U.S. patent number RE40,740 [Application Number 11/585,995] was granted by the patent office on 2009-06-16 for integrated joypad for handheld computer.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Palm, Inc.. Invention is credited to Renaud Malaval, Hatem Oueslati.
United States Patent |
RE40,740 |
Oueslati , et al. |
June 16, 2009 |
Integrated joypad for handheld computer
Abstract
A handheld computer is disclosed. The handheld computer is
configured with a housing, a display supported in the housing, and
computing electronics supported in the housing and configured to
communicate with the display. The handheld computer disclosed also
includes an integrated input device configured to provide input to
the handheld computer. The input device provides different input
signals to the computing electronics dependent upon a directional
movement provided by a user. The input device is configured to
communicate more than four distinct directional movements from a
user to the computing electronics. Further, the handheld computer
disclosed may include a joystick coupler which is integrated into a
joypad. The joypad coupler is configured to receive at least a
portion of the stylus which is configured to act as a joystick.
Inventors: |
Oueslati; Hatem (Lunel,
FR), Malaval; Renaud (La Grande Motte,
FR) |
Assignee: |
Palm, Inc. (Sunnyvale,
CA)
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Family
ID: |
25109519 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/585,995 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
09777185 |
Feb 5, 2001 |
06806865 |
Oct 19, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/161; 345/179;
463/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
1/1626 (20130101); G06F 1/1632 (20130101); G06F
1/169 (20130101); G06F 3/0338 (20130101); G06F
3/03545 (20130101); G06F 3/041 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/033 (20060101); G09G 5/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;345/156,160,161,173,179 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Compaq Product Information; iPAQ Pocket PC; Nov. 13, 2001; 3 pages.
cited by other .
Disabatino, Jennifer, TechnologyFuture Watch, Hands Full of
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.COPYRGT. 2001; 3 pages. cited by other .
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of Convergence; Dealerscope; Nov. 2000; vol. 42; No. 11; 2 pages.
cited by other .
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2.sup.nd Edition; Copyright .COPYRGT. 1999, 1998 O'Reilly &
Associates, Inc.; 87 pages. cited by other .
hp invent; User'sGuide; hp iPAQ Pocket h4000 Series; Document Part
No.: 343434-001; Aug. 2003; Copyright .COPYRGT. 2003
Hewlett-Packard Company; Copyright .COPYRGT. 2003 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.; 144 pages. cited by other .
ZDNet IT Resource Centers, Handspring adds color PDA, GameFace, 2
pps., printed from the Internet web site
zdnet.com/enterprise/stories/main/0,10228,2640711,00.html on Jan.
22, 2001. cited by examiner .
Handspring: Entertainment, Accessories GameFace for VisorPrism, 1
pp. printed from the Internet web site
handspring.com/products/Product.jhtml?PRODID=625&CATID=624 on
Jan. 22, 2001. cited by examiner.
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Primary Examiner: Osorio; Ricardo L
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Foley & Lardner LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; a display supported
by the housing, the display being a touch screen display configured
to be used with a stylus; computing electronics supported by the
housing and configured to communicate with the display; and an
integrated input device configured to provide input to the handheld
computer, the input device providing different input signals to the
computing electronics dependent on a directional movement provided
by a user, the input device configured to communicate more than
four distinct directional movements from a user to the computing
electronics; wherein the integrated input device includes a
receptacle for coupling a graspable portion thereto, the input
device providing input signals based on movement of the graspable
portion when the graspable portion is coupled in the receptacle, at
least a portion of the stylus is configured to be coupled to the
integrated input device and a first portion of the stylus is
configured to be unscrewed from a second portion of the stylus and
the first portion of the stylus is configured to be screwed into
the receptacle.
2. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the integrated input
device is a pad.
3. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the integrated input
device is a button.
4. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the receptacle
includes an aperture.
5. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; a display supported
by the housing, the display being a touch screen display configured
to be used with a stylus; computing electronics supported by the
housing and configured to communicate with the display; and an
integrated input device configured to provide input to the handheld
computer, the input device providing different input signals to the
computing electronics dependent on a directional movement provided
by a user, the input device configured to communicate more than
four distinct directional movements from a user to the computing
electronics; wherein the integrated input device includes a
receptacle for coupling a graspable portion thereto, the input
device providing input signals based on movement of the graspable
portion when the graspable portion is coupled in the receptacle, at
least a portion of the stylus is configured to be coupled to the
integrated input device and a first portion of the stylus is
configured to be unsnapped from a second portion of the stylus and
the first portion of the stylus is configured to be snapped into
the receptacle aperture.
6. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; data processing
electronics disposed within the housing; a display disposed in the
housing and coupled to the data processing electronics, the display
including a touch screen configured to be used with a stylus; a
joypad coupled to the data processing electronics and configured to
communicate signals to the data processing electronics dependent on
the direction in which the joypad is moved, the joypad being
movably integrated into the housing; and a joystick coupler
integrated into the joypad, the joystick coupler configured to
receive at least a portion of the stylus which is configured to act
as a joystick.
7. The handheld computer of claim 6, wherein the joystick coupler
includes a screw thread.
8. The handheld computer of claim 6, wherein the joystick coupler
includes a flexible fitting.
9. The handheld computer of claim 6, wherein the joypad is
configured to communicate signals corresponding to eight discrete
directional user inputs.
10. A method of assembling a joystick for a handheld computer,
comprising: providing a handheld computer with a joystick
receptacle; providing a stylus having a detachable portion;
detaching a detachable portion from the stylus; and coupling the
detachable portion to the receptacle.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the joystick receptacle is part
of a joypad integrated into the handheld computer.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the receptacle includes a screw
thread.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the detachable portion is the
stylus tip.
.Iadd.14. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing configured to
be carried by a user while the handheld computer is in use; data
processing electronics disposed within the housing and configured
to synchronize personal information management data on the handheld
computer with a computer; a display screen disposed within the
housing and coupled to the data processing electronics; a joypad
coupled to the data processing electronics and configured to
communicate signals to the data processing electronics dependent on
the direction in which the joypad is moved, the joypad being
movably integrated into the housing; and an input device disposed
in an aperture in the joypad..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. The handheld computer of claim 14, wherein the data
processing electronics further include an electronic calendar
application and a word processing application..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. The handheld computer of claim 14, wherein the input
device comprises a button..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The handheld computer of claim 14, wherein the handheld
computer comprises a cellular phone..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The handheld computer of claim 14, further comprising at
least one input button for automatically launching an application
configured to run on the data processing electronics..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The handheld computer of claim 14, wherein the data
processing electronics are configured to download software to be
run on the data processing electronics..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing configured to
be carried by a user while in the handheld computer is in use; data
processing electronics disposed within the housing and configured
to synchronize personal information management data on the handheld
computer with a computer; a display screen disposed within the
housing and coupled to the data processing electronics; a joypad
coupled to the data processing electronics and moveable in at least
four directions, the joypad configured to communicate signals to
the data processing electronics dependent on the direction in which
the joypad is moved, the joypad being movably integrated into the
housing; and an input device disposed in an aperture in the
joypad..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The handheld computer of claim 20, wherein the handheld
computer comprises a cellular phone..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The handheld computer of claim 20, further comprising at
least one input button for automatically launching an application
configured to run on the data processing electronics..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The handheld computer of claim 22, wherein the
application is an electronic calendar application..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The handheld computer of claim 20, wherein the data
processing electronics are configured to download software to be
run on the data processing electronics..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to input devices typically used in handheld
computing devices. In particular, the invention relates to an
integrated joypad for a handheld computer. The integrated joypad is
configured with a receptacle for receiving a graspable portion,
such as a section of the stylus used with the handheld computer.
The graspable portion of the stylus connected to the joypad
receptacle is configured to form a joystick.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Handheld computing devices, "palmtops", "palmhelds", personal
digital assistants (PDAs), or handheld computers typically weigh
less than a pound and fit in a pocket. These handhelds generally
provide some combination of personal information management,
database functions, word processing, and spreadsheets. Because of
the small size and portability of handhelds, strict adherence to
hardware constraints, such as input device hardware, must be
maintained. It is conventional to have buttons on the handheld
computer for providing user input to the handheld computer.
Further, the buttons may be configured to be used for the playing
of game software and/or navigating through application
software.
Other conventional implementations of input devices for handheld
computers include attachable joystick devices that may be attached
onto the front face of the handheld computer.
Accordingly, there is a need for an integrated joypad for a
handheld computer. Further, there is a need for an integrated
joypad for a handheld computer which allows for the attachability
of a portion of a stylus to create a joystick device.
The teachings herein below extend to those embodiments which fall
within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they
accomplish one or more of the above mentioned needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An exemplary embodiment relates to a handheld computer. The
handheld computer includes a housing and a display supported by the
housing. The handheld computer also includes computing electronics
supported by the housing and configured to communicate with the
display. The handheld computer further includes an integrated input
device configured to provide input to the handheld computer. The
input device provides different input signals to the computing
electronics dependent on a directional movement provided by a user.
