Input device with pattern and tactile feedback for computer input and control
First Claim
1. In a computing system having a user interface, a user input device for inputting information into a computing system, the user input device comprising:
- a tactile surface divided by a plurality of sections, each section being tactilely distinguished from an adjacent section; and
a plurality of input sensing devices detecting an input stroke defining a user request and transmitting a selection signal indicative of the user request to the computing system, each section having at least one input sensing device whereby information is input into a computing system in response to reception of the selection signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The tactile input device is a user interface selection device used to transmit user information to a user interface interpretation module. The tactile input device allows a user to activate and operate applications installed on a computing system through a single user interface selection device. The tactile input device includes a tactile surface angularly divided into a plurality of sections, or petals. The tactile surface is further separated by a central portion and an outer circumferential portion, neither of which are angularly divided by the petals. Each petal and portion are tactilely distinguished from an adjacent petal or portion. The tactile distinction provides a user with feedback relating to orientation over the surface such that the user may request the performance of a specific task to be implemented by the computer through the user interface interpretation module.
42 Citations
23 Claims
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1. In a computing system having a user interface, a user input device for inputting information into a computing system, the user input device comprising:
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a tactile surface divided by a plurality of sections, each section being tactilely distinguished from an adjacent section; and
a plurality of input sensing devices detecting an input stroke defining a user request and transmitting a selection signal indicative of the user request to the computing system, each section having at least one input sensing device whereby information is input into a computing system in response to reception of the selection signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. In a computing system having a user interface, the user interface having a user interface selection device for inputting control and text commands into the computing system, the user interface selection device comprising:
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a tactile touchpad having a tactile pattern providing orientation feedback to a user inputting a specific user request, the touchpad angularly divided by a plurality of petals, each petal being tactilely distinguished from an adjacent petal and forming a single section;
a central portion separating the center of the tactile touchpad from the plurality of petals, the central portion being tactilely distinguished from the plurality of petals and forming a single section;
an outer portion separating an outer boundary of the tactile touchpad from the plurality of petals, the outer portion being tactilely distinguished from the plurality of petals and forming a single section; and
a plurality of input sensing devices, each section having at least one input sensing device operable to detect an input stroke defining the specific user request and transmitting a selection signal indicative of the specific user request to the computing system. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. In a computing system having a user interface, the user interface having a user input device having a tactile surface, a method for inputting control and text commands into the computing system, the method comprising:
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locating a plurality of input sensing devices on a plurality of sections of the tactile surface, each section tactilely distinguished from an adjacent section thereby providing orientation feedback to a user selecting at least one input sensing device associated with a specific user request;
initializing the plurality of input sensing devices such that at least one input sensing device is associated with a task to be performed in the computing system;
detecting an input stroke contacting the at least one input sensing device, the input stroke requesting performance of the task by the user; and
in response to the detecting act, transmitting a selection signal to the computing system whereby a command to perform the task is input into the computing system. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification