CN102844729A - Apparatuses, methods, and systems for an electronic device with a detachable user input attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device (100) is configured to be operable with the user input attachment (102) so as to provide a user with the option of using a touch sensitive display (101) alone, or in conjunction with the control device or keypad having physical keys to enhance the tactile user experience. The electronic device (100) includes a touch sensitive display (101) and the controller (104) it is operable with a touch sensitive display (101). When the user input attachment (102) is coupled to the touch sensitive display (101), and identification module (106) is configured to identify the user input attachment (102) by way of a temporal signature signal (110). Once identified, and adaptation module (107) is configured to reconfigure the electronic device (100) in response to the user input attachment (102) being attached.

Description

Be used to have and break away from device, the method and system that the user imports the electronic equipment of annex

Technical field

Present invention relates in general to be used to use the user to import the method and system of annex; This user imports annex can be attached to touch-sensitive display or surface in electronic equipment by manufacturer or by the user at the place, point of sale; And more specifically; Relate to and be used to use the user to import the method and system of annex, this user imports annex and has the temporary mark signature, and this user imports annex and can operate with the electromagnetic sensor in touching sensitive surfaces or display.

Background technology

It is more and more general that " intelligence " electronic equipment is becoming in present day society.For example, before the long time, mobile phone is not 12 the undue simple equipment by key keypad that have that only carry out call.Nowadays, " intelligence " phone, personal digital assistant and other portable electric appts not only are configured to carry out call, and the management address book, safeguard calendar, playing back music and video, display photos and the surfing in the WWW.

Along with the development of the ability of these electronic equipments, its user interface is also in development.Previous keypad with a limited number of button is replaced by the complicated user input device such as touch-screen or touch plate.The quick system that touches that comprises touch-sensitive display and touch plate etc. comprises the sensor that is used to detect such as the existence of the object of finger or stylus.Touch in the quick system through this object is placed, the user can be at situation lower-pilot that does not need the physics keypad and control electronic equipment.

Touching the advantage that quick system is associated with these is that user interface can be configured to change input pattern.For example, in an application, user interface can be configured to music player (having broadcast, time-out, F.F. and backspace key), and in Another application, same user interface can be redeployed as qwerty keyboard.

Touch the shortcoming that quick system is associated with these and relate to user experience.People prefer using feedback to come the access control action usually.In the environment of electronic equipment, usually expect that this feedback is a sense of touch, visual and can listen.In other words, when the user actuates such as " button " on the electronic equipment of smart phone the time, they prefer usually through receive some tactile feedback and visual with can listen feedback to know to supress this button.A shortcoming of touch-sensitive display is: do not have physical button, the user can not feel the profile of button or when actuating and/or discharge, feel button " pushing back " with respect to their finger.Therefore, has touch-sensitive display and almost do not have button or do not have the equipment of button to transmit less than best experience.

Another shortcoming of touch-sensitive device is: the virtual key that occurs on it maybe be very little.Very frequently, hope that the user who on qwerty keyboard, clicks virtual Q key clicks virtual W key through regular meeting, perhaps vice versa.Because the user can not confirm that its finger is in fact on virtual key, so can cause typing error through touching.In brief, possibly damage user's accuracy.

Therefore, need a kind of electronic equipment of improvement, equipment provides the dirigibility of touch-sensitive display in this electronics, and has solved the problems referred to above.

Description of drawings

In each accompanying drawing; Similarly Reference numeral refer to identical or function on similar elements; And accompanying drawing is comprised in the instructions with following detailed description and forms the part of instructions; Accompanying drawing is used to further specify each embodiment, and explains with good grounds various principle and advantages of the present invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates and has the exemplary electronic device with touch-sensitive display that the user imports annex according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention the decomposition view that a user imports annex.

Fig. 3 illustrates a user who has a plurality of conductive pads that are deployed on second interarea and arrange with feature configuration according to an embodiment of the invention and imports annex.

Fig. 4 illustrates the stereographic map that the user who has coupling with it according to an embodiment of the invention imports the electronic equipment with touch-sensitive display of annex.

Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment that the user of being coupled to electronic equipment according to an embodiment of the invention imports annex.

Fig. 6 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention the user is imported the alternate embodiment that annex is attached to touch-sensitive display.

Fig. 7 illustrates according to first exemplary mode of operation in the electronic equipment of embodiments of the invention configuration.

Fig. 8 illustrates has second exemplary mode of operation that attached with it user imports the electronic equipment of annex according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention has the 3rd exemplary mode of operation that attached with it user imports the electronic equipment of annex at the middle position along touch-sensitive display.

Figure 10 illustrates the schematic block diagram according to the electronic equipment of the decomposition view that comprises a touch-sensitive display of embodiments of the invention configuration.

Figure 11 illustrates and is used for operative configuration Cheng Yuke according to an embodiment of the invention and breaks away from a kind of illustrative method that the user imports the electronic equipment that annex works together.

Figure 12 illustrates the difference configuration that various according to an embodiment of the invention users import annex.

Figure 13 illustrates and is applicable to according to an embodiment of the invention at electronic equipment and user and imports a mechanical couplings of using between the annex.

Figure 14-17 illustrates and is applicable to another mechanical couplings of being imported annex by electronic equipment and user according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 18-19 illustrates and is based on the user according to an embodiment of the invention and imports the change of operator scheme of layout or contact point between annex and the electronic equipment or adaptive.

Figure 20-28 illustrates the user who is applicable to according to the embodiments of the invention configuration and imports the exemplary mechanical sectional view that uses in the annex.

Figure 29 illustrates a kind of operator scheme or the application of the use that is applicable to the electronic equipment of operating with example user input annex according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 30 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention an electronic equipment and a user imports annex and imports the characteristic temporary signal that annex transmits to electronic equipment through one or more conductive pads by the user.

Figure 31 illustrates and illuminates a kind of method that the user imports annex according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 32 illustrates and is used to illuminate a kind of method that the user imports annex according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 33 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention exemplary electronic device and user and imports annex, and wherein this exemplary electronic device comprises the viewable portion of touch-sensitive display and wherein do not present the part display of dynamic data.

Figure 34 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention exemplary electronic device and user and imports annex, and wherein this exemplary electronic device comprises the quick zone of touching except those that are associated with touch-sensitive display touch quick zone.

Figure 35 illustrates the embodiment that the collapsible user who disposes according to one embodiment of present invention imports annex.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in order to simplify and to know and illustrate the element in the accompanying drawing, and the element in the accompanying drawing needn't be drawn in proportion.For example, some size of component in the accompanying drawings maybe be with respect to other elements and by exaggerative, to help lend some impetus to the understanding to embodiments of the invention.

Embodiment

Embodiments of the invention provide electronic equipment and attachable user to import annex.This module can be configured to break away from the user and import annex and maybe can be intended to be used for the permanent attachment to electronic equipment.

In one embodiment, electronic equipment is equipped with and touches sensitive surfaces, and such as touch-screen or touch pad, this touches sensitive surfaces and produces and keep watch on surperficial electromagnetic field.In one embodiment, touch sensitive surfaces and comprise the capacitance field sensor.In another embodiment, touch sensitive surfaces and comprise magnetic field sensor.

The user imports annex and can be configured to be coupled at double and touch sensitive surfaces, and alternatively, can be configured to optionally remove from touching sensitive surfaces.The user imports annex can be configured one or more sense of touch buttons, so that be used as keypad and/or the sense of touch machine feedback is provided when pushing button.Alternatively, can other opertaing devices such as slide block, switch, toggle switch and pick-up sticks etc. be included in the user imports in the annex.

Can comprise operational module with the controller that touches the sensitive surfaces operation, this operational module is configured to discern type or the configuration that the user imports annex in one embodiment, and comes the operator scheme of adaptive electronic equipment in response to the identification of annex.In one embodiment, when user input device is coupled to when touching sensitive surfaces, the user imports annex and comes to the interim signature signal of electronic equipment transmission via the capacitance field sensor that touches sensitive surfaces.In one embodiment, this interim signature signal comprises characteristic amplitude, surface area and time-based signature.Can be configured to the identification module of controller function import annex from interim signature signal identification user.When identification, adaptation module is configured to reconfigure electronic equipment in response to this identification then.

In one embodiment; Initially be attached to when touching sensitive surfaces when the user imports annex, identification module is positioned at the electromagnetic field that is generated by touch-sensitive display and analyzes by the detected interim signature signal of the emf sensor that touches sensitive surfaces in response to import one or more conductive pads on the annex the user.Interim signature signal can comprise characteristic, such as signal amplitude, signal surface area, characteristic decline, characteristic slope or the characteristic change on slope.According to by conductive pad and the temporary signal that produces such as optional non-active (non-transformer) parts of the inductor that in second-order circuit, disposes, capacitor and resistor (it possibly not be a separating component), identification module detects the existence that the user imports annex.In one embodiment, this detection can also comprise to conductive pad position or the analysis of configuration, this can indicate the user to import the position and the orientation of annex.Then; Identification module is to adaptation module relaying annex and/or be used for the identification that the user imports the conductive pad on its of annex, position or orientation alternatively, and relaying physical configuration in one embodiment; It is the physical features of conductive pad; Such as shape, size and quantity etc., perhaps the physical configuration of trunk subscriber input annex alternatively comprises the number of button, the type of button and the layout of button etc.

Alternatively, identification module also can also be notified other electronic equipments.For example, in one embodiment, identification module can be imported the type of annex and its position and orientation alternatively to the detected user of display manager or display driver notice.In one embodiment, this identification module can be to waiting the equipment feedback control system of the sense of touch subsystem that transmits tactile feedback to notify about being coupled to type, orientation, physical configuration or the position that the user who touches sensitive surfaces imports annex such as being configured to according to user preference, sensitivity and predefined display or touching input area.

As stated, in one embodiment, controller uses adaptation module to come to reconfigure electronic equipment attached when the user imports annex with discerning.This reconfigures and can be included in the optimization that appears such as the data on the display of touch-sensitive display.The example of optimizing can comprise the viewing area of adjust touch-sensitive display, and the feasible user who appears about being installed on the touch-screen imports periadnexal data, rather than imports hiding data below any opaque section of annex the user.Other changes that adaptation module can carry out being associated with device performance parameters and user preference.Can also carry out other and reconfigure, such as reconfiguring of the illuminating layer of touch-sensitive display.For example, can be so that illuminating layer improve brightness based on surrounding environment or energy-conservation requirement or reduce brightness (on the whole display or on the part in the selection of display), thus improve display and/or import the visuality of the button on the annex the user.

Explained that through the mode of example the user imports annex and is configured to qwerty keyboard.When this user import annex be coupled to electronic equipment touch sensitive surfaces the time, the interim signature signal of characteristic allow controller identification (a) attached qwerty keyboard; And (b) position and the orientation of qwerty keyboard.Then, adaptation module configuration electronic equipment receives the qwerty keyboard data with the bottom side through importing annex the user or the conductive pad of other upper surfaces administration.In one embodiment, adaptation module is configured to reconfigure electronic equipment based on the identification of the qwerty keyboard annex that is coupled and the user preference that is stored in the storer in the electronic equipment.

