U.S. patent application number 09/775077 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-01 for bezel interface for small computing devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Microsoft Corporation. Invention is credited to Lang, Eric G..
Application Number | 20020101457 09/775077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25103257 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020101457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lang, Eric G. |
August 1, 2002 |
Bezel interface for small computing devices
Abstract
A user interface for small computing devices. The user interface
includes a display screen and a bezel encircling the display
screen. The bezel is adapted to move relative to the display screen
in one or more axes. For example, the bezel may be rotated about
the display screen, pivoted about a pivot point, or moved in a
planar direction. A cursor displayed within the display screen is
responsive to movement of the bezel.
Inventors: |
Lang, Eric G.; (Redmond,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Homer L. Knearl
Merchant & Gould P.C.
P.O. Box 2903
Minneapolis
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
Microsoft Corporation
|
Family ID: |
25103257 |
Appl. No.: |
09/775077 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/856 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04892 20130101;
G06F 3/0338 20130101; G04G 17/02 20130101; G04G 21/00 20130101;
G06F 1/163 20130101; G06F 3/0362 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/856 ;
345/835 |
International
Class: |
G06F 003/00 |
Claims
1. A user interface suitable for a small computing device, the user
interface comprising: a display screen; a bezel encircling said
display screen, said bezel movable relative to said display screen;
and a cursor displayed within said display screen, wherein said
cursor is responsive to movement of said bezel.
2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein said cursor includes a
pointing icon cursor.
3. The user interface of claim 1, wherein said cursor includes a
highlighted selection cursor.
4. The user interface of claim 1, wherein said cursor includes
scrollbar cursor.
5. The user interface of claim 1, wherein said cursor includes
text-selection cursor.
6. The user interface of claim 1, wherein said bezel includes bezel
buttons.
7. The user interface of claim 1, wherein said bezel includes at
least one touch sensor.
8. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising: a display
surface on said display screen; and wherein said bezel is rotatable
about an axis, said axis being normal to said display surface.
9. The user interface of claim 8, wherein said bezel is biased to a
non-rotated position.
10. The user interface of claim 9, further comprising a spring
coupled with said bezel to bias said bezel to said non-rotated
position.
11. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising: a display
surface on said display screen; and wherein said bezel is pivotable
about a pivot point, said pivot point located on an axis normal to
said display surface.
12. The user interface of claim 11, wherein said bezel is biased to
a non-pivoted position.
13. The user interface of claim 12, further comprising a spring
coupled with the bezel to bias said bezel to said non-pivoted
position.
14. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising: a display
surface on said display screen, said bezel being movable along a
plane substantially parallel to said display surface.
15. The user interface of claim 14, wherein said bezel is biased to
a rest position.
16. The user interface of claim 15, further comprising a spring
coupled with said bezel to bias the bezel to said rest
position.
17. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising at least one
movement sensor configured to provide a movement signal when
movement of said bezel occurs.
18. The user interface of claim 17, wherein said movement sensor is
a micro-switch.
19. The user interface of claim 17, wherein said movement sensor is
an optical encoder.
20. The user interface of claim 17, wherein said movement sensor is
a magnetic switch.
21. The user interface of claim 1, wherein said cursor is
responsive to movement of said bezel in combination with spoken
commands.
22. The user interface of claim 1, wherein said bezel includes at
least one touch sensor responsive to finger contact.
23. A user interface suitable for a small computing device, the
user interface comprising: a bezel encircling said display screen,
said bezel being rotatable about an axis normal to said display
surface, said bezel being movable along a plane substantially
parallel to said display surface, and said bezel being pivotable
about a pivot point; and a display screen responsive to said bezel
movement.
24. The user interface of claim 23, wherein said display screen is
responsive to movement of said bezel in combination with spoken
commands.
25. The user interface of claim 23, wherein said bezel includes a
touch sensor responsive to finger contact.
26. A method of interfacing user input to a small computing device,
the method comprising: displaying a cursor on a display screen;
receiving a movement signal indicating movement of a bezel relative
to said display screen, wherein said bezel encircles said display
screen; and positioning said cursor on said display screen in
response to said received movement signal.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising biasing said bezel
to a substantially central position.
28. A portable Internet device, the device comprising: a display
screen displaying Internet data; a bezel encircling said display
screen, said bezel movable relative to said display screen; and at
least one movement sensor configured to provide a movement signal
when movement of said bezel occurs.
29. A user interface suitable for a small computing device, the
user interface comprising: a display screen; a display surface on
said display screen having a center point; a bezel encircling said
display screen, said bezel being pivotable about a pivot point,
said pivot point located on a center axis normal to said display
surface, and said center axis located substantially through said
center point; and at least one movement sensor configured to
provide a movement signal when movement of said bezel occurs.
30. The user interface of claim 29, wherein said bezel is biased to
a non-pivoted position.
31. The user interface of claim 29, wherein said bezel is rotatable
about said center axis.
32. The user interface of claim 31, wherein said bezel is biased to
a non-rotated position.
33. The user interface of claim 29, wherein said bezel being
movable along a plane substantially parallel to said display
surface.
34. The user interface of claim 33, wherein said bezel is biased to
a substantially centered position.
35. The user interface of claim 29, wherein said bezel is moveable
to a combination of rotated, pivoted, and planar positions.
36. A user interface suitable for a small computing device, the
user interface comprising: a display screen; a display surface on
said display screen; bezel encircling said display screen, said
bezel being movable along a plane substantially parallel to said
display surface; and at least one movement sensor configured to
provide a movement signal when movement of said bezel occurs.
37. The user interface of claim 36, wherein said bezel is biased to
a substantially centered position.
38. The user interface of claim 36, wherein said bezel is rotatable
about a center axis, said center axis being normal to said display
surface and passing through a center point on said display
screen.
39. The user interface of claim 38, wherein said bezel is biased to
a non-rotated position.
40. The user interface of claim 36, wherein said bezel is moveable
to a combination of rotated, pivoted, and planar positions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an interface for electronic
devices, and more specifically to a bezel interface for small
computing devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As technology advancements continue to miniaturize
electronic circuits, portable electronic devices are quickly
becoming capable of more and more computationally powerful
operations. Many complex program applications, once only executed
on large desktop computers, can now be found running on modern
"wearable" computer devices. For instance, modern personal digital
assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, and smart watches may include a
text and e-mail editor, a database program, and an Internet
browser.
[0003] One complicating factor in executing complex programs on
such small computer devices is the lack of physical space available
for a practical user interface compatible with complex program
applications. Wearable computers often have a small amount of
surface area on which to provide a display screen and user input
hardware. Because of this spatial constraint, small electronic
devices tend to miniaturize input hardware, such as push buttons,
knobs, and joysticks, so that less surface area is taken up by
input elements. Miniaturizing input hardware, however, often
reduces their handiness and makes portable computing devices
awkward and difficult to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other problems are solved by providing a user with a relatively
large bezel surface for interfacing with a small computing device.
The bezel interface is generally easier to handle and manipulate
than conventional interfaces for small computing devices. In
addition, the bezel is advantageously positioned along the
perimeter of the device such that a majority of the device face is
left available for displaying information in a display screen.
[0005] Thus, the present invention generally involves a user
interface for a small computing device. The user interface includes
a display screen for displaying user data. A bezel encircles the
display screen and is movable relative to the display screen.
Additionally, a cursor displayed within the display screen is
responsive to bezel movement.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of
interfacing user input to a small computing device. When
implemented as a method, the present invention includes the acts of
displaying a cursor on a display screen; receiving a movement
signal indicating movement of a bezel relative to the display
screen, wherein the bezel encircles the display screen; and
positioning the cursor on the display screen in response to the
received movement signal.
[0007] The invention may also be implemented as a portable Internet
device. Such a device includes a display screen for displaying
Internet data. A bezel encircling the display screen is movable
relative to the display screen. The device also includes at least
one movement sensor configured to provide a movement signal when
movement of the bezel occurs.
[0008] These and various other features as well as advantages,
which characterize the present invention, will be apparent from a
reading of the following detailed description and a review of the
associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary smart watch device embodying the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows the major electrical components of a small
computing device employing the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the bezel interface assembly
as contemplated by the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the smart watch of
FIG. 3 along section line 4-4.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows an operational flow diagram of the bezel
interface as contemplated by the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is contemplated that the user interface of the present
invention is employed to control small computing devices executing
complex program applications therein, as well as to manipulate and
enter data in the applications. Such small computing devices
include personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart watches, mobile
telephones, and the like. The present invention and its various
embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the
figures. When referring to the figures, like structures and
elements shown throughout are indicated with like reference
numerals.
[0015] In FIG. 1, an exemplary smart watch 102 embodying the
present invention is shown. The smart watch 102 includes a device
housing 104 containing the various components of the device. The
device housing 104 is preferably made from a durable material, such
as a metallic alloy or a hard plastic, which is capable of
withstanding the rougher treatment associated with portable
devices. A strap 106 is coupled with the housing 104 to hold the
smart watch 102 close to the user. The strap 106 may be made from
metal, plastic, leather, or other suitable material.
[0016] The smart watch 102 includes one or more input buttons 108
mounted on the device housing 104. The input buttons 108 provide
activation signals to the smart watch 102 which are responsive to
user interaction. For example, an input button 108 may be used to
turn on and off a device backlight (not shown), change modes of
operation, or start and stop a timer. Thus, the input buttons 108
enable a user to control the smart watch 102 by selecting different
tasks during different operating stages of the device. Various
types of input elements may be employed by the present invention,
including, but not limited to, pull/push button switches, rocker
switches, and touch sensitive elements.
[0017] The smart watch 102 may also include a speaker 110 and a
microphone 112. The speaker 110 can be used to play recorded music,
provide auditory alarms, and produce other sound output. The
microphone 112 can be used to detect sound for recording, pick-up
voice commands, and carry out telephone communications.
[0018] Additional hardware may be coupled to the smart watch 102
through a connector 114. Such peripheral hardware may include
digital cameras, mass storage devices, network adapters, printers,
and scanners. Data transfer between the smart watch 102 and
peripheral hardware may be conducted through serial or parallel
data transfer protocols. In addition, a communication port 116 may
be used to carry out wireless communications with other electrical
devices. Various communication protocols may be supported by the
communication port 116, including Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
(HTTP), Post Office Protocol (POP), Time Division Multiple Access
(TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP). It should be noted that the protocols
listed above are provided as examples only; it is contemplated that
many other protocols known by those skilled in the art may be
supported by the smart watch 102. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the smart watch 102 is part of a wireless piconet, such
as a BLUETOOTH (.TM.) WAP. BLUETOOTH is a Trademark owned by
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson.
[0019] A display screen 118 on the smart watch 102 is used to
display information to the user. The display screen 118 is
preferably a low power, high-resolution display, such as a liquid
crystal display (LCD), and may be a monochrome, gray scale, or
color display. Furthermore, the display screen 118 may be
touch-sensitive, thereby providing activation signals to the smart
watch 102 when the display screen 118 is contacted by the user. A
stylus (not shown) or other pointing device can be used in
conjunction with a touch-sensitive display screen 118 to activate a
small region of the display.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
bezel 120 encircling the display screen 118 provides a user
interface for the smart watch 102. As described in detail below,
the bezel 120 is movable relative to the display screen 118 in one
or more axes. For example, the bezel 120 can be rotated clockwise
and counterclockwise, pivoted about a central pivot point, and slid
horizontally and vertically with respect to FIG. 1. Bezel movement,
in turn, is converted to user input for controlling the smart watch
102 and entering data. Particularly, the bezel 120 can be used to
direct a cursor within the display screen 118.
[0021] In FIG. 1, the display screen 118 is shown containing
several exemplary cursors contemplated by the present invention.
One such cursor is a pointing icon cursor 122 which moves around
the display screen 118 in response to bezel motion. For example,
the pointing icon cursor 122 may move left across the display
screen 118 in response to the bezel 120 being nudged left, pivoted
left, or turned counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 1. The
rotation speed of the bezel 120 can be measured to provide variable
cursor acceleration. In addition, the pointing icon cursor 122 can
be activated to select text, check boxes, and menu items, and other
screen objects. Activation of the pointing icon cursor 122 may be
achieved by actuating the bezel 120 or an input button 108.
Furthermore, the pointing icon cursor 122 may support drag-and-drop
operations when cursor activation is sustained while the bezel 120
is moved. It is contemplated that the pointing icon 122 may change
in appearance to indicate an action to be performed if the cursor
122 is activated.
[0022] The bezel 120 may also be used to control a highlighted
selection cursor 124 within a selection array 126. The highlighted
selection cursor 124 is able to move left, right, up, and down
within the menu array 126 according to bezel movement. For example,
when the bezel 120 is rotated clockwise, the highlighted selection
cursor 124 moves right, and when the bezel 120 is rotated
counterclockwise the cursor 124 moves left. Similarly, a pivoting
and/or sliding motion of the bezel 120 may control the position of
the highlighted selection cursor 124. The highlighted selection
cursor 124 can operate to select or enter application menus, text,
checkboxes, radio buttons, and other interface widgets.
[0023] Another cursor contemplated by an embodiment of the present
invention is a scroll bar cursor 128. As the scroll bar cursor 128
moves along a scroll bar 130, the display screen 118 is scrolled in
the direction of the cursor movement. Scroll bar cursor movement is
controlled by the bezel 120. For example, the scroll bar cursor 128
may be moved up and down along a scroll bar 130 by rotating the
bezel 120 clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. Similar
cursor movement may be achieved by pivoting or nudging the bezel
120 up and down with respect to FIG. 1.
[0024] The bezel 120 may also be used in conjunction with a text
selection cursor 132 for entering alphanumeric text in the smart
watch 102. For example, the bezel 120 may be rotated clockwise and
counterclockwise to scroll through a set of characters displayed in
the text selection cursor 132. When the desired character appears
in the text selection cursor 132, the user activates the cursor 132
and the desired character is entered. Activation of the text
selection cursor 132 may be achieved by actuating the bezel 120 or
an input button 108. In another embodiment of the present
invention, the text selection cursor 132 and bezel 120 may operate
in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. XX,XXX,XXX, titled "J-Key
Inspection", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/652,330, and
incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
[0025] It is contemplated that combinations of bezel movements, or
gestures, may be used to interact with the smart watch 102. For
example, pivoting the bezel 120 left and then rotating the bezel
120 may cause the screen 118 to scroll vertically, while pivoting
the bezel 120 right and then rotating the bezel 120 may cause the
screen 118 to scroll horizontally. In a similar, manner bezel
gestures may be used to enter alphanumeric input.
[0026] The present invention provides the user with a relatively
large bezel surface for interfacing with a small computing device.
Therefore, the bezel interface is generally easier to handle and
manipulate than conventional interfaces for small computing
devices. In addition, the bezel is advantageously positioned along
the perimeter of the device such that a majority of the device face
is left available for displaying information in a display screen.
Thus, the bezel interface of the present invention supplies a
relatively large user input surface while sacrificing only a
minimum amount of display screen room.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bezel 120
includes ridges 134 to help the user grip the bezel 120. Other
types of surface treatments, such as protrusions and depressions on
the bezel surface, are also contemplated. The bezel 120 may also
include a rubber surface to further prevent finger slippage. Other
high friction materials placed on the bezel 120 are considered
within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0028] Yet another embodiment of the present invention may include
bezel buttons 136 on the bezel surface. The bezel buttons 136 can
be dynamically assignable to various tasks according the current
application executed by the smart watch 102. Alternatively, the
bezel buttons 136 may be assigned to specific tasks which stay
constant regardless of the executed application. In one embodiment
of the invention, the bezel 120 includes at least one touch sensor
138 responsive to finger contact. As such, the user may slide a
finger along the sensor 138 to "virtually" rotate the bezel 120 in
the direction of the finger movement without actually moving the
bezel 120. Similarly, the smart watch 102 may be configured to
interpret a brief finger tap on the touch sensor 138 as a virtual
pivot or nudge of the bezel 120.
