PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10055030-B2
Application Number: US-201313896926-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dynamic visual indications for input devices

Abstract:
An input device for providing input to a computing device. The input device includes a body, a visual element, and a processing element in communication with the visual element. The processing element dynamically changes a graphic displayed by the visual element to correspond to presentation data corresponding to the input device as presented to the computing device. The dynamic changes in the graphic provide indication to a user regarding the current state of the input device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An input device for providing input to a computing device comprising:
 a body; 
 a display; 
 a processing element in communication with the display; 
 a nib connected to the body and configured to interact with the computing device; and 
 a force sensor configured to detect changes in force applied to the nib, the force sensor in communication with the processing element; 
 wherein the display is configured to display a graphic that corresponds to an input provided from the input device to the computing device and the processing element dynamically changes a dimension of the graphic in response to the changes to the force applied to the nib. 
 
     
     
       2. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein a characteristic of the graphic directly corresponds to a characteristic of the input provided from the input device to the computing device. 
     
     
       3. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the display is a display screen. 
     
     
       4. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the display is positioned on a backend of the body. 
     
     
       5. The input device of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor in communication with the processing element, wherein data sensed by the sensor changes the graphic that the input device can be used to generate on the computing device. 
     
     
       6. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein
 when the force sensor senses an increase in the force applied to the nib, a diameter of the graphic increases; and 
 when the force sensor senses a decrease in the force applied to the nib, the diameter of the graphic decreases. 
 
     
     
       7. The input device of  claim 6 , wherein when a color of the output that the input device can be used to generate on the computing device changes, a color of the graphic changes. 
     
     
       8. A stylus for providing input to a computing device in communication with a screen, comprising:
 a body configured to be gripped by a user; 
 a tip connected to a first end of the body; and 
 a display connected to the body, the display providing a graphic having a dimension; wherein 
 the dimension of the graphic corresponds to a dimension of output that the stylus can be used to generate on the screen; and 
 the display changes the dimension of the graphic when the dimension of the output that the stylus can be used to generate on the screen changes. 
 
     
     
       9. The stylus of  claim 8 , wherein the graphic directly corresponds to the output that the stylus can be used to generate on the screen. 
     
     
       10. The stylus of  claim 8 , wherein the graphic comprises a graphic diameter and a graphic color;
 the output that the stylus can be used to generate on the screen comprises an output diameter and an output color; and 
 at least one of the graphic diameter corresponds to the output diameter or the graphic color corresponds to the output color. 
 
     
     
       11. The stylus of  claim 10 , wherein the graphic diameter is the same as the output diameter and the graphic color is the same as the output color. 
     
     
       12. The stylus of  claim 8 , further comprising a sensor configured to detect a user input, wherein at least one characteristic of the graphic varies in response to the user input. 
     
     
       13. The stylus of  claim 12 , wherein the sensor is a gyroscope. 
     
     
       14. The stylus of  claim 12 , wherein the sensor is a force sensor. 
     
     
       15. The stylus of  claim 14 , wherein as a force applied to the tip increases, the graphic increases in diameter or width. 
     
     
       16. The stylus of  claim 8 , wherein the display is positioned on a back end of the body. 
     
     
       17. The stylus of  claim 16 , wherein the display is a liquid crystal display screen, a touch screen, or a light emitting diode. 
     
     
       18. An input system comprising:
 a computer having a processor; 
 a touch screen in communication with the processor; and 
 a stylus configured to communicate with the computer, the stylus comprising:
 a body configured to be gripped by a user; 
 a tip connected to a first end of the body; and 
 a graphic display connected to the body and configured to display a first graphic having a first pattern; 
 
 wherein the touch screen displays a second graphic based on an output of the stylus, the second graphic having a second pattern that graphically resembles the first pattern. 
 
     
     
       19. The input system of  claim 18 , wherein the first graphic varies based on at least one of a sensed input to the stylus or an active application run by the processor. 
     
     
       20. The input system of  claim 18 , wherein the stylus comprises a sensor configured to detect a user force applied to the stylus. 
     
     
       21. A stylus for providing input to a computing device comprising:
 a stylus body including a point; 
 a force sensor operable to detect an amount of force applied to the point; 
 a display coupled to the stylus body that displays an indicator line wherein the display changes an indicator line thickness of the indicator line based on changes in the amount of force applied to the point; and 
 a communication unit operable to instruct the computing device to present an output line on a computing device&#39;s display in response to movement of the point across a surface as communicated to the computing device by the communication unit wherein an output line thickness of the output line corresponds to the indicator line thickness. 
 
     
     
       22. The stylus of  claim 21 , wherein the display increases the indicator line thickness of the indicator line based on an increase in the amount of force applied to the point. 
     
     
       23. The stylus of  claim 21 , wherein the computing device is operable to change the output line thickness based on the changes in the amount of force applied to the point as communicated to the computing device by the communication unit.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to computing devices, and more specifically, to input devices for computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many types of input devices may be used to provide input to computing devices, such as buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, touch screens and the like. Touch screens, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular because of their ease and versatility of operation. Typically touch screens on interfaces can include a touch sensor panel, which may be a clear panel with a touch-sensitive surface, and a display device that can be positioned behind the panel so that the touch-sensitive surface substantially covers the viewable area of the display device. Touch screens allow a user to provide various types of input to the computing device by touching the touch sensor panel using a finger, stylus, or other object at a location dictated by a user interface being displayed by the display device. In general, touch screens can recognize a touch event and the position of the touch event on the touch sensor panel, and the computing system can then interpret the touch event in accordance with the display appearing at the time of the touch event, and thereafter can perform one or more actions based on the touch event. 
     Some input devices, such as styli, allow a user to use the input device as a pen or pencil and “write” on the touch screen or other input-ready display. Often the output of a stylus, as displayed on the screen, may be varied. For example, the color or line thickness corresponding to the input of the stylus may be varied. These variations are typically done by the computing device and thus the user may not know what the output of the input device will be until the output is displayed on the screen. 
     SUMMARY 
     One example of the present disclosure includes an input device for providing input to a computing device. The input device includes a body, a visual output element, and a processing element in communication with the visual component. The processing element dynamically changes a graphic displayed by the visual component to correspond to presentation data corresponding to the input device as provided to the computing device. The dynamic changes in the icon provide indication to a user regarding one or more characteristics of presentation data of the input device. 
     Another example of the disclosure includes a stylus for providing input to a computing device in communication with a screen. The stylus includes a body configured to be gripped or held in the hand of a user, a tip connected to a first end of the body, and a display connected to the body, the display providing a visual output including a graphic. The graphic on the display changes dynamically to correspond to an output of the stylus on the screen. 
     Yet another example of the disclosure includes an input system. The input system includes a computer having a processor, a touch screen in communication with the processor, and a stylus configured to communicate with the computer via the touch screen. The stylus includes a body configured to be gripped by a user, a tip connected to a first end of the body, and an graphic display connected to the body, the graphic display providing a visual output including a graphic, wherein the graphic corresponds to an output of the stylus on the touch screen. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system including a computing device and an input device communicating therewith. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of the input device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear plan view of the input device. 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view of one embodiment of the sample input device. 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of the input device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of an graphic display of the input device displaying a first graphic. 
         FIG. 4B  is a top plan view of the graphic display of the input device displaying a second graphic. 
         FIG. 4C  is a top plan view of the graphic display of the input device displaying a third graphic. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the input device providing a first input to the computing device, the first input corresponding to the first graphic in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the input device providing a first input to the computing device, the first input corresponding to the first graphic in  FIG. 4B . 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the input device providing a first input to the computing device, the first input corresponding to the first graphic in  FIG. 4C . 
         FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of the input device including a graphic having a first color. 
         FIG. 6B  is a top plan view of the input device including a graphic having a second color. 
         FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of the input device illustrating a graphic corresponding to a paint brush output. 
         FIG. 7B  is a top plan view of the input device illustrating a graphic corresponding to an angled brush output. 
         FIG. 7C  is a top plan view of the input device illustrating a graphic corresponding to a solid line brush output. 
         FIG. 7D  is a top plan view of the input device illustrating a graphic corresponding to a star tip for the input device. 
         FIG. 7E  is a top plan view of the input device illustrating a graphic corresponding to a spray output. 
         FIG. 7F  is a top plan view of the input device illustrating a graphic corresponding a spray output having a denser spray pattern than the spray output of  FIG. 7E . 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the input device providing a first input to the computing device, the first input corresponding to the first graphic in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the input device providing a second input to the computing device, the second input corresponding to the second graphic in  FIG. 7B . 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of the input device providing a third to the computing device, the third input corresponding to the third graphic in  FIG. 7C . 
         FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of the input device providing a fourth input to the computing device, the fourth input corresponding to the fourth graphic in  FIG. 7D . 
         FIG. 8E  is a perspective view of the input device providing a fifth input to the computing device, the fifth input corresponding to the fifth graphic in  FIG. 7E . 
         FIG. 8F  is a perspective view of the input device providing a sixth input to the computing device, the sixth input corresponding to the sixth graphic in  FIG. 7F . 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating a method for dynamically providing indication to a user using the input device. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating a method for dynamically providing indication to a user based on multiple parameters. 
     
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     Overview 
     In some embodiments herein, an input device operative with a computing device is disclosed. The input device may, for example, be configured for inputting operations relative to the computing device. In one embodiment, the input device may have a dynamically  variable  indication or feedback to alert a user to the state of the input device relative to the computing device. For example, the variable indication provides feedback to the user regarding presentation data, such as graphics, lines, etc. corresponding to the input of the input device that may be displayed by the computing device. As used herein the term presentation data is meant to correspond to substantially any type of data that is displayed or provided to the computing device that corresponds to an input of the input device. For example, during a note taking application presentation data corresponding to the input device may be one or more lines displayed on a display screen. As another example, during a painting application presentation data may include a spray pattern graphic. 
     In one embodiment, the input device may take the form of a stylus that may be used to provide inputs to a computing device so as to effect data being presented by the computing device. The stylus may interface with the computing device to interact with a display of the computing device. The interface may be provided by a variety of mechanisms including a touch or near touch interface such as a touch pad or touch screen. It my also be provided through a wired or wireless connection as, for example, USB or Bluetooth. The input device includes a visual component that displays a varying graphic element, such as an icon, character, or the like. The varying graphic element corresponds to, or changes with presentation data corresponding to the input data as presented on the computing device. The visual component may, for example, be a display screen and the varying graphic may be an icon or other user interface (UI) element that is presented on the display screen of the computing device. 
     In embodiments where the presentation data corresponding to input from the input device varies due to a user input, the graphic on the input device also varies with changes to the user input. As one example, an increase of pressure applied to the tip of the input device changes presentation data displayed on the computing device corresponding to the input device (e.g., a thicker line on the display screen). In this example, as the pressure increases on the tip, the graphic varies to indicate to the user that the state or input of the stylus has changed. Additionally or alternatively, the graphic may be varied based on a direct user input, such as selecting a button to vary the output of the input device. 
     In some embodiments, the input device may include one or more sensors that may detect changes in a user input. For example, the input device may include a pressure sensor that detects when a user is pressing the input device with an increased or decreased force against the screen of the computing device. As another example, the input device may include an orientation sensor, such as a gyroscope or accelerometer, which detects when a user has tilted the input device at a particular angle or range of angles relative to the screen. The sensors can be used to change the input of the input device provided to the computing device to vary the presentation data, as well as one or more characteristics of the variable graphic displayed on the visual component. 
     The variable graphic may be updated substantially simultaneously with the change in input, such that the input device provides a dynamically variable indication to a user regarding the presentation data corresponding to the input device. Other characteristics or parameters of user input to the input device may be tracked, which may result in varying the presentation data and variable graphic. As one example, speed, time, or distance may be tracked to vary the variable graphic or presentation data. Containing with this example, the time that the input device is positioned at a location (e.g., on one side of a screen) can be used to change the presentation data (e.g., an illustrated line may “pool” ink or the like the longer the input device remains at a particular location) or the speed at which a user moves the input device across a surface may vary the line thickness or darkness (e.g., faster speed results in a thinner and/or lighter line). 
     Additionally, the variable graphic may be configured to directly correspond to the input provided by the input device. As an example, one or more characteristics of the variable graphic may correspond to one or more characteristics of presentation data displayed on the computing device. In one embodiment, the width or diameter of the graphic may increase as the presentation data corresponding to the input device becomes thicker or wider on the screen. As an example, as the thickness of a displayed line increases (such as due to an increase in pressure applied to the tip or nib of the input device), the graphic increases in thickness as well. The thickness increase for the graphic and the displayed line may directly correspond to one another (e.g., 1:1 match) or may be indirectly related. By changing the graphic to correspond to the presentation data, the user is provided with dynamic indication, both on the display screen and on the input device regarding the state of the input device and/or presentation data corresponding to the input device, as he or she uses the input device. This allows the input device to be used on surfaces that do not directly display the input provided by the input device, (such as an opaque screen positioned on a touch panel), while still providing the user information regarding the state of the input device. Additionally, the dynamic indication eliminates the need for “test” strokes, where the user has to provide input to the computing device with the input device to see the characteristics of the presentation data corresponding to the input device. 
     In some embodiments, the input device may process user input to the device to determine whether it should change the input provided to the computing device. In these embodiments, the input device may be a “smart” device and provide data to the computing device regarding its current state and thus directly determine the presentation data to be displayed by the computing device. In other embodiments, the input device may relay user input to the computing device and the computing device may determine whether the state of the input device and/or the presentation data corresponding to the input device should be changed. In these embodiments, the input device may be a “dumb” device and the computing device may direct changes to the variable graphic and presentation data. In yet other embodiments, both the input device and the computing device may analyze one or more user inputs to the input device, as well as other data, to determine changes to the variable graphic and/or presentation data. 
     It should also be noted that the input device may include other types of feedback that may be provided to a user in addition to the visual graphic. For example, the input device may include one or more haptic elements that may vibrate, move, or otherwise provide tactile feedback to a user regarding the state of the input device. This may allow the user to experience both haptic and visual feedback as the presentation data corresponding to the input device changes. 
     Input and Computing Devices 
     Turning now to the figures, a communication system including a computing device and an input device will be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an input system  100  including a stylus  104  in communication with a computing device  102  through a display screen  106 . The system  100  and stylus  104  shown in  FIG. 1  provide a dynamically variable indication regarding presentation data displayed on the computer display  106  corresponding to the stylus input to the computing device. For example, in some embodiments, the stylus may include a graphic display for presenting a graphic, such as an icon or character, corresponding to the presentation data and/or state of the stylus. The variable display and graphic will be discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C , but generally may be positioned substantially anywhere on the stylus and provide an indication to the user regarding the input of the stylus to the computer. It should be noted that although the embodiments discussed below are discussed with reference to a stylus, the techniques and methods disclosed herein may be used with a number of other types of input devices. 