In such configuration, carry out work in combination with the sense of touch that button the transmitted response of importing annex by the user with the user import annex maybe disengaging property (importing possibly replacing of annex) combination with different users the user preference that uses by adaptation module all formed and be difficult to touch the sensitive surfaces matching user and experience with independent plane.

In one embodiment; The user imports annex and is configured to keyboard; This keyboard is actuated corresponding signal to electronic equipment or additional power supply transmission with user such as the parts of button; And need not connect such as the motor machine of the physics of plug, port, connector or socket, such as using those of port or socket.Be configured to capacitive transducer if touch sensitive surfaces, then the mechanical part in the user imports annex changes state when the user actuates each button.Then, the change of this state is launched into the conductive pad that the user imports annex, and is detected by the capacitive transducer of electronic equipment.Then, controller can change the user startup of deciphering for specific keys with state, thereby correspondingly responds.Therefore, the user imports annex and can under the situation of the power supply that need not be used for other electronic units in the user imports annex, operate.

In one embodiment, the user preference that is used by adaptation module comprises and depends on that being coupled to the electronic equipment that the user who touches sensitive surfaces imports the type of annex reconfigures preference.These preferences can comprise tactile feedback or " sense of touch " profile that is defined as preset parameter.Preference can also comprise touch sensitivity, wherein will receive the quick zone of touching of input, import the number that touches quick button and type and other information on the annex the user.

Preference can also comprise the information that reconfigures instruction about the display that is used for visually optimizing touch-sensitive display; Because importing the number of annex about the user is visible; Rather than import the user annex opaque section below (notice that in one embodiment, the user imports annex can have window portion; Through this window portion, the user can watch the part of display thereunder).Other preferences comprise and calibrate the change that preference is associated for optimum performance predetermined performance parameter and user.If the user imports annex and decouples from touching sensitive surfaces, then electronic equipment can be configured to turn back to normal operator scheme.

In one embodiment, touch-sensitive display perhaps otherwise is illuminated by backlight lightening, makes when using electronic equipment to user's projection light.Therefore, in one embodiment, the user imports annex and is configured to use this light to illuminate the user to import the button on the annex.And the preference of being used by adaptation module can comprise: make the illuminace component in touch-sensitive display improve or reduce its brightness output, thereby improve under such as the particular case of the low light level visuality of importing the characteristic that annex disposes along the user.Preference can also comprise be used for when under the strong illumination condition, use have reconfigure touch-sensitive display when attached user imports the electronic equipment of annex illuminating layer to realize energy-conservation instruction.

In one embodiment, a plurality of users import annex and can be attached to electronic equipment simultaneously.For example, in a following embodiment, two users import annex and can be attached to electronic equipment in the opposite end of touch-sensitive display, so that the excitation game control.

Can be according to embodiments of the invention configure user input in every way annex.For example, can dispose the keypad of big key to individual with non-best vision.Can dispose the braille keyboard to visual impairment.In another embodiment, can import annex to the different different users of language configuration.When being this situation, the user of the language that can when buying electronic equipment, be used to select to user installation imports annex.And, in one embodiment, when the user imports annex and is coupled to electronic equipment, can the operator scheme of electronic equipment automatically be configured to receive and Data transmission with the language of selecting.

In one embodiment, the user imports annex and can mechanically be attached to electronic equipment.For example, be used for the mechanical clasps that the user imports annex and can be configured to main body, thereby make the user import that annex keeps forever or removedly against touch-sensitive display around electronic equipment.When using removedly, such button allows the user to import annex fully from the electronic equipment disengaging, and is regarded as annex.

In another embodiment, can through lashing or similarly equipment make the user import annex and electronic equipment mechanically keeps.Disposing like this helps when preventing when sensitive surfaces breaks away from that from touching of electronic equipment the user from importing the carelessness loss of annex.

In another embodiment, the user imports annex can be coupled to electronic equipment through hook and slide block mechanism, so that can break away from still and can not break away from from electronic equipment itself from touching sensitive surfaces.Other attachment mechanism comprise magnetic coupling, fastening, protecting sheathing coupling, boots coupling (boot coupling), static attached connector, vertical positioner, horizontal location device etc.Be described in more detail below some in these various mechanical arrangements.It only is illustrative that these mechanical embodiments are intended to.As for the substituting of mechanical attachment, can use static bonding, mechanical suction or otherwise the user imported annex to be attached to and to touch sensitive surfaces.

Embodiments of the invention provide a lot of possible advantages with respect to the data input device of prior art.Possible advantage is the tactile feedback that the user through user preference imports the improvement that the button of annex provides.Second possible advantage is the raising on the data input precision, and the sense of touch on specific keys confirms that this is impossible in the equipment with flat surfaces touch-screen or touch pad because the user receives finger before actuating.

Next, as stated, import annex according to the user of embodiments of the invention configurations and can comprise the user's input control except button, and change as required or increase user's input control.User's input control can comprise slide block, rocker switch, toggle switch, rocker switch and pick-up sticks, just lists out several here.In addition, as follows, user of the present invention imports the sensitive surfaces that touches that annex can be coupled to corresponding electronic appliance at any one place of a plurality of positions.Therefore, import annex, then can so carry out if user expectation is installed the user at the place, top of touch-sensitive display; Equally, if user expectation is imported the centre that annex is arranged in touch-sensitive display with the user, then also can so carry out.In addition, when the user imported electronic equipment that annex is coupled to and in the zone except display, comprises sensor, the user can import annex with the user was coupled to such zone, such as but be not limited to the side and the back side of electronic equipment.

The possible advantage of another of embodiments of the invention relates to the physical operations based on the touch sensor system of electromagnetic field.Prior art based on the touching in the dependent sensor of electromagnetic field, often require user and touch sensor to carry out the skin of physics and contacting of glass, so that senses touch.In other words, for example glove user possibly not touched quick system and is detected reliably, because gloves itself possibly be the insulating mediums between capacitive transducer and user's finger.Utilize embodiments of the invention, do not require the skin and the glass contact of physics.On the contrary, the user actuates the user and imports one of button of annex.No matter whether insulating medium is imported between the annex in user's finger and user, this button is actuated one or more conductive pads transmission signals from annex to the user that all import.In brief, no matter whether the user wears gloves, embodiments of the invention all carry out work.

Turn to accompanying drawing now, Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment who imports annex 102 according to the electronic equipment 100 of embodiments of the invention configurations and user.In this embodiment, the user import annex 102 be configured to the user can be easily with respect to electronic equipment 100 attached with the annex that breaks away from.Electronic equipment 100 comprises touch-sensitive display 101, and can comprise one or more general grand control knobs 103 alternatively.As follows more in detail shown in, in one embodiment, touch-sensitive display 101 comprises emf sensor, this emf sensor is configured to detect near the existence such as the object of user's finger or conduction stylus that is positioned at the touch-sensitive display 101.

Importing annex 102 the user shown in the instructions embodiment of Fig. 1 is that " passive " user imports annex.Use a technical term " passive ", do not need power supply or come to transmit users such as the active electronic component of amplifier, power switch or opertaing device and actuate input signal to touch-sensitive display 101 because the user imports annex 102.

In one embodiment, the user imports annex 102 and comprises that importing a plurality of users that first interarea 109 of annex 102 arranges along the user can actuate key 108.As stated, can dispose these a plurality of users with multiple version any and can actuate button 108.Some of these versions are understood in the discussion of use Figure 12 in more detail below.The example of key configurations comprises the example of qwerty keyboard, recreation particular control, media player particular control, navigation controls and user friendly control etc.

In the illustrative example of Fig. 1, controller 104 can carry out operation control 104 with touch-sensitive display 101 and emf sensor thereof.The controller 104 that can be microprocessor, FPGA, special IC equipment or other similar devices can execution of program instructions, all as illustrated in fig. 11 those.This programmed instruction can be stored in the controller 104 in the storer 105 or can with other computer-readable mediums of controller 104 operation in.

In one embodiment, controller 104 is configured to and can operates with identification module 106 and adaptation module 107.This identification module and adaptation module 107 can be configured to executable code, perhaps alternatively can be configured to hardware, such as FPGA or be contained in the controller 104, substitute controller 104 or use controller 104 exercisable other equipment.Controller 104, identification module 106 and adaptation module 107 also are configured to and can operate with display driver, to carry out and to be controlled at appearing of information on the touch-sensitive display 101.

Shown in the instructions embodiment of Fig. 1, the user import annex 102 mechanically be configured to respect to touch-sensitive display 101 attachable with can break away from.In the illustrative example of Fig. 1, this is to realize that through import the mechanical arm that annex 102 distad extends with respect to the user this mechanical arm is configured to around electronic equipment 100.This disengaging property provides to the user uses whole touch-sensitive display to use the user to import the freedom of annex 102 in other cases simultaneously in some cases.For example; If electronic equipment 100 is the smart phones with multimedia capabilities; Then watching requirement from user's data input seldom or when not requiring the video from the user's data input as the user, the user possibly expect to use whole touch-sensitive display 101 to watch video.In this case, the user only imports annex 102 from touch-sensitive display disengaging user.As follows, in one embodiment, the user imports annex 102 and can be loaded in then on the back of electronic equipment 100, perhaps otherwise is bolted to electronic equipment 100 to prevent its dislocation.Then, when finishing video, suppose that the user will write Email.Then, the user can import annex 102 with the user and be attached to touch-sensitive display 101, enters data in the electronic equipment 100 to use a plurality of users can actuate button 108.

In one embodiment, as among Fig. 3 in more detail shown in, the user imports annex 102 and is configured to when attached to transmit interim signature signal 110 to touch-sensitive display 101.Because it is this signature signal changed along with the time,, shown in Figure 30 like reference so this signature signal is interim.Can for example realize that along a plurality of conductive pads that the user imports the downside deployment of annex 102 emf sensor of this conductive pad and touch-sensitive display 101 carries out alternately through use.This conductive pad can be sentenced predefined configuration orientation at the ad-hoc location of importing annex 102 along the user, and has predetermined size and shape or its combination, so that carry out alternately with emf sensor, to transmit interim signature signal 110.Specific embodiment can use carbon resilient material or other conductive materials to form conductive pad.And, also can the protective seam such as the thin layer of thermoplastic material be arranged on the conductive pad.

In one embodiment, interim signature signal 110 is a series of signal amplitudes along with time detecting (m axle) of surface (x-y plane) expansion along touch-sensitive display 101.In Fig. 1, utilize x axle 112 that interim signature signal 110 describes and y axle 111 with corresponding along the planar dimensions of touch-sensitive display 101.At the commonly assigned co-pending U.S. Patent application No.12/570 that with Timothy Dickinson and William Alberth is the title submitted in 30 days September in 2009 of inventor for " Methods and Apparatus for Distinguishing Between Touch System Manipulators (being used for touching the method and apparatus of distinguishing between the quick system manipulation device) "; Described similar signature signal and analysis thereof in 140, this article is comprised in this by reference to be used for various purposes.

In one embodiment, identification module 106 is analyzed interim signature signal 110 and is imported annex 102 with the identification user.Can realize in many ways, such as the x-y plane domain of confirming to be associated, position, shape and size, the time-based decline etc. of peak value in signature signal 110 temporarily of peak value in interim signature signal 110 with interim signature signal 110.

Though the analysis of interim signature signal 110 is a kind of methods that the identification user imports annex 102, is clear that for the one of ordinary skilled in the art embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.Can substitute other recognition technologies.For example, can substitute emf sensor with acoustic sensor.Then, identification module 106 can be configured to analyze the sound that receives from sensor during in attached module as the user, confirms that the user imports the sign of annex 102.Similarly, can substitute conductive pad with piezoelectric crystal.Therefore, identification module 106 can be configured to analyze the vibration signal that is transmitted to touch-sensitive display 101 by crystal.Alternatively, can substitute conductive pad with magnetometer.Therefore, identification module 106 can be configured to analyze the variation in the magnetic field relevant with touch-sensitive display 101.And for example, photo-coupler can substitute conductive pad.Therefore, identification module 106 can be configured to analyze the variation in light wavelength or reflectivity relevant with touch-sensitive display 101.

Use interim signature signal 110, identification module 106 can detect and analyze by the user imports various electrical features or the signal parameter that annex 102 transmits to touch-sensitive display 101.In one embodiment, identification module 106 can be configured to confirm the amplitude and/or the size of the interim signature signal 110 on touch-sensitive display 101.Then, this amplitude be can keep watch on, thereby " temporarily " or the time-based characteristic of signal limited with definite speed of scattering and disappearing along with the electric charge of time.This amplitude can be combined with other parameters such as area, shape, size or its combination of interim signature signal 110, some of these other parameters or all be measured in time.

Then, can the interim characteristic that obtain and predefined model, tolerance or threshold limit be made comparisons, to discern the type that the user imports annex 102 uniquely.For example, one type can be the alphanumeric key disk population, and another kind of type can be the numerical key disk population, and the third type can be a game console family.According to type identification, controller 104 can the predefine tabulation from be stored in storer confirm that the user imports the customized configuration and other characteristics of annex 102.For example; In single type (for example; Alphanumeric keypad) in, can be useful on different language and have a plurality of different annexes (for example, U.S.'s qwerty keyboard, U.S.'s Dovrak keyboard, Spain's qwerty keyboard, braille keyboard etc.) that different key disposes.

The x-y planimetric position of detected interim signature signal can be to be used to discern the user to import the accessory position of annex 102 and the characteristic of orientation on touch-sensitive display 101.For example, except importing the annex 102 with the identification user for interim signature signal 110 execution analyses, controller 104 can be configured to confirm the position of signal transmission, and layout and the orientation of using the x-y plan position information to come determination module.

For example, in one embodiment, controller 104 can use triangle or other algorithms between the sensor in electromagnetic sensor, with the position of confirming that signal transmits.Yet when the sensor in touch-sensitive display 101 deployed was capacitive transducer, controller 104 can be configured to directly confirm the position according to the signal that is transmitted by capacitive transducer.As follows, the user can change position and the orientation that attached user imports annex 102, and the layout of module can influence the behavior of electronic equipment 100.

Discern the user at identification module 106 and imported annex 102 and discerned its layout (that is, position and/or orientation) alternatively that afterwards, adaptation module 107 is configured to reconfigure electronic equipment 100.In one embodiment, when the user imported that annex 102 is attached to touch-sensitive display 101 and discerned by identification module 106, this reconfigured generation.

Adaptation module 107 can reconfigure electronic equipment 100 with multitude of different ways.In one embodiment, adaptation module 107 can be configured to reconfigure the mode that on touch-sensitive display 101, presents data.For example, adaptation module 107 can be so that appear near the user imports annex 102 such as the data of picture, text and other information.Term " near " refer to that this information is present in the user and imports around the opaque section of annex 102 rather than the below.Reconfiguring like this guarantees that the user imports annex 102 and can not stop or otherwise hinder the user to see the information that on touch-sensitive display 101, appears.This reconfigures mobile message that the application-specific that can be included on the electronic equipment 100 operation possibly need, readjusts information or reorientate information.

In another embodiment, adaptation module 107 can be configured to, and when the user imports annex 102 and is attached to touch-sensitive display 101, starts one or more users and uses.If through example description the user import annex 102 and be configured to specific game console, then the user preference in the storer possibly require to be attached to and to start particular game when touching sensitive surfaces when the user imports annex 102.Note, touch sensitive surfaces and need not to be display surface, and can be touch pad, shown in following Figure 34.Similarly, be configured to media player controller if the user imports annex 102, then the user possibly expect that electronic equipment starts music player or video player application when touching sensitive surfaces when user of media player input annex 102 is coupled to.Therefore, controller 104 can be configured to operate in combination to realize these results with adaptation module 107.

In another embodiment, adaptation module 107 can be configured to change with can or will be by touching signal level or the relevant setting of other data input feature vectors that sensitive surfaces receives.For example; Adaptation module 107 can be configured to recalibrate the electromagnetic sensor that touches sensitive surfaces, with any residual effect of compensating interim signature signal and/or receive more accurately since the user import the user of button, slide block, rocker switch, toggle switch, pick-up sticks or other user controls of annex 102 actuate cause import the signal that annex 102 transmits subsequently by no source user.

Fig. 2 illustrates the decomposition view of importing annex 102 the user shown in Fig. 1.As shown in the disclosure, import annex according to the user of embodiments of the invention configuration and can make in all sorts of ways and be attached to the sensitive surfaces that touches of electronic equipment.Simple for what explain, in a lot of views, the machinery in configuration slides or fastens and will be used to explain that the user imports the various aspects of annex.For benefiting from one of ordinary skilled in the art of the present disclosure, be clear that embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.Under situation without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the machinery that other attachment mechanism can substitute in configuration slides or fastening.

In the illustrative example of Fig. 2, the user imports annex 102 and comprises keypad part 220 and " personalized part " 221.Keypad part 220 comprises that a plurality of users that dispose along first interarea 209 of keypad part 220 can actuate button 208.In the mechanical part shown in Figure 20-28 is deployed in keypad part 220.Become to change one or more conductive pads at the electromagnetic field that touches the emf sensor in the sensitive surfaces of electronic equipment (but not shown in Fig. 2 in Figure 34, be illustrated) along second interarea, 231 deployment configuration relative, as shown in Figure 3 with first interarea 209.

Personalized part 221 comprises and is applicable to and makes second interarea 231 be held against the mechanical connector that touches the sensitive surfaces (not shown).Can for example make personalized part 221 from the thermoplastic the casting process.Personalized part 221 can comprise mechanical features, equipment, connection or the connector 223 that is used for personalized part 221 is coupled to electronic equipment (100).

As shown in Figure 6, in certain embodiments, do not need personalized part.Yet, shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19, when using personalized part 221, other characteristics can be provided.For example, the user imports the rear portion that annex 102 can mechanically be coupled to electronic equipment (100) when not in use, to avoid accidental displacement.

When keypad part 220 and personalized part 221 are configured to discrete parts during manufacture, can use a keypad part 220 with a plurality of personalized parts.Therefore, modular keypad part 220 can be attached to the electronic equipment use that cause in the different personalized parts has different form factors and coupling mechanism through the copy with same keypad part.Keypad part 220 can be attached to personalized part 221 in many ways, and this multiple mode comprises bonding, hot melt, fastening or other maintaining bodies.And property part 221 can be designed to hold a clock keypad part one by one.In this case; The personalized part 221 of standard that is used for specific electronic equipment set (for example can be accepted same type; U.S.'s qwerty keyboard, U.S.'s Dovrak keyboard, Spain's qwerty keyboard) or dissimilar (for example, have little button U.S. QWERTY keypad part, have the numeric keypad of big key etc.) different specific keypad parts.

The user of Fig. 2 imports annex 102 and is shown as and can not only breaks away from from touch-sensitive display (101), and can break away from from electronic equipment (100) fully.Some advantages that should " fully " disengaging property provide are: can customize for particular user preferences or application.And, can sell such annex to the client discretely with electronic equipment.In addition, can customize various parts according to any in the following factor: topology; Physical features; Color combination; Language; The application controls preference; Distinct electrical subset functional part etc.

The user that Fig. 3 illustrates the Fig. 2 after keypad part 220 has been coupled to personalized part 221 imports the bottom perspective view 300 of annex 102.In the illustrative example of Fig. 3, dispose a plurality of electrically conductive elastic pads 330 along second interarea 331 of keypad part 220.In one embodiment, arrange a plurality of conductive pads 330 according to predetermined global pattern, pad type or pad size with feature configuration.A plurality of conductive pads 330 are configured to carry out alternately with the emf sensor of touch-sensitive display (101).

As stated, keypad part 220 can comprise that a plurality of users that dispose along first interareas 209 relative with second interarea 331 can actuate button 208.Though the number of conductive pad can equal the number of button, in one embodiment, the number of conductive pad than the number of button still less.This has promoted to be used for the effective x-y planar design that the user imports annex (102).In such configuration, the signal of the button of actuating from each user can come multiplexing through fewer purpose conductive pad, and is passed to touch-sensitive display (101).In addition, can change the mechanical aspects of each button, make and to confirm other information, such as the angle of attack (whether finger has clicked button from western (left side), east (right side), north or southern side).When the number of carbon pad than the number of button after a little while, adaptation module (107) can be configured to Configuration Control Unit (104) to explain the multiplexing input from conductive pad, suitably to receive user's expectation input.

Fig. 4 illustrates and is attached to electronic equipment 400 and makes second interarea of keypad part 420 be deployed in the stereographic map that near the touch-sensitive display 401 with electronic equipment 400 users import annex 102.

In the illustrative example of Fig. 4, the user imports annex 102 and is attached to touch-sensitive display 401 towards the bottom of touch-sensitive display 401.Therefore; Adaptation module (107) has appeared through the data that move, adjust, reorientate or otherwise reformatting data makes touch-sensitive display 401 and has reconfigured to such an extent that to import annex 102 adjacent with the user, appears in the window 405 to drop on that data that the user imports annex 102 tops (positive y direction of principal axis) appear in the window 403 or to import the data that annex (bears the y direction of principal axis) 102 below the user.

To present window 403 than first data in size littler because second data present window 405;---show use---such as photo can present data in first data present window 403 so adaptation module (107) can confirm to need the application that appears of big data element, and for example ticker use need can in second data present window 405, present data than the application that appears of small data.

