Configurable buttons for electronic devices
First Claim
1. Apparatus, comprising:
- a button member;
a sensor that detects when an object is present;
an actuator that controls movement of the button member; and
control circuitry that directs the actuator to prevent movement of the button member when the sensor detects that the object is in contact with a predefined portion of the button member.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Configurable buttons for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices are provided. A configurable button may have a button member that moves relative to a device housing when it is desired to activate a switch. The button may have an associated touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect when a user'"'"'s finger touches a particular portion of the button member. Contact with only this portion of the button member is generally inadvertent, so an actuator may be used to prevent or otherwise restrict motion of the button relative to a device housing. This prevents inadvertent activation of the button when a user is manipulating portions of an electronic device such as clip or lid, but does not intend to depress the button.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. Apparatus, comprising:
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a button member; a sensor that detects when an object is present; an actuator that controls movement of the button member; and control circuitry that directs the actuator to prevent movement of the button member when the sensor detects that the object is in contact with a predefined portion of the button member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for configuring a button, comprising:
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with control circuitry in an electronic device, using a sensor associated with the button to detect whether an object is in contact only with a predefined portion of the button; and when the object is in contact only with the predefined portion of the button, using the control circuitry to direct an actuator to prevent motion of the button. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A configurable button for an electronic device, comprising:
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at least one button member; at least one touch sensor that detects when the button member is touched; and an actuator that prevents movement of the button member relative to the electronic device when a predefined portion of the button member is being touched. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification