CN1702605A - Accepting user control - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to an improvement in mechanisms and techniques for accepting user input. An apparatus for accepting a user input is described comprising a display, detector and controller. The display is configured to show an initial output. The detector is positioned in a location with respect to the display such that the detector detects placement of a trigger, such as a user's hand, proximate to the display. Various methods of detection such as infra-red detection, ultrasonic detection, capacitive detection, etc. may alternatively be used. The controller is configured to, upon placement of the trigger in a relative position with respect to the detector, cause the display to display an alternative output. After a pre-determined period of time, the display automatically reverts to the initial output or similar reduced-content output.

Description

Accepting user control

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of accepting user control.

Background technology

Background technology of the present invention is with reference to using mechanical displaceable element to receive the system of user's input.

Summary of the invention

Embodiments of the invention relate to a kind of system and method that is used to receive user's input, this user input provides as the pressure of (for example surf zone of plastics, metal, glass or other material that can exert pressure of user) on a kind of selected part that acts on pressure elements, and/or by the operation of two kinds of controllers being provided (for example knob, button, handle or the like).Especially in one embodiment, this pressure elements is that coupling and/or be installed in is positioned at and goes up around peripheral the corner of rectangle pressure elements (for example) four switches and (for example can detect the device such as user's input of pressure or " thrust "; That other switch comprises is capacitive, ohmic, piezoelectricity, machinery or the like) on a slice plastics.In one embodiment, this pressure elements is arranged on a slice light transmissive material (for example plastics, glass or the like) of display front, sees this display (back is with this display of more detailed description) so that can see through this pressure elements.This display illustrates spatially the option (for example importing option, menu option) with the part correlation connection of this pressure elements.When exerting pressure in the selected part of user at this pressure elements, on near this pressure elements will make a concerted effort to be sent to the switch, thereby drive this switch, wherein the selection of this pressure elements part position that is installed on switch and/or is coupled near this pressure elements with switch.

Here the part of this pressure elements is set to a zone of the pressure elements that is associated with switch, so that can drive associated switch by user's applied pressure in this subregion.Suitable part by selecting to exert pressure in this pressure elements (for example in a plurality of positions of this pressure elements or the part near the position or the part of particular switch), the user can select to want switch driven effectively.The driving successively of switch has changed system state (for example the operation of parameter, setting, execution, function, be stored in data in the memory location or the like), wherein the driving of switch be directly or the operation of the control circuit by being coupled to various switches carry out.In one embodiment, this system is a media player, in particular for the media player in the vehicles.Perhaps, media player also can be medium control element, receiver, radio, CD Player, video player or other DVD player or other media apparatus.Therefore, this system and method provides a kind of lower but than received user input by the higher alternative of mode dirigibility that fixed controller provided such as button, switch or the like than touch-screen cost.Embodiments of the invention provide a large surfaces that the user searches by " tactile feedback ", compare with button, knob and other similar controller of special use, have increased that the user need not see input media and the possibility that can start input.This pressure elements is equipped with the contact area of projection, and this contact area allows the user by feeling to search and discern the different piece of this pressure elements.

Embodiments of the invention also provide mechanical hook-up to provide tactile feedback (physical feedback that for example provides the user can aware by contact and/or sensation) by on-stream pressure element and/or knob to the user.For example, in one embodiment, a knob is set to cause vibration, is equivalent to one " click is rattled away " sound that the user feels traditionally when this knob arrives new options such as a new source (for example new media source), pattern or items of media content.Embodiment also is set to provide this type of tactile feedback of other type to the user.These features manage to reduce the driver from drive the road vehicle application that relevant activity diverts one's attention valuable especially.

Except the user can exert pressure in the position of be coupled near in pressure elements and a plurality of switch (for example be arranged near the turning of pressure elements four switches) and the start-up control device operates, the pressure be applied on the pressure elements (for example the pressure elements place of user in the middle of two position of the switch applies the pressure near the pressure elements center, or the like) is detected in a distance that embodiments of the invention also are set to a particular switch in a plurality of switches of distance.Put on the power that is equipped with certain distance with switch bit in order to detect such one, control circuit is identified as the thrust that comes from the center with two or more simultaneous basically switch drive power or in thrust of centre etc.If switch drive power takes place simultaneously, described control circuit can be identified as simultaneous driving force the thrust at center or in the thrust of centre.If switch drive power takes place at interval in order but at the fixed time, described control circuit also switch drive power can be identified as the center or in the thrust of centre.

According to one embodiment of present invention, system is set to and will receives as special input (just with near the different input of the resulting input of the applied pressure position of the switch) with center thrust or in user's input of the thrust form of centre.In one embodiment, this system is set to the thrust at center or the thrust in the centre are interpreted as order with the operation of " browsing " or " standard " display mode, and each in these two patterns all provides the details of different levels.For example, in media player, simple items of media content identifier list is shown to the user with the operation of browse displays pattern.For example, in the browse displays pattern, the items of media content artist name " Alice Cooper, AliciaKeys, America, Beatles and Billy Joel, or the like " can be shown to the user.If the user selects the browse displays pattern and the choice criteria display mode by applying center thrust cancellation, media player changes the more Verbose Listing that selected items of media content (for example current in progress items of media content) is shown into so, this tabulation comprises such information of for example name, artist and duration (TheBeatles for example, Octopus ' Garden, 3.59 minutes duration, 2.45 fens have been cast to).Browse displays and standard show that options can operate in various patterns (for example artist, theme, collection of records, time or the like), thereby can be applied to selectable each different source in the media player.

Embodiments of the invention are selected browse displays pattern and the typical display mode except the use center or in the thrust of centre, and pressure on the pressure elements and thrust also can be set at carries out other function.For example, when pressure puts on the pressure elements (at an ad-hoc location), pressure elements can be set to be used for the change source.According to other embodiment, described pressure elements can be configured to the modifier according to applied pressure and/or thrust (for example " function " key of extraordinary image computer keyboard or " Shift " key), and this device can make in the options used of other controller and change.Pressure on the pressure elements and/or thrust also can be assigned with has other function.

Embodiments of the invention provide other being used to receive mechanical hook-up and method such as the user of operation knob input.Knob can be set to operate with multivariant control mode.In an example, the one degree of freedom of this knob with push the relevant of this knob; Second degree of freedom is relevant with the rotation of knob.Other degree of freedom that is used to control also may be for example simultaneously as the pushing and the rotation of the optional form of user's input.

According to an embodiment, in media player, use first knob that is set to the operation of multiple degrees of freedom control forms.Described first knob is set to select AM, FM, satellite broadcast receiving device, CD, hard disk drive (HD), uMusic under the effect that the user pushes ^TM(for example a kind of method and mechanism that is used to store with managing media content.This method and mechanism are provided for the memory storage of items of media content and determine items of media content by user's preferences and/or other parameter, so that make more effectively access media content item of user) and DVD or the like source (the u index for example of tabulating ^TMBe a kind of method and mechanism that is used for discerning the items of media content that obtains from multiple source, thereby the option of the items of media content of a relative broad range be provided to the user) in the next item down.These sources can be preserved by any order.

In one embodiment, if the source of a current selection is AM (a for example AM radio system), by pushing first knob, the user will make media player be transformed into FM (FM radio system just) so.By repeatedly pushing first knob, the user can select any source from one group of source is selected.Because the user selects the source by this way, so embodiments of the invention can carry out affirmation visual and/or that can listen to user's selection.In one embodiment of the invention, rotate first knob in order to carry out the traditional operation of control media player volume or some other media function.

When the user changes the source by pushing first knob, have eye-catching color and determine selected source, for example redness is that AM, blueness are that FM, green are CD or the like.When each user pressed first knob and changes the source, color will change.Mechanism and method that embodiments of the invention are provided for changing knob (for example by LED, other light source or the like) intrinsic colour and change display color.Thereby, so just reduced the degree that the user should be noted that by using the selected source of color showing that selected source is determined.In other embodiments of the invention, transparent or translucent knob is arranged on the display, and by the knob relevant with source and model selection, character, text or graphical information and/or color can be revealed.Other information such as rank and/or process indication can show near knob or by knob.In addition, even the user does not see media player when changing, the prompting that can hear also can provide notice to the user such as " click is rattled away " sound of playing by the audio frequency output of media player.Perhaps, also can provide voice, composite music or the like audible feedback.

Second knob of being arranged to carry out a plurality of degree of freedom controls also is used to receive user's input.By pressing second knob, the user selects next pattern from mode list.Each source all has the different pattern group that sets for single source.By pressing second knob, the user can select from the mode option that sets for any source, and wherein these sources are selected by operating first knob.

For example, suppose that the user wants by using the hard disk drive source to operate media player.At first, the user selects the hard disk drive source by pushing the corresponding number of times of first knob.When each user presses first knob, will select a new source.In case hard disk drive is selected, the user just need not press first knob once more.Then the user selects from pairing four kinds of the mode options of hard disk drive (being artist, theme, collection of records, time), up to the selected pattern that needs.For example, if the user wants to show the items of media content tabulation that is stored on the hard disk drive with the alphabetic(al) order of theme that it is selected up to the theme display mode that the user just can press second knob.The user has successfully selected after the display mode of theme, and media player just shows spendable hard disk drive items of media content with the theme order.If the user presses second knob once more up to selected artist's pattern, so just will tabulate with the alphabetic(al) order display media content of artist item.

Then, successfully selected the user of artist's display mode just can see the tabulation of the items of media content used that shows with artist's alphabetic order as mentioned above, for example Alice Cooper, Alicia Keys, America, Beatles, Billy Joel or the like, the items of media content of wherein selected/current broadcast is highlighted demonstration.In alternate example, if the user selects the theme display mode, the tabulation that is shown to the user is sort by subject (for example How Come You Don ' t Call Me, Lost inAmerica, Michelle Ma Belle, Piano Man or the like).

Second knob is set to multiple degrees of freedom control.Specifically, the one degree of freedom of second knob is relevant with pushing of second knob; Second degree of freedom is relevant with the rotation of second knob.Therefore, except by pressing the second knob preference pattern, the user also can select items of media content by rotating second knob from the tabulation of spendable items of media content.Therefore, the user selects items of media content by rotating second knob, up to the items of media content of selected expectation.As mentioned above, thus the different mode that can select by second knob with browse mode or mode standard display media content item.

For second degree of freedom is provided, knob (for example any in second knob or second set of knobs) is set to discern user's rotation of knob and is control signal with this rotational transform.Be used to provide the mechanical hook-up of second degree of freedom of knob to comprise optical light source (for example infrarede emitting diode), one or more optical receiver, this knob and translucent element (for example different embodiment according to the subject invention, this translucent element can be identical with pressure elements or inequality).This knob is installed on this translucent element, and the user can clockwise or counterclockwise mode be rotated.The reflective surface band is attached on the knob circumference at interval with rule.

This optical light source is installed on the circuit board, and described circuit board is positioned on the periphery of translucent element.This optical light source is centroclinal to knob, and sees through on the circumference of this translucent element alignment knob a bit according to one embodiment of the invention.According to one embodiment of the invention, this optical light source has the light beam of a branch of plus or minus 8 degree angles.This optical receiver is arranged on the both sides of transmitter, for example is installed on the circuit board.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this translucent element coated (for example make and use the light limiting material), so that stop transmission from the light of external light source, may to be mistaken as be light from optical light source if the light of this external light source is detected by optical receiver.Such coating (for example optics coating) can stop from any the transmission of light in display or the external light source, otherwise the transmission of these light may " obstruction " thus optical receiver makes optical receiver and/or the circuit relevant with optical receiver not to work.

In an alternative of the present invention, select the light frequency that sends from external light source by preventing to send in the light frequency scope, thereby avoided doing the judgement that makes mistake by the detected light of optical receiver at this optical light source.According to another alternative of the present invention, the light that in such a way optical light source is sent is modulated, thereby the light modulated that is received by optical receiver can be come with the light difference that receives from external light source.

During this system operation, this optical light source sends light (for example infrared light).When user's rotary knob, reflect to optical receiver by the reflecting surface band that is attached on the knob from the infrared light of optical light source.By detecting reflecting in the light of optical receiver, the output that is in the optical receiver of high state (for example 5 volts) usually can change low state (for example 0 volt) into.The user continues rotary knob can cause moving of accompanying reflecting surface band, thus make this reflecting surface in a certain specific location of knob no longer to the optical receiver reflects infrared light.In this point, the output of this optical receiver turns back to high state.

Rotate this knob by the user, detect from two optical receivers of optical light source first and show the direction of motion of knob.Circuit (for example microcontroller) is converted to the variation in the optical receiver output control signal of expression knob rotation.

Knob and translucent element are made of plastics or other material (for example clear plastic, acrylic plastics or the like).Be fastened on friction sleeve on the circumference of knob (by low friction material such as PTFE just teflon or the like make) allow the knob rotation; Pin element knob is remained on position on the translucent element.

Additional embodiments of the present invention provides a kind of improved user interface that is used for multimedia and other device.Among other advantage of embodiments of the invention, this improved user interface has been simplified the display mode of the multimedia device in the vehicular applications, thereby makes this display mode easy to understand and compare the situation that the driver diverts one's attention that reduced with using other input and/or control mechanical hook-up.So the multimedia device that is provided with has especially limited the amount of the display message that offers the user, when the user makes things convenient for executivecontrol function.When the user made things convenient for executivecontrol function, the shown information of multimedia device expansion was so that provide enough information, and the user just can select the control operation mode expected according to these information.

Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful in multimedia system is unified vehicular applications.

In one embodiment, the system that is used to receive user's input comprises a plurality of switches and pressure elements.This pressure elements and a plurality of switch are coupled.This pressure elements has a plurality of parts, each part in wherein a plurality of parts all with a plurality of switches in one be associated.This pressure elements is located with respect to a plurality of switches, with convenient user when one of a plurality of parts are exerted pressure, this pressure elements will make a concerted effort to be sent to one of a plurality of parts associated switch on.This has driven and one of a plurality of parts associated switch.

In another embodiment, this system comprises a display.This display shows at least one input option.In a plurality of parts of this pressure elements at least one spatially is associated with at least one the input option that shows.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of this pressure elements is a printing opacity.This pressure elements is positioned at the front of display, so that see this display by this pressure elements.Close display also is provided with a plurality of switches and watches at least one input option of demonstration by pressure elements.

In another embodiment, this system works in motor vehicle.

In another embodiment, this system carries out work as a building block of media system.

In one embodiment, in a plurality of parts has tactile element.This tactile element has reduced the user and has seen in a plurality of parts of pressure elements at least one and the needs of chosen position.

In another embodiment, pressure elements comprises four parts, wherein each part all with four switches in one be associated.

In one embodiment, pressure elements will make a concerted effort to be sent to a plurality of parts in an associated switch.

In one embodiment, pressure elements will make a concerted effort to be sent to a plurality of parts at least two switches that are associated.

In another embodiment, thus splitting to close drives the start-up system operation.

In one embodiment, the mechanical property of pressure elements spatially changes to some extent, thereby so that assembles the switch drive that the pressure that is applied on the selected part of pressure elements is realized expectation.

In another embodiment, this system comprises first switch, the second switch in a plurality of switch and the control circuit in a plurality of switches.Because the user is to the pressure elements applied pressure, pressure elements is with first switch that is associated in first a plurality of parts of making a concerted effort to be sent to pressure elements.This pressure elements is also with another second switch that is associated in second a plurality of parts of making a concerted effort to be sent to pressure elements.This can drive first switch in a plurality of switches and the second switch in a plurality of switch.This control circuit is identified as a plurality of switch drive the system state of deduction.

In another embodiment, this system comprises a fulcrum, and this fulcrum limits the deflection of the pressure elements that is caused by user's applied pressure, thereby to working by the applied pressure switch driven.

In one embodiment, this system makes response to user's applied pressure on this pressure elements, and the affirmation that the user is imported is provided to the user.

In one embodiment, this system also comprises a pilot lamp.This pilot lamp is set to illuminate to the pressure elements applied pressure by the user, so that make the user confirm that visually switch is driven.

In another embodiment, this system is configured to make the user to confirm that switch is driven with listening.

In another embodiment, synthetic video is used in listened to the affirmation of switch drive.

In one embodiment, the system that is used to receive user's input comprises first control, and this first control setting becomes the driving of first control that causes in response to the user and selects source of media.This system also comprises second control.Driving of this second control has two degree of freedom, by the driving of first degree of freedom of second control carried out in response to the user, can select a pattern in a group mode of source of media.The user is configured to determine an items of media content selection for the driving of second degree of freedom of second control.One of display display media source, pattern and items of media content.

In one embodiment, the system that is used to receive user's input comprises a pressure elements that is coupled to a plurality of switches.This pressure elements has a plurality of parts.Each part in a plurality of parts all is associated with a switch in a plurality of switches.This pressure elements positions with convenient user when one of a plurality of parts are exerted pressure with respect to a plurality of switches, pressure elements will make a concerted effort to be sent to a plurality of parts in the switch of a part correlation connection.Therefore with a plurality of parts in the switch of a part correlation connection be driven.

In one embodiment, controller comprises one handle.This handle be assemblied in the hole of pressure elements and the device that is fixed fastening.

In one embodiment, before carrying out user media source selection, model selection or items of media content selection, schedule time of system delay.

In one embodiment, according to being used for one the generation that source of media selection, model selection or items of media content are selected, this system provides the submenu of an option to the user.

In one embodiment, this display is set to provide visual affirmation to selected source of media.In another embodiment, this display is based on selected source of media display color prompting.

In one embodiment, this display provides position indicator, and this indicator is described in the relative position of the selected items of media content in the tabulation browsed of items of media content to the user.This position indicator shows with radial form.

In another embodiment, this display is a touch-screen.This touch-screen is configured to can the process user input.

At an embodiment, the visual confirmation that provides the user to import is provided in this control.In another embodiment, this visual information is a text.In yet another embodiment, this visual information is a figure.In one embodiment, this visual information is the variation of color.

In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of this controller is a printing opacity.This controller is positioned on the display and sees through the information that this controller can see that display shows.

In one embodiment, synthetic video is used in listened to the affirmation of selected source of media.

In yet another embodiment, second controller is positioned at the place ahead of display.This second controller receives the driving of second degree of freedom that the user carries out as user's input.

In one embodiment, the system that is used to receive user's input comprises at least one switch, a display, pressure elements, display and at least one control.This display illustrates the menu option that comprises media content information and control option.This control option be shown in switch on the display near.Pressure elements is arranged on the display, wherein sees through at least a portion that this pressure elements can be seen display.This pressure elements and at least one switch are coupled, thereby make a concerted effort to split to close and drive by what the press member of exerting pressure in response to the user transmitted.This at least one controller is configured to receive one of thrust and rotation (for example first degree of freedom and second degree of freedom) so that one of choice menus option.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of at least one control is a printing opacity.This at least one control is positioned on the display.See through the information that at least one control can see that display shows.

In one embodiment, the display display color is so that provide feedback to the user.In another embodiment, at least one control display color is so that provide feedback to the user.

In another embodiment, at least one control illustrates the symbol of representative one of selected media content sources, pattern or items of media content.

In one embodiment, user's input comprises one first controller.The driving of this first controller has two degree of freedom.The driving of second degree of freedom is associated with the control of system sound volume.The driving of first degree of freedom is associated with the selection of source of media.

Described at least one controller is arranged on the display and at least a portion of this controller is a printing opacity, so that see through at least a portion that described at least one controller is seen this display.

In another embodiment, the media player that is used for motor vehicle comprises a plurality of switches, a display, a pressure elements and two controls.This display is used for one of display media source, pattern and items of media content.In this pressure elements and a plurality of switch at least one is coupled.This pressure elements is arranged on the display.See through at least a portion of pressure elements visual display.This pressure elements is configured to receive user's applied pressure within the part of pressure elements.A side and its driving that in two controllers each is positioned at display have two degree of freedom.

In another embodiment, this system shows set of option so that the prompting user selects on display.See through at least a portion of visible this display of pressure elements, pressure elements is arranged on the front of display.Thereby this system responses applied pressure on the part of user at pressure elements is split to close and is driven, and wherein this part of pressure elements is corresponding to the option of expectation.This switch is arranged to the switch arrays near display.This system changes system state on the basis of switch drive.

In one embodiment, this system responses is in to user's applied pressure and affirmation is provided on a pressure elements part.

In another embodiment, this system operates according to the system state start-up system.

In another embodiment, this system detects by pressure elements and will make a concerted effort to be sent to first switch and second switch and first switch drive and the second switch that cause drive.This system produces the system state of a deduction then.

In another embodiment, the system state of this deduction starts function of browse.

In another embodiment, this system receives the driving of first degree of freedom of first controller so that select one of following source: the u index ^TM, AM, FM, satellite broadcast receiving device, CD, hard disk drive, uMusic ^TM, DVD, HVAC/ weather, core navigation.

In one embodiment, this system receives the driving of first degree of freedom of second controller so that select one of following modes: AM presets, the AM search, AM is tuning, FM presets, the FM search, FM is tuning, the FM radio station, the FM song, the FM kind, FM artist, satelline radio presets, satellite radio station, the satelline radio kind, satellite radio station, the satelline radio song, the satelline radio kind, the satelline radio artist, CD audio track, the CD time, the CD disk, CD artist, the CD song, the CD kind, the hard disk drive theme, the hard disk drive track, the hard disk drive artist, the hard disk drive time, the hard disk drive kind, uMusic (u music) track, the uMusic time, the DVD chapters and sections, the HVAC/ climate temperature, the HVAC/ weather flows, core navigation starting point, core navigation terminal point, the core navigation direction.

In one embodiment, this system shows the option list relevant with selected pattern.The option of an expectation is selected by this system on the basis of first degree of freedom driving of second controller.

In another embodiment, control mechanical hook-up comprises element and knob of a printing opacity.This knob can be rotated and rotatably be coupled to this translucent element by the user.This knob also has a reflecting surface, optical light source and at least one optical receiver that is used for light directive knob.Described at least one optical receiver detects the light that sends and pass through one of reflecting surface directive optical receiver from optical light source.

In one embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up comprises a circuit.The reflected light that this circuit is accepted at least one optical receiver converts control signal to.According to the rotation of user, be converted into control signal by the detected reflected light of receiver to knob.

In another embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up comprises a modulator and a detuner that is used for the output light of modulated optical light source generation.This detuner is configured to convert the light modulated to control signal by at least one optical receiver from the light modulated that light source receives by demodulation.

In another embodiment, this reflecting surface comprises the reflecting surface band, and also available non-reflecting surface band is replaced this reflecting surface band.

In another embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up also comprises first optical receiver and second optical receiver, wherein determines the sense of rotation of knob by the output of comparing first and second optical receivers.

In another embodiment, when first optical receiver detects from the next light of reflecting surface band reflection, follow second optical receiver and detect from a next light time of reflecting surface band reflection, circuit just identifies knob and rotates with first direction.When second optical receiver detects from the next light of reflecting surface band reflection, to follow first optical receiver and detect from a next light time of reflecting surface band reflection, circuit just identifies knob and rotates with second direction.

In another embodiment, knob is that the direction with the shortest rotation is rotated, this shortest rotation refer to according to first optical receiver detect knob position that the light that comes from a reflecting surface band reflection judges, with detect according to second optical receiver from the shortest rotation between the knob position of the light judgement of a reflecting surface band reflection.

In another embodiment, when this display is arranged in the zone of translucent element back, sees through this translucent element and can see this display.

In another embodiment, when knob is made of transparent material, and at least a portion of this display sees through this knob and can see this display when being arranged in the zone at the printing opacity knob back side.

In another embodiment, the knob surf zone has transmissible material.This transmission material can project the part that is arranged in the display of printing opacity knob back region on the knob surf zone.

In another embodiment, the light of optical light source projection runs transverse through translucent element.

In another embodiment, by the only infrared light of optical light source directive knob.

In another embodiment, translucent element is between the light source and at least one optical receiver of surrounding environment light.Optical coating on translucent element has stopped from the surround lighting on the predetermined electromagnetic spectrum scope in the external light source and has been sent at least one optical receiver.

In another embodiment, the surf zone of translucent element is coated with an optical coating.

In another embodiment, by the only electromagnetic energy of optical light source directive knob.Reduced transmission in electromagnetic energy at least a portion in frequency range at the optical coating on the translucent element, wherein at least one optical receiver is operated in this frequency range.

In another embodiment, reduced the transmission of the electromagnetic energy in the certain frequency scope at electromagnetic spectrum at the optical coating on the translucent element, this frequency range is that the frequency range of the frequency range of optical light source and the response of at least one optical receiver is common.

In another embodiment, translucent element comprises dyestuff, and this dyestuff has stopped from the surround lighting on the preset range of electromagnetic spectrum in the external light source and is sent at least one optical receiver.

In another embodiment, at least one optical receiver is coated with optical coating, and the optical coating at least one optical receiver stops that the light from external light source is sent at least one optical receiver.

In another embodiment, translucent element is made of one of following material: makrolon material, acrylic acid, cyclic olefin, thermosetting material and plastics.

In another embodiment, thus optical light source and at least one optical receiver allow light laterally to transmit and receive by translucent element with respect to the translucent element location.

In another embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up carries out work in motor vehicle.

In another embodiment, the control mechanical hook-up as media player carries out work.

In another embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up carries out work as the control mechanical hook-up of mancarried device.

In another embodiment, when user's push-turn key, knob is sent to translucent element with pressure, so translucent element will be made a concerted effort to be sent to and expected the control function associated switch.

In another embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up is by voice recognition, motion detection or receive other user near in the pick-up unit any and import.

In another embodiment, hand that detects the user near detecting device whether appear at the control mechanical hook-up near.If user's hand is placed near the control mechanical hook-up, the control mechanical hook-up is configured to change the information content of display.

In another embodiment, this information content is the menu group that has a menu option at least.

In another embodiment, be configured to change the information content that is used for the motor vehicle multimedia device based on control mechanical hook-up near detecting device.

In another embodiment, approach to control mechanical hook-up according to detecting the hand that has the user, this control mechanical hook-up increases the information content that shows.

In another embodiment, approach to control mechanical hook-up based on detecting the hand that does not have the user, this control mechanical hook-up reduces the information content that shows.

In another embodiment, proximity transducer also comprises transmitter and receiver.Represent user's hand except that perception and approach to control the signal of mechanical hook-up that this receiver also detects the signal that telepilot sends.

In another embodiment, when the signal that sends when expression user's approaching signal of hand and telepilot is modulated according to different modulation schemes, modulation and coding one of the hand of distinguishing expression user approaching signal and the telepilot signal that send of this receiver by discerning two signals.

In another embodiment, thus friction sleeve is attached on the circumference of knob friction surface is provided.This friction surface rotatably slides at the holding device that is used for knob.

In another embodiment, this friction sleeve is made of the material with low-friction coefficient.

In another embodiment, the material with low-friction coefficient is PTFE.

In another embodiment, this friction sleeve contacts with translucent element, leaves a slit between the part of the knob with reflecting surface and translucent element.

In another embodiment, this pinning element is attached on the circumference of knob.This pinning element applies a positioning pressure to the back side of translucent element, whereby knob is remained on the position with respect to translucent element.

In another embodiment, optical light source or at least one optical receiver are installed on the translucent element.

In another embodiment, transparent knob is connected on the axle of rotation in conjunction with control, and a display is arranged in the zone, the back side of knob.This display is to throwing by the visual output of knob.A circuit converts user's applied pressure to control signal, and this control signal represents to select with the input of user expectation the sample at the position control place that is associated.

In another embodiment, between a plurality of position control place of knob, there is relation on the space.This rotation is the transverse pressure vector that obtains in conjunction with control receives the direct pressure that is applied to a distance, center of distance knob by the user, and this direct pressure that applies is represented user's input of expecting.

In another embodiment, this knob can be rotated by the user.User's rotary knob is made response, control indication of control mechanical hook-up identification.

In another embodiment, by response is made in the identification of the control indication in the control mechanical hook-up, this control mechanical hook-up shows that one group of user imports option.It is relevant with the position of rotation of knob that this independent user imports option.

In another embodiment, display is configured to show the one group input option relevant with the position of rotation of knob.The user can see the input option by described rotational pressure element.

In another embodiment, this system comprises a plurality of switches and the translucent element that is coupled with a plurality of switches.This translucent element has a plurality of parts.Each part in a plurality of parts all is associated with a switch in a plurality of switches.When this translucent element applies a pressure to one of a plurality of parts with respect to a plurality of switches location with convenient user, this pressure elements will make a concerted effort to be sent to a plurality of parts in a relevant switch on.Part switch in a plurality of switches can detect the intensity that the user exerts pressure.

In another embodiment, this system comprises first switch, the second switch in a plurality of switch and the control circuit in a plurality of switches.Because the user applies a pressure to translucent element, this translucent element with first make a concerted effort to be sent to related first switch of a plurality of parts of translucent element and with another related second switches of a plurality of parts of translucent element on.So the state that has caused first switch of a plurality of switches changes and the state of the second switch of a plurality of switches changes, if therefore first makes a concerted effort to make a concerted effort greater than second, then this control circuit is inferred as first system state, if second makes a concerted effort greater than first with joint efforts, then this control circuit is inferred as second system state.

In another embodiment, the control mechanical hook-up has a knob.This knob rotatably is coupled to translucent element, and is that this knob can be rotated by the user and have alternately reflecting surface band and a non-reflecting surface band.Therefore, a kind of method that is used to receive user's input may further comprise the steps: will reflex at least one optical receiver from the light that optical light source receives from the reflecting surface band of knob, and detect the light that is reflected by the reflecting surface band on the knob by at least one optical receiver.

In another embodiment, this system light that will detect converts control signal to.

In another embodiment, the light that modulators modulate is sent by light source, a detuner will will be demodulated into control signal from the light modulated that light source receives by at least one optical receiver.

In another embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up comprises first optical receiver and second optical receiver, wherein a kind of method comprises the following steps: to detect from the light of reflecting surface band reflection when first optical receiver, then second optical receiver detected from the light time of reflecting surface band reflection, identified knob and rotated with first direction.When second optical receiver detects from the light of reflecting surface band reflection, follow first optical receiver and detect from the light time of reflecting surface band reflection, identify knob and rotate with second direction.

In another embodiment, display is arranged in the zone at the translucent element back side, thereby comprising also that display throws image can see through the step that translucent element is watched.

In another embodiment, knob is made of transparent material, and display is positioned at the knob back side, and wherein this display illustrates the image that is used to watch through knob.

In another embodiment, seeing through translucent element laterally throws light.

In another embodiment, translucent element has an optical coating.This optical coating has stopped that the surround lighting on the preset range of electromagnetic spectrum from external light source is sent at least one optical receiver.

In another embodiment, translucent element comprises dyestuff.This dyestuff has stopped that the surround lighting on the preset range of electromagnetic spectrum from external light source is sent at least one optical receiver.

In another embodiment, translucent element responds to user's push-turn key, is sent to the switch relevant with the control function of expecting with making a concerted effort, and wherein makes a concerted effort to be caused to the knob applied pressure by the user.

In another embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up receives from voice recognition device, motion detection apparatus with near other user's input of one of pick-up unit.

In another embodiment, this control mechanical hook-up changes the value of user's input from voice recognition device, motion detection apparatus or on the basis of the other user's input that receives near pick-up unit.

In another embodiment, by the hand that detects the user approach and control that mechanical hook-up is coupled near detecting device, this control mechanical hook-up changes the information content of this display.

In another embodiment, on the basis of the hand that detects the user near the control mechanical hook-up, this control mechanical hook-up changes at least one menu option.

In another embodiment, on the basis of the hand that detects the user near the control mechanical hook-up, this control mechanical hook-up increases the information content that shows.

In another embodiment, on the hand that detects the user did not have near the basis of controlling mechanical hook-up, this control mechanical hook-up reduced the information content that shows.

In another embodiment, except that user's the signal of hand near the control mechanical hook-up represented in perception, this receiver also can detect the signal that telepilot sends.

In another embodiment, when the signal that sends according to the approaching signal of different modulation scheme modulation expression user's hand and telepilot, modulation and coding one of the hand of distinguishing expression user approaching signal and the telepilot signal that send of receiver by discerning two signals.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the system that is used to receive user's input comprises a plurality of switches and is coupled in a pressure elements of a plurality of switches.This pressure elements has a plurality of parts.Each part of these a plurality of parts all is associated with a switch of a plurality of switches.This pressure elements positions with respect to a plurality of switches, and when one of a plurality of parts were exerted pressure, this pressure elements was sent to making a concerted effort and one of a plurality of parts relevant switch with convenient user, thus driven with a plurality of parts in a relevant switch.At least one switch in a plurality of switches is inserted between pressure elements and the framework.

In another embodiment, when pressure elements during in response to applied pressure in a plurality of parts of pressure elements of user, pressure elements not active position place from it removes.Impel the driving of a relevant switch of this system identification and a plurality of parts with the driver of a relevant switch in a plurality of parts.

In another embodiment, this system also comprises the stop motion mechanism that hangs installation, and this device is coupled in framework with pressure elements movably.

In another embodiment, the stop motion mechanism of this suspension installation comprises a compressible dividing plate.

In another embodiment, when in response to applied pressure in a plurality of parts of pressure elements of user, whether the position that the part of pressure elements is not had an effect from pressure elements is removed, impel a relevant switch in a plurality of parts of this system identification and pressure elements to be driven with the driver of a relevant switch in a plurality of parts of pressure elements.

In another embodiment, the control mechanical hook-up comprises that a user input area, controller and one are near detecting device.Should whether detect user's hand near user input area near detecting device.According to user's hand whether be placed on the control mechanical hook-up near, this controller is configured to change the information content of display.

In another embodiment, this information content comprises the menu group that has a menu option at least.

In another embodiment, controller is configured to change the information content of employed multimedia device in the motor vehicle.

In another embodiment, whether this controller is provided in detection user's hand near increasing the information content that shows on the basis of this control mechanical hook-up.

In another embodiment, whether this controller is provided in detection user's hand near reducing the information content that shows on the basis of this control mechanical hook-up.

In another embodiment, proximity transducer also comprises a transmitter and receiver.Except that user's the signal of hand near this control mechanical hook-up represented in perception, this receiver also detected the signal that telepilot sends.

In another embodiment, when the signal that sends according to approaching signal of different modulation scheme modulation expression user's hand and telepilot, modulation and a hand of distinguishing expression user in coding approaching signal and the telepilot signal that send of this receiver by discerning these two signals.

In another embodiment of the present invention, display is configured to show initial output.Detecting device positions when detecting near the trigger of placing the display with convenient detecting device with respect to display, and controller is arranged to make display according to the selectable output of position display that is placed near the trigger the detecting device.

Description of drawings

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have hereinafter more specifically been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, thus apparent above and other objects of the present invention, feature and advantage, and wherein identical Reference numeral is represented identical parts in different views.Accompanying drawing is proportionally unnecessary, and emphasis is not placement location but principle of the present invention is described.

Fig. 1 illustrates the front view of the system that is used to receive user's input according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates the side view of pressure elements assembling according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates the side view of user's pressure elements assembling after pressure elements applies a pressure according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates the alternative that adopts a fulcrum to assemble the pressure on the part that is applied to pressure elements according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 describes the pressure elements in lobed according to an embodiment of the invention tactile feedback zone.

Fig. 6 illustrates two knobs of the user's selection that is configured to receive content source, operator scheme and/or particular media content item according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates the display of selecting with mode standard display media content item according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates the display that shows spendable items of media content tabulation according to one embodiment of the invention with browse mode.

Fig. 9 shows according to an embodiment of the invention the wiring layout according to the described parts of Fig. 1 to Fig. 6.

Figure 10 describes the structure of the knob be used to receive user's input according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 describes and is used to adopt pulley and belt to receive the alternative construction of the knob of user's input according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 describes the structure be used to adopt the infrared detector circuit according to an embodiment of the invention and receive the knob of user's input accordingly at first knob that has band on the edge and/or second knob that has band on the edge.

Figure 13 is the process flow diagram that is used to receive the program of user's input according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is the process flow diagram that is used to select the program of medium according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 illustrates the detailed features of the control mechanical hook-up that can detect the knob rotation according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention the block scheme of describing the equipment that is used to send light.

Figure 17 describes translucent element that has optical coating according to an embodiment of the invention and the side view with display of optical coating.

Figure 18 describes the side view of the mounting means of the parts be configured to detect the knob rotation according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention the position with respect to the light source place of optical receiver, the position of this light source make the transmission of the light between light source and the optical receiver except by the edge of translucent element also laterally by this translucent element.

Figure 20 describes the mounting means of the knob be attached to translucent element according to an embodiment of the invention, the interconnecting of knob shown in it, friction sleeve and pinning element.

Figure 21 illustrates the side view of two knobs that are attached to translucent element according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 22 describes the knob of the reflecting surface band that has the circumference that is attached to knob according to an embodiment of the invention.

The process that the knob that Figure 23 description detects by first optical receiver and second optical receiver according to an embodiment of the invention rotates with first direction.

The process that the knob that Figure 24 description detects by second optical receiver and first optical receiver according to an embodiment of the invention rotates with second direction.

Figure 25 describes the alternative construction of hand-held remote controller form according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 26 illustrates the side view of hand-held remote controller parts according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 27 illustrates rotation according to an embodiment of the invention in conjunction with side-looking Figure 128 of control 70, and wherein this rotation is pressed at the place, control position of pressing that is used for center control input by the user in conjunction with control 70.

Figure 28 illustrates the side view of translucent element according to an embodiment of the invention, and wherein be used for separately input press by the position of setting for translucent element.

Figure 29 is the exemplary circuit figure of control circuit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 30 illustrates the assembly drawing of translucent element and framework according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 31 illustrates the side view of the combination of translucent element and framework according to an embodiment of the invention, and wherein translucent element is positioned at its initial position.

Figure 32 illustrates the side view of the combination of translucent element and framework according to an embodiment of the invention, and wherein translucent element is positioned at the second place.

Figure 33 illustrates optical light source and the optical receiver that is installed on according to an embodiment of the invention on the translucent element.

Figure 34 illustrates the display that display menu command option according to an embodiment of the invention and items of media content are selected.

Figure 35 illustrates the display of a display media content item selection according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 36 is first page of exemplary circuit figure of control circuit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 37 is second page of exemplary circuit figure of control circuit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 38 is first page of exemplary circuit figure of proximity transducer circuit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 39 is second page of exemplary circuit figure of proximity transducer circuit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 40 is the equipment 100 of the reception user input used in multimedia device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 41 illustrates the form of alternative display according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 42 illustrates the example of the display that shows various control information according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 43 illustrates the alternative according to the extend information display shown in the one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 44 illustrates example embodiment of the present invention, and wherein the user has selected artist's pattern.

Figure 45 illustrates different example embodiment of the present invention, and wherein the user has selected collection of records.

Figure 46 illustrates the example of tool using prompting in being different from the multimedia device of computing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 47 illustrates a pair of according to an embodiment of the invention concentric knob.

Figure 48 be install according to an embodiment of the invention in one plane inner knob and the cut-open view of external knob.

Figure 49 is the assembly drawing of inner knob and split ring according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 50 is the assembly drawing of inner knob and split ring according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 51 illustrates the structure of many according to an embodiment of the invention cover transmitters and detecting device.

Figure 52 illustrates and shields inside and outside knob according to an embodiment of the invention so that prevent cross-linked method.

Embodiment

Now, be elaborated with reference to each accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 illustrates the front view of the system 100 that is used to receive user's input.This system 100 comprises that pressure elements 12 (for example plastic sheet or transparent plastic sheet), two switch 14-1,14-2 are (just with two switches shown in the sectional view; This pressure elements also is installed on two other switches, and these two other switches are positioned at the back position at two other turnings of pressure elements 12, and are not shown), a control circuit 16 and a framework 18.

This pressure elements 12 extends enough distances so that pressure elements 12 is arranged on the switch 14 and with it contact (for example in this example embodiment, pressure elements 12 extends) on four switches at each turning that is positioned at pressure elements 12.The pressure that the user is applied on the pressure elements 12 is pressed near the zone of pressure elements 12 position of one or more switches 14.

In one embodiment, framework 18 remains on pressure elements 12 on the position at the edge of pressure elements 12, makes a concerted effort thereby pressure elements 12 is applied on the one or more independent switch 14 within a plurality of (for example array) switch in correct position.This will make a concerted effort to be sent on one or more switches 14 in response to the user is applied to the pressure on the pressure elements 12 with regard to authorized pressure element 12, thereby drive one or more switches 14.Different embodiment according to the subject invention, the switch in this array can be configured to a plurality of different patterns (for example separate equably, separate with different distances between the switch so that put on diverse location on the pressure elements 12 make a concerted effort have different sensitivity or the like).

Except using framework 18 that pressure elements 12 is remained on the method on the switch 14, also can consider to use a plurality of alternative approach that are used for fastening pressure element 12.Such alternative construction is considered to be within the spirit and scope of invention described herein.For example, pressure elements 12 can be attached to by the device that spring is housed on framework 18 or the circuit board 16, thereby authorized pressure element 12 is exerted pressure to switch 14.In another embodiment, do not use framework 18 that pressure elements 12 is remained on the appropriate location, but by some methods that pressure elements 12 is attached to switch (or a plurality of switch) 14 positioning pressure element 12 for good and all.

This system 100 also comprises control circuit 16, this control circuit is coupled on each switch of a plurality of switches 14 in the following manner, and promptly this control circuit 16 changes system state (for example the operation of parameter, setting, execution, function, be stored in data in the memory location or the like) on the basis that switch 14 drives.Media player, audio system or other controllable device can be carried out corresponding operation successively on the basis that system state changes.

Fig. 2 illustrates side-looking Figure 101 of pressure elements assembling according to an embodiment of the invention.Fig. 2 illustrates the side view of the system 100 that comprises pressure elements 12, framework 18 and two switches 14.Thereby this framework 18 remains on the appropriate location pressure elements 12 by exerting pressure to pressure elements 12, so that make a concerted effort to put on switch 14-3, the 14-4 that is positioned at the pressure elements back side.

Fig. 3 illustrates the side view with system's 100 similar systems, comprises pressure elements 12, framework 18 and two switch 14-3,14-4.Yet with Fig. 2 contrast, the user exerts pressure 24 in the position near switch 14-3 on pressure elements 12 in Fig. 3.12 pairs of institutes of pressure elements applied pressure 24 responds and will make a concerted effort to be sent to switch 14-3, thereby switch 14-3 is driven.Therefore, the user by with the relevant switch 14-3 of control function of expectation near exert pressure to the part of pressure elements 12, thereby the expectation control function of selection operation effectively.This control circuit 16 will switch driven 14 be decoded as the circuit state of the control function that is used for carry out desired in response to user's applied pressure.

According to the structure of pressure elements, quantity and the structure of position and/or framework 18 and other parts of system of switch 14, pressure elements 12 can demonstrate for the one or more different response that is applied to the pressure on the pressure elements 12.In one embodiment, put on the end that pressure on the pressure elements 12 causes being applied with the pressure elements 12 of pressure and near the direction the switch 14, move, thus near the switch 14 driving by making a concerted effort.Yet in alternative, the part of pressure elements 12 bends towards near the direction of switch 14, thereby has only the part of pressure elements 12 to make a concerted effort to applying of pressure elements 12 in switch 14 affected zones.Equally in this type of example, when the user exerts pressure on pressure elements 12, can the keep-up pressure state that is not applied to pressure portion of element 12 of framework 18 is avoided it to rise too far away in the direction of leaving switch 14 arrays and/or is come off from the position with respect to switch 14 arrays.In some cases, according to the position of the pressure that puts on pressure elements 12, can drive switch 14 more than one.

Framework 18 is except can putting mobile, crooked and other motion that ends pressure elements 12, fulcrum also can be positioned under the pressure elements 12 with restriction and be applied to the pressure on the pressure elements 12 and the influence of making a concerted effort of driving switch 14, thereby the pressure that the user is put on the pressure elements 12 can only make the part of the pressure elements 12 of limited quantity bend towards switch 14 and driving switch 14.The application mode of this fulcrum will be described later in more detail.

Fig. 4 illustrates alternative 103 of the present invention, and wherein according to one embodiment of the invention, the employing fulcrum is assembled the pressure on the part that puts on pressure elements 12.The system that Fig. 4 describes does not have framework 18 (so that explanation), but comprises aforesaid pressure elements 12, four switch 14-1,14-2,14-3,14-4 and control circuits 16.Pressure elements 12 has near groove (or a plurality of groove) 13 (for example being positioned at the fulcrum (or a plurality of fulcrum)).Groove is used to revise the bending stiffness of pressure elements part.Groove can form by knurled surfaces in machining operations, and molded in the zone of bending stiffness that maybe can be by reducing pressure elements in hope have the part of different cross section thickness and form effectively.In addition, Fig. 4 comprises two other switch 14-5,14-6 and four fulcrum 34-1,34-2,34-3,34-4.Fulcrum 34-1,34-2,34-3 and 34-4 each position abutment pressure element 12 on pressure elements 12, described pressure elements is positioned at each switch to 14-1,14-5; 14-2,14-6; 14-3,14-5; Between 14-4, the 14-6, these switches are positioned at the end and the center of pressure elements 12.For example, fulcrum 34-3 provides physical support for pressure elements 12 in the position between the switch 14-3 of the switch 14-5 of center and corner location.Thereby being applied to build-up of pressure on the pressure elements 12 with the user, fulcrum 34 increases the possibility that expectation can driving switch 14.

In one embodiment, because the support that near fulcrum 34-3 provides, applied pressure can not be sent to end switch 14-3 near position of the fulcrum 124-1 on the pressure elements.Therefore, such fulcrum has reduced the user because of being applied to the possibility of the pressure driving switch in the fulcrum 34-3 zone.

On the contrary, as shown in Figure 4 in an alternative, can driving switch 14-5 and 14-6 at the pressure 124-2 that puts on the pressure elements 12 near center switch 14-5,14-6 and away from the position of fulcrum 34-3.Because the effect of fulcrum 34, pressure 124-2 unlikely causes near the skew of the pressure elements switch 14-3,14-4,14-1 or 14-2.Pressure 124-2 can cause the center section toe-in of pressure elements 12.Groove 13 can promote the bending of pressure elements so that allow the generation of this deflection, and fulcrum can cause this inside pressure 124-2 to make the Outboard Sections of pressure elements 12 leave the outside deflection of switch 14-1,14-2,14-3 and 14-4.Similarly, can drive turning switch 14-4 in position to pressure elements 12 applied pressure 124-3, and can not influence other switch near turning switch 14-4.The mode that the switch 14 that these examples explanation fulcrums 34 and the fulcrum that combines with the localized variation of pressure elements bending stiffness can adopt minimizing not expect drives the possibility that occurs with build-up of pressure on pressure elements 12.

According to one embodiment of present invention, the shape of pressure elements 12, geometry and physical characteristics can be set as following mode, promptly suitably assemble the mobile and/or case of bending of pressure elements 12 and assemble successively by pressure elements 12 to be applied to making a concerted effort on the switch 14.Groove 13 in the pressure elements 12 makes the bending stiffness of pressure elements 12 have suitable variation, so that the pressure that the user puts on the pressure elements 12 suitable parts causes pressure elements 12 bendings and produces switches 14 drivings of expecting.The indentation of pressure elements 12, recess, inclined-plane, rarefaction or other distortion or the like can alternately join in this pressure elements, thereby the directivity control of this expectation is provided.

Near the pressure and the pressure away from the single switch position that puts on pressure elements the single switch that puts on pressure elements can be distinguished by this system.In order to detect near the pressure of the position of user being applied on the pressure elements 12 switch 14, the driving that control circuit 16 can be discerned two or more switches 14 is to produce by center thrust or in thrust of centre or the like, rather than the user is applied to, and near the pressure of (for example the switch 14-1, the 14-2 that are positioned at pressure elements 12 turnings, 14-3,14-4) produces near the switch of pressure elements 12.It should be noted, use fulcrum can change the quantity of switch driven by applied pressure.For example, owing to have fulcrum 34-3 and 34-4, so pressure 124-1 can driving switch.If these fulcrums do not exist, pressure 124-1 can drive reaching four switches so.After control circuit 16 detected any amount of switch 14 and is driven, control circuit 16 will be decoded into the driving of a plurality of switches 14 circuit state of the control function that is used for carry out desired.And so a plurality of switches 14 drive and can carry out in proper order, rather than carry out simultaneously.

The method that is used to detect a plurality of switch drive will be described below.Whether this method mainly can drive by identification switch 14 simultaneously, that is to say, switch 14 drive be carry out simultaneously or in short predetermined time interval, carry out.

From switch 14 states of all switches 14 by control circuit by logical "or", so that set up independent driving condition.Therefore, the driving of any switch 14 all can obtain independent driving condition.

2. control circuit 16 is in response to independent driving condition, and the state sampling of each switch 14 is driven so that judge which switch.

3. control circuit 16 starts go shake during (debounceperiod) of timers with pilot switch 14.During shaking, the going of switch 14 be meant the time durations that any other individual drive state can be left in the basket and be experienced.Be the adjustable parameters that exists in the storer during this goes to shake, this parameter can be used for carrying out detection to a plurality of switch drive by software.

4. during this goes shake, thereby the state of the independent switch 14 of control circuit 16 test is discerned the driving of a plurality of switches 14.Any switch 14 states that surpass two switches 14 that take place during going to shake represent that promptly switch 14 is driven simultaneously.

5. during going shake after the expiration, if detect the state of independent switch 14, control circuit 16 just can identify switch 14 and just experiencing described switch 14 states so; If detect a plurality of switch 14 states, control circuit 16 just can identify and have center thrust or in the thrust of centre so.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this system be configured to with center thrust or in user's input that the thrust form of centre receives as special input (just with near those are applied to the position of the switch the different input of making a concerted effort).In one embodiment, this system is configured to center thrust or the thrust in the centre is construed to and is used to order that media player is operated under " browsing " or " standard " display mode.The details of browsing with typical display mode is described further below.

Fig. 5 describes the pressure elements 104 have protruding tactile feedback zone 26 (for example tactile element) according to an embodiment of the invention (for example 12).Should " tactile element " (for example Tu Qi tactile feedback zone 26) offer regional 26 location points of tactile feedback on user's pressure elements 12, be used to search 24 the expectation part of exerting pressure on the pressure elements 12.Therefore, the user can discern tactile feedback zone 26 by sensation, thereby has reduced the needs of watching pressure elements 12 attentively.The position in tactile feedback zone 26 also can be configured to make the tactile feedback zone 26 on the pressure elements 12 can identify exert pressure 24 optimum of user in any part of pressure elements 12.In other words, tactile feedback zone 26 can be identified at which (or which) position and applies user's pressure 24 (just being applied to pressure elements 12) and can assemble most effectively with joint efforts and drive with the combination to suitable switch 14 or switch 14.

Fig. 6 illustrate be arranged to according to an embodiment of the invention can reception sources, two knobs 105 selecting of the user of operator scheme (for example under the situation of media player) and/or items of media content.This figure comprises pressure elements 12, the first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2.Different embodiment according to the subject invention, the first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2 can be installed in diverse location and/or install by different way.According to an embodiment, the first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2 are installed on one's body 12 of the pressure elementss.In other embodiments, the first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2 are installed on the circuit board that is positioned at pressure elements 12 belows.The first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2 receive to push and/or to rotate user's input of the form of arbitrary knob 20.The first knob 20-1 like this and the second knob 20-2 have the conventional push/rotary simulation of the knob 20 that is attached to Control Shaft or digital control, and can suitably be used for part of the present invention, other control mechanical hook-up provides identical control input or has the knob 20 of mechanical hook-up, and is as described below.

Embodiments of the invention provide other being used to receive the mechanical hook-up and the method for user's input such as the operation of knob 20.Knob 20 is configured to provide control based on two degree of freedom of knob 20.In one embodiment, the one degree of freedom of knob 20 is based on user's push-turn key 20; Second degree of freedom of knob 20 is rotated second knob based on the user.

In one embodiment, color light source, character or a graphic alphanumeric display are arranged in any below of the first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2, are used for seeing through the first knob 20-1 and/or the prompting of the second knob 20-2 display color, so that the user observes.Pressing of first and second knobs 20 can be selected different items, and different items is configured to and can selects by knob 20, and wherein the color that can see by the first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2 changes according to selected.

In an embodiment of media player, the first knob 20-1 is configured to select next source in the source sequence owing to the user presses the first knob 20-1.For example, with reference to comprising the source index ^TM, AM, FM, satellite broadcast receiving device, CD, HD uMusic, DVD or the like (for example with any order) a tabulation, if the source of current selection is AM (an AM radio system just), by pressing the first knob 20-1, the user can make media player switch to FM (FM radio system just), as mentioned before.When the user changes the source by pressing the first knob 20-1, the color (for example color of the first knob 20-1, LCD display or any other specific visual display unit relevant with media player or the like) that shows is promptly determined selected source, for example, redness is AM, blueness is FM, and green is CD (CD just).When each user pressed first knob 20-1 change source, the color of the first knob 20-1 all can change.

The second knob 20-2 also is configured to receive user's input.Press the second knob 20-2 in response to the user, the second knob 20-2 can make next pattern that can use in the mode sequences work.The model selection that is used for the second knob 20-2 is based on the peculiar subclass of using pattern of each specific media content sources.In other words, the second knob 20-2 is by after being provided with, and by pressing the second knob 20-2, the user just can select in the pattern alternate item that limits for any source, and it is selected that wherein any source is that the user operates the first knob 20-1.

As preamble according to as described in the first knob 20-1, in one embodiment, thus the operation of the second knob 20-2 also can combine provide that can listen with visual prompting so that confirm user's selection to the user.Especially, according to the coloud coding that shows on the display or pass through second knob 20-2 transmission, a kind of color scheme is exactly to show that different colors is with expression and the relevant operator scheme of the second knob 20-2.A kind of alternative color scheme is to use the different colourities of selecting relevant colour with the first knob 20-1 source, thus the pattern of the second knob 20-2 that expression is selected.Other color scheme and prompting that can listen and/or visual also are feasible.

At last, the second knob 20-2 is configured to also can select the items of media content of an expectation among a plurality of items of media content the spendable items of media content tabulation.Therefore, in response to the AD HOC that the user selects, the second knob 20-2 is arranged to rotate so that media player is selected different single medium content items continuously from spendable items of media content.In one embodiment of the invention, second knob is positioned at the front of display and second knob receives user's rotation to import as the user.

The sequence order that items of media content is selected depends on selected pattern (for example song, artist, kind or the like order), and more detailed description is arranged later.

Fig. 7 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention with mode standard display media content item and selects 28 display 106 (for example 27).This figure comprises the first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2, option 35-1,35-2,35-4, items of media content selection 28 and radial rolling bar 29.The first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2 receive user's input, and be as above described with reference to Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 describes an alternative of the present invention, and one of them the transparent or translucent first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2 provide the visual cues about selected source and/or pattern.For example, when hard disk drive is selected, the first knob 20-1 can illustrate this hard disk drive or other command option instead is shown such as " X " (see figure 8) that is used for " cancellation " or " withdrawing from ", perhaps shows such as the selection/order as sub-menu option.In such an embodiment, knob 20 is installed in the front of display so that the letter that is presented on the indicator screen throws by the first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2, as described in the first knob 20-1.For example, it is selected source that display 16 illustrates " hard disk drive ", and as described in the second knob 20-2, selected pattern is " track ".

In addition, display 27 Show Options 35-1,35-2,35-4 (for example option that throws by transparent pressure element 12), the used option of these options and selected source (for example hard disk drive is as shown in Figure 7) is consistent.Notably, the switch 14 of this Show Options 35-1, this option 35 of 35-2,35-4 and operation spatially is associated.By showing these options, when exerting pressure near the pressure elements 12 of user option 35, switch driven 14 can make system state change to the state relevant with rendering preferences 35 by applied pressure.Example option comprises: for the u index ^TMPattern: by song search, the search that resets, by artist search, search for by kind; For AM: be added to and preset; For the FM:RDS option, be added to and preset, play continuously; For satellite broadcast receiving device: be added to and preset, play continuously; For CD: current title, storage CD, ejection, present mode are play; For HD: the rename song, be stored in the collection, present mode plays; For uMusic: add more multiclass like song, reduce similar song; For DVD audio tracks, subtopic, ejection, demonstration.

According to one embodiment of the invention, first knob and/or second knob are configured to receive alternative many group commands option, select the option of (for example submenu) such as being used for model selection and son.Second group of alternatives (just sub-option or submenu or the like) can be at the fixed time during after be provided in the user automatically, perhaps this group alternatives is imported, is controlled or the like such as a fixing button or other and drive by a kind of selection such as pressure elements 12.

For example, in one embodiment, when the user wants to select a pattern, at first by pressing the second knob 20-2 preference pattern (for example such as the matic mould), up to the selected matic mould.After 5 seconds, system 100 show topics automatically submenu such as " kind a-z ", " kind z-a ", " kind of normal broadcast " of the mode option.In such an embodiment, the submenu of the mode option is presented in the basic display unit 28; Alternatively, the submenu of the mode option can be shown as the available menu option of one group of pressure elements 12.According to other embodiment, the submenu of this mode option can be by pressing fixing button or other control device to select.

In another embodiment, from the list of artists that shows with browse mode, selected an artist,, can select how first song for described artist with regard to the pop artist.Therefore, system 100 provides sub-menu option such as " passing through collection of records ", " passing through track " or the like for the user, and the user can select specific items of media content to select (for example " pass through collection of records ", " passing through track " or the like) from artistical use of chosen in advance the items of media content tabulation whereby.Other this type of sub-menu option select also to be fine (for example source, pattern, other order or the like submenu is selected).As mentioned before, in one embodiment, (for example 5 seconds) presented sub-menu option from the trend user after this system 100 was provided in the predetermined time of experiencing.Alternatively, a different user input apparatus (for example " touch-screen ", pressure elements 12 or other user such as a separation selects mechanical hook-up) can start the demonstration sub-menu option for the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, according to the selection to source (for example selected up to the source of expecting by pressing the first knob 20-1), pattern (for example selected up to the pattern of expecting by pressing the second knob 20-2) or items of media content (it is selected up to the items of media content of expectation for example to pass through the rotation second knob 20-2), the selection that these system's 100 delay execution have been done is up to the process preset time.This can be avoided when the first knob 20-1 or the second knob 20-2 are repeated to press or roll source-to-source, pattern to jump over or carry out this problem of a plurality of items of media content to pattern.

The media player display also illustrates detailed or standard indicator 16 mode list 28 of selected items of media content (items of media content of for example just playing), for example comprise this category information of title, artist and duration (The Beatles for example, Octopus ' Garden, 3.59 minutes duration, cast to 2.45 fens),

At last, radial rolling bar 29-1,29-2 provide the position mark of list option such as source, pattern, content item by show the relative position of these type of tabulations such as selected source, pattern or content item to the user.

Fig. 8 illustrates according to an embodiment of the invention display 106 (for example 27), and this display shows the tabulation 30 that can use items of media content with the browse displays pattern.This figure comprises and is similar to the described first knob 20-1 of Fig. 7 and the second knob 20-2, option 35-5,35-6,35-7, also comprises the tabulation that can use items of media content 30.Can use the tabulation 30 of items of media content to comprise that order of representation shows can use items of media content (just in " artist's pattern ", arrange with artistical lexicographic order) project, comprise that order goes up before selected items of media content 32 and items of media content afterwards.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this system 100 be configured to with center thrust or user's input of the form of the thrust of centre as special input (just near the pressure elements the position of the switch 12 exert pressure and input as special input) receive.In one embodiment, this system 100 is configured to center thrust or the thrust in the centre is construed to and is used to make media player to change the order of operation between " browsing " or " standard " display mode.In the browse displays pattern, the tabulation of brief items of media content identifier 30 is displayed to the user.For example, in the browse displays pattern, can be to user's display media content item artist name " Alice Cooper, Alicia Keys, America, Beatles and Billy Joel or the like ".If the user is the choice criteria display mode by the selected browse displays pattern of startup center thrust cancellation, the media player display changes the more detailed information that illustrates about selected items of media content 32 (for example in progress items of media content) into and (sees Fig. 7,28), comprise name for example, artist and the duration such information (The Beatles for example, Octopus ' Garden, 3.59 minutes duration, 2.45 fens have been cast to).Browse displays and standard Show Options move in various source modules (for example artist, theme, collection of records, time or the like).

Embodiments of the invention except use center thrust or the thrust of centre browsing and typical display mode between select, the pressure of pressure elements 12 and thrust also can be designed as can carry out other function.For example, in one embodiment, pressure elements 12 is arranged to make the pressure and/or the thrust that put on the pressure elements 12 to carry out the following operation by knob 20 execution with reference to the first knob 20-1 and second knob 20-1 description.According to other embodiment, center thrust and/or the thrust in the centre can be configured to a modifier, can with computer keyboard on the roughly the same mode of function key or shift key operation the used option of other controller (for example one or more knob 20) is changed.The pressure of pressure elements 12 and/or thrust also can be set at other purposes.

Fig. 9 explanation is according to an embodiment of the invention referring to figs. 1 through the wiring layout of 6 described parts 108.

Fig. 9 comprises and is combined in control circuit 16, display 36, switch 14-1,14-2,14-3,14-4, pressure elements 12, the first knob 20-1, the second knob 20-2 and a framework 18 in the physical location.In this structure, control circuit 16 is installed in the encapsulation identical with other parts of system 100.Control circuit 16 can have various configurations, comprises that especially the position of installing, being installed on other as the resolution element of system 100 is such as in the encapsulation that separates, as the part of cable or other parts or as software function of carrying out on computers or the like.In this structure, this display 36 is installed in the back side of pressure elements 12.Therefore, pressure elements 12 provides protective cover for display 36 (such as frangible LCD display).

Alternatively, display 36 can be independent of other parts to be installed, such as the position (for example being installed on the pressure elements 12, so that rendering preferences 35 still illustrates and control the Space Consistency of the switch 14 of this control function) of separating.Display 36 also can be installed in other place.

The position of pressure elements 12 can make switch 14 be coupled to pressure elements 12.Can make the pressure that is applied on switch or the switch 14 that response obtains switch 14 is driven by the user being applied to pressure on the pressure elements 12.The first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2 can be installed on the pressure elements 12 or by the hole/hole in the pressure elements 12, as previously discussed or in other alternate location and mode.In one embodiment, knob (or a plurality of knob) 20 is installed on the hole/hole (or a plurality of hole/hole) in the pressure elements 12 and knob 20 is remained on the appropriate location of pressure elements 12 by press-on pins or other similar device.Thereby framework 18 is installed by this way and is made pressure elements remain on appropriate location with respect to the position of the switch.

Run in the same physical unit though the structure of the present invention that Fig. 9 describes is pressure elements, display, knob combination, the alternative structure that adopts individual component also is feasible.For example, an embodiment can include only the pressure elements 12 that is installed on the switch 14, and this switch 14 can receive by pressing user's input that pressure elements 12 produces.Replacedly, in another structure, only use the first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2 just can provide the feature that is equivalent to these knobs.Based on the replaceable combination of parts described here, various other embodiment of the present invention also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 10,11 and 12 describes the replaceable structure (just 109,110,111) of knob 14 that is used to receive user's input according to various embodiments of the invention.Especially, described these three embodiment are provided for receiving the mechanical hook-up of user's input, these devices can not disturb the sight line that is used for colour or other prompting (for example character demonstration), these colored or other promptings see through the first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2 back side illuminated so that the user can see.In certain structure, the pressure elements 12 in the anterior position of this mechanical hook-up can be opaque, is not seen by the user so that hide this mechanical hook-up.One embodiment of the present of invention comprise one or more transparent knob 20 and the display 27 that is positioned on the pressure elements 12, thereby can make the user can see options on the display 27, so that make the user pass through rotary knob 20 (for example first knob 20-1 or the second knob 20-2) and/or press pressure elements 12 to make a choice.

Figure 10 comprises first driven wheel 40-1 that is used for the first knob 20-1 and the second driven wheel 40-2 that is used for the second knob 20-2.Each driven wheel 40 can be coupled on the corresponding knob 20 (for example gears, friction coupling, driving-belt or the like) drivingly, thereby just can impel each corresponding driving gear 40 rotation by rotating the first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2, thereby operate Spin Control (for example pot, the rotation digital encoder or the like) mechanical hook-up of media player or other controllable device successively.

Figure 11 describes the interchangeable mounting means that uses pulley 42 and driving-belt 44 according to an embodiment of the invention.Each pulley 42 all passes through driving-belt 44 and can be coupled in drivingly on the corresponding knob 20.Pulley 42 is operated Spin Control (for example pot, the rotation digital encoder or the like) mechanical hook-up of described system 100 successively.

Figure 12 has described mounting means that uses infrared detector circuit 46 and the knob 20 that has band accordingly on the edge.According to the embodiment that describes among Figure 12, infrared detector detects the variation of the infrared light of the band reflection on the first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2.The signal that control circuit 16 produces the infrared detector circuit converts control signal (for example changing system state) successively to and comes control system 100.The advantage of this mounting means just is that the user can't see makes knob be coupled in the mechanical hook-up of control device, perhaps covers the part of display.

Each drive mechanism (just gear drive 40, pulley 42 and/or infrared detector circuit 46) of describing in Figure 10,11,12 is positioned near the external margin of pressure elements 12.Therefore, the rear side that is reserved with the first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2 sees through the first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2 with the transmission and/or the color of obstruction free light.Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, the light source projects colorama see through transparent or the translucent first knob 20-1 and/or the second knob 20-2 so that provide and selected source and/or the relevant visual cues of pattern, as mentioned before.

Above describe the system 100 that is used to receive user's input, hereinafter used description to receive the program of user's input.

Figure 13 is the flow process Figure 112 that is used to receive the program of user's input according to an embodiment of the invention.

In step 210, system 100 shows that on display 16 one group of menu option is with prompting user selection.Can use various mechanical hook-up to show this group option.For example, this type of shows that mechanical hook-up can comprise video and cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, LCD (LCD), plasma display, digital readout device or the like, is installed on position or other place near pressure elements 12 rear portions.

In step 212, be applied to the pressure 24 on the part of pressure elements 12 in response to the user, the driving situation of system's 100 detector switches 14.The part of pressure elements 12 interrelates with menu option in this group option that is presented in the step 210.Media player is by the behavior (for example selection of particular media content item, executive system order or the like) of switch driven 14 with execution user expectation.The driving of switch 14 is to select the part of the pressure elements 12 exert pressure to cause thereon by the user.

A plurality of (for example array) switch 14 is coupled on the pressure elements 12 so that one or more switch 14 can be driven according to the pressure that the user is applied on the part of pressure elements 12.For example, suppose that menu option one is that " rename song " and menu option two are " being stored in the collection ".The user can select " being stored in the collection ", for example, converts the driving of switch 14-3 to system state on the part of relevant with switch 14-3 by applying pressure to (, in similar position or the like) pressure elements 12 just nearby and selects.This system state can be carried out the function that menu option 2 (for example " being stored in the collection ") is set successively.

In step 213, control circuit 16 is provided with shakes timer, be used to measure during predetermined going shaken in since the time durations of the experience of time of first switch, 14 drivings.Be the adjustable parameters that is stored in the storer during this goes to shake, during this went shake, any other switch 14 drove and will be considered to the part that a plurality of switches 14 drive.During this went shake, control circuit 16 test single switch 14 states were so that discern the driving of a plurality of switches 14.

In step 214, put on the pressure on the part of pressure elements 12 in response to the user, control circuit 16 provides confirmation (that can listen, visual, sense of touch and change color or the like).For example, in one embodiment, in response to user's input, habitual " click is rattled away " sound switch 20 for confirmation of this system plays has been driven.

In step 216, control circuit 16 determines which switch 14 is driven.

In step 218, Test Switchboard 14 is which is driven so that determine have other switch 14 to be driven so if control circuit 16 continues periodically.Control circuit 16 continues to check that other switch 14 drives (seeing step 222,224) and finishes during going shake.

In step 220, if control circuit 16 has detected a plurality of switch drive, system state changes according to the center thrust of determining.If do not detect a plurality of switch drive, system advances to step 222.

In step 222, control circuit 16 is checked and is being gone to shake the remaining elapsed time on the timer.Step 222 and inspection are gone to shake the step whether timer stop (step 224 just) and are repeated until that shaking timer stops.Stop (other switch 14 for example not occurring drives) in case remove to shake timer, control circuit 16 just judges to have only single switch 14 to be driven.Therefore in step 226, control circuit 16 drives according to detected single switch and changes system state.Media player or controllable device are used as the basis of carrying out control operation with system state successively.

Figure 14 is the flow process Figure 113 that is used to operate the program of media player according to an embodiment of the invention.The process of this program is an operator scheme of at first selecting a source to select media player to be suitable for then, and the user can select the content item expected afterwards.

In step 230, the thrust (second degree of freedom just) of the first knob 20-1 that the 100 detection users of system apply is so that select the source of media player.System 100 detects user's pressure of the repetition that puts on the first knob 20-1, thereby is recycled in the sequence next source subsequently, just: the u index ^TM, AM radio system, FM radio system, satellite broadcast receiving device, CD, hard disk drive, uMusic ^TM, Digital video disc (DVD) or the like.

In step 232, the source is changed.For example, the first knob 20-1 thrust can be from the u index ^TMThe source switches to AM radio broadcasting source.Press the first knob 20-1, source (AM just) and media player that the source can switch to new selection immediately begin to provide media content from new source.According to another embodiment, from the user promote the first knob 20-1 (for example selecting next source the sequence) with this time be carved into system 100 and begin to play make a fresh start moment of media content in source and exist and postpone the influence that this brings with regard to the thrashing that has reduced in a plurality of continuous sources.

In step 234, the user is made change confirm and the update displayed content.System 100 provides color that affirmation information visual and/or that can listen such as the first knob 20-1 in selected source shows, color that display 27 shows, plays the click sound that can listen, or the like, as mentioned before.

In step 236, system 100 judges whether the source of expectation is selected.The user advances to preference pattern (seeing step 238).If it is selected that correct source does not have, repeating step 230-234 so.

In step 238, system 100 detects the user and whether presses second knob (first degree of freedom just), press this button can be from current source can the selecting the use pattern of (just by the selected source of pressing of the first knob 20-1), can the use pattern comprise: uSearch pattern (or a plurality of pattern): select letter; AM radio system pattern: the search, tuning, preset; FM radio system pattern: search, tuning, radio station, preset, artist, song, kind; The satellite broadcast receiving device pattern: the radio station, preset, artist, song, kind/classification; Read-only optical disc pattern: kind, artist, song, track, time (F.F./rewinding); Hard disk drive pattern: artist, song, collection of records, time (F.F./rewinding); UMusic pattern: track, time (F.F./read-write); DVD pattern: chapters and sections.

In step 240, pattern is changed.

In step 242, appropriate color, the appropriate color of display 27 demonstrations, the demonstration that system 100 provides affirmation information visual and/or that can listen such as the second knob 20-2 of selected pattern to show is used for the tone of the different colours in the selected source of affirmation on the second knob 20-2 and/or display 27 etc.

In step 244, if selected correct pattern, the user continues next step.If do not select correct pattern, step 238-242 is repeated until that correct pattern is selected.

In step 246, system detects that second knob is selected items of media content and the rotation carried out.

In step 248, select the items of media content of expectation in a plurality of items of media content of system 100 from the tabulation that can use items of media content.The item of this selection is shown, and system can begin to play this.According to an embodiment, from the user select items of media content the time be carved into moment between the system 100 beginning playing media contents and exist and postpone the influence that this brings with regard to the thrashing that has reduced in a plurality of continuous sources.

In step 250, if the items of media content of expectation is selected, flow process finishes so.If it is selected that the items of media content of expectation does not also have, so the user can repeating step 246-248 selected up to expectation.

Figure 15 illustrates the detailed features of the control mechanical hook-up 114 that is set to detect knob 20 rotations according to an embodiment of the invention.

This illustrates, and translucent element 12, two are installed to knob 20-1 and 20-2 on the translucent element 12, are attached to a plurality of examples of the reflecting surface 48-1 of circumference of each knob 20-1 and 20-2 and 48-2, two groups of optical receiver 51-1,53-1 and 51-2,53-2, light 54-1 and 54-3, display 36, the optical coating on display 36 37 and the exterior light 55 of light 54-2, the reflecting surface 48-1 reflection by light source 52-1 directive knob 20-1.

Except acrylic acid and plastic material that preamble is mentioned, translucent element 12 and/or knob 20-1 can be made of polycarbonate, cyclic olefin, thermosetting material or other material.

The a plurality of knobs 20 that are used for media player or other electric device are operated in a similar manner, but knob 20 also provides the user input relevant with different control functions.Embodiments of the invention are arranged to use two optical receiver 51-1,53-1.Each independent optical receiver 51-1,53-1 can detect light 54-1, the 54-3 by reflecting surface 48-1 reflection.Detected smooth 54-1,54-3 represent that the user is at rotary knob 20-1.Be used in combination with logical circuit (for example with other computing circuit, as described later, all as the part of circuit 46), two optical receiver 51-1,53-1 can also discern the direction of knob 20-1 rotation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one optical receiver 51-1,53-1 (hereinafter being called optical receiver) are detecting devices, can be arranged to export generally speaking the semiconductor device of a logic high output (for example 5 volts, 3.3 volts or any other normally used logic reference voltage level) such as this detecting device.When optical receiver 51-1,53-1 perceived light 54-1, the 54-3 of reflecting surface 48-1 reflection, optical receiver 51-1,53-1 output was converted to low output (for example 0 volt).Replacedly, semiconductor device (just optical receiver 51-1,53-1) can be configured to move at low state generally speaking, and according to being converted to high state by the detected smooth 54-1 of optical receiver 51-1,53-1,54-3.

Translucent element 12 can be and previously described pressure elements components identical that identical functions (that is, receiving the function of user's input of the form of exerting pressure with the user on pressure elements) is provided.According to other embodiments of the invention, also translucent element 12 can be arranged to not provide the pattern of the function that pressure elements has.The various replacement embodiment according to the present invention, translucent element 12 can have different shape, form or composition.According to one embodiment of the invention, translucent element 12 has used transparent plastic sheet, for example acrylic sheets.

According to one embodiment of the invention, display 36 (for example LCD (LCD), thin film transistor (TFT) (TFT), plasma or other video displays or the like) can be placed in the zone at translucent element 12 back sides, sees display 36 so that the user can see through translucent element 12.As mentioned above, display 36 can the explicit user option, menu option or the like or the other guide of video content or the like for example.

Knob 20-1 is coupled in translucent element 12 rotationally, and this will be described in more detail hereinafter.Knob 20-1 can be rotated by the user.Therefore, by turning knob 20-1, the user can control selection.According to one embodiment of the invention, knob 20-1 is made of transparent material, can show through knob 20-1 so that be placed on the display 36 at translucent element 12 back sides.For example, display 36 can be provided in the tabulation of CD (CD) track that the middle demonstration of this display 36 can play on audio player, and/or is provided on the position at the knob 20-1 back side and shows that the expression audio player is operated in the character symbols or the icon of CD pattern.According to one embodiment of the invention, knob 20-1 surf zone comprises light transmissive material, and this light transmissive material can be projected in the part that is placed on the display in the zone at the printing opacity knob back side on the upper surface of knob 20-1.Knob 20-1 can also be configured to have steady arm, is turning to the points that the different inputs of expression are selected along knob 20-1, " click is rattled away " sound that this anchor point can provide the feedback of physical property and/or can hear for the user.

Be attached on the knob 20-1 is the alternately band of reflecting surface 48-1 and non-reflecting surface.The band of reflecting surface 48-1 and non-reflecting surface is along the circumference setting of knob 20-1, so that when the user turns to ad-hoc location with knob 20-1, light source 52-1 reflects along the band of light 54-2 (for example infrared light) the surperficial 48-1 that is reflected of the direction emission of knob 20-1, passes at least one receiver in optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1.Light source 52-1 is the modulated train of impulses of emission continuously.Though in some structure, light source 52-1 can provide angle pencil of ray 54-2, the straight line shown in Figure 15 is represented to reflex to most of rectilinear light beam 54-2 among any optical receiver 51-2,53-1 by reflecting surface 48-1.

As the following detailed description, circuit 46-1 converts the variation of detected smooth 54-1 of optical receiver 51-1,53-1 and 54-3 to control signal.In fact, the observed variation that is caused by the reflecting surface 48-1 position change on the knob 20-1 is converted into the control signal that can represent that knob 20-1 rotates in light 54-1 that is reflected onto optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 and 54-3.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the alternately band of reflecting surface 48-1 and non-reflecting surface is fixed on the circumference of knob 20-1, and spaced apart with knob 20-1 end, wherein knob 20-1 end is consistent with the position of translucent element 12.Therefore, the light 54-2 of optical light source 52-1 emission directly is horizontally through translucent element 12, biography on the alternating reflex surface 48-1 that is positioned at knob 20-1 somewhere so that the user subtle to or even cannot see alternately being with of reflecting surface 48-1 and non-reflecting surface.Because translucent element 12 and/or knob 20-1 can be transparent, be installed on knob 20-1 on the translucent element 12 and appear to and under the situation of not using transducer machinery or motor or drive mechanism, work, thereby have significant style and features.

Other detectors/sensors/circuit structures also can provide detection (to that is to say by optical surface 48-1 from light source 52-1, this surface is fixed on the knob 20-1, knob 20-1 is coupled on the translucent element 12) be transmitted to the light 54-1 of optical receiver 51-1,53-1 and the function of 54-3, the mode that light 54-1 and 54-3 propagate can provide can Drive and Control Circuit output.These structures are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention described herein.

At this, described the mode of operation of knob 20-1 and related elements in detail by example, and also be suitable for for the second knob 20-2 or other other knobs etc.

Can adopt one or more different technology so that optical receiver 51-3 and 53-1 do not receive the light that is produced by unconscious light source, these unconscious light sources may cause the control signal do not expected or the normal running of optical receiver is produced other interference.According to this technology, optical coating 37 is applied on the translucent element 12, so that the light that stops external light source 55 to send is transmitted to optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1.Optical coating 37 on the translucent element 12 has reduced the transmission of electromagnetic energy at least one scope of electromagnetic spectrum, wherein the light that optical light source 52-1 output is directly propagated to knob 20-1 in this scope.

For example, result from the media player housing exterior and optical coating 37 that the sunlight 55 propagated to optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 can be used on the translucent element 12 stops.Perhaps, translucent element 12 can use a polarization layer, and this polarization layer can optionally stop the light of not expecting 55 to arrive optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1.Therefore, the surround lighting of arrival optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 only has energy on the passband of optical coating.

Under the situation that has unconscious light source 55, can be by revising light 54-2 that light source 52-1 transmitted to improve the detection of the light that light source 52-1 is exported, the correcting mode that is adopted can be distinguished other light 55 that light 54-2 and optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 received (for example exterior light that produces of other light sources, for example room light, sunlight or the like).Therefore, light 54-2 can be modulated, subsequently also can be by distinguishing with other light source region of not expecting by demodulation.

Figure 16 is a block scheme, shows the device that is used for propagates light in the one embodiment of the invention.This device comprises a modulator 57-1, light source 52-1, two optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1, two detuner 58-1 and 59-1 and a logical device 60-1.

Therefore, modulator 57-1 at first modulates the signal that sequentially is applied to light source 52-1.Modulation will change structure the schedule time and pass to the signal (for example a certain frequency is the train of impulses of 40Hz for example) that is applied to light source.Then, light source 52-1 produces light modulated output 54-2.As required, can also for example pulse code length (for example RECS 80, RC5 or the like) or other schemes be encoded to this signal in various mode.Then, light modulated 54-2 for example by the reflection of reflecting surface 48-1, transfers to the first optical receiver 51-1 by light source 52-1.

Optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 export the signal of the density of all light of being received of expression to detuner 58-1 to carry out demodulation, and wherein, these light comprise light modulated 54-1 and 54-3 and surround lighting.If translucent element 12 has been used optical coating, the surround lighting that is radiated on optical receiver 51-1 and the 53-1 through translucent element 12 will only have energy on the passband of optical coating (for example filter coating) so.If place light filter at optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 the place ahead, the light of all arrival optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 will only have energy in the passband of light filter so.

The output of optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 be expression irradiation light thereon the time variable density electric signal.Detuner 58-1 receives the signal of optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 output, and seeks whether there is modulation signal.One of detuner output is illustrated in the signal whether its input end exists modulation signal.Whether this signal indication surround lighting is reflected by the reflecting surface of knob 20-1.Logical device 60-1 compares the output of detuner 58-1 and 59-1, thereby judges the rotation direction of knob 20.Logical device 60-1 further connects rotation direction and desired control function, so that the executive circuit control operation for example changes volume, change pattern or realizes that the user selects or the like.Logical device 60-1 and control circuit 46 can be the parts in the same circuits, also can be circuit independently.

Other functions (for example carrying out the above-mentioned functions of pressure elements 12 simultaneously) that translucent element 12 is realized are to make translucent element 12 can be sent to the relevant switch of one or more with required control function 14 with making a concerted effort under the effect that the user exerts pressure to knob 20.

For example, the user wish operator scheme with media player from the CD mode conversion to the FM pattern, the knob 20-1 with the media player left side presses so.The pressure that the user puts on the knob 20-1 is sent to translucent element 12 successively.Because the position of knob 20-1 is installed in the left side of translucent element 12, so put on two switch 14-1 and the 14-2 that pressure on the translucent element 12 can drive translucent element 12 (being pressure elements) left side example.Then, the system 100 that receives user's input controls input with the user that the driving of two switch 14-1 and 14-2 is interpreted as changing to from the CD pattern FM pattern.

The apparatus and method of control mechanical hook-up described herein are particularly useful for the control operation of media player in the automotive.

Figure 17 is side-looking Figure 116 of translucent element 12 and display 36 according to an embodiment of the invention, and this translucent element 12 has an optical coating 37, and this display 36 has an optical coating 38.

There is shown the knob 20-1 (by the left hand knob 20-1 shown in the example) of translucent element 12, multimedia player (for example or other equipment) and knob 20-1 and can use multiple light 54-1 and the 54-3 that is attached to reflecting surface 48 on the knob 20-1 circumference, two optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 and emits from light source 52-1 at first.That describes in detail as mentioned is such, and the light 54-1 and the 54-3 of reflecting surface 48-1 reflection can be detected by the first and/or second optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1, and are converted to control signal by circuit 46-1.

Optical coating 37 on the translucent element 12 shown in Figure 17 can stop that exterior light 55 passes translucent element 12 and passes in optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 one, otherwise will cause unexpected control signal or the optical receiver 51-1 that caused by too much light and the generation of 53-1 " obstruction ".

In addition, display 36 also has an optical coating 38, this coating can stop display 36 not the light transmission in the desired frequency scope to optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1.As described in the optical coating on the translucent element 12 37, may or can cause the possible of optical receiver 51-1 circuit 46-1 inoperable optical receiver 51-1 relevant and 53-1 " obstructions " generation with 53-1 and/or optical receiver to what reduced from stopping of the light of not expecting of display 36 that unexpected control signal produces.It should be noted that the use of coating is arbitrarily, is not all must use in all are used.

For example, if light source 52-1 and 52-2 make that after selecting their light output spectrum is not overlapping significantly with the light output spectrum of display 36, optical coating 38 is incited somebody to action no longer necessary or inoperative and can be omitted so.Do not have in the environment of obvious energy in the light reference frequency output of light source 52-1 and 52-2 if embodiments of the invention are applied to external light source, optical coating 37 can be omitted so.Perhaps, can adopt modulation technique, this is just enough concerning the light of distinguishing light source 52-1 and 52-2 is exported the light that produces with external light source.

Except on translucent element 12 or display 36, providing the selection scheme of optical coating 37 and 38,, can also use other alternativess that stop exterior light 55 according to other embodiments of the invention.For example, optical coating can be applied to optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 is radiated on the receiver to stop exterior light 55.And, can also in translucent element 12, add dyestuff during manufacture, translucent element 12 transfers to optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 thereby this can stop exterior light to pass into.

Figure 18 is side-looking Figure 117 of the mounting means of parts 117, and according to one embodiment of present invention, element 117 is configured to detect the rotation of knob 20.

Figure 18 comprise optical light source 52-1, optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1, by optical light source 52-1 directly pass light 54-2 to knob 20, by light 54-1 and 54-3, translucent element 12 and the knob 20-1 of reflecting surface 48-1 reflection to optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1.Friction sleeve 61 and lock-bit element 62 are attached on the circumference of knob 20-1.

According to one embodiment of the invention, knob 20-1 is fixed in the hole of translucent element 12, and by this way, knob 20-1 can remain on position suitable on the translucent element 12, and can be rotated by the user.Friction sleeve 61 is enclosed within on the knob 20-1 around the circumference of knob 20-1.The inboard of friction sleeve 61 is attached on the knob 20-1; The inner slide of the hole of the relative translucent element 12 in the outside of friction sleeve 61 (for example circular hole), thus allow knob 20-1 to rotate.In the rear end of knob 20-1, lock-bit element 62 is attached on the knob 20-1, so that lock-bit element 62 remains to knob 20-1 on the translucent element 12 from the back side of translucent element 12, knob 20-1 just can not be from landing on the translucent element 12 like this.

Figure 18 shows translucent element 12 locational optical receiver 51-1 and the 53-1 relevant be positioned at translucent element 12 in order to allow light 54-2 laterally to transmit translucent element 12 with 54-1.Optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 detect a light 54-2 who is with reflection to optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 by optical light source 52-1 generation and the surface that is reflected (seeing Figure 15) 48-1.

Figure 19 has described according to an embodiment of the invention light source 52-1 with respect to the location of optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1, so that light 54-1 transmits between light source 52-1 and optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 except at the edge of translucent element 12 and be horizontally through the translucent element 12.

Figure 19 shows the described element components identical 118 with Figure 18, according to one embodiment of the invention, in Figure 19, be arranged to make the light 54-1 and the 54-2 that between light source 52-1 and optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1, transmit (for example to also have 54-3, can not be horizontally through as shown in figure 15) edge of translucent element 12 translucent element 12.As described in Figure, by example, the path of the reflecting surface 48-1 of light 54-2 from light source 52-1 to knob 20-1 can make light source 52-1 be positioned at the below at translucent element 12 back sides.The directional angle of reflecting surface 48-1 can make reflecting surface 48-1 that light 54-2 is reflexed on the optical receiver 53-1 that is arranged at translucent element 12 rear surfaces equally.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sclerozone of the rear end of knob 20-1 and reflecting surface 48-1 extends beyond translucent element 12 back sides.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, display 36 (seeing Figure 15) is placed on the back side of translucent element 12; (1) position of the alternately band of optical light source 52-1, (2) reflecting surface 48-1 and non-reflecting surface and/or (3) optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 can make light in the path of transmitting between the alternately band of optical light source 54-2, reflecting surface 48-1 and non-reflecting surface and/or (3) optical receiver 51-1 and the 53-1 partly or wholly in the space between transparent element 12 and display 36.

Figure 20 shows the configuration mode 119 of the knob 20 that is attached to according to an embodiment of the invention on the translucent element 12, wherein shows knob 20, friction sleeve 61 and lock-bit element 62 interconnected relationships.

Therefore, friction sleeve 61-1 (according to the first knob 20-1) is fixed on the knob 20-1.Friction sleeve 61-1 is configured to have the surface of a plurality of reflecting surface 48-1 bands and one or more external margins round friction sleeve 61-1, so that allow knob to slip in the hole of translucent element 12 (promptly allowing knob to rotate in hole).Lock-bit element 62-1 is attached to the back side that knob 20-1 went up and be positioned at translucent element 12, is used for knob 20-1 is remained on appropriate location in the hole of translucent element 12.In the structure that comprises two knob 20-1 and 20-2, the described example of Figure 19 for example, an other set of pieces (being knob 20-2, friction sleeve 61-2 and lock-bit element 62-2) is assembled in a similar fashion and is operated.

Figure 21 is side-looking Figure 120 according to an embodiment of the invention, shows two knob 20-1 and 20-2 that are attached on the translucent element 12.Also comprise friction sleeve 61-1 and 61-2 and pressure elements 62-1 and 62-2.

Describe with regard to single knob 20-1 at this, friction sleeve 61-1 is fixed on the circumference of knob 20-1, thereby friction surface (being that friction sleeve contacts with translucent element 12) is provided.Friction surface rotatably slides in the maintaining body (for example hole or hole) relevant with translucent element 12, makes knob 20-1 clockwise or to rotate counterclockwise.Yet there is the gap in friction sleeve 61-1 between the part of the knob 20-1 that is attached with reflecting surface and translucent element 12.Friction sleeve is configured to use (perhaps being coated with) low-friction material, the teflon (PTFE is also referred to as teflon (Teflon )) that for example (is used for example).

In addition, lock-bit element 62-1 is positioned on the circumference of knob 20-1.Lock-bit element 62-1 is attached on the knob 20-1, and from this position, apply a positioning pressure to the back side of translucent element 12, thereby knob 20-1 is remained on the position relevant with translucent element 12 (that is, knob 20-1 being remained in the translucent element 12 intrapore positions).

The second knob 20-2 and relevant element carry out work in a similar fashion.

Figure 22 is description Figure 121 of knob 20 according to an embodiment of the invention, and this knob 20 has the band of the reflecting surface 48 on the circumference that is attached to knob 20.This figure also comprises a friction element 61.

The figure shows one embodiment of the invention, in this embodiment, the band of reflecting surface 48 is attached on the friction sleeve 61, and friction sleeve 61 is attached on the circumference of knob 20.The band of reflecting surface 48 is attached in the zone of friction sleeve 61, has a gap (promptly keeping in the hole of translucent element 12 of knob 20) in this zone between the edge of friction sleeve 61 self and translucent element 12.

The embodiment of other structures of the present invention also is possible.For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, reflecting surface 48 also is not attached in the gap of friction element 61, but be attached on another ring that is fixed in knob 20 or be attached to knob 20 from one's body rather than on the friction element 61 (for example, reflecting surface 48 being attached to the another one ring or being attached in the situation of knob 20 self, has a gap between the position of reflecting surface 48 and translucent element 12).Other alternative construction also is possible.

Figure 23 has explained the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 51-3 mode that the rotation on first direction 57 detects to knob 20-1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

There is shown five of light 54-2 different describe (132-1 to 132-5) that directive has the knob 20-1 of reflecting surface 48.Describe (132-1 to 132-5) and show the different exemplary turned position of knob 20-1, not reflected light 54-2 (132-1) of (1) reflecting surface 48 has sequentially been explained in these descriptions, (2) first reflecting surface 48-1-1 reflex to the first optical receiver 51-1 (132-2) with light 54-1, (3) reflecting surface 48-1-1 reflexes to the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 (132-3) with light 54-1 and 54-3, (4) reflecting surface 48-1-1 reflexes to the second optical receiver 53-1 (132-4) with light 54-3, and last (5) reflecting surface 48 is reflected light 54-2 (132-5) not.

A band that detects by reflecting surface 48-1-1 as the first optical receiver 51-1 reflects the light 54-1 of coming, then the second optical receiver 53-1 detect come by one of reflecting surface 48-1-1 band reflection light 54-3 the time, circuit 46-1 determines that knob 20-1 rotates (for example rotating counterclockwise) on first direction 57.

Two curve maps show the graphical dots (being 131-1,131-2,131-3,131-4 and 131-5) of five outputs of the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 respectively.The output level of the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 is described to the circuit state of " height " or " low ".Each below at five output map form points (being 131-1,131-2,131-3,131-4 and 131-5), correspondingly described during user's turning knob 20-1 in an example, respectively the light 54-2 of light source 52-1 emission based on corresponding to five kinds of diverse locations (being 132-1,132-2,132-3,132-4 and 132-5) of the knob 20-1 of five output map form points (being 131-1,131-2,131-3,131-4 and 131-5) time.

Among Figure 23, at first 132-1 place, light source 52-1 passes light 54-2 to knob 20-1.Because the residing position of knob 20-1 makes that the reflecting surface 48 that is attached on the knob 20-1 can be with light 54-2 reflection to the first optical receiver 51-1 or the second optical receiver 53-1, the output of the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 remains unchanged.

At second 132-2 place, user's turning knob 20-1 transmits in the path of light 54-2 the band shift-in light source 52-1 of reflecting surface 48-1, so that light 54-2 is reflexed to the first optical receiver 51-1, the first optical receiver 51-1 detects light 54-1 at this.Therefore, the output 131-2 of the described first optical receiver 51-1 of curve map is transformed into low output from height output.

At 132-3 place thirdly, the user is turning knob 20-1 once more, makes in the path position of band shift-in light source 52-1 transmission light 54-2 of reflecting surface 48-1-1, so that light 54-1 and 54-3 are reflected onto the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 in the centre.Therefore, the output 131-3 of the described second optical receiver 51-3 of curve map is transformed into low output from height output.

At the 4th 132-4 place, the user is turning knob 20-1 once more, the band shift-in light source 52-1 of reflecting surface 48-1-1 is transmitted in the path position of light 54-2, so that light 54-3 reflexes to the second optical receiver 53-1, wherein the second optical receiver 53-1 can detect light 54-3, and light no longer is reflected onto receiver 51-1.Therefore, the output 131-4 of the described first optical receiver 51-1 of curve map is transformed into high output from low output.

At the 5th 132-5 place, the user is turning knob 20-1 once more, and on the position of reflected light 54-2, high state is not got back in the output of the second receiver 53-1 to the band shift-in light source 52-1 that makes reflecting surface 48-1-1 then.

Therefore, at first the first optical receiver 51-1 (at second point) detects light 54-1, the second optical receiver 53-1 (as described at the 4th point) detects light 54-3 then, to above-mentioned two the step make response, circuit 46-1 can determine that knob 20-1 rotates at first direction 57 (for example counterclockwise).

Figure 24 has explained by the second optical receiver 53-1 and the first optical receiver 51-1 detection that the rotation on second direction 58 is carried out to knob 20-1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

There is shown five kinds of light 54-2 different describe (134-1 to 134-5) that directive has the knob 20-1 of reflecting surface 48.Describe (134-1 to 134-5) and show the different exemplary turned position of knob 20-1, not reflected light 54-2 (134-1) of (1) reflecting surface 48 has sequentially been explained in these descriptions, (2) reflecting surface 48-1-8 reflexes to the second optical receiver 53-1 (134-2) with light 54-3, (3) reflecting surface 48-1-8 reflexes to the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 (134-3) with light 54-3, (4) reflecting surface 48-1-8 reflexes to the first optical receiver 51-1 (134-4) with light 54-1, and last (5) reflecting surface 48 is reflected light 54-2 (134-5) not.

A band that detects by reflecting surface 48-1-8 as the second optical receiver 53-1 reflects the light 54-3 of coming, then the first optical receiver 51-1 detect come by one of reflecting surface 48-1-8 band reflection light 54-1 the time, circuit 46 can determine that knob 20-1 rotates (promptly clockwise) on second direction 58.

Two curve maps show the graphical dots (being 133-1,133-2,133-3,133-4 and 133-5) of five outputs of the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 respectively.The output level of the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 is described to the circuit state of " height " or " low ".Below each of five output map form points (being 133-1,133-2,133-3,133-4 and 133-5), correspondingly described in the example, during user's turning knob 20-1, the light 54-2 of light source 52-1 emission based on corresponding to five kinds of diverse locations (being 134-1,134-2,134-3,134-4 and 134-5) of the knob 20-1 of five output map form points (being 133-1,133-2,133-3,133-4 and 133-5) time respectively.

This figure to knob 20-1 with the reverse direction of direction described in conjunction with Figure 23 above on rotation be illustrated.

For example, as shown in figure 24, at first 134-1 place, light source 52-1 passes light 54-2 to knob 20-1.Because the position of knob 20-1, make that the reflecting surface 48 that is attached on the knob 20-1 can be with light 52-1 reflection to the first optical receiver 51-1 or the second optical receiver 53-1, the output 133-1 of the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1 remains unchanged logic high state.

At second 134-2 place, user's turning knob 20-1 transmits in the path of light 54-2 the band shift-in light source 52-1 of reflecting surface 48-1-8, so that light 54-3 is reflexed to the second optical receiver 53-1, the second optical receiver 53-1 detects light 54-3 at this.Therefore, the output 133-2 of the described second optical receiver 53-1 of curve map is transformed into low output from height output.

At 134-3 place thirdly, the user is turning knob 20-1 once more, makes in the path position of band shift-in light source 52-1 transmission light 54-2 of reflecting surface 48-1-8, so that light 54-3 and 54-1 are reflected onto the first optical receiver 51-1 and the second optical receiver 53-1.Therefore, the output 133-3 of the described first optical receiver 51-1 of curve map is transformed into low output from height output, and that the output of receiver 53-1 remains is low.

