U.S. patent application number 11/975611 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for touch sensor control devices.
Invention is credited to Denny Jaeger, John Ream, Kenneth M. Twain.
Application Number | 20080238879 11/975611 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24691093 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080238879 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jaeger; Denny ; et
al. |
October 2, 2008 |
Touch sensor control devices
Abstract
The invention provides mechanical devices to enhance the input
process for touch screen devices. Fader tracks with or without
fader caps, rotary and fixed knobs, and joysticks may be removably
adhered to a touch screen and used to emulate their respective
functions, using software interpretation of the touch detections
provoked by the devices to carry out the emulations. The devices
are inexpensive and simple, and the touch screen and associated
software provide the function and feel of electromechanical
controllers that are far more expensive and difficult to connect
and maintain. The devices may be provided as components on a
crack-and-peel sheet. For fixed knobs, the software application
accepts initial inputs and determines the location on the touch
screen, and also interprets the geometry of the input strokes as
commands for selected controller emulations, such as joystick,
fader, knob, or mouse. The invention also provides a touch sensor
controller having a longitudinal web that incorporates touch sensor
electrodes and conductors and emulates a fader controller. The
invention further provides a flexible track controller mounted at
the periphery of a touch screen and extendable thereover to emulate
a fader controller. The flexible track may be motor driven.
Inventors: |
Jaeger; Denny; (Oakland,
CA) ; Twain; Kenneth M.; (Oakland, CA) ; Ream;
John; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ZIMMERMAN & CRONEN, LLP
1330 BROADWAY, SUITE 710
OAKLAND
CA
94612-2506
US
|
Family ID: |
24691093 |
Appl. No.: |
11/975611 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09670610 |
Sep 26, 2000 |
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11975611 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0383 20130101;
G06F 3/03545 20130101; G06F 3/03548 20130101; G06F 3/044 20130101;
G06F 3/0362 20130101; G06F 3/0393 20190501; G06F 3/0338 20130101;
G06F 3/0433 20130101; G06F 3/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Claims
1. An input control device, comprising: a touch sensing device
having a touch input area, and a mechanical overlay provided on or
over the touch input area of the touch sensing device, the
mechanical overlay having one or more mechanical input mechanisms
that provide the touch input to the touch input area via a
mechanical action.
2. The input control device as recited in claim 1 wherein the touch
sensing device is a touch pad.
3. The input control device as recited in claim 1 wherein the touch
sensing device is a touch screen positioned over a display.
4. The input control device as recited in claim 1 wherein the touch
sensing device is a touch sensitive housing.
5. The input control device as recited in claim 1 wherein the touch
sensing device is a multi-touch sensing device capable of detecting
multiple touches that occur at the same time.
6. The input control device as recited in claim 1 wherein the touch
sensing device is a capacitive touch sensing device.
7. The input control device as recited in claim 1 wherein the touch
sensing means is configured to recognize gestures applied to the
touch sensitive surface via the mechanical input mechanisms of the
mechanical overlay.
8. The input control device as recited in claim 1 wherein the touch
surface is broken up into regions, the regions being located in the
area of the mechanical mechanisms.
9. A mechanical overlay for a touch sensing device, the mechanical
overlay comprising: a base configured for placement on or over a
touch sensitive surface of the touch sensing device; and one or
more mechanical actuators that move relative to the base, the
motion of the mechanical actuators being configured to cause
activation of the touch sensitive surface of the touch sensing
device.
10. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9 wherein the
mechanical overlay does not include any electronic input
mechanisms.
11. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9 wherein the
mechanical actuator is a slider that slides relative to the
base.
12. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9 wherein the
mechanical actuator is a dial that rotates relative to the
base.
13. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9 wherein the
mechanical actuator is a button that translates relative to the
base between and upright and depressed position.
14. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9 wherein the
mechanical actuator is a switch that toggles relative to the
base.
15. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9 wherein the
mechanical actuators include a feature that is easily sensed by the
touch sensing device.
16. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9, wherein the touch
sensing device is a capacitive sensing device, and wherein the
mechanical actuators include a grounded conductive element that can
be sensed by the underlying capacitive touch surface.
17. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9, wherein the base
includes an opening which provides access to the touch sensitive
surface when the mechanical overlay is positioned on or over the
touch sensitive device.
18. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9, wherein the
mechanical overlay is configured as a media mixing console
including a plurality of mechanical actuators selected from at
least sliders and dials.
19. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 9 wherein the
mechanical actuators are selected from buttons, sliders, switches,
dials, navigations pads or joysticks.
20. A mechanical overlay for a touch sensing device, the mechanical
overlay comprising: a base configured for placement on or over a
touch sensitive surface of the touch sensing device; and one or
more mechanical actuators that move relative to the base, the
motion of the mechanical actuators being configured to cause
activation of the touch sensitive surface of the touch sensing
device, the one or more mechanical actuators including at least a
button that translates relative to the base between an upright and
depressed position, the button activating the touch sensitive
surface when the button is moved from the upright to the depressed
position.
21. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 20 wherein the
button includes a plug that translates up and down relative to the
base, the plug including a contact pad at a bottom end, the contact
pad engaging the touch sensitive surface of the touch sensing
device when the plug is moved from an upright to a depressed
position.
22. The mechanical overlay as recited in claim 21 wherein the touch
sensing device is based on capacitance and wherein the plug
includes a conductive element that interacts with the capacitive
touch sensing device.
23. A computing device, comprising: a touch surface provided by one
of a touch pad, touch screen, or touch sensitive housing; a
mechanical overlay including one or more mechanical actuators that
interfere with the touch surface in order to generate touch inputs,
the touch inputs being used by the computing device to perform
actions in the computing device.
24. The computing device as recited in claim 23 wherein the
computing device is a personal computer, laptop computer, or tablet
personal computer.
25. The computing device as recited in claim 23 wherein the
computing device is a handheld computing device.
26. A control panel, comprising: a removable mechanical overlay
including a plurality of mechanical actuators selected from at
least sliders, buttons, dials or switches; and a touch sensing
device configured to recognize multiple touch events generated by
the plurality of actuators at the same time, and to report the
multiple touch events to a host computing device.
27. An input control device, comprising: a touch sensing device
having a touch input area; a base member removably securable on or
over the touch input area of the touch sensing device; and means
supported by said base member for imparting a touch input to the
touch input area of the touch sensing device.
28. The input control device of claim 27 wherein said means for
imparting a touch input includes a fader cap slidably supported on
said base member.
29. The input control device of claim 28, further including a
stylus tip extending from said fader cap toward said touch sensing
device.
30. The input control device of claim 29, wherein said stylus tip
imparts a mechanical touch input to the touch sensing device.
31. The input control device of claim 29, wherein the touch sensing
device is adapted to detect the position of a touch signal applied
thereto, and further including a touch signal generator disposed in
said fader cap and connected to deliver said touch signal through
said stylus tip to the touch sensing device.
32. The input control device of claim 27, wherein said base member
includes a post, and further including a knob cap rotatably secured
to said post.
33. The input control device of claim 32, further including a
stylus tip extending from said knob cap toward said touch sensing
device.
34. The input control device of claim 33, wherein the touch sensing
device is adapted to detect the position of a touch signal applied
thereto, and further including a touch signal generator disposed in
said knob cap and connected to deliver said touch signal through
said stylus tip to the touch sensing device.
35. The input control device of claim 27, wherein said means for
imparting a touch input includes a joystick supported on said base
member.
36. The input control device of claim 35, further including a
stylus tip extending from said joystick toward said touch sensing
device.
37. The input control device of claim 36, wherein the touch sensing
device is adapted to detect the position of a touch signal applied
thereto, and further including a touch signal generator connected
to said joystick to deliver said touch signal through said stylus
tip to the touch sensing device.
38. The input control device of claim 27, wherein said base member
includes a longitudinally extending web track, and at least one
electrical rail supported by said web track.
