ENLARGING TOUCH SCREEN PORTIONS

For enlarging touch screen portions, a detection module detects a selection object approaching a touch screen. The enlargement module enlarges a target portion of the touch screen in response to detecting the selection object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Modules may also be implemented in machine readable code and/or software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of machine readable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a machine readable signal medium or a machine readable storage medium such as a computer readable storage medium. The machine readable storage medium may be a storage device storing the machine readable code. The storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

A machine readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with machine readable code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A machine readable signal medium may be any storage device that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Machine readable code embodied on a storage device may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, Radio Frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Descriptions of figures may refer to elements described in previous figures, like numbers referring to like elements.

FIG. 1is a front view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a DPS100. The DPS100may be a mobile telephone, a tablet computer, or the like. Alternatively, the DPS100may be a display portion of a laptop computer, a computer workstation, a kiosk, the control panel, or the like.

The DPS100includes a touch screen110. The touch screen110may employ technologies that include but are not limited to resistive, acoustic wave, surface capacitance, projected capacitance, mutual capacitance, self capacitance, infrared, optical imaging, acrylic projection, signal dispersion, and acoustic pulse. The touch screen110may display data including text, images, video, and the like. The touch screen110may also display hot spots105. When touched by a selection object, the hot spots105may initiate an action such as launching an application, activating a function of the application, or the like.

The hot spots105may be small relative to the selection object and/or the touch screen110. As a result, accurately selecting a desired hot spot105may be difficult. For example, a user attempting to select a first hot spot105amay inadvertently select a second hot spot105b.

The embodiments described herein detect a selection object approaching the touch screen110and enlarge a target portion of the touch screen110. Enlarging the target portion of the touch screen allows a user to more easily and accurately select a hot spot105as will be described hereafter.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a selection object205and a touch screen110. The selection object205may be a finger, a knuckle, other portions of the body, a stylus, and the like. The touch screen110detects the selection object205. In one embodiment, the touch screen110also determines a first distance210aof the selection object205from the touch screen110.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the selection object205and the touch screen110ofFIG. 2. The touch screen110detects the selection object205and determines a second distance210bbetween the selection object205and the touch screen110. Because the touch screen110is able to determine distances210between the selection object205and the touch screen210, the touch screen110can detect the selection object205approaching the touch screen110.

In one embodiment, the selection object205is detected by a changing resistance of the touch screen110in response to the proximity of the selection object205. Alternatively, the selection object205may be detected by a change in the capacitance of the touch screen110in response to the proximity of the selection object205. In one embodiment, the selection object205is detected by the selection object205interrupting an acoustic wave. Alternatively, the selection object205may be detected by interrupting an optical wave such as an infrared wave, a visible spectrum wave, an ultraviolet wave, or the like. In one embodiment, the selection object is detected by a change in a piezoelectric charge in the touch screen110.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a selection object205. The selection object205may be the selection object205ofFIGS. 2 and 3. The touch screen110may determine a selection object point220. In the depicted embodiment, the selection object point220is determined to be in a center of the selection object205. In one embodiment, the selection object point220is determined to be in a center of a portion of the selection object205that is closest to the touch screen110. For example, the selection object point220may be located at a center of a fingertip or a stylus.

FIG. 5is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of a selection object205. The selection object205may be the selection object205ofFIGS. 3-4. In the depicted embodiment, the selection object point220is determined to be on an upper edge of the selection object205. Alternatively, the selection object point220may be located on the lower edge of the selection object205, on the right edge of the selection object205, and/or on the left edge of the selection object205. The upper edge of the selection object205may be a portion of the selection object205that is closest to the touch screen110. For example, the selection object point220may be located on an edge of the fingertip, an edge of a stylus, or the like.

FIG. 6is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a selection object205, a touch screen110, and a vector215a. The selection object205is depicted in proximity to the touch screen110. The touch screen110may determine the vector215afrom the selection object point220of the selection object205to a projection point225on the touch screen110. In the depicted embodiment, the vector215ais normal to a plane of the touch screen110.

FIG. 7is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of a selection object205, a touch screen110, and a vector215b. The selection object205and the touch screen110ofFIG. 6are shown. The touch screen110determines a vector215bfrom the selection object point220of the selection object205to the projection point225in a direction of travel of the selection object205.

FIG. 8is a front view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the DPS100with a target portion245. In response to detecting the selection object205approaching the touch screen110, the touch screen110may determine a projection point225on the touch screen110. The projection point225may be on a vector215anormal to a plane of the touch screen110that intersects the selection object point220. Alternatively, the projection point225may be on a vector215bfrom the selection object point220in the direction of travel of the selection object205.

A target portion245of the touch screen110is determined relative to the projection point225. In the depicted embodiment, the target portion245is the area within a circle centered on the projection point225. The circle may have a target radius from the projection point225. However, the target portion245may have an area of any shape and may be disposed in any direction and at any distance from the projection point225. For example, the target portion245may be asymmetrically biased from the projection point225.

