Instrument-activated sub-surface computer buttons and system and method incorporating same
First Claim
1. A portable computing system, comprising:
- a tablet computing device, comprising;
a flat-panel display configured to display an image;
a single digitizer panel located directly under the flat-panel display such that at least a portion of the single digitizer panel is overlaid by the flat-panel display, wherein the portion of the single digitizer panel that is overlaid by the flat-panel display is configured to receive inputs as a user interacts with the flat-panel display;
a wirelessly-activated digitizer button disposed outside a perimeter of the flat-panel display, wherein the single digitizer panel is located directly under the wirelessly-activated digitizer button; and
a frame disposed completely around the perimeter of the flat-panel display, wherein the wirelessly-activated digital button is disposed in the frame.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present technique provides a system and method for providing instrument-activated buttons having a sub-surface mechanism for triggering a desired function upon interaction with an above-surface electronic/digital user device, such as a digitizing pointing device. The instrument-activated buttons may be disposed in a display device, a tablet computing device, or any other suitable electronic device. A user navigates a housing surface of the electronic device until a signal identifies the sub-surface button, which may then be activated by performing an instrument-based activation event. The activation event may be a button click, a tip movement, or any other suitable trigger on the electronic/digital user device. A wireless communication is then transmitted between the sub-surface mechanism and the electronic/digital user device to initiate the function associated with the instrument-activated button.
54 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A portable computing system, comprising:
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a tablet computing device, comprising; a flat-panel display configured to display an image; a single digitizer panel located directly under the flat-panel display such that at least a portion of the single digitizer panel is overlaid by the flat-panel display, wherein the portion of the single digitizer panel that is overlaid by the flat-panel display is configured to receive inputs as a user interacts with the flat-panel display; a wirelessly-activated digitizer button disposed outside a perimeter of the flat-panel display, wherein the single digitizer panel is located directly under the wirelessly-activated digitizer button; and a frame disposed completely around the perimeter of the flat-panel display, wherein the wirelessly-activated digital button is disposed in the frame. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification