Portable radio communications device

• US 20020052209A1
• Filed: 10/26/2001
• Published: 05/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Original Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Inventors: Frohlund, Stig
• Application Number:
  US09/983,862
• Publication Number:
  US 20020052209A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/456.6
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0421 by interrupting or reflecting a light beam, e.g. optical touch-screen
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/28 Recognition of hand or arm movements, e.g. recognition of deaf sign language static hand signs G06V40/113

Abstract

A portable radio communications device (1) has a display (6) on which a position indicator (7) can be positioned, and means (8) for controlling the position of the position indicator (7) on the display (6) manually by a user. The controlling means comprise an optical emitter adapted to illuminate an object through a translucent and moisture-proof surface; an optical detector adapted to detect changes in light reflected from the object due to the movement thereof; and circuitry for generating a control signal for the position of the position indicator (7) in dependence on the changes in reflected light. The optical detection of the movement of a finger provides a very easily operated control device with no need to press the finger against the device, and thus forces on the printed circuit boards are avoided. The moisture-proof surface ensures that the device is insensitive to dirt and moisture.

Claims

1. A portable radio communications device having:

a display on which a position indicator can be positioned; and

means for controlling the position of said position indicator on the display manually by a user,

wherein said controlling means comprises;

an optical emitter adapted to illuminate an external object through a translucent and moisture-proof surface;

an optical detector adapted to detect changes in light reflected from said external object due to the movement thereof; and

circuitry for generating a control signal for the position of said position indicator in dependence on said changes in reflected light.

2. A communications device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a mobile telephone.

3. A communications device according to claim 1, wherein the position indicator is a cursor.

4. A communications device according to claim 1, wherein said optical emitter emits infrared light.

5. A communications device according to claim 1, wherein said optical emitter emits visible light.

6. A communications device according claim 1, wherein the circuitry for generating a control signal is further adapted to generate a selection signal for selecting an item indicated on said display by the position of said position indicator.

7. A communications device according to claim 1, wherein the controlling means are arranged in a surface of the device adjacent to said display.