Scrollbar and Touchpad with Tactile and/or Audible Feedback
First Claim
1. An input device for a user interface of an electronic device comprising:
- a touch surface disposed on the top side of a flexible layer of material,a substantially rigid substrate supporting the layer of flexible material,whereby the bottom side of the flexible layer of material and the top side of the substrate are, eventually in combination with elements disposed therebetween, configured to provide a pattern of varying resistance to depression of the flexible layer that can be sensed by a user sliding a fingertip or object with some pressure over the touch sensitive surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A scrollbar or touchpad including a touch area and disposed on a flexible layer that is supported by a rigid substrate. The bottom surface of the flexible layer and the top surface of the substrate, eventually in combination with elements disposed therebetween are configured to provide a pattern of varying resistance to depression of the flexible layer. A user will feel the varying resistance to depression when moving a fingertip over the touch sensitive surface, thereby receiving tactile feedback. The elements disposed between the bottom surface of the flexible layer and the top surface of the substrate can be collapsible members such as collapsible domes or switches that produce a “click” sound when collapsing, thus providing both tactile and audible feedback to the user.
12 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An input device for a user interface of an electronic device comprising:
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a touch surface disposed on the top side of a flexible layer of material, a substantially rigid substrate supporting the layer of flexible material, whereby the bottom side of the flexible layer of material and the top side of the substrate are, eventually in combination with elements disposed therebetween, configured to provide a pattern of varying resistance to depression of the flexible layer that can be sensed by a user sliding a fingertip or object with some pressure over the touch sensitive surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for creating feedback in a navigational input device that is provided with a touch surface, comprising:
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providing a flexible touch surface over which a user can move a fingertip or an object for creating navigational input, and providing a pattern of varying resistance to depression of the flexible touch surface that can be sensed by a user sliding a fingertip or object with some pressure over the touch sensitive surface.
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22. A method for entering navigational input into a mobile electronic device, comprising:
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providing a flexible touch surface over which a user can move a fingertip or an object for creating navigational input, providing an array of switches disposed below said flexible touch surface, and accepting navigational input when said resilient switches are activated by pressure applied through the flexible touch surface.
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Specification