Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
  • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/163—Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
  • G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
  • G06F1/169—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes

Definitions

• the invention represents a hand-held device for computation and communication that utilises a main control and input module for positioning of a cursor or object on a screen, for activation of menu- and icon- based programs and functions and for input of alphanumeric data and graphic information.
• Telephones and remote control devices are equipped with a numeric (number based) or alphanumeric (number, letter or symbol based) keypad that allow input of telephone numbers, selection of TV or radio channels, or for control of functions that require selection between different numbered options.
• Telephones with a memory function allow input and storage of names and numbers in the phone's internal memory or on SIMM-cards that may be switched between different units.
• Modern phones e.g. GSM
• GSM Global System for Mobile communications
• a particular kind of alphanumeric keypad is used, where the primary number keys are also serving as letter keys .
• selection of letters involves serial activation of single number keys, often in combination with function keys. This implies that input of names, text messages or other numeric and alphanumeric information is cumbersome and time consuming.
• Modern telephones use menus for selection of various options connected to the phone use.
• the user may select between different menus by means of function keys, arrow keys and/or scrolling wheels .
• the menus are organised as hierarchical systems, and it takes time to reach the bottom of a particular menu, or to select options that are localised in different parts of the menu structure.
• the main control module consists of a hand- or finger-grip (control button) that is mounted on a plate (guide plate) .
• This stick-and-plate concept utilises different sensor systems for detecting the module's position, movement or configuration in a plane or in space.
• One important asset of the stick-and- plate concept is the possibility of employing congruent motion control, i.e. that the movement pattern of cursor or object are essentially congruent with the corresponding pattern of the control module or a member of the control module. This permits the user to e.g. "write” or "draw” numbers, letters or other symbols by seizing the module with two fingers, or by means of putting a single finger on top of the control module.
• the stick-and-plate concept has also been used as basis for devices utilising a vectorial control mode (joystick type) , or for switching between congruent and vectorial mode.
• control module that can serve as the only control and input utility for hand-held computation and communication devices .
• Such a control module has the potential of eliminating weaknesses associated with pressure-sensitive screens, alpha-numeric/numeric keypads and arrow keys when used in connection with hand-held computers, PDAs and communication devices.
• a major advantage is that it may substitute all other control and input utilities used with hand-held devices, and at the same time being fully incorporated in the device and thus eliminating the need for accessory input and control utilities (writing tools, mice, etc.).
• the present invention describes a hand-held device that may be used for one or several purposes (data storage and computation, word processing, calculations, time planning, graphic work, communications, data transfer, remote control, etc.), utilising a single control module for function control and for data input.
• the shape and dimensions of the portable device may vary, but it is typically rectangular, square or trapezoid with rounded edges and corners, or oval.
• the size may vary between wide limits, but external dimensions are typically between 80x30x10 mm and 160x60x20 mm.
• the device incorporates a single, or a main control module that is responsible for controlling movements and functions of a cursor or an object on the device's display, or a cursor or an object on the screen of a separate unit (computer screen, TV-set, etc.), with which the device is communicating.
• a main control module that is responsible for controlling movements and functions of a cursor or an object on the device's display, or a cursor or an object on the screen of a separate unit (computer screen, TV-set, etc.), with which the device is communicating.
• the control module is used for precise selection and activation of menu- or icon-based programs and functions by use of the screen cursor.
• the control module may also be used for input of alphanumeric information, either by use of the cursor to select numbers, letters and other symbols that appear on the screen/display, or by using the module to "write" or "draw” numbers or letters.
• the screen cursor will mimic these movements and corresponding symbols will appear on the screen/display.
• Suitable software and/or an integrated microprocessor will interpret the graphic information on the screen (or alternatively, the motion pattern of members of the control module) and transform this information into digitised, alphanumeric information that is fed into the processor memory.
• the alphanumeric information may thereafter be used for its intended purposes, e.g.
• the hand-held device When in use, the hand-held device is normally seized by one hand, with the thumb resting upon the main control module and the other fingers embracing the device body. Alternatively, the device may be held by one hand while the index finger of the other hand is put on top of the control module.
• the control module may e.g. be constructed according to the stick-and-plate concept, or use concepts that are controlled in a similar way.
• Embodiments that utilise the stick-and-plate concept comprise a control button that is mounted on a guide plate.
• the guide plate is attached to the chassis in a way that allows it to be moved easily in all directions in a plane.
• the dimensions and shape of the control button may vary, but it is typically 5-20 mm in diameter and 2-5 mm tall.
• the guide plate is usually square with a 10-40 mm edge, or it may have another shape (circular, rectangular, irregular, etc.) with similar dimensions.
• the control button is moveable in all directions within a delimited part of a plane (the mobility range) .
• the mobility range is typically square with 10-25 mm edges.
• the main button is equipped with switch functions that are activated when depressed. In a preferred embodiment the button is cup-shaped, with the switch localised inside the cup.
• the control button is moved sideways by means of a finger (usually the thumb) , which is placed on top of the button, touching the rim of the cup and the top of the switch "activator" .
• the control button can thus be moved sideways without activating the switch, and the switch may easily be activated by pushing the finger towards the bottom of the cup.
• the control button is normally localised in a recess of the device body.
• the guide plate is prevented from rotating by being attached to the chassis by a pantographic arm.
• the guide plate may be spring-loaded, ensuring that the main button is brought back towards the centre of its mobility range when released.
• control modules that can be fully incorporated into hand-held computation and communication devices and which are utilising a congruent or a combined congruent/vectorial control mode, where the module is suitable for controlling cursors and objects on a screen, for activation of menu- and icon-based programs and functions and for input of graphic and alpha-numeric information may also serve as the only, or the main control module for such devices.
• Fig. 1 illustrates a multifunctional, hand-held device with a single control module used for computation, communication, word-processing, etc.
• Fig. 2 is a side view of the device illustrated in Fig.
• Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative multifunctional, handheld device used for computation, communication, word- processing, etc.
• Fig. 4 illustrates a display with number "keys" that can be activated by the cursor.
• Fig. 5 illustrates a display with dedicated input fields where a letter is "written" in one of the fields by means of the control module.
• Fig. 6 illustrates ten input fields containing "written" numbers .
• Fig. 7 illustrates ten input fields containing "written" letters .
• Fig. 8 illustrates a hand-held device serving as a remote control.
• Fig. 9 illustrates a hand-held device serving as a mobile phone.
• Fig. 10 illustrates a communication device without display, communicating with a special eye screen (head monitor) .
• Fig, 11 illustrates a head monitor with a semi- transparent LCD screen showing a control menu.
• Fig. 12 is a side view of a control button and a guide plate connected to a capacity based sensor.
• Fig. 13 is a top view of a capacity based sensor as employed by the device illustrated in Fig. 14.
• Fig. 14 is a side view of a control button and a guide plate attached to an opto-electronic sensor.
• Fig. 15 is a top view of an opto-electronic sensor as employed by the device illustrated in Fig. 15.
• Fig. 16 shows a communication device with a main control module and two auxiliary function keys.
• Fig. 17 shows mechanical elements attached to the control module according to Fig 16, preventing rotation of the guide plate.
• Fig. 18 illustrates the pantographic arm used to prevent rotation, with the button in an eccentric position.
• Fig. 19 is a side view of a control button, with a cup- shaped body and a switch function.
• Fig. 20 is a vertical section of a hand-held device, showing the control button, a pantographic arm and an extra button at the lower side of the body.
• Fig. 21A is a top view of a control module comprising a control button, a guide plate and a spring mechanism that will come into action when the control module is entering the fringe zone.
• Fig. 21B illustrates movement of the control module into the fringe zone.
• Fig. 22 illustrates the position of the fringe zone relative to the control button and the guide plate.
• Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a hand-held computation and communication device.
• the device has a single control module 2 that are used to activate programs and functions by means of a cursor 5 and icons 4 that appear on the display 3.
• the control module 2 is also used to enter alphanumeric information.
• the control module By moving the button, the user can "write" numbers, letters and symbols. While in use, the thumb will typically rest on top of the button, while the other fingers are embracing the body.
• the device may thus be operated by means of one hand.
• the control module may alternatively be controlled by e.g. the index finger.
• the dimensions of the communication device are typically between 80x30x10 mm and 160x60x20 mm.
• the device has an on/off switch 12 that is localised on the right side of the device.
• Fig. 3 illustrates a hand-held communication and computation device 6 with an alternative, oval shape.
• the device is equipped with a main control module 10, miniature speaker 7, camera 8, microphone 11, and a display 9 with icons 14 and a cursor 13.
• Fig. 4 illustrates how a single control module, in conjunction with a menu system and the cursor may be used for input of alphanumeric information e.g. for calculations or for "dialling" a phone number.
• a graphic keyboard 16 appearing on the display is activated by moving the cursor 5 on top of individual keys. The resulting number will appear on the display (here, top left), and may thereafter be transmitted by means of the control module, a menu, or by using an auxiliary key (not shown) . The number may easily be corrected by means of the control module, e.g. in combination with a menu- based editing function.
• Fig. 5 - Fig. 7 alphanumeric information is entered by means of a different principle.
• the control module is used to enter graphic representations of various symbols.