At the 4th 134-4 place, the user is turning knob 20-1 once more, the band shift-in light source 52-1 of reflecting surface 48-1-8 is transmitted in the path position of light 54-2, so that light 54-1 is reflected onto the first optical receiver 51-1, the first optical receiver 51-1 detects light 54-1 at this, and light no longer is reflected onto the second receiver 53-1.Therefore, the output 133-4 of the described second optical receiver 53-1 of curve map is transformed into high output from low output, and that the output of the first receiver 51-1 remains is low.

At the 5th 134-5 place, the user is turning knob 20-1 once more, and the band shift-in that makes reflecting surface 48-1-8 is on the position of the light 54-2 of reflection source 52-1 emission, and makes the output of the first receiver 51-1 get back to high state.

Therefore, the second optical receiver 53-1 at first detects light 54-3 at second 134-2 place, then as described at the 4th 134-4, the first optical receiver 51-1 detects light 54-1, to above-mentioned two the step make response, circuit 46-1 can determine that knob 20-1 rotates in second direction 58 (for example clockwise).

Figure 25 has described the alternative structure of hand-held remote control unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

This figure has comprised that a pressure elements/translucent element 12, knob 20-1, a switch 14-1 to 14-8, one have eight (8) individual positioning control position 72-1 to 72-8 and rotating group hop controller 70, option 35-1 and a 35-2 who promotes control position 72-9 or the like and select inventory 28.According to other embodiments of the invention, also can use more or less switch 14, positioning control position 72, option 35 or the like.In fact, embodiments of the invention have used as indicated above and switch 14 common pressure elements 12, translucent elements 12 that use and the rotating group hop controller 70 that will be described below.In one example, rotating group hop controller 70 is eight direction switches and the scrambler with center thrust, for example by Alps Electric, and the RKJXTIE120001 control that Inc makes.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 25, pressure elements/translucent element 12 has and is different from the above described size length breadth ratio of exemplary embodiment, but the function of these two embodiment is identical.

Yet the operation of rotating group hop controller 70 is different with embodiment as described above.Therefore, rotating group hop controller 70 provides a plurality of positioning control position 72-1 to 72-8, thereby the user can apply a lateral pressure vector to select by the expectation positioning control position 72 of pushing rotating group hop controller 70 on the bar 75 (seeing Figure 26) of rotating group hop controller.

Rotating group hop controller 70 and previously described knob 20 just are with pressure elements 12 similar places: in a structure, the rotation pressure element 74 (seeing Figure 26) that is positioned at the rotating group hop controller 70 in display 36 the place aheads is transparent.Therefore, display 36 can show output, for example sees through the part of rotation pressure element 74 appreciable menu options, control option or these options.The menu option or the control that are shown by rotating group hop controller 70 spatially are associated with the positioning control position 72-1 to 72-8 of rotating group hop controller 70.The user can select to see through rotation pressure element 74 visual menu or control option.Also there is similarity in rotating group hop controller 70 with knob 20: rotating group hop controller 70 can receive the rotation of user to rotating group hop controller 70, thereby the control that is provided by the rotation of knob 20 indication as indicated above is provided.

A feature of rotating group hop controller 70 is, with above identical according to knob 20 described modes, when combining when using with other rotating group hop controllers 70 or knob 20, embodiments of the invention are arranged to make the selection of the alternative positioning control location options group of the input of the positioning control position 72 that the user selects and the second rotating group hop controller 70 or other controllers (for example knob 20) to match.

For example, if the first rotating group hop controller 70-1 is configured to represent positioning control position 72-1 respectively according to the selection of the first positioning control location options 72-1 (being AM), 72-2 and 72-3 or the like menu option: AM, FM, CD or the like, the second rotating group hop controller 70-2 (for example so, perhaps under the alternative case, combine the menu option that provides with knob 20-2) (for example show first group of rotating group hop controller 70-2, perhaps under the alternative case, combine the menu option that provides with knob 20-2) menu option: AM presets, AM seeks, AM is tuning, positioning control position 72 (for example, perhaps combining the menu option that provides) as the second rotating group hop controller 70-2 with knob 20-2.Selection according to the second positioning control location options 72-2 (being FM), the second rotating group hop controller 70-2 display menu options: FM presets, FM seeks, FM is tuning, FM radio station, FM song, FM kind, FM artist or the like, positioning control position 72 (for example, or with knob 20-2 combining the menu option that provides) as the second rotating group hop controller 70-2.

According to other embodiments of the invention, also can use other combination based on controller, rotating group hop controller 70, pressure elements 12 and the translucent element 12 of knob 20 and quantity works alone and co-operation.

And, as mentioned above, because rotating group hop controller 70 can be accepted clockwise or the input of the rotation user counterclockwise, according to an embodiment, rotating group hop controller 70 can be configured to that the user is rotated described rotating group hop controller 70 and respond and change the menu option setting that is shown to the user.

For example, suppose that feature operation (ON/OFF, broadcast, record, F.F. or the like) that a certain multimedia system has is more than the feature operation of distributing to spendable eight positioning control positions 72 on the rotating group hop controller 70.For example, the rotation of also supposing rotating group hop controller 70 is divided into eight turned positions (promptly, in other words, rotating group hop controller 70 has eight positioning control position 72-1 to 72-8, and the user can select by the expectation positioning control position 72 of pushing rotating group hop controller 70; Also have rotational position, the user selects by the position that rotating group hop controller 70 is turned to expectation.)。

Therefore, in this case, the display 36 that is arranged on rotating group hop controller 70 back sides can be configured at first show one group of menu option (being the menu option that first eight feature operation is selected).Rotate rotating group hop controller 70 according to the user, display 36 is at second group of menu option of rotating group hop controller 70 back displays, thereby can handle other feature operation input.Based on this structure, a rotating group hop controller 70 can distribute 64 (8 * 8=64) individual menu options.Other menu option combinations known to those skilled in the art and scheme are owing to the turning power that rotating group hop controller 70 is had also can realize.As selection, the turning power of rotating group hop controller 70 also can be used for other functions, and for example tuning, volume controls or the like.

Figure 26 is side-looking Figure 126 of the rotating group hop controller 70 of hand-held remote control unit according to an embodiment of the invention.This figure comprises that a translucent element 12, one are attached to rotation pressure element 74, rotating group hop controller shell 76 and the pressure elements/translucent element/framework 12 (note, can carry out one or more functions in pressure elements, translucent element and/or the framework by the element of single Reference numeral " 12 " appointment) on the bar 75 of rotating group hop controller 70.For example, the function of pressure elements 12 can be configured to user's applied pressure is received as input.This pressure sequentially is passed to one or more switches 14 by pressure elements 12, as previously mentioned.Under the alternative case, perhaps combine with pressure elements 12, other structures can comprise a translucent element 12, allow the user see following be presented on the display 36 the menu option group (for example, the equivalent of aforesaid menu option 30 is described with reference to knob 20).Perhaps, can replace pressure elements and/or translucent element 12 with framework 12, perhaps comprise framework 12 in pressure elements and/or translucent element 12, its middle frame 12 only provides support structure for rotating group hop controller 76 and positions.

Rotating group hop controller 70 is converters, it can convert the various pressure that the user produces to different control indications, comprise from pushing control control lever 75 to shell 76 (promptly, promoting control position 72-9) the control indication that produces of pressure or from pushing control rotation pressure element 74 to control indication that shell 76 produces from all places 72-1 to 72-8, wherein, position 72-1 to 72-8 is formed on the whole 360 degree circumference of rotation pressure element 74.In fact, rotating group hop controller 70 is one can be provided, and for example nine different positioning control positions 70 are selected, mechanical hook-up.

As shown in FIG., according to one embodiment of the invention, the control shell 76 of rotating group hop controller 70 is installed on the below of pressure elements/translucent element 12, and the control lever 75 of rotating group hop controller 70 passes the hole in pressure elements/translucent element 12.According to other embodiments of the invention, the framework that design only provides support power has replaced pressure elements/translucent element 12.

In certain embodiments, pressure elements/translucent element is installed and is operated and can be independent of rotating group hop controller 70; In other embodiments, rotating group hop controller 70 is installed on pressure elements/translucent element 12.In addition to these, other structures of rotating group hop controller 70 and 12 combinations of pressure elements/translucent element also are considered to belong in the scope of the embodiment of the invention.For example, in a structure, the rotating group hop controller 70 that is operated in nine different positioning control positions 70 does not have working pressure element/translucent element 12.According to another example, rotating group hop controller 70 is configured to and pressure elements 12/ switch 14 device co-operation.

Figure 27 is side-looking Figure 128 of rotating group hop controller 70 according to an embodiment of the invention, can carry out center control input for the user depresses (seeing Figure 25) at promotion 72-9 place, control position.

By promoting to push control rotating group hop controller 70 to shell 76 on the 72-9 of control position, the user produces the 9th control indication.

Figure 28 is side-looking Figure 129 of rotating group hop controller 70 according to an embodiment of the invention, and it is depressed on the position of distributing to independent input (for example 72-1 to 72-8).By pushing rotating group hop controller 70 from a distance, rotating group hop controller 70 center, the user can produce a transverse pressure vector that is applied on the rotating group hop controller 70, is equal to the pressure that control lever produced that is promoted rotating group hop controller 70 by side direction.This feature provides a kind of mechanism, allow the user in the 72-1 to 72-8 of positioning control position one near (for example from rotation pressure element 74 a distance, center) promote rotating group hop controller 70, thereby receive user's input, this input is relevant with the menu option of menu option group on being presented at display 36, and wherein this display is positioned over the below of pressure elements/translucent element 12.

Therefore, as mentioned above, the characteristics of the hand-held controller 125 of the embodiment of the invention are to have one to substitute the control mechanical hook-up, and it comprises a rotating group hop controller 70, a display 36 and a circuit 46.According to described embodiment, rotating group hop controller 70 is transparent, and (for example providing and aforesaid turning knob 20 function associated identical functions) can be provided by the user, and can receive the user and be applied to pressure on the rotating group hop controller 70.Display 36 is placed in the zone at rotating group hop controller 70 back sides, and projection (for example image, video, menu option, control option or the like) is carried out in output, and it is in sight that these outputs can see through rotating group hop controller 70.The outgoing position (for example describing single image, menu option, control option or the like) that shows (promptly on display 36) be configured to receive the positioning control position 72 that the user imports and spatially be associated.Circuit 46 converts pressure (promptly being applied to the pressure in the location combination control 70) to the control signal of representative of consumer input.

As mentioned above, the various embodiment of working pressure element 12 have adopted different alternative switch 14 technology among the present invention, the technology of for example contact, strain, optics, electric capacity, temperature and multiaxis switch 14.In such example, in switch 14, adopt the strain gauge technique measurement to be applied to the intensity of the pressure on the switch 14.Therefore, the pressure that the user is applied on the pressure elements 12 is passed to a plurality of switches 14, so that can compare the pressure intensity of each in a plurality of switches 14, thereby identifies the switch 14 that can stand elevated pressures intensity.The content of relatively importing for user view that (for example variation of state) carried out to relevant pressure intensity in a plurality of switches 14 provides more accurately to be measured.

The system based on the switch 14 of intensity like this comprises a plurality of switches 14 and a translucent element 12.Translucent element 12 is coupled with a plurality of switches 14.Translucent element 12 has a plurality of parts, and each part all is associated with a switch 14.When user in a plurality of parts exerts pressure, pressure elements 12 will make a concerted effort to transfer on the switch 14 with part correlation that the user exerts pressure, thereby drive this relevant switch 14.Switch 14 also can detect the intensity that the user exerts pressure.

The device that is used for the intensity of more a plurality of switches 14 comprises the first switch 14-1 and the second switch 14-2 and the control circuit 46 of a plurality of switches 14.Attention: though the above control circuit 16 of Miao Shuing and pressure elements 12 use that combines, and other circuit 46 that will be described below are carried out other functions (for example infrared detection circuit), but can independent circuit component be set in modes such as different structures, combinations.

Because the user exerts pressure to translucent element 12, translucent element 12 is made a concerted effort to be passed to the first switch 14-1 (for example strainometer or other switches) and is made a concerted effort to be passed to second switch 14-2 (for example strainometer or other switches) with second first.Each switch 14 all part with translucent element 12 is relevant.Therefore, control circuit 46 is identified as the state variation of switch (i.e. the first switch 14-1 and second switch 14-2) system state change of deduction on the basis of the higher pressure intensity of the first switch 14-1 of a plurality of switches or second switch 14-2.In other words, when other switches of the pressure ratio that is passed to a switch were big, system was inferred as a state with system state, and is inferred as different system states when the amount of pressure that is applied to each switch is opposite.

Figure 29 is exemplary circuit Figure 130 of circuit 16, this circuit comprises that six are used to detect the switch 14 that puts on the pressure on the pressure elements 12 (for example s1-s6 that uses) and adopt optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 (Fairchild Semiconductors for example when being described in conjunction with Fig. 1, the QSE-157 that Inc makes etc.) circuit 46 (promptly employed when being described) in conjunction with Figure 15, wherein optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 detect next light 54-1 and the 54-3 of reflection from light source 52-1 (for example by Motorola, the MLED81 that Inc makes etc.).The shared microprocessor of switch 14 and optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1 (for example, by MicroChip, the PIC 16F819 that Inc makes etc.).Microprocessor makes an explanation to the signal of switch 14 and optical receiver 51-1 and 53-1, to produce control signal.

Figure 30 shows assembling Figure 140 of translucent element 12 and framework 18 according to an embodiment of the invention, and in this embodiment, translucent element 12 is directly mounted on the framework 18.This figure also comprises a part of 46-1, light source 52-2 and the optical receiver 51-2 and the 53-2 of switch 14, switch driver 15, the baffle plate 17 that hangs installation, compressible dividing plate 19, circuit.At last, Figure 30 also shows a proximity transducer device, comprises part 46-3 relevant with sensor in transmitter 23, receiver 25, lens 29 and the control circuit (for example user input area, controller and near detecting device).

Also can use the structure of modified form according to the system of describing among the figure, each switch 14 in a plurality of switches all is inserted between pressure elements 12 and the framework 18.By switch 14 being placed between pressure elements 12 and the framework 18, required space is littler than switch 14 being installed in the last required space of the independent platform (for example circuit board, other mechanical hook-ups or mounting plane or the like) that is positioned at pressure elements 12 back sides.Therefore, the occupation space that combines of the pressure elements 12 of the embodiment of the invention of describing among the figure and framework 18 is littler.In addition, the combination of described pressure elements 12 of the embodiment of the invention and framework 18 also can be assembled into the form of individual unit, thereby has simplified assembling process.

According to this embodiment of the invention, switch 14 is placed on the initial position between pressure elements 12 and the framework 18.For the element 12 that keep-ups pressure, the assembling Figure 140 of system comprises that is also hung a baffle plate 17 of installing, and this baffle plate is coupled to pressure elements 12 on the framework 18 movably.Switch driver 15 is compressed at for example its center position.According to one embodiment of present invention, when driver 15 was compressed, switch 14 carried out work with closed circuit state.Therefore, circuit 46 is configured to such closed circuit state is identified as to be equivalent to do not have driving switch 14.Carry out work with open-circuit condition when alternative according to the present invention, switch 14 are provided in driver 15 and are compressed, and circuit 46 is identified as such open-circuit condition to be equivalent to and does not have driving switch 14.

Whether system 140 also is configured to and can be driven by identification switch 14.Therefore, be applied to pressure on the pressure elements 12 in response to the user, pressure elements 12 to the driver 15 of one or more switches 14 (be the driver of switch 14, wherein each switch all with a plurality of parts of the control function of representative expectation in one relevant) apply with joint efforts.When the driver 15 of such switch 14 was compressed, switch 14 carried out work under open-circuit condition.Be transformed into open-circuit condition according to switch 14 from closed circuit state, whether system 140 can be driven by identification switch 14.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the suspension that movably pressure elements 12 is coupled to framework 18 is installed baffle plate 17 and is comprised compressible dividing plate 19 (for example, perhaps other also provide compressible sept at interval between pressure elements 12 and framework 18).Owing to be placed between pressure elements 12 and the framework 18, compressible dividing plate 19 applies a pressure to pressure elements 12, (that is, is pushed to the initial position of framework 18) and pressure elements 12 remained on its initial position.In addition, dividing plate 19 also applies a lateral pressure to pressure elements 12, thus being displaced sideways of offset pressure element 12.

Whether the hand that the proximity transducer device that is provided according to one embodiment of present invention, can detect the user is near the place ahead of translucent element 12.If the hand that detects the user will make display 106 change near translucent element 12 so.Therefore, the installation of proximity transducer provides equipment and the method (for example, in order to reduce driver's information overload amount to greatest extent) that a kind of information content that can discern the display 106 of sening as an envoy to changes needed appropriate time.In other words, the information that system 140 only the user needed to be configured to is presented to him, whether detect the user according to proximity transducer and be about to using system 140, reduce the group of shown information in some cases, and increase the group of displayed information in other cases.Though this type of embodiment of the present invention is fit to be applied to vehicle very much, embodiments of the invention also can be used to stand-alone device and can adopt in the structure and environment of other various devices of these devices.

In an example, display 106 is configured to show artist, title of the song, album name and working time and several command menu options 35 of in progress song, for example the option of song rename, song is stored in collection and normal play mode option.Yet according to one embodiment of the invention, when not needing command menu option 35, they can automatically disappear on display 36.Therefore, whether the position of detecting user's hand just can be identified when with display command menu option 27 near the proximity transducer device that is installed on translucent element 12.

The proximity transducer device comprises transmitter 23, receiver 25, lens 29 and the control circuit part 46-3 relevant with sensor.Transmitter 23 sends electromagnetic wave for example infrared signal, visible light etc., these electromagnetic waves are through lens 29, arrive position near translucent element 12, so that in any control (for example translucent element 12, knob 20 etc.) operating period of system and/or receive user's input afterwards, wherein the user will be placed on this front, position to his/her hand.Perhaps also ultrasonic signal can be sent to position near translucent element 12.The position of receiver 25 makes it and can and/or detect afterwards from the signal near the position (user will be placed on this front, position to his/her hand) of translucent element 12 in any controller (for example translucent element 12, knob 20 etc.) operating period of system, so that receive user's input, thereby the interference or the variation (for example electromagnetic wave or other wave reflections etc.) of the electromagnetic wave that makes receiver 25 can detect the hand by the user to cause (for example, or ultrasonic signal).Hand according to the user is placed on or leaves near the translucent element 12 command menu options 35 that change.Figure 35 to 36 has described such one and in response to the user his/her hand has been removed and the process of mandatum cassatorium menu option 35 near translucent element 12.

Except aforesaid whether the placement near system 140 according to the hand that detects the user changes the information of demonstration, the proximity transducer device can also be configured to carry out other functions.Proximity transducer device even can carry out different functions simultaneously.For example, in such embodiment, the proximity transducer device is configured to send and receive infrared signal, to carry out near sensing function and remotely monitored sensing function.Therefore, such proximity transducer device constitutes infrared transmitter/receiver combination that infrared signal is sent to the position of user's hand and receives infrared signal from the position of user's hand.In addition, the sensing element of proximity transducer also is configured to receive the signal that sent by telechiric device (for example, infrared, visible light, capacitive character, ultrasound wave, capacitive character, perception or other signals etc.).Though this alternate configuration near sensing device has been applied to motor vehicles, such structure can also be used in other are used, for example stand alone type and integrated multimedia device, computing machine and other calculation elements, family and Industry Control or the like.

