U.S. patent application number 12/773068 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for touch-sensitive device for scrolling a document on a display.
This patent application is currently assigned to Microsoft Corporation. Invention is credited to Steven N. Bathiche, James H. Cauthorn, Kenneth P. Hinckley, Stiven Kerestegian, Hugh E. McLoone, Timothy Michael Muss.
Application Number | 20100207908 12/773068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25475610 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100207908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hinckley; Kenneth P. ; et
al. |
August 19, 2010 |
TOUCH-SENSITIVE DEVICE FOR SCROLLING A DOCUMENT ON A DISPLAY
Abstract
A touch-sensitive device for use as an electronic input device
for controlling by scrolling the visible portion of a document or
image relative to a display. The device can include various
improved configurations such as physically separate opposed input
surfaces at opposite longitudinal ends and/or lateral sides. The
end regions of a touch sensitive surface may be rounded and/or
tapered to provide relative positional feedback to the user.
Tactile positional feedback can also include surface texture
changes on the scrolling area and/or changes in the surface of the
frame in the region immediately adjacent the scrolling area. The
touch sensitive areas may be provided within a split alphanumeric
section of an ergonomic keyboard to enable scrolling without the
user having to remove his or her hands from the alphanumeric
section.
Inventors: |
Hinckley; Kenneth P.;
(Redmond, WA) ; McLoone; Hugh E.; (Bellevue,
WA) ; Bathiche; Steven N.; (Redmond, WA) ;
Cauthorn; James H.; (Seattle, WA) ; Kerestegian;
Stiven; (Seattle, WA) ; Muss; Timothy Michael;
(Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODCOCK WASHBURN LLP (MICROSOFT CORPORATION)
CIRA CENTRE, 12TH FLOOR, 2929 ARCH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19104-2891
US
|
Assignee: |
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
25475610 |
Appl. No.: |
12/773068 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11242788 |
Oct 5, 2005 |
7742042 |
|
|
12773068 |
|
|
|
|
09940900 |
Aug 29, 2001 |
6972749 |
|
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11242788 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/174 ;
715/702 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 2203/0339 20130101;
G06F 3/0485 20130101; G06F 3/03547 20130101; G06F 3/0213 20130101;
G06F 3/021 20130101; G06F 3/0219 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/174 ;
715/702 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A touch-sensitive device for manipulating a document on a
display screen, said device comprising: a central area extending
along a first axis; and first and second end areas positioned along
the first axis on opposed sides of the central area, said first and
second end areas each for performing a respective first and second
function for manipulating the document.
22. The device of claim 21 wherein the first and second end areas
are physically separate and spaced from the central area.
23. The device of claim 21 wherein the central area has a width in
a direction perpendicular to the first axis and wherein the first
and second end areas have a width that differs from the width of
the central area.
24. The device of claim 21 wherein said device is part of a
keyboard including an alphanumeric section, said areas being
disposed within the alphanumeric section.
25. The device of claim 21 wherein the first and second end areas
are rounded.
26. The device of claim 21, further comprising a housing with
first, second and third openings that frame the central area, and
the first and second end areas respectively.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein the housing is part of a
keyboard.
28. A touch-sensitive device for manipulating a document on a
display screen, said device comprising: a central area extending
along a first axis; and first and second areas positioned along a
second axis perpendicular to the first axis on opposed sides of the
central area, said first and second areas each for performing a
respective first and second function for manipulating the
document.
29. The device of claim 28 wherein the first and second areas are
physically separate and spaced from the central area.
30. The device of claim 28 wherein the central area has a width in
a direction perpendicular to the first axis and wherein the first
and second areas have a width in a direction perpendicular to the
second axis that differs from the width of the central area.
31. The device of claim 28 wherein said device is part of a
keyboard including an alphanumeric section, said areas being
disposed within the alphanumeric section.
32. The device of claim 28 wherein the first and second areas are
rounded.
33. The device of claim 28, further comprising a housing with
first, second and third openings that frame the central area, and
the first and second areas respectively.
34. The device of claim 33, wherein the housing is part of a
keyboard.
35. The device of claim 28, wherein the first axis is a
longitudinal axis.
36. The device of claim 28, wherein the first and second areas each
have a distal end, and tactile feedback means located between the
distal ends for providing tactile feedback for assisting in the
location of the first and second areas.
37. The device of claim 28, wherein the tactile feedback means
includes discrete surface texture changes on the scrolling
area.
38. The device of claim 21, wherein the first axis is a
longitudinal axis.
39. The device of claim 21, wherein the first and second end areas
each have a distal end, and tactile feedback means located between
the distal ends for providing tactile feedback for assisting in the
location of the first and second end areas.