     The computing device  102  may be substantially any type of electronic or computing device. Some non-limiting examples include a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a digital music player, portable gaming station, or the like. Although not shown, the computing device  102  may include one or more components of a typical electronic or computing device, such as one or more processing components, to provide control or provide other functions for the device  102 , as well as one or more networking components. The input device may communicate with the computing device through a number of different mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, capacitive sensing, data transmission (wireless or wired), mechanical switches, or so on. The communication or network interface for the communication device may be selected based on the desired method or methods of communication between the input device and the computing device. For example, if the input device transmits data to the computing device via Bluetooth, the computing device may include a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver. 
     The computing device  102  may include the display screen  106 , an enclosure  110 , and/or one or more input buttons  108 . The enclosure  110  encloses one or more components of the computing device  102 , as well as may surround and/or secure a portion of the display screen  106  to the computing device  102 . The one or more input buttons  108  may provide input functions to the computing device  102 . For example, the input buttons  108  may return the computing device to a home screen or state, adjust a volume for the computing device  102 , turn the computing device  102  on or off, or may provide other inputs for the computing device  102 . 
     The display screen  106  may be integrated with the computing device  102 , such as a tablet computer, or may be separate from the computing device, such as a stand alone monitor. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device may include a projection component or the like that projects a visual output for the computing device onto another object or the like (e.g., holograph or projection screen). The display screen  106  is configured to display one or more output images and/or videos for the computing device  102 . The display screen  106  may be substantially any type of display mechanism, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), screen, plasma display, or the like. In instances where the display screen  112  is a LCD display, the display screen  106  may include (not shown) various layers such a fluorescent panel, one or more polarizing filters, a layer of liquid crystal cells, a color filter, or the like. 
     In many embodiments, the display screen  106  may include one or more components to communicate with or detect inputs by the input device. For example, the display screen  106  may include one or more sensors in order to detect one or more input signals based on user touches or inputs from the stylus  104  or other input device. In particular, the display screen  106  is configured to receive inputs from an object (e.g., location information based on a user&#39;s finger or data from the input device) and to send this information to a processor. The display screen  106  may report touches to one or more processors and the processor interprets the touches in accordance with its programming. For example, the processor may initiate a task in accordance with a particular touch. 
     As a specific example, display screen  106  may include a touch interface, such as a multi-touch capacitive screen. For example, the display screen  106  may be configured to receive data, either digital or analog, from the stylus  104 . As one example, the display screen may detect change in capacitance corresponding to a location of the stylus, as well as receive data transmitted via wirelessly or otherwise from the stylus. Additionally, the display screen  106  may include a screen to provide a graphical user interface, and other video and/or image output for the computing device  102 . 
     Alternatively, the computing device and/or display screen may include other mechanisms for sensing a location of the input device or otherwise receiving data from the input device. For example, the computing device may user near-touch to detecting the input device as it hovers above the display screen  106 . Additionally, it should be noted that the display screen may be a holographic display or other visual projection onto a surface and may not necessarily include a “screen.” In these embodiments, the position of the stylus may be determined relative to a predetermined location and the movement of the stylus may be tracked relative to the predetermined location rather than on top of a screen or other component. 
     The Input Device 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B  a first example of the stylus  104  will be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the stylus  104 .  FIG. 2B  is a rear plan view of the stylus. The stylus  104  may include a generally elongated body  114  and a tip or nib  116  extending from or connected to one end of the body  114 . The body  114  may be a generally cylindrically shaped member, such as a pen, and can be held in the hands of a user. The nib  116  or tip is used to interact with the computing device  102 . The nib  116  may be rolled, pressed, or otherwise moved across the display screen  106 . For example, the nib  116  may be a ball, a flexible tip, a deformable tip, a plurality of flexible elements, and the like. The nib  116  may be interchangeable, extendable, or the like, to allow the input device  104  to have a variety of output characteristics, as will be discussed in more detail below. The nib  116  may extend through a nib aperture defined on a first end of the stylus  104  or may be integrally formed with the body  114 . 
     In some embodiments, the nib  116  may be a generally flexible material that may deform upon pressure and resiliently return to an original shape. The nib  116  may be made of metals such as aluminum, plastic, silicon, brass or steel, as well as conductive rubber, plastic or other materials doped with conductive particles. In one embodiment the nib  116  may be Mylar, which may have sufficient conductive particles to interact with a capacitive touch screen, but may also be flexible. 
     Movement of the nib  116  is correlated to presentation data presented on the display screen  106  through a variety of different manners. The nib  116  may be configured to be slid or traced along the surface of the display screen  106 , and interact therewith. For example, the nib  116  may be formed from a conductive material, or another material laced with a conductive material, in order to may interact with the display screen  106  to provide input to the computing device  102 . In some embodiments, the nib  116  may be configured to vary an electrical parameter, such as a capacitance, at one or more locations of the display screen  106 , which may provide an input to the display screen  106 . For example, as the nib  116  contacts the surface of the display screen  106 , the display screen  106  may receive a touch input. In another example, nib  116  transfers data to the screen  106  to indicate the location of the nib  116 . In this example, the position of nib may be sent to the computing device  102  from the stylus  104 . In other examples, the output of the stylus  104  on the display  106  may be determined both by the computing device  102  sensing one or more parameters of the stylus (e.g., capacitance changes), as well as the stylus transmitting data to the computing device. 
     It should be noted that the techniques discussed herein can be applied to substantially any type of input device for interacting with a computing device. As such, the data transfer techniques between the stylus  104  and the computing device may be selected as desired and the examples discussed herein are meant as illustrative only. 
     In some embodiments, a graphic display  112  is included on a back end of the body  114 . The graphic display  112  is a visual output element, such as a liquid crystal display screen, electronic ink (e-ink) screen, organic light emitting diode (OLED) or diodes, light emitting diode or diodes, or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the graphic display may include one or more sensing elements, such as touch sensors or the like, that may detect a user input. In these embodiments, the graphic display may detect user input in addition to displaying the current state of the input device. For example, the user may press the graphic display or one or more graphics displayed thereon, to select or vary an input characteristic of the input device. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2B , in one embodiment, the graphic display  112  forms a back end of the body  114 . The graphic display may correspond to a general shape of the body  114  and/or back end of the body  114 . For example, in instances where the body  114  is generally cylindrically shaped, the graphic display  112  may similarly be circularly shaped. The graphic display  112  generally provides visual indication regarding the current state of the stylus  104 . 
     Although the graphic display  112  is illustrated as being positioned on a back end of the body  114 , the graphic display  112  may be located on other areas of the stylus  104 . In other words, based on the shape of the body  114 , size of the stylus  104 , and other design parameters, the graphic display  112  may be otherwise positioned on the stylus  104 .  FIG. 2C  is a side elevation view of another example of the stylus shown in  FIG. 1 . As some examples, with reference to  FIG. 2C , the graphic display  112  may be positioned near or surrounding the tip of the body  114 , along a length of the body  114 , or within the body. With reference to  FIG. 2C , the graphic display  112  may be positioned within the body  114  and extend longitudinally along a length of the input device. In this embodiment, the body  114  may be completely transparent or may include a window or aperture to allow the graphic display to be visible through the body  114 . Additionally, with continued reference to  FIG. 2C , the input device may include two or more graphic displays, such as the graphic display  112  on the back end of the device, a second display  111  surrounding the nib, and a third display  117  positioned on a side of the body  114 . In these embodiments, each display may display a graphic corresponding to different parameters of the input device (e.g., one displays line thickness and one displays color). 
     With reference again to  FIG. 2A , the stylus  104  may also include one or more input switches  118 ,  120 . In one embodiment, a first input switch  118  may be used to change a mode or a characteristic of the stylus  104 . For example, the first input switch  118  may be used to vary a displayed color, line thickness, opacity, number of output lines, etc., of the presentation data corresponding to the stylus input to the computing device. In this embodiment, a second input switch  120  may be used to selectively activate the stylus  104  or may be used to change other characteristics of the stylus  104 . The two input switches  118 ,  120  may be mechanical switches or may be electrical switches. As some examples, the input switches  118 ,  120  may be rotatable rings, compressible buttons, capacitive sensors, or substantially any other element configured to detect a user input. Additionally, it should be noted that although the stylus  104  is illustrated as having two input switches  118 ,  120 , the input switches  118 ,  120  may be omitted or there may be fewer or more switches than illustrated. Moreover, the location of the switches  118 ,  120  may be varied as desired. 
     The stylus  104  may also include one more sensors and/or processing elements.  FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of the stylus  104 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , the stylus  104  may include one or more sensors  128 , a power source  124 , an input/output (I/O) component  122 , one or more processing elements  130 , and/or a memory component  132 . Each of the components of the stylus  104  may be in communication with one another through one or more systems buses  126  or other communication wires or elements. Additionally, the components of the stylus may be in communication with the computing device  102 . The components of the stylus  104  can be varied depending on the desired performance and output characteristics of the stylus  104 . For example, in instances where the stylus  104  may be a “dumb” or non-processing device and transmit data to the computing device for analysis, the stylus  104  may not include a processing element or may include a processing element that completes basic instructions. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , the I/O component  122  receives and/or transmits one or more signals to and from the stylus  104 . For example, the I/O component  122  may receive one or more radio signals (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), or may be configured to receive one or more electrical (digital and/or analog) signals transmitted from the computing device  102 . In the latter example, the I/O component  122  may be used in conjunction with the nib  116  to transmit and/or receive signals from the display screen  106 . For example, the I/O component  122  may be configured to receive one or more voltage signals from the display screen  106  (e.g., through the drive lines for a capacitive touch screen). As another example, the I/O component  122  may be configured to transfer data directly to the computing device  102 . An example of this type of data transfer is shown U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/560,963 filed on Jul. 27, 2012 and entitled, “Device for Digital Communication through Capacitive Coupling,” incorporated by reference herein. In yet other embodiments, the I/O component may be a wired connection, such as a universal serial bus port, that may transmit data through a cable between the stylus and the computing device. 
     The power source  124  provides power to one or more components of the stylus  104 . The power source  124  may be rechargeable or replaceable. For example, the power source  124  may be a rechargeable battery or a one-use battery. In another example the power source  124  may include a wire or other communication element to receive power from an external source, such as from the computing device  102  or a wall outlet. 
     The one or more sensors  128  detect one or more characteristics of the stylus  104  or a user input to the stylus  104 . For example, the one or more sensors  128  may include a pressure or force sensor, timer, a capacitive sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or the like. The one or more sensors  128  can be configured to detect a variety of characteristics, such as, but not limited to, pressure exerted on the nib  116 , pressure exerted on the body  114 , an angle or tilt of the body  114  or nib  116  relative to the screen  106 , a user&#39;s grip on the body  114 , the orientation of the stylus  104 , the number of fingers the user is using to hold the stylus  104 , changes in force or pressure exerted on any portion of the stylus  104 , and so on. Depending on the desired characteristic to be sensed, the sensors  128  may be positioned substantially anywhere on the stylus  104 . 
     The sensors  128  are in communication with the processing element  130 . The processing element  130  is substantially any type of device that can receive and execute instructions. As an example, the processing element  130  may be a processor, microcomputer, or two or more processing elements. The processing element  130  receives input from the one or more input switches  118 ,  120  and sensors  128  to control the stylus  104 . As an example, the processing element  130  receives data from the sensors  128  to determine an output for the graphic display  112 . 
     The stylus  104  may also include one or more memory components  132 . The memory components  132  may be substantially any type of device that can store data. In some embodiments, the memory component  132  stores data from the one or more sensors  128  and/or input switches  118 ,  120  and provides the data to the processing element  130  and/or I/O  122 . 
     As briefly discussed above, the stylus  104  provides dynamic indication to a user regarding one or more characteristics of the stylus  104 . With reference to  FIG. 2C , in one embodiment, the graphic display  112  may display a color or line that corresponds to an ink color, ink thickness, battery level, or characteristics of presentation data or stylus parameters. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the graphic display  112  may extend longitudinally along the length of the body  114 . In one embodiment, the graphic  113  may represent the battery life remaining for the stylus  104  and when fully charged the graphic  113  may extend to the full level  115  and as the stylus  104  is looses charge (due to use or the like), the graphic  113  may decrease in length and be positioned at a second line  119  along the length of the graphic display  112 . In this manner the graphic  113  may dynamically illustrate to a user the current state of the battery similarly to a manner that conventional pens illustrate the ink level to a user. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2C , additionally or alternatively, the graphic  113  may change color, diameter, or the like, to correspond with presentation data corresponding to the stylus  104 . For example, when the presentation data on the computing device corresponding to the stylus  104  is a purple color, the graphic  113  may turn purple. As another example, when the presentation data is a line, the graphic  113  may have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the presentation data. As will be discussed in more detail below, the graphic may dynamically vary with changes to one or more changes in parameters input to the stylus (such as a change in pressure) or with changes to presentation data corresponding to the stylus (such as line color or thickness). 
     Other examples of the graphic on the stylus corresponding to presentation data will now be discussed in more detail.  FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate the graphic display  112  having a variable graphic displayed thereon.  FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate the presentation data corresponding to the stylus in  FIGS. 4A-4C . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the presentation data corresponding to the stylus is line presented on the display of the computer device. However, it should be understood that the examples illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C  are just one type of presentation data and many other embodiments are envisioned. 
     With initial reference to  FIGS. 4A and 5A , the stylus  104  produces a first line  204  on the display  106  of the computing device  102  as the stylus  104  is moved across the display  106 . The graphic display  112  provides a visual output of a first icon  202 . The first icon  202  corresponds to the first line  204 . For example, the first icon  202  may have substantially the same shape and diameter of the first line  204 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4B and 5B , as the state of the stylus  104  changes such as due to an increase of pressure applied by the user, other user input, or under the control of an application or program operating on the computing device, the graphic display  112  changes to display a second icon  206 . The second icon  206  corresponds to the second line  208  displayed on the screen  106 . In this example, the second line  208  increases in thickness and because the second icon  206  corresponds to the input of the stylus  104  as shown on the display  106  of the computer device, the diameter or thickness of the second icon  206  increases as well. In this manner, the second icon  206  may directly correspond to the input of the stylus  104  on the computing device  102  (e.g., through the display  106 ). In some embodiments, the graphic displayed may change prior to the presentation the display  106  changing. In these embodiments, the icon provides indication to the user regarding the presentation data corresponding to the stylus  104  on the computing device  102  prior to the user entering information into the display  106 . As an example, the user may increase his or her pressure on the body  114  and the first icon  202  changes to the second icon  206  to illustrate to the user the characteristics of the line that will correspond to the stylus input to the computing device corresponding to the pressure exerted on the body  114 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4C and 5C , as one or more inputs to the stylus  104  continue to vary, the graphic display  112  may also continue to change the icon. As the output line increases, the second icon  206  may increase in diameter to change to a third icon  210 . The third icon  210  corresponds to a third output line  212 . Both the third icon  210  and the third output line  212  have an increased thickness as compared to the second icon  206  and second output line  208 . As such, the graphic display  112  corresponds to the change in output of the stylus  104  as displayed by the computing device  102  on the display  106 . 
     The changes between each icon  202 ,  206 ,  210  can occur dynamically and rapidly as the input characteristics of the stylus change  104 , either due to a user input or instructions from the computing device  102 . In this manner, the user can look to the graphic display  112  to receive indication regarding the current status of the stylus  104 . Because the indication directly corresponds to the presentation data of the stylus  104  on the display  106 , the user may not need to draw “test” lines or the like on the display  106  in order to understand the appearance characteristics of the stylus input. Also, the stylus may be used with a non-visible display or may be used separate from a display and the user will know one or more characteristics of the presentation data even though he or she may not see them on a display screen. 
     In addition to varying the thickness of the icon, the stylus  104  may also change other characteristics of the icon. With reference to  FIG. 6A , the icon  220  has a first color (grey in this example) that corresponds to a color of presentation data for the stylus  104  as displayed on the display  106 . Then, as the color of the stylus  104  changes, such as due to a user input to the computing device  102  or to the stylus  104  itself, the color of the icon  220  changes to a second color (black in this example). In this manner, the graphic display  112  includes a color display to indicate the current state of the stylus  104 . It should be noted that the color input by the stylus  104  to the computing device may be changed by the user. As an example, the user provides an input to the stylus  104 , such as through the one or more input switches  118 ,  120 . 
     Alternatively or additionally, the computing device  102  can change the color of the stylus as presented on the display  106 . As an example, an application may include a selectable item (such as a window or graphic on the display  106 ) that corresponds to a particular output color and when the stylus  104  provides input on the selectable item, the presented color of the stylus changes. In this example, the computing device  102  transfers data to the stylus  104  to indicate the color change, and that color change is communicated to the graphic display  112  to change the icon  220 . In one implementation, the selectable item may be a paint can, a color box, or the like, and the user may press or hover the stylus over the selectable item to vary the presented color of the stylus. 
