Patent Application
20070263014
This invention generally relates to electronic devices and more specifically to combining scrolling with a multi-function key performance in an electronic device.
Many styles of input devices for performing operations in various electronic devices do exist. For example, the input devices may include (but are not limited to): buttons, switches, keyboards, mice, trackballs, touch pads, joy sticks, touch screens, etc. Each of these input devices has advantages and disadvantages that are taken into consideration when designing the electronic device. In handheld (e.g., portable) devices, the input devices are generally selected buttons and switches, which can be mechanical in nature and provide limited control regarding the movement of a cursor (or other selector) for making selection. It is also possible to use input devices utilizing touch-sensitive display screens, e.g., in personal digital assistants (PDA). 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 a finger.
The amount of personal content in mobile phones is rapidly increasing. The content is typically browsed in list or grid formats, such as a phonebook list or list of images. In most mobile phones there are dedicated keys for scrolling left/right or up/down. These keys can be satisfactory for performing simple tasks, but in tasks where active scrolling is needed often, for example with long lists, they may be difficult to operate and can easily produce errors (e.g., by wrong finger movements). A touch-based scroll tool (e.g., introduced by APPLE COMPUTERS) can be used to scroll lists, but such solution is not adequate in some applications, where the two-way scroll is not enough. In other words, the touch-based scroll tool by itself lacks the capability to be tuned and optimized for the numerous different tasks that are offered in modern mobile devices.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a method comprises: providing a key input by a user input action for a multi-function key unit of a scrolling multi-function key module of an electronic device, the key input selecting a predetermined task; providing a scroll actuating input by a further user input action using a sliding movement of an object on a sensitive area of a scroll touch sensor unit of the scrolling multi-function key module, wherein the scroll touch sensor unit is configured to have a sensitive area substantially around the multi-function key unit; and providing, in response to the key input and to the scroll actuating input, a scrolling movement of information corresponding to the predetermined task on a display of the electronic device, wherein the scrolling movement of the information on the display further corresponds to the sliding movement of the object according to a predetermined criterion, thus combining scrolling with a multi-function key performance in the electronic device.
According further to the first aspect of the invention, the sensitive area may have a shape of at least one of: a) an edge, b) a circular edge, c) an edge which completely surrounds the multi-function key unit, d) an edge which partially surrounds the multi-function key unit, e) an oval edge, and f) a rectangular edge.
According further to the first aspect of the invention, the multi-function key may be one of: a) a 5-way navigation key, b) a 9-way navigation key, and c) an analogue navigation key.
Still further according to the first aspect of the invention, the key input and the scroll actuating input may be provided by a user of the electronic device by a way of a mechanical touch of the object which is at least one of: a) a stylus and b) a finger.
According further to the first aspect of the invention, the actuating of the scroll touch sensor may be configured to use a resistive sensing method, a capacitive sensing method, a surface acoustic wave sensing method, a pressure sensing method, an optical detection method or an inductive method.
According still further to the first aspect of the invention, before the providing the scrolling movement of the information, the method may comprise:
determining, according to the predetermined criterion, a rate of the scrolling of the information on the display using a speed of the sliding movement of the object.
According further still to the first aspect of the invention, the method may further comprise: providing a feedback signal to a user about the sliding movement of the object or about the scrolling of the information on the display using at least one of: a) a visual feedback, b) an audio feedback, and c) a haptic feedback.
According yet further still to the first aspect of the invention, the sliding movement of an object on the sensitive area in a clockwise direction may correspond to the scrolling movement of the information on the display in a pre-selected direction, and the sliding movement of an object on the sensitive area in a counter-clockwise direction may correspond to scrolling movement of the information on the display in a further direction opposite to the pre-selected direction.
Yet still further according to the first aspect of the invention, the electronic device may be configured to alter the predetermined criterion in response to a scroll function input from a user.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a computer program product comprises: a computer readable storage structure embodying computer program code thereon for execution by a computer processor with the computer program code characterized in that it includes instructions for performing the method of the first aspect of the invention, indicated as being performed by any component or a combination of components of the electronic device.
According to a third aspect of the invention, an electronic device, comprises: a scrolling multi-function key module, comprising: a multi-function key unit, responsive to a key input by a user input action, the key input selecting a predetermined task; a scroll touch sensor unit, responsive to a scroll actuating input by a further user input action using a sliding movement of an object on a sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit, wherein the scroll touch sensor unit is configured to have a sensitive area substantially around the multi-function key unit; a display configured to display information; and a processor configured to provide a scrolling movement of the information corresponding to the predetermined task on the display, wherein the scrolling movement of the information on the display further corresponds to the sliding movement of the object according to a predetermined criterion, thus combining scrolling with a multi-function key performance in the electronic device.
Further according to the third aspect of the invention, the sensitive area may have a shape of at least one of: a) an edge, b) a circular edge, c) an edge which completely surrounds the multi-function key unit, d) an edge which partially surrounds the multi-function key unit, e) an oval edge, and f) a rectangular edge.
Still further according to the third aspect of the invention, the multi-function key may be one of: a) a 5-way navigation key, b) a 9-way navigation key, and c) an analogue navigation key.
According further to the third aspect of the invention, the key input and the scroll actuating input may be provided by a user of the electronic device by a way of a mechanical touch of the object which is at least one of: a) a stylus and b) a finger.
According still further to the third aspect of the invention, the actuating of the scroll touch sensor may be configured to use a resistive sensing method, a capacitive sensing method, a surface acoustic wave sensing method, a pressure sensing method, an optical detection method or an inductive method.
According yet further still to the third aspect of the invention, the processor may be configured to determine, according to the predetermined criterion, a rate of the scrolling of the information on the display using a speed of the sliding movement of the object.
According further still to the third aspect of the invention, the sliding movement of an object on the sensitive area in a clockwise direction may correspond to the scrolling movement of the information on the display in a pre-selected direction, and the sliding movement of an object on the sensitive area in a counter-clockwise direction may correspond to scrolling movement of the information on the display in a further direction opposite to the pre-selected direction.
Yet still further according to the third aspect of the invention, the electronic device may be configured to alter the predetermined criterion in response to a scroll function input from a user.
Still yet further according to the third aspect of the invention, the electronic device may be a wireless communication device, a portable electronic device, a non-portable electronic device, a computer, a portable computer, a mobile communication device, a wireless camera phone, or a mobile phone.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a scrolling multi-function key module of an electronic device, comprises: a multi-function key unit, responsive to a key input by a user input action, the key input selecting a predetermined task; and a scroll touch sensor unit, responsive to a scroll actuating input by a further user input action using a sliding movement of an object on a sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit, wherein the scroll touch sensor unit is configured to have a sensitive area substantially around the multi-function key unit, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a scrolling movement of information corresponding to the predetermined task on a display of the electronic device, wherein the scrolling movement of the information on the display further corresponds to the sliding movement of the object according to a predetermined criterion, thus combining scrolling with a multi-function key performance in the electronic device.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, an electronic device, comprises: means for providing a key input by a user input action for a multi-function key unit of a scrolling multi-function key module of the electronic device, the key input selecting a predetermined task; means for providing a scroll actuating input by a further user input action using a sliding movement of an object on a sensitive area of a scroll touch sensor unit of the scrolling multi-function key module, wherein the scroll touch sensor unit is configured to have a sensitive area substantially around the multi-function key unit; and means for providing, in response to the key input and to the scroll actuating input, a scrolling movement of information corresponding to the predetermined task on a display of the electronic device, wherein the scrolling movement of the information on the display further corresponds to the sliding movement of the object according to a predetermined criterion, thus combining scrolling with a multi-function key performance in the electronic device.
For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
a and 2b are top views of a scrolling multi-function key module, wherein sensitive area of a scroll touch sensor unit has a shape of: a) a circular edge which completely surrounds the multi-function key unit as shown in
A new apparatus, method and software product are presented for combining scrolling with a multi-function key performance in an electronic device thus improving browsing capabilities of the electronic device without increasing the user interface complexity and without adding the overall surface area in the electronic device.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a scrolling multi-function key module can comprise a multi-function key unit (e.g., a 5-way navigation key, a 9-way navigation key, an analogue navigation key, etc.) and a scroll touch sensor unit having a sensitive area substantially around the multi-function key unit. This sensitive area can have a shape of an edge (e.g., in a shape of a circular edge, a rectangular edge, an oval edge, etc.), which completely or partially surrounds the multi-function key unit. The electronic device may be (but is not limited to) a wireless communication device, a portable electronic device, a non-portable electronic device, a computer, a portable computer, a mobile communication device, a wireless camera phone, or a mobile phone. The multi-function key unit can have N keys (e.g., a 5-way navigation key, a 9-way navigation key, etc.) and each key may identify K functions (e.g., by consecutive pressing), wherein N and K are integers of at least a value of one and K multiplied by N equals two or more.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user can provide a key input by a user input action for the multi-function key thus selecting a predetermined task, e.g., to review a long list of items (other tasks may be scrolling multiple selections or viewing many pictures, etc.). Then, the user can provide a scroll actuating input by a further user input action using a sliding movement (or a continuous movement) of an object (e.g., a finger or a stylus) on the edge-like sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit. In response to the key input and to the scroll actuating input, the device is configured to provide a scrolling movement of information corresponding to the predetermined task (i.e., to scroll the list) on a display of the electronic device, wherein the scrolling movement of said information on the display further corresponds to the sliding movement of the object according to a predetermined criterion.
For example, moving the object (i.e., the finger) clockwise on the sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit can advance the list on the display in one direction (e.g., “up” or “left”), whereas moving the finger counter-clockwise on the sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit will advance the list on the display in another opposite direction (e.g., “down” or “right”). Also the electronic device can be configured to determine, according to a predetermined criterion, a rate of the scrolling of the information on the display using a speed of the sliding movement of the object. Generally, the rate of scrolling can be changed to a new value (by a pre-selected increment) if the speed of the sliding movement reaches a pre-selected value and/or after maintaining said pre-selected value for a predetermined period of time.
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating of the scroll touch sensor may be provided using a resistive sensing method, a capacitive sensing method, a surface acoustic wave sensing method, a pressure sensing method, an optical detection method, an inductive method and the like. Moreover, the electronic device may be configured to switch the scrolling function “on” and “off”, e.g., by turning on and off the scroll touch sensor in response to a command from the user. Also, a feedback signal to a user about the sliding movement of the object (e.g., the finger) or about the scrolling of the information on the display can be provided using a visual feedback (e.g., the sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit can be lit when scrolling function is “on” or the light can follow the finger), an audio feedback (e.g., scrolling speed can be identified by a different pitch sound), and/or a haptic feedback (e.g., scrolling speed can be identified by a different vibration frequency of the electronic device).
The module 16 comprises a multi-function key unit 20 and a scroll touch sensor unit 18 having a sensitive area (e.g., in a shape of a circular edge) substantially around the multi-function key unit 20. Actuating of sensors of the unit 18 may be provided using a resistive sensing method, a capacitive sensing method, a surface acoustic wave sensing method, a pressure sensing method, an optical detection method, an inductive method and the like. The module 16 can be used in a main user interface (UI) of the electronic device 10 as shown in
a shows an example among many others of a top view of a scrolling multi-function key module 16, wherein the sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit 18 has a shape, e.g., of the circular edge which completely surrounds the multi-function key unit 20.
For example, moving the object (i.e., the finger) clockwise in a direction 15 on the edge-like sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit 18 will advance information corresponding to the predetermined task (e.g., a list, a selection, a picture, etc.) on the display 12 (shown in
b shows another example among many others of a top view of a scrolling multi-function key module 16a, wherein a sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit 18a has a shape of a circular edge which partially surrounds (half a circle) the multi-function key unit 20. The operation here is similar to the operation of the multi-function key module 16 shown in
The module 16 comprises the multi-function key 20 with the shown keys 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3, and the scroll touch sensor unit 18. The user can provide a scroll function on/off command to a scroll function on/off block 28 to turn on or off the sensors of the unit 18 by providing an on/off signal 46a to a position sensor driver and controller 22 and subsequently turning on and off a sensor drive signal 34, respectively. During the operation of the electronic device 10, the user can provide a key input signal 44, e.g., to the key 20-3, as shown in
Then, the user can provide a scroll actuating input 45 using a sliding movement of a finger or a stylus on a sensitive area (edge) of the scroll touch sensor unit 18. In response to the scroll actuating input 45, the sensors of the unit 18 can provide an actuation identity signal 36 to the position sensor driver and controller 22 which in response to the signal 36, can generate an actuator position signal 38 indicating, e.g., coordinates of the sensitive area of the unit 18 touched by the user as a function of time, and can provide the signal 38 to a processor 26. The processor 26, using the signals 38 and 42a as inputs, can determine, e.g., a direction of the object movement, and/or the speed of sliding the object (the finger or the stylus) on the sensitive area (edge) of the unit 18 and can further generate and provide (e.g., using a memory 31 storing information to be displayed) a scroll information signal 40 to facilitate a scrolling movement of information corresponding to the predetermined task (indicated by the signal 44) on the display 12 of the electronic device 10, wherein the scrolling movement of said information on the display further corresponds to the sliding movement of the object according to a predetermined criterion as described above.
It is noted that the electronic device 10 can be configured to be able to alter the predetermined criterion, if necessary, in response to a scroll function input 47 from a user provided to the processor 26. Also, a feedback signal to a user about the sliding movement of the object (e.g., the finger) or about the scrolling of the information on the display 12 can be provided using a feedback block 30 which provides an appropriate signal to corresponding transducers including (but not be limited to) a visual feedback (e.g., the sensitive area of the scroll touch sensor unit 18 can be lit when scrolling function is “on” or the light can follow the finger), an audio feedback (e.g., scrolling speed can be identified by a different pitch sound), and/or a haptic feedback (e.g., scrolling speed can be identified by a different vibration frequency of the electronic device 10).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the block 26, 22, 24, 28 or 30 can be implemented as a software block or a hardware block or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the block 26, 22, 24, 28 or 30 can be implemented as a separate block or can be combined with any other block of the electronic device 10 or it can be split into several blocks according to their functionality.
The flow chart of
In a next step 56, the user provides the scroll actuating input to the scroll touch sensor unit 18 (which surrounds the multifunction key unit 20), e.g., using a sliding movement of the finger on a sensitive edge area of the scroll touch sensor unit 18 for generating the actuation identity signal 36. In a next step 58, the actuator position signal 38 (indicative of a position of the finger on the sensitive edge area of the scroll touch sensor unit 18) is generated in response to the actuation signal 36 and provided to a processor 26.
In a next step 60, the processor 26 generates the scroll information signal to control a scrolling movement of information corresponding to the predetermined task (i.e., to scroll the list) on the display 12 using the actuator position signal 38 and the key function identity signal 42a and provides the scroll information signal 40 to the display 12, wherein the scrolling movement of the information on the display 12 corresponds to the sliding movement of the object according to the predetermined criterion. Finally, in a next step 62, the processor can provide input to the feedback generation block 30 and a feedback signal (e.g., visual, audio, haptic, etc.) regarding scrolling the information can be further provided to the user.
As explained above, the invention provides both a method and corresponding equipment consisting of various modules providing the functionality for performing the steps of the method. The modules may be implemented as hardware, or may be implemented as software or firmware for execution by a computer processor. In particular, in the case of firmware or software, the invention can be provided as a computer program product including a computer readable storage structure embodying computer program code (i.e., the software or firmware) thereon for execution by the computer processor.
It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles described by the embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.
