PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8446370-B2
Application Number: US-88200307-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Touch pad for handheld device

Abstract:
A media device for storing and playing media such as audio, video or images, includes a memory device configured to store a plurality of media items in a digital format. The media device also includes a display configured to present a group of media items from the plurality of stored media items and to present a visual indicator that is capable of scrolling through the displayed group of media items in order to designate a specific media item from the group of media items. The media device further includes a touch pad configured to receive input from a sliding motion or a tapping motion of a finger. The sliding motion of the finger controls the movement of the visual indicator through the group of media items. The tapping motion of the finger selects the specific media item that is designated by the visual indicator.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A battery powered handheld electronic device that stores and plays media such as audio, video or images, the handheld electronic device comprising:
 a memory device configured to store a plurality of media items in a digital format; 
 a display configured to present a group of media items from the plurality of stored media items and to present a visual indicator that is capable of scrolling through the displayed group of media items in order to designate a specific media item from the group of media items; and 
 a touch pad comprising a single continuous touch surface configured to receive input from a rotational sliding motion through 360 degrees of rotation without stopping and a tapping motion of a finger, the rotational sliding motion of the finger controlling the movement of the visual indicator through the group of media items, the tapping motion of the finger selecting the specific media item that is designated by the visual indicator. 
 
     
     
       2. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a plurality of buttons configured to receive input from a finger pressing thereon, the button functions controlling various aspects of the handheld electronic device, the functions of the buttons being distinct from the functions of the touch pad. 
 
     
     
       3. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 2  wherein the buttons are disposed about the touch pad. 
     
     
       4. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 3  wherein the buttons are adjacent one another and the touch pad. 
     
     
       5. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 4  wherein tangible surfaces are provided between the buttons and touch pad so as to physically define their boundaries. 
     
     
       6. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 2  wherein there are at least four buttons. 
     
     
       7. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 6  wherein the buttons include at least a menu button, play/stop button, forward seek button and a reverse seek button. 
     
     
       8. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the touch pad is recessed below a surface of a housing of the handheld electronic device. 
     
     
       9. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the touch pad is circular. 
     
     
       10. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 9  wherein the circular touch pad is annular and wherein the width of the annularly circular touch pad is capable of receiving tangential and swirling sliding motions. 
     
     
       11. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the sliding motion of the finger also controls the volume of audio being outputted by the media device. 
     
     
       12. The handheld electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of buttons that completely surround the touch pad. 
     
     
       13. A battery powered handheld music player, comprising:
 a housing that supports various electrical components that provide computing operations for the music player; 
 a memory device disposed inside the housing and configured to store a plurality of songs in a digital format; 
 a display screen provided at a first portion of a front surface of the housing, and configured to present a list of songs from the plurality of stored songs and to present a visual indicator that is capable of linearly traversing through the list of songs in order to designate a specific song from the list of songs; 
 a single integrated input arrangement provided at a second portion of the front surface of the housing, the single integrated input arrangement including a plurality of input regions that are adjacent one another and that provide control functions for operating the music player, at least one of the input regions being implemented with a touch pad comprising a single continuous touch surface configured to receive a rotational user input through 360 degrees of rotation without stopping and a tapping motion of a finger, the rotational user input controlling the movement of the visual indicator through the list of songs, the tapping motion of the finger selecting the specific song that is designated by the visual indicator; and 
 audio output components for outputting music associated with a selected specific song from the list of songs. 
 
     
     
       14. The music player as recited in  claim 13  wherein the at least one of the input regions is also configured to provide control functions for adjusting the volume of the music being outputted by the music player. 
     
     
       15. The music player as recited in  claim 13  wherein the remaining input regions are configured to provide control functions for adjusting the volume of the music being outputted by the music player initiating menu, play/pause, previous, and next commands. 
     
     
       16. The music player as recited in  claim 13  wherein the input arrangement is circular. 
     
     
       17. The music player as recited in  claim 13  wherein the input arrangement is rectangular. 
     
     
       18. The music player as recited in  claim 13  wherein tangible surfaces are provided at the boundaries of the input regions so as to physically define their position within the input arrangement. 
     
     
       19. A battery powered handheld device capable of playing media, comprising:
 a housing, that supports various electrical components that provide computing operations for the battery powered handheld device; 
 a memory device disposed inside the housing and configured to store a plurality of menu items; 
 a display screen provided at a first portion of a front surface of the housing, and configured to present a list of menu items and to present a visual indicator that is capable of linearly traversing through the list of menu items in order to designate a specific menu item from the list of menu items; and 
 an input arrangement provided at a second portion of the front surface of the housing, the input arrangement including an inner input region and one or more outer input regions that provide control functions for operating the battery powered handheld device, the outer input regions being disposed outside the inner input region, the inner input region including at least a touch pad, wherein the one or more outer input regions comprise a plurality of buttons that completely surround a perimeter of the touch pad. 
 
     
     
       20. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  wherein the inner input region provides control functions for at least controlling the visual indicator and selecting a menu item from the list of menu items. 
     
