JP6896370B2 - Mobile device that eliminates unintentional touch sensor contact - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of electronic devices, and more specifically to mobile devices that eliminate unintentional contact with touch sensors.

Mobile devices, including mobile phones, smartphones, mobile internet devices (MIDs), handheld computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other similar devices, are one for operations that allow input to the mobile device. Or it may include multiple sensors.

Such mobile devices will generally be held in the hand for operation. In many situations, holding the device is followed by input to one or more applications or services, or reading information from the screen of the mobile device.

U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 650,582 U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 646,220

However, depending on the position of the touch sensor on the mobile device, the support of the device in the user's hand can cause unintentional contact with the touch sensor. In such situations, the mobile device will typically detect a touch on the touch sensor when the user of the device does not intend to take any action and is unaware that he or she has actually touched the touch sensor. .. This can result in incorrect input by the user to the mobile device.

Embodiments of the present invention generally cover mobile devices that eliminate unintentional touch sensor contact.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device that provides elimination of unintentional contact with a touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the elimination of the contact at a rest position by embodiment of a mobile device. It is a figure which shows the elimination of accidental contact as an input by embodiment of a mobile device. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device element that provides elimination of unintentional contact with a touch sensor. It is a flowchart which shows the embodiment of the process which converts the sensor data so as to express the intention and perception of a user based on a contact area. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device that provides elimination of unintentional contact with a touch sensor.

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings as examples, but not by limitation. In drawings, similar reference numbers refer to similar elements.

As used herein, "mobile device" is a mobile electronic device or system that includes mobile phones, smartphones, mobile internet devices (MIDs), handheld computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other similar devices. Means.

As used herein, a "touch sensor" provides an input signal generated by physical contact by the user, proximity to the user, or both (sometimes commonly referred to as contact with the touch sensor). Such a sensor means a sensor configured as such, including a sensor that detects contact by the thumb or other finger of a user of a device or system, including a mobile device. The touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive sensor, which can detect finger or hand contact on the capacitive sensor. The touch sensor may include sensors used for a plurality of different purposes in the operation of the device or system.

As used herein, "side touch sensor" means a touch sensor that detects a user's contact, including a user's finger or hand, on at least one aspect of the device or system, including a mobile device. The side touch sensor is a touch sensor that is at least partially physically located on at least one side of the mobile device, or in said side of the mobile device that is not physically placed on at least one side of the mobile device. Includes a side touch sensor that detects user contact.

When using a mobile device that has a touch sensor on its side, the user can sometimes unintentionally act on that sensor. For example, when the user is supporting the device in the palm of his hand, he may simply read the information on the touch screen, or he may use the thumb of the hand supporting the device to act on the touch screen. .. In such cases, the palm of the user's hand may lightly wrap around, for example, the lower end of the touch sensor, which may appear to be a touch on the side touch sensor.

In another example, the user may support the device by simply placing the user's thumb on the sensor or the index finger on the edge of the sensor, such as while reading information from the screen. Unintentional contact with this type of touch sensor can be more frequent if the touch sensor is longer on the side of the mobile device. In this case, the sensor may register an unintentional action in the lower part of the touch sensor, since the user intentionally acts on the upper part of the sensor.

If not addressed, these unintentional effects are problematic in at least two scenarios. In the first scenario, the user is actively attempting to act on the touch screen of a mobile device. In this case, the unintentional touch sensor movement detected conflicts with the touch screen movement, and the system responds randomly to, for example, one of these two inputs, or creates an error condition. This can disrupt the user experience of mobile devices.

In the second scenario, the mobile device uses a long touch sensor, and there can be both intentional contact with the upper part of the sensor and unintentional contact with the lower part of the sensor. In operation, any of these complex contacts to the touch sensor (one intentional contact and one unintentional contact) is randomly triggered, again in the experience of the user of the mobile device. It can be confusing.

In some embodiments, the mobile device provides the elimination of unintentional touch sensor contact. In some embodiments, the mobile device addresses the above problem of unintentional contact of the side touch sensor by identifying the user's intent and masking the unintentional effect on the side touch sensor.

In some embodiments, devices, systems and methods are provided that analyze the shape and movement characteristics of a user's stationary fingers / palms and filter out these signals, thereby avoiding unintentional gestures. To do. In some embodiments, the technique involves analyzing various long-term statistics about features extracted from sensor readings associated during action. If long-term statistics suggest that the effect is static (and therefore unintentional), the effect is suppressed. In this way, conflicts with any intentional user action, such as touch screen action or effective finger action on a long sensor, are prevented.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device that provides elimination of unintentional contact with a touch sensor. In some embodiments, the mobile device 100 provides the elimination of stationary positions of fingers and hands on the touch sensor. In some embodiments, the mobile device 100 includes a screen 105 for viewing the displayed information, which screen both presents data and images to the user and receives input from the user. It may include a touch screen in preparation for. In some embodiments, the mobile device 100 further includes a side touch sensor 110 for receiving input from the user in the form of a gesture from the user's thumb or other finger.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 100 provides elimination of the stationary position of the user 115's finger or hand on the side touch sensor. In some embodiments, the mobile device includes an indicator of unintentional contact 120 with the mobile device. This unintentional contact index 120 may be stored in a non-volatile memory, and the mobile device uses a statistical analysis of the contact on the touch sensor 110 to intentionally make the contact onto the touch sensor. Determine if it should be excluded as a non-contact.

In some embodiments, the touch sensor 110 may include a capacitive sensor or may include other sensors such as an optical sensor. For example, Patent Document 1 (US Patent Application No. 12 / 650,582 (Optical Capacitive Thumb Control with Pressure Sensor) filed on December 31, 2009), Patent Document 2 (US patent filed on December 23, 2009). See Patent Application No. 12 / 646,220 (Contoured Thumb Touch Sensor MFP).

FIG. 2 illustrates the elimination of stationary position contact according to an embodiment of a mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device 200 includes a side touch sensor (hidden in this figure). In operation, the user's hand 210 of the mobile device 200 may inadvertently touch the side touch sensor when the hand is in the stationary position 220 to support the mobile device 200.

In some embodiments, the mobile device provides contact elimination based on a statistical analysis of contact over a period of time. For example, in this example, the contact point 225 is a large area on the side touch sensor and the contact will generally tend not to move. In some embodiments, statistical analysis of these and related factors is used to determine that the contact is unintentional and exclude the signal from this contact of the side touch sensor.

FIG. 3 illustrates the elimination of accidental contact as an input according to an embodiment of a mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device 300 includes a side touch sensor (hidden in this figure). In this example, the side touch sensor may have a long length to some extent that unintentional contact may be made at the bottom of the side touch sensor. In operation, the user's hand 310 of the mobile device 300 may come into contact with the side touch sensor at multiple positions when the hand is in the active position for the control input 320. In this figure, the user's thumb is in contact with the side touch sensor at the first point 330 to provide input to the mobile device 300. However, the user's hand is also in contact with the side touch sensor at the second point 335. This is due to the length of the side touch sensor, the particular size of the user's hand, and the particular technique that the mobile device 300 is held in the user's hand. In this situation, the second contact 335 may be constant, but on and off may occur if the first contact point 330 changes in order for the user to provide input to the mobile device 300.

In some embodiments, the mobile device provides the elimination of a second contact point 335 based on a statistical analysis of contact over a period of time. For example, in this example, the second contact point 335 is located in the lower area of the side touch sensor and is present in addition to the first contact point 330. In some embodiments, the second contact 335 uses statistical analysis, including the recognition that there are two contact points and the second contact point is at the lower end of the side touch sensor. It is determined to be unintentional and the signal from this contact of the side touch sensor is eliminated.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an element of a mobile device that provides elimination of unintentional contact with a touch sensor. In some embodiments, the mobile device 400 includes a side touch sensor 425 used to provide input to the mobile device through gesture manipulation of the user's thumb or other finger. In some embodiments, the mobile device 400 further includes one or more processors 430 for processing signals and commands, including inputs received from side touch sensors.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 400 includes a control module or algorithm 435 that eliminates unintentional contact with the side touch sensor 425. In some embodiments, the mobile device collects data generated by the side touch sensor 425 from contacts with the sensor and performs a statistical analysis of such contacts over a period of time. In some embodiments, statistical analysis includes, but is not limited to:

(1) Determining the size of the contact point. For example, a large contact point may indicate that the user's hand is wrapped around the mobile device 400, causing unintentional contact with the side touch sensor 425.

(2) Determining the movement of the contact point. For example, the lack of movement of a particular contact point may indicate that the user's hand is in a stationary position and contact with the side touch sensor 425 is being used to support the mobile device.

(3) Determination of the shape of the contact point on the side touch sensor 425. For example, the shape may indicate a hand wrapping around the mobile device 400.

(4) Determination of the number of contact points on the side touch sensor 425. For example, in the lower part of the side touch sensor 425, the second contact point below the first contact point is an unintentional contact with the side touch sensor when providing input to the mobile device 400. May show.

Mobile devices also include one or more transmitters and receivers 406 for wireless transmission and reception of data; and one or more antennas 404 for transmission and reception of such data; data storage. With a memory 440 for; a user interface 442 including a graphical user interface (GUI) for communication between the mobile device 400 and a user of the device; to provide a visual display to the user of the mobile device 400. Display circuit or controller 444 and; may include a position circuit or element including a GPS circuit or element 446.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a process of converting sensor data so as to represent the user's intention and perception based on the contact area. In some embodiments, when the mobile device becomes operational 500, the mobile device can proceed to normal operation, including receiving 505 sensor inputs. In some embodiments, the sensor input includes an input from a side touch sensor.

In some embodiments, instructions for unintentional contact with the side touch sensor have been developed 515, which may include empirical development of such instructions based on the use of mobile devices. In some embodiments, 510 when the mobile device detects contact with the side touch sensor, 520 where the shape and movement characteristics are compared with the indication of unintentional contact.

In some embodiments, question 530 is asked to determine how the contact with the side touch sensor is compared to the indication of unintentional contact. This question includes, but is not limited to,:

About the shape and size of the contact area 535. Is it a large contact area that seems to be the shape of a hand that wraps around the mobile device?

540 for minimum movement of contact area. For example, indicating that the hand is holding the mobile device in a stationary position.

545 for the presence of multiple contact points. Gestures with the thumb or other fingers of the user's hand, such as the contact point in the lower part of the side touch sensor, indicating that there is a first contact point that provides input to the mobile device. For example, showing a second contact point that points to a part of the user's hand supporting the mobile device while running.

In some embodiments, if the comparison between the contact with the sensor and the indication of an unintentional contact with the side touch sensor concludes that the contact is intentional, then the contact is accepted and the side touch. It is interpreted as a gesture input to the sensor 550. If the comparison between the contact with the sensor and the indication of unintentional contact with the side touch sensor concludes that the contact is unintentional, then the contact is ignored as unintentional contact with the side touch sensor. , There is no input to the mobile device 555.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device that provides elimination of unintentional contact with a touch sensor. In this figure, no known component of a particular standard that is not deeply relevant to this description is shown. Under some embodiments, the mobile device 600 comprises an interconnect or crossbar 605, or other means of communication for the transmission of data. Device 600 may include processing means for processing information, such as one or more processors 610 coupled to interconnect 605. Processor 610 may include one or more physical processors and one or more logical processors. The interconnect 605 is shown as a single interconnect for brevity, but may represent multiple different interconnects or buses, and the component connections for such interconnects can vary. There is sex. The interconnect 605 shown in FIG. 6 is an abstraction representing any one or more separate physical buses, point-to-point connectors, or both connected by a suitable bridge, adapter or controller. It is a thing.

In some embodiments, the device 600 includes one or more touch sensors 670. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 670 may include a capacitive sensor 672 or may include a side touch sensor such as the side touch sensor 425 illustrated in FIG. In some embodiments, the device 600 provides the elimination of unintentional contact with the side touch sensor based on the analysis of the contact area, but such contact area analysis may include, for example, the size of the contact area. Includes shape and movement, as well as the number of contact areas present.

In some embodiments, the device 600 further comprises a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device or element as main memory 614 for storing information and instructions executed by the processor. The RAM memory includes a dynamic RAM (DRAM) that requires refreshing the memory contents and a static RAM (SRAM) that does not need to refresh the contents but has a high cost. The DRAM memory may include a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) including a clock signal for controlling a signal and an extended data-out DRAM (EDO DRAM). In some embodiments, the memory of the system may include certain registers or other dedicated memory. Device 600 may also include read-only memory (ROM) 616 or other static storage device for storing static information and instructions for the processor. The device 600 may include one or more non-volatile memory elements 618 for storing specific elements, including flash memory. In some embodiments, the ROM memory 616 or the non-volatile memory 618 is unintentional for use in eliminating contact with the touch sensor determined to be unintentional contact by the user of the device 600. It may include the storage of data regarding the contact index 620.

The device 600 may be coupled to the output display 640 via the interconnect 605. In some embodiments, the display 640 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or any other display technology for displaying information or content to the user. In some embodiments, the display 640 may include a touch screen that is also used as at least a part of the input device. In some embodiments, the display 640 may be an audio device such as a speaker for providing audio information, and may include such an audio device.

One or more transmitters or receivers 645 may also be connected to interconnect 605. In some embodiments, the device 600 may include one or more ports 650 for receiving or transmitting data. The device 600 may further include one or more antennas 655 for receiving data by radio signal.

The device 600 may also include a power supply device or system 660, which may include a power supply, battery, solar cell, fuel cell or other system or device for providing or producing power. .. The power provided by the power supply device or system 660 may be distributed to the elements of device 600 as needed.

In the above description, for the purposes of explanation, many specific details are provided to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be clear that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other examples, known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams. It is also possible that there are intermediate structures between the illustrated components. The components described and illustrated herein may have additional inputs or outputs not shown or illustrated.

Different embodiments may include different treatments. These processes may be performed by hardware components, computer programs used by general purpose or dedicated processors, or by logical circuits programmed with instructions to execute instructions to perform these processes. Alternatively, it may be embodied by a machine executable instruction. Alternatively, the process may be executed by a combination of hardware and software.

Some of the various embodiments may also be provided as computer program products, such computer program products for execution by one or more processors that perform the processes according to a particular embodiment. It may include a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions used to program a computer (or other electronic device). Computer-readable media are, but are not limited to, floppy (registered trademark) diskettes, optical disks, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), and optical magnetic disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM). Includes erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electronically erasable PROM (EPROM), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or other types of computer-readable media suitable for storing electronic instructions. Good. Further, the embodiments may be downloaded as a computer program product, and the program may be transferred from the remote computer to the requesting computer.

Many of the methods are described in their most basic form, but processing may be added or removed for any of these methods without departing from the basic scope of the invention. Yes, you can add or subtract information for any of the described messages. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many further modifications and adaptations can be made. Specific embodiments are not provided to limit the invention, but are provided to illustrate. The scope of the embodiments of the present invention should not be defined by the specific examples provided above, but only by the claims.

When the element "A" is said to be connected to the element "B", the element A may be directly connected to the element B, for example, indirectly via the element C. As used herein or in the claims, when a component, feature, structure, process or property A "occurs" a component, feature, structure, process or property B, this means that "A" is at least partially. It means that there may also be at least one other component, feature, structure, process or property that is the cause of the "B" but helps the "B" to occur. As used herein, when a component, feature, structure, process or property is indicated as "may", "potentially", or "can" be included, a particular component, feature, may be included. It does not need to include structure, processing or properties. When referring to "one" or "some" element in the specification and claims, this does not mean that only one of the elements described is present.

Embodiments are implementation examples or examples of the present invention. References herein to "embodiments," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" are specific features, structures, or references described in the context of those embodiments. It means that the property is included in at least some embodiments, but it does not necessarily have to be included in all embodiments. The various descriptions of "embodiments," "one embodiment," or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. In the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features often simplify the disclosure and aid in understanding one or more of the various aspects of a single embodiment, drawing or description thereof. Please be aware that they are put together in. However, such disclosure methods should not be construed as reflecting the intent that the claimed invention requires a plurality of features expressly described in each claim. Rather, the aspects of the invention are less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment, as reflected in the claims. Therefore, the description of the scope of claims is explicitly incorporated in this application so that each claim becomes independent as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (21)

A computing device that can be used to distinguish between intentional touch contact and unintentional touch contact.
A touch screen located on the top of the computing device,
A side touch sensor located on the side surface of the computing device, which is different from the top surface,
With the processor
A storage capable of storing instructions executed by the processor, wherein the instructions are executed by the processor:
The side touch sensor detects the user's touch;
By analyzing the data relating to the touch detected by the side touch sensor, the touch be to determine whether or unintentional intentional to the side touch sensor, the analysis is the Includes comparing the touch-related data with multiple indicators obtained over a period of time ;
If one or more of the plurality of indicators identifies the touch as intentional, it accepts the touch on the side touch sensor;
If the previous SL one or more indicators for identifying said touch unintentional, eliminating the touch to the side touch sensor;
Will perform actions that include
Computing device. The side touch sensor further detects a plurality of simultaneous touches of the user, at least the first touch of the plurality of touches is identified as intentional, and at least the second touch of the plurality of touches is intended. The second touch is identified as unintentional and has the potential to disrupt the user's experience of use.
The computing device according to claim 1. Accepting the touch to the side touch sensor comprises responding to an input associated with the touch, and eliminating the touch to the side touch sensor ignores the input associated with the touch. The data includes the input.
The data comprises at least one of the size of the touch, the shape of the touch, the movement of the touch or the contact points associated with the touch.
The computing device according to claim 1. If the size indicates the touch being made by the user's hand or palm when compared to the one or more indicators, then the touch to the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The computing device according to claim 3. If the shape indicates the touch made by the user's hand or palm when compared to the one or more indicators, then the touch to the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The computing device according to claim 3. When the movement indicates the touch being made by the user's stationary hand or the stationary palm when compared to the one or more indicators, the touch to the side touch sensor is said to be. Unintentional,
The computing device according to claim 3. There are at least two of the contact points when compared to the one or more indicators, and one of the at least two contact points is made in the area below the side touch sensor. When indicating the touch, the touch on the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The computing device according to claim 3. A method for distinguishing between intentional touch contact and unintentional touch contact.
A step of detecting a user's touch by a side touch sensor located on the side of the device, which is different from the top of the device;
The step of analyzing the data related to the touch detected by the side touch sensor to determine whether the touch to the side touch sensor is intentional or unintentional, the analysis is said to be said. With steps involving comparing the touch-related data with multiple indicators obtained over a period of time ;
When one or more of the plurality of indicators identifies that the touch is intentional, the step of accepting the touch to the side touch sensor;
If the previous SL one or more indicators for identifying said touch unintentional, a step of eliminating the touch to the side touch sensor;
Including methods. The side touch sensor further comprises a step of detecting a plurality of simultaneous touches of the user.
At least the first touch of the plurality of touches is identified as intentional, at least the second touch of the plurality of touches is identified as unintentional, and the second touch is confused by the user's experience of use. Identified as unintentional with the potential to bring about,
The method according to claim 8. The step of accepting the touch to the side touch sensor comprises responding to an input associated with the touch, and the step of eliminating the touch to the side touch sensor ignores the input associated with the touch. With steps, said data includes said input
The data comprises at least one of the size of the touch, the shape of the touch, the movement of the touch or the contact points associated with the touch.
The method according to claim 8. If the size indicates the touch being made by the user's hand or palm when compared to the one or more indicators, then the touch to the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The method according to claim 10. If the shape indicates the touch made by the user's hand or palm when compared to the one or more indicators, then the touch to the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The method according to claim 10. When the movement indicates the touch being made by the user's stationary hand or the stationary palm when compared to the one or more indicators, the touch to the side touch sensor is said to be. Unintentional,
The method according to claim 10. There are at least two of the contact points when compared to the one or more indicators, and one of the at least two contact points is made in the area below the side touch sensor. When indicating the touch, the touch on the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The method according to claim 10. When executed by a computing device, to that computing device:
A step of detecting a user's touch by a side touch sensor located on the side surface of the computing device, which is different from the top surface of the computing device;
The step of analyzing the data related to the touch detected by the side touch sensor to determine whether the touch to the side touch sensor is intentional or unintentional, the analysis is said to be said. With steps involving comparing the touch-related data with multiple indicators obtained over a period of time ;
When one or more of the plurality of indicators identifies that the touch is intentional, the step of accepting the touch to the side touch sensor;
If the previous SL one or more indicators for identifying said touch unintentional, a step of eliminating the touch to the side touch sensor;
A computer program that performs actions that include. The operation further comprises a step of detecting a plurality of simultaneous touches of the user by the side touch sensor.
At least the first touch of the plurality of touches is identified as intentional, at least the second touch of the plurality of touches is identified as unintentional, and the second touch is confused by the user's experience of use. Identified as unintentional with the potential to bring about,
The computer program according to claim 15. The step of accepting the touch to the side touch sensor comprises responding to an input associated with the touch, and the step of eliminating the touch to the side touch sensor ignores the input associated with the touch. With steps, said data includes said input
The data comprises at least one of the size of the touch, the shape of the touch, the movement of the touch or the contact points associated with the touch.
The computer program according to claim 15. If the size indicates the touch being made by the user's hand or palm when compared to the one or more indicators, then the touch to the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The computer program according to claim 17. If the shape indicates the touch made by the user's hand or palm when compared to the one or more indicators, then the touch to the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The computer program according to claim 17. When the movement indicates the touch being made by the user's stationary hand or the stationary palm when compared to the one or more indicators, the touch to the side touch sensor is said to be. Unintentionally
There are at least two of the contact points when compared to the one or more indicators, and one of the at least two contact points is made in the area below the side touch sensor. When indicating the touch, the touch on the side touch sensor is unintentional.
The computer program according to claim 17. A computer-readable medium that stores the computer program according to any one of claims 15 to 20.

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