     In some embodiments, presentation data corresponding to the stylus  104  may include varying “brush strokes,” tip size, and/or shapes. The shape of the presentation data may be changed physically or virtually. For example, the nib  116  may be extended, separated into a plurality of strands, or replaceable, and by changing the physical characteristics of the nib  116 , the input of the stylus to the computing device may also change. In other examples, if the nib  116  changes virtually, the physical characteristics of the nib itself may not change, but the presentation data corresponding to the stylus  104  may change as displayed on the screen  106 . As the nib  116  changes, either physically or virtually, the graphic display  112  may correspondingly vary the icon.  FIGS. 7A-7F  illustrate various icons displayed as the nib  116  changes.  FIGS. 8A-8F  illustrate the presentation data corresponding to the icons in  FIGS. 7A-7F . As shown generally with reference to  FIGS. 7A-8F , as the presentation data corresponding to the nib  116  changes, the icon changes correspondingly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7A and 8A , the nib  116  may have an input including a plurality of bristles  224  or strands. For example, the stylus  104  may be used in a paintbrush mode and the nib  116  may include multiple strands that fan out to simulate a paintbrush. In this mode, the graphic display  112  includes an icon  222  having a plurality of strands. The icon  222  may generally represent the presentation data, in this case a plurality of lines, corresponding to the nib  122 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7B and 8B , in some embodiments, the nib  116  may (either physically virtually) have a flat or angled brush input. In these embodiments, the icon  226  may have a plurality of strands aligned in a row and the presentation data  228  on the display  106  may include a plurality of strands aligned as well. 
     As yet another example, with reference to  FIGS. 7C and 8C , the nib  116  may correspond to a presentation data input such as a rectangular tip. In this example, the icon  230  and the line  232  may both represent the rectangular characteristic of the nib  116 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7D and 8D , in one embodiment, the nib  116  may have a star shape. In this embodiment, the presentation data, in this case line  228 , may be angled and similarly shaped to the nib  116 . For example, line  228  may include five arms or points that each correspond to the star shape of the nib  116 . 
     In other embodiments, the presentation data may be a “spray” function, such as spray paint. With reference to  FIGS. 7E and 8E  in a first state, the stylus  104  may have a first spray  228  input and a first graphic  230  illustrating the density of the spray  228 . As the stylus  104  provides input to the computing device  102 , the spray  228  pattern may be presented on the display  106 . As one or more characteristics of the stylus or user input to the stylus changes, the density or other characteristic of the spray presentation may vary. With reference to  FIGS. 7F and 8F , in one example, the spray  228  may become denser, resulting in an increase in density to the graphic  230 . In other words, as the presentation spray  228  becomes denser, the spray graphic  230  illustrated on the graphic display  112  may also become denser. 
     It should be noted that the example graphics and presentation data shown in  FIGS. 4A-8F  are meant as illustrative only. It is envisioned that many other types of presentation data and graphics envisioned and may be varied as desired. Additionally, the nib may include other types of shapes, sizes, or the like, e.g., the nib may include multiple tips, such as two prongs, and/or a quill shape. As an example, the stylus  104  may include a pen mode, pencil mode, and a marker mode. Continuing with this example, the icons may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the nib and/or the virtual material of the nib, e.g., during marker mode the icon may have a felt-like appearance, whereas in pencil mode the icon may have a lead or graphite appearance. In this example both the color, size, shape, shading, and other characteristics of the icon may be changed. As another example, the icon may display words, letters, numbers, or the like that correspond to presentation data presented on the display  106  corresponding to the input of the stylus  104 . Continuing with this example, the icon may display a first number corresponding to a first line thickness and a second number corresponding to a second line thickness. In a pencil mode these icons may correspond to types of lead thickness that are used with mechanical pencils. 
     An example method for changing the output of the graphic display  112  corresponding to of the state of the stylus  104  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating a method  300  for providing indication to a user with the stylus. The method  300  may begin with operation  302  and the stylus  104  is activated. The stylus  104  may be activated in a number of different manners, such as, but not limited to, the user selecting one of the input switches  118 ,  120  to turn on the power source  124 , one of the sensors  128  detecting that the user is moving or gripping the stylus  104 , or the computing device  102  may send a wake signal to the stylus  104  when the stylus  104  is within a certain distance from the device  102 . Many other activation mechanisms are envisioned and the above listed examples are meant as illustrative only. 
     Once the stylus  104  has been activated, the method  300  proceeds to operation  304 . In operation  304 , the graphic display  112  displays a graphic, such as an icon, corresponding to the current presentation attributes of the nib  116 . As discussed above, the presentation data corresponding to the nib  116  may include both physical and virtual attributes, such color, thickness, material type, number of bristles, and so on. Additionally, the presentation attributes of the nib  116  may also be based on one or more user inputs, such as pressure, velocity, grip, and so on. In one embodiment, the processing element  130  may determine the one or more presentation data based on data from the stylus  104  (e.g., the one or more sensors  128 ), as well as data from the computing device  102  (e.g., active application). 
     Once the graphic display  112  has been activated to display a graphic corresponding to the presentation data of the stylus  104 , the method  300  may proceed to operation  306 . In operation  306  the processing element  130  may determine whether there has been a change to the presentation data. The presentation data or stylus attributes may change for a number of different reasons, such as, but not limited to, user input to the stylus, user input to the computing device  102 , sensed user input detected by the sensors  128 , physical change to the stylus (e.g., replacing the nib), or the like. The type of parameters that may correspond to a change in the graphic display  112  may be varied based on the embodiment, type of computing device, and generally as desired. It should be noted that the stylus  104  can detect one or more changes at a time. For example, if the pressure exerted on the nib changes, along with an angle of the stylus  104  relative to the screen  106 , both attributes may recognized as having been varied. As another example, in embodiments where the display screen  112  is a touch screen or otherwise can receive a user input, the user may press one or more locations of the graphic display  112  to provide input to the stylus  104 . Continuing with this example, the user may press the graphic display  112  to change the color of the presentation data, the line width, the density, or other attributes of the presentation data. 
