WO2006043210A2 - Handheld device with a location-sensitive sensor - Google Patents

Handheld device with a location-sensitive sensor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006043210A2
WO2006043210A2 PCT/IB2005/053350 IB2005053350W WO2006043210A2 WO 2006043210 A2 WO2006043210 A2 WO 2006043210A2 IB 2005053350 W IB2005053350 W IB 2005053350W WO 2006043210 A2 WO2006043210 A2 WO 2006043210A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
handheld device
display
location
sensitive sensor
cursor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2005/053350
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2006043210A3 (en
Inventor
Erwin Meinders
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Publication of WO2006043210A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006043210A2/en
Publication of WO2006043210A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006043210A3/en

Links

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
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03547—Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
    • 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
    • G06F1/1633—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 present invention relates to a handheld device comprising a display on a first side of said handheld device, for displaying a cursor and selectable data.
  • This invention is, for example, relevant for mobile phones or Personal Digital Assistants PDAs.
  • the keyboard functionality is partly integrated within the display via a touch panel, which forms a portion of said display.
  • a touch panel which forms a portion of said display.
  • this requires a display having a sufficient size in order to read information on the displaying portion and to enter commands on the touch panel portion.
  • a disadvantage of the known handheld devices is that the user always needs two hands to operate said handheld device.
  • Another drawback is that the display can become contaminated and can degrade due to the physical contact.
  • the portable device in accordance with the invention is characterized in that it further comprises a location-sensitive sensor on a side opposite the first side, for controlling a movement of the cursor on the display and for selecting a data item on said display.
  • a location-sensitive sensor on a side opposite the first side, for controlling a movement of the cursor on the display and for selecting a data item on said display.
  • the display and the location-sensitive sensor are two separate units, making the display less sensitive to physical contact and thus to contamination.
  • the location-sensitive sensor is a touch panel which is activated by a human finger.
  • the touch panel is sensitive to heat or pressure.
  • the location-sensitive sensor is an electromagnetic sensor which can be activated by a magnetized stick.
  • the handheld device comprises at least one button on the same side as the location-sensitive sensor.
  • a data item is selected on the display with only one click on said at least one button.
  • Fig. IA is a view of the front side of the mobile device in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. IB is a view of the back side of the mobile device in accordance with the invention.
  • a handheld device 100 in accordance with the present invention is depicted.
  • Said handheld device 100 is, for example, a PDA or a mobile telephone.
  • This handheld device 100 comprises a display 101 on its front side.
  • Said display 101 is adapted to display a cursor 101 C and selectable data 101 A and 10 IB.
  • Said selectable data are for example a horizontal tool bar 10 IA comprising several buttons corresponding to system functions, such as, for example, a menu, a function giving the signal strength, a function for giving the battery charge, or function for selecting a menu item or for canceling a previous selection or operation.
  • several program icons 101 B appear, such as, for example, a timer, a phone book, a browser, or an E-mail software.
  • This handheld device 100 comprises a keyboard 102 for entering information, such as telephone numbers or SMS (for Short Message Service) messages. It comprises a microphone 103, an earphone 104 and an antenna 105.
  • the handheld device also comprises a location-sensitive sensor 110 on the backside of the device.
  • said location-sensitive sensor is a touch-panel.
  • the touch panel is activated locally by a human finger or a tool such as a stick, said touch panel being able to recognize the touched location.
  • the position of the finger on the touch panel is converted into a position of the cursor IOIC on the display 101. This conversion is not described here since it is known to those skilled in the art.
  • the touch panel is, for example, sensitive to heat or pressure such that the human finger is used to guide the cursor 101C through the display 101. Moving the finger makes the cursor move across the display. Double clicking with the finger activates the selected data item: a specific program such a phone book, for example, is selected.
  • the size of the location-sensitive sensor is not necessarily the same as the size of the display. It can be smaller, possibly requiring in this case several movements across the location-sensitive sensor to cover the size of the display. If only one movement is required, the sensitivity with respect to the displacement of the cursor is adapted.
  • the location-sensitive sensor is no more a touch panel since no physical contact is required to activate said sensor. It will be apparent to a skilled person that other location-sensitive sensors can also be applied on the backside of the handheld device without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the location-sensitive sensor Since the location-sensitive sensor is separated from the display, it can be optimized for the positioning function only. A user can operate the handheld device with one hand, touching the location-sensitive sensor while holding the device in the same hand. Of course operation with both hands is also possible.
  • at least one button is added on top or bottom of the location-sensitive sensor. Said at least one button can have different functions. For example, a data item is selected on the display with only one click on said at least one button.

