Proximity sensor device and method with activation confirmation
First Claim
1. A touch screen interface for an electronic device, the touch screen interface comprising:
- a display screen;
a sensor proximate to the display screen, the sensor adapted to sense object presence in a sensing region, wherein the sensing region overlaps at least part of the display screen; and
a processor, the processor coupled to the sensor, the processor configured to;
responsive to an identified presence of a first object in the sensing region, identify a selected function that corresponds to a location of the first object in the sensing region; and
responsive to an identified presence of a second object in the sensing region within a specified temporal period that overlaps with the identified presence of the first object in the sensing region, confirm the selected function.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A touch sensor device and method is provided that facilitates improved device usability. Specifically, the touch screen device and method provide user interface functionality while reducing the possibility of inadvertent activation of certain functions. The touch screen device comprises a proximity sensor adapted to detect object presence in a sensing region, a display screen overlapping the sensing region, and a processor. The touch screen device is adapted to provide user interface functionality by facilitating the display of user interface elements and the selection and activation of corresponding functions. For certain functions, the touch screen device and method uses the presence of a second object to confirm selection of a function before that function will be performed. So configured, the touch device screen is able to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent activation for certain functions on the device.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A touch screen interface for an electronic device, the touch screen interface comprising:
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a display screen; a sensor proximate to the display screen, the sensor adapted to sense object presence in a sensing region, wherein the sensing region overlaps at least part of the display screen; and a processor, the processor coupled to the sensor, the processor configured to; responsive to an identified presence of a first object in the sensing region, identify a selected function that corresponds to a location of the first object in the sensing region; and responsive to an identified presence of a second object in the sensing region within a specified temporal period that overlaps with the identified presence of the first object in the sensing region, confirm the selected function. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A touch screen interface for an electronic device, the touch screen interface comprising:
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a display screen configured to display a plurality of icons, each icon identifying a location on the touch screen interface corresponding to a function on the electronic device; a capacitive sensor proximate to the display screen, the capacitive sensor adapted to sense object presence in a sensing region, wherein the sensing region overlaps at least part of the display screen; and a processor, the processor coupled to the sensor, the processor configured to; responsive to an identified presence of a first object in the sensing region, identify a selected function that corresponds to an icon in the plurality of icons that is proximate a location of the first object in the sensing region; and responsive to an identified presence of a second object in the sensing region beginning both after the identified presence of the first object begins, and before the identified presence of the first object ends, confirm the selected function regardless of a location of the identified presence of the second object in sensing region. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. A method for indicating a function on a touch screen, the method comprising:
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monitoring electrical signals with a processor for indicia of object presence in a sensing region provided by the touch screen; responsive to an identified presence of a first object in the sensing region, identify a selected function that corresponds to a location of the first object in the sensing region; and responsive to an identified presence of a second object in the sensing region within a specified temporal period that overlaps with the identified presence of the first object in the sensing region, confirm the selected function. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A program product comprising:
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a) a sensor program, the sensor program adapted to; responsive to an identified presence of a first object in a sensing region of a touch screen, identify a selected function that corresponds to a location of the first object in the sensing region; responsive to an identified presence of a second object in the sensing region within a specified temporal period that overlaps with the identified presence of the first object in the sensing region, confirm the selected function; and b) non-transitory computer-readable media bearing said sensor program.
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26. A touch screen interface for an electronic device, the touch screen interface comprising:
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a display screen; a sensor proximate to the display screen, the sensor adapted to sense object presence in a sensing region, wherein the sensing region overlaps at least part of the display screen; and a processor, the processor coupled to the sensor, the processor configured to; responsive to an identified presence of a first object in the sensing region simultaneously occurring with an identified presence of a second object in the sensing region, and after a beginning of a motion of either the first or the second object, identify a selected function that corresponds to a location of one of the first and second objects; responsive to the motion of the either the first or the second object, indicate an adjustment relating the selected function. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification