PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10180732-B2
Application Number: US-201213605544-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Gimballed scroll wheel

Abstract:
An input device that includes both a movement detector, such as mechanical switch, and positional indicator, such as touch pad touch screen, and/or touch sensing housing is disclosed. These two input devices can be used substantially simultaneously to provide a command to the device. In this manner, different commands can be associated with depressing a moveable member in different areas and a single moveable member can perform like several buttons.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A handheld electronic device comprising:
 a frame and a platform, 
 the platform comprising a first region and a second region, 
 the first region being positioned in the second region, 
 the second region comprising a touch sensitive surface, 
 the first region being moveable relative to the second region to activate a first switch, and 
 the second region being movable to activate a second switch and at least one of a first function uniquely associated with a first touch-sensitive zone on the second region and the second switch and a second function uniquely associated with a second touch-sensitive zone on the second region and the second switch, the first function and the second function being non-identical, 
 wherein the second region is configured such that pressing the first touch-sensitive zone activates the second switch, and detecting a touch at the first touch-sensitive zone overlapping in time with the activation of the second switch enables at least the first function but not the second function, and wherein the second region is further configured such that pressing the second touch-sensitive zone activates the second switch, and detecting a touch at the second touch-sensitive zone overlapping in time with the activation of the second switch enables at least the second function but not the first function. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1  wherein the platform is moveable relative to the frame. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1  wherein the first region comprises a center button, the second region comprises a click wheel, and the touch sensitive surface comprises a touch pad or a touch screen. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1  comprising a sensor configured to sense force applied to the platform. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 4  wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a force sensitive resistor, a pressure sensor and a proximity sensor. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1  comprising a sensor configured to produce a signal when a finger is positioned over the sensor. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1  comprising a sensor configured to activate as a finger touches the sensor. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1  wherein the touch sensitive surface comprises a unitary touchable outer surface. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second region further comprises at least a third touch-sensitive zone and a fourth touch-sensitive zone, wherein pressing the third touch-sensitive zone activates the second switch and wherein pressing the fourth touch-sensitive zone activates the second switch. 
     
     
       10. An input device, comprising:
 a first touch-sensitive means; 
 a second touch-sensitive means formed around the first touch-sensitive means; 
 wherein the first touch-sensitive means is moveable relative to the second touch-sensitive means to activate a first switching means; 
 wherein the second touch-sensitive means is movable to activate a second switching means and at least one of a first function uniquely associated with a first touch-sensitive zone on the second touch-sensitive means and the second switching means and a second function uniquely associated with a second touch-sensitive zone on the second touch-sensitive means and the second switching means, the first function and the second function being non-identical; 
 wherein the second touch-sensitive means is configured such that pressing the first touch-sensitive zone activates the second switching means, and detecting a touch at the first touch-sensitive zone partially overlapping in time with the activation of the second switching means enables at least the first function but not the second function, and wherein the second touch-sensitive means is further configured such that pressing the second touch-sensitive zone activates the second switching means, and detecting a touch at the second touch-sensitive zone overlapping in time with the activation of the second switching means enables at least the second function but not the first function. 
 
     
     
       11. The input device of  claim 10 , wherein the first touch-sensitive means comprises a center button, and the second touch-sensitive means comprises a click wheel. 
     
     
       12. The input device of  claim 10 , further comprising force sensing means configured to sense force applied to the input device. 
     
     
       13. The input device of  claim 12 , wherein the force sensing means comprises at least one of a force sensitive resistor, a pressure sensor and a proximity sensor. 
     
     
       14. The input device of  claim 10 , further comprising an object sensing means configured to produce a signal when a finger is positioned over the object sensing means. 
     
     
       15. The input device of  claim 10 , further comprising an object sensing means configured to activate as a finger touches the object sensing means. 
     
     
       16. The input device of  claim 10 , wherein the second touch-sensitive means comprises a unitary touchable outer surface. 
     
     
       17. The input device of  claim 10 , wherein the second touch-sensitive means further comprises at least a third touch-sensitive zone and a fourth touch-sensitive zone, wherein pressing the third touch-sensitive zone activates the second switching means and wherein pressing the fourth touch-sensitive zone activates the second switching means.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 13/544,527, filed Jul. 9, 2012, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/882,889, filed Aug. 6, 2007, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/812,383, filed Jun. 18, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/850,662, filed Oct. 11, 2006, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This relates to methods and devices in which data associated with a first input, such as a touch pad or touch screen, and data associated with a second input, such as a button, may both be used in combination to generate a single command. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Several kinds of input devices are known for performing operations in a computing device. Some examples of input devices include buttons, switches, keyboards, mice, trackballs, touch pads, joy sticks, touch screens and the like. Each of these devices has advantages and disadvantages that may be taken into account when designing an input apparatus for a computing device. The operations generally include moving a cursor and selecting items displayed on a display screen. The operations may also include paging, scrolling, panning, zooming, etc. 
     Some input devices are better configured to perform certain functions than other input devices. For example, touch pads and touch screens are useful for providing location information and buttons are useful for indicating selections. Since most computing devices perform several different functions, a combination of different input devices that are able to provide input in different manners is often desired. 
     In addition, many computing devices are designed to be portable, for example, media players, remote controls, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, etc. Designing input devices for these portable devices presents some unique problems. For example, there is typically a push to increase the ability and, thus, the number of functions that these portable computing devices are able to perform. As the number of operations that these portable devices perform increases, the number of controls desired to control these operations and the complexity of these controls also typically increase. A competing concern is that there is also pressure to make portable computing devices smaller, and thus, more portable. However, as the size of these devices decreases, the amount of space in which to locate input devices also decreases. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for compact input device configurations that can be used to control a variety of different functions in a variety of different manners. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein are exemplary embodiments of devices, including computing devices, that use at least two different input devices substantially simultaneously to generate a single command. One example of two different input devices may include a movement detector, such as a mechanical switch, and a position indicator, such as a touch pad or touch screen. By using such different input devices in combination, the number of operations that can be controlled by these two input devices can be increased. In addition, the benefits associated with each of these two different input devices can be used while making the command. These input devices may also be layered, one on top of the other, further decreasing the amount of space on a device used by the input devices. 
     In some embodiments the input device may include a movement detector, such as a dome switch, placed under a platform that includes a position indicator. The device can then use the movement of the platform in making selections. Since this movement can be felt by a user of the device, this configuration allows the device to give tactile feedback to the user while the user is making a selection. This tactile feedback can further be improved by configuring the device to provide a “click” sensation when the platform is depressed. 
     When the platform is depressed or otherwise moved by a user&#39;s finger (or stylus or other device), a movement detector can detect this movement. In this manner, the platform operates as a button. In some embodiments the entire platform may be depressed. In other embodiments, a portion of the platform may be depressed, causing the platform to tilt or “gimbal.” 
     A position indicator can be configured to indicate the position on the platform that has been acted on by the user&#39;s finger or other device. Examples of a position indicator include a touch pad and a touch screen. The touch pad or touch screen can be located directly on the platform. 
     A processor can then be configured to generate a single command that is dependent on both the input from the movement detector and the input from the position indicator. In this manner, different commands can be associated with depressing the platform in different locations, enabling a single platform to provide the functionality of multiple buttons. The platform may also include predetermined zones. An example of a device that includes predetermined button zones can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/592,679, entitled “MOVABLE TOUCH PAD WITH ADDED FUNCTIONALITY,” filed Nov. 3, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The processor can then be configured to generate a command that is dependent on the zone in which a user depresses the platform. 
     Unlike a touch pad or touch screen or non-mechanical sensor alone, this configuration allows the user to receive the tactile feedback associated with buttons while making selections. Further, the number of mechanical movement indicators and the amount of space on a device used for issuing selections can be decreased. 
     Embodiments of an input device may include a platform suspended on a single flexible member. The flexible member may, for example, be in the shape of a bubble that presses the platform against a housing. The flexible member allows the platform to be tilted 360 degrees about an axis. A movement detector can be configured to detect the movement of the movable platform relative to the housing. The platform also may include a variety of components including a position sensing device to detect the position of a user&#39;s finger on the platform when the platform is tilted or depressed. 
     Examples of devices that may use the input devices described herein include media players, desktop computers, laptop computers, keyboard units, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, and remote controls. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate an example of simplified side views of an input device having a button touch pad according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a simplified block diagram of an input device connected to a computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a simplified perspective diagram of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate an example of a side view, in cross section, of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate an example of a side view, in cross section, of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a perspective diagram of a media player according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a perspective diagram of a laptop computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a perspective diagram of a desktop computer with a peripheral input device connected thereto according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a perspective diagram of a remote control using an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example of an exploded perspective diagram of a media player and input device assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a side elevation view of the bottom side of a media player containing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an example of a simplified block diagram of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The representative embodiments described herein relate to devices that use signals from a movement indicator and a position indicator substantially simultaneously to generate a single command. A platform mounted in a frame of the device can include sensors that can indicate the position of an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, in contact with the platform. In addition, a movement indicator on the device can detect movement of the platform relative to the frame. 
     A user can depress the platform to generate a button command. Since the position of the activation force on the touch pad or touch screen can be determined from the positional indicator, different button commands can be generated depending where on the platform the user depresses the platform. 
     In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the preferred embodiments. In addition, the following description includes examples that utilize a touch pad as an object sensing device to provide location or other input data. It is understood that reference to a touch pad can also refer to other object sensing devices including (without limitation) touch sensing devices and/or proximity sensing devices, and further including (for example) touch pads, touch screens and/or touch sensing housings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a simplified perspective view of an input device  430 . In this example, the input device  430  is generally configured to send information or data to an electronic device in order to perform an action on a display screen (e.g., via a graphical user interface). Examples of actions that may be performed include, moving an input pointer, making a selection, providing instructions, etc. The input device may interact with the electronic device through a wired connection (e.g., cable/connector) or a wireless connection (e.g., IR, Bluetooth, etc.). The input device  430  may be a stand alone unit or it may be integrated into the electronic device. As a stand alone unit, the input device may have its own enclosure. When integrated into an electronic device, the input device typically uses the enclosure of the electronic device. In either case, the input device may be structurally coupled to the enclosure, as for example, through screws, snaps, retainers, adhesives and the like. In some cases, the input device may be removably coupled to the electronic device, as for example, through a docking station. The electronic device to which the input device is coupled may correspond to any consumer related electronic product. By way of example, the electronic device may correspond to a computer such as desktop computer, laptop computer or PDA, a media player such as a music player, a communication device such as a cellular phone, another input device such as a keyboard, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in this embodiment the input device  430  may include a frame  432  (or support structure) and a touch pad  434 . The frame  432  provides a structure for supporting the components of the input device. The frame  432  in the form of a housing may also enclose or contain the components of the input device. The components, which include the touch pad  434 , may correspond to electrical, optical and/or mechanical components for operating the input device  430 . 
     The touch pad  434  provides location information for an object in contact with or in proximity to the touch pad. This information can be used in combination with information provided by a movement indicator to generate a single command associated with the movement of the touch pad. The touch pad can be used as an input device by itself; for example, the touch pad may be used to move an object or scroll through a list of items on the device. 
     The touch pad  434  may be widely varied. For example, the touch pad  434  may be a conventional touch pad based on the Cartesian coordinate system, or the touch pad  434  may be a touch pad based on a Polar coordinate system. An example of a touch pad based on polar coordinates may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,046,230, entitled “TOUCH PAD FOR HANDHELD DEVICE,” which is herein incorporated by reference. Furthermore, the touch pad  434  may be used in at least two different modes, which may be referred to as a relative mode and/or an absolute mode. In absolute mode, the touch pad  434  reports the absolute coordinates of the location at which it is being touched. For example, these would be “x” and “y” coordinates in the case of a standard Cartesian coordinate system or (r,θ) in the case of a Polar coordinate system. In relative mode, the touch pad  434  reports the direction and/or distance of change, for example, left/right, up/down, and the like. In most cases, the signals produced by the touch pad  434  direct movement on the display screen in a direction similar to the direction of the finger as it is moved across the surface of the touch pad  434 . 
     The shape of the touch pad  434  may be widely varied. For example, the touch pad  434  may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, and the like. In general, the outer perimeter of the touch pad  434  defines the working boundary of the touch pad  434 . In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad is circular. Circular touch pads allow a user to continuously swirl a finger in a free manner, i.e., the finger can be rotated through 360 degrees of rotation without stopping. This form of motion may produce incremental or accelerated scrolling through a list of songs being displayed on a display screen, for example. Furthermore, the user can rotate his or her finger tangentially from all sides, thus providing more finger position range. Both of these features may help when performing a scrolling function. Furthermore, the size of the touch pad  434  generally corresponds to a size that allows it to be easily manipulated by a user (e.g., the size of a finger tip or larger). 
     The touch pad  434 , which generally takes the form of a rigid planar platform, includes a touchable outer surface  436  for receiving a finger (or object) for manipulation of the touch pad. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , beneath the touchable outer surface  436  is a sensor arrangement that is sensitive to such things as the pressure and movement of a finger thereon. The sensor arrangement typically includes a plurality of sensors that may be configured to activate as the finger sits on, taps on or passes over them. In the simplest case, an electrical signal is produced each time the finger is positioned over a sensor. The number of signals in a given time frame may indicate location, direction, speed and acceleration of the finger on the touch pad  434 , i.e., the more signals, the more the user moved his or her finger. In most cases, the signals are monitored by an electronic interface that converts the number, combination and frequency of the signals into location, direction, speed and acceleration information. This information may then be used by the electronic device to perform the desired control function on the display screen. The sensor arrangement may be widely varied. By way of example, the sensors may be based on resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave sensing, pressure sensing (e.g., strain gauge), optical sensing, capacitive sensing and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad  434  is based on capacitive sensing. A capacitively based touch pad is arranged to detect changes in capacitance as the user moves an object such as a finger around the touch pad. In most cases, the capacitive touch pad includes a protective shield, one or more electrode layers, a circuit board and associated electronics including an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The protective shield is placed over the electrodes; the electrodes are mounted on the top surface of the circuit board; and the ASIC is mounted on the bottom surface of the circuit board. The protective shield serves to protect the underlayers and to provide a surface for allowing a finger to slide thereon. The surface is generally smooth so that the finger does not stick to it when moved. The protective shield also provides an insulating layer between the finger and the electrode layers. The electrode layer includes a plurality of spatially distinct electrodes. Any suitable number of electrodes may be used. As the number of electrodes increases, the resolution of the touch pad also increases. 
     Capacitive sensing works according to the principles of capacitance. As should be appreciated, whenever two electrically conductive members come close to one another without actually touching, their electric fields interact to form capacitance. In the configuration discussed above, the first electrically conductive member is one or more of the electrodes and the second electrically conductive member is the finger of the user. Accordingly, as the finger approaches the touch pad, a tiny capacitance forms between the finger and the electrodes in close proximity to the finger. The capacitance in each of the electrodes is measured by the ASIC located on the backside of the circuit board. By detecting changes in capacitance at each of the electrodes, the ASIC can determine the location, direction, speed and acceleration of the finger as it is moved across the touch pad. The ASIC can also report this information in a form that can be used by the electronic device. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the touch pad  434  is movable relative to the frame  432 . This movement is detected by a movement detector that generates another control signal. By way of example, the touch pad  434  in the form of the rigid planar platform may rotate, pivot, slide, translate, flex and/or the like relative to the frame  432 . The touch pad  434  may be coupled to the frame  432  and/or it may be movably restrained by the frame  432 . By way of example, the touch pad  434  may be coupled to the frame  432  through axels, pin joints, slider joints, ball and socket joints, flexure joints, magnets, cushions and/or the like. The touch pad  434  may also float within a space of the frame (e.g., gimbal). It should be noted that the input device  430  may additionally include a combination of joints such as a pivot/translating joint, pivot/flexure joint, pivot/ball and socket joint, translating/flexure joint, and the like to increase the range of movement (e.g., increase the degree of freedom). 
     When moved, the touch pad  434  is configured to actuate a movement detector circuit that generates one or more signals. The circuit generally includes one or more movement detectors such as switches, sensors, encoders, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad  434  is part of a depressible platform. The touch pad operates as a button and performs one or more mechanical clicking actions. Multiple functions of the device can be accessed by depressing the touch pad  434  in different locations. A movement detector signals that the touch pad  434  has been depressed, and the touch pad  434  signals a location on the platform that has been touched. By combining both the movement detector signals and the touch pad signals, the touch pad  434  acts like multiple buttons such that depressing the touch pad at different locations corresponds to different buttons. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , according to one embodiment the touch pad  434  is capable of moving between an upright position ( FIG. 2A ) and a depressed position ( FIG. 2B ) when a substantial force from a finger  438 , palm, hand or other object is applied to the touch pad  434 . The touch pad  434  is typically spring biased in the upright position, as for example through a spring member. The touch pad  434  moves to the depressed position when the spring bias is overcome by an object pressing on the touch pad  434 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the touch pad  434  generates tracking signals when an object such as a user&#39;s finger is moved over the top surface of the touch pad in the x, y plane. As shown in  FIG. 2B , in the depressed position (z direction), the touch pad  434  generates both positional information and a movement indicator generates a signal indicating that the touch pad  434  has moved. The positional information and the movement indication are combined to form a button command. Different button commands can correspond to depressing the touch pad  434  in different locations. The different button commands may be used for various functionalities including, but not limited to, making selections or issuing commands associated with operating an electronic device. By way of example, in the case of a music player, the button commands may be associated with opening a menu, playing a song, fast forwarding a song, seeking through a menu and the like. 
     To elaborate, the touch pad  434  is configured to actuate a movement detector, which together with the touch pad positional information, forms a button command when the touch pad  434  is moved to the depressed position. The movement detector is typically located within the frame  432  and may be coupled to the touch pad  434  and/or the frame  432 . The movement detector may be any combination of switches and sensors. Switches are generally configured to provide pulsed or binary data such as activate (on) or deactivate (off). By way of example, an underside portion of the touch pad  434  may be configured to contact or engage (and thus activate) a switch when the user presses on the touch pad  434 . The sensors, on the other hand, are generally configured to provide continuous or analog data. By way of example, the sensor may be configured to measure the position or the amount of tilt of the touch pad  434  relative to the frame when a user presses on the touch pad  434 . Any suitable mechanical, electrical and/or optical switch or sensor may be used. For example, tact switches, force sensitive resistors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, and the like may be used. In some case, the spring bias for placing the touch pad  434  in the upright position is provided by a movement detector that includes a spring action. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a simplified block diagram of a computing system  439 . The computing system generally includes an input device  440  operatively connected to a computing device  442 . By way of example, the input device  440  may generally correspond to the input device  430  shown in  FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B , and the computing device  442  may correspond to a computer, PDA, media player or the like. As shown, the input device  440  includes a depressible touch pad  444  and one or more movement detectors  446 . The touch pad  444  is configured to generate tracking signals and the movement detector  446  is configured to generate a movement signal when the touch pad is depressed. Although the touch pad  444  may be widely varied, in this embodiment, the touch pad  444  includes capacitance sensors  448  and a control system  450  for acquiring the position signals from the sensors  448  and supplying the signals to the computing device  442 . The control system  450  may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is configured to monitor the signals from the sensors  448 , to compute the angular location, direction, speed and acceleration of the monitored signals and to report this information to a processor of the computing device  442 . The movement detector  446  may also be widely varied. In this embodiment, however, the movement detector  446  takes the form of a switch that generates a movement signal when the touch pad  444  is depressed. The switch  446  may correspond to a mechanical, electrical or optical style switch. In one particular implementation, the switch  446  is a mechanical style switch that includes a protruding actuator  452  that may be pushed by the touch pad  444  to generate the movement signal. By way of example, the switch may be a tact or dome switch. 
     Both the touch pad  444  and the switch  446  are operatively coupled to the computing device  442  through a communication interface  454 . The communication interface provides a connection point for direct or indirect connection between the input device and the electronic device. The communication interface  454  may be wired (wires, cables, connectors) or wireless (e.g., transmitter/receiver). 
     Referring to the computing device  442 , the computing device  442  generally includes a processor  457  (e.g., CPU or microprocessor) configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the computing device  442 . For example, using instructions retrieved from memory, the processor may control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of the computing device  442 . The processor  457  is configured to receive input from both the switch  446  and the touch pad  444  and form a single command that is dependent upon both of these inputs. In most cases, the processor  457  executes instruction under the control of an operating system or other software. The processor  457  can be a single-chip processor or can be implemented with multiple components. 
     The computing device  442  also includes an input/output (I/O) controller  456  that is operatively coupled to the processor  457 . The (I/O) controller  456  may be integrated with the processor  457  or it may be a separate component as shown. The I/O controller  456  is generally configured to control interactions with one or more I/O devices that can be coupled to the computing device  442 , as for example the input device  440 . The I/O controller  456  generally operates by exchanging data between the computing device  442  and I/O devices that desire to communicate with the computing device  442 . 
     The computing device  442  also includes a display controller  458  that is operatively coupled to the processor  457 . The display controller  458  may be integrated with the processor  457  or it may be a separate component as shown. The display controller  458  is configured to process display commands to produce text and graphics on a display screen  460 . By way of example, the display screen  460  may be a monochrome display, color graphics adapter (CGA) display, enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) display, variable-graphics-array (VGA) display, super VGA display, liquid crystal display (e.g., active matrix, passive matrix and the like), cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma displays and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the display device corresponds to a liquid crystal display (LCD). 
     In most cases, the processor  457  together with an operating system operates to execute computer code and produce and use data. The computer code and data may reside within a program storage area  462  that is operatively coupled to the processor  457 . Program storage area  462  generally provides a place to hold data that is being used by the computing device  442 . By way of example, the program storage area may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive and/or the like. The computer code and data could also reside on a removable program medium and loaded or installed onto the computing device when needed. In one embodiment, program storage area  462  is configured to store information for controlling how the tracking and movement signals generated by the input device are used in combination by the computing device  442  to generate a single button command. 
       FIG. 4  is a simplified perspective diagram of an input device  470 . Like the input device shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , this input device  470  incorporates the functionality of a button (or buttons) directly into the touch pad  472 , i.e., the touch pad acts like a button. In this embodiment, however, the touch pad  472  is divided into a plurality of independent and spatially distinct button zones  474 . The button zones  474  represent regions of the touch pad  472  that may be moved by a user to implement distinct button functions. The dotted lines represent areas of the touch pad  472  that make up an individual button zone. Any number of button zones may be used, for example, two or more, four, eight, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad  472  includes four button zones  474  (i.e., zones A-D). 
     As should be appreciated, the button functions generated by pressing on each button zone may include selecting an item on the screen, opening a file or document, executing instructions, starting a program, viewing a menu, and/or the like. The button functions may also include functions that make it easier to navigate through the electronic system, as for example, zoom, scroll, open different menus, home the input pointer, perform keyboard related actions such as enter, delete, insert, page up/down, and the like. In the case of a music player, one of the button zones may be used to access a menu on the display screen, a second button zone may be used to seek forward through a list of songs or fast forward through a currently playing song, a third button zone may be used to seek backwards through a list of songs or fast rearward through a currently playing song, and a fourth button zone may be used to pause or stop a song that is being played. 
     To elaborate, the touch pad  472  is capable of moving relative to the frame  476  so as to create a clicking action. The frame  476  may be formed from a single component or it may be a combination of assembled components. The clicking action actuates a movement detector contained inside the frame  476 . The movement detector is configured to sense movements of the button zones during the clicking action and to send a signal corresponding to the movement to the electronic device. By way of example, the movement detectors may be switches, sensors and/or the like. 
     In addition, the touch pad  472  is configured to send positional information on what button zone is being acted on when the clicking action occurs. The positional information allows to device to determine which button zone is being activated when the touch pad is moved relative to the frame. 
     The movements of each of the button zones  474  may be provided by various rotations, pivots, translations, flexes and the like. In one embodiment, the touch pad  472  is configured to gimbal relative to the frame  476 . By gimbal, it is generally meant that the touch pad  472  is able to float in space relative to the frame  476  while still being constrained thereto. The gimbal may allow the touch pad  472  to move in single or multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) relative to the housing, for example, movements in the x, y and/or z directions and/or rotations about the x, y, and/or z axes (θ x θ y θ z ). 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  show a particular implementation of a input device  600 . The input device  600  includes a touch pad  605  mounted on a gimbal plate  604 . The gimbal plate is held within a space  601  in a housing with top plate  602 . The gimbal plate  604  lies on top of a single flexible member  608 . 
     One or more movement detectors are activated by the movement of gimbal plate  605 . For example, one or more movement detectors can be positioned around or on gimbal plate  608  and can be activated by the tilt or other desired movement of gimbal plate  608 . Flexible member  608  can be part of the movement detector, for example the dome on a SMT dome switch. 
     The flexible member  608  can be formed in a bubble shape that provides the spring force to push the gimbal plate into mating engagement with the top wall of frame  602  and away from supportive surface  608 . Tab  606  protrudes from the side of gimbal plate  606  and extends under top plate  602 . 
     The gimbal plate is allowed to float within cutout  601 . The shape of the space  601  generally coincides with the shape of the gimbal plate  604 . As such, the unit is substantially restrained along the x and y axes via a side wall  603  of the top plate  602  and along the z axis via engagement of top plate  602  and tab  606  on gimbal plate  604 . Gimbal plate  604  is thus capable of moving within space  601  while still being prevented from moving entirely out of the space  601  via the walls of the top plate  602 . 
     With respect to  FIGS. 5B and 5C , according to one embodiment, a user presses on the gimbal plate  604  in the location of the desired button function. As shown in  FIG. 5B , if the user presses on the side of the gimbal plate  604 , the gimbal plate tilts. Tab  606  and supportive surface  610  limit the amount of tilt of the gimbal plate. The gimbal plate may be tilted about an axis in a 360 degree pattern around the gimbal plate. One or more movement detectors can be positioned to monitor the movement of the gimbal plate. 
       5 C shows that if the user presses down on the center of the gimbal plate  604 , the gimbal plate moves down into the housing without tilting. The gimbal plate is nonetheless still restrained within the housing by the walls of top plate  602 . 