39. The input control device of claim 38, further including a fader
cap supported by said base member in contact with said at least one
electrical rail, and further including a stylus tip extending from
said fader cap and connected to said power rail, whereby a signal
from said electrical rail is conducted from said fader cap to said
touch input area.
40. The input control device of claim 38, wherein said at least one
electrical rail is connected to an electrical circuit located at or
near a peripheral edge of said touch input area.
41. The input control device of claim 40, further including a pair
of electrical rails supported by said web track and said electrical
circuit comprises a touch sensing circuit connected to said
electrical rails, whereby the position of a finger touch at any
point along said web track may be detected.
42. The input control device of claim 41, further including a ridge
extending longitudinally on said web track to guide a sliding
finger touch along said web track.
43. The input control device of claim 40, further including a pair
of electrical rails supported by said web track and said electrical
circuit comprises a touch sensing circuit connected to said
electrical rails, and further including a fader cap slidably
secured to said web track and disposed in communication with said
electrical rails whereby the position of said fader cap at any
point along said web track may be detected.
44. The input control device of claim 27, wherein said base member
comprises a longitudinally extending flexible track supported at a
peripheral edge of said touch input area, said flexible track
including a proximal end having a stylus tip extending therefrom
toward said touch input area to impart a touch input thereto, and
means for translating said flexible track longitudinally to move
the stylus tip on said touch input area.
45. The input control device of claim 44, further including a
conductor extending the length of said flexible track to said
stylus tip, said conductor being connected to a touch signal
generator, and said touch sensing device is adapted to detect the
position of a touch signal applied thereto by said stylus tip.
46. The input control device of claim 44, further including a motor
drive to translate said flexible track longitudinally and
reciprocally to comprise a motorized fader controller.
47. The input control device of claim 27, wherein said touch
sensing device includes a plurality of discrete touch input areas,
each capable of detecting a respective touch input independently of
the other touch input areas.
48. The input control device of claim 47, wherein said plurality of
discrete touch input areas are in contiguous arrangement within
said touch sensing device.
49. The input control device of claim 47, wherein said plurality of
touch input areas include resistive touch detection means.
50. The input control device of claim 47, wherein said plurality of
touch input areas include capacitive touch detection means.
51. The input control device of claim 47, further including a
plurality of touch input devices, wherein at least one of said
plurality of touch input devices is operable in a respective one of
said touch input areas.
52. The input control device of claim 27, wherein said base member
includes an adhesive layer disposed on a bottom surface thereof and
adapted to releasably adhere to said touch input device.
53. The input control device of claim 52, wherein said adhesive
layer is preferentially more adherent to said bottom surface than
to said touch input device.
54. A touch sensor controller, including: a web extending
longitudinally; a pair of sensor electrodes secured to
longitudinally opposed ends of said web; a conductive layer secured
to said web; at least one power rail extending longitudinally along
said web between said sensor electrodes; software means connected
to said sensor electrodes for determining the position of a touch
point on said web.
55. The touch sensor controller of claim 54, wherein said software
means includes means for emulating a fader controller in response
to sliding touch on said web.
56. The touch sensor controller of claim 54, further including a
guide ridge extending longitudinally on said web and disposed to
guide a sliding touch longitudinally therealong.
57. The touch sensor controller of claim 56, further including a
groove extending longitudinally in said guide ridge to guide a
stylus in sliding translation therealong.
58. The touch sensor controller of claim 56, further including a
fader cap slidably secured to said guide ridge.
59. The touch sensor controller of claim 58, further including a
stylus tip extending from said fader cap toward said longitudinal
web, and a touch signal generator disposed in said fader cap and
connected to said stylus tip.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/670,610, filed Sep. 26, 2000, for which priority is claimed.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING, ETC ON CD
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to touch screen input devices and,
more particularly, to mechanical enhancements to touch screens.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] Touch screen devices have become a commonplace user
interface for electronic devices, computers, and the like. Touch
screens are typically combined with a display screen which is in
close proximity to the touch screen or which projects images
through the touch screen. Under software control, the display may
present images, video, alphanumeric information, and various
combinations thereof. Moreover, the display may define
corresponding areas of the touch screen as control input areas,
through the presentation of control command words, iconic or
graphic representations of controls, or the like. Thereafter, an
operator touch at an appropriate portion of the touch screen causes
the software to correlate the touch position with the control
command defined by the display at that position, and to act on that
command.
[0008] Touch screen sensor devices use many different operating
principles, including infrared, capacitive sensor or resistive
sensor techniques. Resistive sensor screens typically establish
voltage gradients across orthogonal axes, and sense the touch point
based on the voltage detected at a touch point as a ratio of the
gradient. Capacitive sensor screens detect a signal input at a
touch point, based on the capacitive coupling of a body through the
tip of the finger impinging on the screen, or based on a signal
transmitted from the tip of an input stylus. Some capacitive touch
screens are designed to be placed behind a flat panel display, with
a cover glass over the display. Others must be mounted over the top
surface of a flat panel display. These latter devices may require
touch sensing means on both the top and bottom surfaces of the
touch screen, whereas others may require sensing means on only one
surface, either front or back. Some touch sensor screens are
capable of operation with a cover plate (superstrate) placed over
the touch screen.
[0009] Touch screen technology is well adapted to eliciting
operator inputs that are binary in nature: On/Off, Yes/No, Up/Down,
Start/Stop, and like commands, that may be indicated with a single
touch. There are other types of inputs, such as continuously
variable values or functions, that many individuals prefer to
control with real, palpable mechanical devices that permit a fine
touch to be associated with a precisely selected level. For these
inputs, a touch screen has not been well suited. Although a
continuous gradient may be displayed as an image on a monitor or a
flat panel display, and detected by a touch on a touch screen, it
is necessary to slide the touch finger (or a stylus) along a
graphic representation of a track or gradient that is displayed but
lacks any physical structure or boundary. This action is difficult
or awkward for many individuals, and requires that the user look at
the displayed graphics in order to guide the controlling touch. In
addition, many touch screens present an outer surface that is not
well suited to sliding contact; e.g., the glass or plastic outer
surface may lack sufficient lubricity.
[0010] The prior art reveals a lack of devices that may be used to
make inputs to a system using a touch screen. On the other hand,
the concept of combining electronic image display screens with
operator input sensor apparatus correlated to the images presented
on the display screen is well known in the prior art, as
exemplified by the U.S. patents issued to the present inventor:
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,239
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,955
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,146
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,145
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,613
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,115
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention generally provides mechanical devices
to enhance the input process for touch screen devices. A salient
feature of the invention is the inputting of continuously variable
functions or data using mechanical devices that provide the touch
and feel of prior art mechanisms, such as rotary knobs, fader
(slider) devices, joysticks, switches, and the like.
[0018] In one aspect, the invention provides a fader track that is
adapted to be releasably secured to the outer surface of a touch
screen device. The fader track may comprise a longitudinally
extending rib adapted to be releasably secured to a touch screen
device. The bottom surface of the rib may be provided with a
releasable adhesive that enables temporary adhesion and many cycles
of removal and placement. The rib may serve as a guide for a
sliding finger touch on the top surface thereof, and the material
forming the fader track may provide the lubricity that is often
lacking in the touch surface of touch screen devices.
[0019] The fader track may also serve as a mounting for a fader
cap. In this embodiment the rib is provided with a pair of flanges
disposed in lateral opposition and extending longitudinally
therealong. The fader cap comprises an ergonomically shaped object
designed for manual engagement, and includes a portion disposed to
engage the flanges in freely sliding fashion therealong. For a
capacitive touch screen, the fader cap incorporates a touch signal
transmitting circuit connected to a power supply, and a stylus
point extending from the cap adjacent to the rib to contact the
touch screen surface and deliver the touch signal thereto. The
power supply may comprise a battery, and/or a photovoltaic cell
deriving power from the associated display or other light sources,
or may comprise an RF or IR or other radiant energy source
transmitted to a receiver in the fader cap. The fader track may
also be placed in a grooved recess formed in the outer surface of
the touch screen, or in a cover plate (superstrate) placed over the
touch screen.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the fader track may be provided
with one or more power rails extending longitudinally along the
flanges thereof. The fader cap includes brush contacts that connect
to the power rails, whereby the power rails may deliver a power
signal or a touch signal to the fader cap. The power rails may be
connected by a plug connector or the like to a power supply or
signal generator, or may include connecting pads that electrically
engage complementary pads on the surface of the touch screen, an
adjacent circuit board, or a superstrate on the touch screen.
[0021] For a resistive touch screen device, the fader track
transmits pressure from a finger touch sliding on the upper surface
thereof to contact the touch screen and provoke a series of touch
detections. The bottom surface of the rib that contacts the touch
screen is substantially narrower than the upper surface thereof,
whereby the touch pressure applied to the touch screen is amplified
by the fact that the touch force is applied to the smaller area of
the rib impinging on the touch screen. The bottom surface of the
rib may be provided with a plurality of downward projections to
further define the touch detection points.
[0022] In another aspect, the invention provides a knob controller
that is adapted to be secured to the outer surface of a touch
screen device, or on a cover plate or superstrate over the display.
The knob may comprise a base member having a self-adhesive
component for releasably engaging a touch screen surface. A knob
cap is joined to the base in freely rotating fashion, and a sensor
tip extends from the knob cap toward the touch screen, so that
rotation of the knob cap causes the sensor tip to move through an
arcuate path on the touch screen surface. A compression spring
component may be interposed between the knob and its base, so that
the sensor tip may be urged by manual pressure to impinge on the
touch screen.
[0023] For capacitive touch sensor screens, the knob cap may house
a power supply for driving a touch signal generating circuit to
deliver the signal to the sensor tip. The power supply may comprise
a battery, and/or a photovoltaic cell for generating power from the
light received from the display or other extrinsic sources, or RF
or IR or other radiant energy transmitted to a receiver in the knob
cap.
[0024] For resistive touch sensor screens, the knob base may
include a post extending outwardly therefrom and provided with an
outer surface for engaging a finger tip. The finger tip is used to
rock the post in a shallow circular motion, causing the outer edge
of the knob base to impinge on and provoke a series of touch
detections by the touch screen. These touch detections follow the
angle of the rocking motion of the post to trace an arcuate path
about the post on the touch screen, even though the post is not
actually rotating. A joystick device for touch screens is
constructed in similar fashion, with the base diameter and post
length selected to optimize angular selectivity and radial vector
inputs.
[0025] In a further aspect, the invention provides a switch
mechanism that is removably secured to a capacitive touch screen
surface. A switch base supports a switch cap that houses a touch
signal generator, and a spring interposed between the cap and base
enables the user to push on the cap and urge a sensor tip to touch
the screen and deliver the touch signal to the screen for detection
of the touch point. As before, the power supply may comprise a
battery, a photovoltaic cell, external power rails extending to the
switch, or any RF or IR or other radiant energy transmitted to the
switch mechanism. Software interaction with the touch point results
in a switch function being carried out.
[0026] In an additional embodiment, the invention provides a
joystick input device that is securable to a touch screen surface.
A joystick base includes a surface defining a bottom opening, and a
self-adhesive component on the surface secures the base to the
touch screen. A rod extends outwardly from the joystick base, and a
membrane extending from the base engages the rod and supports it in
limited angular movement through a circular locus. The outer end of
the rod includes a knob for manual engagement, and the inner end of
the rod includes a stylus tip for engaging the touch screen. A
bearing may be provided to support the rod adjacent to the stylus
tip.
[0027] For capacitive touch sensing screens, the joystick base may
house a touch signal generating circuit and associated power
supply, as described previously.
[0028] A further aspect of the invention is the provision of a
touch screen device having a resistive or capacitive sensing
surface that is divided into a plurality of discrete areas. Any one
of the mechanical control devices described above may be secured to
respective discrete areas of the touch screen device, whereby a
plurality of mechanical control devices may operate simultaneously
through interaction with the touch screen device.
[0029] A further aspect of the invention is the use of multiple
mechanical control devices described herein used simultaneously
with a capacitive sensor touch screen device. The touch signal
generator of each controller device is assigned a predetermined
frequency that is unique among all the devices being used with a
touch screen device. The sensing circuitry of the touch screen is
adapted to receive the discrete signals of the plurality of
mechanical controllers, and to evaluate the discrete signals to
determine the touch point of each mechanical controller.
[0030] In a related aspect, the invention provides a touch sensor
fader track that incorporates a touch sensor device therein, and
may be used in conjunction with a display that lacks any other
touch screen capability, or may be added to a touch screen device.
The fader track is formed as a longitudinally extending web, and a
pair of sensor electrodes are embedded in the web at longitudinally
opposed ends and connected to a conductive layer or grid
incorporated in the web. A longitudinally extending power rail is
connected to a sensor signal generator, and the sensor electrodes
are connected to electronic devices that detect a touch position on
the web as a signal ratio from the electrodes. This device may be
self-adhered to the surface of a display screen, or may be placed
in a groove that is formed in the surface of a display screen,
cover plate, superstrate, or touch screen. In an associated
embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the device may be curved into
a closed loop to form a fader track that mimics the progressive
angular input of a mechanical knob. In either case, the web may
include a longitudinally extending groove or ridge to guide a
finger touch therealong.
[0031] In a further aspect related to external touch sensor
devices, the invention provides a fader control for a touch screen
device that includes a flexible, ribbon-like track member secured
to a structure such as a bezel or frame at or outside the margin of
a touch screen device. The flexible track is extendable along an
axis that that is directed inwardly with respect to the touch
screen margin, and a sensor tip is mounted in the distal end of the
flexible track to impart a detectable touch to the touch screen
device. For a capacitive touch screen, the sensor tip is connected
to a touch signal generator.
[0032] As an extension of this further aspect of the invention, the
proximal end portion of the flexible track may pass about a drive
wheel or sprocket which is operatively connected to a drive motor.
Under software control, the motor may be driven to rotate the wheel
or sprocket to extend or retract the flexible track to a preset
length. Thereafter, the operator may use fingertip pressure applied
to the distal end of the flexible track to further extend or
retract the track, the sensor tip traversing the touch screen and
imparting a moving touch point thereto.
[0033] Any of the devices described above may be placed on the
active surface of a resistive or capacitive touch screen.
Thereafter, the device is operated; i.e., the knob or joystick is
rotated, the fader controller is slidably actuated. The system
software receives the resulting touch inputs and analyzes them to
determine the location and type of device that has been operated.
The invention includes software modules that receive and interpret
control inputs from the devices described herein, and initiate
specific controller functions in response to the inputs. For
example, the knob controller for resistive touch screen use may be
rotated to evoke a rotary knob function response, or actuated along
an orthogonal axis to evoke a fader controller response, or
actuated along an oblique axis to evoke a joystick function or
mouse function response.
[0034] The various embodiments of the invention provide the
following advantages over the prior art:
[0035] 1. Much lower cost. The controller devices of the invention
cost much less that existing mechanical controllers for electronic
use. The embodiments designed for use with resistive touch screens
have no electronics at all and are therefore very inexpensive. They
are mechanical components which accomplish the equivalent of very
complex and much more expensive knobs, faders and joysticks. The
controllers for resistive touch screen use can cost pennies per
unit to produce. The devices adapted for capacitive touch screen
use incorporate only minimal electronics, and are also very
inexpensive compared to comparable stand-alone controllers known in
the prior art.
[0036] 2. Reduced electronic components: All of the electronics
required to detect and transmit individually the movement and
position of each discrete knob, fader, joystick, and the like in
the prior art is replaced by one touch screen. Thus a great amount
of discrete, high resolution, expensive electronics are obviated.