If the user is such as through sliding or the user imports annex 102 and the attached again user of change imports the position or the orientation of annex 102 in another position along touch-sensitive display 101 through breaking away from, then adaptation module (107) can confirm that the available demonstration real estate of importing annex 102 above and belows the user changes.Therefore, adaptation module can be so that being applied in the different windows of the operation in electronic equipment 400 presents data, to optimize the overall visibility for the user.

Fig. 5 illustrates the alternate embodiment that the user of being coupled to electronic equipment 500 according to an embodiment of the invention imports annex 502.In the illustrative example of Fig. 5, the user imports annex 502 and is configured to around the sleeve pipe of the main body of electronic equipment 500, and it has other surfaces that can be used for user control.

As shown in Figure 5, the user imports annex 502 and comprises that importing a plurality of users that first interarea 509 of annex 502 disposes along the user can actuate button 508.In addition, the user imports annex 502 and imports the user and comprise other controls 550,551 on other outside surfaces of annex 502.In one embodiment, these other controls 550,551 are configured to transmit activation signal via import the passage of annex 502 to the conductive pad that is coupled to touch-sensitive display 501 through the user to touch-sensitive display 501 as above-mentioned.The example of other controls 550,551 comprises model selection button, the navigation button and power knob etc.Notice that any one in the control can reside on any one of surface that the user imports annex.

Fig. 6 illustrates and is used for the user is imported the alternative bindiny mechanism that annex 602 remains to the touch-sensitive display 601 of electronic equipment 600.All some embodiments of the present invention as shown in figure 6 are used and are configured to the user is imported alternative mechanical features, equipment, connection or the connector that annex 602 is attached to the main body of electronic equipment 600.

In Fig. 6; Make the exterior bottom surface that the user imports annex 602 from flexible material; This flexible material such as silicones, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, it is configured to use static, suction, magnetic attachment, gravity or its to make up itself remaining to touch-sensitive display 601.Like this, mechanical couplings is to touch-sensitive display 601 itself, rather than to the main body of electronic equipment 600.The advantage that the configuration of Fig. 6 provides is: not depend on that any surface except the outside of touching sensitive surfaces is used for attached because the user imports annex 602, is " device housings independently " so import annex the user.Note, can guarantee that the user imports annex 602 in position, such as magnetic force ground or through gravity, use or do not use the mechanical positioning device to aim at the user and import annex 602 through additive method.

Fig. 7-9 illustrates the electronic equipment of in various patterns, operating 700.Fig. 7 illustrates the electronic equipment of in default mode, operating 700, and wherein, not attached user imports annex.Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrate two adaptive models; Wherein, adaptation module (107) has reconfigured electronic equipment 700 and is identified and is sensed to be in ad-hoc location and customized configuration by the attached data that appear in a different manner to import annex 802 in response to the user.As shown in these accompanying drawings, in one embodiment of the invention, the user imports annex 802 and is configured to make it possible to optionally be positioned at any one place in a plurality of positions on the touch-sensitive display 701.Therefore, the adaptation module of electronic equipment is configured in one embodiment to adjust appearing of information on the touch-sensitive display 701 according to the attached position that the user imports annex 802.

In Fig. 7, electronic equipment is operated in default mode, is not attached to touch-sensitive display 701 because there is the user to import annex.Notice that " acquiescence " pattern can be taked various ways, and is intended to refer to wherein not have the user to import annex by attached pattern.In the illustrative example of Fig. 7, default mode has three application 771,772,773 of operation.These use 771,772,773 can be the application of being selected and starting by the user.Alternatively, they can be always exercisable application.And they can be to use when the user preference that the specific user starts when utilizing personal identification number or fetcher code active electron equipment 700.

In Fig. 7, use each video data in the window of correspondence in 771,772,773.Overlapping a little with first application, 771 and second application, 772 corresponding windows, and be positioned at overlapping application 771,772 belows with the 3rd application 773 corresponding windows.Though specific orientation is inessential, in the illustrative example of Fig. 7, uses and to be arranged such that they fill the zone of touch-sensitive display 701 basically, so that each can be seen by the user simultaneously.

Forward Fig. 8 now to, in this embodiment, as show, the user who is configured to qwerty keyboard imports near the bottom boundary that annex 802 has been attached to touch-sensitive display 701.Like this, the zone of the touch-sensitive display 701 below the user imports annex is appeared less than desired for appearing of information, except user therein import annex 802 be configured to transparent, translucent or clearly under the situation.Like this, adaptation module will appear along the data of touch-sensitive display 701 and be reconfigured near the user imports annex 802, and above the user imports annex 802 (on positive y direction of principal axis) in this case.In the illustrative example of Fig. 8, through adjusting and reorientating the data that are associated with three activity application 771,772,773 and realize this point.

Forward Fig. 9 now to, in this illustrative example, the user imports annex 802 and is attached to touch-sensitive display 701 along the interior zone 990 of touch-sensitive display 701.Interior zone (990) is " inner ", because visible part touch-sensitive display 701 on second side 992 of first side 991 of touch-sensitive display 701 and touch-sensitive display 701 at least.Note, can on four sides of touch-sensitive display 701, be equal to ground visible part touch-sensitive display 701, importing as the user that annex 802 revolves when turning 90 degrees is this situation.Therefore, refer to that in " inside " of this use a plurality of side visible part users that import annex 802 along the user import annex 701.

In order to optimize the observability of the data that appear on the touch-sensitive display 701, first side 991 that adaptation module will have been imported annex 802 from the user to shown in the first 993 of the touch-sensitive display 701 that extends of the edge of screen be reconfigured for different to the second non-overlapped part 994 of the touch-sensitive display 701 of the edge of screen (as shown in) extension with second side 992 of importing annex 802 from the user.In this illustrative example, adjusted and reorientated from first and used the data of 771, second application the 772 and the 3rd application 773 along the second portion 994 of touch-sensitive display 701.In addition, according to the user preference parameters that the store memory at electronic equipment 700 stores up, started the 4th and used the 995 and the 5th application 996, and in the first 993 of touch-sensitive display 701, presented its data.The startup of other application can depend on that the user imports identification and the position of annex 802 when attached.For example, the 4th to use 995 can be because qwerty keyboard is imported (on positive y direction) above the annex 802 attached text messaging application (setting up in the new text message mode) that starts in the position of the cross section part 993 of minimum dimension at least being created in the user.

The embodiment of Fig. 9 shows dirigibility and the pattern control that is provided by embodiments of the invention.In this illustrative example, the user has the preference profile of storage, and indication should start the 4th application the 995 and the 5th application 996 when the user imports when annex 802 is attached in this specific internal zone 990.When being not this situation; Adaptation module possibly reconfigure electronic equipment 700; Make in the first 993 of touch-sensitive display 701, to appear and use 771 and second from first and use 772 data, in second portion 994, appear from the data of the 3rd application 773 simultaneously etc.Other combinations of data or to appear also be possible.And, the user can with the adaptation module module operation and can be by the user profiles in the storer of adaptation module visit in the preference that appears of storage.

Turn to Figure 10 now, the figure shows the schematic block diagram 1000 of an embodiment of the internal circuit in electronic equipment, software module, firmware module and miscellaneous part according to an embodiment of the invention.Though this illustrative internal circuit relates to general electronic equipment, note, can easily be applicable to any amount of concrete equipment, comprise mobile phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant, palm handheld computing platform, telepilot or other equipment.

Controller 104 is configured to the various functions of operating electronic equipment.Controller 104 can also be configured to carry out software or the firmware application that is stored in the storer 105.Controller 104 can be carried out this software or firmware so that functions of the equipments to be provided.

Touch-sensitive display 101 is coupled to controller and can operates with controller.Can in this illustrative example, be shown to have with the touch-sensitive display 101 that display driver 1001 is operated and comprise one group of a plurality of layer that touch a quick layer and a group display equipment layer.Although this is an embodiment of touch-sensitive display 101, for benefiting from one of ordinary skilled in the art of the present disclosure, be clear that embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.Under situation without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, can be replaced by a plurality of other and touch sensitive surfaces.

In the illustrative example of Figure 10, show 5 layers.Begin from the top, can act on the single bandlet member of electronic equipment from overlayer 1002 usefulness of glass or thin-film sheet manufacturing." bandlet " is coverture or shell, and it can or can not can break away from.Be used to make tectal suitable material and comprise clear or transparent plastic foil, glass, plastics or tempered glass.Tempered glass can comprise through the glass such as chemistry or heat treated processing reinforcement.Overlayer 1002 can also comprise ultraviolet barrier.Such barrier helps to improve the internal part of the visual of display layer 1004 and protection electronic equipment.

Emf sensor 1003 is positioned at overlayer 1002 belows.Can be configured to detect near touch-sensitive display 101 or touch the existence such as the object of user's finger of touch-sensitive display 101 through the emf sensor 1003 of constructing at the little capacitor board electrode of transparent substrates deploy.Can operate or be deployed in the change in the electric capacity that control circuits in the controller 104 are configured to detect the specified panel combination on emf sensor 1003 with controller 104.Can for example use emf sensor 1003 with the general general location of inspected object in the general modfel with respect to touch-sensitive display 101.Can also in AD HOC, use emf sensor 1003, wherein can detect the particular comparator plate to inspected object along the length of touch-sensitive display and the exact position of width.Notice that emf sensor 1003 is concrete implementations of emf sensor, and can substitute the capacitance field sensor such as the emf sensor of the other types of magnetic field sensor.

The interim signature signal 110 that is delivered to emf sensor 1003 depends on size, shape, layout, arrangement, material and the combination thereof of importing the conductive pad that exists on the annex 102 the user.Capacitive transducer in emf sensor 1003 is based upon the electric field that flows therebetween.Can absorption field or make and turn near conductive pad, thus the quantity of electric charge of on any one sensor, collecting changed.Attached user with characteristic conductive pad imports annex 102 and when time t=0, causes initial interim signature signal 110.Other passive components that comprise resistance or inductance element can also be coupled with conductive pad, so that interim signature decline to be provided.In the example that illustrates, when time t=1,1012 amplitude changes, and when time t=n, 1014 amplitude is stable.In this example, show three chronomeres; Yet other embodiment can have more complicated or more uncomplicated interim signature signal.

Display layer 1004 is below emf sensor 1003.Note, when emf sensor 1003 maybe be near display layer 1004, in one embodiment, between emf sensor 1003 and display layer 1004, disposed the gap.In another embodiment, between emf sensor 1003 and display layer 1004, disposed the tack coat (not shown).

In one embodiment, display layer 1004 comprises high resolution display.Electroluminescence layer or light emitting diode (LED) backlight layer 1005 can be deployed in display layer 1004 below, and can be configured to light is throwed transmission display device layer 1004 so that illuminate display layer 1004 from the back side.The display layer can present text, figure, user adaptively along touch-sensitive display 101 and actuate target, data and control.