     Touch pad  605 , mounted on gimbal plate  604 , provides the position of the user&#39;s finger when gimbal plate  604  is pressed. This positional information is used by the device to determine what button function is desired by the user. For example, the interface may be divided into distinct button zones as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this instance, activation of a single movement detector that monitors the movement of gimbal plate  604  can be used to provide several button commands. For example, a first signal generated by touch pad  605  on gimbal plate  604  may generate a first signal that indicates the position of the user&#39;s finger on the gimbal plate. A movement detector such as a dome switch can then be used to generate a second signal that indicates that the gimbal plate has been moved, for example, depressed. 
     The input device including the gimbal plate and a touch pad can be part of a computer system  439  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The communication interface  454  can provide the first and second signals provided by the touch pad and the movement detector respectively to computing device  442  including a processor  454 . The processor can then determine which command is associated with the combination of the first and second signals. In this manner, activating the movement detector by pressing on the touch pad in different positions can correspond to different actions and a single movement detector can be used to provide the functionality of multiple buttons positioned around the gimbal plate  604 . 
     By using a touch pad and the gimbal plate as configured in  FIGS. 5A-5C , multiple button functions can be accessed with a single movement detector. This can be used to produce a device with fewer parts as compared to devices that use a different movement detector to produce each button command. 
     Having only a single movement detector positioned under the gimbal plate also improves the tactile feel of the input device. A user of the device will feel only a single click on any part of the gimbal plate the user presses. Having multiple mechanical switch type movement detectors under a gimbal plate can result in a “crunching” type feel in which the user feels multiple clicks in series when they press down on the gimbal plate. 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  show a side cross section of an embodiment of an input device  620  that uses two dome switches. One dome switch  622  is activated by a user pressing anywhere around the click wheel  624 , and the second dome switch  626  is activated by depressing the center button  628 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  show a cross section of a round click wheel  624  that surrounds center button  628 , which is positioned in the center of the click wheel. The click wheel  624  includes a touch pad  625 . The click wheel  624  is configured to gimbal relative to the frame  630  in order to provide a clicking action for any position on the click wheel  624 . 
     The click wheel  624  is restrained within a space  632  provided in the frame  630 . The click wheel  624  is capable of moving within the space  632  while still being prevented from moving entirely out of the space  632  via the walls of the frame  630 . The shape of the space  632  generally coincides with the shape of the click wheel  624 . As such, the unit is substantially restrained along the x and y axes via a side wall  634  of the frame  630  and along the z axis via a top wall  636  and a bottom wall  640  of the frame  630 . A small gap may be provided between the side walls and the platform to allow the touch pad to gimbal 360 degrees around its axis without obstruction (e.g., a slight amount of play). In some cases, the platform may include tabs that extend along the x and y axes so as to prevent rotation about the z axis. 
     The center button  628  is positioned within a space  642  in the click wheel  624 . The center button  628  is constrained within space  642  along the x and y axes via side wall  644  of click wheel  624  and along the z axis by tabs  646  of click wheel  646  and by bottom wall  640 , which connects with legs  647  of center button  628  when the center button is pressed. 
     Positioned beneath the center button  628  are two dome switches  622  and  626 . The two dome switches provide the mechanical spring action for center button  628  and click wheel  624 . A rigid plate  648  is positioned between the two dome switches. The rigid plate  648  extends through holes in legs  647  and under click wheel  624 . In this manner, the rigid plate transmits the spring force of dome switches  622  and  626  to the click wheel  624  and the rigid plate transmits any force supplied by a user to click wheel  624  to dome switch  622 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows how only click wheel dome switch  622  is activated when a user depresses click wheel  624 . When a user depresses anywhere on the click wheel  624 , the click wheel gimbals in the area  632  and the force of the user pressing down is conveyed to inverted dome switch  622  by rigid plate  648  and bottom wall  640 . Bottom wall  640  may include a nub  650  for conveying the force of the click to the center of the dome switch  622 . Center button dome switch  626  does not actuate since it pivots together with the click wheel  624 . The clearance between the center button  628  and the snap dome below it remains constant as it pivots together with the wheel. 
       FIG. 6C  shows how only the center dome switch is activated when the center button  628  is depressed. The feet  647  of center button  628  prevent the button  628  from exceeding the travel of the upper dome  626 . To ensure that only the upper dome  626  is actuated, the actuation force of the lower dome  622  is higher than the actuation force of the top dome  626 . The button  628  may include a nub  652  for conveying the force of the click to the center of the dome switch  626 . 
     As with the configuration described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5C , signals from a touch pad  625  that forms part of click wheel  624  were used in combination with the signal from the activation of click dome switch  622  to simulate several buttons mounted in different areas around click wheel  624 . This configuration, however, allows for a separate center button to be used. This can be particularly useful when a touch pad that only senses angular position is used in the click wheel  624 . When only angular position is measured, a center button can not be simulated since the position of the user&#39;s finger relative to the center of the click wheel  624  is not measured. 
     Although not shown, the touch pad may be back lit in some cases. For example, the circuit board can be populated with light emitting diodes (LEDs) on either side in order to designate button zones, provide additional feedback and the like. 
