a mobile phone). The mobile communication device 102 represents a wide variety of devices that have been developed for use within various networks. Such handheld communication devices include, for example, cellular telephones, messaging devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook or laptop computers incorporating communication modems, mobile data terminals, application specific gaming devices, video gaming devices incorporating wireless modems, and the like. Any of these portable devices may be referred to as a mobile station or user equipment. Herein, wireless communication technologies may include, for example, voice communication, the capability of transferring digital data, SMS messaging, Internet access, multi-media content access and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP).
An electronic device 102 that is a mobile communication device can include a display 124, transceiver 126, memory 128 and modules 130. On the display 126, a contact list or portion of a contact list 125 is shown. Particular functions of the device may be available for execution through keypad input. Other particular functions of the electronic device may be available through touch sensitive surface input.
Modules 130 can include a keypad input receiving module 170 for receiving user input to a keypad of the electronic device, and a keypad function executing module for executing a function of a mode for keypad input 172 of the electronic device according to the user input to the keypad. Modules 130 can further include a keypad/touch sensitive surface switching module 174 for switching between a mode for keypad input and a mode for touch sensitive surface input. Moreover, the modules 130 can include a touch sensitive surface input module 176 for receiving user input to a touch sensitive surface collocated with at least a portion of the keypad of the electronic device, and a touch sensitive surface executing module 178 for executing a function of a mode for touch sensitive surface input of the electronic device according to the user input to the touch sensitive surface.
The modules 130 and others can carry out certain processes of the methods as described herein. The modules can be implemented in software, such as in the form of one or more sets of prestored instructions, and/or hardware, which can facilitate the operation of the mobile station or electronic device as discussed below. The modules may be installed at the factory or can be installed after distribution by, for example, a downloading operation. The operations in accordance with the modules will be discussed in more detail below.
The touch sensitive surface 134 collocated with at least a portion of the keypad 106 can have any particular shape. The track 136 superimposed on the keycaps of the keypad 106 can have a corresponding shape configured to direct user input along the touch sensitive surface 134. While
In the example illustrated in
The keypad 306 can include components such as a substrate 344. A web-less, semi-web-less or membrane type Bell-keypad with a tactile feature can guide a user's use of a capacitive or resistive touch sensor that is located in, on top, or below a fully functional and separately distinguishable keypad 306. The keyboard or keypad PCB 346 may be proximal a metal or MYLAR dome 348 and posts 350. The keypad base or web 352 may be proximal to the keycaps 309, 312, 315 and 318 or outer keypad 306. A touch sensitive surface 334, such as a capacitive sensing layer 354 may be located in, above or below the keypad web 352 but also could be located on the keypad PCB 346 or any other suitable location. A resistive sensing layer may be similarly located in, above, or below the keypad but could also be located on the keypad. Any other type of touch sensitive layer may be positioned in, above or below the keypad as well.
The physical features that create the track 336 provide both visual and non-visual cues. Accordingly the touch sensor functions, for example, a music playback function of the electronic device such as play, pause, stop, volume change, and/or song skip, may be used on-the-go in darkness, from a holster, or within a coat pocket, without requiring the user to stop and look at the electronic device. The protrusion 342 may double as a reference nib 343 for phone keypad mode and a location center select for touch sensor mode. Accordingly, the keypad may feel and operate as a normal keypad.
The track 336 may include additional features to distinguish it from the keypad 306. For example, where there is steep change in height 340, lighting may be provided to illuminate the edge of the track 336 during touch sensor or track user interface mode. That is, for example, an edge of the track 336, or the entire track, can be illuminated while the user interface is activated. It is understood that other distinguishing features are possible as well, such as coloring the track, lighting the protrusion 342, and coating the track with a tactile surface distinguishable from the other portion of the keypad 306.
In one embodiment, user input near the first end 460 of the track 436 produces scrolling toward the top of the list 466. User input near the second end of the track 462 can produce scrolling toward the bottom of the list 468. In yet another embodiment, scrolling speed can increase with proximity to an end of the track, the first end 460 and/or the second end 462. In this manner, the scrolling control could resemble a boat throttle. Moreover, different types of scrolling control may be made available by the same track. That is, in one user interface mode, the boat throttle type of scrolling may be provided. In another user interface mode, a continuous sweep type of scrolling may be provided where the speed of the scrolling does not change based on position along the track 436. It is understood that the scrolling methods for the track can include all types of scrolling.
In the event that the display screen 424 is not visible, it may be desirable that an audio signal can be generated to indicate the list content. Audio signals that represent list content can be in the alternative or in addition to the visual display 424. For example, were the user to scroll through a song list, clips of songs may be provided as audio signals to represent the list content.
Switching between a mode for keypad input and a mode for touch sensitive surface input 574 may be provided according to a keypad/touch sensitive surface switching module 174 for switching between a mode for keypad input and a mode for touch sensitive surface input. To switch between modes, a user may activate a switch that is for example a soft key 199 (see
Additionally the method can include executing a function of a mode for touch sensitive surface input 578 of the electronic device according to the user input to the touch sensitive surface 134 (see
The disclosed devices, user interfaces and methods thereof, that include a touch sensitive surface configured to receive user input collocated with at least a portion of the keypad and disposed proximal keycaps corresponding to the portion of the keypad may allow the surface area otherwise occupied by navigation keys to be reallocated. The disclosed track of a particular shape superimposed on the keycaps of the portion of the keypad collocated with the touch sensitive surface may beneficially provide a tactile guide to assist the user in providing navigation input.
This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principle of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