• the letter “h" 17 is written by means of the control module with a switch function activated.
• the letter is entered within a field 17 that is intended for letters, while another field 18 is intended for numbers .
• the device is equipped with an optical character recognition function (OCR software and/or microprosessor) that interprets the graphics (or the button's movement pattern), and transforms this into digitised, alphanumeric information. In this way, text may be entered using the operator's own "hand writing".
• OCR software and/or microprosessor interprets the graphics (or the button's movement pattern), and transforms this into digitised, alphanumeric information. In this way, text may be entered using the operator's own "hand writing".
• Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show examples of "grafitti" versions of numbers 19 and letters 20, suitable for entering by the control module. A differentiation between numbers and letters are not necessary when a character set without similarities between numbers and letters are used.
• Fig. 8 illustrates a device that may be used as a remote control.
• Icons 23 representing a TV-set and a car can be selected and activated by the control module 21, preparing the device for dedicated control functions.
• control module 21 is used to activate the device's function as a mobile phone.
• the display indicates that the device has established contact with a signal transmitter (indicated by the text symbol
• TELECOM on the display
• a set of menus (and sub-menus) will appear on the screen.
• the content and functionality of such menus will depend upon the device's basic configuration as a mobile phone, remote control unit, computation device, etc.
• a communication device 27 with a control module 28 is used as a mobile phone, communicating with a head set 29 with a semitransparent LCD-screen 30.
• the head set 29 has a built-in antenna in addition to an earphone 32 and a microphone 33.
• the electronics of the mobile phone may either be incorporated in the control unit 27 or be associated with the head set 29.
• the same principle may also be used with hand-held computers/PDAs , or with combined devices .
• Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show an example of a capacity based sensor 36, which may be used to determine the X-Y position of a control module.
• the sensor comprises four stationary condenser plates 35 that are located below another, horizontally movable plate 36.
• the top condenser plate is attached to the guide plate and the control button 34.
• the guide plate is kept in position in the X-Y plane by means of a support plate 37.
• the capacitance between this plate and each of the four lower condenser plates 35 will change. Based upon a continuous measurement of the capacitance, the X- Y position of the control module can be determined.
• Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 show an opto-electronic sensor utilising a light source 40 (diode laser, LED, etc.) and a photosensor matrix 39 with addressable elements (CCD, etc.) .
• the sensor matrix 39 is capable of continuously determining the exact position where a beam from the light source 40 hits the matrix. This position is used to determine very precisely the X-Y position of the control module.
• Fig. 16 illustrates a hand-held device equipped with auxiliary keys 43, 44 that are used to activate particular functions, e.g. to establish or terminate a phone connection.
• Fig. 17 illustrates an embodiment where a pantographic arm is used to prevent rotation of the control module.
• the main button 41 is mounted on a square guide plate
• Fig. 18 illustrates how the pantographic arm prevents rotation.
• the guide plate 45 and the connecting member 48 are made transparent in order to show how the arms
• Fig. 19 illustrates a control button 41 (with spring function removed) , comprising an "activator” plate 51 and a micro-switch 54. All parts are contained in a cup- shaped enclosure 52.
• the switch function of the control button may e.g. be used in conjunction with movements to "write”, activate functions or programs, transmit number signals, terminate a phone connection, etc.
• the device has an auxiliary button 57 that may be used to activate specific functions. This is useful e.g. for securing that the switch function associated with the control button is not activated unintentionally, e.g. when carried in the pocket.
• the device furthermore incorporates a pantographic arm 47, 48, 49, 50, a guide plate 45 and a sensor 56.
• the guide plate 59 is enclosed in a double frame with a spring system that becomes active when the control module is moved towards the border of its mobility range.
• the spring system consists of an inner, horizontally movable frame 61 and a set of plate springs 62 (Fig. 21B) that will position the inner frame concentrically relative to an outer, stationary frame 60.
• the guide plate 59 is pushed against the inner frame 61, representing the inner border of the "fringe zone". The user will sense the contact between the guide plate and the frame, as a further, outward movement will yield increased resistance.
• the guide plate is pushed as far as possible into the upper right corner, the outer frame preventing further outward movement.
• the area between 63 and 64 represents the area within which the guide plate is moving when the main button is operating in the fringe zone. Fringe zone movements can be used to instigate a vectorial control mode (joystick control) .

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
• Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=19903185

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Citations (3)

• 1999
  • 1999-04-12 NO NO991707A patent/NO991707L/no not_active Application Discontinuation
• 2000
  • 2000-04-12 WO PCT/NO2000/000117 patent/WO2000062149A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2000-04-12 AU AU43206/00A patent/AU4320600A/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (3)

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