WO2008085588A1

WO2008085588A1 - Electronic device with touch screen and touch screen input device therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2008085588A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/083108
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shuli Shmaya; Uzi Levi
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2007-01-03
Filing date: 2007-10-31
Publication date: 2008-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2009-07-03
Also published as: GB2445362A; WO2008085588B1; GB2445362B; GB0700054D0

Abstract

An electronic device (310) comprises a touch screen (320) and a touch screen input device (200). The touch screen input device comprises a primary contact component (210) for facilitating touch screen operation and further comprises a secondary contact component (220) for providing additional touch screen operation. In this manner, the electronic device (310) with the touch screen input device (200) aims to provide a user with additional touch screen operation, whilst maintaining the ease of use and intuitiveness of traditional input devices.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH TOUCH SCREEN AND TOUCH SCREEN INPUT

DEVICE THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD The technical field relates generally to an electronic device comprising a touch screen and touch screen input device therefor.

BACKGROUND

Touch screen devices are operated by physically touching a touch-sensitive screen of an electronic device, either with a finger or a suitable mechanical device, such as a pen or stylus. Touch screen technology is used in a variety of applications, including point-of-sale systems, public information systems, industrial control systems, etc. In a case where electronic devices have smaller touch-screens, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), a suitable stylus is normally provided with the electronic device. The stylus, when not in use, is usually stored in a pocket or slot in or on the electronic device itself. FIG. 1 illustrates a simple example of a known stylus 100.

The stylus 100 comprises a single contact 'tip' 110 at one end thereof, to aid in accurate positioning when pressed against a touch-sensitive screen. A user of the stylus 100 typically holds the stylus 100 along a shaft 120, in a similar manner to a pen, and uses the tip 110 to touch a point on the screen. The touch is detected by one or more sensors coupled to the touch screen and a signal provided by the one or more sensors is processed by a signal processor to identify a location on the touch screen that was pressed. Thereafter, the signal processor may initiate an operation associated with the location that was pressed on the touch screen, for example an operation associated with a function illustrated on the touch screen at that particular location. A problem with known touch screen technology is that a user often needs to perform complicated tasks that require a more complicated user input method than simply touching the screen. For example, a user may need to manipulate menus, copy/paste text, etc. To execute such tasks, the user is required to remove the stylus from the touch screen, and then make use of a special function toolbar area. Alternatively, a user may be required to touch and hold for a predefined time until a special menu pops up for the user to manipulate or further select a displayed icon.

In either case, the operation is cumbersome and time consuming for a user. Furthermore, timing sensitive operations require additional configuration in order to cope with 'slow' reaction users.

Thus, there exists a need for providing an improved electronic device comprising a touch screen and touch screen input device therefor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a known touch screen input device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a touch screen input device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic device comprising a touch screen and illustrating a use of the touch screen input device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of touch screen input detection adapted for use with a touch screen input device according to embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related to a touch screen device. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention described herein may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or 'processing devices') such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the touch screen operation described herein.

Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Both the state machine and ASIC are considered herein as a 'processing device' for purposes of the foregoing discussion and claim language. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments of the invention, an electronic device is described, as claimed in Claim 1. Furthermore, in a second aspect of the invention, a touch screen input device is described, in accordance with claim 10 of the appended claims. The embodiments described herein aim to provide a user with additional touch screen operation, whilst maintaining an ease of use and intuitiveness of traditional touch screen input devices. Those skilled in the art will realize that advantages described herein are merely exemplary and are not meant to be a complete rendering of all of the advantages of the various embodiments of the invention. Referring now to the figures, and in particular FIG. 2, there is illustrated an example of a touch screen input device 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize and appreciate that specifics of this illustrative example are not specific to the invention itself and that teachings set forth herein are applicable in a variety of alternative settings. For example, since teachings described herein do not depend on a specific touch-sensitive screen or touch screen input device as illustrated, they can be applied to any type of touch screen device. As such, alternative implementations using different types of touch screens and/or touch screen input devices are contemplated and are within the scope of the various teachings described, as defined by the appended claims.

The touch screen input device 200 of FIG. 2 comprises a control component, with which a user is able to utilise and control the touch screen input device 200. For the illustrated embodiment the control component is in the form of a shaft 220.

The touch screen input device 200 further comprises a primary contact element for facilitating touch screen operation. For the illustrated embodiment, the primary contact element is in a form of a first contact tip 210, located at an end of the shaft 220.

In use, a user of the touch screen input device 200 holds the shaft 220, for example in a similar manner to that of holding a pen or other writing implement, and uses the first contact tip 210 to 'touch' a touch screen. In this way, the input touch screen device is capable of operating in a similar manner to known touch screen input devices, such as the stylus in FIG. 1.

The touch screen input device 200 further comprises a secondary contact element, which for the illustrated embodiment is in a form of a second contact 'tip' 230.

The second contact tip 230 is attached to the shaft 220 by way of a connecting strut 240. The connecting strut 240 is connected, at a first end thereof, proximate the first contact tip end of the shaft 220.

A longitudinal axis 'A:A' of the shaft 220 passes through first contact tip 210. The second contact tip 230 is located substantially radially from the first contact tip

210, relative to the axis 'A:A' of the shaft 220. In this manner, first and second contact tips 210, 230 are located adjacent one another and on a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis 'A: A'.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an example of an electronic device 310 comprising a touch screen illustrating a use of the touch screen input device 200. The illustrated electronic device 310 comprising a touch screen 320 is in a form of a person digital assistant (PDA). However, a skilled artisan will appreciate that a touch screen input device according to embodiments of the invention described herein may be used with any electronic device comprising a touch screen.

The electronic device 310 comprises a touch screen 320, which displays information, and provides an ability for a user to interact with on-screen commands and the like.

A user of the touch screen input device 200 is able to use the touch screen input device 200 to interact with the touch screen 320 using the first contact tip 210 in a similar way to known touch screen input devices. As previously mentioned, a problem with known touch screen technology is that a user often needs to perform complicated tasks that require a more complicated user input method than simply touching the screen.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the second contact element, which for the illustrated embodiment is in a form of the second contact tip 230, provides a user of the touch screen input device 200 with additional touch screen operation.

The user of the touch screen input device 200 is able to use the primary contact element to, for example, select text or the like by touching (and perhaps dragging across) the touch screen 320. Then, whilst maintaining contact between the primary contact element and the touch screen 320, use the secondary contact element to establish a second point of contact on the touch screen 320.

In this manner, the second point of contact can additionally be detected by the electronic device 310, and in response thereto, provide the user with additional features or the like. For example, upon detection of pressure on the second point of contact, a processor in the electronic device and coupled to the touch-screen may generate a signal to instigate a prompt window to be displayed to the user, thereby providing previously hidden features/functionality.

In embodiments of the invention, the second contact tip 230 may be able to establish the second point of contact by way of the user rotating the shaft 220 along its axis, as illustrated by arrow 'B'.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention support a simplification of the user interface of electronic devices comprising a touch screen, since features/ functions can be displayed as required upon detection of a second point of contact. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention substantially reduce a need for timing sensitive operations to be supported in the electronic device.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the touch screen input device 200 may be adapted such that it comprises a first, retracted configuration (not shown) and a second, exposed configuration.

In the retracted configuration, the second contact tip 230 is 'retracted', for example substantially within the main body of the touch screen input device, such as within the shaft 220. In this manner, the touch screen input device 200 provides to a user thereof with a single contact element, which for the illustrated embodiment would be the first contact tip 210.

Thus, in this retracted configuration, the touch screen input device 200 provides the same functionality as a known touch screen input device, such as the stylus in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the touch screen input device would comprise a profile substantially similar to that of the stylus of FIG. 1.

In the exposed configuration, the second contact tip 230 may be located substantially radially from the first contact tip 210, relative to the axis 'A: A' of the shaft 220, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Adaptation of the touch screen input device 200 to comprise a retracted configuration provides an additional advantage of allowing the touch screen input device 200 to resemble and be utilised in the same manner as a known input device, such as the stylus of FIG. 1 when the second contact tip 230 is not required. Furthermore, an ability to retract of the second contact tip 230 allows for ease of storage of the touch screen input device 200, for example within a cavity of the housing of the touch screen device, as is the case with known input devices.

It is envisaged that any suitable mechanism may be used to expose/retract the second contact tip 230. For example, in one embodiment, it is envisaged that a spring mechanism may be used to expose the second contact tip, which may be generally stowed away in a retracted position and retained in this position by a resilient portion of the shaft that overlaps a stowing chamber.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the touch screen input device 200 is adapted such that a distance between the first contact tip 210 and the second contact tip 230 may be adjustable. That is to say, the second contact tip 230 may be capable of being located at different distances from the first contact tip 210, along a substantially radial plane relative to the axis A:A.

Such variable distances between the first and second contact tips 210, 230 may be provided by way of a plurality of discreet locations at which the second contact tip 230 may be situated. Alternatively, the second contact tip 230 may be capable of being located arbitrarily along a range of locations.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a touch screen input device according to embodiments of the invention described herein may be used in conjunction with a touch screen device as described in the co-pending Patent Application, filed on the same day by the Applicant of the invention (Motorola reference CM10372EI).

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a method 400 of touch screen input detection, as described in the aforementioned corresponding co-pending Patent Application, for use with a touch screen input device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The method 400 starts at step 410. Next, at step 420, the method determines whether a touch event has occurred, such as detecting an initial touch. If no touch is detected in step 420, the method 400 loops back to step 420. If a touch is detected, the method 400 moves on to step 430. As will be appreciated by a skilled artisan, the method 400 is not limited to a

'polling' mechanism until a touch is detected. Any alternative method may be implemented to determine when a touch is detected. For example, step 420 may simply wait until a touch is detected, such as when a voltage level change is detected. Upon detecting a touch, the method would then move on to step 430.