Tactile layer 1006 can be deployed in electroluminescence layer 1005 belows.Tactile layer 1006 can be configured to user in response to virtual push button that on touch-sensitive display 101, appears or control and actuate pseudo-tactile feedback is provided.In brief, when the user that can dispose the button of real fluctuating type above that imported annex 102 and is not coupled to touch-sensitive display, tactile layer 1006 can respond and simulates those fluctuatings through transmit sense of touch to the main body of electronic equipment.

In one embodiment, tactile layer 1006 comprises transducer, and this transducer is configured to when the user actuates virtual key, provide perceptible feedback.In one embodiment, this transducer is a piezoelectric transducer, and it is configured to apply strong must being enough to by the detected machinery of user " promotion " to the main body of equipment.Therefore, tactile feedback course user provides perceptible feedback, thereby makes level and smooth smooth basically touch-sensitive display 101 as traditional keypad, react.

Present steering module, in Figure 10, illustrated identification module 106 and adaptation module 107 both.Its operation that cardinal principle is above-mentioned.Identification module 106 is configured to import annex 102 from interim signature signal 110 detection and Identification users, and interim signature signal 110 is illustrated decline in time in Figure 10.

Adaptation module 107 is configured to import annex 102 is reconfigured electronic equipment by attached and identification operating characteristics in response to the user.As shown in Figure 10, adaptation module 107 can comprise hardware adapter 1008 and configurations shown adapter 1009.Hardware adapter 1008 can be configured to for example recalibrate the gain and the threshold value of the sensor in touch-sensitive display 101, compensating remaining 1014 of interim signature signal, and imports annex 102 from the user and suitably receives user's activation signal.Configurations shown adapter 1009 can be configured to size and adjust, regulates, reorientates and be arranged in again the information that appears on the touch-sensitive display 101.And as stated, configurations shown adapter 1009 can also be configured to start application 1 090 or launch other preferred operating characteristics.

In one embodiment, adaptation module 107 is configured to carry out work in combination with the user preference 1007 that is stored in the storer 105 of electronic equipment.User preference 1007 can adopt various ways, will describe wherein some at this.

In one embodiment, user preference 1007 comprises and the corresponding operating characteristics of the preferred operation mode of electronic equipment.When the user imported annex and is attached to touch-sensitive display 101, adaptation module 107 can be launched these preferred operator schemes.Preferred operator scheme can comprise following part: import the corresponding predefine input area along touch-sensitive display of feature configuration of the conductive pad that annex 102 is associated with user with identification; Actuate the preferred sense of touch response of transmitting by electronic equipment when the user imports one or more button that annex 102 disposes the user; About the application of aforesaid startup or the preference that appears of data; And actuate corresponding keypad sensitivity with the user who imports the button on the annex 102 the user.User preference 1007 can also comprise will be by the parameter of hardware adapter 1008, such as one or more amplification levels of the signal that is used for receiving from a plurality of conductive pads or one or more threshold levels of the signal that is used for receiving from conductive pad.Other parameters are tangible for benefiting from one of ordinary skilled in the art of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 illustrates method 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention, can carry out this method through using the one or more controllers in electronic equipment, and this method is imported annex in response to the user and is attached to and touches sensitive surfaces and dispose electronic equipment.

In step 1101, electronic equipment starts through operating in the acquiescence input pattern of in Fig. 7, describing.In step 1102, the sensitive surfaces that touches of electronic equipment is arranged to default action.Configuration step 1102 can comprise allocating default input area 1103, such as configuration whole touch sensitive surfaces with accept to touch input or only a configuration part of touching sensitive surfaces to accept to touch input (for example, when this equipment be in " locking " pattern).The system configuration that is used for default action can also be included in the gain that step 1104 place is provided for touching sensitive surfaces, and is provided for determining whether to touch mutual threshold value at step 1105 place.For example, whether these levels can expect to receive from the touch input of user's finger or from touch input, the default mode of stylus whether support single touch or touch more with its dependent variable and different according to default mode.

Determination step 1106 determines whether to have occurred being used for effective input of default mode of operation.For example, touch quick sensitive display with single finger touch if default action comprises the user, then effectively the acquiescence input can be touch on the sensitive surfaces rap, fiercely attack or a series of one hand refers to (or many fingers) gesture.Step 1190 is to the controller reporting incident, and this makes appropriate responsive in electronic equipment, and method 1100 turns back to step 1106 to other inputs.Continue wherein that the default action desired user uses single finger to touch quick this example of touching sensitive surfaces, controller can explain that the user as non-standard default mode input imports the attached of annex and a plurality of conductive pads.The non-standard input of determination step 1107 assessments.If non-standard input be user error the result (for example, with two fingers rather than one touch, the unexpected sensitive surfaces etc. that touches of clip), then method 1100 turns back to step 1106.The user is imported annex be attached to when touching sensitive surfaces when non-standard incident is interpreted as, then determination step 1107 carries out importing annex 1108 with the identification user.

In step 1108, identification module 106 (Fig. 1 and 10) is from importing annex by identification user the interim signature signal of mutual generation of importing conductive pad and the electromagnetic field that touches sensitive surfaces on the annex the user.In addition, identification module can be configured to confirm that 1191 users import annex along the position that touches sensitive surfaces.When the identification user imported annex and confirms that the user imports the position of annex alternatively, adaptation module changed the various settings in electronic equipment, comprises the input detecting pattern and the presentation modes of electronic equipment.

Particularly, in step 1109, adaptation module is actuated new operator scheme, and this new operator scheme is shown as new input operation pattern and new output function pattern at this.Two exemplary output function patterns have been shown among superincumbent Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

At step 1110 place, adaptation module can be touched sensitive surfaces to different input detecting method configurations.For example, if the operator scheme of acquiescence comprises that detecting user's finger touches sensitive surfaces, then be coupled to when touching sensitive surfaces when the user imports annex, new input detecting method can be to detect the signal of importing the conductive pad of deployment below the annex from the user.The part of step 1110 can comprise the remaining interference of electromagnetic field that compensation is caused by interim signature signal.After compensation, when the user presses the button of annex, and when coming multiplexing input signal through conductive pad, receiving inputted signal suitably.

In step 1111, adaptation module can dispose the system action that is used for input area.For example, first input area can contact below annex and with conductive pad, and second input area can be the remainder that touches sensitive surfaces.Therefore, first input area is the expection input signal (that is, the position under conductive pad) in the pre-position only, and single touch of second input area expection pointed input.In addition, can realize not accepting the 3rd input area (for example, electromagnetic field inertia in the 3rd zone) of any input.

In step 1112, adaptation module can be set to import annex reception signal from the user first input area by system-gain, and system-gain is set to point the reception signal from the user second input area.In step 1113, adaptation module can threshold value be set to determine when from the user the first area to be imported annex and receives useful signal from the finger of the user second area.In some implementations, electromagnetic field can be movable in the 3rd zone, do not touch but threshold value is set to very high and will trigger touch event alternately.

Forward to now and present (electronic equipment output) element, in step 1114, adaptation module can be as disposing new viewing area with reference to figure 8 and Fig. 9 are said.Particularly; In this step 1114; Adaptation module can be for example presents the information of using from first of electronic equipment in the first near the touch-sensitive display at first edge of user input device, on the second portion near the touch-sensitive display at second edge of user input device, present the information of using from second of electronic equipment simultaneously.Such configuration shown in superincumbent Fig. 9.As stated, the viewing area can change according to size, shape and the layout that the user imports annex.

At step 1115 place, can dispose backlight.As stated, backlight can be electroluminescence layer, LED-backlit or other similar backlights.As follows, in certain embodiments, the user imports annex can be configured one or more light pipes or light pipe, and these one or more light pipes or light pipe make from the light of backlight layer and import annex through certain customers.The physical configuration that the user imports annex can be confirmed the application-specific that is best suited for backlight of which kind of type.And, as stated, in certain embodiments, can dispose the user along the top of touching sensitive surfaces rather than touch-sensitive display and import annex.Therefore, some touch sensitive surfaces and can not comprise backlight.When being this situation, can omit step 1114 and 1115.When comprising when backlight, can suitably dispose and activate backlight in step 1115.

In the step 1110,1111,1112,1113,1114 and 1115 each can be based on importing one or more corresponding one or more user preferences of annex and/or the position that the user imports annex with one type user.For example; The layout that the user of particular type imports in the ad-hoc location of annex on touching sensitive surfaces can automatically reconfigure new input and output zone; Start specific software application; And even predetermined gain and threshold value (for example, from the change of finger touch input to the stylus input) be set.

Judge that 1192 confirm whether the effective input that is used for the accessory operation pattern occurs.Notice that according to configuration, dissimilar input (for example, conductive pad, touch, stylus) can be effective (or invalid) for different input areas.If detect effective input, then step 1193 is to the controller reporting alternative events, and this makes appropriate responsive in electronic equipment, and step 1110 turns back to step 1192 to be used for further input.

Non-standard input makes flow process turn back to judgement 1117, and it confirms particularly whether input has reflected that the user imports removing of annex.Because before disposed system to eliminate by the caused any remaining interference of electromagnetic field of interim signature signal in step 1110; So the removing of annex caused " the anti-phase signature signal " that will be received by controller in fact, and rotation or slip user import the variation that annex (not exclusively removing) also produces the anti-phase signature signal.Import annex if confirm to have removed the user, then flow process turns back to step 1101, and controller is reset to acquiescence input (and output) pattern with electronic equipment.

Do not import annex if also remove the user, then maybe be move to new position on the sensitive surfaces touching.When being this situation, method 1100 turns back to step 1191, imports the position of annex with the user that reappraises.Therefore, if controller has confirmed that also not removing the user imports annex, import annex but only moved the user, then flow process turns back to step 1191, to confirm that the user imports the new layout of annex and reconfigures the input and output parameter.At last, the user imports annex if controller has been confirmed also not to be shifted, and then controller supposition mistake takes place, and flow process turns back to the user input of step 1192 with products for further.

Forward Figure 12 now to, accompanying drawing only shows the several possible configuration that the user that can produce according to embodiments of the invention imports annex.Each variant among Figure 12 comprises that the user who has various user's actuation component above that imports annex.Be apparent that for benefiting from one of ordinary skilled in the art of the present disclosure the embodiment of Figure 12 only is illustrative, and can under situation without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, produce other embodiment.

Embodiment 1201 is configured to the QWERTY keypad.Can realize complete QWERTY keypad.Variant or the subclass that alternatively, can realize the QWERTY keypad are to save the space.Alternatively, aforesaid private subscribers input annex can be supported multilingual.

Embodiment 1202 is keypads of big numeral, and each button wherein is that big numeral is to see easily.In the illustrative example of Figure 12, the keypad of big numeral is the keypad of the big numeral of dialing keypad.Also can produce other versions of the keypad of big numeral, comprise standard Bel's keyboard with 4x3 matrix structure and * and # button.

