Method and apparatus for initiating one-dimensional signals with a two-dimensional pointing device
AssigneeSynaptics Incorporated
InventorPaul J. AUSBECK, JR.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Scrolling or other user interface functions are provided in response to two-dimensional inputs produced by a touchpad or other input device. The user initially touches the touch sensor in an area near a periphery of the touch sensor and moves his or her finger along the periphery of the device, and then provides a subsequent motion of the finger across the touch sensor in a direction that departs from the periphery. The amount of scrolling produced on the computing system may be determined as a function of a distance moved by the user's finger.
Claims20
A method for indicating a scrolling function for a computing system with a touch sensor having a periphery, the method comprising the steps of:
- detecting an initial approach to said touch sensor in an area proximate to the periphery and a first movement along at least a portion of said touch sensor in a direction substantially parallel to the periphery;
- and
- directing an amount of scrolling on the computing system in response to subsequent movement for a distance across said touch sensor in a direction that departs from the periphery, wherein the amount of scrolling is determined as a function of the distance.
A method for providing a scrolling function on a computing system in response to movement of a user's finger on a touch sensor, the method comprising the steps of:
- initially touching said touch sensor in an area near a periphery of the touch sensor;
- moving the user's finger along the periphery of said touch sensor;
- providing a subsequent motion of the finger across said touch sensor in a direction that departs from the periphery, wherein the amount of scrolling produced on the computing system is determined as a function of a distance moved by the user's finger.
A device for providing a set of one-dimensional inputs for a computing system in response to a two-dimensional input path, the device comprising:
- a touch sensor having a periphery and a first area proximate to the periphery, wherein the touch sensor is configured to provide a set of two-dimensional inputs;
- and
- a processor configured to receive the set of two dimensional inputs and to service a first user interface related function of the computing system responsive to detecting an initial approach to and initial movement within the first area proximate to the periphery of the sensing region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.