EP1394652B1 - Input device and input method - Google Patents
Input device and input method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1394652B1 EP1394652B1 EP20020019299 EP02019299A EP1394652B1 EP 1394652 B1 EP1394652 B1 EP 1394652B1 EP 20020019299 EP20020019299 EP 20020019299 EP 02019299 A EP02019299 A EP 02019299A EP 1394652 B1 EP1394652 B1 EP 1394652B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- light
- light flux
- input
- input device
- flux
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
- G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
- G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
- G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
- G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
- G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
- G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
- G05G2009/0474—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
- G05G2009/04759—Light-sensitive detector, e.g. photoelectric
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to obtaining user input for an electronic device. More specifically, the invention relates to obtaining user input with an opto-electronic arrangement.
- One of the components having a large impact on the consumers' decision whether or not to buy a specific device is the input mechanism, such as the keyboard or dialling buttons of the mobile terminal.
- Some manufacturers have mobile terminals which include a navigation key much like a joystick used in computers. Because the physical size of an average mobile terminal is very limited, the design of such devices is very challenging. The design gets even more challenging when such a device should reuse a maximal number of terminal components already existing, and still have an aesthetically acceptable outlook.
- US patent 4,459,022 discloses a fibre optic angular sensor.
- the sensor arrangement has long fibre cables and it is well suited for use in stationary equipment in areas with high electrical noise values.
- the system comprises a concave mirror mounted on an object the orientation of which is to be measured.
- the concave mirror is positioned over a fibre optic cable end which has the single light emitting central fibre end for receiving fibres.
- a sensor disclosed in '022 due to its nature, is better suited to be used in stationary devices which are not so critical to the system size. For mobile terminals and similar small devices, nevertheless, the system the system disclosed in '022 is not suitable.
- US patent 6,246,047 B1 discloses a fibre optic control with joystick.
- the joystick has a pivot ball which has surface areas equipped with materials having different light reflecting properties.
- the fibre optics has been realised in such a way that the system has two sets of fibre optic cable assemblies, each having a source of light and two cables for receiving the reflected light rays.
- the pivot ball In the pivot ball there are large surface portions of poor light reflecting properties and other surface portions of good light reflecting properties.
- a light beam is directed against various portions of the ball surface. Reflections of light from said surfaces provide output light signals which are a function of the vertical position of the ball as effected by the movements of the joystick.
- the pivot ball has been adapted to measure the angular position of the joystick. Because angular movements usually do not suffice to fulfil the requirements set forth in the typical applications used in mobile terminals, wherein the user is expected to press or tilt a button, or to turn a joystick-like input device, the '047 approach is not considered to be a solution for the problem in hand.
- WO 91/20022 discloses a joystick assembly for connection to a computer, including a control arm coupled to a pair of shutters which are moved independently in accordance with the direction and degree of movement of the control arm.
- a light emitter and light sensor are arranged on opposite sides of each shutter and the light received by the light sensor varies in accordance with the degree to which the shutters block the path of light between emitter and light sensor.
- the variable outputs provided by the light sensors are used to control movement of an image on a video display unit.
- Another objective of the invention is to bring about a new input method, possibly even reusing some existing hardware components.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an input device, of which the principles of detecting user input are found in prior art.
- a light source 100 such as a light emitting diode LED emits a total light flux F.
- Parts FA, FB of this total flux F are led to light directing means 1031, 1032 which can, for example, be a wave guide, optical fibre, transparent plastic, or just a hollow space left in the device.
- modulation means 104A, 104B which are ready to modulate the light flux FA, FB to a modulated light flux FA', FB' respectively.
- the modulation means 104A, 104B are responsive to a pointing device 104 which can be a navigation key, joystick, or other similar arrangement for receiving a user input.
- the modulated light flux FA', FB' can be detected by detecting means 106A, 106B.
- the detecting means 106A, 106B can, for example, be light sensors including a resistor, the resistance of which changes when the detected strength of the modulated light flux FA', FB' changes.
- the detecting means 106A, 106B generate a signal SA, SB that is passed to converting means 110 which generates an input signal IS from the generated signal SA, SB.
- the input signal IS is responsive to one or more of the modulated light fluxes FA', FB', and because the modulated light fluxes FA', FB' are responsive to the position of the modulating means 104A, 104B further being responsive to the position of the pointing device 104, the position of the pointing device 104 may be monitored by observing the values of the input signal IS.
- the detecting means 106A, 106B are preferably assembled to measure the modulated light flux FA', FB' in the light path at point where a part FA, FB of the light flux would pass in order to achieve constructional simplicity. This can be accomplished e.g. by positioning the detecting means 106A, 106B in line with the light directing means (1031, 1032), the positioning then corresponding to the path of an part FA, FB of the light flux F, i.e. the path of the photons which they would take in the absence of the modulating means 104A, 104B.
- the detecting means 106A, 106B are located substantially at a continuation of a path of the modulated light flux FA', FB', respectively, in absence of the user input.
- the modulation means 104A, 104B are preferably located on a straight line between the light directing means 1031, 1032 and detecting means 106A, 106B.
- the system includes a housing 130, such as a housing used in mobile station.
- Shielding means 120 are preferably of elastic material, such as rubber or silicon, and they are adapted to elastically seal the space between the housing 130, the modulation means 104A, 104B, and the pointing device 104.
- Figure 2 illustrates the input device presented above with reference to Figure 1 in a second position.
- the differences caused by moving the pointing device 104 to a second position are that the parts FA, FB of the light flux F are modulated now in a different way.
- the part FA becomes the modulated light flux FA' in such a way that most of the light rays can not get through the modulation means 104A, whereas the part FB is in principle not modified at all by the modulation means 104B so that the modulated light flux FB' corresponds almost in its entirety to the part FB of the light flux F.
- the sealing means 120 on the side of modulation means 104A are compressed whereas the sealing means 120 on the other side of the pointing means are elongated.
- the tilting of the pointing device causes a rotational motion to the pointing device 104 and thus the modulation means 104A, 104B rotate round a symmetric axis.
- this rotational movement can be characterised by vertical movement, that is, the modulation means 104A move downwards and modulate by shadowing the part FA of the light flux F to a modulated light flux FA'.
- the modulation means 104B move upwards thus clearing the passage of the light flux FB; i.e. the modulated light flux FB' corresponds to the light flux FB.
- the modulated light fluxes FA', FB' are different when the pointing device is in the second position, also the modulated light fluxes FA', FB' detected by the detecting means 106A, 106B are different, which then has an impact on the generated signals SA, SB.
- the light flux F can be divided into parts of light fluxes FA, FB by using a beam splitter, for example.
- the beam splitter can also be a thin layer of metallic coating on a part of the transparent end of the light directing means. Using such a solution the manufacturing costs can be reduced and the device can be build using less components.
- Figure 3 represents a first embodiment of an input device according to the invention.
- the light source 100 is located at a different position from the embodiment according to Figure 1.
- the light source 100 can be, as before, a LED or some other light source producing the light flux F.
- the light source 100 in mobile stations, there are light sources such as LEDs widely used in the vicinity of the keyboard for lightening it, and, correspondingly, around the display for giving the display back light. This already existing light source 100 may thus be reused, and at least part of the light flux F emitted by the light source 100 is led to light directing means 103.
- the light directing means 103 may be similar to the light directing means 1031, 1032, i.e. they consist of simple fibres, shallow space, or something corresponding.
- the light directing means 103 lead at least part of the light flux F to a beam splitter 108.
- the beam splitter 108 divides a light flux to parts FA, FB of the light flux F.
- the advantage gained by using the beam splitter 108 in combination with the remotely placed light source 100 is that the system can be implemented using an already existing light source thus reducing the number of components needed. For mobile terminals this is important in the sense that the reliability of the device is enhanced, because the number of components having only a reduced life time is minimised.
- the beam splitter 108 can be a mirror like element, such as a clear pyramid or tetrahedron shaped polished piece of metal.
- the modulation step is performed in a nonreflective manner such as by filtering the light flux with an opaque filter or with a filter that has polarisation characteristics.
- a nonreflective manner such as by filtering the light flux with an opaque filter or with a filter that has polarisation characteristics.
- One of the purposes is to keep the physical size of the device as small as possible, another of the purposes is to keep also the fluxes needed as small as possible, because of energy considerations i.e. saving the power supply of the mobile device wherein the input device is used, and because it is more challenging to obtain good reflective properties for the beam splitter and for the modulator.
- Figure 4 illustrates some aspects of the fastening mechanism of the pointing device 104.
- the system comprises a number of springs 401, 402 that are placed between the pointing device 104 and the bottom 400.
- the bottom 400 may be, for example, a part of the circuit board located in the device wherein the input device is to be assembled, or it may be also be supported to light directing means 1031, 1032.
- the springs 401, 402 are arranged to allow tilting or small movement of the pointing device 104 in such a way that if the pointing device 104 is pressed down at one point, it allows the movement of modulation means 104A, 104B.
- the bottom part of the joystick preferably has a flat board like member wherein the modulation means 104A, 104B are collected. The movement of this board like member causes a compressing force on the spring 401 and an extending force on the spring 402, for example.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the input device as viewed from top.
- the pointing device 104 preferably includes an opaque part 510 of the surface and a transparent part 511 of the surface. If there is some illumination under the pointing device 104 coming from the light source 100, the transparent part 511 of the surface is thereby illuminated. This assists the user for giving the user input, especially in bad light conditions. Further, it gives the input device 104 a very fashionable look and thereby increases the attractivity of the mobile terminal wherein input device 104 is installed.
- the transparent part 511 may include trademarks or product names 512, and additional information 514 such as directions or input symbols. Such printings may printed on the surface provided that the area of the surface is large enough. This kind of approach increases the comfort of use, because the device is easy to handle also in the dark or under bad light conditions.
- Figure 6 illustrates the input device 104 as seen from below.
- a plurality of springs 401, 402, 403 and 404 are placed on the bottom surface of the pointing device and fastened there.
- the modulation means 104A and 104B shown are adapted to modulate the light fluxes coming from the light directing means 1031 and 1032.
- detectors 106A, 106B there are also detectors 106A, 106B.
- the detecting means 106A, 106B detect the modulated light flux.
- the input device 104 may have a plurality of degrees of freedom.
- the number of light directing means 1031-1034, modulation means 106A-D and detecting means 106A-D may change.
- the light directing means 1033, 1034 are optional and therefore marked with a dotted line.
- the optional detectors 106C and 106D are marked with a dotted line.
- the optional modulation means 104C and 104D modulate parts of the light flux F that are going to be detected by the optional detecting means 106C, 106D.
- the number of degrees of freedom may vary, for example, values between 1 and 8 being the most useful degrees of freedom for two-dimensional movements, as more directions are hard for the user to point accurately using the input device 104.
- the positioning of the spring elements 401 to 404 should be reconsidered similarly as the positioning of the light directing means 106A to 106D.
- the calibration of the pointing device 104 can be performed by comparing the modulated light flux (FA', FB') at different positions of the pointing device 104, i.e. by comparing the signal SA, SB derived from the detecting means 106A, 106B or the input signal IS, with the position of the pointing device 104.
- the pointing device 104 possesses multiple positions in one direction.
- the angle of tilting of the pointing device causes a movement in the modulator 104A - 104D.
- the converting means 110 have a table with different threshold values for each position of the pointing device 104, corresponding to the signal SA - SD, thus producing a different input signal IS.
- This kind of approach enables reliable detection of the position of the user input having only few positions. No complex nor expensive components in measuring the fluxes are needed either.
- the speed of movement of the pointing device 104 may also be measured by the converting means 110. This corresponds to time deviation of the generated signals SA - SD. If the time rate of change of the signals SA - SD for each signal is below a first threshold value, the position of the pointing device 104 is not moving. On the other hand, if the speed of change of the signals SA - SD exceeds the first threshold value, then the speed of change of the signal SA - SD may further be subdivided to correspond slow, medium, and fast changes, and so forth.
- the converting means 110 preferably include this information into the input signal IS.
- the invention is not limited to these examples, but also the movement pattern of the pointing device 104, acceleration, direction and intensity of the pointing device 104 may be measured; again an input signal IS is produced.
- the input signal IS is responsive to the movement.
- the input signal IS further guides the operation of the light source 100.
- This may be implemented by using a control circuit reading the input signal IS. If the input signal corresponds to a valid user input, i.e. the pointing device 104 is in a position or has been moved accordingly, the control circuit may either switch off the power of the light source, increase it, change colour of the light source, or give a control signal to a voice circuit that makes a small tick or other sound thus informing the user that his/her input has already been registered.
- An advantageous possibility for fixing the pointing device 104 is to use a ring-shape gasket made of an elastic material, such as rubber.
- the springs 401 - 404 can then be installed into the rubber gasket in order to ensure a proper mechanism for guiding the movements of the pointing device 104.
- Figure 7 illustrates how light directing means 1031 and 1032 may be made movable, i.e. they can be directly fixed to the pointing device 104.
- the pointing device 104 acts as a modulator by moving the light directing means 1031, 1032.
- the light directing means 1031, 1032 move together with the body of the pointing device 104, the number of photons missing the detecting means 106A, 106B changes.
- the detecting means 106A, 106B are substantially located at a continuation of a path of the modulated light flux FA' FB', respectively, in absence of the user input.
- the modulation achieved depends on the position of the light directing means 1031, 1032 compared to the position of the detecting means 106A, 106B.
- the modulation means 104A, 104B are preferably located on a straight line between light directing means 1031, 1032 and detecting means 106A, 106B.
- the sealing means 120 may now include spring elements or some other suitable elastic material in order to get a returning force which returns the pointing device 104 into its initial position after the user has released the pointing device 104.
- springs 402 are installed in order to support the pointing device 402 and the light directing means 103.
- Stopper 778 limits the maximum deviation of the pointing device 104 and the light directing means 103 from the normal position, i.e. maximum sideward movement.
- Another stopper 777 may be installed at the bottom of light directing means 103.
- a possibility for splitting the flux F to the parts FA and FB of the flux F is to use a beam splitter 108 directly installed to the pointing device 104.
- This can be realised e.g. by spraying a thin metallic layer onto either surfaces of the pointing device 104, i.e. between the light directing means 1031, 1032 and the transparent middle part 511 of the pointing device 104.
- This causes reflections which optically connect to wave-guides 1031 - 1034 thus forming the fluxes FA, FB to be modified by the modulator 104A - 104D.
- the cost of the phone can be reduced because no separate beam splitter 100 is needed but this may be implemented using the pointing device 104.
- Figure 8 illustrates the light directing means as viewed from above when the pointing device 104 has been removed.
- the thin metallic layer referenced above may be sprayed on the light directing means 1031-1034, and the light directing means 103 as well.
- Figure 9 shows the input device according to the present invention installed as one of its most obvious applications. Even though the input device may be used in any portable device, such as a Personal Digital Assistant, portable computer, and so forth, one of the most practical targets is a mobile terminal 900, such as a GSM or an UMTS phone. In this kind of device the size, power consumption and design matters play a significant role. As seen from Figure 9, the pointing device 104 is visible from above, and the sealing means 120 which in this case consist of rubber gasket including a spring element surround the pointing device 104.
- the sealing means 120 which in this case consist of rubber gasket including a spring element surround the pointing device 104.