For use with resistive touch screens, no electronics are required
in the devices of the invention. For use with capacitive touch
screens, only minimal electronics that generate a touch signal at a
specific frequency from the various knob, fader, or joystick
controllers are required. The power consumption for these devices
is minimal, far less than the comparable discrete devices of the
prior art.
[0037] 3. Removable devices: The controller devices of the
invention (both resistive and capacitive) are removable, and may be
placed on a touch screen (or cover glass) and removed many times.
This aspect provides several benefits: device re-use is economical,
and removable devices enable the setup of custom controller
configurations in a few simple steps. Moreover, the devices may be
removed at any time to clear the entire expanse of the touch screen
for typical prior art touch screen functions.
[0038] 4. Self activating devices: The controller devices of the
invention (both resistive and capacitive) are self-activating under
software control. When one of these devices is placed on a touch
screen, the system software determines the location of the device
on the touch screen, and the software creates a parameter window
that enables the user to see the rotation (knob), fader position,
or joystick envelope as a changing graphic on the display
immediately below the device. The parameter window may be
positioned anywhere on the display associated with the touch
screen, or may be located on the display at positions related to
the placement of the respective controller devices on the touch
screen.
[0039] 5. Economy of scale: The use of software to emulate a wide
range of control functions takes advantage of a microprocessor's
ability to perform repetitive tasks reliably and cheaply, and
obviates the need for prior art mechanical controllers that can be
very expensive, require maintenance, and may be difficult to
connect.
[0040] 6. The various devices described herein may be placed
anywhere in the viewing area of a display or within the active
surface of a touch screen, and operated, and likewise may be moved
or removed by the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0041] FIG. 1 is an end view of a fader track controller for use
with a touch screen in accordance with the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 2 is an end view of a further embodiment of a fader
track controller for use with a touch screen in accordance with the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 3 is an end view of a further embodiment of a fader
track controller for use with a touch screen in accordance with the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end elevation of fader track
mechanical control with fader cap for use in conjunction with a
capacitive touch sensor device.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end elevation of fader track
mechanical control with fader cap as in FIG. 4, with a photovoltaic
cell power source.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end elevation of fader track
mechanical control with fader cap as in FIGS. 4 and 5, installed in
a groove formed in a touch screen device.
[0047] FIG. 7 is an end view of the fader cap and fader track
devices of FIGS. 8-10.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a fader track mechanical control
for use with a touch screen and including power rails and plug
connectors for driving a touch signal generator.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a fader track mechanical control as
in FIG. 8, with pad connectors for signal connection to the fader
track.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end elevation of fader track
mechanical control with fader cap for use in conjunction with a
capacitive touch sensor device and a cover glass (superstrate).
[0051] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a knob controller for use with a
resistive touch screen device.
[0052] FIGS. 12A-12D are side elevations various embodiments of a
knob controller for use with a resistive touch screen device.
[0053] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation showing a knob
controller for use in conjunction with a capacitive touch sensor
device.
[0054] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the knob controller
shown in FIG. 13.
[0055] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional elevation of a switch
controller for use in conjunction with a capacitive touch screen
device.
[0056] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional elevation of a fader track
controller for use in conjunction with a resistive touch screen
device.
[0057] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional end elevation of a fader
controller for use in conjunction with a touch screen device.
[0058] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional elevation of a joystick
controller for use in conjunction with a capacitive touch screen
device.
[0059] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional elevation of a further
embodiment of a joystick controller for use in conjunction with a
capacitive touch screen device.
[0060] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional end elevation of fader track
mechanical control with fader cap for use in conjunction with a
capacitive touch sensor device and an OLEP or LEP display or the
equivalent.
[0061] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional end elevation of knob
mechanical control with fader cap for use in conjunction with a
capacitive touch sensor device and an OLEP or LEP display or the
equivalent.
[0062] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a capacitive touch sensor fader
controller.
[0063] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a resistive touch sensor fader
controller.
[0064] FIG. 24 is an end view of the controllers shown in FIGS. 22
and 23.
[0065] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional end view of a resistive touch
sensor fader controller incorporating a sliding fader cap.
[0066] FIG. 26 is a plan view of a touch sensor controller formed
in a closed curved loop to emulate a rotating knob function.
[0067] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible track
fader controller for use with a capacitive touch screen device.
[0068] FIG. 28 is a side elevation of the flexible track fader
controller of FIG. 27.
[0069] FIG. 29 is a plan view of a resistive touch screen device
having discrete sensing areas for simultaneous detection of
multiple touches.
[0070] FIG. 30 is a schematic view of the resistive touch screen
device of FIG. 29.
[0071] FIGS. 31-34 are plan views depicting various controller
emulations for controller devices of the invention evoked under
software control.
[0072] FIG. 35 is an end view of a plurality of controller devices
for a touch screen in accordance with the invention, provided as
components on a crack-and-peel sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0073] The present invention generally provides mechanical devices
to enhance the input process for touch screen devices.
[0074] With regard to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the invention
comprises a fader track controller 41 including a longitudinally
extending rib 42 having a bottom surface 43 formed longitudinally
therein provided with a releasable adhesive that enables temporary
adhesion and many cycles of removal and placement with respect to a
touch screen or its cover glass or superstrate. The rib 42 acts as
a guide for a gliding finger touch to emulate the smooth
longitudinal motion of a mechanical fader controller known in the
prior art. The rib 42 may be formed of a lubricious plastic or
polymer material that facilitates a sliding touch. The rib 42 may
be placed anywhere on the touch screen surface 44, and the
associated display of an electronic device may be programmed to
present labeling and indicia appropriate for the desired function
and range of the controller 41. The rib 42 may be removed and
reused repeatedly. Note that the rib may be formed of transparent
or translucent material to permit visualization of an underlying
graphic display, or may be opaque, as is appropriate for the
situation.
[0075] With regard to FIG. 2, the fader track controller 41 may
alternatively provide a base panel 40 that supports a rail 39
having a smoothly curved cross-sectional surface 38. The surface 38
described an angle of more than 180.degree., forming a smooth
contour that accepts a finger touch. In addition, the cap
embodiment (below) may gain purchase on the rail 39 to prevent cap
removal while permitting free sliding translation therealong.
Likewise, in FIG. 3 a fader track controller may provide a base
panel 37 extending longitudinally, with a rib 36 extending
outwardly therefrom. A pair of flanges 35 are disposed in lateral
opposition and extend laterally along the rib 36. The embodiments
of FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a few possible track configurations,
although many equivalent formations are possible
[0076] With regard to FIG. 4, the fader track controller 41 may be
modified by the addition of a sliding fader cap 53 to provide the
tactile sensation of a moving object to control an input variable
to a touch screen device. The cap 53 includes a pair of opposed
tabs 48 extending laterally toward each other to engage
therebetween the flanges 35 or 47 (or the rail 39) and retain the
cap 53 in a sliding relationship on the track 41. The cap 53
incorporates a touch signal transmitting circuit 51 connected to a
battery 49, and a stylus point 52 extends from the cap adjacent to
the track 41 to contact the touch screen surface 46 and deliver the
touch signal thereto. The cap 53 may be urged by fingertip pressure
to slide along the track 41, the stylus point (also know as a
sensor tip) 52 imparting the touch signal to the touch screen to
provoke touch detection thereof along the track 41. (This touch
detection technique is well known in the prior art.) This action
provides a smooth, continuously variable control function closely
akin to a mechanical fader controller device known in the prior
art.
[0077] With regard to FIG. 5, the device of FIG. 4 may be modified
by replacing the battery power supply with a photovoltaic cell 54
within the cap 53. The photovoltaic cell 54 is supported closely
adjacent to the surface 44 to receive light from the display 55
associated with the touch screen device. The cell 54 powers the
signal generator 51 so that the device operates without external
power connections and without the need for battery replacement. In
both the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the touch screen device 56 is
connected to touch screen circuitry common in the art that detects
the touch signal and its location, and transfers this data to a
computer processor connected to graphic display 55 to carry out a
control, command, or input function. (Note that the track 41 may be
fabricated of light-transmitting material, and also the relative
widths of the track 41 and photovoltaic cell 54 are not necessarily
to scale.)
[0078] In all the embodiments of the invention in which adhesive or
self-adhesive materials are mentioned, it is presumed that the
adhesive is preferentially more adherent to the device of the
invention rather than the touch screen, display screen, cover
glass, or the like.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 6, the embodiment of FIG. 5 (and FIG.
4) may be installed in a grooved recess 57 in the surface 44 of the
touch screen device 56 that is associated with a graphic display
55. Likewise, these embodiments may be in a grooved recess of a
cover plate or superstrate placed over the touch screen device 56.
Likewise, as shown in FIG. 10, the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 may
be secured on the outer surface of a cover glass (superstrate) 58
which is placed over the touch screen device 56 and an associated
graphic display 55. Also, any knob embodiment described herein may
be installed in a grooved recess similar to that shown in FIG.
6.
[0080] With regard to FIGS. 7-9, the invention also includes a
fader track controller 61 having a longitudinally extending web
track 41. A pair of power rails (conductors) 62 extend
longitudinally in the upper surface of the track 41, and a fader
cap 53 assembled to the track 41 includes a pair of contacts 63 for
electrically engaging the power rails 62 and providing power to the
touch signal generator 51. (The power rails may be placed in any
surfaces of the track 41.) Other aspects of this embodiment remain
as described previously. As shown in FIG. 8, a pair of connector
pins 64 joined to the power rails may extend from one end of the
rib 41 to connect to a power cable or the like.
[0081] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, a pair of connector pads
66 joined to the power rails may be formed at one end of the track
41. For some embodiments more than two power rails may be provided.
The connector pads 66 may connect to a plurality of power
conductors disposed on a circuit board located at or proximate to
the periphery of the touch screen. The electrical engagement of the
pads 66 with the conductors permits the device of FIG. 9 to be
placed at any location along the conductors. Furthermore, multiple
devices may be placed on the touch screen at any desired spacing
and powered by the conductors. Alternatively, conductors may be
placed on the surface of a touch screen device or on a superstrate
placed over a touch screen device. The use of power rails and
connector pins or pads may be combined where appropriate with any
of the embodiments described in this application.
[0082] With regard to FIGS. 11 and 12A-12D, the invention provides
a knob controller 71 for operation with a resistive touch screen
device. The knob controller 71 includes a generally cylindrical
component 72 (in FIGS. 12A-12D) having a releasable adhesive 73 on
the flat bottom surface thereof that is adapted to removably secure
the knob on the surface 74 of a resistive touch screen device. The
upper surface 76 of the component 72 is designed to invite finger
touch, and may be slightly roughened to prevent the finger from
slipping. The adhesion of the base to the touch screen does not
provoke a touch response.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 12A, fingertip pressure P applied
eccentrically at the upper surface 76 causes the corresponding
lower edge of the member 72 to impinge sharply on the touch screen
surface 74 and provoke a touch detection T. Likewise, as shown in
FIG. 11, fingertip pressure P applied along a peripheral edge
portion of the upper surface results in the corresponding lower
edge provoking touch responses throughout the angular span A, which
may be easily associated by software with the rotation of a
mechanical knob controller known in the prior art. The peripheral
edge touch in a circular fingertip motion is a natural gesture, and
an operator may input an angular excursion ranging from a small
angle to several rotations about the axis of the knob. Note that
the knob itself does not rotate, but the touch it provokes on the
touch screen device appears to rotate. The scale associated with
one rotation of the knob may be selected so that the device 71 may
be used to input within a wide range (several rotations), or with
extreme precision within a defined range.
[0084] With regard to FIG. 12B, an alternative embodiment of FIG.
12A includes similar components having the same reference numeral
with a prime (') designation. The lower surface of the knob 72' is
provided with a cylindrical recess 77 in which an adhesive layer 78
is secured. The adhesive layer is preferably slightly greater in
height than the depth of the recess 77, so that the lower
peripheral edge portion of the knob 72' is spaced minimally from
the surface 74 of the resistive touch screen device. The top
surface 76' is dished to accommodate the convex curvature of a
fingertip. Fingertip pressure as described above drives the thin
lower peripheral edge of the knob 72' into the touch screen to
provoke a touch detection that may have a smaller, sharper
detection area.
[0085] With regard to FIG. 12C, an alternative embodiment of FIG.
12A-12B includes similar components having the same reference
numeral with a prime (') designation. The lower surface of the knob
72' is provided with a cylindrical recess 77 in which an adhesive
layer 78 is secured, as before. In addition, the dished upper
surface 76' is provided with a soft cushion layer 79 for enhanced
tactile sensation and to protect the finger by providing a yielding
surface for tactile engagement.
[0086] With regard to FIG. 12D, an alternative embodiment of FIG.
12A-12C includes similar components having the same reference
numeral with a prime (') designation. The upper surface of the knob
is provided with a rocker plate 70, a disk-like structure having a
central post 75 snap-engaged in a central opening in the top of the
knob 72'. The disk is spaced slightly above the top surface 76' of
the knob, and the snap-engagement permits free angular movement of
the rocker plate. Thus fingertip pressure applied to the top of the
rocker plate 70 causes it to wobble about the axis of the central
post 75. The wobble motion enhances the effectiveness of an
off-center finger touch to drive the lower peripheral edge of the
knob into the touch screen.
[0087] With regard to FIGS. 13 and 14, the invention also provides
a knob controller 81 for use with a capacitive touch screen. The
knob controller 81 includes a base 83 secured to the outer surface
of a touch screen 82 (or a cover plate) by a suction cup device 84,
although releasable adhesive may be used equally effectively. A
knob cap 86 is rotatably secured to the base 83, and includes a
sensor tip (stylus tip) 85 extending from the cap 86 toward the
touch screen. A compression spring 89 may be interposed between the
cap and the sensor tip to bias the tip to impinge on the touch
screen 82. A touch signal generator 87 is disposed within the cap
86, as well as a battery power supply 88.
[0088] The sensor tip 85 transmits the touch signal from generator
87 to the screen 82 to provoke a touch detection. Angular movement
of the knob 86 causes the sensor tip 85 to move over the touch
screen in an arcuate path which is detected and converted to
angular excursion and speed of movement for control input purposes.
As in previous embodiments, the knob power supply may comprise a
photovoltaic cell to derive power from the associated display, RF,
IR, or equivalent radiant power transmission, or conductors
extending to the knob controller 81. The system software may
recognize the loop traced by the tip 85, determine the center, and
cause the associated display to present a knob graphic, or other
representation of the rotary knob controller. Movement of the touch
detection along an arcuate path is interpreted by the software as a
change in the variable or function associated with the knob, and
that changing variable may be displayed alphanumerically or
graphically at any location on the associated display, or at a
location proximate to the graphic representation of the knob on the
display.
[0089] With regard to FIG. 15, the invention further provides a
switch controller 91 for use with a capacitive touch screen 92. The
controller 91 includes a base 93 adhered (by any means disclosed
herein) to the outer surface of the touch screen 92, and a switch
cap 94 secured to the base in vertically translatable fashion. A
touch signal generator 96 and power supply 97 are disposed within
the cap 94, the signal generator being connected to a stylus tip 99
that extends from the cap toward the touch screen 92. A spring 98
resiliently biases the cap away from the touch screen and maintains
the stylus tip out of contact with the touch screen. Fingertip
pressure on the knob cap overcomes the spring force and urges the
stylus tip to impinge on the touch screen and provoke a touch
detection. Software interaction with the touch point results in a
switch function being carried out. Although a touch screen may be
tapped directly with a fingertip to mimic a switch function, the
embodiment of FIG. 15 may have utility in situations where an
individual is wearing gloves (in a laboratory or industrial
setting, for example) and touch detection is problematic, or where
manual contact with the screen would soil the screen surface.