     
       21. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 20  wherein the outer input regions provide control functions for initiating commands in the battery powered handheld device. 
     
     
       22. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  wherein the inner input region further includes a button integrated within the touch surface of the touch pad. 
     
     
       23. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  wherein the input arrangement is circular. 
     
     
       24. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  wherein the touch pad is recessed below the outer surface of the housing. 
     
     
       25. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  wherein the outer input regions are configured to surround the perimeter of the inner input region. 
     
     
       26. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  wherein tangible surfaces are provided at the boundaries of the inner and outer input regions so as to physically define their position within the input arrangement. 
     
     
       27. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  further comprising an audio feedback device disposed inside the housing, and configured to provide audio feedback in conjunction with movement of the visual indicator as it traverses through the menu list. 
     
     
       28. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  wherein the input arrangement includes at least four outer input regions. 
     
     
       29. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19  wherein the outer input regions include at least a first input region associated with a menu command, a second input region associated with play and stop command, a third input region associated with a forward seek command and a fourth input region associated with a reverse seek command. 
     
     
       30. The battery powered handheld device as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the touch pad is configured to receive input from a sliding motion and a tapping motion of a finger, the sliding motion of the finger controlling the movement of the visual indicator through the group of menu items, the tapping motion of the finger selecting the specific menu item that is designated by the visual indicator.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/806,957, filed Jun. 5, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,333,092, issued Feb. 19, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/386,238, filed Mar. 21, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,348,967, issued Mar. 25, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/188,182, filed Jul. 1, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,046,230, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/359,551, filed Feb. 25, 2002, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/346,237, filed on Oct. 22, 2001, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application is also related to U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29,153,169, filed Oct. 22, 2001, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a media player having a touch pad. More particularly, the present invention relates to touch pads having scrolling features. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There exist today many styles of input devices for performing operations in a consumer electronic device. The operations generally correspond to moving a cursor and making selections on a display screen. By way of example, the input devices may include buttons, switches, keyboards, mice, trackballs, touch pads, joy sticks, touch screens and the like. Each of these devices has advantages and disadvantages that are taken into account when designing the consumer electronic device. In handheld computing devices, the input devices are generally selected from buttons and switches. Buttons and switches are generally mechanical in nature and provide limited control with regards to the movement of a cursor (or other selector) and making selections. For example, they are generally dedicated to moving the cursor in a specific direction (e.g., arrow keys) or to making specific selections (e.g., enter, delete, number, etc.). In the case of hand-held personal digital assistants (PDA), the input devices tend to utilize touch-sensitive display screens. When using a touch screen, a user makes a selection on the display screen by pointing directly to objects on the screen using a stylus or finger. 
     In portable computing devices such as laptop computers, the input devices are commonly touch pads. With a touch pad, the movement of an input pointer (i.e., cursor) corresponds to the relative movements of the user&#39;s finger (or stylus) as the finger is moved along a surface of the touch pad. Touch pads can also make a selection on the display screen when one or more taps are detected on the surface of the touch pad. In some cases, any portion of the touch pad may be tapped, and in other cases a dedicated portion of the touch pad may be tapped. In stationary devices such as desktop computers, the input devices are generally selected from mice and trackballs. With a mouse, the movement of the input pointer corresponds to the relative movements of the mouse as the user moves the mouse along a surface. With a trackball, the movement of the input pointer corresponds to the relative movements of a ball as the user rotates the ball within a housing. Both mice and trackballs generally include one or more buttons for making selections on the display screen. 
     In addition to allowing input pointer movements and selections with respect to a GUI presented on a display screen, the input devices may also allow a user to scroll across the display screen in the horizontal or vertical directions. For example, mice may include a scroll wheel that allows a user to simply roll the scroll wheel forward or backward to perform a scroll action. In addition, touch pads may provide dedicated active areas that implement scrolling when the user passes his or her finger linearly across the active area in the x and y directions. Both devices may also implement scrolling via horizontal and vertical scroll bars as part of the GUI. Using this technique, scrolling is implemented by positioning the input pointer over the desired scroll bar, selecting the desired scroll bar, and moving the scroll bar by moving the mouse or finger in the y direction (forwards and backwards) for vertical scrolling or in the x direction (left and right) for horizontal scrolling. 
     With regards to touch pads, mice and track balls, a Cartesian coordinate system is used to monitor the position of the finger, mouse and ball, respectively, as they are moved. The Cartesian coordinate system is generally defined as a two dimensional coordinate system (x, y) in which the coordinates of a point (e.g., position of finger, mouse or ball) are its distances from two intersecting, often perpendicular straight lines, the distance from each being measured along a straight line parallel to each other. For example, the x, y positions of the mouse, ball and finger may be monitored. The x, y positions are then used to correspondingly locate and move the input pointer on the display screen. 
     To elaborate further, touch pads generally include one or more sensors for detecting the proximity of the finger thereto. 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. The sensors are generally dispersed about the touch pad with each sensor representing an x, y position. In most cases, the sensors are arranged in a grid of columns and rows. Distinct x and y position signals, which control the x, y movement of a pointer device on the display screen, are thus generated when a finger is moved across the grid of sensors within the touch pad. For brevity sake, the remaining discussion will be held to the discussion of capacitive sensing technologies. It should be noted, however, that the other technologies have similar features. 
     Capacitive sensing touch pads generally contain several layers of material. For example, the touch pad may include a protective shield, one or more electrode layers and a circuit board. The protective shield typically covers the electrode layer(s), and the electrode layer(s) is generally disposed on a front side of the circuit board. As is generally well known, the protective shield is the part of the touch pad that is touched by the user to implement cursor movements on a display screen. The electrode layer(s), on the other hand, is used to interpret the x, y position of the user&#39;s finger when the user&#39;s finger is resting or moving on the protective shield. The electrode layer (s) typically consists of a plurality of electrodes that are positioned in columns and rows so as to form a grid array. The columns and rows are generally based on the Cartesian coordinate system and thus the rows and columns correspond to the x and y directions. 
     The touch pad may also include sensing electronics for detecting signals associated with the electrodes. For example, the sensing electronics may be adapted to detect the change in capacitance at each of the electrodes as the finger passes over the grid. The sensing electronics are generally located on the backside of the circuit board. By way of example, the sensing electronics may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is configured to measure the amount of capacitance in each of the electrodes and to compute the position of finger movement based on the capacitance in each of the electrodes. The ASIC may also be configured to report this information to the computing device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a touch pad  10  will be described in greater detail. The touch pad is generally a small rectangular area that includes a protective shield  12  and a plurality of electrodes  14  disposed underneath the protective shield layer  12 . For ease of discussion, a portion of the protective shield layer  12  has been removed to show the electrodes  14 . Each of the electrodes  14  represents a different x, y position. In one configuration, as a finger  16  approaches the electrode grid  14 , a tiny capacitance forms between the finger  16  and the electrodes  14  proximate the finger  16 . The circuit board/sensing electronics measures capacitance and produces an x, y input signal  18  corresponding to the active electrodes  14  is sent to a host device  20  having a display screen  22 . The x, y input signal  18  is used to control the movement of a cursor  24  on a display screen  22 . As shown, the input pointer moves in a similar x, y direction as the detected x, y finger motion. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a media player with a touch pad. It would also be desirable to provide a hand held device with a touch pad. It would additionally be desirable to provide a touch pad that can sense and resolve angular and/or radial positions of a moving object (e.g., finger) as it is moved in a rotating and/or radial manner across the touch pad. That is, a touch pad that is based on polar coordinates rather than Cartesian coordinates. It would be further desirable to transform the angular or radial movements into translational movements in the GUI of the display screen for scrolling and other related linear actions. 
     The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a media player for storing and playing media such as audio, video or images. The media player includes a housing that encloses internally various electrical components that provide computing operations for the media player. The media player also includes a touch pad supported by the housing and configured to provide one or more control functions for controlling various applications associated with the media player. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a pocket sized handheld computing device. The computing device includes computing hardware for providing at least one application. The computing device also includes a display screen configured to display text and graphics associated with the at least one application. The computing device additionally includes a touch pad configured to provide one or more control functions for allowing a user of the computing device to provide inputs to the at least one application. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a touch pad assembly for use in a computing device. The touch pad assembly has a touch sensitive surface for accepting contact with an object. The touch pad assembly is configured to provide polar coordinate information of the object relative to the touch sensitive surface when the object is moved about the touch sensitive surface. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a user input system having a touch pad, a display and a controller. The system is configured to convert angular or radial data associated with the touch pad into control inputs associated with the display. By way of example, the control inputs may correspond to translational movements associated with scrolling or other related linear actions. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a handheld electronic device for storing and playing media such as audio, video or images. The handheld electronic device includes a memory device configured to store a plurality of media items in a digital format. The handheld electronic device also includes a display configured to present a group of media items from the plurality of stored media items and to present a visual indicator that is capable of scrolling through the displayed group of media items in order to designate a specific media item from the group of media items. The handheld electronic device further includes a touch pad configured to receive input from a sliding motion or a tapping motion of a finger. The sliding motion of the finger controls the movement of the visual indicator through the group of media items. The tapping motion of the finger selects the specific media item that is designated by the visual indicator. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a battery powered handheld music player. The battery powered music player includes a housing that supports various electrical components that provide computing operations for the music player. The battery powered music player also includes a memory device disposed inside the housing and configured to store a plurality of songs in a digital format. The battery powered music player further includes a display screen provided at a first portion of a front surface of the housing and configured to present a list of songs from the plurality of stored songs and to present a visual indicator that is capable of linearly traversing through the list of songs in order to designate a specific song from the list of songs. The battery powered music player additionally includes a single integrated input arrangement provided at a second portion of the front surface of the housing. The single integrated input arrangement includes a plurality of input regions that are adjacent one another and that provide control functions for operating the music player. At least one of the input regions being implemented with a touch pad. Moreover, the battery powered music player includes audio output components for outputting music associated with a selected specific song from the list of songs. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a battery powered handheld device capable of playing media. The battery powered handheld device includes a housing that supports various electrical components that provide computing operations for the battery powered handheld device. The battery powered handheld device also includes a memory device disposed inside the housing and configured to store a plurality of menu items. The battery powered handheld device further includes a display screen provided at a first portion of a front surface of the housing, and configured to present a list of menu items and to present a visual indicator that is capable of linearly traversing through the list of menu items in order to designate a specific menu item from the list of menu items. The battery powered handheld device additionally includes an input arrangement provided at a second portion of the front surface of the housing. The input arrangement includes an inner input region and one or more outer input regions that provide control functions for operating the battery powered handheld device. The outer input regions are disposed outside the inner input region. The inner input region includes at least a touch pad. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified diagram of a touch pad and display. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a media player, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is top view of a media player in use, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is z simplified block diagram of a touchpad/display system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a sensor arrangement of a touch pad, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a sensor arrangement of a touch pad, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a sensor arrangement of a touch pad, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a partially broken away perspective view of an annular capacitive touch pad, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of touch pad-display processing, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to touch pads. According to one aspect of the invention, a touch pad is provided on a media player to facilitate user interaction therewith. In one embodiment, the media player is a handheld device. According to another aspect of the invention, a touch pad is provided that can sense and resolve angular and/or radial positions of a moving object (e.g., finger) as it is moved in a largely rotational and/or radial manner across the touch pad. In one embodiment, the touch pad that is based on polar coordinates rather than Cartesian coordinates. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent below. In any case, the aspects are not limiting and the various aspects of the invention can be used separately or in combination. 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective diagram of a media player  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The term “media player” generally refers to computing devices that are 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. 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 portable 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. Furthermore, the device may be operated by the users hands, no reference surface such as a desktop is needed (this is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 ). 
     Media players generally have connection capabilities that allow a user to upload and download data to and from a host device such as a general purpose computer (e.g., desktop computer, portable computer). For example, in the case of a camera, photo in images may be downloaded to the general purpose computer for further processing (e.g., printing). With regards to music players, songs and play lists stored on the general purpose computer may be downloaded into the music player. In the illustrated embodiment, the media player  100  is a pocket sized hand held MP3 music player that allows a user to store a large collection of music. By way of example, the MP3 music player may store up to 1,000 CD-quality songs. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the media player  100  includes a housing  102  that encloses internally various electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for the media player  100 . The integrated circuit chips and other circuitry may include a microprocessor, memory (e.g., ROM, RAM), a power supply (e.g., battery), a circuit board, a hard drive, and various input/output (I/O) support circuitry. In the case of music players, the electrical components may include components for outputting music such as an amplifier and a digital signal processor (DSP). In the case of video recorders or cameras the electrical components may include components for capturing images such as image sensors (e.g., charge coupled device (CCD) or complimentary oxide semiconductor (CMOS)) or optics (e.g., lenses, splitters, filters). In addition to the above, the housing may also define the shape or form of the media player. That is, the contour of the housing  102  may embody the outward physical appearance of the media player  100 . 
     The media player  100  also includes a display screen  104 . The display screen  104  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  104  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  104  is visible to a user of the media player  100  through an opening  105  in the housing  102 , and through a transparent wall  106  that is disposed in front of the opening  105 . Although transparent, the transparent wall  106  may be considered part of the housing  102  since it helps to define the shape or form of the media player  100 . 
     The media player  100  also includes a touch pad  110 . The touch pad  110  is configured to provide one or more control functions for controlling various applications associated with the media player  100 . For example, the touch initiated control function may be used to move an object or perform an action on the display screen  104  or to make selections or issue commands associated with operating the media player  100 . In most cases, the touch pad  110  is arranged to receive input from a finger moving across the surface of the touch pad  110  in order to implement the touch initiated control function. The touch pad may be widely varied. For example, the touch pad be a conventional touch pad based on the Cartesian coordinate system, or the touch pad may be a touch pad based on a polar coordinate system (the later will be described in greater detail below). 