In one embodiment, the target portion245may be user-defined. For example, a user may set one or more parameters including a shape of the target portion245, a size of the target portion, a direction of the target portion245from the projection point225, and a distance of the target portion245from the projection point225.

FIG. 9is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a DPS100with an enlarged target portion250. The DPS100ofFIG. 8is shown with the target portion245enlarged into an enlarged target portion250. The target portion245of the touch screen110is more clearly visible within the enlarged target portion250. In addition, the selection object205may more accurately select a hot spot105within the enlarged target portion250because of the larger size of each of the hot spots105.

In one embodiment, all objects, data, hot spots105, and the like within the target portion245are enlarged within the enlarged target portion250. Alternatively, only selectable hot spots105may be enlarged and displayed within the enlarged target portion250.

In one embodiment, the entirety of each object, data, and hot spots105is enlarged if any portion of the objects, data, and hot spot105is within the target portion245. Alternatively, only the portions of the objects data, and hot spots105within the target portion245are enlarged.

In one embodiment, the enlarged target portion250has the same shape as the target portion245. Alternatively, the enlarged target portion250may have a different shape from the target portion245. In one embodiment, both the target portion245and the enlarged target portion250are centered on the projection point225. Alternatively, the target portion245may be centered on the projection point225and the enlarged target portion250may be offset from the projection point225. In one embodiment, the target portion245is offset from the projection point225and the enlarged target portion250is centered on the projection point225.

The selection object205may select a hot spot105within the enlarged target portion250. The touch screen110may receive the hot spot selection by the selection object205of the hot spot105within the enlarged target portion250.

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of a target portion245. InFIGS. 10-15, the DPS100and whole of the touch screen110are not shown for simplicity. The target portion245is depicted as an oval centered on the projection point225. Alternatively, center of the target portion245may be offset from the projection point225.

FIG. 11is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the target portion245. The target portion245is depicted as an octagon centered on the projection point225. Alternatively, the center of the target portion245may be offset from the projection point225.

FIG. 12is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the target portion245. The target portion245is depicted as a square, with the square offset from the projection point225. Alternatively, the target portion245may be centered on the projection point225.

FIG. 13is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the target portion245. The target portion245is depicted as a rectangle, with a rectangle offset from the projection point225. Alternatively, the target portion245may be centered on the projection point225.

FIG. 14is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the target portion245. The target portion245is depicted as a triangle, with the triangle offset from the projection point225. Alternatively, the target portion245may be centered on the projection point225.

FIG. 15is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the target portion245. The target portion245is depicted as an ellipse, with the center of the ellipse offset from the projection point225. One of skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced with any or all of the shapes depicted inFIGS. 10-15, other shapes, and various orientations of the shapes relative to the projection point225.

FIG. 16is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of an enlarged target portion250. In the depicted embodiment, the enlarged target portion250is a circle enlarged to the left of the projection point225. InFIGS. 16-20, the DPS100and whole of the touch screen110are not shown for simplicity.FIG. 17is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of an enlarged target portion245that that is a circle is enlarged to the right of the projection point225.FIG. 18is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the enlarged target portion245that is a square and is enlarged above the projection point225.FIG. 19is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the enlarged target portion that is a rectangle and is enlarged below the projection point225.

FIG. 20is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternate embodiment of the enlarged target portion250that is a rounded triangular shape above the projection point225. One of skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced with enlarged target portions250of other sizes, shapes, and dispositions relative to the projection point225.

FIG. 21is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the DPS100. The DPS100may include a processor305, a memory310, and communication hardware315. The memory310may be a computer readable storage medium such as a semiconductor storage device, a hard disk drive, an optical storage device, a holographic storage device, a micromechanical storage device, or the combinations thereof. The memory310may store machine readable code. The processor305may execute the machine readable code. The communication hardware315may communicate with the touch screen110and other devices.

FIG. 22is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an enlarging apparatus400. The apparatus400may be embodied in the DPS100. The apparatus400includes a detection module405and an enlargement module410.

In one embodiment, the detection module405and the enlargement module410are embodied in a computer readable storage medium such as the memory310storing machine readable code. The processor305may execute the machine readable code to perform the functions of the apparatus400.

Alternatively, the detection module405and the enlargement module410may be embodied in semiconductor gates. The semiconductor gates may be embodied in the touch screen110, a discrete device, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the detection module405and the enlargement module410may be embodied in combinations of semiconductor gates and the computer readable storage medium.

The detection module405detects the selection object205approaching the touch screen110. The detection module405may include the touch screen110. In one embodiment, the detection module405detects the approach of the selection object205by detecting the selection object205at a first farther distance210aand subsequently detecting the selection object205and a second closer distance210b. The selection object205may not contact the touch screen110at the second closer distance210b.

The enlargement module410enlarges a target portion245of the touch screen110in response to detecting the selection object205. The enlargement module410may enlarge the target portion245into the enlarged target portion250.

FIG. 23is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of an enlarging method500. The method500may perform the functions of the apparatus400and the DPS100. In one embodiment, the method500is performed by use of the processor305. Alternatively, the method500may be performed by a computer readable storage medium such as the memory310. The computer readable storage medium may store machine readable code. The processor305may execute the machine readable code to perform the functions of the method500.

