GIMBALLED SCROLL WHEEL

• US 20130063379A1
• Filed: 09/06/2012
• Published: 03/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Rothkopf, Fletcher, Dinh, Richard H., Prest, Christopher D.
• Granted Patent: US 10,180,732 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/0293 with an integrated touch switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2025/048 having a separate central push, slide or tumbler button which is not integral with the operating part that surrounds it
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 25/041 having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls

Abstract

An input device that includes both a movement detector, such as mechanical switch, and positional indicator, such as touch pad touch screen, and/or touch sensing housing is disclosed. These two input devices can be used substantially simultaneously to provide a command to the device. In this manner, different commands can be associated with depressing a moveable member in different areas and a single moveable member can perform like several buttons.

Claims

1. A handheld electronic device comprising:

a frame and a platform,

the platform comprising a first region and a second region,

the first region being positioned in the second region,

the second region comprising a touch sensitive surface,

the first region being moveable relative to the second region to activate a first switch, and

the second region being movable relative to the first region to activate a second switch.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the platform is moveable relative to the frame.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the first region comprises a center button, the second region comprises a click wheel, and the touch sensitive surface comprises a touch pad or a touch screen.

4. The device of claim 1 comprising a sensor configured to sense force applied to the platform.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a force sensitive resistor, a pressure sensor and a proximity sensor.

6. The device of claim 1 comprising a sensor configured to produce a signal when a finger is positioned over the sensor.

7. The device of claim 1 comprising a sensor configured to activate as a finger sits on the sensor.