Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.

Gestures for touch sensitive input devices

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger (202-204) and palm (206, 207) contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, compliant, and flexible multi-touch surface (2). The surface consists of compressible cushion (32), dielectric electrode (33), and circuitry layers. A simple proximity transduction circuit is placed under each electrode to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio and to reduce wiring complexity. Scanning and signal offset removal on electrode array produces low-noise proximity images. Segmentation processing of each proximity image constructs a group of electrodes corresponding to each distinguishable contacts and extracts shape, position and surface proximity features for each group. Groups in successive images which correspond to the same hand contact are linked by a persistent path tracker (245) which also detects individual contact touchdown and liftoff. Classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.

Method and apparatus for integrating manual input

A computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with a computing device with a touch screen display comprises: detecting one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, applying one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and processing the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one- dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a respective item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

Touch screen device, method, and graphical user interface for determining commands by applying heuristics

Disclosed herein is a multi-functional hand-held device capable of configuring user inputs based on how the device is to be used. Preferably, the multifunctional hand-held device has at most only a few physical buttons, keys, or switches so that its display size can be substantially increased. The multifunctional hand-held device also incorporates a variety of input mechanisms, including touch sensitive screens, touch sensitive housings, display actuators, audio input, etc. The device also incorporates a user-configurable GUI for each of the multiple functions of the devices.

Multi-functional hand-held device

Newness and distinctiveness is claimed in the features of ornamentation as shown inside the broken line circle in the accompanying representation.

Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface

A method of generating a signal comprising providing a capacitive touch sensor pad including a matrix of X and Y conductors, developing capacitance profiles in one of an X direction and a Y direction from the matrix of X and Y conductors, determining an occurrence of a single gesture through an examination of the capacitance profiles, the single gesture including an application of at least two objects on the capacitive touch sensor pad, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of the single gesture.

Object position detector with edge motion feature and gesture recognition

A transparent, capacitive sensing system particularly well suited for input to electronic devices is described. The sensing system can be used to emulate physical buttons or slider switches that are either displayed on an active display device or printed on an underlying surface. The capacitive sensor can further be used as an input device for a graphical user interface, especially if overlaid on top of an active display device like an LCD screen to sense finger position (X/Y position) and contact area (Z) over the display. In addition, the sensor can be made with flexible material for touch sensing on a three-dimensional surface. Because the sensor is substantially transparent, the underlying surface can be viewed through the sensor. This allows the underlying area to be used for alternative applications that may not necessarily be related to the sensing system. Examples include advertising, an additional user interface display, or apparatus such as a camera or a biometric security device.

A flexible transparent touch sensing system for electronic devices

An apparatus for touchpad-based scroll control and method for scroll control comprising a data packet processor working in conjunction with a touchpad. A scroll zone, having a central axis, is defined on the touchpad. After detecting a user running a finger on the touchpad in a direction substantially parallel to an axis running the length of the scroll zone, the processor software sends scrolling messages to the operating system or application that owns an active window. The packet processing software is configured to not scroll on motions that are not substantially parallel to the axis of the scroll zone, thereby avoiding unwanted interference with normal program function, and also stops scrolling when the user lifts the scroll-activating finger or moves it in direction substantially perpendicular to the scroll zone.

Method and apparatus for scroll bar control

Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. Specifically, the devices and methods facilitate input using a pressure-sensitive layer whose electrical admittivity changes in response to pressure applied to a touch surface. An input device is provided that comprises a plurality of sensor electrodes including a set of primary sensor electrodes and a set of secondary sensor electrodes. Each primary sensor electrode is electrically coupled to at least one secondary sensor electrode to form a set of electrical admittances. In one embodiment, the pressure-sensitive layer is located between the sensor electrodes and the touch surface, such that changes in the admittivity of the pressure-sensitive layer in response to pressure on the touch surface cause corresponding changes in the admittances between the primary and secondary sensor electrodes.

Input device and method with pressure-sensitive layer

An electronic device comprises a display screen configured for displaying images, a touch sensor configured to detect user input in a sensing region, a host processing system and a touch screen control system. The touch screen control system comprises control circuitry and a memory configured for holding rules. The control circuitry is configured for updating the display screen in response to image data from the host processing system and for operating according to a first set of rules held in the memory. The control circuitry is also configured, in response to receiving an indication from the host processing system, for switching from operating according to the first set of rules to operating according to a second set of rules.

Shawn P. Day

Papers

Object position detector with edge motion feature and gesture recognition

A flexible transparent touch sensing system for electronic devices

Method and apparatus for scroll bar control

Input device and method with pressure-sensitive layer

Operating a touch screen control system according to a plurality of rule sets