Navigational tool with drag-based tactile feedback on a handheld wireless communication device
AssigneeResearch In Motion Limited
InventorsRobert J. LOWLES, Jason T. GRIFFIN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A wireless handheld communication device features a rotational navigation tool assembly such as a trackball or a thumbwheel. The rotational navigation tool assembly provides a user with tactile feedback corresponding to motion of a selection or position indicator on the device display. The tactile feedback is electromagnetically induced and may, for example, be considered an electromagnetic detent.
Claims37
A rotational navigation tool assembly adapted for use in a handheld electronic device to control the motion of a selection or position indicator on a display of the handheld device, the navigation tool assembly comprising:
- a rotational member supported for rotation about a first axis;
- a sensor which senses rotation of said rotational member about said first axis;
- and
- a first drag-inducing member in signal communication with said sensor and which, when activated in response to sensed rotation of said rotational member about said first axis, induces rotational drag on said rotational member to restrict rotation of said rotational member about said first axis.
A handheld electronic device configured to send and receive text messages, said device comprising:
- a hand cradleable body configured to be held in one hand by a user of said device;
- a display located on a front face of said body and upon which graphical user interface information is displayed to the user of the device;
- a key field located on the front face of said body, said key field being composed of a plurality of keys selected from a plurality of alphanumeric input keys and at least one menu key;
- a rotational navigation tool assembly including a sensor and used to control the motion of a selection or position indicator on said display, said rotational navigation tool assembly being adapted to electromagnetically provide to the user tactile feedback associated with movement of said selection or position indicator on said display;
- and
- a microprocessor adapted to receive user commands from said alphanumeric input keys, said menu key, and said rotational navigation tool assembly and to effect corresponding changes to said display, said microprocessor further adapted to control the electromagnetic provision of said tactile feedback to the user by said rotational navigation tool assembly.
A handheld electronic device configured to send and receive text messages, said device comprising:
- a hand cradleable body configured to be held in one hand by a user of said device;
- a display located on a front face of said body and upon which graphical user interface information is displayed to the user of the device;
- a key field located on the front face of said body, said key field being composed of a plurality of keys selected from a plurality of alphanumeric input keys and at least one menu key;
- a rotational navigation tool assembly including a sensor and used to control the motion of a selection or position indicator on said display, said rotational navigation tool assembly being adapted to electromechanically provide to the user tactile feedback associated with movement of said selection or position indicator on said display;
- and
- a microprocessor adapted to receive user commands from said alphanumeric input keys, said menu key, and said rotational navigation tool assembly and to effect corresponding changes to said display, said microprocessor further adapted to control the electromechanical provision of said tactile feedback to the user by said rotational navigation tool assembly.
The communication device of 34, further comprising a piezoelectric member configured and disposed to provide said electromechanically induced restriction to rotation upon activation thereof.
The communication device of 34, wherein said alphanumeric input keys comprising a plurality of alphabetic keys having letters associated therewith arranged in a QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK arrangement
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.