40. The device of claim 21, wherein the tactile feedback means
includes discrete surface texture changes.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation application and claims
priority to U.S. Ser. No. 09/940,900, filed Aug. 29, 2001, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a touch-sensitive
device that can be used as an electronic input device for
controlling by scrolling the visible portion of a document relative
to a display.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Touch pads, which are two-dimensional touch-sensitive
surfaces, have been used on computer laptops for controlling the
movement of the cursor of the display. Commonly used touch pad
configurations include square configurations and non-elongated
rectangular configurations. Commercially available touch pads, such
as those manufactured by Synaptics Inc., have been provided with
software that enables the use of the right or bottom edge of the
unitary surface touch pad as a scrolling zone. Such an arrangement
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,052 to Allen et al. However,
these touch pad input devices, however, are also used for cursor
positioning and thus are not dedicated to scrolling. This can cause
problems of erroneous activation for the user. These problems
include the activation of scrolling when cursor positioning is
desired, and the activation of cursor positioning when scrolling is
desired.
[0004] A commercially available touch pad made by Synaptics Inc.
uses software that discriminates different end zones in a scrolling
region of a touch pad. When a finger of a user reaches a
longitudinal end of the touch pad in the scroll region, the
scrolling will continue until the user moves lifts his or her
finger from the touch pad or moves his or her finger away from the
edge of the touch pad. However, if the user is concentrating on the
display, it may be difficult for the user to maximize the scrolling
capabilities as it is difficult to know when and whether his or her
finger is in or near such a longitudinal end portion. Accordingly,
a user may move his finger to reach or leave the end portion
prematurely, or may never reach the end portion believing his or
her finger is already located in the end portion.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,185 to Stephan et al. discloses a touch
pad that is physically divided by a cover to provide a square
cursor control region, a vertically elongated rectangular scroll
control region, and a horizontally elongated pan control region.
These regions are illustrated as being a part of a separate input
device (in FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,185) or in the region in
front of the keyboard portion of a laptop computer (in FIG. 13 of
U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,185). Additionally, FIG. 10 of U.S. Pat. No.
5,748,185 discloses a unitary surface with elongated scroll and pan
bars that overlap in the shape of a "plus" (+). The region where
the horizontal pan control bar crosses the vertical scroll control
bar overlap is not mapped to control either panning or scrolling.
Such an unmapped region would appear to be detrimental in
maximizing panning and scrolling control when the user runs his or
her finger along the horizontal or vertical bar in the desired
direction.
[0006] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,809 to Holehan discloses in
FIGS. 1 and 2 the use of a touch sensitive input scroll bars on
three edge surfaces of a laptop computer, and on three edge
surfaces, between distinct alphanumeric and editing sections, and
between distinct editing and numeric sections on a keyboard.
However, one potential drawback of these arrangements is that edge
regions and the regions between distinct keyboard input sections
(such as between distinct alphanumeric and editing sections, and
between distinct editing and numeric sections) are sometimes used
as resting places for portions of the hands of the user. An
occurrence of such an incidental resting on an input scroll bar can
cause unintended scrolling for the document on the display.
[0007] Additionally, the longitudinal ends of the scroll and
panning control regions for all of these arrangements terminate
abruptly with a flat edge. This makes it difficult for the user to
efficiently recognize when her or she is approaching the end of the
region as the user is normally focusing on the document on the
display. This also has some drawbacks in the ability to maximize
scrolling control, which can be more significant when software
provides the end portions with different scrolling capabilities.
Accordingly, a solution to this problem is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Aspects of the invention provide a touch-sensitive device
with regions having improved shapes and/or configurations.
[0009] In further aspects of the invention, a touch-sensitive
device for scrolling a document on a display screen may include a
central scrolling area extending along a longitudinal axis, and
first and second end scrolling areas positioned along the
longitudinal axis on opposed sides of the central scrolling area.
The first and second end scrolling areas may be physically separate
and spaced from the main scrolling area.
[0010] In further aspects of the invention, a touch-sensitive
device for scrolling a document on a display screen may include a
central scrolling area and first and second end scrolling areas.
The central scrolling area may extend along a longitudinal axis and
may have a width in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis. The first and second end scrolling areas may be positioned
along the longitudinal axis on opposed sides of the central
scrolling area, and may have a width that differs from the width of
the central scrolling area.
[0011] In still further aspects of the invention, a touch-sensitive
device for scrolling a document on a display screen may include a
scrolling area extending along a longitudinal axis, and opposed
first and second ends that may be rounded.
[0012] In yet further aspects of the invention, a touch-sensitive
device for scrolling a document on a display screen may include a
scrolling area extending along a longitudinal axis enabling the
scrolling of a document in a first direction, and first and second
scroll input surfaces. The first and second scroll input surfaces
may be positioned immediately adjacent to the scrolling area, and
on opposing sides of and spaced from the scrolling area in a
direction perpendicular from the longitudinal axis. The first and
second input surfaces may enable the scrolling of a document in a
direction perpendicular from the first direction.
[0013] Still further aspects of the invention provide a
touch-sensitive device for scrolling a document on a display screen
that may have a scrolling area extending along a longitudinal axis
and opposed first and second ends each having a distal end. The
scrolling area may have a width in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis. A tactile feedback arrangement may be located
between the distal ends for providing tactile feedback for
assisting in the location of the first and second ends.
[0014] In yet further aspects of the invention, a keyboard may
include an alphanumeric section and an elongated touch-sensitive
strip disposed within the alphanumeric section.
[0015] These and other features and aspects of the invention will
be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments. Although the invention has
been defined using the appended claims, these claims are exemplary
in that the invention is intended to include the elements and steps
described herein in any combination or subcombination. Accordingly,
there are any number of alternative combinations for defining the
invention, which incorporate one or more elements from the
specification, including the description, claims, and drawings, in
various combinations or subcombinations. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the relevant technology, in light of the present
specification, that alternate combinations of aspects of the
invention, either alone or in combination with one or more elements
or steps defined herein, may be utilized as modifications or
alterations of the invention or as part of the invention. It is
intended that the written description of the invention contained
herein covers all such modifications and alterations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better
understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which are included by way of example, and not by way of limitation
with regard to the claimed invention. In the accompanying drawings,
elements are labeled with three-or-four-digit reference numbers,
wherein the first digit of a three-digit reference number (or the
first two digits of a four-digit reference number) indicates the
drawing number in which the element is first illustrated. The same
reference number in different drawings refers to the same or a
similar element.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive
device according to a first embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive
device according to a second embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive
device according to a third embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive
device according to a fourth embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top view of a portion of a housing cover for
forming a touch-sensitive device according to a fifth embodiment of
aspects of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a top view of a touch-sensitive device pattern
according to a sixth embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive
device according to a seventh embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a top view of a touch-sensitive device pattern
according to an eighth embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive
device according to a ninth embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive
device according to a tenth embodiment of aspects of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of a housing cover for
forming a touch-sensitive device according to an eleventh
embodiment of aspects of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a top view of a portion of a housing cover for
forming a touch-sensitive device according to a twelfth embodiment
of aspects of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an ergonomic split keyboard
incorporating a touch-sensitive strip within a split alphanumeric
section according to aspects of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an ergonomic split keyboard
incorporating an alternative embodiment of a touch-sensitive device
within a split alphanumeric section according to aspects of the
present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the touch-sensitive device of
FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Several exemplary embodiments of touch-sensitive devices for
scrolling configurations are shown in FIGS. 1-12. These devices are
capable of providing signals for scrolling a document relative to a
display device in one or more directions. While the different
illustrated embodiments of scrolling devices are shown in isolation
and/or as part of a keyboard, aspects of the invention may also
include the use of such touch-sensitive devices as part of a
stand-alone input device, or in combination with other devices such
as a personal digital assistant (PDA), an electronic tablet, a
laptop computer, an internet appliance, an electronic book, or on a
mouse input device.
[0033] The touch-sensitive input device may be coupled to a system
(not shown) for electronically processing signals and causing the
documents to be scrolled relative to the display. Thus, for
example, the scrolling device may be coupled to a computer such as
a personal computer (e.g., a desktop or laptop computer) or any
other type of computing system.
[0034] One or more interfaces and/or driving circuitry/software may
be utilized to provide communication between the scrolling device
and the computing system. The computing may further include one or
more of the following, which may be coupled together such as a
keyboard and/or mouse, a processor such as a microprocessor and/or
central processing unit, storage such as memory, a hard and/or
diskette drive, and/or a display for displaying a document. The
device for displaying the document may any suitable device such as,
but not limited to, a CRT screen, and LCD screen, a projector, a
heads-up display, a virtual-reality, goggle display. Examples of
such computing systems are further described in are disclosed in
co-pending patent application serial no. TBD, entitled "Manual
Controlled Scrolling," attorney docket no. 03797.00125, filed
simultaneously with the present application, hereby incorporated by
reference as to its entirety, and in co-pending patent application
serial no. TBD, entitled "Automatic Scrolling" attorney docket no.
03797.00126, filed simultaneously with the present application,
hereby incorporated by reference as to its entirety.
[0035] As such, the term "scrolling" as has been generically used
herein to include both one-dimensional scrolling as well as
two-dimensional movements of the document relative to the display,
and includes vertical scrolling, horizontal scrolling, panning,
other axial scrolling, and combinations and subcombinations
thereof. The document to be scrolled may be any type of document at
all, such as a word processing or text document, a spreadsheet, a
drawing, a photograph or other image type, and/or an Internet web
page. The document may be the displayed output, results, and/or
viewable user interface associated with any software and/or
hardware-driven application and/or operating system, such as a
control screen, window, or file directory. Accordingly, the touch
sensitive device can be used for scrolling a document in one or
more axes (e.g., X, Y) relative to a display screen.
[0036] The touch-sensitive scrolling device may be coupled to a
display via any suitable electronic processing device such that the
position of a pointer (e.g., a human finger, a stylus, or other
appropriate object) on the scrolling device affects the scroll
position of a document as shown on an output device such as a
display screen. Throughout the specification, there will often be
references to the user's finger. Such reference is merely exemplary
and will be understood to apply to any type of pointer. The
scrolling device may be sensitive to human touch and/or to
non-human touch such as from a pen or stylus-type pointer.
Alternatively or additionally, the scrolling device may include one
or more sensors to detect the pointer position as it hovers
immediately over the surface of the scrolling device. The touching
of the user's finger to the touch-sensitive surface of the
scrolling device may cause the scrolling device to generate at
least one signal indicating the location, pressure, speed,
acceleration, direction of the finger, and/or which portion of the
surface(s) of the scrolling device are being touched by the
finger.
[0037] In response to the user's finger, one or more signals may be
generated by the system indicating information about the contact or
proximity of the finger to the scrolling device, and such signals
may be interpreted and processed by the system to provide the
various scrolling features described herein.
[0038] Any number of desirable scrolling techniques may be used for
scrolling the documents based upon user inputs. For example,
control of scrolling acceleration, scrolling speed, and/or
scrolling distance; automatic scrolling based on finger position,
contact type, and/or pressure; scrolling position modification,
rounding, and/or fine-tuning techniques; and/or gesture and/or
movement detection may be used.
[0039] Further, the same touch-sensitive surface may be used to
support any combination or subcombination of the various different
scrolling techniques or modes. Thus, more than one type of
scrolling mode and/or feature may be used with the same scrolling
device. Further, although certain exemplary gestures (e.g.,
tap-and-hold, or double-tap) may be manners of implementing or
invoking certain features and scrolling modes, any desired gesture
may be used to implement or invoke any feature and/or scrolling
mode in any combination or subcombination. In addition, if desired,
the scrolling device may be programmed to enable jumping to certain
location in the document. Examples of such various scrolling modes
and techniques are disclosed in co-pending patent application
serial no. TBD, entitled "Manual Controlled Scrolling," attorney
docket no. 03797.00125, filed simultaneously with the present
application, hereby incorporated by reference as to its entirety,
and in co-pending patent application serial no. TBD, entitled
"Automatic Scrolling," attorney docket no. 03797.00126, filed
simultaneously with the present application, hereby incorporated by
reference as to its entirety.
[0040] In the arrangements of FIGS. 1 and 2, touch-sensitive input
devices 100, 200 are shown for exemplary purposes as part of
keyboards 101, 201 and for exemplary purposes in regions located
laterally to the left of the alphanumeric sections 102, 202. The
touch-sensitive input devices 100, 200 are preferably accessible
through and/or located within an opening 103, 203, window, or hole
in the top of the housing 104, 204 of the keyboard 101, 201. The
opening 103, 203 is preferably of a shape complimentary or similar
to the shape of the active scrolling surface. If desired, the
housing 104, 204 may include a contoured boundary transition region
105, 205 that extends around some or all of the periphery of the
touch-sensitive input devices 100, 200 to facilitate location of
the touch-sensitive input devices 100, 200 by tactile feedback to
the user.
[0041] The touch-sensitive input devices 100, 200 preferably
include a scrolling surface 110, 210, and opposing first (e.g.,
top) and second (e.g., bottom) longitudinal end areas 112, 212 and
114, 214. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the longitudinal end areas 112, 212 and
114, 214 are curved or tapered at their distal ends 116, 118, 216,
218. These curved end profiles 116, 118, 216, 218 are beneficial
because they tend to more closely match the profile of a finger of
a user, which in turn, allows the user to better locate the ends
without visual confirmation and provides increased comfort when the
user is invoking that portion of the touch-sensitive surface 100,
200. Additionally, the curved portions 116, 118, 216, 218 provide
the end areas 112, 212 and 114, 214 with an inherent taper that
provides tactile feedback to the user that his or her finger is
approaching the end of the touch-sensitive surface 110, 210 prior
to reaching the end. As can seen from the figures, the exemplary
scrolling surface 100, 200 is an uninterrupted, continuous exposed
surface between its longitudinal ends.
[0042] In one exemplary mounting arrangement, the scrolling surface
100, 200 is elongated front-to-back, and movement of the user's
finger along the scrolling surface 100, 200 is capable of causing
the document to scroll up and down based on the direction of finger
movement.
