Optical sensor based user interface for a portable electronic device
First Claim
1. A portable electronic device comprising:
- a memory coupled to a bus;
a display coupled to said bus and operable to display an array of visibly formatted information thereon, said information comprising a scrollable plurality of items;
an optical sensor coupled to said bus wherein, in response to manipulations thereof, an optical characteristic of said optical sensor changes and wherein said optical sensor generates a corresponding display change signal; and
a processor coupled to said bus and functional with said optical sensor to provide an optical user interface, wherein said optical unit interface is operable to modify said array of visibly formatted information according to said display change signal.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are described herein, which simultaneously promotes a positive computing experience for users of portable computer systems and increases overall durability and longevity thereof. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus enhances the user computing experience, in one embodiment by simplifying operation, and is much more durable and long-lasting than mechanical switch and dial type devices it may replace. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, which enables efficient portable computer device function, field, and data selection, gaming, input, interconnection, and other switching-related functions, simplifying operation and enhancing versatility thereof, yet without exposing the portable computer interior to any degree to incursion of environmental contamination. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus obviates openings in a portable computer package which would otherwise be required. In one embodiment, the apparatus, capable of sensing manipulation and directed by software, has a light source and corresponding light sensor.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A portable electronic device comprising:
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a memory coupled to a bus;
a display coupled to said bus and operable to display an array of visibly formatted information thereon, said information comprising a scrollable plurality of items;
an optical sensor coupled to said bus wherein, in response to manipulations thereof, an optical characteristic of said optical sensor changes and wherein said optical sensor generates a corresponding display change signal; and
a processor coupled to said bus and functional with said optical sensor to provide an optical user interface, wherein said optical unit interface is operable to modify said array of visibly formatted information according to said display change signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 26, 27)
c3) selecting a portion of said array of visibly formatted information as a location for said cursor; and
c4) moving said cursor accordingly.
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27. The method as recited in claim 26, wherein said c) further comprises:
c5) scrolling said array of visibly formatted information.
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14. A method of updating a display of information comprising:
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a) displaying said information onto a display of a portable electronic device wherein said information comprises a scrollable plurality of items;
b) responsive to manipulations of an optical user interface, changing the optical characteristics of an optical user interface of said portable electronic device accordingly;
c) generating a corresponding display change signal; and
d) modifying the array of visibly formatted information according to said display change signal wherein said display change signal scrolls through said plurality of items according to said manipulations. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. In a portable electronic device having an optical user interface and a display for exhibiting an array of visibly formatted information, a method of changing said array of visibly formatted information comprising:
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a) in response to manipulations of said optical user interface, changing the optical characteristics of said optical user interface accordingly;
b) generating a corresponding display change signal; and
c) modifying the array of visibly formatted information according to said display change signal wherein said array comprises a scrollable plurality of items and wherein said display change signal scrolls through said plurality of items according to said manipulations. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 28, 29)
c1) selecting a portion of said array of visibly formatted information to be highlighted; and
c2) moving said highlighted region accordingly.
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28. The method as recited in claim 23, wherein said array of visibly formatted information includes a cursor.
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29. The method as recited in claim 23, wherein said electronic device comprises a portable computer device.
Specification