Abstract

The present invention relates to handheld device (100) comprising: a display (101) on a first side of said handheld device, for displaying a cursor (101C) and selectable data (101A, 101B), a location-sensitive sensor (110) on a side opposite the first side, for controlling a movement of the cursor on the display and for selecting a data item on said display.

Description

Handheld device with a location-sensitive sensor
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a handheld device comprising a display on a first side of said handheld device, for displaying a cursor and selectable data.
This invention is, for example, relevant for mobile phones or Personal Digital Assistants PDAs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The trend in handheld electronic devices, such as PDAs and mobile telephones is miniaturization. As a consequence, less space is available for the display and keyboard functionality.
For PDAs, the keyboard functionality is partly integrated within the display via a touch panel, which forms a portion of said display. However, this requires a display having a sufficient size in order to read information on the displaying portion and to enter commands on the touch panel portion.
In most mobile phones, both the display and the keyboard are small. In some cases a folding solution is chosen to increase the available space for display and keyboard. Such a solution is depicted in the patent application US 20030181228A1, wherein the mobile phone comprises a display, a keyboard and an upper folder covering the keyboard when said folder is in a folding position. According to this patent application, the display is covered by a touch panel, which makes possible to recognize a touched location on the display. As a consequence, the mobile phone user can select information displayed on the screen by touching said screen without unfolding the upper folder.
A disadvantage of the known handheld devices is that the user always needs two hands to operate said handheld device. Another drawback is that the display can become contaminated and can degrade due to the physical contact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a handheld device which is more convenient to use than the one of the prior art. It is another object of the invention to provide a handheld device which is less subject to contamination. To this end, the portable device in accordance with the invention is characterized in that it further comprises a location-sensitive sensor on a side opposite the first side, for controlling a movement of the cursor on the display and for selecting a data item on said display. As a consequence, the mobile phone user can select information on the display using a finger, e.g. the index finger, of the hand that holds the handheld device, said finger being applied on the location-sensitive sensor. Therefore, only one hand is necessary to operate the handheld device, which is more convenient to the user.
In addition, the display and the location- sensitive sensor are two separate units, making the display less sensitive to physical contact and thus to contamination.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the location-sensitive sensor is a touch panel which is activated by a human finger. Beneficially, the touch panel is sensitive to heat or pressure.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the location-sensitive sensor is an electromagnetic sensor which can be activated by a magnetized stick.
Still according to another embodiment of the invention, the handheld device comprises at least one button on the same side as the location-sensitive sensor. Beneficially, a data item is selected on the display with only one click on said at least one button.
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Fig. IA is a view of the front side of the mobile device in accordance with the invention, and
Fig. IB is a view of the back side of the mobile device in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figs. IA and IB, a handheld device 100 in accordance with the present invention is depicted. Said handheld device 100 is, for example, a PDA or a mobile telephone. This handheld device 100 comprises a display 101 on its front side. Said display 101 is adapted to display a cursor 101 C and selectable data 101 A and 10 IB. Said selectable data are for example a horizontal tool bar 10 IA comprising several buttons corresponding to system functions, such as, for example, a menu, a function giving the signal strength, a function for giving the battery charge, or function for selecting a menu item or for canceling a previous selection or operation. When clicking on the menu, several program icons 101 B appear, such as, for example, a timer, a phone book, a browser, or an E-mail software.
This handheld device 100 comprises a keyboard 102 for entering information, such as telephone numbers or SMS (for Short Message Service) messages. It comprises a microphone 103, an earphone 104 and an antenna 105.
The handheld device also comprises a location-sensitive sensor 110 on the backside of the device. According to an embodiment of the invention, said location-sensitive sensor is a touch-panel. The touch panel is activated locally by a human finger or a tool such as a stick, said touch panel being able to recognize the touched location. The position of the finger on the touch panel is converted into a position of the cursor IOIC on the display 101. This conversion is not described here since it is known to those skilled in the art. The touch panel is, for example, sensitive to heat or pressure such that the human finger is used to guide the cursor 101C through the display 101. Moving the finger makes the cursor move across the display. Double clicking with the finger activates the selected data item: a specific program such a phone book, for example, is selected.
It is to be noted that the size of the location-sensitive sensor is not necessarily the same as the size of the display. It can be smaller, possibly requiring in this case several movements across the location-sensitive sensor to cover the size of the display. If only one movement is required, the sensitivity with respect to the displacement of the cursor is adapted.
If a stick is used, other technical principles can be utilized, such as magnetic or electromagnetic activation. In this case, the location-sensitive sensor is no more a touch panel since no physical contact is required to activate said sensor. It will be apparent to a skilled person that other location-sensitive sensors can also be applied on the backside of the handheld device without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Since the location-sensitive sensor is separated from the display, it can be optimized for the positioning function only. A user can operate the handheld device with one hand, touching the location-sensitive sensor while holding the device in the same hand. Of course operation with both hands is also possible. According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one button is added on top or bottom of the location-sensitive sensor. Said at least one button can have different functions. For example, a data item is selected on the display with only one click on said at least one button.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Any reference sign in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claim. It will be obvious that the use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations do not exclude the presence of any other steps or elements besides those defined in any claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element or step does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements or steps.

Claims

1 A handheld device (100) comprising: a display (101) on a first side of said handheld device, for displaying a cursor (101C) and selectable data (101A, 101B), a location-sensitive sensor (110) on a side opposite the first side, for controlling a movement of the cursor on the display and for selecting a data item on said display.
2 A handheld device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the location-sensitive sensor is a touch panel which can activated by a human finger.
3 A handheld device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the touch panel is sensitive to heat or pressure.
4 A handheld device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the location- sensitive sensor is an electromagnetic sensor which can be activated by a magnetized stick.
5 A handheld device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one button on the same side as the location-sensitive sensor (110).
6 A handheld device as claimed in claim 5, wherein a data item is selected on the display (101) with only one click on said at least one button.
PCT/IB2005/053350 2004-10-20 2005-10-12 Handheld device with a location-sensitive sensor WO2006043210A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04300700.4 2004-10-20
EP04300700 2004-10-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006043210A2 true WO2006043210A2 (en) 2006-04-27
WO2006043210A3 WO2006043210A3 (en) 2006-12-21

Family

ID=36203332

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2005/053350 WO2006043210A2 (en) 2004-10-20 2005-10-12 Handheld device with a location-sensitive sensor

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006043210A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8775966B2 (en) 2011-06-29 2014-07-08 Motorola Mobility Llc Electronic device and method with dual mode rear TouchPad

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5543588A (en) * 1992-06-08 1996-08-06 Synaptics, Incorporated Touch pad driven handheld computing device
GB2344905A (en) * 1998-12-17 2000-06-21 Canon Kk Hand held electronic device with back entry touch pad
GB2358777A (en) * 1999-12-22 2001-08-01 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Hand held communication device with display having touch sensitive region

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5543588A (en) * 1992-06-08 1996-08-06 Synaptics, Incorporated Touch pad driven handheld computing device
GB2344905A (en) * 1998-12-17 2000-06-21 Canon Kk Hand held electronic device with back entry touch pad
GB2358777A (en) * 1999-12-22 2001-08-01 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Hand held communication device with display having touch sensitive region

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8775966B2 (en) 2011-06-29 2014-07-08 Motorola Mobility Llc Electronic device and method with dual mode rear TouchPad

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006043210A3 (en) 2006-12-21

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