U.S. patent application number 09/097150 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for active edge user interface.
Invention is credited to BRISEBOIS, MICHEL A., FRENCH-ST. GEORGE, MARILYN, MAHAN, LAURA, ROBERTS, JOBE L. W., TRASMUNDI, FREDERIC F..
Application Number | 20010043189 09/097150 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22261515 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010043189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BRISEBOIS, MICHEL A. ; et
al. |
November 22, 2001 |
ACTIVE EDGE USER INTERFACE
Abstract
An active edge user interface includes dynamically configurable
flexible touch areas positioned near the perimeter of a display to
support interactive communication between a user and a user
environment for flexible active touch areas surrounding a display.
The interface allows for multiple levels of sensitivity, texture,
key travel, and varying widths of active touch areas based on the
user environment.
Inventors: |
BRISEBOIS, MICHEL A.;
(WAKEFIELD, CA) ; MAHAN, LAURA; (KANATA, CA)
; FRENCH-ST. GEORGE, MARILYN; (ALCOVER, CA) ;
TRASMUNDI, FREDERIC F.; (OTTAWA, CA) ; ROBERTS, JOBE
L. W.; (WAKEFIELD, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN HENDERSON FARABOW
GARRETT & DUNNER
1300 I STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
200053315
|
Family ID: |
22261515 |
Appl. No.: |
09/097150 |
Filed: |
June 12, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/156 ;
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 2225/018 20130101;
G06F 3/0489 20130101; G06F 3/03547 20130101; H01H 13/807 20130101;
G06F 2203/0339 20130101; H01H 2239/074 20130101; H01H 2225/002
20130101; H04M 1/0266 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/156 ;
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A user interface, comprising: a display; an input device located
adjacent an edge of the display, and operatively connected to the
display to respond to a physical contact; and a processor for
executing user interface software configured to implement a
function in response to the physical contact on the input
device.
2. The user interface of claim 1 wherein the display is a liquid
crystal diode display.
3. The user interface of claim 1 wherein the input device includes
a flexible elastomer strip having an upper surface and a lower
surface.
4. The user interface of claim 3 wherein the elastomer strip
includes a deformable cavity formed therein.
5. The user interface of claim 3 wherein the upper surface of the
elastomer strip is smooth.
6. The user interface of claim 3 wherein the upper surface of the
elastomer strip includes a protrusion.
7. The user interface of claim 1 wherein the input device includes
a plurality of electrical contacts positioned to electrically
couple in response to the physical contact.
8. The user interface of claim 1 wherein the input device includes
a resistive plate positioned to generate a response to the physical
contact.
9. The user interface of claim 7 wherein the plurality of
electrical contacts includes a first set of mating electrical
contacts positioned a first distance from one another and a second
set of mating electrical contacts positioned a second distance from
one another.
10. The user interface of claim 9 wherein at least one of the first
set of mating electrical contacts is ring-shaped.
11. The user interface of claim 9 wherein at least one of the
second set of mating electrical contacts is disc-shaped.
12. The user interface device of claim 1 wherein the user input
device is permanently affixed to a host device.
13. The user interface device of claim 1 wherein the user input
device extends along more than one edge of the display.
14. A method for implementing a user interface, comprising the
steps of: generating an image on a display in response to a first
contact on an input device adjacent an edge of the display; and
implementing a function associated with the image when a second
contact is applied to the input device.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the generating step includes the
step of generating textual data on the display.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein the generating step includes the
step of generating graphical data on the display.
17. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of scrolling
through the textual data generated on the display in response to a
sliding contact.
18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of scrolling
through the graphical data generated on the display in response to
a sliding contact.
19. The method of claim 14 wherein the generating step includes the
step of generating an image corresponding to a programmable area of
the user input device.
20. The method of claim 14 wherein the generating step includes the
step of generating an image that identifies a category of
information corresponding to a first predetermined area of the
input device and generating an image that identifies a sub-category
of information corresponding to a second predetermined area of the
input device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to interface
devices, and more particularly to a user interface device that
includes dynamically configurable flexible touch areas located near
the perimeter of a display to support interactive communication
between a user and a user environment.
[0002] There is always a need for user interface devices that
simplify human interaction with computers. Current user interface
devices include the keyboard, mouse, and touch-screen systems. Each
of these user interface devices offer varying functionality in a
desktop environment.
[0003] The keyboard allows a user to enter text and symbol
information into a computer, and provides predefined keys for
executing specific functions (e.g., "save" and "exit" functions).
The introduction of the windows-based operating system exposed the
limitations of the keyboard, which often required a user to perform
multiple keystrokes to execute simple computer functions. To take
advantage of the user-friendly, windows-based environment, the
mouse was created to provide "point-and-click" functionality. This
user interface tool significantly increased the efficiency of a
computer session regardless of whether a user performed simple word
processing or engaged in complex computer-generated graphic
designs. For example, selecting and opening a word processing file
typically required three or more keystrokes with a keyboard.
However, with a mouse, the user can simply point to the file on the
desktop or in a pull down menu and click on the file to open
it.
[0004] Although preferred in a desktop environment, keyboards and
mice are not readily adaptable to smaller computing devices, such
as palm-sized computers, wireless communication products, and
public kiosks where space is at a premium. For these user
environments, touch-screen systems seem to be the preferred choice
of users since they do not require physical keys or buttons to
enter data into each device. By eliminating physical keys, small
computing device manufacturers can significantly reduce the size
and weight of the device, characteristics that appeal to consumers.
Moreover, through a touch-screen system, a user can interact with a
public kiosk using only a display to request and retrieve
information. Touch-screen systems typically include a
touch-responsive medium that senses a human touch on a particularly
area of the display and software to implement a function associated
with the touched area.
[0005] One example of a touch-screen interface is found in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,594,471 to Deeran et al. (the "'471 patent"). The '471
patent discloses an industrial computer workstation with a display
and a touch-screen. The touch-screen includes a display touch zone
that overlaps the display and a border touch zone located outside
the display. Portions of the display touch zone and the border
touch zone are programmable as user input areas of the touch-screen
and are identified to a user via removable templates. Although
convenient, touch-screen systems such as the touch-screen interface
of the '471 patent have disadvantages. Removable templates on a
touch-screen display can be lost, destroyed, or misplaced, and when
using a finger to select an item on a touch-screen, the user's hand
can often block a view of the screen. Furthermore, touch-screens
quickly become dirty, especially when installed in a public kiosk
or an industrial environment, and they do not support key travel--a
sliding motion across the screen to execute a function (e.g.,
scrolling through data) or "two-step" functionality--the ability to
implement multiple functions from a single predetermined area of
the user interface device.
[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved user
interface device that is robust and ergonomically correct to create
a user-friendly environment that does not require physical keys,
templates, or touching the actual display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Systems and methods consistent with the present invention
provide a user interface device that includes dynamically
configurable flexible touch areas located near the perimeter of a
display to support interactive communication between a user and a
user environment.
[0008] Specifically, a user interface consistent with this
invention comprises a display; an input device located adjacent an
edge of the display, and operatively connected to the display to
respond to a physical contact; and a processor for executing user
interface software configured to implement a function in response
to the physical contact on the input device.
[0009] A method for implementing a user interface comprises the
steps of generating an image on a display in response to at least
one of a human touch and a first pressure on a predetermined area
of an input device adjacent the display; and implementing a
function associated with the image when a second pressure is
applied to the predetermined area of the input device.
[0010] Both the foregoing general description and the following
detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended
to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the
preceding general description and the following detailed
description, explain the principles of the invention.