The input device is configured to communicate more than four
distinct directional movements from a user to the computing
electronics.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to a handheld computer. The
handheld computer includes a housing, data processing electronics
disposed within the housing, and a display disposed in the housing
and coupled to the data processing electronics. The display
includes a touch screen configured to be used with a stylus. The
handheld computer also includes a joypad coupled to the data
processing electronics and configured to communicate signals to the
data processing electronics dependent on the direction in which the
joypad is moved. The joypad is moveably integrated into the
housing. Further, the handheld computer includes a joystick coupler
integrated into the joypad. The joypad coupler is configured to
receive at least a portion of the stylus which is configured to act
as a joystick.
Further, an exemplary embodiment relates to a joystick device for a
handheld computer. The handheld computer is configured to be used
with a stylus. The joystick device includes an input device
integrated into the handheld computer. The joystick device also
includes a coupler integrated into the input device configured to
couple at least a portion of the stylus to the input device.
Further still, an exemplary embodiment relates to a method of
assembling a joystick for a handheld computer. The method includes
providing a handheld computer with a joystick receptacle. The
method also includes providing a stylus having a detachable
portion. The method further includes detaching a detachable portion
from the stylus. Further still, the method includes coupling the
detachable portion to the receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will become more fully understood from the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements,
in which:
FIG. 1 is an exemplary depiction of a handheld computer having an
integrated joypad with a detachable joystick;
FIG. 2 is an exemplary depiction of a stylus having a detachable
tip;
FIG. 3 is an exemplary depiction of a handheld computer with an
integrated joypad and having the detachable joystick detached
therefrom;
FIG. 4 is an exemplary front view of the input button array of the
handheld computer with the joystick;
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional depiction of the joystick and joypad
movement taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram depicting discrete directions which
a user may move the joystick.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a handheld computer 100 is depicted, being
optionally detachably coupled to an accessory device 110, according
to an exemplary embodiment. Handheld computer 100 may include Palm
style computers manufactured by Palm, Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif.
Other exemplary embodiments of the invention may include Windows
CE.TM. handheld computers, or other handheld computers and personal
digital assistants, as well as cellular telephones, and other
mobile computing devices. Further, handheld computer 100 may be
configured with or without accessory device 110 or optionally with
any of a variety of other accessory devices. As shown, accessory
device 110 may be, but is not limited to, a desktop cradle used for
synchronizing with a personal computer or other device.
Preferably, handheld computer 100 includes interactive hardware and
software that performs functions such as maintaining calendars,
phone lists, task lists, notepads, calculation applications,
spreadsheets, games, and other applications capable of running on a
computing device. Handheld computer 100, shown in FIG. 1 includes a
plurality of input functions, keys 117 and a display 113 having
graphical user interface features. Display 113 may be provided with
an interface that allows a user to select and alter displayed
content using a pointer, such as, but not limited to, a stylus 200,
an example of which is depicted in FIG. 2.
Referring again to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, display 113
also includes a Graffiti.TM. (or other handwriting recognition
software) writing section 118 for tracing alpha-numeric characters
as input. A plurality of input buttons 119 for performing automated
or preprogrammed functions may be provided on a portion of display
113. In a particular embodiment, display 113 is a touch screen
display that is electronically responsive to movements of a stylus
on the surface of display 113.
Accessory device 110 may be one of several types of accessories,
such as, but not limited to, a desktop synchronization cradle
device for serial and/or wireless data communications, a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) device, or other communication device. Accessory
device 110 may include one or more ports for parallel and/or serial
data transfer with other computers or data networks. Handheld
computer 100 may use the accessory device 110 for the purpose of
downloading and uploading software such as, but not limited to,
game software and for synchronizing data on handheld computer 100
with a personal computer, for example. In an exemplary embodiment,
accessory device 110 couples to handheld computer 100 through an
electrical connector located at a bottom portion of handheld
computer 100. Button 155 on accessory 110 may effectuate an
electrical connection between accessory device 110 and handheld
computer 100 when the two are connected.