[0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the length of the scrolling
surface 110, 210 is understood to be the distance from end-to-end
116 to 118 or 216 to 218 along its respective longitudinal axis. In
an exemplary arrangement, the length (or average length) of the
scrolling surface 110 is preferably about 2.9 times its width (or
average width), while the same ratio for the scrolling surface 210
is about 4.6. The ratio may be any desired amount, and ratios of
2.0 or greater, 2.5 or greater, 3.0 or greater, 3.5 or greater, 4.0
or greater, and 5.0 or greater, are advantageous as well. In some
examples, the length (or average length) of the touch-sensitive
surface is between 40 mm and 80 mm such as 65 mm, while the width
(or average width) is within the range between 10 mm and 30 mm such
as 14 mm (as shown in FIG. 1) and 22 mm. (as shown in FIG. 2).
However, it is recognized that alternative dimensions could be
used.
[0044] FIGS. 3-6 illustrate scrolling devices 300, 400, 500, 600
having alternative scrolling surface configurations. FIGS. 3 and 4
show the surface configurations 310, 410 as part of a portion of a
keyboard 301, 401. FIG. 5 shows the surface configuration 510 with
a generic cover portion that might, for example, form a portion of
the top cover for a housing. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a
surface configuration 610 that would preferably be used with part
of a housing.
[0045] In these embodiments, the respective longitudinal end areas,
312, 412, 512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, and 614 have enlarged widths
relative to the widths of the respective central portions 311, 411,
511, 611 of scrolling regions 310, 410, 510, and 610. In other
words, the ends regions 312, 412, 512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, and
614 may be wider in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis (i.e., from longitudinal end to longitudinal end) than in the
central portions 311, 411, 511, 611. The widest points of the end
portions 312, 412, 512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, and 614 are
preferably, but not necessarily, between 5% and 50% wider than the
respective central portions. These configurations result in a
thermometer-shaped contiguous surface. Similar to those described
with FIGS. 1 and 2, the longitudinal end areas 312, 412, 512, 612,
and 314, 414, 514, 614 are preferably curved or tapered at their
distal ends 316, 318, 416, 418, 516, 518, 616, 618.
[0046] The end portions 312, 412, 512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, 614
may be formed in a generally circular configuration (FIGS. 3, 4,
and 6) or may be formed in more of an elliptical or ovular
configuration (FIG. 5). The enlarged end portions 312, 412, 512,
612 and 314, 414, 514, 614 in combination with their respective
central portions may form a scrolling surface 310, 410, 510, 610
that includes an elongated, uninterrupted, continuous exposed
touch-sensitive surface between its longitudinal ends.
[0047] FIGS. 3-6 also differ in the relative proportions of the
scrolling surface, mainly in the proportion of the central regions
311, 411, 511, 611, and their relationships to the respective end
portions 312, 412, 512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, 614. These scrolling
surfaces may be configured in any desirable size and/or proportion
such as the size, size range, dimension, and/or dimension ranges as
shown in FIGS. 1 and/or 2.
[0048] FIGS. 3-5 also provide optional side scrolling areas 330,
430, 530. In an exemplary arrangement, side scrolling areas 330,
430, 530 are (1) positioned immediately adjacent to their
respective main scrolling areas 310, 410, 510; (2) physically
separate from their respective main scrolling areas 310, 410, 510;
and/or (3) located on opposing sides of and spaced from their main
scrolling areas 310, 410, 510 in a direction perpendicular from
their longitudinal axis.
[0049] The side input surfaces 330, 430, 530 may enable the
scrolling of a document in a direction perpendicular from the
scrolling direction caused by moving the user's finger along the
longitudinal axis. Thus, if in one mounting arrangement, the
scrolling surface 300, 400, 500 is elongated front-to-back (e.g.,
elongated from 318 to 316) and movement of the user's finger along
the scrolling surface (e.g., between 318 and 316) causes the
document to scroll up and down based on the direction of finger
movement, then the side scrolling surfaces 330, 430, 530 would
enable the scrolling of the document left and right. If desired,
scrolling in these perpendicular directions (in this example, left
and right) may be responsive to touching, or tapping, or
tapping-and-holding, the surfaces 330, 430, 530, and there might be
no requirement to move the user's finger along these surfaces. In
the illustrated embodiments, the side-scrolling surfaces 330, 430,
530 have a generally straight edge 332, 432, 532 proximal to the
respective central scrolling regions 311, 411, 511 and a rounded or
tapered edge 334, 434, 534 distal from the respective central
scrolling regions 311, 411, 511. If desired, as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, the transition region 305, 405 of the housing 304, 404 may
partially or fully extend around the periphery of the side
scrolling surfaces 330, 430.
[0050] Any or all of the scrolling devices disclosed herein may
include one or more textual, graphical, and/or other indicia
printed or otherwise applied, engraved, or etched thereon. These
indicia can help provide visual feedback of where the central and
end regions meet, or other positioning-related feedback. Further,
if the indicium is slightly raised on the scrolling surface,
tactile feedback may also be provided. For example, as shown in
FIG. 6, such indicia may include directional arrows 641, 642 and/or
separation lines 643, 644 (straight or curved) between the central
611 and end regions 612, 614.
[0051] FIGS. 7, 8, and 12 illustrate alternative embodiments of
scrolling devices 700, 800, 1200. FIG. 7 shows the scrolling device
700 with a portion of a keyboard 701. FIGS. 8 and 12 schematically
show the surfaces of their respective scrolling devices 800 and
1200 without a cover or housing. In these embodiments, additional
first (e.g., top) and second (e.g., bottom) end scrolling surfaces
750, 850, 1200 are provided that are (1) positioned along the
longitudinal axis on opposed sides of a main or central scrolling
area 711, 811, 1211; and/or (2) physically separate and/or spaced
from a main scrolling area 711, 811, 1211.
[0052] The end input scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 enable the
scrolling of a document in the same direction as the scrolling
direction caused by moving the user's finger along the longitudinal
axis of the main scrolling area 711, 811, 1211 (e.g., along the
longitudinal axis defined between 716 and 718). Thus, for example,
if intended for vertical scrolling of the document, the first or
upper end region would be an up scrolling region, and the second
end region would be a down scrolling region. If desired, end input
scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 can be configured to provide
additional scrolling options such as constant speed scrolling or
scrolling at a slower or faster speed. Further, scrolling with the
end input scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 can be accomplished by,
e.g., touching, tapping, or tapping-and-holding the surfaces 750,
850, 1250. In such an embodiment, there might be no requirement to
move the user's finger along these surfaces. Thus, in one mounting
arrangement, where the scrolling devices 700, 800, 1200, and their
respective main scrolling areas 711, 811, 1211 are elongated
front-to-back, and movement of the user's finger along the
respective scrolling surfaces 711, 811, 1211 is capable of causing
the document to scroll up and down based on the direction of finger
movement, the end scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 may also enable
the scrolling of the document up and down.
[0053] The distal longitudinal ends 716, 718, 816, 818, 1216, 1218
of the central scrolling area 711, 811, 1211 may be curved or
otherwise tapered as shown in FIG. 7, or may be flat as shown in
FIGS. 8 and 12. The edge 751, 851, 1251 of the end scrolling
surfaces 750, 850, 1250 that is proximal to the central scrolling
area 711, 811, 1211 may be straight as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12 or
otherwise curved or tapered as shown in FIG. 7. The edge 752, 852,
1252 of the end scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 that is distal
from the central scrolling area 711, 811, 1211 is preferably curved
as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 or otherwise tapered such as by diverging
triangular edges as shown in FIG. 12. These configurations may
assist the user in properly locating the user's finger by providing
tactile and/or visual feedback.
[0054] FIG. 7 further discloses the combination of the separate end
scrolling regions 750 with separate side scrolling regions 730.
This configuration may be used to provide additional scrolling
options and capabilities. FIG. 8 also discloses the use of indicia
841, 842 to provide helpful feedback to the user.
[0055] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate alternative embodiments of scrolling
devices 900, 1000, 1100. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the surfaces in
conjunction with a portion of a keyboard, and FIG. 11 shows the
surfaces with a generic cover portion that might, for example, form
a portion of the top cover for a housing of a device such as a
keyboard, mouse, or laptop housing. In these embodiments, the
elongated central scrolling surface is actually configured as two
sectioned surfaces 911a, 911b, 1011a, 1011b, and 1111a, 111b that
are preferably physically separated or otherwise divided along the
longitudinal axis. In one exemplary arrangement, the sections are
separated across the middle by a physical barrier 960, 1060, 1160,
a bezel, a portion of the housing that may be raised such as a
ridge (or a protrusion or series of protrusions or nibs) or lowered
such as a groove, or that may be of the same height as the
surrounding housing, and/or other physical dividing structure. The
distal ends 916, 918, 1016, 1018, 116, 1118 of these surfaces 911a,
911b, 1011a, 1011b, and 1111a, 111b are preferably, but not
necessarily, rounded or otherwise tapered as previously described.
These embodiments may include side scrolling surfaces 930, 1030,
1130 and/or end scrolling surfaces 1050 as previously described and
shown in FIGS. 9-11.
[0056] The barrier 960, 1060, 1160 preferably provides a tactile
cue that enables the user to feel where the center of the scrolling
surface is and where a transition occurs without the need to be
visually distracted from the work being performed on the display
screen. Alternatively or additionally, the barrier 960, 1060, 1160
may enable the user to utilize the top and bottom sections (e.g.,
sections 911a, 911b) of the scrolling surface for different
scrolling functions or techniques.