[0012] In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an active edge user interface consistent
with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a user input
device at rest consistent with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the user input
device in FIG. 2a with contact applied;
[0016] FIG. 2c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the user input
device in FIG. 2a with additional contact applied;
[0017] FIG. 3a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another user
input device at rest consistent with of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the user input
device in FIG. 3a with contact applied;
[0019] FIG. 3c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the user input
device in FIG. 3a with additional contact applied;
[0020] FIG. 4a illustrates the selection of an item illustrated on
a display using a user input device consistent with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 4b illustrates a response to the selection of an item
illustrated on a display using a user input device consistent with
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5a illustrates an implementation of an active edge user
interface on a wireless communications device for responding to a
call consistent with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5b illustrates an implementation of an active edge user
interface on the wireless communications device of FIG. 5a for
forwarding a call;
[0024] FIG. 5c illustrates an implementation of an active edge user
interface on the wireless communications device of FIG. 5a for
locating information in memory;
[0025] FIG. 5d illustrates an implementation of an active edge user
interface on the wireless communications device of FIG. 5a for
selecting the name of a person; and
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for implementing
an active edge user interface consistent with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Systems and methods consistent with the present invention
use an active edge user interface positioned near the edge of a
display that allows a user to interact with a host device. The
active edge user interface includes a flexible input device that
extends along at least one edge of a display and responds to touch
and pressure to implement one or more functions viewable on the
display. This design supports key travel, programmability,
ease-of-use, and adaptability to a variety of applications and
technologies.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an active edge user interface 100
consistent with the present invention. Active edge user interface
100 includes a display 110, active touch input device 120,
processor 130, and memory 140. These components represent the basic
infrastructure of active edge user interface 100. One skilled in
the art will appreciate that active edge interface 100 may include
additional components depending on the host device in which it is
used. For example, active edge user interface 100 can be used in a
wristwatch, which may require altering the shape and size of
display 110 and input device 120. In addition, active edge user
interface 100 can be installed in a desktop computer which may
include additional processors and memory. Active edge user
interface 100 is designed as a universal interface that can operate
in any graphical user interface environment.
[0029] Display 110 is any commercially available display that is
capable of displaying textual and graphical images. Preferably,
display 110 is a liquid crystal diode (LCD) display, however, the
type of display used with active edge user interface 100 can depend
on the user environment. For example, active edge user interface
100 may be used in a desktop computer system. In this instance,
images can be generated on display 110 using a cathode ray tube.
Alternatively, active edge user interface 100 may be used in a
wireless communication device, such as a cellular phone, in which
case display 110 is an LCD display. Although illustrated in FIG. 1
with a square screen, display 110 can be any geometrical shape.
[0030] Active edge input device 120 is a user interface device
positioned adjacent display 110. Active edge input device 120 may
actually touch display 110 or lay a predetermined distance away
from an edge of display 110. The shape of active edge input device
120 may vary depending on the user environment. For example, active
edge input device 120 may be shaped in a manner that visibly
distinguishes between a highly used area of the device and a lesser
used area of the device (e.g., the highly used area is wider than
the lesser used area).
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, active edge input device 120
extends around the perimeter of display 110. Nevertheless, active
edge input device 120 may be configured to extend only along one,
two, or three sides of display 110. If display 110 has a round
geometrical shape, active edge input device 120 may form a complete
circle around the display or only extend around a portion of the
display. The position of active edge input device 120 relative to
display 110 is important to provide an ergonomically correct,
user-friendly interface device. The structure of and method for
using active edge input device 120 with display 110 is described in
detail with respect to FIGS. 2-6, respectively.
[0032] Processor 130 is preferably a high-speed processor, such as
an Intel Pentium.RTM. processor, capable of processing simple and
complex graphic applications. Processor 130 communicates with
display 110 and controls active edge user interface 100. Although
illustrated as an external unit, processor 130 can be integrated
into display 110 or located in a peripheral device.
[0033] Memory 140 is a random access memory (RAM) that communicates
with processor 130 to store and retrieve data and software.
Preferably, memory 140 facilitates high-speed access to enhance the
storage and retrieval process. As illustrated in FIG. 1, memory 140
includes data storage 150 and user interface software 160. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that memory 140 can store
additional data and software not described herein. For example, in
a wireless communications environment, memory 140 may include
communications software to support the transfer of voice signals to
and from a cell site.
[0034] Data storage 150 is an area of memory 140 that stores data.
For example, when utilizing active edge input device 120 in a
wireless communications device, data storage 150 may include a
listing of telephone numbers or call information (e.g., number of
calls received within a specified time period). Of course, the type
of data resident in data storage 150 may change based on the user
environment.
[0035] User interface software 160 is a software program resident
in memory 140 that implements methods of active edge user interface
100 in accordance with the present invention. User interface
software 160 is executed by processor 130 to respond to user inputs
into active edge input device 120. User interface software 160
interprets the user inputs and implements an appropriate response.
For example, if a user wishes to call a friend, the user selects
the friend's name from a telephone listing displayed on the screen
by pressing on active edge input device 120 in a predetermined area
(e.g., adjacent the friend's name). In response to the selection,
user interface software 160 associates the name with a telephone
number stored in data storage 150 and instructs processor 130 to
dial the number. User interface software 160 can be configured to
operate in a variety of user environments such as on a desktop
computer or a public kiosk.
[0036] FIGS. 2a-2c illustrate cross-sectional views of active edge
input device 120 in accordance with a preferred embodiment
consistent with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1,
active edge input device 120 is a strip of material that extends
along a border of display 110 and is responsive to touch or
pressure. Active edge input device 120 is designed to provide
"two-step" functionality. A first function is implemented at the
first step when a first pressure or touch is applied to the input
device (e.g., pressure applied by a human finger). A second
function is implemented at the second step when a second pressure
is applied to the same area on the input device (e.g., additional
pressure applied by a human finger in the same location).
[0037] FIG. 2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of active edge
input device 120 at rest. Active edge input device 120 includes a
flexible strip 200 positioned adjacent a host device body surface
260. Body surface 260 is a surface of a host device in which active
edge user interface 100 is employed. For example, if the active
edge user interface 100 is employed in a wireless communication
device, then body surface 260 is a surface of the wireless
communication device body.
[0038] Flexible strip 200 is an elastomer strip of material that
includes an upper surface 205, a lower surface 207 and one or more
cavities 210. Although an elastomer material is preferable,
flexible strip 200 can be composed of any resilient material.
Preferably, flexible strip 200 is a continuous strip of material
that extends around at least one side of display 110. However,
flexible strip 200 may be sectioned (i.e., non-continuous) as
appropriate in the user environment to satisfy design
requirements.
[0039] Upper surface 205 is a surface of flexible strip 200 that is
exposed to a user as illustrated in FIG. 1. Preferably, upper
surface 205 is smooth, however, it may include protrusions or have
a distinct texture to allow users to locate certain areas on active
edge input device 120 by touch alone. The smoothness of upper
surface 205 allows a user to drag their finger or other instrument
along flexible strip 200 in a sweeping motion. This motion, for
example, may be used to implement a scrolling function which allows
a user to quickly view information on display 110.
[0040] Lower surface 207 includes one or more protrusions 208 that
extend outward and include extensions 209. The face of protrusions
208 include upper electrical contacts 220 that are fixed thereon.
Preferably, these electrical contacts made from a conductive carbon
material and form a continuous ring around extensions 209 as
illustrated in FIG. 2a. Upper electrical contacts 220 can be
sectioned into distinct units, however, that are spaced around
extensions 209. The face of extensions 209 include lower electrical
contacts 230 that are fixed thereon. These electrical contacts are
"puck-shaped" and are preferably formed from a carbon material.
[0041] Body surface 260 includes body protrusion electrical
contacts 240 and body extension electrical contacts 250 which are
fixed thereon. Preferably, these electrical contacts are also
composed of carbon and are aligned with upper electrical contact
220 and lower electrical contacts 230, respectively. A gap exists
between the electrical contacts on body surface 260 and the
electrical contacts on flexible strip 200 while active edge input
device 120 is at rest.
[0042] Cavities 210 are formed in an area of flexible strip 200
adjacent each protrusion 208. Preferably, each of cavities 210 is
formed in an image of protrusions 208 and extensions 209, but may
have any shape. Cavities 210 are designed to collapse when a
pressure is applied and return to its original shape when the
pressure is released. Thus, cavities 210 provide a "soft button"
effect when engaged by a user. The deformation of cavities 210
under pressure is illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 2c.
[0043] FIG. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first
pressure applied to active edge input device 120 consistent with a
first embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the
first step of the "two-step" functionality described herein. In
this instance, a first pressure (e.g., a "touch") is applied to an
area 270 of flexible strip 200 which deforms upper surface 205 and
cavity 210. The pressure forces protrusion 208 downward until lower
electrical contact 230 makes contact with body extension electrical
contact 250. The connection of these two electrical contacts
generates a signal that is sent to processor 130 for processing. A
discussion of how processor 130 responds to this connection is
described with respect to FIGS. 4-6. Pressure on one area of
flexible strip 200 only affects the components directly below. That
is, if pressure is applied to one of three adjacent areas on
flexible strip 200, only the selected area will respond to the
pressure as shown in FIG. 2b.
[0044] FIG. 2c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second
pressure applied to a user input device consistent with a first
embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the second
step of the "two-step" functionality described herein. In this
instance, the first pressure shown on area 270 is increased to a
second pressure (e.g., a "press") until upper electrical contact
220 makes contact with body protrusion electrical contact 240. In
this position, both lower electrical contact 230 and upper
electrical contact 220 are electrically coupled with the respective
body electrical contacts under area 270. This connection generates
a second signal to processor 130 which is processed
accordingly.
[0045] FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate a cross-sectional view of a user
input device consistent with a second embodiment of the present
invention. In this second embodiment, active edge input device 120
includes an alternative design for entering data into a host
device. Although the embodiment in FIGS. 2a-2c is preferred, the
active edge input device illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3c also provides
"two-step" functionality as described herein.
[0046] FIG. 3a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of active edge input device 120 at rest. As in the first
embodiment, active edge input device 120 includes a flexible strip
300 positioned adjacent a host body surface 350. Body surface 350
is a surface of a host device in which active edge user interface
100 is installed. For example, if active edge user interface 100 is
installed in a wireless communication device, then body surface 350
is a surface of the wireless communication device.
[0047] Flexible strip 300 is an elastomer strip of material that
includes an upper surface 305, a lower surface 307, and one or more
cavities 320. Although elastomer is preferable, flexible strip 300
can be composed of any resilient material. Preferably, flexible
strip 300 is a continuous strip of material that extends around at
least one side of display 110. However, flexible strip 300 may be
sectioned (i.e., non-continuous) as appropriate in the user
environment to satisfy design requirements.
[0048] Upper surface 305 is a surface of flexible strip 300 that is
exposed to a user as illustrated in FIG. 1. Preferably, upper
surface 305 is smooth, however, it may include protrusions to allow
users to locate certain areas on active edge input device 120 by
touch alone. The smoothness of upper surface 305 allows users to
drag their finger or other instrument along flexible strip 300 in a
sweeping motion. This motion, for example, may be used to implement
a scrolling function which allows a user to scroll through
information on display 110.
[0049] Lower surface 307 includes a resistive plate 310 that is
responsive to a human touch. Preferably, resistive plate 310
extends along lower surface 307 as a continuous strip of conductive
material. However, resistive plate 310 may have separate and
distinct sections that are positioned along lower surface 307.
Resistive plate 310 may comprise resistive material currently used
in conventional touch-screen devices.
[0050] Attached to resistive plate 310 are one or more protrusions
308 that extend outward and include extensions 309. The face of
extensions 309 include input device electrical contacts 330 fixed
thereon, as illustrated in FIG. 3a. These electrical contacts are
"puck-shaped" and are formed from an electrically conductive
material (e.g., carbon).
[0051] Body surface 350 includes body electrical contacts 340 which
are fixed thereon. These electrical contacts are also composed of
an electrically conductive material (e.g., carbon) and are aligned
with input device electrical contacts 330. A gap exists between the
electrical contacts on body surface 350 and the electrical contacts
on extensions 309 while active edge input device 120 is at
rest.
[0052] Cavities 320 are formed in an area of flexible strip 300
adjacent each protrusion 308. Preferably, each of cavities 320 are
formed in an image of protrusions 308 and extensions 309, as
illustrated in FIG. 3a, but may have any shape. Cavities 320 are
designed to collapse when a pressure is applied and return to its
original shape when the pressure is released. Thus, cavities 320
provide a "soft button" effect when a pressure is applied thereto
by a user. The deformation of cavities 320 under pressure is
illustrated in FIGS. 3b and 3c.
[0053] FIG. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a touch
applied to active edge input device 120 consistent with a second
embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the first
step of the "two-step" functionality described herein. In this
instance, a voltage is applied to resistive plate 310 during
operation of the host device. When a human touches upper surface
305 of flexible strip 300 (e.g., on area 360), a change in voltage
is detected and a first signal is generated. Processor 130 receives
the first signal and responds by implementing user interface
software 160. A discussion of how processor 130 implements user
interface software 160 is described with respect to FIGS. 4-6.
Although FIG. 3b illustrates deformation of flexible strip 300 in
the area where a touch is applied, active edge input device 120 can
be configured to simply sense a human touch without requiring the
application of pressure to flexible strip 300. In this instance,
resistive plate 310 simply detects the presence of a human touch on
area 360 and does not require any deformation of flexible strip
300.
[0054] FIG. 3c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pressure
applied to active edge input device 120 consistent with a second
embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the second
step of the "two-step" functionality described herein. In this
instance, the first pressure shown in FIG. 3b is increased to a
second pressure (e.g., a "press") on area 370 of flexible strip 300
until input device electrical contact 330 makes contact with body
electrical contact 340. The second pressure deforms flexible strip
300 including resistive plate 310 and cavity 320. The connection of
the electrical contacts generates a second signal to processor 130
which is processed accordingly by implementing user interface
software 160.
[0055] FIGS. 4a-4b illustrate the operation of selecting an item
illustrated on a display using an active edge input device
consistent with the present invention. Specifically, the operation
of display 400, active edge input devices 420 and 430, and user
interface software 160 (of FIG. 1) is discussed with reference to
FIGS. 4a-4b. Active edge input devices consistent with the present
invention are dynamically configurable such that different
functions can be associated with each selectable area of the input
device depending on the user environment.
[0056] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a mode of operation for an active
edge user interface consistent with the present invention. The user
environment illustrated in these figures includes a notebook
computer with an active edge user interface. The notebook computer
includes a display 400 and active edge input devices 420 and 430
located on the right and left sides of display 400, respectively.
Active edge input devices 420 and 430 may include the design of
FIGS. 2a-2c or 3a-3c. In either case, the user can enter
information into the notebook computer using active edge input
devices 420 and 430.
[0057] Initially, information stored in data storage 150 or a
peripheral device is generated on display 400. As shown in FIG. 4a,
this information relates to fashion and includes a main category
"clothing" displayed on the left side of display 400 and a
plurality of sub-categories including "shoes, socks, shirts, pants,
jackets, scarfs, and hats" displayed on the right side of display
400. In operation, a user can touch or press an area of active edge
input device 420 to highlight a sub-category adjacent thereto. In
addition, users can drag their finger down or up active edge user
input device 420 to scroll through the sub-categories. As
illustrated in FIG. 4a, the sub-category "shirts" is highlighted as
a result of a touch or press on an adjacent area of active edge
input device 420. A sub-category, or any data displayed and
selected using embodiments consistent with the present invention,
can by highlighted in many different ways. For example, the
selected data can change colors, expand, contract, flash, or be
affected in any manner that indicates it has been selected by a
user via active edge input device 420.
[0058] The touch or press on active edge input device 420
corresponding to the selection of the "shirts" sub-category sends a
first signal to processor 130 which processes the signal using user
interface software 160. User interface software 160 interprets the
signal as a selection of the "shirts" category based on the screen
location of the currently display data and the selected area on
active edge input device 420. Since the touch or press only
implements the first step of the "two-step" functionality described
herein, the "shirts" category is simply highlighted for the
user.
[0059] Once the sub-category is highlighted, the user has the
option of accepting the selected category or moving to another
displayed category. The latter option highlights a newly selected
sub-category in a manner similar to the highlighted "shirts"
sub-category. If the user chooses to accept the "shirts"
sub-category, they simply increase the pressure on active edge
input device 420 until the electrical contacts of active edge input
device 420 contact the electrical contacts connected to a surface
of the host device. This operation implements the second step of
"two-step" functionality described herein. At this point, a second
signal is sent to processor 130 indicating that the selection is
accepted and the "shirts" sub-category moves to the left side of
the screen under the "clothing" category, as illustrated in FIG.
4b. User interface software 160 then implements the function
associated with the user selection that, in this example, is
updating the category listing with "shirts."
[0060] The function implemented by user interface software 160 will
change depending on the user environment. For example, the display
may show an "Announce" function that, when selected, announces
predetermined information to specified subscribers over a wireless
or wireline communication channel. The "Announce" function may
allow the user to select the priority of the announcement by
displaying priority selections adjacent an active edge input device
(e.g., gold priority for urgent, silver priority for semi-urgent,
and bronze for not urgent). Using the active edge input device, the
user can scroll through the displayed priority categories and
select the desired priority using the "two-step" functionality
described herein. Another example of this feature is discussed with
reference to FIGS. 5a-5d.
