Patent ID: 7602382

Claim:
In a computer system having a control knob and a display screen, a method for displaying information responsive to sensing a physical presence proximate to or in contact with the control knob comprising a plurality of portions, the method comprising: detecting the physical presence proximate to or in contact with the control knob for a predefined period in which the control knob is stationary, wherein detecting the physical presence comprises: detecting the physical presence proximate to or in contact with at least one portion of the plurality of portions, generating a first set of electrical signals in response to detecting the physical presence proximate to or in contact with the at least one portion, and generating a second set of electrical signals in response to an activation of the at least one portion; displaying a display widget on the display screen responsive to detecting the physical presence and the activation, wherein a position of the display widget on the display screen tracks movement of the physical presence across the plurality of portions, the display widget providing: status information associated with the at least one portion of the control knob, and location information indicating where a user made contact with the at least one portion or where the user came closest to the at least one portion; generating a first message indicating that the at least one portion has been contacted; changing the status information in the display widget responsive to an input control other than the control knob while detecting the physical presence proximate to or contacting the control knob; generating a second message indicating that the at least one portion has been released; determining when a cursor or pointer is located within the display widget; when the cursor or pointer is located within the display widget, causing the display widget to remain visible when the user ceases to contact or remain proximate the at least one portion; when the cursor or pointer is not located within the display widget, causing the display widget to disappear from the display screen after detecting a release event, wherein the release event comprises detecting both a break of contact and a loss of proximity with the control knob.