User interface for selecting functions in an electronic hardware

• US 6,559,828 B1
• Filed: 02/02/2000
• Issued: 05/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: RTO Holding OY
• Original Assignee: Clothing Plus OY (Jabil Inc.)
• Inventors: Impiö, Jussi Markus
• Primary Examiner(s): Saras, Steven
• Assistant Examiner(s): AWAD, AMR A
• Application Number:
  US09/495,949
• Time in Patent Office: 1,189 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156-167, 345/179, 345/863
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1615 with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function constructional details of portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts H04M1/0206
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1637 Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1683 for the transmission of signal or power between the different housings, e.g. details of wired or wireless communication, passage of cabling
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1684 Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1637 Sensing arrangement for detection of housing movement or orientation, e.g. for controlling scrolling or cursor movement on the display of an handheld computer

Abstract

The invention relates to a user interface in an electronic hardware arrangement, with an operating device for starting the desired function. The operating device has a fixing point, from which its distance can be adjusted, and means for defining said distance. The function to be performed in each case depends on the defined distance. The invention can be used for instance in portable computers.

Claims

1. A user interface for an electronic hardware arrangement, by means of which electronic hardware arrangement various selected functions can be performed, said user interface comprising:

an operating device to start the desired function,

the operating device has a fixing point, with respect to which point a distance between the operating device and the fixing point can be adjusted;

a cord connected to the operating device and the fixing point;

means for defining the distance of the operating device along the cord from the fixing point, and

the function available in each case depends on the defined distance of the operating device,

wherein the fixing point is affixed to a piece of clothing.

2. A piece of clothing in combination with a computer having a user interface according to claim 1, wherein the fixing point is affixed to the piece of clothing.

3. An electronic arrangement, whereby various functions can be selected, said arrangement comprising an operating device for starting the desired function, wherein

the operating device is fastened to a fixing point by means of a cord,

wherein the fixing point is affixed to a piece of clothing,

the distance of the operating device from the fixing point, as measured along the cord, is adjustable,

the arrangement includes means for defining said distance from the fixing point along the cord, and

the function to be performed at each point of time depends on the defined distance of the operating device,

said arrangement comprising an electronics unit, whereto the operating device is attached by means of a cable for transmitting signals.

4. An arrangement according to claim 3, said operating device being provided with a press key in order to start the desired function.

5. An arrangement according to claim 3, comprising a radio device for receiving or transmitting a message from or to a device external to the arrangement.

6. An arrangement according to claim 5, connected to a positioning system by means of a radio device.

7. An arrangement according to claim 3, provided with sensors in order to observe the state of the surroundings or of the user.

8. An arrangement according to claim 3, provided with an indicator in order to indicate the available functions, to give results of performed functions, to express messages received by means of a radio device, or to express signals received by sensors or data processed in a computer on the basis of said signals.

9. An arrangement according to claim 3, comprising means for defining the distance from the fixing point in a stepped fashion.

10. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein at a given distance of the operating device there are several functions available.

11. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the cord is wound on a coil.

12. An arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the coil comprises a system for measuring the rotary motion of the coil.

13. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the fixing point is located in the clothing of the user.

14. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the user may select a basic location from which the distance is measured.

15. A piece of clothing in combination with a computer having a user interface according to claim 3, wherein the fixing point is affixed to the piece of clothing.

16. An electronic arrangement according to claim 3, wherein a single cord is connected between the operating device and the fixing point.

17. An arrangement for controlling an electronic arrangement, wherein

available functions are shown as a menu on a display screen,

a movable operating device is connected to the electronic arrangement, and by moving said operating device one of the available functions is chosen to be performed,

the operating device is fastened by cord to a fixing point, so that a distance between the operating device and the fixing point can be adjusted,

the arrangement comprises means for defining the distance of the operating device from the fixing point, measured along the cord, and

the function to be performed in each case depends on the defined distance of the operating device.

18. A piece of clothing in combination with a computer provided with a control system according to claim 17, wherein the electronic arrangement has a fixing point affixed to the piece of clothing, and wherein the movable operating device is connected to the electronic arrangement by a cord.