[0057] Another example of a tactile cue that may be on any
embodiment and that may enable the user to physically feel where
his or her finger is on the scrolling area relative to the
scrolling area is illustrated in FIG. 11. These tactile cues may
include one or more bezels 1165, or variations on the bezel such as
small nibs (protrusions) or grooves (recesses) positioned along the
recessed area immediately adjacent to and/or extending over the
scrolling region. These tactile cues may, for example, be at 0%,
25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% along the main scrolling region, and/or at
the transition regions between the main scrolling area and the
opposing end scrolling areas. These cues provide the user with the
ability to feel their relative position along the scrolling
surface. This can facilitate scrolling and jumping control.
[0058] FIGS. 1-12 illustrate various combinations of features and
attributes of the scrolling devices. However, all permutations of
the different features and attributes described are usable
together. Further, the scrolling devices may be used on any type of
device, such as in conjunction with another input device or as a
stand-alone input device regardless of whether it is schematically
depicted in FIGS. 6, 8, and 12, shown with a generic cover portion
as in FIGS. 5 and 11, or shown as part of a keyboard as in FIGS.
1-4, 7, 9, and 10. The scrolling surfaces may be configured as
separate sensing members or may be part of a single larger sensing
pad with access to certain portions restricted by portions of the
housing (where the housing may act like a mask over one or more
portions of the scrolling surface) and/or other physical
barriers.
[0059] The touch sensitive scrolling devices are preferably sized
to permit comfortable scrolling capability by the hand size of an
average keyboard user. It is noted that the proportions of the
scrolling features of the scrolling devices as shown in the
drawings as filed are to scale, and the Applicant reserves the
right to explicitly incorporate specific textual written
descriptions of various proportions and shapes already depicted in
these figures.
[0060] Thus, in some embodiments, the up and down scrolling areas
and/or the side scrolling areas may be provided and may be
physically separate from the main scrolling area. If the end
scrolling regions are a contiguous part of the scrolling surface,
various transition regions or locations may have visible or tactile
features (such as lines) that distinguish them from the rest of the
pad.
[0061] In some embodiments, physically distinct regions, or
contiguous "virtual" regions at the extreme ends of the scrolling
surface may be used to trigger multiple functions that might not be
available on the main or central area of the scrolling strip. These
regions may be configured to respond to gestures such as tapping,
tapping-and-holding, double-tapping, or double-tapping and then
holding, and may control functionality such as jumping to the Home
or End portions of the document (by, for example, double-tapping),
auto-scrolling the document (by, for example, tapping-and-holding),
and page up/page down navigation document (by, for example,
single-tapping).
[0062] Basic touch pad and scrolling strip functionality is known
in the art. Depending upon the preferred ultimate uses, any desired
scroll speed, scroll positioning control, finger moving and/or not
moving detection technique or program may be used. Existing touch
pad technologies and/or multiple touch-sensitive regions with
quadrature motion detection or multiple keyboard traces may be
used. Further, to reduce costs, it may be feasible to configure
various embodiments to be used with and/or controlled by existing
keyboard micro-controllers and/or micro-controllers of other input
devices. If desired, a keyboard modifier key and/or a key on
another input device such as a mouse, may be used in combination
with any of the gestures recognized on the touch-sensitive
scrolling strip to support and invoke various functionality. For
example, holding down the Control key (Ctrl) while sliding one's
finger along the strip can control the current zoom factor of the
document or change the scroll orientation (e.g., from vertical
scrolling to panning or horizontal scrolling, or vice-versa)
[0063] Where configured as part of a keyboard, embodiments of the
scrolling device may be located in any desirable location on the
keyboard such as on the left or right side or bottom edge. In a
specific application, the scrolling device may be a part of an
ergonomic or split keyboard. FIG. 13 discloses an exemplary
embodiment of such a keyboard 1301 incorporating an elongated
touch-sensitive device 1300. The keyboard 1301 may include an
alphanumeric section 1302 and may further include an editing
section 1380 and/or a numeric section 1382 being each laterally
disposed from the alphanumeric section 1302. In this arrangement,
the alphanumeric section 1302, commonly referred to as the QWERTY
section, is split to define a region 1384 between the split
portions. Such split arrangements are known in the art to provide
ergonomic benefits.
[0064] In one exemplary embodiment, the alphanumeric section 1302
is split and provides the B key, the G key, the T key and the 6 key
in the group of keys to the left of the region, and the N key, the
H key, the Y key and the 7 key in the group of keys to the right of
the region. The space bar 1386 may extend between and/or be
included in both groups. The space bar 1386 may also extend
directly in front of the region 1384.