In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 100 may include an
integrated joypad 125. Integrated joypad 125 may be a finger or
thumb actuated button (see FIG. 3) which is moveable by a user in a
plurality of directions. For example, integrated joypad 125 may be
moveable in the up and down direction. In an alternative
embodiment, integrated joypad 125 may be moveable in an up and down
direction as well as a left and right direction. Further still, in
an alternative embodiment, as indicated in FIG. 6, integrated
joypad 125 may be moved in eight discrete directions, including up,
down, left, right, and diagonal directions. For example, if one
defines the right-hand direction as a reference (0.degree.), the
button may be moveable in the directions corresponding to
0.degree., 45.degree., 90.degree., 135.degree., 180.degree.,
225.degree., 270.degree., and 315.degree.. Yet further still,
joypad 125 may be configured to be moved in a continuum of
directions from 0-360 degrees and communicate an analog signal to
computing electronics of handheld computer 100. Joypad 125 is
electronically coupled to computing electronics and/or data
processing electronics that are disposed within a housing 130 of
handheld computer 100. Joypad 125 is configured to communicate an
electrical signal to the computing or data processing electronics
of handheld computer 100. The electrical signal corresponds to the
direction in which the joypad is pressed.
In an exemplary embodiment, joypad 125 is integrated into handheld
computer 100 such that it is movably supported by housing 130 or
such that is movable within an aperture in housing 130. Because
joypad 125 is configured to communicate directional input by a user
in a plurality of directions, joypad 125 is useful as an input
device for game programs or other applications which may be running
on handheld computer 100 and for navigating around display 113.
Conventionally, for gaming, users utilize a plurality of keys 117
integrated into the housing of handheld computer 100 for providing
directional input. However, keys 117 do not enable a user to
provide a plurality of directional inputs, nor is there a direction
(or location) associated with each key that is intuitive to a user
in a way that a joypad such as joypad 125 or a joystick provides.
Further, conventionally, users utilize a combination of inputs on a
touch screen by a stylus as well as directional inputs from a
plurality of buttons such as buttons 117 (see FIG. 4) and
directional buttons such as up and down buttons which may be
conventionally integrated into handheld computer 100 for providing
input to application programs and for navigating around display
113. Therefore, an advantage of providing an integrated joypad is
that it provides a simplified directional input device for handheld
computer 100 while requiring only a small amount of space (real
estate) on housing 130, which is a common constraint of handheld
computing devices.
In an exemplary embodiment, joypad 125 also includes a receptacle
128 for coupling of a graspable portion 230 (see FIG. 3) extending
from joypad 125 to form a joystick device. Receptacle 128 may
include, but is not limited to, a threaded aperture, or any other
type of mechanical connection configuration allowing relatively
simple attachment and detachment of a graspable (joystick) portion
230 therefrom.
Referring now to FIG. 2, stylus 200 is depicted. Stylus 200
includes a body portion 210, an end portion 220 and a tip portion
230. During conventional use, a user grasps body portion 210 and
writes with tip 230 on a touch screen, such as touch screen 113
(FIG. 1). In an exemplary embodiment, tip 230 and/or end 220 may be
removed from body 210 by, for example, unscrewing tip 230 or end
220 from body 210. Tip 230 includes a threaded portion 235 for
coupling and decoupling from body 210. Shaft 235 may include any of
a variety of coupling and decoupling structures, such as, but not
limited to clips, balls, and other type of fastening structures. In
an exemplary embodiment, either tip 230 or end 210 or any other
section and/or portion of stylus 200 may be utilized as a graspable
portion of a joystick which is inserted into receptacle 128 of
joypad 125 as depicted in FIG. 3. Further, receptacle 128 may be
configured to receive any of a variety of other graspable portions,
such as a dedicated joystick handle, a pen tip, or any of a variety
of other substantially stiff elements that may be used as a
graspable portion for a joystick.
FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 depict handheld computer 100 with tip 230 coupled
to receptacle 128 of integrated joypad 125 such that the
combination of joypad 125 and connected stylus tip 230 forms a
joystick that is provided for directional input to handheld
computer 100. A user is able to control the movement of tip 230
with a single finger, multiple fingers or any parts of the hand. As
tip 230 is moved in a direction (as depicted in FIG. 5), joypad 125
is similarly tilted in the same direction and effectuates an
electrical signal.
During use, should a user wish to transition from using the stylus
as a writing or pointing device for handheld computer 100, a user
detaches tip 230 from stylus 200 by unscrewing tip 230 from body
210. The user then screws threaded portion 235 of tip 230 into
receptacle 128. Receptacle 128 preferably has a screw thread
therein configured to accept threaded portion 235.
While the detailed drawings, specific examples and particular
formulations given describe exemplary embodiments, they serve the
purpose of illustration only. The hardware and software
configurations shown and described may differ depending on the
chosen performance characteristics and physical characteristics of
the computing devices. For example, the type of computing device,
input device buttons, or configuration used may differ. The systems
shown and described are not limited to the precise details and
conditions disclosed. Furthermore, other substitutions,
modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design,
operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments
without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in
the appended claims.
* * * * *