Embodiment 1203 is the braille keypads that are used for visually impaired person.The braille keypad can be configured to QWERTY keypad, telephone keypad or other versions.

Embodiment 1204 is special-purpose keypads.Comprise such as navigation wheel 1205, the page characteristic of button 1206,1207, carriage return button 1291 and D pad 1290 backward/forward.

Embodiment 1207 is the game console annexes with 1292,1293 configurations of two workpiece.Each workpiece can be attached to the far-end of electronic equipment touch sensitive surfaces (or two different sensitive surfaces that touch), to simulate traditional game console.As show that a workpiece 1292 comprises button 1294, and another workpiece 1293 comprises D pad 1295.If workpiece 1292,1293 is configured to sleeve pipe (on the left side edge and right hand edge are opened), then the user can be attached to electronic equipment with right hand configuration (as shown in) or left hand configuration (workpiece 1293 is on a left side, and workpiece 1292 is on the right side) with workpiece 1292,1293.In such embodiment, how electronic equipment can discern attached this part, and user preference can automatically be selected appropriate configurations (for example, the right hand or left hand).

Embodiment 1208 is multi-functional keypads, illustrates the control that can be imported some variations that annex comprises by the user according to embodiments of the invention configurations.Such control comprises slide block 1211, rocking bar 1209 and pick-up sticks 1210.

Figure 13 illustrates the embodiment that the electronic equipment 1300 that is used to have mechanical couplings and user import 1302 pairs of annexes, and this mechanical couplings is used to prevent that the user from importing annex 1302 in the windfall loss when touch-surface breaks away from.Particularly, in Figure 13, lashing 1311 is as mechanical couplings.Can guarantee that the user imports annex 1302 and when touch-sensitive display 1301 breaks away from, keeping physically being coupled to electronic equipment 1300 from the lashing 1311 of the made of elastic type.In one embodiment, lashing 1311 only is a plant equipment, and imports electronic equipment and user and not comprise electrical connection between the annex 1302.Notice that lashing 1311 allows almost freely against touch-sensitive display 1301 user to be imported annex ad lib and is arranged in each position.

Turn to Figure 14-17 now; This accompanying drawing shows another kind of mechanical couplings; This another kind mechanical couplings is used for importing as user when touching sensitive surfaces and break away from the user and import annex 1402 windfall loss of annex 1402, and this touches sensitive surfaces is touch-sensitive display 1401 in this embodiment.The embodiment of Figure 14-16 allows the user to import the shell that annex 1402 for good and all is attached to electronic equipment, allows simultaneously from touching optionally can breaking away from of sensitive surfaces.This specific embodiment is supported in along touching each of sensitive surfaces locational attached, is limited to the y axle but change.Attached is optional.In some implementations in the above, the user imports annex 1402 and also can break away from from electronic equipment fully.

As shown in Figure 16, the main body of electronic equipment 1600 and groove 1601 and one or more annex retainer 1602 are adaptive.In this embodiment, this groove of reflection and retainer on the opposite shell (not shown) of electronic equipment.The user imports annex 1402 and comprises and be used for adaptive complementary mechanical features in groove 1601 and annex retainer 1602.For example, annex retainer 1602 can be adaptive with the post that the spring that is positioned at one or more annex retainers 1602 is installed.Alternatively, the magnetic coupling can substitute annex retainer 1602, and imports the magnetic coupling of arranging polarization complementally on the annex 1402 the user.

In this illustrative example, groove 1601 comprises several outline lines, and these several outline lines allow the user to import annex 1402 with respect to electronic equipment 1600 slips and rotation.When annex was not coupled to touch-sensitive display 1401, the subsequent use part (standby catch) 1603 of catching kept the user to import annex 1402.Transition profile 1604 provides level and smooth transitional surface when importing annex 1402 with touch-sensitive display 1401 coupling mobile subscribers initially.

Elongated groove part 1605 permission users import annex 1402 and slide with respect to electronic equipment 1600 vertical (along the y axle).Rotation sunk part 1606 allows the user to import the rotation of annex 1402 around an end of electronic equipment 1600.The second subsequent use part 1607 of catching also helps when the user imports annex 1402 and is not coupled to touch-sensitive display, to keep the user to import annex 1402.

For moving of this specific mechanical coupling is described, at first turn to Figure 14, Figure 14 shows the user of being coupled to touch-sensitive display 1401 and imports annex 1402.In order to make the user import annex 1402 from touching the sensitive surfaces uncoupling, the user at first lifts the user and imports annex on positive z direction of principal axis 1402, thereby conductive pad is separated with touch-sensitive display 1401.Then, as shown in Figure 15, the user imports annex 1402 to the end 1502 of the electronic equipment user that laterally slides on negative y direction of principal axis 1501.

At Figure 16, user end 1502 rotation users around electronic equipment 1600 on direction 1608 import annex 1402.At Figure 17, can on positive y direction of principal axis 1701, the slip user import annex 1402.At positive mechanical features (not shown) after be positioned at the subsequent use user who catches part 1603 and import annex 1402 and give prominence to; Make the user import the back 1702 that annex 1402 is held against electronic equipment 1600 then, thereby make that touch-sensitive display 1401 fully can be by user capture.

Turn to Figure 18-19 now, these accompanying drawings show an embodiment who is used for changing with the pattern that the user imports the electronic equipment 1800 that annex 1802 operates configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.As stated, electronic equipment 1800 can be configured to when attached user imports annex 1802, changes operator scheme according to the user preference or the profile that are stored in the storer sometimes.Figure 18-19 illustrates the corresponding pattern change in position of importing annex 1802 with the user.Particularly, as shown in these accompanying drawings, when the user imports annex 1802 and is coupled to touch-sensitive display 1801, can launch first operator scheme.When the user imports annex 1802 from touch-sensitive display 1801 uncouplings, can launch second operator scheme.

In Figure 18-19, the user imports annex 1802 and is configured to and can or comes attached along the part of the electronic equipment except touch-sensitive display 1,801 1800 along touch-sensitive display 1801.Particularly, in this illustrative example, the user imports the rear portion that annex 1802 can be coupled to touch-sensitive display 1801 as shown in Figure 18 or alternatively be coupled to electronic equipment 1800 as shown in Figure 19.Can use such as realizing this configuration in those the mechanical couplings shown in Fig. 1 or Figure 14-17.

When the user imported annex 1802 and is coupled to touch-sensitive display 1801, as shown in Figure 18, electronic equipment 1800 was configured to operate with first pattern.When the user imported annex 1802 and is coupled to the rear portion of this equipment, as shown in Figure 19, electronic equipment 1800 was configured to operate with second pattern.Through example description when the user imports annex 1802 and is configured to the QWERTY keypad, first pattern can be that wherein the QWERTY keypad is applicable to the pattern of the e-mail applications of input text in Email.When breaking away from second pattern of actuating when the user imports annex 1802 can be the photo application that is configured to appear photograph image.Such pattern is applicable to the use of whole touch-sensitive displays 1801.

Figure 20-28 illustrates various mechanical arrangements and the structure that is used for importing according to the user of embodiments of the invention configuration annex.Be apparent that for benefiting from one of ordinary skilled in the art of the present disclosure the embodiment of Figure 20-28 only is illustrative purpose, and can under situation without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, produce other embodiment.Though be associated with conductive pad independently at each button shown in Figure 20-28, this is dispensable.Various embodiment can use than button conductive pad still less, in this case, and with one or more (referring to Figure 31-32 obtain the example of such embodiment) of button multiplexing in the conductive pad.

Begin from Figure 20, the user imports the overlayer 1002 that annex 2002 is coupled to electronic equipment.Overlayer 1002 is deployed on the emf sensor 1003 and puts.Overlayer 1002 can be made up of glass, thermoplastic material or other similar materials.Overlayer 1002 is deployed in emf sensor 1003 tops.

The user imports in the upper strata that meets 2020 that annex 2002 is configured in the button 2021 with integrated geometric configuration, and the button of the geometric configuration of this integration is imitateed dome or other geometries.Each button 2021 comprises the conduction fluctuating dome 2023 that is connected to the conductive pad 2024 of striding the realization of use carbon cushion.When the user pressed the button 2021 of shaping, fluctuating dome 2023 subsided so that be connected with conductive pad 2024 at the conducting element 2025 of printed circuit board (PCB) 2026 deploy.This has changed the electric field by the emf sensor sensing of emf sensor 1003, thereby to electronic equipment activation signal is provided.

Figure 21 illustrates alternative mechanical arrangements.Figure 21 is similar to Figure 20 on function.Particularly, the user imports the overlayer 1002 that annex 2102 is coupled to electronic equipment.Overlayer 1002 is deployed on the emf sensor 1003.

Identical with Figure 20, the user imports in the upper strata that meets 2020 that annex 2102 is configured in the button 2021 with integrated domed shape.Each button 2021 comprises being connected to strides the mechanical support part 2022 of realization as the conduction fluctuating dome 2023 of the conductive pad 2024 of carbon cushion.In Figure 21, different with such printed circuit board (PCB) that uses in Figure 20, insulator film 2101 is supported conducting element 2025.When the user pressed the button 2021 of domed shape, fluctuating dome 2023 made conducting element 2025 be connected with conductive pad 2024.This has changed the electromagnetic field that is sensed by emf sensor 1003, thereby to electronic equipment activation signal is provided.

Figure 22 illustrates alternative mechanical arrangements.Figure 22 is identical with Figure 21 in fact, except the following fact: be used in printed circuit board (PCB) 2026 the rear side deploy such as conductive trace or similarly the conductive layer 2201 of conductive material realized the conductive pad of Figure 21.

Identical with Figure 20, the user imports in the upper strata that meets 2020 of button 2021 that annex 2202 is configured in the domed shape with integration.Each button 2021 comprises the mechanical support 2022 that is connected to the conduction fluctuating dome 2023 of crossing over conductive layer 2201.

The user actuates button through the button 2021 of pressing domed shape, thereby makes fluctuating dome 2023 that conducting element 2025 is connected with conductive layer 2201.This has changed the electric field by emf sensor 1003 sensings, thereby to electronic equipment activation signal is provided.

Figure 23 shows alternative mechanical arrangements.Figure 23 is identical with Figure 22, except the printed circuit board (PCB) (2026) of the following fact: Figure 22 has been replaced with flexible PCB 2326.Note; Though printed circuit board (PCB) (2026) is replaced by flexible PCB 2326 for illustrative purposes; But it can be replaced by other conductive traces substrates with being equal to, comprises dot matrix circuit board, P dot circuit plate and the indium tin oxide on substrate etc.

Forward Figure 24 now to, this accompanying drawing shows alternative mechanical arrangements.Figure 24 is identical with Figure 22, except the following fact: below the user imports annex 2402, disposed plastics external mold layer 2401.Plastics external mold layer 2401 can help lend some impetus to the coupling of the static state of the overlayer 1002 of touch-sensitive display, and can help to protect independently conductive pad to avoid infringement.

