Extending the Functionality of a Mobile Device
AssigneeAT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
InventorBarrett Kreiner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for extending the functionality of a mobile device by including a cover for the mobile device with a substantial portion of the exterior overlaid with a touch-sensitive surface. Logic stored on the cover senses a user's touch on the touch-sensitive surface and transmits the touch input to the coupled mobile device. Logic stored on the coupled mobile device may receive and interpret the touch input as a function or command of an operating system, or a function or command of a program within the operating system of the mobile device.
Claims20
A mobile device comprising:
- a processor;
- and
- a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising
- receiving a first touch input from a cover of the mobile device, the cover comprising a touch-sensitive surface;
- calibrating, based on the first touch input, the touch-sensitive surface;
- receiving a second touch input from the cover of the mobile device;
- and
- associating the second touch input with a function usable by an operating system of the mobile device.
A cover comprising:
- a touch-sensitive surface overlaying a portion of an exterior of the cover;
- a processor;
- and
- a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising
- sensing a touch input from the touch-sensitive surface, the cover associated with a mobile device;
- correcting an error associated with the touch input, the error based on a gap in the touch-sensitive surface;
- and
- transmitting the touch input to the mobile device, wherein the mobile device receives and associates the touch input with a function usable by an operating system.
A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a cover comprising a touch-sensitive surface overlaying a portion of an exterior of the cover, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
- sensing a touch input from the touch-sensitive surface, the cover associated with a mobile device;
- transmitting the touch input to the mobile device, wherein the touch input is transmitted wirelessly to the mobile device;
- and
- correcting an error associated with the touch input, the error based on a gap in the touch-sensitive surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.