     If a change is not detected in operation  306 , the method  300  returns to operation  304  and the graphic display  112  continues to display the current graphic. However, if a change is detected in operation  306 , the method  300  proceeds to operation  308 . In operation  308 , the processing element  130  causes the graphic display  112  to vary the graphic to correspond to changed attribute. As an example, if an increase in pressure applied to the nib  116  is detected during operation  306 , the graphic illustrated on the graphic display  112  may increase in width or darkness. As another example, if color was the changed attribute, the graphic display  112  will change the color of the graphic. Additionally, in instances where multiple attributes are changed simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously), each of the changes may be reflected in the change in the graphic. In other words, the graphic display  112  may vary the graphic to directly correspond to the state the stylus  104  and as multiple characteristics are changed, multiple characteristics of the graphic may also change. 
     After operation  308 , the method  300  may proceed to operation  310 . In operation  310 , the processing element  130  may determine whether there are additional changes to the attributes of the presentation data or state of the stylus. Operation  308  may be substantially the same as operation  306 . Alternatively, operation  306  may detect changes in a first set of attributes and in operation  310  a second set of attributes may be analyzed. 
     If there are no additional changes, the method  300  may return to operation  304  and the current graphic may continue to be displayed. However, if there are additional changes, the method  300  may return to operation  308  and the icon may be varied to highlight the new changes. 
     Using the method  300  and the stylus  104 , the user receives dynamic indication that may be updated to correspond to the state of the stylus  104  and/or presentation data corresponding to the input of the stylus. The dynamic indication may allow a user to use the stylus  104  without requiring test strokes on the display  106  to check the presentation data corresponding to input of the stylus  104 , as well as have a visual indication on the stylus of how his or her input to the stylus will vary the presentation data. Moreover, the visual indication provided by the graphic display  112  may allow the stylus  104  to be used to provide input to a non-visual display  106  or computing device  102  or may be used separate from the display  106 , as the stylus itself can provide indication to the user regarding characteristics of the presentation data. Additionally, the position of the graphic display  112  on the back end of the stylus  104  may provide an intuitive location for the user to look when searching for indication of the stylus  104 . 
     As briefly discussed above with respect to  FIG. 9 , the graphic display  112  may be varied based on a number of different parameters. A method for changing the graphic display  112  based on multiple parameters will now be discussed.  FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating a method for using the stylus to provide indication to a user based on multiple parameters. With reference to  FIG. 10 , the method  400  may begin with operation  402  and the stylus  104  is activated. As with operation  302 , in operation  402  the stylus  104  may be activated in a number of different manners. In one example, the stylus  104  may be activated when one or more of the sensors  128  detect a user input (e.g., the accelerometer detecting that the stylus is moving) or when one of the switches  118 ,  120  are activated. 
     Once the stylus  104  has been activated, the method  400  may proceed to operation  404 . In operation  404 , the graphic display  404  displays a graphic, such as an icon or character, corresponding the current attributes of the stylus  104 . After operation  306 , the method  400  proceeds to operation  406 . In operation  406 , the processing element  130  may analyze data from the one or more sensors  128  to determine if a sensed input has been changed. For example, the processing element  130  may determine whether an angle or tilt of the stylus  104  has been changed, whether a pressure exerted on the body  114  or nib  116  has increased, or whether the user has changed his or her grip on the body  114 . 
     If one or more of the sensors  128  have a sensed input change, the method  400  proceeds to operation  408  and the graphic displayed on the graphic display  112  is changed correspondingly. As an example, if the stylus positioned at a smaller angle relative to the screen (e.g., tilted), the graphic may be varied to indicate an angled line or other variation in presentation data. After operation  408  or if there is no change detected by the sensors  128 , the method proceeds to operation  410 . 
     In operation  410 , the processing element  130  may determine whether any direct user input has been received. For example, the processing element  130  may determine whether a user has activated one or more switches  118 ,  120 . As a specific example, the processing element  130  may determine whether a user has rotated the first switch  118 , which may indicate that the user wishes to change the output thickness, color, type, or the like, of the stylus  104 . 
     If a direct user input is detected, the method  400  proceeds to operation  412  and the graphic on the graphic display  112  is updated according to the change in the stylus state corresponding to the direct user input. For example, rotation of the first switch may correspond to a change in color of the presentation data the color of the graphic may be changed accordingly. After operation  412 , or if no direct input is detected in operation  410 , the method  400  proceeds to operation  414 . 
     In operation  414 , the processing element  130  determines whether a computer input has been varied. For example, the computing device  102  may transmit data to the stylus  104  (e.g., through the I/O component  122  or the nib  116 ) indicating a change corresponding to the presentation data illustrated on the display  106 . As one example, the computing device  102  may transmit data corresponding to the active application, which may control one or more characteristics of the presentation data. As an example, if a painting application is active, the presentation data may be a first type of line or spray, whereas if a note-taking application is active, the output of the stylus may have a type face or a second type of line display. As another example, the user may provide input to the computing device  102 , either through the stylus  104  or otherwise, that may be used to change the features of the presentation data. Continuing with this example, the user may select a graphic on the display or provide another type of input that may change a color, brush type, line thickness, or the like, of the presentation data corresponding to the stylus input to the computing device. 
     If the computing device  102  has a change in the presentation data, the computing device  102  transfers data corresponding to the change to the stylus  104 , such as to the I/O component  122 . The method  400  then proceeds to operation  416  and the processing element  130  changes the graphic on the graphic display  112  to correspond to the change in presentation data. Once the graphic has been changed in operation  416  or if in operation  414  there is no change, the method  400  returns to operation  404 . 
     Using the method  400 , the user may be provided indication corresponding to substantially any change in the presentation data of the stylus, whether it be sensed changes, user input changes, or those from the computing device. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on stylus embodiments, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to substantially any other type of input device. Similarly, although the input device and receiving unit may be discussed with touch screens, the devices and techniques disclosed herein are equally applicable to other types of capacitive coupling systems. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130517
Publication Date: 20180821
Grant Date: 20180821
Priority Date: 20130517
Inventors: STRINGER, CHRISTOPHER J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0442", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0441", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0442", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0441", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51895395