Optical sensor based user interface for a portable electronic device
First Claim
1. A portable electronic device comprising:
- a processor coupled to a bus;
a memory unit coupled to said bus;
a display unit coupled to said bus and for operable to display information thereon, said information comprising a selected item; and
an optical sensor operable to sense movement of an object over a surface thereof, wherein said processor is responsive to said optical sensor for altering said selected item according to said movement.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method are described herein, which simultaneously promotes a positive computing experience for users of portable computer systems and increases overall durability and longevity thereof. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus enhances the user computing experience, in one embodiment by simplifying operation, and is much more durable and long-lasting than mechanical switch and dial type devices it may replace. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, which enables efficient portable computer device function, field, and data selection, gaming, input, interconnection, and other switching-related functions, simplifying operation and enhancing versatility thereof, yet without exposing the portable computer interior to any degree to incursion of environmental contamination. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus obviates openings in a portable computer package which would otherwise be required. In one embodiment, the apparatus, capable of sensing manipulation and directed by software, has a light source and corresponding light sensor.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A portable electronic device comprising:
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a processor coupled to a bus;
a memory unit coupled to said bus;
a display unit coupled to said bus and for operable to display information thereon, said information comprising a selected item; and
an optical sensor operable to sense movement of an object over a surface thereof, wherein said processor is responsive to said optical sensor for altering said selected item according to said movement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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14. A method of updating a display of information comprising the steps of:
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a) displaying said information onto a display of a portable electronic device; and
b) responsive to movement of an object with respect to the surface of an optical sensor, altering said information displayed on said display based on said movement, wherein said optical sensor is integrated within said portable electronic device.
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23. In an electronic device having an optical user interface and a display for exhibiting an array of visibly formatted information, a method of changing said array of visibly formatted information comprising the steps of:
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a) in response to manipulations of said optical user interface, changing the optical characteristics of said optical user interface accordingly;
b) generating a corresponding display change signal; and
c) modifying the array of visibly formatted information accordingly.
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Specification