At step 430, an initial sample P(i) is taken of values relating to a location of a detected touch. For example, two position measurements may be sampled, one for each of an 'X' plane and a 'Y' plane.

Next, in step 440, a further sample P(i+1) is taken of the location of the detected touch.

Having taken the further sample P(i+1), the further sample P(i+1) is compared to the initial sample P(i), in step 450. If the further sample P(i+1) is substantially equal to, or at least within a predetermined range of, the initial sample P(i), say a distance from P(i) to P(i+1) is less than 5% of a distance across the whole of the touch screen, it may be assumed that a single stationary touch has been detected. Here, the method 400 moves to step 455, where a single touch point is read. In the context of a touch screen device, information relating to the location of this single touch point will be provided to, for example, the processor of the electronic device, or an application running thereon.

Next, in step 460, it is determined whether a touch release, or 'pen up' event, has been detected. If a touch release event it not detected in step 460, then the method 400 loops back to step 440, where a new further sample P(i+1) is taken.

If it is determined that a touch release has been detected in step 460, the method 400 moves on to step 465, where samples are cleared. In the context of a touch screen device, a signal indicating that a touch release has been detected will be provided to the processor of the electronic device, or an application running thereon. The method 400 then loops back to step 420.

Referring back to step 450, if the further sample P(i+1) is not subsequently equal to the initial sample P(i), the method 400 moves to step 470 where it is determined whether a difference in sample values is due to a detected touch comprising a 'drag', i.e. movement of a touch across the touch screen, causing a change in touch coordinates. This may be achieved by calculating distances between coordinates of two samples, and using the time between the two samples to provide an approximate calculation of speed at which a finger/pen/stylus would have had to have travelled. If the calculated speed is below a predetermined value, it may be assumed that the difference in sample values could be due to the touch screen input device being dragged across the touch screen.

If it is determined that a drag has been detected, the method 400 moves to step 480, where a change in coordinates is read. In the context of a touch screen device, a signal indicating that a drag has been detected will be provided to, for example, the processor of the electronic device, or an application running thereon. This step may also comprise setting sample P(i) equal to sample P(i+1). The method 400 then loops back to step 440, where a new further sample P(i+1) is taken.

If it is determined that the difference in sample values is not caused by a drag in step 470, it may be assumed that a further touch has been detected. That is to say, if the calculated speed is above the predetermined value, it may be assumed that the difference in sample values is due to a further touch being detected.

The method 400 moves on to step 490, where the further touch point is recognised, and in an exemplary embodiment a location of the further touch point is calculated. Again, in the context of a touch screen device, a signal indicating that a further touch has been detected may be provided to, for example, a processor of the touch screen device, or an application running thereon.

Next in step 495, the method 400 waits for a touch release. When a touch release is detected, the method 400 moves to step 465, where samples are cleared. Finally, the method 400 loops back to step 420. In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. For example, a stylus that includes additional secondary contact components, as described above, is included within the scope of the teachings herein. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

The terms 'comprises,' 'comprising,' 'has', 'having,' 'includes', 'including,' 'contains', 'containing' or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by 'comprises ...a', 'has ...a', 'includes ...a', 'contains ...a' does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms 'a' and an' are defined as 'one or more', unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

The terms 'substantially', 'essentially', 'approximately', 'about' or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non- limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term 'coupled' as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is 'configured' in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. Thus, an improved electronic device comprising a touch screen and touch screen input device has been described wherein the aforementioned disadvantages associated with prior art arrangements have been substantially alleviated.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising a touch screen and a touch screen input device, wherein the touch screen input device comprises a primary contact component for facilitating touch screen operation; the touch screen input device further comprising a secondary contact component for providing additional touch screen operation.

2. The electronic device of Claim 1 further characterised in that primary contact component is in a form of a contact tip.

3. The electronic device of Claim 1 or Claim 2 further characterised in that the secondary contact component is in a form of a contact tip.

4. The electronic device of any preceding Claim further characterised in that the touch screen input device further comprises a control component, by which a user of the touch screen input device is able to control the touch screen input device, wherein the electronic device is further characterised in that the secondary contact component is coupled to the touch screen input device of the control component proximate the primary control component.

5. The electronic device of Claim 4 further characterised in that the secondary contact component is coupled by way of a strut.

6. The electronic device of any preceding Claim further characterised in that the secondary contact component is located substantially radially from the primary contact component relative to an axis of the touch screen input device.

7. The electronic device of Claim 6 further characterised in that the primary and secondary contact components are located on a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the touch screen input device.

8. The electronic device of any preceding Claim further characterised in that the secondary contact component provides additional touch screen operation by way of rotating the touch screen input device substantially about its axis.

9. The electronic device of any preceding Claim further characterised in that the touch screen input device is adapted such that it comprises a first, retracted configuration and a second, exposed configuration.

10. A touch screen input device for operation with a touch screen of an electronic device, the touch screen input device comprising a primary contact component for facilitating touch screen operation, wherein the touch screen input device is characterised by a secondary contact component for providing additional touch screen operation.