Figure 25 illustrates alternative mechanical arrangements.Figure 25 is identical with Figure 24, except the following fact: reserved the gap of conductive pad 2024 along mechanical external mold layer 2501, and conductive pad 2024 is integrated with mechanical external mold layer 2501.This configuration has promoted the signal transmission to the enhancing of emf sensor 1003, still to overlayer 1002 the appropriate static coupling is provided simultaneously.

Figure 26 illustrates alternative mechanical arrangements.Figure 26 is identical with Figure 25, except the following fact: conductive pad (2024) is replaced with space 2601, make electric contact above emf sensor 1003, expose.Therefore, electric contact 2201 becomes conductive pad, and this conductive pad has destroyed the electromagnetic field that touches sensitive surfaces, and to electronic equipment signal is provided.

Figure 27 illustrates mechanical arrangements, and this mechanical arrangements is designed to from electroluminescence layer 1005 luminous each button that see through that are deployed in emf sensor 1003 belows.In Figure 27, the user imports annex 2702 and has been configured one or more smooth load-carrying units, and these one or more smooth load-carrying units are configured to allow the light from electroluminescence layer 1005 to pass through wherein.

Electroluminescence layer 1005 can be included in the layer of the material backlight that clips between top and the bottom of the transparency carrier that carries transparency electrode.Can come to actuate individually through actuated electrodes and ground electrode can be by the electrode of segmentation and patterning.Can make actuated electrodes from indium tin oxide, side by side electrode can be included in the solid-state conductive ink layer of printing on the lower surface of electroluminescent material.Alternatively, also can be with the ground electrode patterning.When electroluminescence layer 1005 comprises the element that can actuate separately, can, the user optionally forbid this element below importing annex 2702 to save electric power.

Electroluminescence layer 1005 can comprise the Transflective layer.The Transflective layer that can be used as the trnaslucent materials that is configured to reflected light and passes through light allows the operation of the display in the Transflective pattern.Can on 1005 tops of the electroluminescence layer with one or more colors, comprise optional color layer.Can also can be used for light additive color as having the two the color layer of transflector of transmission and reflecting attribute from electroluminescence layer 1005.Color layer can alternatively be made up of color filter, and this color filter only has transmission properties.

The mechanical arrangements of Figure 27 is similar to Figure 24's, except the following fact: in each button, comprise the light pipe 2701 and diffuser 2703 that meet.The light pipe 2701 that meets meets, and makes when the user actuates button 2704, will " give way ".The light pipe 2701 that meets makes each button of light transmission from electroluminescence layer 1005 so that effect backlight to be provided.Optional diffuser 2703 makes it possible to possibly the wideer angle of the person of appearance see effect backlight than independent use light pipe.

Figure 28 illustrates another kind of mechanical arrangements.Figure 28 is similar to Figure 27, and except the following fact: the upper strata 2820 that meets is configured to photoconduction.Therefore, except providing the effect backlight, can also come moderately to illuminate the zone around each button through the upper strata 2820 that meets by light pipe that meets 2701 and diffuser 2703.Such configuration has promoted the visuality of the improvement under light conditions.

Figure 27 and 28 embodiment see through the user from electronic equipment to import the sole mode that annex transmits light.In other embodiments, can light electroluminescent cell in the position except directly under the user imports annex.Turn to Figure 31 and 32 now, wherein illustrate two such examples.

In Figure 31, electronic equipment 3101 comprises illuminating source therein.As stated, illuminating source 3109 is disposed in touch-sensitive display 3103 times, sees through touch-sensitive display 3103 projection lights during with the box lunch activity.

In the embodiment of Figure 31, the user imports the bottom and the lap that on touch-sensitive display 3103 pass through 3105 couplings of annex 3105 at electronic equipment 3101.Lap 3105 provides the abundant covering for the conductive pad (not shown) of its below, to transmit signal to touch-sensitive display 3103.

Import the light of button 3106 transmission of annex 3102 from illuminating source 3109 in order to see through the user, the light pipe layer 3104 in electronic equipment 3101 transmits light downwards along the length of light pipe layer 3104.In one embodiment, this only is coupled to electronic equipment 3101 and takes place in use the time importing annex 3102 as the user.Then, the clear or transparent mechanical layer 3108 of light transmission and see through button 3106 and be passed to the user and import the second light pipe layer 3107 in the annex 3102.

In Figure 32, class of operation seemingly, except the following fact: the second light pipe layer 3207 passes through at the end that the user imports annex 3202, to see through the light that button 3206 that the user imports annex 3202 transmits the luminaire 3209 in the comfortable electronic equipment 3201.Notice that the conductive pad that the user imports annex 3102,3202 can be positioned on the downside of lap 3105, with contact touch-sensitive display 3103.Button 3106,3206 can also be multiplexed to conductive pad, to support than the more button of the number of conductive pad.

So far, embodiments of the invention have been described to self-contained, that is, electronic equipment moves various application, and can use alternatively and can optionally be coupled to the user who touches sensitive surfaces and import annex and operate.Yet, for benefiting from one of ordinary skilled in the art of the present disclosure, be clear that embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.For example, embodiments of the invention can be configured to also work with other equipment.Figure 29 illustrates such embodiment.

In Figure 29, the interface between the utility appliance 2904 that electronic equipment 2900 is configured to be shown as traditional input equipment 2990 of keyboard here and be shown as monitor here.Like this, the user imports annex 2902 and is used as the user control interface of operating with traditional input equipment 2990.Then, electronic equipment 2900 is to the control signal of utility appliance 2904 transmission from traditional input equipment 2992.

In this configuration, the user imports the adapter that annex 2902 is configured to be used for traditional input equipment 2990.What the user imported that annex 2902 has been attached to electronic equipment 2900 touches sensitive surfaces 2901.Therefore, actuate to the user that the user imports the traditional input equipment 2990 of annex 2901 transmission through cable.Then, the user imports annex 2902 and transmits corresponding signal to touching sensitive surfaces 2901.Then, electronic equipment 2900 transmits appropriate signals to utility appliance 2904.

Also to be created in the variation in this configuration.For example, a kind of simple variation is the keyboard that substitutes Figure 29 with other traditional input equipments 2990.Can also alternative games controller, multimedia controller, be intended to be used in the commercial unit under the various environmental baselines, the annex that is used for data aggregation and transmission, remote optical evaluation equipment and telepilot etc.And, can be coupled to the user more than traditional input equipment of one and import annex.

Also note, in the illustrative example of Figure 29, in utility appliance 2904 or traditional input equipment 2990, do not require intelligence.The intelligence of electronic equipment 2900 can be used for operation to be used, and the input from traditional input equipment is obtained in this application, and exports to the utility appliance transmission.In addition, the embodiment of Figure 29 allows in the standard interface that keeps through electronic equipment 2900, to use preferred traditional input equipment.Note, can be with touching on the not homonymy that sensitive surfaces 2901 is deployed in electronic equipment 2900.For example, touch front or the side that sensitive surfaces 2901 can be positioned at electronic equipment.And docking station 2903 can be provided for electronic equipment 2900 as in the interface between traditional input equipment 2990 and utility appliance 2904.

Figure 30 provides conductive pad 330 how to dock to transmit the diagram of interim signature signal 110 to electronic equipment 100 with the emf sensor that touches sensitive surfaces 3,001 3004.When conductive pad 330 near must be enough to destroy the electric field that produces by emf sensor 3004 time, this has produced the signal that changes in time and can be received and be interpreted as by the processor in electronic equipment 100 touch event by emf sensor 3004.This touch event is rendered as interim signature signal 110 electronically, and has the amplitude and the shape of the association that changes in time.As stated, can analyze this signal to confirm its " signature ".

In one embodiment; Check interim signature signal 110 mathematics; Processor can be analyzed all or part of signal curve; To confirm and interim signature signal 110 corresponding signal surface areas (on the x-y plane), signal shape (for example, the numbering of each conductive pad, position and shape), signal aspect ratio (on the x-y plane) or other how much (x-y plane) parameters.As stated, signature can be used to discern the type that the user of being coupled to touch-sensitive display 3001 imports annex 102.

Particularly, interim signature signal 110 can be a series of signal amplitude along the surface expansion of display.These signal amplitudes can be configured to decline along with the use of the inductor capacitor circuit of affixing one's name in electronic equipment internal.In one embodiment, identification module is analyzed interim signature signal and is imported annex to discern the user through confirming the zone that is associated with the decline of the amplitude of signal, position, shape and peak value and time-based peak value.

Then, the interim characteristic that obtains and predefined model, tolerance or threshold limit are made comparisons, to discern the type that the user imports annex uniquely.The position of detected interim signature signal can be to be used to discern the user to import the accessory position of annex 102 and the characteristic of orientation on touch-sensitive display.

After detecting interim characteristic, the controller in electronic equipment possibly be aligned in the signal of the correspondence in the detecting device that touches in the sensitive surfaces.This has eliminated residue signal, makes subsequently field signal suitably to be interpreted as the user and imports actuating of button or control on the annex.

After removing the user and importing annex, controller can detect the characteristic temporary signal of anti-phase.This inversion signal indication user imports annex removing from electronic equipment.When removing, controller can be recalibrated sensor once more and do (not attached user imports annex) with the rice attached or in the acquiescence input pattern subsequently that preparation detection user imports annex.

Turn to Figure 33 now, wherein illustrate another embodiment that electronic equipment according to an embodiment of the invention 3301 and user import annex 3302.In Figure 33, display is separated into: come the first area 3303 of presentation information dynamically and do not present the second area 3304 of multidate information along it along it.For example, second area 3304 can be to present the part that the some private subscribers that do not change along with application are actuated the display of target on it.In one embodiment, the user imports the non-dynamic second area 3304 that annex 3302 can be configured to be coupled to display, makes need not reconfigure dynamic first area 3303 in use the time when the user imports annex 3302.

Similarly, some electronic equipments have the sensitive surfaces of disposing except the position along display that touches.Forward Figure 34 now to, wherein illustrate such embodiment.In Figure 33, display 3403 can be a touch-sensitive display.Alternatively, it can be a dedicated display.And, can also only be electric capacity or electromagnetic sensor, such as the capacitor layers in flexible electric circuit board or printed circuit board (PCB).In such configuration, need not allow to make display or the lens of post-ponability.

The corresponding sensitive surfaces 3404 that touches is provided for to receive from the user and touches input.Though be illustrated on the top of electronic equipment 3401, embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.Touch sensitive surfaces 3404 can wait coequality on the side of electronic equipment 3401 or with the rear side of display 3403 on.In one embodiment, the user imports annex 3402 and can be configured to be coupled to and touch sensitive surfaces 3404, as shown in Figure 34, makes needn't reconfigure display 3403 when the user imports annex 3402 in use the time.

