User computer device with temperature sensing capabilities and method of operating same
First Claim
1. A method for biasing a temperature of a temperature sensitive user interface of a user computer device, the method comprising:
- detecting one or more of a temperature of the user computer device and an ambient temperature;
determining to pre-bias the temperature sensitive user interface based on the detected one or more temperatures;
in response to determining to pre-bias the temperature sensitive user interface, auto-biasing a temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface; and
detecting, using the temperature sensitive user interface, a user input by determining a temperature differential that is based at least in part on the auto-biased temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A user computer device is provided that comprises a temperature sensitive touchscreen having a temperature sensitive user interface comprising multiple thermal energy emitter/detector devices, such as thermocouples. The multiple thermal energy emitter/detector devices are capable both of detecting thermal energy and emitting thermal energy. The temperature sensitive user interface generates thermal patterns that may be transferred to other thermally sensitive electronic devices or that may be used to authenticate the user computer device. The user computer device also can detect and thermally communicate with a thermal energy docking station and, based on thermal recognition, activate applications displayed on the temperature sensitive touchscreen. Further, the user computer device can auto-bias a temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface in order to better assure proper operation of the temperature sensitive user interface in all operating conditions.
190 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for biasing a temperature of a temperature sensitive user interface of a user computer device, the method comprising:
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detecting one or more of a temperature of the user computer device and an ambient temperature; determining to pre-bias the temperature sensitive user interface based on the detected one or more temperatures; in response to determining to pre-bias the temperature sensitive user interface, auto-biasing a temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface; and detecting, using the temperature sensitive user interface, a user input by determining a temperature differential that is based at least in part on the auto-biased temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A user computer device comprising:
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a housing; a temperature sensitive user interface having a plurality of thermal energy devices that are configured to one or more of emit thermal energy and detect thermal energy; and a processor coupled to the temperature sensitive user interface that is configured to detect one or more of a temperature of the user computer device and an ambient temperature, determine to pre-bias the temperature sensitive user interface based on the detected one or more temperatures, in response to determining to pre-bias the temperature sensitive user interface, auto-bias a temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface, and detect a user input using the temperature sensitive user interface by determining a temperature differential that is based at least in part on the auto-biased temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification