Part 1: Apple files ‘proximity detector in handheld device’ patent application

Posted by Dennis Sellers Jul 20, 2006 at 11:26am

On July 20, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple’s patent application titled “Proximity detector in handheld device,” originally filed in September 2005. Apple’s patent relates generally to I/O platforms including proximity detection as a means for providing inputs. More particularly, the invention relates to improved methods and devices for operating a portable electronic device that utilizes proximity detection.

Abstract

Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.

Summary

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to an I/O platform. The I/O platform includes an I/O surface having one or more I/O devices selected from input device and output devices. The I/O platform also includes a proximity detection system configured to detect when a finger is in close proximity to but not contacting the I/O surface.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable computing device. The portable computing device includes a housing. The portable computing device also includes a user interface including one or more I/O devices, each of which is positioned at a surface of the housing. The portable computing device further includes a proximity detection system configured to detect when an object is in close proximity but not touching the periphery of the portable computing device.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable computing device. The portable computing device includes a display configured to display a graphical user interface. The portable computing device also includes an input means configured to provide inputs to the portable computing device. The portable computing device further includes a proximity detector configured to detect objects in space above the display device. The portable computing device additionally includes a processor operatively coupled to the display device, input means and the proximity detector. The processor instructs the display device to display one or more GUI elements in response to detected object, and perform actions associated with the GUI element when an input is made at the GUI element via the input means.

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a proximity based method implemented on an electronic device. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method performed on a user operated electronic device having a display and a proximity detector. The method includes determining if an object is detected in space above electronic device. The method also includes monitoring and analyzing the current operating conditions when an object is detected. The method further includes activating a first GUI element for a first set of operating conditions. The method additionally includes activating a second GUI element for a second set of operating conditions.

The I/O platform

Patent application FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an I/O platform 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The I/O platform 10 may be embodied as a peripheral stand alone device or it may be integrated into an electronic system or device. In either case, the I/O platform 10 is configured to control inputs and/or outputs associated with the host system or device.

Examples of peripheral stand alone devices include mice, keyboards, joysticks, remote controls, etc.
Examples of electronic devices include any consumer related electronic device such as computers, media players, telephones, etc.

The I/O platform 10 includes an I/O surface 12 having one or more input and/or output devices 14.

The input devices 14A may for example be selected from buttons, switches, dials, sliders, keys or keypads, navigation pads, touch pads, touch screens, and the like.

The output devices 14B may for example be selected from displays (e.g., LCD, CRT), speakers (or speaker jacks), indicators, and the like. The I/O devices 14 can be used solely or in any combination with other I/O devices 14 to form the desired I/O platform 10.

Proximity detection system

The I/O platform 10 also includes a proximity detection system 16 configured to detect when a finger (or stylus) is in close proximity to (but not in contact with) the I/O surface 12. The proximity detection system 16 may also detect location (e.g., x, y, z), direction, speed, orientation (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw), etc. of the finger relative to the I/O surface 12. Generally speaking, the proximity detection system 16 provides additional inputs to the I/O platform 10 when the a finger is placed above the I/O surface 12 as for example when a finger is moving directly towards the I/O surface 12, hovering just over the I/O surface 12 or possibly moving about but above the I/O surface 12. The input signals can be used to initiate commands, make selections, and even control motion in a display (e.g., tracking). In some cases, the inputs provided by the proximity detection system 16 may even be used in conjunction with other inputs (provided by other input devices) to create new inputs, which have different meaning than when the two inputs are used by themselves. For example, when using a touch sensing device along with a proximity detection system, advanced gestures may be performed that combine proximity gestures along with touch gestures.

The proximity detection system 16 may be widely varied. For example, it may be based on sensing technologies including capacitive, electric field, inductive, hall effect, reed, eddy current, magneto resistive, optical shadow, optical visual light, optical IR, optical color recognition, ultrasonic, acoustic emission, radar, heat, sonar, conductive or resistive and the like. A few of these technologies will now be briefly described.

Capacitive proximity systems use capacitive sensing nodes to detect changes in capacitance above the I/O surface. Objects such as a finger affect the capacitance in a non trivial manner and therefore the changes can be used to determine whether the finger is present above the I/O surface.

Infrared proximity systems send out pulses of infrared light, and detect reflections of that light from nearby objects. The light may for example be reflected off of a finger located in front of the pulsed light. If the system detects reflected light, then an object is assumed to be present. If the system does not detect reflected light, then it is assumed that there is no object present. The light may be focused to a particular distance above the I/O surface.

Optical Shadow proximity systems use photodetectors or similar device to detect changes in light intensity. If the intensity is reduced, it can be assumed that this was caused by the presence of an object forming a shadow over the photodetector.

Ultrasonic proximity systems provide ultrasonic pulses of sound, and measures the length of time it takes for those pulses to hit nearby objects and return as echoes. The greater the time, the further the object.

