Intuitive based control elements, and interfaces and devices using said intuitive based control elements

• US 20070024486A1
• Filed: 07/25/2006
• Published: 02/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: About Face Technologies, LLC
• Original Assignee: About Face Technologies, LLC
• Inventors: McRae, Kimberly
• Granted Patent: US 8,089,389 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/176
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/01 Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer G06F3/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

The present invention relates to intuitive based control elements and interfaces and devices using said intuitive based control elements. In certain embodiments, machine interfaces such as remote control devices for operation of various devices are provided. More specifically, machine interfaces according to embodiments of the invention herein include one or more control elements in the form of shapes and/or positioned indicia to facilitate operation by users. Control elements provided herein having intuitive shapes and/or positions described above as associated with the man-machine interfaces may also be provided integral with various devices. For example, personal electronic devices, personal care devices, personal healthcare devices, communications devices and personal comfort devices may benefit from control elements having intuitive shapes and/or positions associated with the function as described herein.

Claims

1. A device comprising

a housing, and

at least one control element, the control element capable of actuation upon being depressed, rotated, twisted, pulled, slid, rubbed, touch-screen actuated, manipulated, or any combination of the foregoing actions, the control element shaped in the form of, or positioned on the housing corresponding to, a part of the face selected from the group consisting of ears, eyes, mouth, nose, check, and chin,

wherein the control element performs a function of the device associated with the part of the face.

2. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a man-machine interface, wherein the machine interface controls at least a video system.

3. The device as in claim 2, wherein said video system is selected from the group consisting of televisions, DVD players and/or recorders, digital video recorder system, video cassette players and/or recorders, automotive/marine video systems, airplane video systems, and video game systems.

4. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a man-machine interface, wherein the machine interface controls at least an audio system.

5. The man-machine interface device as in claim 4, wherein said audio system is selected from the group consisting of home audio systems, mini audio Systems, portable audio systems, automotive/marine audio systems, computer audio systems, and airplane audio systems.

6. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a man-machine interface, wherein the machine interface controls at least a computer system.

7. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a man-machine interface, wherein the machine interface controls at least an appliance.

8. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a video system.

9. The device as in claim 8, wherein said video system is selected from the group consisting of televisions, video monitors, DVD players and/or recorders, digital video recorder system, video cassette players and/or recorders, automotive/marine video systems, airplane video systems, and video game systems.

10. The device as in claim 1 embodied in an audio system.

11. The device as in claim 10, wherein said audio system is selected from the group consisting of personal audio player based on external media, personal audio system based on internal media storage, home audio systems, mini audio systems, portable audio systems, automotive/marine audio systems, computer audio systems, and airplane audio systems.

12. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a telephonic device.

13. The device as in claim 1 embodied in an alarm clock.

14. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a personal care device.

15. The device as in claim 14, wherein said personal care device is selected from the group consisting of electric toothbrushes and electric razors.

16. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a personal healthcare device.

17. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a personal comfort device.

18. The device as in claim 17, wherein said personal comfort device is selected from the group consisting of lift beds and lift chairs.

19. The device as in claim 1 embodied in a light switch or light dimmer.

20. The device as in claim 1, the control element in the configuration of and/or position corresponding to at least one ear of an animate being, said control element controlling audio functions.

21. The device as in claim 1, the control element in the configuration of and/or position corresponding to at least one eye of an animate being, said control element controlling video functions or display functions.

22-74. -74. (canceled)