Turn to Figure 35 now, wherein the diagram user import an alternative mechanical embodiments of annex 3502.In the embodiment of Figure 35, the user imports annex 3502 and comprises the mechanical side member 3505 that is used to be coupled to electronic equipment.This mechanical side member 3505 is attached to the user through hinge 3606 and imports annex 3502, makes them when not using, to be folded.Therefore, this user to import annex 3502 are " folding ".

Should observe; In aforesaid embodiment; Those embodiment mainly are and have the user that can break away from and import the relevant method step of the electronic equipment of annex and the combination of device feature; This can break away from the user imports annex and can be configured to keyboard, is used for importing data through touching sensitive surfaces.Therefore; In due course; This device feature and method step have been represented through conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings; Accompanying drawing only shows the detail relevant with the understanding of embodiments of the invention, so as not with for benefit from this explanation the one of ordinary skilled in the art easily clearly details obscure the disclosure.

Can understand; Retouching described embodiments of the invention at this can be made up of the instruction of one or more conventional processors and unique program stored, these uniqueness program stored instruction control this one or more processors combine specific non-processor circuit realize for example said following function some, great majority or all: change electronic equipment operator scheme, import annex from the user and receive data, discern the user through its characteristic temporary signal and import annex, perhaps control electronic equipment.

Non-processor circuit can include but not limited to radio receiver, radio transmitter, signal driver, clock circuit, power circuit and user input device.Like this, these functions can be interpreted as and carry out and the adaptation step that breaks away from the method for the function that user interface is associated described here.Alternatively, can perhaps in one or more special ICs (ASIC), realize some or all of functions through the state machine that the degree that does not have storage is instructed, wherein, each function in the specific function or some combinations are implemented as customized logic.Certainly, can use the combination of said two kinds of devices.Therefore, the method and apparatus that is used for these functions has been described at this.And; Though excited effort and many design alternatives that maybe be very big by for example pot life, current techniques and economic consideration; But hope that those of ordinary skill in the art is by thought disclosed herein or principle guiding the time, with generating such software instruction and program and IC with minimum experiment easily.

Referring to top accompanying drawing, in the accompanying drawings, the similar similar part of label indication.The following term that uses in superincumbent instructions and the claim is employed in the implication that this is associated clearly; Only if clear from context ground is indication in addition: the implication of " " and " said " comprises a plurality of references, and " ... in " implication comprise " ... in " and " ... on ".Can be used for uniquely an entity or behavior are distinguished with another entity or behavior with the relational terms of upper and lower grade such as first and second, and needn't require or hint in such relation of such entity or any reality between the behavior or in proper order.And, in bracket here shown in Reference numeral indication at the parts shown in accompanying drawing rather than under discussion that.For example, in discussion figure A, refer to the element 10 of equipment (10) indication in accompanying drawing rather than figure A.

In above-mentioned instructions, specific embodiment of the present invention has been described.Yet the one of ordinary skilled in the art should be understood that under the situation of the scope of the present invention that does not depart from claim to be set forth, can carry out various modifications and change.Therefore,, be clear that very much, the invention is not restricted to this though illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the present invention.Under the situation that does not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention that are defined by the claims, those skilled in the art can expect multiple modification, change, variation, substitute and equivalent.Therefore, instructions and accompanying drawing are counted as the illustrative rather than determinate meaning, and all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention.Benefit, advantage, to the solution of problem and can be so that any benefit, advantage or solution take place or become more significant any one or a plurality of element should not be interpreted as key, essential or necessary characteristic or key element any or that all authority requires.

Claims (20)

1. electronic equipment comprises:

Touch sensitive surfaces, the said sensitive surfaces that touches comprises emf sensor;

Controller, said controller can be operated with the said sensitive surfaces that touches;

No source user input annex, said no source user input annex can be attached to the said sensitive surfaces that touches, and be configured to when when attached to the said interim signature signal of sensitive surfaces transmission that touches;

Identification module, said identification module can be operated with said controller, and said identification module is configured to discern said no source user input annex from said interim signature signal; And

Adaptation module, said adaptation module can be operated by said controller, and said adaptation module is configured to when said no source user is imported annex by attached and identification, reconfigure said electronic equipment.

2. electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, said no source user input annex comprises:

The a plurality of users that dispose along first interarea can actuate button; And

Along a plurality of conductive pads that second interarea is disposed, said a plurality of conductive pads are arranged with feature configuration, and are configured to carry out alternately with the said sensitive surfaces that touches.

3. electronic equipment according to claim 2; Wherein, Said a plurality of conductive pad is less than said a plurality of user on number can actuate button, and wherein, said adaptation module is configured to through making multiplexing user's input reconfigure said electronic equipment through said a plurality of conductive pads.

4. electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the said sensitive surfaces that touches is a touch-screen, and said adaptation module is configured to reset Configuration Data along near the said touch-screen the said no source user input annex and appears.

5. electronic equipment according to claim 1; Wherein, When said no source user input annex is attached to said when touching sensitive surfaces along the said interior zone that touches sensitive surfaces; Said adaptation module is configured to dispose the said first that touches sensitive surfaces with the said second portion that touches sensitive surfaces differently; Said first edge extension of touching the first of sensitive surfaces from said no source user input annex, said second edge extension of touching the second portion of sensitive surfaces from said no source user input annex.

6. electronic equipment according to claim 4, wherein, said adaptation module further is configured to calibrate the said sensitive surfaces that touches according to the profile in the storer that is stored in said electronic equipment and the interim signature signal of identification.

7. electronic equipment according to claim 6, wherein, said profile comprises one or more in following:

Predefined input area, said predefined input area is corresponding with the feature configuration of a plurality of conductive pads of importing the annex deploy at said no source user;

The sense of touch response, said sense of touch response will be by said electronic equipment transmission when the user actuates the one or more button in said no source user input annex deploy;

One or more user preferences, said one or more user preferences are corresponding with said no source user input annex;

One or more amplification levels, said one or more amplification levels are used for the signal that receives from said a plurality of conductive pads;

One or more threshold levels, said one or more threshold levels are used for from the said signal of said a plurality of conductive pads receptions; Perhaps

Thump sensitivity, said thump sensitivity is corresponding with said one or more buttons of arranging along said no source user input annex.

8. electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, said adaptation module is configured to through the one or more inputs that reconfigure said electronic equipment in following:

To disposing the said sensitive surfaces that touches with the corresponding input detecting method of said no source user input annex;

To coming the configuration-system behavior with the corresponding predetermined input area of said no source user input annex;

System-gain is set to receive signal from said no source user input annex along said predetermined input area; Perhaps

Its combination.

9. electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, said adaptation module is configured to through the one or more outputs that reconfigure said electronic equipment in following:

Appear to data and to dispose said no source user and import periadnexal viewing area;

Configuration is not used in the invisible range territory that presents data below said no source user input annex;

Dispose the luminescent layer of said electronic equipment, come projection light to center on or to see through said no source user input annex; Perhaps

Its combination.

10. electronic equipment according to claim 1; Wherein, Said adaptation module is configured to reconfigure said emf sensor through the said interim signature signal in the corresponding said presumptive area of touching sensitive surfaces of calibration and said no source user input annex, thereby follow-up field signal can be detected as actuating button on said no source user input annex or control.

11. electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein:

Said no source user input annex be configured to along saidly touch sensitive surfaces, or along not being that the said a part of said electronic equipment that touches sensitive surfaces carries out attached; And

Said adaptation module is configured to: saidly said electronic equipment is in first pattern when touching sensitive surfaces when said no source user input annex is coupled to, and said electronic equipment is in second pattern from said when touching the sensitive surfaces disengaging when said no source user input.

12. electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein:

Said no source user input annex is configured to be selectively located any one place that touches a plurality of positions of sensitive surfaces along said; And

Said adaptation module is configured to position according to said no source user input annex and is adjusted at said touching appearing of information on the sensitive surfaces.

13. electronic equipment according to claim 1; Wherein, Said no source user input annex comprises user control interface; Said user is controlled the interface and can be operated with the external user opertaing device of coupling with it, and said user control interface is configured to from said external user opertaing device to said electronic equipment transfer control signal.

14. a method of in having the electronic equipment that touches sensitive surfaces, using one or more controllers, said method is attached to the said sensitive surfaces that touches in response to user control device and disposes said electronic equipment, and said method comprises:

Utilize said one or more controller to come the said user control device of identification from interim signature signal, said interim signature signal is passed to said electronic equipment through the said sensitive surfaces that touches from said user control device;

The said sensitive surfaces that touches of configuration section, to receive input from said user control device, the step of said configuration depends on the type of said user control device and the position of said user control device;

Wherein, The step of said configuration comprises: be adjusted at the behavior of the said electronic equipment in the said part; Receiving said input from one or more conductive pads, said one or more conductive pads are attached to said user control device and are positioned at said part.

15. method according to claim 14; Wherein, The said sensitive surfaces that touches is a touch-sensitive display; Said method further comprises: with the first of the approaching said touch-sensitive display in first edge of said user control device on present the information of using from first of said electronic equipment, and with the second portion of the approaching said touch-sensitive display in second edge of said user control device on present the information of using from second of said electronic equipment.

16. method according to claim 14; Wherein, The step of said change comprises: when said user control device is attached to said when touching sensitive surfaces; Launch first operator scheme of said electronic equipment, and when said user control device from said when touching sensitive surfaces and breaking away from, second operator scheme of launching said electronic equipment.

17. a no source user input annex that is used to have the electronic equipment that touches sensitive surfaces, said no source user input annex comprises:

Along a plurality of conductive pads that said no source user input annex is disposed, said a plurality of conductive pads be configured to when said a plurality of conductive pads be attached to said when touching sensitive surfaces, to the said interim signature signal of sensitive surfaces transmission that touches;

Along one or more user's actuation component that said no source user input annex is disposed, each user's actuation component is configured to when actuating user's actuation component, causes electromagnetic disturbance at the said sensitive surfaces place that touches; And

Mechanical couplings, said mechanical couplings are configured to make said no source user input annex to be held against said at least a portion of touching sensitive surfaces.

18. no source user input annex according to claim 17; Wherein, One or more in said a plurality of conductive pad are coupled to one or more passive second-order circuits; Said one or more passive second-order circuit comprises one or more in following: inductor, resistor or capacitor, wherein, said one or more passive second-order circuits are configured to cause said interim signature signal.

19. no source user input annex according to claim 17, wherein, said mechanical couplings comprises in following: electrostatic coupling, suction coupling, magnetic attachment coupling, gravity are coupled or its combination.

20. no source user input annex according to claim 17, wherein, said electronic equipment has one or more in electroluminescence layer or the LED backlight, and further comprises:

One or more light transmission components, said one or more light transmission components are configured to make the one or more light from said electroluminescence layer or the said LED backlight to import annex through said user.

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