[0029] In FIG. 2, the major electrical components of a computing
device 201 employing the present invention are shown. The small
computing device 201 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 202
which is primarily responsible for carrying out arithmetic, logic,
and control operations. The CPU 202 may include a floating-point
unit (FPU) and/or a co-processor (not shown). Additionally, the CPU
202 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor
(DSP), or other state machine circuit.
[0030] A memory unit 204 for storage of data and program code is
coupled with the CPU 202 through a system bus 205. The memory unit
204 may include a memory cache, random access memory (RAM), video
RAM (VRAM), and read only memory (ROM). In addition, the memory
unit 204 may encompass mass storage media, such as magnetic and
optical memory media.
[0031] The CPU 202 also communicates with input/output (I/O) ports
206 through the system bus 205. The I/O ports 206 allow the CPU 202
to receive and transmit data from and to the outside environment.
Thus, various input and output components of the computing device
201, such as the display screen 118, the input buttons 108, and the
bezel interface 120 are coupled to the I/O ports 206 for
transmitting and receiving data to and from the user, respectively.
The CPU 202 may access the I/O ports 206 as either memory mapped
I/O space or as separately mapped I/O space. In addition, the I/O
ports 206 may be configured to support interrupt-driven CPU
access.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
I/O ports 206 are also coupled to a network 212, such as the
Internet. Preferably, communications over the network 212 is
achieved over a wireless connection between the computing device
201 and a network server (not shown). For example, the computing
device 210 may use a transfer control protocol/Internet protocol
(TCP/IP) to exchange data across the network 212.
[0033] In FIG. 3, one embodiment of the bezel interface assembly as
contemplated by the present invention is shown. The bezel 120 is
substantially ring-shaped with an outer surface 134 and an inner
surface 303. As discussed above, rotation of the bezel 120 about
the display 118 may be used to control the smart watch 102. Thus,
when the bezel 120 is turned clockwise or counterclockwise, a
rotation sensor 304 is configured to sense the magnitude and
direction of the bezel rotation. The rotating sensor then sends a
motion signal corresponding to the bezel motion to the CPU 202 (see
FIG. 2), which acts upon the bezel motion.
[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the rotation sensor 304
is a spring-loaded, single throw, double pole switch. The rotation
sensor 304 is activated when inwardly pointed bezel teeth 302 along
the inner surface 303 of the bezel 120 are rotated past the sensor
304. Thus, when the bezel 120 is rotated counterclockwise, the
bezel teeth 302 push the sensor throw 306 upwardly to make contact
with a first switch pole, and thereby indicating counterclockwise
rotation of the bezel 120.
[0035] Conversely, when the bezel 120 is rotated clockwise, the
bezel teeth 302 push the switch throw 306 downwardly to make
contact with a second switch pole, thereby indicating a clockwise
rotation of the bezel 120. Since the switch throw 306 is
spring-loaded, it returns to an off position each time a bezel
tooth passes. The magnitude of the bezel rotation is determined by
the number of times the rotation sensor 304 is switched on by the
bezel teeth 302. In a further embodiment of the present invention,
the bezel 120 may be biased by one or more springs 312 to return
the bezel 120 to a non-rotated or rest position when no external
rotational force is applied.
[0036] It is contemplated that other means of sensing bezel
rotation movement may be utilized in the present invention. For
example, those skilled in the art will recognize that bezel
rotation may be sensed using an optical encoder assembly.
Specifically, an alternating pattern of reflective and
non-reflective colors may be added to the inner surface 303 of the
bezel 120. Optical transmitters and receivers are used to determine
rotation direction and magnitude of the bezel 120 as the color
pattern is rotated. Alternatively, an encoder ring having a
plurality of slits may be used to pass and block light from an
optical transmitter to an optical receiver. It is further
contemplated that a magnetic strip with an alternating pattern of
north and south poles may be attached to the inner surface 303 of
the bezel 120, and a pair of magnetic sensors are used to sense
bezel rotation. These and other configurations for sensing bezel
rotation movement, such as potentiometers, are considered within
the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, pivot
sensors 308 mounted below the bezel 120 are used to sense bezel
pivot movement. For example, a left push button 310 is activated
when the bezel 120 is pivoted in a leftwardly direction about a
center point. The bezel 120 may also be biased by a spring to
return to a non-pivoted position when no external pivoting force is
applied. Bezel pivot motion detection is discussed in greater
detail below.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the smart
watch 102 of FIG. 3 along section line 4-4 is shown. The bezel 120
is rotatably coupled to a bezel platform 402, such that the bezel
platform 402 stays fixed in position when the bezel 120 is rotated
about the bezel platform 402. The bezel platform 402 has a
substantially C-shaped profile and includes a sidewall 407 coupled
with an upper lip 404 and a lower lip 405.
[0039] As mentioned earlier, the bezel 120 may be pivoted about a
center axis 406, wherein the center axis 406 is normal to a display
surface 408 and passes through a center point 410 on the display
118. In this manner, the bezel 120 is pivotable about a pivot point
on the center axis 406 by applying downwardly directed force on the
bezel 120. When such pivot force is applied, a contact pad 416 is
pressed into a pivot sensor 308 and the pivot sensor is activated.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper lip 404 and
sidewall 407 form a spring, thereby biasing the bezel 120 to a
non-pivoted or rest position when no external pivoting force is
applied to the bezel. Therefore, when the pivot force is removed,
the platform spring returns the bezel 120 to the center position
and the pivot sensor 308 becomes deactivated.
[0040] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
bezel platform 402 is slideably coupled with a watch base 412 at
the lower lip 405. Side springs 414 bias the bezel 120 and bezel
platform 402 to a center position when the bezel 120 is released or
at rest. In this configuration, movement sensors 418 are arranged
to detect linear or planar motion of the bezel 120 and bezel
platform 402. For example, when the bezel 120 is nudged to the
right with respect to FIG. 4, a micro push button switch 420 is
pressed against the bezel platform 402, thereby providing a
movement signal to the smart watch 102. When the linear external
force is removed, the side springs 414 return the bezel 120 to the
center position, thus, deactivating the movement sensors 418.
[0041] In FIG. 5, an operational flow diagram of the bezel
interface as contemplated by the present invention is shown.
Display operation 502 displays a cursor on the display screen 118.
As mentioned earlier, the cursor may include a pointing icon
cursor, a highlighted menu selection cursor, a scroll bar cursor,
and a text selection cursor. Furthermore, the position of the
cursor is responsive to movement of the bezel 120.
[0042] During a receive operation 504, a movement signal is
received from a bezel sensor. As discussed previously, the present
invention may include one or more bezel sensors configured to
indicate movement of the bezel 120 relative to the display screen
118. For example, a rotation sensor provides a movement signal when
the bezel 120 is rotated about a center axis normal to the display
surface and passing through a center point on the display surface.
Furthermore, pivot sensors provide movement signals indicating
pivot motion of the bezel 120 about a pivot point located on the
center axis. Movement sensors may also be present to provide
movement signals when the bezel 120 is moved along a plane
substantially parallel to the display surface. Movement sensors may
also work together to sense a combination of movements such as
rotation and pivoting, sliding and pivoting, or all three motions
together.
[0043] A positioning operation 506 positions the cursor on the
display screen 118 to a new location in response to received
movement signals. The movement signals are passed through I/O ports
206 (see FIG. 2) to the CPU 202, wherein the CPU 202 processes the
movement signals received. After the CPU 202 determines the type of
movement undergone by the bezel 120, the CPU 202 redraws the cursor
in the display screen 118 according to the movement of the bezel
120.
[0044] Although the invention has been described and illustrated
with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the
present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that
numerous changes, combinations, and arrangements of techniques can
be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed below.
* * * * *