[0090] With regard to FIG. 16, a fader controller 111 for a
resistive touch screen includes a longitudinally extending track
112 having a configuration functionally similar to the embodiments
of FIGS. 1-3. A releasable adhesive is applied to the bottom
surface of the track 112 to removably secure the device 111 to the
outer surface 114 of a touch screen assembly. The bottom surface of
the track 112 may further includes a plurality of downwardly
projecting feet 113 that impinge on the touch screen surface. The
feet tend to increase the pressure (force per unit area) within a
small footprint on the touch screen, enhancing the touch detection
on resistive touch screens.
[0091] With reference to FIG. 17, any of the track configurations
41 of FIGS. 1-3 may be applied to surface 114 of a resistive touch
screen. Fingertip pressure P on the top surface tends to rock the
track 41 about its longitudinal axis, driving one edge of the lower
rib into the screen and amplifying the touch pressure by applying
it to a small screen area. This effect is also operative in
conjunction with those capacitive sensing touch screen devices that
respond differentially to applied pressure.
[0092] With regard to FIG. 18, the invention also provides a
joystick controller 122 for use with a capacitive touch screen 123
associated with a graphic display 120. A base 124 is adhered to the
surface of the screen 123 (by any means disclosed herein), and
defines a bottom opening adjacent to the screen 123. A control rod
126 includes an outer end having a knob for manual engagement, and
an inner end having a telescoping tip 127 that is spring biased to
contact the screen 123. The rod 126 is secured in a universal
bearing 128, and a membrane 125 extends radially from an upper
portion of the rod 126 to the base 124 to permit limited angular
excursions of the knob and complementary angular excursions of the
tip 127 on the touch screen 123. A touch signal generator 129 is
secured in the base and is connected to the tip 127, and a battery
power source 131 is connected to the signal generator. The
telescoping tip 127 maintains contact with the touch screen as the
knob end is moved through angular excursions about the bearing
axis.
[0093] With regard to FIG. 19, a further embodiment of the joystick
controller 122' includes similar components similarly numbered. The
bearing is replaced by another membrane 132 extending radially from
a lower end portion of the rod 126, and the telescoping tip is
likewise eliminated. The two membranes permit angular movement of
the rod 126, and also permit downward force applied manually to
urge, the fixed tip to impinge on the touch screen and impart a
touch point or a touch path thereto.
[0094] Both embodiments described in FIGS. 18 and 19 provide a high
resolution joystick input function for a capacitive touch screen, a
function that may be only crudely emulated by a moving fingertip
touch on the touch screen. Moreover, the device 122 creates a
joystick input without requiring the user to look at the display
120, whereas any (prior art) virtual joystick portrayed on the
display 120 demands visualization by the user for accurate use.
This requirement is akin to an automobile driver being required to
watch the steering wheel rather than the road and oncoming
traffic.
[0095] In any of the embodiments described herein in which a touch
signal generator feeds a signal to a stylus tip to provoke a touch
detection, it is noted that the stylus tip need be only in close
proximity to the surface of the touch screen device, and may not
actually impinge on the surface. This aspect reduces wear on the
touch screen, and reduces the potential for scratching the surface
of the touch screen.
[0096] The devices described herein may also be used with OLED and
LEP and equivalent displays, which are typically very thin. With
reference to FIG. 20, an OLED or LEP display 133 is secured
adjacent to the outer surface of a capacitive touch screen device
134. (A layer of protective material may be disposed on the
display.) A fader track controller as shown and described in FIG. 4
or elsewhere is removably secured to the outer surface of the
display 133, with the stylus tip 52 thereof extending to the
surface of the display 133. The touch signal from the stylus tip 52
is transmitted through the display 133 to the touch screen 134 to
provoke a touch detection. One advantage of this arrangement is
that the parallax associated with the thickness of a touch screen
that is placed on top of a display, as known in the prior art, is
eliminated by having the display on top of the sensing screen.
[0097] OLED and LEP displays and the like can have their bus bars
printed on a plastic substrate by a special ink jet printing
process. This same printing process may be used to print conductor
traces directly on the top surface or bottom surface of the display
web. With reference to FIG. 21, a display 133 is secured to a touch
screen device 134 as described with reference to FIG. 20. A knob
controller 136 includes a base 137 releasably adhered to the outer
surface of display 133. A knob cap 138 is rotatably secured to the
base, and a touch signal generator 139 within the cap is connected
to a stylus tip 141 extending toward the display 133. A plurality
of conductors 142 are printed on the display 133, and contacts on
the bottom surface of the base 137 engage the conductors to power
the signal generator 139. The traces may be coated with a thin
protective polymer or equivalent as is common in the construction
of touch screens. As described above, rotation of the cap 138 with
the stylus 141 provokes a touch detection along the arcuate path of
the stylus, and software interprets the arc length and velocity to
form an input function for an associated computer or electronic
device. The conductors 142 may be printed in discrete areas of the
display 133, or may extend over the entire surface. The conductors
may be placed at predetermined spacings to enable the connection of
multiple devices 136 or other devices described herein. Note that
no onboard battery or photovoltaic power supply is required for
these devices.
[0098] With regard to FIG. 22, the invention provides a fader
controller 143 that employs a capacitive touch sensing technique.
Controller 143 includes a longitudinally extending web 144 formed
of a material such as plastic, glass, metal, polymer, and the like.
("Web" is used herein to indicate a flat, thin, generally bendable
sheet.) A pair of sensor electrodes 146 and 147 are secured to
opposed ends of the web 144, and a coating 148 of transparent
conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) may be applied
to the web 144 on the top surface, bottom surface, or within the
web. Alternatively, a touch grid can be embedded in the web or
applied to its surface, extending between the sensor electrodes.
One or more power rails 149 (which may comprise thin conductors)
extend longitudinally in the web and connect to the sensor
electrodes. The sensor electrodes are connected to touch sensor
circuitry and thence to a microprocessor. The touch sensor
circuitry may be disposed adjacent to a graphic display on which
the device 143 is placed, such as the display frame or bezel, or
merely connected at the periphery of the display to touch sensor
circuitry mounted elsewhere.
[0099] A finger touch at any point along the web 144 causes signals
to be imparted to the sensors 146 and 147, and the ratio of these
signals is interpreted by the software running on the
microprocessor to detect the longitudinal position of the touch. A
sliding touch along the web generates many touch points in
sequence, and the extent and movement of the touch points may be
interpreted as input commands to the microprocessor. Thus the
controller 143 comprises a fader controller, with a sliding finger
touch providing the control input. This sliding finger touch
replaces the fader cap in mechanical faders known in the prior
art.
[0100] The device 143 is fabricated of transparent materials, and
may be adhered to the surface of a display, such as a flat panel
display, CRT, OLED or LEP, Active Matrix, STN, or
electroluminescent display. Thus touch sensor devices may be
applied to a computer display that is otherwise devoid of touch
input technology. Likewise, device 143 may be adhered to a cover
glass, a superstrate surface, or the surface of a touch screen
device. It may be installed in a groove in any of these named
devices or surfaces. The advantages of this device include the
following:
[0101] 1) the device 143 eliminates the need for a fader cap, while
at the same time providing a physical tactile device for operating
a fader. There is no fader cap to wear out, nor to inflict wear on
a fader track. It is easy to use a material that is much harder
than human skin, so that wear on the web 144 is minimal;
[0102] 2) the device 143 eliminates the need for a motorized fader.
The fader cap is eliminated, and likewise the need to move a fader
cap is obviated. A graphic representation of the fader position may
be visualized through the transparent material of the web 144, and
software may be used to move the representation to a preset value
as well as changing the position in accordance with any finger
touch. Thus the need for service and repair of motorized faders is
eliminated;
[0103] 3) the device 143 enables the user to operate the fader
controller by touch alone, freeing the vision of the user for other
tasks.