     As previously mentioned, the input devices described herein may be integrated into an electronic device or they may be separate stand alone devices.  FIGS. 7 and 8  show some implementations of an input device  700  integrated into an electronic device. In  FIG. 7 , the input device  700  is incorporated into a media player  702 . In  FIG. 8 , the input device  700  is incorporated into a laptop computer  704 .  FIGS. 9 and 10 , on the other hand, show some implementations of the input device  700  as a stand alone unit. In  FIG. 9 , the input device  700  is a peripheral device that is connected to a desktop computer  706 . In  FIG. 10 , the input device  700  is a remote control that wirelessly connects to a docking station  708  with a media player  710  docked therein. It should be noted, however, that the remote control can also be configured to interact with the media player (or other electronic device) directly thereby eliminating the need for a docking station. An example of a docking station for a media player can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/423,490, entitled “MEDIA PLAYER SYSTEM,” filed Apr. 25, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference. It should be noted that these particular embodiments are not a limitation and that many other devices and configurations may be used. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the media player  702  will be discussed in greater detail. The term “media player” generally refers to computing devices that may be dedicated to processing media such as audio, video or other images, as for example, music players, game players, video players, video recorders, cameras, and the like. In some cases, the media players contain single functionality (e.g., a media player dedicated to playing music) and in other cases the media players contain multiple functionality (e.g., a media player that plays music, displays video, stores pictures and the like). In either case, these devices are generally portable so as to allow a user to listen to music, play games or video, record video or take pictures wherever the user travels. 
     In one embodiment, the media player is a handheld device that is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device, as in a laptop or notebook computer). For example, in the case of a music player, a user may use the device while working out at the gym. In case of a camera, a user may use the device while mountain climbing. In the case of a game player, the user may use the device while traveling in a car. Furthermore, the device may be operated by the user&#39;s hands. No reference surface, such as a desktop, is needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the media player  702  is a pocket sized hand held MP3 music player that allows a user to store a large collection of music (e.g., in some cases up to 4,000 CD-quality songs). By way of example, the MP3 music player may correspond to the iPod brand MP3 player manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Although used primarily for storing and playing music, the MP3 music player shown herein may also include additional functionality such as storing a calendar and phone lists, storing and playing games, storing photos and the like. In fact, in some cases, it may act as a highly transportable storage device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the media player  702  includes a housing  722  that encloses various electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) internally to provide computing operations for the media player  702 . In addition, the housing  722  may also define the shape or form of the media player  702 . That is, the contour of the housing  722  may embody the outward physical appearance of the media player  702 . The integrated circuit chips and other circuitry contained within the housing  722  may include a microprocessor (e.g., CPU), memory (e.g., ROM, RAM), a power supply (e.g., battery), a circuit board, a hard drive, other memory (e.g., flash) and/or various input/output (I/O) support circuitry. The electrical components may also include components for inputting or outputting music or sound such as a microphone, amplifier and a digital signal processor (DSP). The electrical components may also include components for capturing images such as image sensors (e.g., charge coupled device (CCD) or complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)) or optics (e.g., lenses, splitters, filters). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the media player  702  includes a hard drive thereby giving the media player massive storage capacity. For example, a 20 GB hard drive can store up to 4000 songs or about 266 hours of music. In contrast, flash-based media players on average store up to 128 MB, or about two hours, of music. The hard drive capacity may be widely varied (e.g., 5, 10, 20 GB, etc.). In addition to the hard drive, the media player  702  shown herein also includes a battery such as a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. These types of batteries are capable of offering about  10  hours of continuous playtime to the media player. 
     The media player  702  also includes a display screen  724  and related circuitry. The display screen  724  is used to display a graphical user interface as well as other information to the user (e.g., text, objects, graphics). By way of example, the display screen  724  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD). In one particular embodiment, the display screen corresponds to a 160-by-128-pixel high-resolution display, with a white LED backlight to give clear visibility in daylight as well as low-light conditions. As shown, the display screen  724  is visible to a user of the media player  702  through an opening  725  in the housing  722  and through a transparent wall  726  that is disposed in front of the opening  725 . Although transparent, the transparent wall  726  may be considered part of the housing  722  since it helps to define the shape or form of the media player  702 . 
     The media player  702  also includes the touch pad  700  such as any of those previously described. The touch pad  700  generally consists of a touchable outer surface  731  for receiving a finger for manipulation on the touch pad  730 . Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , beneath the touchable outer surface  731  is a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement includes a plurality of sensors that may be configured to activate as the finger sits on, taps on or passes over them. In the simplest case, an electrical signal is produced each time the finger is positioned over a sensor. The number of signals in a given time frame may indicate location, direction, speed and acceleration of the finger on the touch pad, i.e., the more signals, the more the user moved his or her finger. In most cases, the signals are monitored by an electronic interface that converts the number, combination and frequency of the signals into location, direction, speed and acceleration information. This information may then be used by the media player  702  to perform the desired control function on the display screen  724 . For example, a user may easily scroll through a list of songs by swirling the finger around the touch pad  700 . 
     In addition to above, the touch pad may also include one or more movable buttons zones A-D as well as a center button E. The button zones are configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating the media player  702 . By way of example, in the case of an MP3 music player, the button functions may be associated with opening a menu, playing a song, fast forwarding a song, seeking through a menu, making selections and the like. In most cases, the button functions are implemented via a mechanical clicking action. 