In most cases, the proximity detection system 16 includes one or more proximity sensors 18 that generate one or more sensing fields 19 above the I/O surface 12 and that in conjunction with a controller 20 produce signals when an object disturbs or intercepts the sensing field(s). Each sensing field typically generates its own signals when disturbed. In one embodiment, a single sensing field is used to cover the entire I/O surface. In another embodiment, a single sensing field only covers a portion of the I/O surface. For example, it can be configured to cover or surround a particular I/O device or a group of I/O devices. In another embodiment, multiple sensing fields are used to cover the entire I/O surface. For example a first sensing field may be configured to cover a first I/O device or a first group of I/O devices and a second sensing field may be configured to cover a second I/O device or a second group of I/O devices. Any number of sensing fields may be used. In some cases, in order to perform tracking, the sensing fields may even be distributed as a pixilated array of nodes. In yet another embodiment, multiple sensing fields are used to only cover a portion of the I/O surface. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing fields may be configured to cover areas that do not include I/O devices as for example housing components that support the I/O platform 10.

Although the I/O surface 12 can be widely varied, several embodiments will now be discussed. It should be appreciated that these embodiments are not limitations and that they serve as examples to the infinite number of combinations that can be created when designing an I/O surface 12.

In one embodiment, the I/O surface 12 includes an output device in the form of a display and input devices in the form of a touchpad and one or more buttons. By way of example, the display may be situated in an upper region of the I/O surface, and the touch pad and buttons may be situated in a lower region of the I/O surface just below the display. Any or all of these devices may include an all encompassing or regional sensing field 19 disposed around and/or above the devices. This type of I/O surface can typically be found on media players such as the ipod music players manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif.

For a PDA

In another embodiment, the I/O surface 12 includes an enlarged touch screen display, a navigation pad, and one or more buttons. By way of example, the enlarged display may be situated in an upper/middle region of the I/O surface 12, and the navigation pad and buttons may be situated in a lower region of the I/O surface 12 just below the display. Any or all of these devices may include an all encompassing or regional sensing field 19 disposed around and/or above the devices. This type of I/O surface can typically be found on personal digital assistants (PDAs).

For a cellular phone

In another embodiment, the I/O surface 12 includes a small display, navigation pad and a keypad. By way of example, the small display may be situated in an upper region of the I/O surface 12, and the navigation pad and keypad may be situated in a lower/middle region of the I/O surface 12 just below the display. Any or all of these devices may include an all encompassing or regional sensing field 19 disposed around and/or above the devices. This type of I/O surface can typically be found on cellular phones.

For multifunctional handheld devices

In another embodiment, the I/O surface 12 only includes a touch screen display. That is, the entire I/O surface 12 is covered with a display with a touch screen disposed over the display. This type of I/O surface 12 can be found in multifunctional handheld devices where the display covers an entire side of the device. Any or all of these devices may include an all encompassing or regional sensing field 19 disposed around and/or above the devices. An example of a multifunctional device can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/658,777, which is herein incorporated by reference.

For peripherals

In another embodiment, the I/O platform 12 is a peripheral stand alone input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The I/O surface 12 of the keyboard includes a plurality of alphanumeric keys. The I/O surface 12 of the mouse includes one or more buttons and possibly a scroll wheel. Any or all of these devices may include an all encompassing or regional sensing field 19 disposed around and/or above the devices.

In another embodiment, the I/O platform 12 is a peripheral stand-alone input output device such as a monitor that includes a touch screen display. Any or all of these devices may include an all encompassing or regional sensing field 19 disposed around and/or above the devices.

In another embodiment, the I/O platform 12 is a wireless peripheral stand alone input device such as a remote control. Remote controls typically include a plurality of buttons and keys and may include a display. Any or all of these devices may include an all encompassing or regional sensing field disposed around and/or above the devices.

I/R sensing circuit

Patent application FIG. 2 is a diagram of an I/O platform 30, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The I/O platform 30 includes an I/O surface 32 including any number of I/O devices 34 in any number of combinations. The I/O platform 30 also includes an IR sensing circuit 36 for detecting the presence of an object 38 in close proximity but spaced apart from the I/O surface 32 (non contact). The IR sensing circuit 36 works by sending pulses of light, and detecting the light when it reflects off of the object 38 above the I/O surface 32. The IR sensing circuit 36 includes an emitter 40 (light source) and a detector 42. The emitter 40 generates light in the infrared bands. The emitter 40 may for example be an LED or laser diode. The detector 42, on the other hand, is configured to detect changes in light intensity. This is generally accomplished by mechanisms capable of varying electrically as a function of light intensity. The detector 42 may for example be a phototransistor.

During operation, the light from the emitter 40 hits the object 38 and scatters when a object is present above the I/O surface 32. At least a portion of the scattered light is reflected towards the detector 42. The increase in light intensity is read by the detector 42, and this is interpreted by a controller 44 to mean an object is present. If no object is present, the light is not reflected back towards the detector 42, and this is interpreted by the controller 44 to mean an object is not present.

In one embodiment, the emitter 40 and detector 42 are disposed within a housing 46 and underneath a window 48 of the housing 46. The window may be formed from a translucent or semi translucent material. The window may be the entire surface or it may only be a portion of the housing 46. The emitter 40 and detector 42 may be located at any position within the I/O surface 32. In some cases, the emitter 40 and detector 42 are located at the edge (e.g., bezel), and angled inward towards one another to improve the detection. It should be appreciated, however, that this is not a requirement. For example, they may also be positioned at more central locations and may even be positioned around a particular I/O device. Furthermore, although only one emitter 40 and detector 42 are shown, it should also be appreciated that this is not a limitation and that multiple sets may be used. This may be done to improve detection (e.g., averaging) or to create a multiple sensing fields or nodes. In some cases, an array of emitters and corresponding detector array may be used.

More on captive sensing

Patent application FIG. 3 is a diagram of an I/O platform 50, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The I/O platform 50 includes an I/O surface 52 including any number of I/O devices 54 in any number of combinations. The I/O platform 50 also includes a capacitive sensing circuit 56 for detecting the presence of an object 58 in close proximity but spaced apart from the I/O surface 52 (non contact). The capacitive sensing circuit 56 works by detecting changes in capacitance in an area 60 above the I/O surface 52. As should be appreciated, when an object (e.g., finger) is placed in the sensing area 60, the value of the capacitance changes due to the fact that the finger has different dielectric properties than air. Any changes can therefore be used to determine the presence of the object 58 above the I/O surface 52.

The capacitive sensing circuit 56 may include one or more capacitive sensing nodes 62. The nodes 62 may be positioned within, around and/or underneath the I/O devices 54 supported by the I/O surface 52.

The capacitive sensing nodes may be widely varied. For example, they may be based on self capacitance or mutual capacitance. In self capacitance, each of the nodes 62 typically consist of a conductive electrode. In mutual capacitance, each of the nodes 62 typically consists of conductive wires lying crosswise relative to each other (the point where the wires cross is considered the node). In either case, the conductive element may be integrally formed into the housing walls 64 of the I/O platform 50 or they may be located behind the housing walls 64 of the I/O platform 50. The housing wall 64 may for example be the housing wall that supports the I/O surface 52. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive elements may be integrated within the I/O devices themselves. Furthermore, they are typically coupled to a controller 66 that monitors the capacitance changes at each conductive element. By detecting changes in capacitance at each of the conductive elements, the microcontroller 66 can determine the presence of a object 58 or lack thereof above the I/O surface 52.

In one embodiment, a single node may be configured to cover the entire I/O surface. For example, in the case of self capacitance, a single electrode may be spread across the entire I/O surface.

In another embodiment, a single node is configured to cover some sub region of the I/O surface. In one implementation of this embodiment, for example, a single node may be configured to cover all the areas of the housing wall 64 that surround the various I/O devices 54. In another implementation, a single node is configured to cover all the areas underneath the various I/O devices 54. In another implementation, a single node may be positioned at one or more of the I/O devices 54 rather than the entire set of I/O devices. These nodes may be positioned around and/or underneath the I/O devices 54. In another implementation, a single node may be positioned around the edge of the I/O surface 52 (e.g., bezel).

In another embodiment, multiple nodes may be configured to cover the entire I/O surface 52. By way of example, the multiple nodes may be laid out in a pixilated array of sensing nodes. For example, in the case of mutual capacitance, the wires may be formed as a grid with a plurality of sensing nodes.

In another embodiment, multiple nodes may be configured to cover some sub regions of the I/O surface 52. In one implementation, for example, a multiple nodes may be configured to cover all the areas that surround the various I/O devices 54. In another implementation, multiple nodes are configured to cover all the areas underneath the various I/O devices 54. In another implementation, multiple nodes may be positioned at one or more of the I/O devices 54 rather than the entire set of I/O devices 54. These nodes may be positioned around and/or underneath the I/O devices 54. In another implementation, multiple nodes may be positioned around the edge of the I/O surface 52 (e.g., bezel).

The proximity based capacitive sensing circuit may be configured to work similarly to a touch based capacitive sensing circuit, and in some cases the circuits may be one and the same. For example, using a smart controller, a touch based device may be configured to sense objects that are not touching but in close proximity to the touch surface. Typically, the capacitance increases as a finger approaches the touch surface, and further increases as the finger presses on the touch surface.

For more on this patent see Part 2

Notice

Macsimum News presents only a brief summary of patents with associated graphic(s) for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application and/or grant is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent applications and/or grants should be read in its entirety for further details.

The inventors listed on patent application number 20060161871 are Steven P. Hotelling, Robert Duncan Kerr, Bas Ording, Jonathan P. Ive, Peter J. Kennedy, Anthony M. Fadell and Jeffrey L. Robbin.

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