[0104] With regard to FIG. 23, the invention further provides a
fader controller 152 that employs a resistive touch sensor
technique. A longitudinally extending web 154 is formed of a
material such as plastic, glass, metal, polymer, and the like. A
pair of contacts 156 and 157 are secured to opposed ends of the web
144, and a resistive/conductive grid 158 is embedded in the web and
extending between the sensor electrodes. The contacts are each
connected to touch sensor circuitry and thence to a microprocessor.
A finger touch at any point along the web 154 causes a voltage
signal to be detected by sensors located external to controller 152
and electrically connected to contacts 156 and 157. The ratio of
these signals is interpreted by the software running on the
microprocessor to detect the longitudinal position of the touch. A
sliding touch along the web generates many touch points in
sequence, and the extent and movement of the touch points may be
interpreted as input commands to the microprocessor. The advantages
enumerated previously with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 22
also pertain to this embodiment.
[0105] To guide the sliding touch along the longitudinal extent of
the web 144 or 154, the device may provide a ridge 149 protruding
upwardly from the web 144 (or indented into the web) and extending
longitudinally thereon, as shown in FIG. 24. The ridge 149 may
include a shallow V shaped groove 151 extending longitudinally
therealong. The ridge 149 serves as a finger guide to permit an
individual to slide a fingertip along the axis of the web 144
without requiring visual guidance to orient the sliding touch. The
groove 151 serves as a guide for the tip of a stylus or pen for the
same purpose.
[0106] With regard to FIG. 26, any of the embodiments of FIGS.
22-24 may be configured in a closed curved loop 161 to define a
touch sensor controller that emulates the circular rotation of a
knob controller. A finger touch may describe a small angular
excursion about the central axis, or may encompass many rotations
about the central axis, and the relationship of the angular
increment to the input variable may be set by a software function
to provide any degree of resolution or range of a variable.
[0107] With reference to FIG. 25, a further embodiment 159 of the
invention includes a fader cap 160, constructed as described
previously, to engage a track 41 secured to the outer surface of a
display 161. A device 152 is secured to the upper surface of the
display 161. A stylus tip 162 extends from an edge portion of the
cap 160 to impinge on the top of the device 152 to provoke a touch
response from the device. The user may place one or more fingers on
the cap 160 and slide the cap along the track 41 to perform a
control function, and the feel of the controller is very similar to
a mechanical fader controller known in the prior art. The device
may be applied to a graphic display or to a touch screen associated
with a graphic display.
[0108] With regard to FIGS. 27 and 28, the invention further
provides a fader controller 163 for a generalized touch screen
device 164 that is mounted at the periphery of the touch screen
device 164. A flexible track 166 includes a proximal end having a
conductor 167 supported therein, the conductor extending the length
of the track to a cap end 168. A stylus tip 169 extends from the
cap 168 toward the touch screen 164. The track 166 extends through
a half-loop bend within a housing 171 at the margin of the screen
164, and a keeper 172 within the housing serves as a guide to
maintain the axial alignment of the track 166 as it is extended or
retracted in the housing 171. The conductor may carry a touch
signal to the tip 169, which in turn provokes a touch response from
the touch screen 164. The keeper may also influence the angle at
which the track 166 engages the screen 164 to assure that the tip
169 impinges on the touch screen.
[0109] The track 166 may be provided with a smooth, toothed or
ribbed surface 173 that is passed about a drive sprocket 174. A
motor 176 connected to the drive sprocket is controlled by a
software function to rotate and drive the flexible track 166 to
extend or retract to any preset length representing any given
value. Thereafter, the operator may use fingertip pressure applied
to the end cap of the flexible track to further extend or retract
the track, the stylus tip traversing the touch screen and imparting
a moving touch point thereto. For use with electronic display
devices that have no touch screen associated therewith, the
extension and retraction of the track 166 may be sensed by a shaft
encoder or the equivalent coupled to the motor output 176, and
software may convert the shaft movement and position into a display
graphic that tracks the position of the cap end 168. This
technology is described in copending application Ser. No.
09/551,484, filed Apr. 18, 2000 by the present inventors.
[0110] The device of FIGS. 27 and 28 comprises a mechanical fader
controller that requires no structure mounted on a touch screen,
yet is capable of interacting with a touch screen. There are no
alterations required for the touch screen or display, nor any
adhesives used on their surfaces. The track 166 may be made of a
transparent material to enhance visibility therethrough. The added
motor drive provides a fully motorized fader controller, as is
known in the prior art, though the motor drive is not required for
operation. For use with a resistive touch screen, the sensor tip
may extend from the flexible track a sufficient distance to
comprise the primary bearing point of the track on the screen.
[0111] A further aspect of the invention is the provision of touch
screen devices modified to detect a plurality of discrete touch
points simultaneously, whereby a plurality of the various
controller devices described herein may be used in conjunction with
a single touch screen, and more than one controller may be employed
at the same time. With regard to FIGS. 29 and 30, a touch screen
assembly 181 provides a plurality of discrete sensing areas 182 and
183 (and more, as necessary) within a single touch screen within a
bezel 185. The touch screen assembly is associated with a display
that is controlled by a processor that receives inputs from the
touch screen. The sensing areas are separated by a boundary zone
184 that is not touch sensitive. Each sensing area may host one of
the touch screen controller devices described above that is adapted
for use with a resistive touch screen. In this way multiple
controllers may be used with a single touch screen and a single
display.
[0112] The resistive touch screen employs a conductive, transparent
layer extending between sensing electrodes, as in generally known
and used in the prior art. With reference to FIG. 30, sensing area
182 is bounded by a pair of electrodes 186 spaced apart in the
Cartesian X direction and a pair of electrodes 187 spaced apart in
the Y direction. Likewise, the sensing area 183 is bounded by
electrodes 189 and 188 in the X and Y directions. The boundary zone
184 between the adjacent electrodes 187 and 188 may be minimized by
forming the electrodes as microtraces in the screen material, and
by software modeling that combines the touch sensing of both areas
in a seamless manner, so that a moving touch may be passed from one
area to the other without interruption. Thus the overall touch
screen assembly 181 appears to contain a single touch screen, with
the added feature that each sensing area may support a respective
separate controller of this invention, and all such controllers may
be detected and operated simultaneously. A greater plurality of
sensing areas may be provided for larger numbers of controllers. It
is noted that this same technique of placing multiple sets of
sensor electrodes for multiple areas within a single touch screen
assembly may be applied to capacitive touch screen devices.
[0113] Additionally, for capacitive sensor touch screen devices, a
plurality of mechanical controllers designated for capacitive touch
sensors as described above may be operated simultaneously in
accordance with the invention. The system employs multiple discrete
band (MDB) RF touch position determination system (TPDS). The MDB
TPDS includes four identical multi-band RF transmitter/detector
units disposed symmetrically at the margin of the capacitive touch
screen. The transmitter/detector units are all capable of resolving
discrete RF bands. The touch signal generator of each controller is
assigned a predetermined frequency within a respective discrete
band that is unique among all the devices being used with a touch
screen device. The transmitter/detector units are adapted to
receive the discrete signals of the plurality of mechanical
controllers, and to evaluate each discrete signal to determine the
touch point of each mechanical controller. The number of devices
used is limited only by the filter bandwidth and the processing
power of the electronic interface. An alternative to this approach
is to use discrete bands of IR (infrared light) rather than RF.
Each device emits a signal within a discrete IR band, and the
sensing receivers are filtered to distinguish the signals in each
band.
[0114] A further aspect of the invention is the software that may
be used to interpret and carry out control inputs that are entered
using the devices described herein. With regard to FIG. 31, the
devices described herein, particularly those depicted in FIGS. 11
and 12, may be used in any of several ways. Whenever a knob
controller 71 (or 71') is placed (self-adhered) on a touch screen
device, the user initiates operation of the controller by actuating
it in any of several particular ways to evoke a respective
controller function. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 31, when
the device 71 is placed on resistive touch screen 201 and initiated
with a series of circular finger motions, the touch screen device
201 detects a plurality of touch points in a plurality of loop
paths 202. The software running on the associated computer system
uses the loop patterns 202 to calculate the center position of the
placement of a knob on the touch screen. When the device is located
by the center of its placed location being determined, any number
of functions for this device can be selected in a menu or by
selection graphics or alphanumeric indicia that are generated by
the display in relative proximity to the device 71. An example of
four such functions are: rotary knob, directional knob, joystick,
and mouse controller.
[0115] Regarding the rotary knob function, initial circular
movements of the knob are used to determine its location.
Subsequent circular movements of the knob are converted by software
into increases or decreases in the value associated with the knob,
with the magnitude of the angular excursion correlated with the
magnitude of the change in value. The changing value may be
displayed by indicia and/or graphic means. If circular rotations to
the right are converted into value increases, then circular
rotations to the left are converted into decreases, and vice
versa.
[0116] Using the calculated center position of a placed device 71,
software can place any type of graphics near or around the knob.
These graphics may include an emulated light ring 204, a device
name or label, and/or a parameter (numerical value) that changes
when the device is operated. Thus, for example, any circular finger
touch on the controller 71 will cause the knob pointer 206 of the
graphic representation 203 to rotate about the band 204. This in
turn causes the value of the parameter assigned to the device to
increase or decrease.
[0117] The rotary operation of knob controller 71 is well suited
for operations in which each 360.degree. motion is equal to a
predetermined amount of value change. Portions of a circle or small
arcs can yield touch points that can be converted through software
to small angle changes in value. Or, the amount of change that is
represented by a single 360.degree. circular motion can be changed
to a wide range of values. For instance, the scale may be set so
that one complete circle about the controller 71 equals 1/10' of a
decibel, or may be set so that one complete circle equals 10
decibels.
[0118] As another example, with regard to FIG. 32, the device 71 is
placed on resistive touch screen 201 and the fader function is
selected. Finger touches that are generally linear and back and
forth along orthogonal axes generate very few touch detections. The
placement of device 71 is detected by the same method as described
previously. The device is operated by pushing up or down
(north/south), as shown by reference numeral 207. A northward push
on the knob 71 provokes a touch detection displaced from the
calculated center position of the controller, and the software
recognizes this action as a command to increase the value of the
parameter. The increase in the parameter is proportional to the
amount of time that the northward touch is maintained. Likewise, a
southward push on the knob causes the software to decrease the
parameter value.
[0119] In addition, the user may initiate a northward push to
increase the parameter value, and then rotate the touch toward the
east position, the rate of increase of the parameter value is
reduced. If the rotated touch continues toward the southern
quadrant, the parameter value begins to decrease, and reaches a
maximum rate of decrease when the touch rotates to the south
position. Note that the choice of directions for increase/decrease
is arbitrary, and may be selected for convenience and
compatibility. The software causes the display to present a graphic
representation 208, 209, and 211 that indicates a fader function,
the parameter label, and its current value.
[0120] With regard to FIG. 33, a further function that may be
evoked during initiation of a device is a joystick. As with the
other functions of device 71, when the device is first placed on
the display 201, a series of circular motions are performed and the
touch detections thus provoked are interpreted by the software to
calculate the center of the location of the device 71. Thereafter
the joystick function is selected from an on-screen menu (or the
equivalent, for example, a vocal command), and the software directs
a graphic representation 213 closely spaced to the calculated
center of device 71.
[0121] The graphic representation 213 may include an enclosed box
or FIG. 216, a joystick knob symbol 214, and functional indicia
("Joystick Active") and the parameter or value being controlled
("Label") and its current value. Any suitable graphic or iconic
symbol may be used. As the user applies finger pressure to the
device 71 in any direction, the touch detection 212 provoked
thereby is displaced from the calculated center, and the angle of
the displaced touch is used to move the knob representation 214 in
the same angular direction on the display. Movement of knob 214 (or
a cursor or other object controlled by the joystick) is set at a
fixed speed by the software, and this speed may be changed by menu
selection or the like. In this regard the embodiment is analogous
to a switch joystick function known in the prior art.
Alternatively, the software may be set so that the speed of
movement in any angular direction is proportional to the amount of
time that the knob 71 is pushed in any direction.
[0122] As an alternative embodiment to FIG. 33, the linear oblique
initial inputs may be correlated to evoke a mouse function, as
shown in FIG. 34, in which a cursor may be driven to any point of
the associated display. A graphic representation 217 may be
presented with a label ("Mouse Active") that sets forth the
function.
[0123] In all the embodiments of FIGS. 31-34, the software applies
a mathematical function that correlates any excursion of the touch
points from the average center position, including the angle about
the center position, and the distance and time of the excursion,
with changes in the labeled value or parameter. This function may
be linear or nonlinear, bounded or unbounded, as is appropriate for
the item being controlled. The software changes the position of the
graphic display as appropriate. It is significant that the software
enables one controller 71 to perform all four controller
operations: rotary knob, directional knob, joystick, and mouse
controller. Although the device 71 is adapted for use with
resistive touch screens, the software functions described above may
be applied to controller devices described herein for use with
capacitive touch screens.
[0124] The selection of various functional controller emulations,
as in FIGS. 31-34, using initiating movement of a newly placed
controller, may be applied where appropriate to any of the fader,
knob, or joystick controllers described herein.
[0125] The various embodiments of controller devices described
herein are generally designed to interact with touch screen
devices, and to be simple, inexpensive assemblies that rely on the
touch screen and associated software for functionality and
resolution. With regard to FIG. 35, the controller devices of the
invention may be provided as a group of devices 220, here
representing any of the controller devices described herein (all
the same or a variety selection of knobs and faders, etc.) The
devices 220 are secured to a common scrim 221 that is scored at
separating lines 222. The scrim 221 may incorporate the
self-adhering base component of the respective knob, fader track,
joystick, or the like. The user may separate a device from the
group along a scored line 222, and peel away a bottom release layer
223 to expose the adhesive. The separated device may then be
applied directly to a touch screen device and used as described
herein. This is termed crack-and-peel packaging. Each device may be
removed from a touch screen and reused many times, and ultimately
discarded.
[0126] The controller devices for use with touch screens as
described herein exhibit the following advantages over the prior
art:
[0127] 1. These devices cost far less to manufacture that prior art
controllers, because they require either a very simple electronic
circuit or no circuit at all, depending on the implementation of
the device.
[0128] 2. Many of the embodiments herein do not require any type of
edge connector to be operational, and thus may be placed anywhere
on the surface of a display, touch screen or its cover glass. These
embodiments permit faders and knobs to be placed in the middle of
the touch screen, rather than requiring placement adjacent to the
edge of a touch screen.
[0129] 3. Many of these devices may be operated with no conductors
of any kind connected thereto.
[0130] 4. These devices require no dedicated circuit for converting
analog signals to digital signals. This conversion is performed by
the touch sensor circuitry that is part of the touch screen.
[0131] 5. There are no complex mechanical parts in the controllers
to require maintenance or to fail.
[0132] 6. Many of these controller devices for touch screens,
including fader tracks, may be presented on crack-and-peel sheets,
a very inexpensive means of marketing the product.
[0133] 7. These controller devices may be removed and replaced at
will on the surface of a touch screen or its equivalent.
[0134] 8. One touch screen device and one software package replace
a large number of expensive, discrete electromechanical
controllers, resulting in the same functionality at far less
cost.
[0135] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching without
deviating from the spirit and the scope of the invention. The
embodiment described is selected to best explain the principles of
the invention and its practical application to thereby enable
others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the
particular purpose contemplated. It is intended that the scope of
the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.
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