     The manner in which the touch pad  110  receives input may be widely varied. In one embodiment, the touch pad  110  is configured receive input from a linear finger motion. In another embodiment, the touch pad  110  is configured receive input from a rotary or swirling finger motion. In yet another embodiment, the touch pad  110  is configured receive input from a radial finger motion. Additionally or alternatively, the touch pad  110  may be arranged to receive input from a finger tapping on the touch pad  100 . By way of example, the tapping finger may initiate a control function for playing a song, opening a menu and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the control function corresponds to a scrolling feature. For example, in the case of an MP3 player, the moving finger may initiate a control function for scrolling through a song menu displayed on the display screen  104 . The term “scrolling” as used herein generally pertains to moving displayed data or images (e.g., text or graphics) across a viewing area on a display screen  104  so that a new set of data (e.g., line of text or graphics) is brought into view in the viewing area. In most cases, once the viewing area is full, each new set of data appears at the edge of the viewing area and all other sets of data move over one position. That is, the new set of data appears for each set of data that moves out of the viewing area. In essence, the scrolling function allows a user to view consecutive sets of data currently outside of the viewing area. The viewing area may be the entire viewing area of the display screen  104  or it may only be a portion of the display screen  104  (e.g., a window frame). 
     The direct ion of scrolling may be widely varied. For example, scrolling may be implemented vertically (up or down) or horizontally (left or right). In the case of vertical scrolling, when a user scrolls down, each new set of data appears at the bottom of the viewing area and all other sets of data move up one position. If the viewing area is full, the top set of data moves out of the viewing area. Similarly, when a user scrolls up, each new set of data appears at the top of the viewing area and all other sets of data move down one position. If the viewing area is full, the bottom set of data moves out of the viewing area. In one implementation, the scrolling feature may be used to move a Graphical User Interface (GUI) vertically (up and down), or horizontally (left and right) in order to bring more data into view on a display screen. By way of example, in the case of an MP3 player, the scrolling feature may be used to help browse through songs stored in the MP3 player. The direction that the finger moves may be arranged to control the direction of scrolling. For example, the touch pad may be arranged to move the GUI vertically up when the finger is moved in a first direction and vertically down when the finger is moved in a second direction 
     To elaborate, the display screen  104 , during operation, may display a list of media items (e.g. songs). A user of the media player  100  is able to linearly scroll through the list of media items by moving his or her finger across the touch pad  110 . As the finger moves around the touch pad  110 , the displayed items from the list of media items are varied such that the user is able to effectively scroll through the list of media items. However, since the list of media items can be rather lengthy, the invention provides the ability for the user to rapidly traverse (or scroll) through the list of media items. In effect, the user is able to accelerate their traversal of the list of media items by moving his or her finger at greater speeds. 
     In one embodiment, the media player  100  via the touch pad  110  is configured to transform a swirling or whirling motion of a finger into translational or linear motion, as in scrolling, on the display screen  104 . In this embodiment, the touch pad  110  is configured to determine the angular location, direction, speed and acceleration of the finger when the finger is moved across the top planar surface of the touch pad  110  in a rotating manner, and to transform this information into signals that initiate linear scrolling on the display screen  104 . In another embodiment, the media player  100  via the touch pad  110  is configured to transform radial motion of a finger into translational or linear motion, as in scrolling, on the display screen  104 . In this embodiment, the touch pad  110  is configured to determine the radial location, direction, speed and acceleration of the finger when the finger is moved across the top planar surface of the touch pad  110  in a radial manner, and to transform this information into signals that initiate linear scrolling on the display screen  104 . In another embodiment, the media player  100  via the touch pad  202  is configured to transform both angular and radial motion of a finger into translational or linear motion, as in scrolling, on the display screen  104 . 
     The touch pad generally consists of a touchable outer surface  111  for receiving a finger for manipulation on the touch pad  110 . Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , beneath the touchable outer surface  111  is a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement includes a plurality of sensors that are configured to activate as the finger passes over them. In the simplest case, an electrical signal is produced each time the finger passes 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  100  to perform the desired control function on the display screen  104 . 
     The position of the touch pad  110  relative to the housing  102  may be widely varied. For example, the touch pad  110  may be placed at any external surface (e.g., top, side, front, or back) of the housing  102  that is accessible to a user during manipulation of the media player  100 . In most cases, the touch sensitive surface  111  of the touch pad  110  is completely exposed to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad  110  is located in a lower, front area of the housing  102 . Furthermore, the touch pad  110  may be recessed below, level with, or extend above the surface of the housing  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the touch sensitive surface  111  of the touch pad  110  is substantially flush with the external surface of the housing  102 . 
     The shape of the touch pad  110  may also be widely varied. For example, the touch pad  110  may be circular, rectangular, triangular, and the like. In general, the outer perimeter of the shaped touch pad defines the working boundary of the touch pad. In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad  110  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. Furthermore, the user can rotate his or her finger tangentially from all sides thus giving it more range of finger positions. For example, when the media player is being held, a left handed user may choose to use one portion of the touch pad  110  while a right handed user may choose to use another portion of the touch pad  110 . More particularly, the touch pad is annular, i.e., shaped like or forming a ring. When annular, the inner and outer perimeter of the shaped touch pad defines the working boundary of the touch pad. 
     In addition to above, the media player  100  may also include one or more buttons  112 . The buttons  112  are configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating the media player  100 . 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 and the like. In most cases, the button functions are implemented via a mechanical clicking action. The position of the buttons  112  relative to the touch pad  110  may be widely varied. For example, they may be adjacent one another or spaced apart. In the illustrated embodiment, the buttons  112  are configured to surround the inner and outer perimeter of the touch pad  110 . In this manner, the buttons  112  may provide tangible surfaces that define the outer boundaries of the touch pad  110 . As shown, there are four buttons  112 A that surround the outer perimeter and one button  112 B disposed in the center or middle of the touch pad  110 . By way of example, the plurality of buttons  112  may consist of a menu button, play/stop button, forward seek button and a reverse seek button, and the like. 