- the input device can be incorporated in a housing which with a shielding provided protects the device against dust and moisture.
- a shielding provided protects the device against dust and moisture.
- Such a device is particularly useful in mobile terminals or other portable devices, such as laptop computers, portable CD players, and so fort, because it provides the device with a superior input mechanism having a convenient user interface.
- a light source such a light emitting diode, already used in the portable device, such as the keyboard or display LED of the mobile terminal. This helps saving components when manufacturing the devices.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates generally to obtaining user input for an electronic device. More specifically, the invention relates to obtaining user input with an opto-electronic arrangement.
- The still growing number of users of mobile terminals together with the high competition on the market set very high requirements for the design of mobile terminals. On one hand, the manufacturing process has to be easy and the assembling procedure with all components required has to be cost effective. On the other hand, consumers expect the new terminals to include lucrative and fascinating properties and to have an aesthetically pleasing design.
- One of the components having a large impact on the consumers' decision whether or not to buy a specific device is the input mechanism, such as the keyboard or dialling buttons of the mobile terminal. Some manufacturers have mobile terminals which include a navigation key much like a joystick used in computers. Because the physical size of an average mobile terminal is very limited, the design of such devices is very challenging. The design gets even more challenging when such a device should reuse a maximal number of terminal components already existing, and still have an aesthetically acceptable outlook.
- US patent 4,459,022 discloses a fibre optic angular sensor. The sensor arrangement has long fibre cables and it is well suited for use in stationary equipment in areas with high electrical noise values. The system comprises a concave mirror mounted on an object the orientation of which is to be measured. The concave mirror is positioned over a fibre optic cable end which has the single light emitting central fibre end for receiving fibres.
- At the ends of the receiving fibres there are detectors the output of which is received by a microcomputer which combines the detected signals to form an indication of the angular orientation of the object to be measured. A sensor disclosed in '022, due to its nature, is better suited to be used in stationary devices which are not so critical to the system size. For mobile terminals and similar small devices, nevertheless, the system the system disclosed in '022 is not suitable.
- US patent 6,246,047 B1 discloses a fibre optic control with joystick. The joystick has a pivot ball which has surface areas equipped with materials having different light reflecting properties. The fibre optics has been realised in such a way that the system has two sets of fibre optic cable assemblies, each having a source of light and two cables for receiving the reflected light rays. In the pivot ball there are large surface portions of poor light reflecting properties and other surface portions of good light reflecting properties. A light beam is directed against various portions of the ball surface. Reflections of light from said surfaces provide output light signals which are a function of the vertical position of the ball as effected by the movements of the joystick.
- The pivot ball has been adapted to measure the angular position of the joystick. Because angular movements usually do not suffice to fulfil the requirements set forth in the typical applications used in mobile terminals, wherein the user is expected to press or tilt a button, or to turn a joystick-like input device, the '047 approach is not considered to be a solution for the problem in hand.
- WO 91/20022 discloses a joystick assembly for connection to a computer, including a control arm coupled to a pair of shutters which are moved independently in accordance with the direction and degree of movement of the control arm. A light emitter and light sensor are arranged on opposite sides of each shutter and the light received by the light sensor varies in accordance with the degree to which the shutters block the path of light between emitter and light sensor. The variable outputs provided by the light sensors are used to control movement of an image on a video display unit.
- It is an object of the invention to bring about an input device that is easy and cost-effective to manufacture which has a size suitable for use in a mobile terminal, and by using which it is possible to provide portable devices having a nice outlook. Another objective of the invention is to bring about a new input method, possibly even reusing some existing hardware components.
- This and other objectives of the invention can be achieved by an input device in accordance with claim 1 or an input method in accordance with claim 14. Claims 2 to 13 and 15 to 19 describe various advantageous embodiments of the invention.
- In the following, the invention and its preferred embodiments are described more closely referring to the examples shown in Figures 3 to 9 in the appended drawings wherein:
- Figure 1
- illustrates a first position of an input device sharing the principles for detecting user input with prior art,
- Figure 2
- illustrates the same input device in a second position,
- Figure 3
- illustrates an input device according to the present invention,
- Figure 4
- illustrates the fastening and shielding mechanism used according to one aspect of the invention,
- Figure 5
- shows the input device viewed from top,
- Figure 6
- illustrates the input device as viewed from below,
- Figure 7
- illustrates another embodiment of the inventive input device,
- Figure 8
- shows the light directing means used in the device of Figure 7 as viewed from above, and
- Figure 9
- depicts a mobile phone comprising an input device according to the present invention.
- Like reference signs refer to corresponding parts and elements throughout Figures 1-9.
- Figure 1 illustrates an input device, of which the principles of detecting user input are found in prior art. A
light source 100 such as a light emitting diode LED emits a total light flux F. Parts FA, FB of this total flux F are led to light directing means 1031, 1032 which can, for example, be a wave guide, optical fibre, transparent plastic, or just a hollow space left in the device. - After the light flux FA, FB have travelled at least some distance in the light directing means 1031, 1032, they reach the end of the light directing means 1031, 1032. At that position there are modulation means 104A, 104B which are ready to modulate the light flux FA, FB to a modulated light flux FA', FB' respectively.
