Pressure sensitive touch pad with virtual programmable buttons for launching utility applications
First Claim
1. A touch-sensitive display panel having a first area comprising an array of discrete virtual programmable buttons for operating a computing device, and a second area comprising a touch pad for traditional mouse pointing functions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A pressure sensitive Display Pad having embedded dual functionality such as operating as a mouse for pointer navigation and an array of Virtual Programmable Applications Buttons for selection on the computing device and displaying applications such as a calculator, currency converter, daily event calendar, etc. The device is an improvement to existing resistive and capacitive touch pads that eliminates the need for additional dedicated mechanical buttons for launching utility applications. An exemplary embodiment is disclosed in the context of a laptop computer wherein the Display Pad performs the pointing and selection functions of existing laptop touchpads, and additionally provides for fixed or programmable pressure sensitive application functions using virtual buttons on the touchpad which can launch utility applications associated with those buttons, either on the computer screen or on the Display Pad display or both.
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Citations
22 Claims
- 1. A touch-sensitive display panel having a first area comprising an array of discrete virtual programmable buttons for operating a computing device, and a second area comprising a touch pad for traditional mouse pointing functions.
- 6. In a computing device having a primary display and keyboard, a user input device comprising a touch-sensitive display panel separate from said primary display and defined by a pressure sensitive area segregated into a first area including an array of discrete virtual programmable buttons for operating said computing device, and a second area comprising a touch pad for controlling mouse pointing functions.
Specification