     Moreover, the media player  100  may also include a power switch  114 , a headphone jack  116  and a data port  118 . The power switch  114  is configured to turn the media device  100  on and off. The headphone jack  116  is capable of receiving a headphone connector associated with headphones configured for listening to sound being outputted by the media device  100 . The data port  118  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. By way of example, the data port  118  may be used to upload or down load songs to and from the media device  100 . The data port  118  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 the like. In some cases, the data port  118  may be a radio frequency (RF) link or optical infrared (IR) link to eliminate the need for a cable. Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , the media player  100  may also include a power port that receives a power connector/cable assembly configured for delivering powering to the media player  100 . In some cases, the data port  118  may serve as both a data and power port. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  show the media player  100  of  FIG. 2  being used by a user  120 , in accordance with different embodiments of the invention. In all of these embodiments, the user  120  is linearly scrolling  104  (as shown by arrow  124 ) through a list of songs  122  displayed on the display screen via a slider bar  123 . As shown, the media device  100  is comfortably held by one hand  126  while being comfortably addressed by the other hand  128 . This configuration generally allows the user  120  to easily actuate the touch pad  110  with one or more fingers. For example, the thumb  130  and rightmost fingers  131  (or leftmost fingers if left handed) of the first hand  126  are used to grip the sides of the media player  100  while a finger  132  of the opposite hand  128  is used to actuate the touch pad  110 . As shown, the entire top surface of the touch pad  110  is accessible to the user&#39;s finger  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , and in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the touch pad  110  can be continuously actuated by a simple swirling motion of the finger  132  as shown by arrow  134 . By swirling, it is meant that the finger moves in an arcuate or circular manner. For example, the finger may rotate relative to an imaginary axis. In particular, the finger can be rotated through 360 degrees of rotation without stopping. This form of motion may produce continuous or incremental scrolling on the display screen  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , and in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the user  120  can slide his or her finger  132  radially between the inner and outer perimeter of the touch pad  110 . For example, the touch pad  110  may be actuated radially as shown by arrow  140 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3C , and in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the user  120  can slide his or her finger  132  substantially tangentially from all sides of the touch pad  110 . For example, the touch pad  110  may be actuated forwards and backwards as shown by arrows  136  and side to side by arrows  138 . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a touchpad/display system  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. By way of example, the touchpad/display system  200  may be used in the media player shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The touchpad/display system  200  utilizes a touch pad  202  and a display screen  204 . The touchpad/display system  200  via the touch pad  202  is configured to transform a swirling or whirling motion  206  of an object such as a finger (as shown in  FIG. 3A ) into translational or linear motion  208  on the display screen  204 . In one embodiment, the touch pad  202  is arranged to continuously determine the angular position of an object relative to the planar surface  209  of the touch pad  202 . This allows a user to linearly scroll through a media list  211  on the display screen  204  by swirling the object at least partially around the touch pad  202 . For example, by moving the object between any angular positions (e.g., 0-360) on the touch pad  202 . 
     As shown, the touch pad  202  is divided into several independent and spatially distinct zones  210  that are positioned around the periphery of the touch pad  202 . Any number of zones may be used. In one embodiment, each of the zones  210  represents a polar angle that specifies the angular position of the zone in the plane of the touch pad  202 . By way of ex ample, the zones  210  may be positioned at 2 degree increments all the way around the touch pad  202 . Each of the zones  210  has an associated sensor disposed therein for detecting the presence of an object such as a finger. The sensors may be widely varied. For example, the sensors may be based on resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave sensing, pressure sensing (e.g., strain gauge, pressure plates, piezoelectric transducers or the like), optical sensing, capacitive sensing and the like. In general, when an object approaches a zone  210 , and more particularly a sensor, a position signal is generated that informs the media system  200  that the object is at a specific angular position on the touch pad  202 . When an object is moved between zones  210  or over multiple zones  210 , multiple position signals are generated. These multiple position signals may be used to determine the angular location, direction, speed and acceleration of the object as its moved around the touch pad  202 . 
     The system  200  also includes a control assembly  212  that is coupled to the touch pad  202 . The control assembly  212  is configured to acquire the position signals from the sensors and to supply the acquired signals to a processor  214  of the system. By way of example, the control assembly  212  may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is configured to monitor the signals from the sensors, to compute the angular location, direction, speed and acceleration of the monitored signals and to report this information to the processor  214 . 
     The processor  214  is coupled between the control assembly  212  and the display screen  204 . The processor  214  is configured to control motion inputs to the display screen  204 . In one sequence, the processor  214  receives angular motion information from the control assembly  212  and then determines the next items of the media list  211  that are to be presented on the display screen  204 . In making this determination, the processor  214  can take into consideration the length of the media list  211 . Typically, the processor  214  will determine the rate of movement of the finger such that the transitioning to different items in the media list  211  can be performed faster when the finger is moved at greater speeds. In effect, to the user, the more rapid swirling of the finger enables effective acceleration of the transitioning of the list of media items  211 . Alternatively, the control assembly  212  and processor  214  may be combined in some embodiments. 