     The position of the touch pad  700  relative to the housing  722  may be widely varied. For example, the touch pad  700  may be placed at any external surface (e.g., top, side, front, or back) of the housing  722  that is accessible to a user during manipulation of the media player  702 . In most cases, the touch sensitive surface  731  of the touch pad  700  is completely exposed to the user. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the touch pad  700  is located in a lower front area of the housing  722 . Furthermore, the touch pad  700  may be recessed below, level with, or extend above the surface of the housing  722 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the touch sensitive surface  731  of the touch pad  700  is substantially flush with the external surface of the housing  722 . 
     The shape of the touch pad  700  may also be widely varied. Although shown as circular, the touch pad may also be square, rectangular, triangular, and the like. More particularly, the touch pad is annular, i.e., shaped like or forming a ring. As such, the inner and outer perimeter of the touch pad defines the working boundary of the touch pad. 
     The media player  702  may also include a hold switch  734 . The hold switch  734  is configured to activate or deactivate the touch pad and/or buttons associated therewith. This is generally done to prevent unwanted commands by the touch pad and/or buttons, as for example, when the media player is stored inside a user&#39;s pocket. When deactivated, signals from the buttons and/or touch pad are not sent or are disregarded by the media player. When activated, signals from the buttons and/or touch pad are sent and therefore received and processed by the media player. 
     Moreover, the media player  702  may also include one or more headphone jacks  736  and one or more data ports  738 . The headphone jack  736  is capable of receiving a headphone connector associated with headphones configured for listening to sound being outputted by the media device  702 . The data port  738 , on the other hand, is capable of receiving a data connector/cable assembly configured for transmitting and receiving data to and from a host device such as a general purpose computer (e.g., desktop computer, portable computer). By way of example, the data port  738  may be used to upload or download audio, video and other images to and from the media device  702 . For example, the data port may be used to download songs and play lists, audio books, ebooks, photos, and the like into the storage mechanism of the media player. 
     The data port  738  may be widely varied. For example, the data port may be a PS/2 port, a serial port, a parallel port, a USB port, a Firewire port and/or the like. In some cases, the data port  738  may be a radio frequency (RF) link or optical infrared (IR) link to eliminate the need for a cable. Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , the media player  702  may also include a power port that receives a power connector/cable assembly configured for delivering power to the media player  702 . In some cases, the data port  738  may serve as both a data and power port. In the illustrated embodiment, the data port  738  is a Firewire port having both data and power capabilities. 
     Although only one data port is shown, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that multiple data ports may be incorporated into the media player. In a similar vein, the data port may include multiple data functionality, i.e., integrating the functionality of multiple data ports into a single data port. Furthermore, it should be noted that the position of the hold switch, headphone jack and data port on the housing may be widely varied. That is, they are not limited to the positions shown in  FIG. 7 . They may be positioned almost anywhere on the housing (e.g., front, back, sides, top, bottom). For example, the data port may be positioned on the top surface of the housing rather than the bottom surface as shown. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are diagrams showing the installation of an input device  750  into a media player  752 . By way of example, the input device  750  may correspond to any of those previously described and the media player  752  may correspond to the one shown in  FIG. 7 . As shown, the input device  750  includes a housing  754  and a touch pad assembly  756 . The media player  752  includes a shell or enclosure  758 . The front wall  760  of the shell  758  includes an opening  762  for allowing access to the touch pad assembly  756  when the input device  750  is introduced into the media player  752 . The inner side of the front wall  760  includes a channel or track  764  for receiving the input device  750  inside the shell  758  of the media player  752 . The channel  764  is configured to receive the edges of the housing  754  of the input device  750  so that the input device  750  can be slid into its desired place within the shell  758 . The shape of the channel has a shape that generally coincides with the shape of the housing  754 . During assembly, the circuit board  766  of the touch pad assembly  756  is aligned with the opening  762  and a cosmetic disc  768  and button cap  770  are mounted onto the top side of the circuit board  766 . As shown, the cosmetic disc  768  has a shape that generally coincides with the opening  762 . The input device may be held within the channel via a retaining mechanism such as screws, snaps, adhesives, press fit mechanisms, crush ribs and the like. 
       FIG. 13  is a simplified block diagram of a remote control  780  incorporating an input device  782  therein. By way of example, the input device  782  may correspond to any of the previously described input devices. In this particular embodiment, the input device  782  corresponds to the input device shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , thus the input device includes a touch pad  784  and a plurality of switches  786 . The touch pad  784  and switches  786  are operatively coupled to a wireless transmitter  788 . The wireless transmitter  788  is configured to transmit information over a wireless communication link so that an electronic device that has receiving capabilities may receive the information over the wireless communication link. The wireless transmitter  788  may be widely varied. For example, it may be based on wireless technologies such as FM, RF, Bluetooth, 802.11 UWB (ultra wide band), IR, magnetic link (induction) and/or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless transmitter  788  is based on IR. IR generally refers to wireless technologies that convey data through infrared radiation. As such, the wireless transmitter  788  generally includes an IR controller  790 . The IR controller  790  takes the information reported from the touch pad  784  and switches  786  and converts this information into infrared radiation, as for example using a light emitting diode  792 . 
     Although the various exemplary embodiments have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the subject matter defined by the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120906
Publication Date: 20190115
Grant Date: 20190115
Priority Date: 20061011
Inventors: PREST, CHRISTOPHER D.
ROTHKOPF, FLETCHER R.
DINH, RICHARD HUNG MINH
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2025/048", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2003/0293", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2003/0293", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2025/048", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2003/0293", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2025/048", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39062922