In an alternate embodiment, the method500is performed by semiconductor gates. The semiconductor gates may be in a discrete device, integrated with the touch screen, or combinations thereof. In a certain embodiment, the method500is performed by a combination of semiconductor gates and the computer readable storage medium.

The method500starts, and in one embodiment, the detection module405detects502the selection object205approaching the touch screen110. The detection module405may detect502all objects within a specified range of the touch screen110. In one embodiment, the detection module405tracks all objects within the specified range of the touch screen110. Alternatively, the detection module405may track objects that exceed a detection threshold. The detection threshold may be a change in resistance, a change in capacitance, a change in acoustic wave, a change in an optical wave, and/or a change in a piezoelectric charge.

In one embodiment, the detection module405detects502the selection object205approaching the touch screen110by detecting the selection object205at a first farther distance210aand subsequently detecting the selection object205at a second closer distance210b. If the detection module405does not detect502the selection object205, the detection module405may continue monitoring for the selection object205.

In one embodiment, the detection module405calculates the vector215bof the direction of the selection object205. The detection module405may only detect502the selection object205as approaching the touch screen110if an angle between the vector215band the touch screen exceeds an angle threshold. In one embodiment, the angle threshold is in the range of 0 to 60 degrees, where 90 degrees is perpendicular to the plane of the touch screen110.

The detection module405may further determine504if a selection object area exceeds an area threshold. In one embodiment, the selection object area is estimated from an area of the touch screen110that is affected by the approach of the selection object205. For example, if 100 square millimeters of the touch screen110is affected by the approach of the selection object205, the selection object area SA may be calculated using Equation 1, where k is a nonzero constant and TA is the area of the touch screen110affected by the selection object205.

In one embodiment, the area threshold is in the range of 5 to 75 square millimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the area threshold is in the range of 10 to 150 square millimeters. If the affected area of the touch screen110does not exceed the area threshold, the detection module405may continue to detect502the selection object205approaching.

The enlargement module410may enlarge506the target portion245in response to detecting500the selection object205approaching the touch screen110. Alternatively, the enlargement module410may enlarge506the target portion245in response to both detecting502the selection object205approaching the touch screen110and the selection object area exceeding504the area threshold. In one embodiment, the enlargement module410may only enlarge506the target portion245in response to determining that the angle between the vector215band the touch screen110exceeds the angle threshold. In a certain embodiment, the enlargement module410may enlarge506the target portion245in response to two or more of detecting500to the selection object205approaching the touch screen110, the selection object area exceeding the area threshold, and the angle between the vector215band the touch screen110exceeding the angle threshold.

In one embodiment, the enlargement module410enlarges506the enlarged target portion250so that a first edge of the enlarged target portion250extends to an edge of the touch screen110. In an alternate embodiment, the enlarged target portion250is enlarged so that a horizontal dimension of the enlarged target portion250is within the range of 30 to 100 percent of a horizontal dimension of the touch screen110. Alternatively, the enlarged target portion250is enlarged so that a vertical dimension of the enlarged target portion250is within the range of 30 to 100 percent of a vertical dimension of the touch screen110.

In one embodiment, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the enlarged target portion250are specified by a control panel setting. Alternatively, the enlarged target portion250is enlarged to horizontal and vertical dimensions such that the hot spots105within the enlarged target portion250exceed a specified hot spot area minimum.

In one embodiment, the enlargement module410may persist in displaying the target portion245as the enlarged target portion250for specified persistence interval. The persistence interval may be in the range of 1 to 4 seconds. Alternatively, the enlargement module410may persist in displaying the target portion245as the enlarged target portion250until the selection object205touches the touch screen110and/or until the selection object205is withdrawn beyond a persistence range of the touch screen110. The persistence range may be between 5 and 15 millimeters.

The detection module405may receive 508 a hot spot selection in response to the selection object205touching a depiction of an enlarged hot spot within the enlarged target portion250on the touch screen110. The selected hot spot105may be highlighted or otherwise indicated in response to the selection. In addition, the enlargement module410may persist in displaying the enlarged target portion250for a residual interval in response to the selection of the hot spot105. The residual interval may be in the range of 0.5 to 2 seconds.

In response to receiving 508 the hot spot selection, the enlargement module410may reset the enlarged target portion250to the target portion245. Alternatively, the enlargement module410may reset the enlarged target portion205to the target portion245in response to the selection object205being withdrawn beyond the persistence range of the touch screen110. The detection module405may then continue to monitor to detect502the selection object205approaching the touch screen110.

By detecting502the selection object205approaching the touch screen110, the embodiments support the enlarging of the target portion245of the touch screen110into the enlarged target portion250in response to the detection of the selection object205. Hot spots105within the enlarged target portion205may be more accurately selected with the selection object205. Thus hot spots105may be accurately selected on a small touch screen110. In addition, small hot spots105on a large touch screen110may also be accurately selected.