     Although not shown, the processor  214  can also control a buzzer to provide audio feedback to a user. The audio feedback can, for example, be a clicking sound produced by the buzzer. In one embodiment, the buzzer  216  is a piezo-electric buzzer. As the rate of transitioning through the list of media items increases, the frequency of the clicking sounds increases. Alternatively, when the rate that the finger is moved slows, the rate of transitioning through the list of media items decreases, and thus the frequency of the clicking sounds correspondingly slows. Hence, the clicking sounds provide audio feedback to the user as to the rate in which the media items within the list of media items are being traversed. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the system via the touch pad may be configured to transform radial motion an object such as a finger (as shown in  FIG. 3B ) into translational or linear motion on the display screen. By radial, it is meant that the object moves in a substantially radial direction from the center of the touch pad to an outer perimeter of the touch pad. In one embodiment, the touch pad is arranged to continuously determine the radial position of a finger relative to the planar surface of the touch pad. This allows a user to linearly scroll through a media list on the display screen by moving the object at least partially between the center and outer perimeter of the touch pad. For example, by moving the object between a small and large radius (e.g., 0-3 cm) on the touch pad. This may also allow a user to vary a characteristic of the media player. For example, by moving radially, the user may be able to change the volume of sound being played on the media player (i.e., acts like a potentiometer). 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a radial touch pad  218  will be discussed in accordance with one embodiment. By way of example, the touch pad  218  may replace the touch pad shown in  FIG. 4 . The touch pad  218  may be divided into several independent and spatially distinct ones  220  that are positioned radially from the center  222  of the touch pad  218  to the perimeter  224  of the touch pad  218 . Any number of radial zones may be used. In one embodiment, each of the radial zones  220  represents a radial position in the plane of the touch pad  218 . By way of example, the zones  220  may be spaced at 5 mm increments. Like above, each of the zones  220  has an associated sensor disposed therein for detecting the presence of an object such as a finger. In general, when an object approaches a zone  220 , and more particularly a sensor, a position signal is generated that informs the system  200  that the object is at a specific radial position on the touch pad  218 . When an object is moved between zones  220  or over multiple zones  220 , multiple position signals are generated. These multiple position signals may be used to determine radial location, direction, speed and acceleration of the object as its moved radially across the touch pad  218 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a combination angular/radial touch pad  228  will be discussed in accordance with one embodiment. By way of example, the touch pad  228  may replace the touch pad shown in  FIG. 4 . The touch pad  228  may be divided into several independent and spatially distinct zones  230  that are positioned both angularly and radially about the periphery of the touch pad  228  and from the center of the touch pad  202  to the perimeter of the touch pad  228 . Any number of combination zones may be used. In one embodiment, each of the combination zones  230  represents both an angular end radial position in the plane of the touch pad  228 . By way of example, the zones may be positioned at both 2 degrees and 5 mm increments. Like above, each of the combination zones  230  has an associated sensor disposed therein for detecting the presence of an object such as a finger. In general, when an object approaches a combination zone  230 , and more particularly a sensor, a position signal is generated that informs the system  200  that the object is at a specific angular and radial position on the touch pad  228 . When an object is moved between combination zones  230  or over multiple combinations zones  230 , multiple position signals are generated. These multiple position signals may be used to determine location, direction, speed and acceleration of the object as its angularly and radially moved across the touch pad  228 . The angular and radial zones may be initiated at the same time or they may be initiated at different times. For example, the angular zones may be initiated for scrolling through a media player and the radial zones may be initiated for varying the volume of a media player. 
     It should be noted that although the touch pads of  FIGS. 4-6  are all shown as circular that they may take on other forms such as other curvilinear shapes (e.g., oval, annular and the like), rectilinear shapes (e.g., hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rectangle, square, and the like) or a combination of curvilinear and rectilinear (e.g., dome). 
     Furthermore, in order to provide higher resolution, a more complex arrangement of zones may be used. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the touch pad  238  may include angular and radial zones  240  that are broken up such that consecutive zones do not coincide exactly. In this embodiment, the touch pad  202  has an annular shape and the zones  240  follow a spiral path around the touch pad  202  from the center to the outer perimeter of the touch pad  202 . 
       FIG. 8  is a partially broken away perspective view of an annular capacitive touch pad  250 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the annular capacitive touch pad  250  may correspond to the touch pad of  FIG. 2 . The annular capacitive touch pad  250  is arranged to detect changes in capacitance as the user swirls an object such as a finger around the touch pad  250 . The annular capacitive touch pad  250  is also arranged to detect changes in capacitance as the user moves their finger radially across the touch pad  250 . The annular capacitive touch pad  250  is formed from various layers including at least a label layer  252 , an electrode layer  254  and a circuit board  256 . The label layer  252  is disposed over the electrode layer  254  and the electrode layer  254  is disposed over the circuit board  256 . At least the label  252  and electrode layer  254  are annular such that they are defined by concentric circles, i.e., they have an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. The circuit board  256  is generally a circular piece having an outer perimeter that coincides with the outer perimeter of the label  252  and electrode layer  254 . It should be noted, however, that in some cases the circuit board  256  may be annular or the label  252  and electrode layer  254  may be circular. 
     The label layer  252  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 label layer  252  also provides an insulating layer between the finger and the electrode layer  254 . The electrode layer  254  includes a plurality of spatially distinct electrodes  258  that have positions based on the polar coordinate system. For instance, the electrodes  258  are positioned both angularly and radially on the circuit board  256  such that each of the electrodes  258  defines a distinct angular and radial position thereon. Any suitable number of electrodes  258  may be used. In most cases, it would be desirable to increase the number of electrodes  258  so as to provide higher resolution, i.e., more information can be used for things such as acceleration. 
     When configured together, the touch pad  250  provides a touch sensitive surface that works according to the principals 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 this configuration, the first electrically conductive member is one or more of the electrodes  258  and the second electrically conductive member is the finger of the user. Accordingly, as the finger approaches the touch pad  250 , a tiny capacitance forms between the finger and the electrodes  258  in close proximity to the finger. The capacitance in each of the electrodes  258  is measured by control circuitry  260  located on the backside of the circuit board  256 . By detecting changes in capacitance at each of the electrodes  258 , the control circuitry  260  can determine the angular location, direction, speed and acceleration of the finger as it is moved across the touch pad  250 . The control circuitry  260  can also report this information in a form that can be used by a computing device. By way of example, the control circuitry may include an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of touch pad-display processing  300 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The touch pad-display processing  300  allows a user to interact with a graphical user interface of a computing device. The touch pad-display processing  300  generally begins at block  302  where at least one control object is displayed on the graphical user interface. By way of example, the control object may be a slider bar that highlights information from a list in a menu displayed on a graphical user interface on a display screen. The displayed control object is generally controlled by the processor  214  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Following block  302 , the touch pad-display processing proceeds to block  304  where a user input is received. The user input may be received by the processor  214  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, the user input is an angular referenced input, as for example, a user input produced by a rotational user action such as a finger swirling across the touch pad. By way of example, the touch pad may correspond to the touch pad illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In another embodiment, the user input is a radial referenced input, as for example, a user input produced by a radial user action such as a finger radially moving across the touch pad. By way of example, the touch pad may correspond to the touch pad illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     Following block  304 , the touch pad-display processing proceeds to block  306  where the angular or radial referenced user input is converted into a linear referenced input. The conversion may be implemented by the processor  212  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Following block  306 , the touch pad-display processing proceeds to block  308  where control object is modified in accordance with the linear referenced input. For example, the control object such as a slider bar may be linearly moved from a first item to a second item on a list or it may be moved through multiple items on a list (e.g., scrolling). The modification is generally implemented when the processor  214  illustrated in  FIG. 3  supplies the linear referenced input to the graphical user interface on the display screen. 
     The various aspects of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. The invention is preferably implemented by a combination of hardware and software, but can also be implemented in hardware or software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over a network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     Furthermore, although a scrolling feature is described, it should be noted that a scrolling feature is not a limitation and that the touch pad may be used to manipulate other features. For example, the touch pad may be used to adjust a volume control in an audio application. In addition, the touch pad may be used to advance through frames in a movie in video editing applications. The touch pad may also be used in video game applications. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other advantages which are not described herein. One advantage of the invention is that a user is able to easily and rapidly traverse at lengthy list of media items. Another advantage of the invention is that a substantial portion of the touch pad is accessible to the user, i.e., the touch pad provides a large surface area for manipulation thereof. Another advantage of the invention is that the touch pad can be continuously actuated by a simple swirling motion of a finger, i.e., the finger can be rotated through 360 degrees of rotation without stopping. Another advantage of the invention is that the touch pad provides more range of finger positions. For example, a left handed user may choose to use one portion of the touch pad while a right handed user may choose to use another portion of the touch pad. In essence, the touch pad is more ergonomic. Another advantage of the invention is that the touch pad makes the media player more aesthetically pleasing. Another advantage of the invention is that the touch pad allows an intuitive way to scroll on a display screen. For example, the user can manipulate the his or her finger side to side for horizontal scrolling and the user can manipulate his or her finger backwards and forwards for vertical scrolling. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, although the invention has been described in terms of an MP3 music player, it should be appreciated that certain features of the invention may also be applied to other types of media players such as video recorders, cameras, and the like. Furthermore, the MP3 music player described herein is not limited to the MP3 music format. Other audio formats such as MP3 VBR (variable bit rate), AIFF and WAV formats may be used. Moreover, certain aspects of the invention are not limited to handheld devices. For example, the touch pad may also be used in other computing devices such as a portable computer, personal digital assistants (PDA), cellular phones, and the like. The touch pad may also be used a stand alone input device that connects to a desktop or portable computer. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. For example, although the touch pad has been described in terms of being actuated by a finger, it should be noted that other objects may be used to actuate it in some cases. For example, a stylus or other object may be used in some configurations of the touch pad. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070730
Publication Date: 20130521
Grant Date: 20130521
Priority Date: 20020225
Inventors: ZADESKY STEPHEN P.
TAN TANG Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0485", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0485", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/038", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/038", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04883", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04847", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0393", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 38604420