[0065] A touch-sensitive scrolling device 1300, such as but not
limited to any of the strips as previously described, may be
disposed within the region 1384 and/or within the alphanumeric
section. This arrangement places the scrolling device 1300 in
engagement range for the index fingers of the left and right hands
of the user when the hands are properly positioned during normal
alphanumeric typing. Accordingly, this arrangement enables easy
activation of the touch-sensitive surface of the scrolling device
1300 during normal alphanumeric typing activities without the user
having to reposition his or her hand(s).
[0066] Additionally, while the touch-sensitive scrolling device
1300 is illustrated in FIG. 13 as being oriented so that its
longitudinal axis extends in a straight front-to-back direction, it
may be angularly displaced if desired as shown in FIG. 14. Similar
to the embodiment of FIG. 13, the embodiment of FIG. 14 includes a
split alphanumeric section 1402 having a space bar 1486 and a
region 1484 between the split sections, an editing section 1480,
and a numeric section 1482. The touch-sensitive scrolling device
1400 may include two elongated strips, and in the illustrated
embodiment, the longitudinal axis of each strip and/or both side
edges 1460 and 1461 (FIG. 15) of the device is angled to be
parallel to an inner side 1475 or 1476 of one of the two split
portions in the alphanumeric section 1404 (FIG. 15). Thus, for
example, as shown in FIG. 14, the scrolling strip may be displaced
by angle .THETA. relative to the front-back direction of the
keyboard to be generally parallel to the inside edge angle of one
of the two split keyboard portions. This enables enhanced control
by a finger of a single hand when the user has his hand disposed to
type on the split keyboard. The angle .THETA. is preferably, but
need not be within the range of 5 to 20 degrees.
[0067] Additional features of scrolling device 1400 are shown in
FIG. 15. Scrolling device 1400 preferably includes two parallel
touch sensitive input sections 1463 and 1464 that are physically
separated by a raised divider 1462. One section, for example the
left section 1463, may be in accordance with any of the
aforementioned touch sensitive devices. In this arrangement, the
section 1463 includes a central touch sensitive area 1411 and
separated distal end sections 1414 and 1416. Physical dividers 1466
may be used to provide tactile feedback to the user regarding his
finger position along the strip. Additionally, graphical elements,
such as arrows or other indicia, may be used, and any or any
combination of the previously disclosed characteristics, such as
enlarged or tapered ends, may also be provided.
[0068] The other section, for example the right section 1464, may
be as illustrated or may be in accordance with any of the
aforementioned touch sensitive devices. In the illustrated
arrangement, the right section includes an elongated scrolling
surface 1469. The divider 1462 separating the scrolling surfaces
1411 and 1469 includes tactile feedback to the user about his
finger location. The divider 1462 includes at least one edge
differing in texture from the other regions around the scrolling
surfaces. Thus, as shown, divider 1462 may include a sawtooth edge
1468 to provide tactile feedback as to which of the two scrolling
strips are being contacted. However, if desired, any of the
aforementioned tactile feedback arrangements may be used. The two
separate scrolling devices 1463 and 1464 are preferably used to
control scrolling differently. In a first arrangement, absolute
motion occurs in the touch sensitive region 1469 on the "sawtooth"
side. Alternatively, instead of absolute motion, the touch
sensitive region 1469 on the "sawtooth" side can provide an
increased gain factor, for example, five times the movement speed
of the other touch sensitive device 1411. The tactile feedback of
the central divider, especially the "sawtooth" configuration,
provides tactile feedback conveying to the user which side of the
divider 1462 he or she is on. This in turn, provides feedback as to
which of the differing functions that would be activated upon
movement of the finger touching the strip. Thus, in this touch
sensitive arrangement shown in FIG. 15, the left touch sensitive
device 1463 has a central section 1411 and specialized end regions
1414 and 1416, and the right touch sensitive device 1464 can
provide absolute or increase speed scrolling. The dividers 1462 and
1466, including and tactile feedback structure thereon helps the
user "feel" his finger position on the device. Instead of the
sawtooth shaped contour, alternative contours may be used.
Preferably, of course, the contour differs from the edges of the
surrounding edges of other touch sensitive surface.
[0069] While the sawtooth contoured edge 1468 assists the user in
discriminating by touch which of the two scrolling regions is being
engaged or is about to be engaged, the sawtooth edge 1468 can also
assist the user in locating his relative position between the top
and bottom of the adjacent scroll strip. Accordingly, it may be
provided as a side edge for any or all of the scrolling strip
configurations of FIGS. 1-12. Additionally, while the sawtooth edge
1468 extends between the two ends of the scrolling region 1469, the
sawtooth profile may be in selected regions along the length of the
scrolling region.
[0070] While exemplary systems and methods embodying the present
invention are shown by way of example, it will be understood, of
course, that the invention is not limited to these embodiments.
Modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly
in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, each of the
features of the aforementioned embodiments and examples may be
utilized in combination with other embodiments.
* * * * *