- The modulation means 104A, 104B are responsive to a
pointing device 104 which can be a navigation key, joystick, or other similar arrangement for receiving a user input. - The modulated light flux FA', FB' can be detected by detecting
means means 110 which generates an input signal IS from the generated signal SA, SB. The input signal IS is responsive to one or more of the modulated light fluxes FA', FB', and because the modulated light fluxes FA', FB' are responsive to the position of the modulating means 104A, 104B further being responsive to the position of thepointing device 104, the position of thepointing device 104 may be monitored by observing the values of the input signal IS. - The detecting means 106A, 106B are preferably assembled to measure the modulated light flux FA', FB' in the light path at point where a part FA, FB of the light flux would pass in order to achieve constructional simplicity. This can be accomplished e.g. by positioning the detecting means 106A, 106B in line with the light directing means (1031, 1032), the positioning then corresponding to the path of an part FA, FB of the light flux F, i.e. the path of the photons which they would take in the absence of the modulating means 104A, 104B. In other words, the detecting means 106A, 106B are located substantially at a continuation of a path of the modulated light flux FA', FB', respectively, in absence of the user input. The modulation means 104A, 104B are preferably located on a straight line between the light directing means 1031, 1032 and detecting
means - Primarily, such an arrangement does not to measure light flux reflected by the modulation means 104A, 104B but the modulated light flux FA', FB' modulated by the modulation means 104A, 104B. This kind of construction is not necessary, however, but different kind of reflectors may be used in order to get the desired physical form for the optical path.
- Further, the system includes a
housing 130, such as a housing used in mobile station. Shielding means 120 are preferably of elastic material, such as rubber or silicon, and they are adapted to elastically seal the space between thehousing 130, the modulation means 104A, 104B, and thepointing device 104. - Figure 2 illustrates the input device presented above with reference to Figure 1 in a second position. The differences caused by moving the
pointing device 104 to a second position are that the parts FA, FB of the light flux F are modulated now in a different way. The part FA becomes the modulated light flux FA' in such a way that most of the light rays can not get through the modulation means 104A, whereas the part FB is in principle not modified at all by the modulation means 104B so that the modulated light flux FB' corresponds almost in its entirety to the part FB of the light flux F. - Another change is that the sealing means 120 on the side of modulation means 104A are compressed whereas the sealing means 120 on the other side of the pointing means are elongated. The tilting of the pointing device causes a rotational motion to the
pointing device 104 and thus the modulation means 104A, 104B rotate round a symmetric axis. To a first approximation i.e. when the deviation is small, this rotational movement can be characterised by vertical movement, that is, the modulation means 104A move downwards and modulate by shadowing the part FA of the light flux F to a modulated light flux FA'. Similarly, the modulation means 104B move upwards thus clearing the passage of the light flux FB; i.e. the modulated light flux FB' corresponds to the light flux FB. - Because the modulated light fluxes FA', FB' are different when the pointing device is in the second position, also the modulated light fluxes FA', FB' detected by the detecting means 106A, 106B are different, which then has an impact on the generated signals SA, SB. This causes the converting means 110 to convert a different input signal IS from the signals SA, SB derived from the detecting means 106A, 106B, regarding the position of the
pointing device 104, i.e. whether any input is given, the direction, speed or pattern of movement, length of the tilting, and so forth. - In accordance with the present invention, the light flux F can be divided into parts of light fluxes FA, FB by using a beam splitter, for example. The beam splitter can also be a thin layer of metallic coating on a part of the transparent end of the light directing means. Using such a solution the manufacturing costs can be reduced and the device can be build using less components.
- Figure 3 represents a first embodiment of an input device according to the invention. The
light source 100 is located at a different position from the embodiment according to Figure 1. For example, thelight source 100 can be, as before, a LED or some other light source producing the light flux F. For example, in mobile stations, there are light sources such as LEDs widely used in the vicinity of the keyboard for lightening it, and, correspondingly, around the display for giving the display back light. This already existinglight source 100 may thus be reused, and at least part of the light flux F emitted by thelight source 100 is led to light directing means 103. - The light directing means 103 may be similar to the light directing means 1031, 1032, i.e. they consist of simple fibres, shallow space, or something corresponding. The light directing means 103 lead at least part of the light flux F to a
beam splitter 108. Thebeam splitter 108 divides a light flux to parts FA, FB of the light flux F. - These light fluxes FA, FB are then handled as in the examples above. The advantage gained by using the
beam splitter 108 in combination with the remotely placedlight source 100 is that the system can be implemented using an already existing light source thus reducing the number of components needed. For mobile terminals this is important in the sense that the reliability of the device is enhanced, because the number of components having only a reduced life time is minimised. Thebeam splitter 108 can be a mirror like element, such as a clear pyramid or tetrahedron shaped polished piece of metal. - Preferably, the modulation step is performed in a nonreflective manner such as by filtering the light flux with an opaque filter or with a filter that has polarisation characteristics. One of the purposes is to keep the physical size of the device as small as possible, another of the purposes is to keep also the fluxes needed as small as possible, because of energy considerations i.e. saving the power supply of the mobile device wherein the input device is used, and because it is more challenging to obtain good reflective properties for the beam splitter and for the modulator.
- Figure 4 illustrates some aspects of the fastening mechanism of the
pointing device 104. Preferably, the system comprises a number ofsprings pointing device 104 and the bottom 400. The bottom 400 may be, for example, a part of the circuit board located in the device wherein the input device is to be assembled, or it may be also be supported to light directing means 1031, 1032. - The
springs pointing device 104 in such a way that if thepointing device 104 is pressed down at one point, it allows the movement of modulation means 104A, 104B. Similarly, if thepointing device 104 corresponds to the joystick, then the bottom part of the joystick preferably has a flat board like member wherein the modulation means 104A, 104B are collected. The movement of this board like member causes a compressing force on thespring 401 and an extending force on thespring 402, for example. - Figure 5 illustrates the input device as viewed from top. The
pointing device 104 preferably includes anopaque part 510 of the surface and atransparent part 511 of the surface. If there is some illumination under thepointing device 104 coming from thelight source 100, thetransparent part 511 of the surface is thereby illuminated. This assists the user for giving the user input, especially in bad light conditions. Further, it gives the input device 104 a very fashionable look and thereby increases the attractivity of the mobile terminal whereininput device 104 is installed. Thetransparent part 511 may include trademarks orproduct names 512, andadditional information 514 such as directions or input symbols. Such printings may printed on the surface provided that the area of the surface is large enough. This kind of approach increases the comfort of use, because the device is easy to handle also in the dark or under bad light conditions. - Figure 6 illustrates the
input device 104 as seen from below. A plurality ofsprings detectors - The
input device 104 may have a plurality of degrees of freedom. For this purpose, the number of light directing means 1031-1034, modulation means 106A-D and detecting means 106A-D may change. The light directing means 1033, 1034 are optional and therefore marked with a dotted line. Similarly, theoptional detectors - The number of degrees of freedom may vary, for example, values between 1 and 8 being the most useful degrees of freedom for two-dimensional movements, as more directions are hard for the user to point accurately using the
input device 104. Correspondingly, the positioning of thespring elements 401 to 404 should be reconsidered similarly as the positioning of the light directing means 106A to 106D. - The calibration of the
pointing device 104 can be performed by comparing the modulated light flux (FA', FB') at different positions of thepointing device 104, i.e. by comparing the signal SA, SB derived from the detecting means 106A, 106B or the input signal IS, with the position of thepointing device 104. - It is also possible to construct a system, in which the
pointing device 104 possesses multiple positions in one direction. The angle of tilting of the pointing device causes a movement in themodulator 104A - 104D. The converting means 110 have a table with different threshold values for each position of thepointing device 104, corresponding to the signal SA - SD, thus producing a different input signal IS. This kind of approach enables reliable detection of the position of the user input having only few positions. No complex nor expensive components in measuring the fluxes are needed either. - The speed of movement of the
pointing device 104 may also be measured by the convertingmeans 110. This corresponds to time deviation of the generated signals SA - SD. If the time rate of change of the signals SA - SD for each signal is below a first threshold value, the position of thepointing device 104 is not moving. On the other hand, if the speed of change of the signals SA - SD exceeds the first threshold value, then the speed of change of the signal SA - SD may further be subdivided to correspond slow, medium, and fast changes, and so forth. The converting means 110 preferably include this information into the input signal IS. - The invention is not limited to these examples, but also the movement pattern of the
pointing device 104, acceleration, direction and intensity of thepointing device 104 may be measured; again an input signal IS is produced. The input signal IS is responsive to the movement. - According to a variation of the invention, the input signal IS further guides the operation of the
light source 100. This may be implemented by using a control circuit reading the input signal IS. If the input signal corresponds to a valid user input, i.e. thepointing device 104 is in a position or has been moved accordingly, the control circuit may either switch off the power of the light source, increase it, change colour of the light source, or give a control signal to a voice circuit that makes a small tick or other sound thus informing the user that his/her input has already been registered. - An advantageous possibility for fixing the
pointing device 104 is to use a ring-shape gasket made of an elastic material, such as rubber. The springs 401 - 404 can then be installed into the rubber gasket in order to ensure a proper mechanism for guiding the movements of thepointing device 104. - Figure 7 illustrates how light directing means 1031 and 1032 may be made movable, i.e. they can be directly fixed to the
pointing device 104. In this embodiment of the invention, thepointing device 104 acts as a modulator by moving the light directing means 1031, 1032. When the light directing means 1031, 1032 move together with the body of thepointing device 104, the number of photons missing the detecting means 106A, 106B changes. Optimally the detecting means 106A, 106B are substantially located at a continuation of a path of the modulated light flux FA' FB', respectively, in absence of the user input. In other words, the modulation achieved depends on the position of the light directing means 1031, 1032 compared to the position of the detecting means 106A, 106B. The modulation means 104A, 104B are preferably located on a straight line between light directing means 1031, 1032 and detectingmeans - The sealing means 120 may now include spring elements or some other suitable elastic material in order to get a returning force which returns the
pointing device 104 into its initial position after the user has released thepointing device 104. Further, springs 402 are installed in order to support thepointing device 402 and the light directing means 103.Stopper 778 limits the maximum deviation of thepointing device 104 and the light directing means 103 from the normal position, i.e. maximum sideward movement. Anotherstopper 777 may be installed at the bottom of light directing means 103. - A possibility for splitting the flux F to the parts FA and FB of the flux F is to use a
beam splitter 108 directly installed to thepointing device 104. This can be realised e.g. by spraying a thin metallic layer onto either surfaces of thepointing device 104, i.e. between the light directing means 1031, 1032 and the transparentmiddle part 511 of thepointing device 104. This causes reflections which optically connect to wave-guides 1031 - 1034 thus forming the fluxes FA, FB to be modified by themodulator 104A - 104D. In this way the cost of the phone can be reduced because noseparate beam splitter 100 is needed but this may be implemented using thepointing device 104. - Figure 8 illustrates the light directing means as viewed from above when the
pointing device 104 has been removed. The thin metallic layer referenced above may be sprayed on the light directing means 1031-1034, and the light directing means 103 as well. - Figure 9 shows the input device according to the present invention installed as one of its most obvious applications. Even though the input device may be used in any portable device, such as a Personal Digital Assistant, portable computer, and so forth, one of the most practical targets is a
mobile terminal 900, such as a GSM or an UMTS phone. In this kind of device the size, power consumption and design matters play a significant role. As seen from Figure 9, thepointing device 104 is visible from above, and the sealing means 120 which in this case consist of rubber gasket including a spring element surround thepointing device 104. - The input device can be incorporated in a housing which with a shielding provided protects the device against dust and moisture. Such a device is particularly useful in mobile terminals or other portable devices, such as laptop computers, portable CD players, and so fort, because it provides the device with a superior input mechanism having a convenient user interface. A light source, such a light emitting diode, already used in the portable device, such as the keyboard or display LED of the mobile terminal. This helps saving components when manufacturing the devices.
- Although the invention was described above with reference to the examples shown in the appended drawings it is obvious that the invention is not limited to these but it may be modified by those skilled in the art without difference from the scope of the invention as defined in claims 1 to 19.
Claims (19)
- An input device comprising:a light source (100) for emitting a first light flux (F);a pointing device (104) such as a navigation key or a joystick for receiving a user input;detecting means (106A, 106B) for detecting a second light flux (FA', FB'), adapted to generate a first signal (SA, SB) responsive to the second light flux (FA', FB'); andlight directing means (1031, 1032) for directing a part (FA, FB) of the first light flux (F) towards the detecting means (106A, 106B);modulation means (104A, 104B) responsive to the pointing device (104), for at least partially modulating a part (FA, FB) of the first light flux (F) to the second light flux (FA', FB'), thus allowing at least a part of the second light flux (FA', FB') to propagate to the detecting means (106A, 106B) located substantially at a continuation of a path of the second light flux (FA', FB') in absence of the user input; andconverting means (110) responsive to said detecting means (106A, 106B), adapted to convert said first signal (SA, SB) to a second signal (IS) corresponding to the user input; characterised in that: the input device further comprises:a beam splitter (108) for dividing the first light flux (F) into parts (FA, FB) of the first light flux (F); andsecond light directing means (102) for directing said first light flux (F) from the light source (100) towards the beam splitter (108).
- An input device according to claim 1, wherein: the modulation means (104) are adapted i) to let a substantially zero flux (FA') pass to the detecting means (104A) when the position of the pointing device (104) corresponds a first input position, and ii) to let a substantially nonzero flux (FA') pass to the detecting means (104A) otherwise.
- An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said modulation means (104A, 104B) include a filter that is opaque, absorbs light, or has polarising characteristics.
- An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the movement of the pointing device (104) is one-dimensional or two-dimensional.
- An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the pointing device (104) is made movable by hand.
- An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the calibration of the pointing device (104) is performed by comparing the modulated light flux (FA', FB') at different positions of the pointing device (104) by comparing the position of the pointing device (104) with i) the signal (SA, SB) derived from the detecting means (106A, 106B), or ii) the input signal (IS).
- An input device according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterised in that:the input device further comprisesa housing (130); anda sealing means (120) for protecting the input device against dust and/or moisture. - An input device according to claim 7,
characterised in that:the sealing means (120) include a rubber gasket and/or a spring element surrounding the pointing device (104). - An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the light source (100) is a light emitting diode.
- An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the detecting means (106A, 106B) are located on an opposite side of the modulation means (104A, 104B) as observed from the light directing means (1031, 1032).
- An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the modulation means (104A, 104B) are located on a straight line between the light directing means (1031, 1032) and detecting means (106A, 106B)
- A mobile terminal,
characterised in that:the mobile terminal includes an input device according to any one of preceding claims 1-11. - A mobile terminal according to claim 12, wherein: the light source (100) is also used for a keyboard and/or a display of the mobile terminal.
- An input method comprising the steps of:emitting a first light flux (F);receiving a user input;directing a part (FA, FB) of the first light flux (F) to a modulating step, wherein the part (FA, FB) of the first light flux (F) is at least partially modulated to a second light flux (FA', FB'), thus allowing a part of the second flux (FA', FB') to propagate to a detecting step;in the detecting step, detecting at least one second light flux (FA', FB');responsive to the detecting step, generating a first signal (SA, SB) responsive to the second light flux (FA', FB') detected; andin response to said generating step, converting an second signal (IS) from the first signal (SA, SB);dividing the light flux (F) to a parts (FA, FB) of the light flux (F); anddirecting said light flux (F) from the emitting step to the dividing step.
- An input method according to claim 14, wherein: in the modulation step i) a substantially zero flux (FA') is let to pass to the detecting step when the user input corresponds a first input position, and ii) a substantially nonzero flux is let to pass to the detecting step otherwise.
- An input method according to any one of the preceding claims 14-15, wherein: the modulation step is performed by filtering with an opaque or light absorbing filter, or with a filter that has polarisation characteristics.
- An input method according to any one of the preceding claims 14-16, wherein: the detecting step is performed on a non-modulated light path after the modulating step.
- An input method according to any one of the preceding claims 14-17, wherein: the detection step is performed substantially at a continuation of a path of the second light flux (FA', FB') in absence of the user input.
- An input method according to any one of the preceding claims 14-18, wherein: the modulating step is performed on a straight line between the light directing step and the light detection step.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE2002604775 DE60204775T2 (en) | 2002-08-28 | 2002-08-28 | Input device and input method |
EP20020019299 EP1394652B1 (en) | 2002-08-28 | 2002-08-28 | Input device and input method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20020019299 EP1394652B1 (en) | 2002-08-28 | 2002-08-28 | Input device and input method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1394652A1 EP1394652A1 (en) | 2004-03-03 |
EP1394652B1 true EP1394652B1 (en) | 2005-06-22 |
Family
ID=31197850
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20020019299 Expired - Fee Related EP1394652B1 (en) | 2002-08-28 | 2002-08-28 | Input device and input method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1394652B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60204775T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT413774B (en) * | 2004-04-20 | 2006-05-15 | Arc Seibersdorf Res Gmbh | OPTICAL CONTROL DEVICE |
WO2005103857A1 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2005-11-03 | Preh Gmbh | Operating element for a motor vehicle |
DE102006047471B4 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2009-05-28 | Preh Gmbh | Pulse generator for a control element in a motor vehicle |
DE102022207019A1 (en) | 2022-07-08 | 2024-01-11 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Control sculpture for influencing vehicle functions and the vehicle with the same |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2007063A (en) * | 1977-10-26 | 1979-05-10 | Rank Organisation Ltd | Control signal generating device |
FR2648580B1 (en) * | 1989-06-16 | 1991-09-20 | Rexroth Sigma | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN ELECTRIC REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE OF THE MANIPULATOR OR THE LIKE TYPE, AND AGENCY DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD |
WO1991020022A1 (en) * | 1990-06-14 | 1991-12-26 | Multicoin Australia Pty. Ltd. | Improvements to joystick assemblies |
US6246047B1 (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2001-06-12 | Peter J. Mikan | Fiber optic control with joy stick |
-
2002
- 2002-08-28 DE DE2002604775 patent/DE60204775T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-08-28 EP EP20020019299 patent/EP1394652B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1394652A1 (en) | 2004-03-03 |
DE60204775D1 (en) | 2005-07-28 |
DE60204775T2 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5065146A (en) | Manually-operated control device | |
US5569902A (en) | Contact two-dimensional bar code reader having pressure actuated switch | |
EP1431713B1 (en) | Motion encoder | |
US6872931B2 (en) | Optical input device for measuring finger movement | |
CN101271368B (en) | Near-normal incidence optical mouse illumination system with prism | |
US20070002020A1 (en) | Optical mouse | |
US8957849B2 (en) | Optical scrolling module and optical control module | |
US20020080120A1 (en) | Optical mouse | |
US20020080121A1 (en) | Optical mouse | |
US20130082932A1 (en) | Dynamic display keyboard and a key for use in a dynamic display keyboard | |
US20020080117A1 (en) | Optical mouse | |
CN108646426A (en) | Laser projection module, image capturing device and electronic equipment | |
US7514668B2 (en) | Optical navigation device that utilizes a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) configured to emit visible coherent light | |
EP1394652B1 (en) | Input device and input method | |
US7326913B2 (en) | Ball-based device for controlling the movement of a cursor, and optical unit for such a device | |
US7446677B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for optically detecting selections made on an input device | |
CN208157409U (en) | Photoelectricity mould group, image capturing device and electronic device | |
US20040246233A1 (en) | Optical mouse with uniform light projection | |
US6946980B2 (en) | Input device | |
US5790728A (en) | Optical coupling component and method of making the same | |
CN114089846A (en) | Encoder assembly | |
US20050001818A1 (en) | Optic mouse | |
US20060109248A1 (en) | Pseudo trackball optical pointing apparatus | |
CN108490595B (en) | Structured light projection module, image acquisition device and electronic equipment | |
CN110473884A (en) | Photoelectricity mould group, image capturing device and electronic device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20030616 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): DE DK FI FR GB SE |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): DE DK FI FR GB SE |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): DE DK FI FR GB SE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 60204775 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20050728 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: SE Ref legal event code: TRGR |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050922 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20060323 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Payment date: 20060711 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20060808 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20060809 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20061023 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 20060808 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
EUG | Se: european patent has lapsed | ||
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20070828 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070829 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070828 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20080430 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080301 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070831 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070828 |