Human interfaces for vehicles, homes, and other applications

• US 20080122799A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 05/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Tactile Feedback Technology LLC
• Original Assignee: Tactile Feedback Technology LLC
• Inventors: Pryor, Timothy R.
• Application Number:
  US11/980,715
• Publication Number:
  US 20080122799A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04109 FTIR in optical digitiser, i.e. touch detection by frustrating the total internal reflection within an optical waveguide due to changes of optical properties or deformation at the touch location
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04808 Several contacts: gestures triggering a specific function, e.g. scrolling, zooming, right-click, when the user establishes several contacts with the surface simultaneously; e.g. using several fingers or a combination of fingers and pen
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0312 for tracking the rotation of a spherical or circular member, e.g. optical rotary encoders used in mice or trackballs using a tracking ball or in mouse scroll wheels tracking relative movement in co-operation with a regularly or irregularly patterned surface, e.g. as in optical mice G06F3/0317; constructional details of scroll or thumb-wheels G06F3/0362; optical rotary encoders G01D5/3473
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0425 using a single imaging device like a video camera for tracking the absolute position of a single or a plurality of objects with respect to an imaged reference surface, e.g. video camera imaging a display or a projection screen, a table or a wall surface, on which a computer generated image is displayed or projected tracking a projected light spot to determine a position on a display surface G06F3/0386
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0428 by sensing at the edges of the touch surface the interruption of optical paths, e.g. an illumination plane, parallel to the touch surface which may be virtual sensing beam interruptions in a planar beam grid of an optical touch-screen G06F3/0421
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures

Abstract

The disclosed invention concerns novel methods and apparatus for controlling computer systems using both touch screens and physical controls, and is useful in many applications such as vehicles, homes and the like. Physical controls and virtual displayed controls on single and multipoint touch screens are used, separately or in combination to enable higher visibility and understanding of control information and easier operation of controls, particularly useful in stressful situations.

Claims

1. Tactile control means comprising:

a computer;

a display means having a screen member, said display controlled by said computer;

means for tactile relation of a finger touch to said member;

sensing means for determining a characteristic of said touch on said member; and

means for changing said display or another operation controlled by said computer as a function of said sensed touch.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for tactile relation can be felt by said user.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for tactile relation is in a fixed location on the outer surface of said member.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for tactile relation is in a temporary location on the outer surface of said member.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for tactile relation provides a resistance to movement of said finger on said member.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for tactile relation provides a programmable resistance or other indication.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for tactile relation comprises a local protrusion or indentation of the screen surface.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said local protrusion or indentation is less than 0.020 inches in height or depth.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a line of action is represented by said means for tactile relation.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for tactile relation comprises a programmable generator of an acoustic pulse or wave in said screen member or on the surface of said screen member.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for tactile relation comprises a distortion of said screen member.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said screen member is an overlay on a permanent screen of said display.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said sensing means is optically based.