Intuitive user interface and method
First Claim
1. A user interface for an electronic device, the user interface arranged and constructed for intuitive control of interface functionality and comprising:
- a user interface component included in a plurality of user interface components;
an interface circuit coupled to the user interface component and configured to control more than one operating mode of the user interface component; and
a sensor located in a position that is logically associated with the user interface component and configured to provide an output signal to the interface circuit when the sensor is triggered by proximity to a user, the output signal facilitating a change in an operating mode of the user interface component.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A user interface 103 for an electronic device 101 (and corresponding method) is arranged and constructed for intuitive control of interface functionality. The user interface includes: a user interface component, e.g. speaker, microphone, display backlighting, etc., that is one of a plurality of user interface components 105; interface circuitry 117 coupled to the user interface components 105; and a sensor 129 located in a position that is logically associated with, e.g. proximate to or co-located with, the user interface component and configured to provide an output signal when the sensor 129 is triggered, e.g. by proximity to a user, where the output signal facilitates, via for example a controller 143, a change in an operating mode of one or more of the user interface components 105.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A user interface for an electronic device, the user interface arranged and constructed for intuitive control of interface functionality and comprising:
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a user interface component included in a plurality of user interface components;
an interface circuit coupled to the user interface component and configured to control more than one operating mode of the user interface component; and
a sensor located in a position that is logically associated with the user interface component and configured to provide an output signal to the interface circuit when the sensor is triggered by proximity to a user, the output signal facilitating a change in an operating mode of the user interface component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of facilitating intuitive control of user interface functionality for an electronic device, the method comprising:
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providing a user interface feature and a sensor located in a position that is logically associated with the user interface feature, the user interface feature included in a plurality of user interface features;
determining whether an output signal from the sensor indicates activation of the sensor due to proximity to a user; and
changing, responsive to the output signal, an operating mode of the user interface feature. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. An electronic device including a user interface that is arranged and constructed for intuitive control of interface functionality and comprising:
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a user audio/visual (AV) input/output (10) feature included in a plurality of user interface features;
an interface circuit coupled to the user AV I/O feature and configured to couple signals at least one of a) to the user AV I/O feature and b) from the user AV I/O feature;
a sensor located in a position that is intuitively associated with the user AV I/O feature and configured to provide an output signal that changes when the sensor is triggered by proximity to a user; and
a processor coupled to the output signal and configured to detect a change in the output signal and modify an operating mode of the user AV I/O feature.
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Specification