[0061] FIG. 5a illustrates an implementation of an active edge user
interface on a wireless communications device 500 for responding to
a call consistent with the present invention. Wireless
communication device 500 is a host device that includes a display
510, an active edge input device 520, and a keypad 525. The upper
highlighted portion of display 510 indicates the currently
displayed function (e.g., "call from" or "contact"). The middle
portion of display 510 shows data entered by a user or received
from a remote device. The lower portion of display 510 shows
function parameters, such as "Fwd," "Ans," and "Send." Active edge
input device 520 is a continuous strip of flexible material that
borders three sides of display 510. Active edge input device 520
includes protrusions in the shape of ribs 540 on the left and right
sides of display 510, and buttons 550 on the bottom side of the
display. One or more buttons 550 correspond to one or more of the
displayed function parameters.
[0062] Display 510 in FIG. 5a indicates to the user that wireless
communications device 500 is receiving or has received a call from
"Alan Frank" whose telephone number is "459-6232." The user has the
option of answering or forwarding the call by pressing the
appropriate button 550. If the "Ans" function parameter is
selected, wireless communications device 500 connects the call. If
the "Fwd" function parameter is selected, the user has the option
of forwarding the call to "VMail" (i.e., voicemail) or to "Home"
(i.e., to telephone number "763-5463") as illustrated in FIG. 5b.
The user can move between each displayed option, for example, by
dragging a finger along the left or right side surface of active
edge input device 520. One skilled in the art will appreciate that
active edge user interface may be configured such that the user can
only use one side of active edge input device to select between the
options on display 510.
[0063] When the user is touching or slightly pressing on an area of
active edge input device 520 adjacent a desired option, the option
is highlighted, as shown in FIG. 5b. The touching or slight
pressure represents the first step of the "two-step" functionality
implemented by embodiments consistent with the present invention.
To accept the highlighted option, the user presses harder on active
edge input device 520, which forwards Alan Frank's call to the
user's home. This secondary pressure represents the second step of
the "two-step" functionality. The user may choose to quit the
current display at any time by touching on active edge input device
520 below the displayed "Quit" function parameter.
[0064] The user may choose to make a call from wireless
communications device 500. In this instance, the user presses on
active edge input device 520 below the "Call" function as
illustrated in FIG. 5c. Upon selecting this function, a list of
names stored in memory appears on display 510. If the list is
voluminous, the user can scroll through the list by dragging (e.g.,
touching or slightly pressing) a finger or other instrument in an
upward or downward motion across the surface of active edge input
device 520. In the scrolling mode, display 510 may automatically
switch to an iconic view to show where the user is on the list, as
shown in FIG. 5c.
[0065] Upon reaching a desired name on the list, the name is
highlighted by the touch or slight pressure on active edge input
device 520 adjacent the name, as illustrated in FIG. 5d. The user
can then initiate the call by pressing harder on active edge input
device 520. Alternatively, the user could only send a message to a
specified person by selecting the appropriate function key on the
bottom of display 510.
[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for implementing an active edge
user interface consistent with the present invention. Initially, an
active edge user interface generates an image on a display in
response to a touch or pressure on a predetermined area of an input
device adjacent the display (step 600). Subsequently, active edge
user interface implements a function associated with the image when
a greater pressure is applied to the predetermined area of the
input device (step 620). The function, for example, could be
calling a highlighted name (i.e., represented by the image) on a
wireless communications device.
[0067] Systems and methods consistent with the present invention
thus provide an active edge user interface that offers great
functionality and ease-of-use. Moreover, an active edge user
interface consistent with the present invention eliminates the need
to touch the actual display while preserving the benefits of a
graphical user interface.
[0068] While there has been illustrated and described preferred
embodiments and methods of the present invention, those skilled in
the art will understand that various changes and modifications may
be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof,
without departing from the true scope of the invention.
[0069] In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular element, technique or implementation to the teachings of
the present invention without departing from the central scope of
the invention. Therefore, this invention should not be limited to
the particular embodiments and methods disclosed herein, but should
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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