According to other embodiments of the invention, can also comprise other improvement near this alternate configuration of sensing device.For example, can also be configured to utilize coding and/or modulation signal near the transmission of sensing device and sensing element, thus make near device more accurately never the signal distinguishing that receives of homology come.That such modulation technique comprises is previously described, rotate method that the method for control signal and external signal modulates and the other technologies known to those skilled in the art according to distinguishing expectation

Figure 31 is the side view of the combination 141 of translucent element 12 and framework 18 according to an embodiment of the invention, and wherein, translucent element 12 is placed on its initial position.According to this embodiment of the invention, use suspension that baffle plate 17 is installed.But, the dividing plate 19 driver 15-1 that pressure elements 12 can be remained on switch 14 goes up (that is, whereby the driver 15-1 of switch 14-1 being remained on compression position).At this compression position place, driver 15-1 can make switch 14-1 carry out work with closed circuit state.As indicated above, circuit 46 is arranged to that such closed circuit state is identified as driving switch 14-1 and is not driven.

Figure 32 is the side view of the combination 142 of translucent element 12 and framework 18 according to an embodiment of the invention, and wherein, translucent element 12 is placed on the second place.Therefore, the pressure that is applied on the pressure elements 12 of user is released the driver 15-1 of switch 14-1.As mentioned before, circuit 46 is arranged to that such open-circuit condition is identified as switch and is driven.

Figure 33 shows the optical light source 52 that is installed in according to an embodiment of the invention on the translucent element 12 and the structure 143 of optical receiver 51 and 53.The figure shows translucent element 12, two different circuit 46-1 and 46-2 and hang baffle plate 17-1,17-2,17-3,17-4,17-5 and 17-6 are installed, wherein circuit 46-1 and 46-2 have light source 52-1 and 52-2 and receiver 51-1,53-1 and 51-2 and 53-2 respectively.Opposite with the aforesaid embodiment of the present invention, with circuit 46 (promptly, and circuit board), light source 52 and receiver 51 and 53 are installed in can be so that when translucent element 12 be applied in pressure on the translucent element 12, circuit 46, light source 52 and receiver 51 and 53 move along translucent element 12.Therefore, the direction of light location of propagating between the reflecting surface 48-1 of light source 52, knob 20 and the receiver 51,53 be can improve, the user accuracy of detection and the fiduciary level of system 143 imported thereby improve.

Figure 34 shows the display 106 of selection 28 of display media content item and menucommand option 35 according to one embodiment of the invention.Be placed near the proximity transducer device in response to the hand that detects the user, display 106 shown contents become and are enriched more, comprise also that wherein items of media content selects 28 and menucommand option 35.Therefore, whether be placed on (for example providing the user to import) near the display 106, thereby provide more complete display 106 to select to him according to user's hand.Figure 35 shows the display 106 of only display media content item selection 28 after menucommand option 35 disappears (that is, providing alternative control output and control option by this) according to one embodiment of the invention.Therefore, after remove near the translucent element 12, display 106 is easier to read for the driver provides, more concentrated and simpler information shows at user's hand.

Figure 36 is first page 145 of exemplary circuit diagram of control circuit 46 according to an embodiment of the invention, and in this embodiment, translucent element 12 is directly mounted on the framework 18 as described in Figure 30-33.Figure 37 is second page 146 of same exemplary circuit diagram of control circuit 146.Circuit diagram comprises and is used to detect the switch (for example s1-s4) 14 that is applied to pressure elements 12 upward pressures; The extention of circuit 46 has adopted the optical receiver 51 and 53 (for example QSE-157 that is made by Fairchild Semiconductors or the like) that detects from the next light 54 of light source 52 (for example by Fairchild Semiconductors, IN6254 that Inc makes or the like) reflection.Switch 14 and optical receiver 51,53 shared microprocessors (MicroChi for example, UI 16F819 that Inc makes or the like).Transistor (for example Q2N4401 universal transistor or the like) is used for identification switch 14 and when is in open-circuit condition.Therefore, when the user exerts pressure to pressure elements 12, can make switch 14 be in open-circuit condition.Resistance (for example R1) is drawn high the base stage of transistor Q1, is driven or is not driven thereby be identified as switch in order by microprocessor.Circuit diagram also comprises Max 282 integrated circuit (promptly being used to produce the serial line interface output signal), serial data output, power circuit or the like.

Figure 38 is first page of exemplary circuit diagram of proximity transducer device according to an embodiment of the invention.According to the described example of this circuit diagram, integrated circuit (for example Vishay TSOP 1838SS3V) comprises the modulation source signal, send modulation signal, (the promptly sending) signal that receives reflection and to the electronic circuit of the signal demodulation that received.Adjunct circuit based on Schmidt trigger (for example 74ACT14 that is made by Fairchild Semiconductors or the like) becomes control signal with the conversion of signals that receives.Figure 39 is second page of circuit diagram according to an embodiment of the invention, uses microcontroller in this embodiment instead and changes (just also carrying out demodulation with Vishay TSOP 1838SS3V) to the received signal.As shown in figure 39, microcontroller (for example PIC16F628 of HVW Technologies manufacturing) detects the modulation signal that Vishay TSOP 1838SS3V integrated circuit receives, and with its conversion, thereby replace Schmitt trigger circuit and relevant element.

Therefore, as mentioned above, embodiments of the invention provide a kind of system and method for the user's of reception input.Therefore, translucent element, knob, the equipment that is used for orientation, reflection and detection light are associated in operation, thereby receive user's input.

Though illustrate and illustrated the present invention particularly in conjunction with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that: can under the situation that does not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention that limit by additional claim, make the change on the various forms or on the details.For example, embodiments of the invention can be applied to media system.Embodiments of the invention can also be applied to automotive system.Embodiments of the invention described here can also be applied to various control application apparatus.

According to the different elements of embodiments of the invention described here, display 36 can also with pressure elements 12 integrated single assemblies; And in other embodiments of the invention, display 36 can separate with pressure elements 12.And some embodiment of the present invention described here can be partly combines to replace the user based on pressure elements 12 described here to touch ability with technology such as traditional touch screen technology and pushbutton switches.For example, using the first knob 20-1 and the second knob 20-2 to receive in the embodiment of the invention to the selection of Controlling Source, the submenu that pattern and items of media content are selected can receive from the conventional touch screen input media is selected.In another example, conventional touch screen or array of buttons can be as the input medias of source selection.And, control circuit 17 described here can with various forms and/or be positioned at different positions for example on separate circuit boards, with the system integration together, wait with the resolution element of big system and to realize that various other combinations of the element of the embodiment of the invention described here also may fall among the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of present invention, knob 12 gets up to use with Touch Screen.Therefore, knob 12 is installed movably, so that knob 12 can be positioned at above the touch-screen lightly.To knob 12 applied pressures, knob 12 moves and contacts with touch-screen in response to the user, thereby drives touch-screen.

It is to be understood that knob 20 can form different shape and still can carry out feature of the present invention described here for the purpose of decoration or function.For example, according to embodiments of the invention, the portion of the handle of knob 20 is wideer than the circumference of friction sleeve 61-1.The additional width of knob 20 is overlapped in translucent element 12 tops, thereby prevents that dust and/or dirt from falling between knob 20 and the friction sleeve 61-1 and the rotation of knob 20 produced disturb.

Another feature of the embodiment of the invention is can receive other forms of and rotated and user's input that the input that provides combines and use such as exert pressure by knob 12 with above-mentioned, and it is handled.For example, according to one embodiment of present invention, motion or be positioned near the ad-hoc location (for example upper left corner of user input area) of pressure elements finger motion near detector senses.Then, as extra input, (for example discern user push be the turning or the center of pressure elements rather than pressure elements) selected in the input that is used for discerning expectation with the motion that senses indication.According to another embodiment of the invention, when the user will point or hand be placed near the scope of detecting device within the time, controller just can make control mechanical hook-up demonstrate alternative control or menu option.Then, when the user removed fingers/hand, shown menu option became the primitive menu option again.

The control mechanical hook-up can also receive other forms of input, for example acoustic control or other forms of input.According to some embodiment of the present invention, sound or other inputs can be regarded as independent input (for example unlatching, stopping device or the like).Perhaps, the acoustic control input can be used in combination with other inputs.For example, according to receiving the sound input of sending by particular sound source (for example CD, FM or the like), the control mechanical hook-up can be interpreted as the input in future the input of the order relevant with described source (for example, for " CD " voice command, with the command interpretation track input for a change that changes; At " FM " voice command, the command interpretation that changes is for a change imported or the like in the radio station).

Additional embodiments of the present invention provides an improved user interface for multimedia and other devices.In other advantages of the embodiment of the invention, improved user interface simplified automobile use in the demonstration of multimedia device, make to show easy to understand, and the driver reduced use other inputs and/or control mechanical hook-up and the dispersion attention that may occur.Multimedia device especially is arranged to limit the information content that is shown to the user, when the user prepares executivecontrol function.At this moment, multimedia device is expanded shown information, so that sufficient information is provided, thereby makes the user can be according to the control operation of these Information Selection expectations.

Now, with reference to Figure 40, the user interface element of shown multimedia device 300 comprises: a controller 305, for example major component (for example control and many audio-source element are applied in the information entertainment, home entertainment system, portable entertainment system etc. of vehicle), digital player etc.; A left-handed button 310-1 (for example, in an embodiment who rotates left-handed button 310-1 control volume, push left-handed button 310-1 and carry out quiet the output of multimedia device), right concentric knob set with interior concentric knob 310-2 and outer concentric knob 311-2, display 320, one group preset that control 330-1 to N, one group of peripheral button control 340-1 to 340-4, group mode control knob 350-1 to 350-N, one export selection display 360 and near detecting device 380-1 to 380-3.Though, description be the set of the two dextrorotation buttons with one heart of a left-handed button and, one or two knob/knob set can be as two concentric knob set or single knob.

As described, trigger (for example user's hand or other body parts) is placed on away from multimedia device 300 (promptly, the user's who keeps clear of display shown in Figure 40 hand) position, multimedia device 300 is configured to provide one to simplify demonstration output 360 (promptly, compare with the complete content of control mark that is shown in other cases and report, the element that is shown to the user is reduced, and it mainly comprises the frequency in selected radio station and catchword and does not almost have other information).In embodiment shown in Figure 40, shown device 300 provides the information of simplification, and is operated in the FM pattern.Provide as an initial part of exporting by the information that will simplify, the user can see immediately and select which radio station, thereby reduce the time quantum that the driver need remove sight from driving work.Therefore, be shown in other cases and cause user/driver to disperse the control mark of more notice and the complete information of report to compare, the element that is shown to the user is reduced.

According to one embodiment of present invention, multimedia device 300 be configured to when user's hand after remove near the multimedia device 300, automatically return the state that display 320 shows its initial reduced output (for example, perhaps display provides some other situation of simplification information).According to this structure, for example multimedia device 300 is removed near the position the multimedia device 300 and is experienced one period schedule time (for example 30 seconds) return the initial reduced output state afterwards at user's hand.

Except that above-mentioned control, multimedia device 300 also has other buttons.For example, have a plurality of preset button 330 along the top of multimedia device 300, thus they through programming or be provided with can, for example select between wireless station or other the such selections.There are a plurality of pattern control knob 350-1 to 350-N above the bottom margin of multimedia device 300.Pattern control knob 350 can be used to control operation and for example select (for example amusement, phone, navigation, vehicle set or the like) in the source.For example, entertainment button can be used to be predefined for amusement with one in the multiple source, for example CD transducer, XM radio system, FM radio system or the like.Pattern control knob 350 can also be carried out other functions.Especially, to can make each time in multimedia device 300 alternations next source in the sequence of forming by a plurality of not homologies in repeatedly the pushing of entertainment button group.In other words, according to one embodiment of the invention, when selecting the FM radio reception, push first mode button, by selecting the XM radio reception for the second time, by selecting the AM radio reception for the third time.According to other alternatives of the present invention, preset button and mode button can also be placed on the diverse location place.

In Figure 41, the user is placed on his or her hand near the multimedia device 300.The hand that detects the user is responded near multimedia device 300, and multimedia device will show other controls or menu option, as shown in figure 41.Therefore, demonstrate the gamut 376 and the music categories 372 of radio station and frequency.

In order to send the signal that need be transformed into more complete displaying contents, at first, need the position of detection near the user's of multimedia device 300 hand near detecting device 380.Can adopt various technology to the hand of the user the multimedia device 300 near whether near detecting.For example, whether approaching method is exactly to launch an infrared signal to the position that hand may be placed from an infrared transmitter in a kind of detection.Then, be placed near the hand of multimedia device infrared signal is reflexed to a certain position, thereby detect the infrared signal (for example, some transmitter-detector combination 380-1 is shared) that is reflected in this position.It is in order to discern near the position of multimedia device 300 hands that infrared signal is detected.Can adopt other to substitute infrared method improves infrared near the accuracy that detects.

A kind of such infrared method has adopted the modulation of using the figure notation code that the infrared signal that sends is carried out.According to the infrared signal that is received, infrared detector utilizes its code that this signal is carried out demodulation, so that the identification infrared sources.By this, the infrared signal of the infrared signal that received and outside infrared signal or the emission of unconscious source can be made a distinction.Perhaps, also can adopt ultrasound wave or other signals in the mode that is similar to based on the infrared signal method.In addition, can use digital code Modulated Ultrasonic ripple (for example, and the signal of other types) signal, so that ultrasonic signal makes a distinction with ultrasonic signal outside or that do not expect in a similar fashion according to testing result.Such embedding code and/or modulation signal can also be provided for the information that distinguishes with a plurality of infrared radiation sources (for example, or other signal sources).After distinguishing, can utilize resulting information to determine the position of user's hand with the processor 305 that the signal that is received is analyzed through being provided with multiple source.The use-pattern of this information will be described in detail hereinafter.

Figure 41 also shows a multistage display 320 that combines and use with concentric knob 310-2 and 311-2.On display 320, each in two circular arcs 371 and 374 all shows the tabulation of a tag along sort 372-1 to 372-N and a label 376-1 to 376-N.When inner button 310-2 was rotated, single label 376-1 to 376-N rotated in the mode of circle, as being to rotate on the circle at center in the position with concentric knob 310-2 and 311-2.Each circular arc 371 and the different imperative structures level of 374 representatives. Circular arc 371 and 374 relative position and concentric knob 310-2 and 311-2 relative position each other each other is similar.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, exist logical relation between two knob 310-2 and the 311-2, by this relation, the tag along sort 372 that is associated with outer concentric knob 311-2 is judged which the height group that it will be appreciated that single label 376.During concentric knob 310-2, another single label 376 rotates and comes into view, so that the user carries out possible selection in the user rotates.

For example, if the user rotates (that is, utilizing outer concentric knob 311-2) left circular arc 371, up to country music tag along sort 372 occurring, so single country music item 376 will be displayed on the circular arc 374 of the right hand, so that the user carries out possible selection.Concentric knob 310-2 rotated the circular arc 374 of the right hand in the user can utilize, so that show other rural song.When the user did like this, rural song will be from the top of display or the bottom is left or add from the top or the bottom of display.If the user rotates outer concentric knob 311-2, be positioned at the center of display up to tag along sort " strong signal ", each independent radio that has strong signal so will be displayed on the circular arc of the right hand, so that the user carries out possible selection.

Another example of logical relation between such circular arc is " greatly " relation to " little " or classification, and for example outer concentric knob 311-2 selection collection of records of use and the interior concentric knob 310-2 of use select the single on the present selected collection of records.In the classification relationship of an embodiment, the classification relevant with rank higher in the grade is displayed in the have bigger effective radius circular arc of (being external arc), and with grade in the subclassification relevant than low level be displayed in the circular arc (circular arc promptly) with less effective radius.In other mappings, this relation can be inverted.In using an embodiment of concentric knob, the bigger knob of radius is relevant with the circular arc with effective radius greatly, and the less knob of radius is relevant with the circular arc with less effective radius.

Select the method in source opposite with the promotion button of, multimedia device 300 described as mentioned according to the operation of pattern control knob 350, according to an alternative of the present invention, one in the concentric knob is configured to receive the user and carries out the employed promotion operation of source selection input (for example amusement, phone, navigation, vehicles setting).Also can consider to use other alternative structure of control knob option, for example static indication or near programmable button (for example be installed in the button on the screen angle, button position, have the Reprogrammable button sign).Also can consider to use other functions relevant with the button control operation, the button control operation comprises following function, and for example CD stores, cd is recorded hard disk, play mode; Hard disk: uMusic-ON/OFF, play mode ,+/-; Radio reception: AM, FM or the like; Between tuning and search, switch or the like.

According to one embodiment of present invention, the user moves (promptly rotating) inner button 310-2 and can impel interior circular arc 374 to rotate, the user moves (promptly rotate) outer knob 311-2 and can impel left circular arc 371 to rotate, thus can make the user feel naturally the user move (promptly rotating) single knob 310-2 and 311-2 with and the variation that in corresponding circular arc 371 and 376, causes.

Figure 42 shows according to an alternative of the present invention, and it provides the information of simplifying output according to one embodiment of the invention.The largest benefit that the shown information of multimedia device display is simplified just has been to reduce the situation of diverting one's attention that the driver occurs in automobile.In the embodiment of the invention that Figure 42 describes, show optical disc name, theme/track name and working time 336.Be positioned near left hand knob 310 semicircle symbol 368 top legs and represent that for example volume is very little or zero or quiet.The legs that are positioned at above near the semicircle symbol of right hand knob 310-2 and 311-2 369 are represented for example working time of in progress CD.Therefore, compare, be shown to user's element still less with the control mark that shows in other cases and the complete content of report.For example, the 367-1 of display indicator, 369 and data 366 only, and do not reduced the situation that diverting one's attention appears in user/driver owing to do not show other information (Figure 42 shows an alternative display, has shown the relevant side information of operation of preparing to carry out drive controlling with the user in this display).

Need the user directly to visit all detailed control indications, information or the like in most of the time hardly.Therefore, do not need to show all available control informations.According to one embodiment of the invention, simplify information display and be provided in not exist between user and the multimedia device and carry out work when mutual.On the other hand, if the user by his or her hand is placed on multimedia device 300 near want to operate a control or during menu option, multimedia device 300 can show additional control or menu option, as shown in figure 42.

The example of display 320 according to an embodiment of the invention has been shown among Figure 43, in this display, has shown various control informations.Display 320 show programmable button label 362-1 and 362-2, volume/quiet indicator 367-1 with silent icon 367-2, program indicator 369, one group preset label 365-1 to the 365-N preset button of programmable radio, channel etc. (for example, such as) and a current track that comprises the working time of disk name, track number and current track shows 366.Will occur in the time of near the position of these information shown in the display 320 user is placed on his or her hand display 320.Though when the user does not carry out the control of multimedia device 300, there is no need the control information that provides detailed,, multimedia device 300 displays are provided in side information are provided when being about to carry out a control operation.Therefore, as described, in the time of near the user is placed on his or her hand multimedia device 300, multimedia device 300 be provided in increase on the display programmable button label 362-1 and 362-2, volume/quiet indicator 367-1 with silent icon 367-2, program indicator 369, one group preset label 365-1 to 365-N or other are to user's Useful Information.

Figure 44 shows an illustrative embodiment of the invention, and in this embodiment, the user has selected artist's pattern.Multimedia device 300 shown in Figure 44 is operated in hard disk mode, but this display also can show any pattern (FM that XM or satellite radio received, can obtain the RDS data receives or the like) that can obtain the metadata of some form from track.Select artist's pattern to respond to the user, show selected artist's pattern on multimedia device 300 circular arc 371 leftward.Therefore, promptly be presented on the circular arc 376 of the right hand (that is, artistical name, for example Simone, Bruce Springstein, Sting or the like) corresponding to the detailed options of artist's pattern.

In order to be consistent with the target that farthest reduces display 320 complicacy, multimedia device 300 is configured to make the quantity that is presented at the tag along sort 372 on the left circular arc 371 to minimize.Therefore, for example in theme, artist, the collection of records, there is no need to show all classification scheme 371 in some well known class.Under the alternative case,, as described in Figure 44, only shown selected this classification scheme of artist 372-10 according to one embodiment of the invention.Yet, not too be under the known situation of user in the tabulation 371 of other classification scheme 372, just can show all classification scheme 372 (promptly all signals, strong signal, allusion, rural area, dancing or the like), as shown in figure 41.

Multimedia device 300 can be arranged to receive in a different manner pattern or the detailed item that the user selects.For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, when multimedia device 300 can be provided in the pattern of expectation or detailed selection label and is positioned at display center by receiving the push selection of discerning user of user to knob (for example, dextrorotation button, left-handed button, button or the like).Under the alternative case, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the user its rotation is entered the center and through one period of presetting after, multimedia device can select to be positioned at the pattern or the detailed options at display 320 centers automatically, carries out further mutual (being pressing button or knob 310) and need not the user.

Figure 45 shows an alternate example, and in this example, multimedia device 300 shows disc name (for example disc 2) and the track number relevant with the disc of being named, so that the user carries out possible selection in response to the selection of user to the collection of records classification.

In response near the detection information of the position of the hand of the user 300 pairs of these devices of multimedia device, also can show the information of other types.For example, so-called " ToolTips ", promptly relevant with the usage of specific control explain information also can be shown by multimedia device 300.Figure 46 shows such example that is applied to the ToolTips of multimedia device 300.As shown in figure 46, in response to the user his or her finger is placed near the first pattern control knob 350-1, multimedia device 300 shows a label that comprises the option of FM radio reception, AM radio reception or XM radio reception.Therefore, in the time of near the user is placed on his or her finger first pattern control 350-1, after near user's finger position of multimedia device 300 identifying pattern control knob 350-1, just inform that the user just can select by the repeated presses first pattern control knob 350-1 between FM radio reception, AM radio reception and XM radio reception option.

One of characteristics of multimedia device 300 are that its concentric knob combination comprises an inner button 310-2 and an outer knob 311-2.Figure 47 shows the knob 310-2 and the 311-2 of a pair of like this concentric position according to one embodiment of the invention.Interior concentric knob 310-2 and outer concentric knob 311-2 all are mounted to a plane as shown in figure 47.According to one embodiment of present invention, compare with the height of outer concentric knob 311-2, the height of interior concentric knob 310-2 extends fartherly from the surface of display 320.

Inner button 310-2 is installed in the hole at outer knob 311-2 center.According to one embodiment of the invention, this plane can be the lens that cover video display.The center of inner button 310-2 is made by transparent material, and this transparent material allows multimedia device 300 transmission light and/or information, so that the user watches.

For example, multimedia device 300 can be configured to show different colours, and these colors are represented the different mode of multimedia device 300 operations.This light transmission can realize by the back side that light source is placed on transparent inner button 310-2, perhaps as indicated above, by concentric knob 310-2 being installed on such position, so that the video display below it 320 transmits light by knob 310-2.

Figure 48 is mounted in a plane for example the inner button 310-2 on the display 320 and the cut-open view of outer knob 311-2.This cut-open view shows outer knob 311-2 and has the inner button 310-2 of clear central (for example propionic aldehyde alkene).

Embodiments of the invention comprise a mechanical hook-up that register pin is provided during the rotation of knob.Figure 49 and 50 shows and realizes detailed embodiment interior and outer concentric knob 310-2 and 311-2 positioning action.Shown design is applicable to single or two concentric knob, and is particularly useful for knob transparent or cleaning.Inner button 310-2 and outer knob 311-2 all have a series of indentures 312 and 314 round knob 310-2 and 311-2 bottom circumference.Be provided with ring 324 below the bottom margin of inner button 310-2 and outer knob 311-2.Figure 49 is the skeleton view of ring 324 and inner button 310-2 set, the indenture 314 of a series of bottom circumference round inner button 310-2 shown in it.Ring 324 has opening, therefore produce the elastic part that works alone of two separation, these two elastic parts have protruding 326-1 and 326-2, this projection 326-1 and 326-2 extend to indenture 312 and 314 inside that are positioned at below inner button 310-2 and the outer knob 311-2 respectively, and inner button 310-2 and outer knob 311-2 are meshed with a plurality of indentures 312 and 314.Ring 324 is arranged in the groove (groove on plane 320 is not shown) of knob 310-2 and the straight lower, planar 320 of 311-2.Ring 324 protruding 326-1 and 326-2 (for example being made by resilient material) extend to indenture 312 and 314 inside that are positioned at inner button 310-2 and outer knob 311-2 below respectively, the result can make knob 310-2 and 311-2 along with user's turning knob 310-2 and 311-2 and " click is rattled away " enter in the plane for one.Figure 50 has described the wiring layout that comprises ring 324 and outer knob 311-2.

For from two knob 310-2 and 311-2 each identifies single control signal, multimedia device 300 has assembled infrared transmitter and detecting device 326, continues as this part described in father's patent of patented claim.To being resolved by each a plurality of control signal that provide among two concentric control handle 310-2 and the 311-2, multimedia device 300 has assembled many groups infrared transmitter and detecting device 326-1 and 326-2 for respectively.Figure 51 shows the structure of many group transmitters and detecting device 326-1 and 326-2.Therefore, the transmitter of interior concentric knob 310-2 and detector combination device can transfer to infrared signal 315-2 reflector group 328-2.The infrared light of reverberator 328-2 reflection can be detected by detecting device 326-2, thus the motion of concentric knob 310-1 in identifying, as describing in detail in father's patent of present patent application hereinbefore.

The second group of infrared transmitter and the detecting device 326-1 that not do not overlap with first group of infrared transmitter and detecting device 326-2 aim at the reflecting material 328-1 of outer concentric knob 311-2, and can be used to discern the motion of outer concentric knob 311-2.

In order to prevent cross-couplings to occur between emitter/detector combination 326-1 relevant with outer concentric knob 311-2 and the 326-2 with interior concentric knob 310-2, shown in Figure 52, need shield each the regional 329-1 and the 329-2 in the place ahead of two knob 310-2 and 311-2, thereby receive unconscious infrared signal among (promptly unconscious) transmitter/detector 326-1 that prevents in mistake and the 326-2 or unconscious infrared signal is sent on wrong the transmitter/detector 326-1 and 326-2.Therefore, owing to shielded regional 329-1 and 329-2, the transmitter/detector 326-1 relevant with interior concentric knob 310-2 only infrared light 313-1 can be reflexed to be designed to be able to discern rotate with the user in detecting device (a plurality of detecting device) 326-1 of the relevant signal of concentric knob 310-2, and the transmitter/detector 326-2 relevant with outer concentric knob 311-2 only can reflex to infrared light 313-2 and be designed to be able to discern the detecting device 326-2 that rotates the relevant signal of outer concentric knob 311-2 with the user.Other prevent cross-linked method, comprise among emitter/detector combination 326-1 and the 326-2 each adopted different modulation schemes, in the combination each is launched in different frequency ranges or in the different time and detection etc.

Therefore, as indicated above, embodiments of the invention provide at various devices and have for example received method and the mechanical hook-up that the user imports in the multimedia device.

Though, shown the present invention particularly, and describe the present invention in conjunction with its preferred embodiment, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that: can under situation about for example not breaking away from, make the modification on various forms and the details by the additional the spirit and scope of the present invention that claim limited.For example, embodiments of the invention can be configured to use the various arbitrarily dissimilar control examples such as the combination of knob, concentric knob, button and programmable button to carry out function described in the invention.As mentioned above, for example, an embodiment of multimedia device of the present invention has one group of concentric knob that is positioned at the multimedia device right-hand side.Yet embodiments of the invention can be provided in the left-hand side or the right and left both sides of multimedia device or other devices and use concentric knob, perhaps control combinedly etc. with other, and these combinations can be the combinations known to those skilled in the art.

Distribute in the function of the knob of this explanation, control etc. and only to describe by way of example.Can use other allocation scheme, these other allocation scheme all is considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.For example, replace adopting pattern control described here, under the alternate ways, the pattern control function can be distributed to knob, repeatedly pushes the pattern that this knob can use different operating, as described in father's patent of the present patent application.Perhaps, pattern operation described herein also can be assigned to and well known to a person skilled in the art programmable button control.According to various embodiments of the invention, the button and/or the control of diverse location, for example top of multimedia device or other devices, bottom or sidepiece can be alternatively distributed in pattern and other operations.

As indicated above, the hand (for example finger or the like) that is used to discern the user whether near and/or the method alternative case of its position under can adopt other different technologies except aforesaid IR sensing.For example, capacitive sensor, pyroelectricity sensor and video camera etc. can be used to carry out near detecting.

Various embodiment of the present invention can adopt dissimilar knobs and/or control, for example uses transparent knob and transparent concentric knob, concentric knob, two or more concentric knob, perhaps their combination or the like separately.

Claims (63)

1, a kind of equipment that changes the output of entertainment systems display, this equipment comprises:

The display that shows first output;

Detection is placed near the detecting device of the hand the described display; And

With the controller that described display links to each other, described controller is made response near the detected hand that is positioned over the described display, thereby demonstrates second output, and at least a portion of described second output and described first is exported different.

2, equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said equipment work is in vehicle.

3, equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said entertainment systems are formed by one in the following equipment at least: media player, CD Player, video player, DVD player, AM radio system, FM radio system, satellite radio receiver, digital music source, hard disk drive.

4, equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described detecting device is selected from following group: infrared detector, ultrasonic detector, photoelectric detector, photodetector and capacitive detector.

5, equipment as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the transmitter that communicates with described detecting device.

6, equipment as claimed in claim 5, wherein, described transmitter is selected from following group: infrared transmitter, ultrasonic transmitter, photoemitter, optical transmitting set and capacitive character transmitter.

7, equipment as claimed in claim 1 also comprises a plurality of detecting devices, and wherein, described controller is arranged to determine according to the signal that receives the position of described hand from described a plurality of detecting devices.

8, equipment as claimed in claim 7, wherein, described a plurality of detecting devices comprise:

First detecting device is arranged to detect first signal that reflects from the hand of placing near described display;

Second detecting device is arranged to detect the secondary signal that reflects from the hand of placing near described display;

Wherein, described controller is made response at least one signal that receives from described first detecting device and described second detecting device, thereby determines the position of described hand.

9, equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, through after the schedule time, if do not detect in one's handsly near described display, so described controller makes described display output return to described first output.

10, a kind of equipment that changes display output in the vehicle, this equipment comprises:

The display that shows first output;

Detection is placed near the detecting device of the hand the described display; And

With the controller that described display links to each other, described controller is made response near the detected hand that is positioned over the described display, thereby demonstrates second output, and wherein, at least a portion and described first in described second output is exported different.

11, equipment as claimed in claim 10, also comprise the controller that at least one is used to make a choice, described controller be positioned over described display near, described vehicle also comprises the Vehicular system with relevant information, wherein, described controller driven can select a Vehicular system, described controller can also make described display demonstrate the information relevant with selecting Vehicular system.

12, equipment as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described relevant information comprises at least one in the following content: menu option and display element.

13, equipment as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described Vehicular system comprises at least one in the following Vehicular system group: amusement, mobile phone, navigation, HVAC, vehicles setting.

14, equipment as claimed in claim 10 also comprises the transmitter that communicates with described detecting device.

15, a kind of equipment that receives the selection of entertainment systems menu option, this equipment comprises:

The display that shows first group of menu option and second group of menu option, described first group relevant each other with second group of menu option;

Near first knob that described display is placed, first group of menu option on the described display of described first knob controlling, thus make described first group of menu option occur moving, be connected with described first knob as described first group of menu option; And

Basically round second knob of at least a portion of described first knob, second group of menu option on the described display of described second knob controlling, thereby moving appears in described second group of menu option, is connected with described second knob as described second group of menu option.

16, equipment as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described equipment work is in vehicle.

17, equipment as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described second group of menu option depends on described first group of menu option.

18, a kind of equipment of selecting the function of entertainment systems in the vehicle, this equipment comprises:

Control first knob of first function of described entertainment systems, described first knob at least a portion is a partially transparent, thereby the partially transparent that allows the user to see through described first knob is partly seen visual detector; And

Basically round second knob of at least a portion of described first knob, second function of the described entertainment systems of described second knob controlling.

19, equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein, the function of described entertainment systems comprises in the following tabulation at least one: CD/DVD is recorded hard disk, hard disk: the uMusic-ON/OFF ,+/-, pattern: AM radio reception, FM radio reception, satelline radio reception, hard disk, uMusic ^TM, iIndex ^TM, RDS, uSearch ^TM, browse, play mode, tuning, preset, the song rename, be stored in collection, such function and control knob options such as switching, played songs between tuning and search.

20, equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein, at least one in described first and second knobs has a plurality of position locations.

21, equipment as claimed in claim 18 comprises also showing at least one group of menu option display that moving appears in described menu option, as being connected in described first and second knobs corresponding one.

22, equipment as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described first knob is configured to receive the menu option that the user selects from least one group of menu option.

23, equipment as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described second knob is configured to receive the menu option that the user selects from least one group of menu option.

24, equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein, described first knob comprises rotary knob, and described second knob comprises turning knob, and wherein said knob is to install with one heart.

25, equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein, described visual detector is selected from following group, and described group comprises: light emitting diode, display, LCD (LCD) screen, lamp, icon, chart and text character.

26, equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein, at least a portion of described second knob is a partially transparent at least.

27, two concentric knob comprise:

Be arranged to first knob of reflected signal, described signal receives by the emission of first transmitter and by first detecting device; And

Around described first knob, described second knob is arranged to reflected signal at least in part for second knob concentric with described first knob, described second knob, and described signal receives by the emission of second transmitter and by second detecting device.

28, as claimed in claim 27 pair of concentric knob, wherein, described first detecting device is prevented from the radiation from described second transmitter is detected.

29, as claimed in claim 27 pair of concentric knob, wherein, described first transmitter and described first detecting device depart from an angle placement with respect to described second transmitter and described second detecting device respectively.

30, as claimed in claim 27 pair of concentric knob, wherein, described second transmitter and the second relevant detecting device are arranged on the plane that is different from described first transmitter and relevant first detecting device.

31, as claimed in claim 27 pair of concentric knob, wherein, one group of menu option that is shown on the display of described first knob controlling.

32, as claimed in claim 27 pair of concentric knob, wherein, one group of menu option that is shown on the display of described second knob controlling.

33, as claimed in claim 27 pair of concentric knob, wherein, at least one of this first and second knob comprises a plurality of position locations.

34, as claimed in claim 27 pair of concentric knob also comprises the elastic component that is meshed with the indenture of at least one knob in described first knob and described second knob.

35, as claimed in claim 34 pair of concentric knob, wherein, described elastic component has the bossing of at least one and described indenture engagement.

36, as claimed in claim 34 pair of concentric knob, wherein, described elastic component comprises first bossing and second bossing, they through the location with respectively with described first and described second knob in first and second indentures be meshed.

37, as claimed in claim 34 pair of concentric knob, wherein, the shape that is configured as encircling of described elastic component.

38, as claimed in claim 27 pair of concentric knob, wherein, first group of menu option of described first knob controlling, second group of menu option of described second knob controlling, described second group of menu option is associated with described first group of menu option.

39, a kind of method that changes the output of entertainment systems display, this method comprises:

On described display, show first output;

Detect the hand of placing near described display; And

Near the detected hand that is positioned over the described display is made response, thereby the first shown output transform is become second output.

40, method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said method is carried out in vehicle.

41, method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said detection step also comprises the steps:

On the direction of user's hand, transmit;

The signal of being launched that detection reflects from user's hand, and

Detected signal is provided to controller, thus wherein said controller according to detected signal carry out work judge hand whether be placed on described display near.

42, method as claimed in claim 41, wherein, the type that is transmitted is selected from following type: infrared, ultrasound wave, light and capacitive character.

43, method as claimed in claim 39, wherein, described second output comprises at least one menu option.

44, method as claimed in claim 39 wherein, is compared with described first output, and the quantity of information that described second output comprises increases to some extent.

45, method as claimed in claim 39, wherein, described second output comprises at least one that select from following group, this group comprises: the scope of AM wireless station scope, FM wireless station scope, satellite radio station scope, wireless station's tuned frequency, the scope of radio station call sign, musical theme, music assorting, programmable button label, volume/quiet indicator, silent icon, program indicator, one group of working time of presetting label, current track display, optical disc name, track number and current track.

46, method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said first output comprises at least one that select from following group, described group comprises: the theme of current playing media, list scrolling bar and volume scroll bar.

47, method as claimed in claim 39, at least one of wherein said first output and described second output comprises at least one that selects from following group, described group comprises: artist, theme, radio station, classification, kind, source and pattern.

48, method as claimed in claim 39, wherein, described detection step also comprises the position of detecting the close controller of hand, described controller is positioned near the described display.

49, method as claimed in claim 39, wherein, the conversion of described step comprises that near the hand to being placed on the described controller detects, thereby changes the output of described display.

50, method as claimed in claim 39 also is included in after near the hand that is positioned over the described display removes and experience predetermined amount of time, shows described first output.

51, method as claimed in claim 39, wherein, the step that shows described first output comprises that demonstration and described second output compares the content that quantity of information reduces.

52, method as claimed in claim 51, wherein, the content that described quantity of information reduces comprises optical disc name, theme/track name and working time.

53, method as claimed in claim 51, wherein, the content that described quantity of information reduces comprises the item that at least one is selected from following group, described group comprises: volume indicator and progress indicator.

54, method as claimed in claim 53, wherein, at least one in described volume indicator and the described progress indicator is semicircle shape.

55, a kind of method that changes display output in the vehicle, this method comprises:

On described display, show first output;

Use detecting device to detect and be placed near the hand of described display; And

Near the detected hand that is positioned over the described display is made response, thereby the first shown output transform is become second output.

56, method as claimed in claim 55, wherein, described detection step also comprises:

The variation that occurs in the signal of detection by described hand reflection; And

Variation in the described signal is handled, thus determine described hand whether be positioned over described display near.

57, method as claimed in claim 56, wherein, detect the step that changes from the next signal of described hand reflection and also comprise:

Send signal to described hand; And

The signal of being launched that detection comes from described hand reflection.

58, a kind of method that in entertainment systems, shows instructive information automatically, this method comprises:

Detecting with respect to the pre-position of controller whether the hand existence is arranged; And

Response is made in existence to detected hand, thereby shows the instructive information relevant with described controller.

59, method as claimed in claim 58, wherein, described method is carried out in vehicle.

60, method as claimed in claim 58, also be included in predetermined amount of time after, stop the step of the demonstration of described instructive information.

61, method as claimed in claim 58, wherein, the step that shows described instructive information comprises the step of the title identifier that shows described controller.

62, a kind of method that in vehicle, shows instructive information automatically, this method comprises:

In the existence that detects hand with respect to the pre-position of controller; And

Response is made in existence to detected hand, thereby shows the instructive information relevant with described controller.

63, a kind of position and method of connecting of the position of display with user's hand comprises the steps:

Whether detect hand near primary importance;

The detected hand that is in described primary importance is made response, thereby show first output;

Whether detect hand near the second place; And

The detected hand that is in the described second place is made response, thereby show second output, wherein, at least a portion of described second output is different with described first output.

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