as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2001/0043189 Al
`
` BRISEBOISetal. (43) Pub. Date: Nov.22, 2001
`
`
`US 20010043189A1
`
`(54) ACTIVE EDGE USER INTERFACE
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/097,150
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: MICHEL A. BRISEBOIS,
`WAKEFIELD (CA); LAURA
`MAHAN, KANATA (CA); MARILYN
`FRENCH-ST. GEORGE, ALCOVER
`(CA); FREDERIC F. TRASMUNDL,
`OTTAWA(CA); JOBE L. W.
`ROBERTS, WAKEFIELD (CA)
`Correspondence Address:
`FINNEGAN HENDERSON FARABOW
`GARRETT & DUNNER
`1300 I STREET NW
`WASHINGTON, DC 200053315
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`This is a publication of a continued pros-
`ecution application (CPA) filed under 37
`CFR 1.53(d).
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 12, 1998
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Tint. C7 eeeeeeccceccceeeeeeseeenneeeeceesnnesecenneeeee G09G 5/00
`(SV)
`(52) U.S. C1. eee ecssseseecsecnecneeeneess 345/156; 345/173
`
`(67)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An active edge user interface includes dynamically config-
`urable flexible touch areas positioned near the perimeter of
`a display to support interactive communication between a
`user and a user environment for flexible active touch areas
`surrounding a display. The interface allows for multiple
`levels of sensitivity, texture, key travel, and varying widths
`of active touch areas based on the user environment.
`
`
`
`440
`
`25°
`
`Zoe
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1033
`
`APPLE 1033
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 22,2001 Sheet 1 of 6
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
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`100
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` DISPLAY
`
`110
`
`120
`
`
`
`:
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`FIG. 1
`
`|
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`_M
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`ORY
`oe
`INTERFACE
`DATA
`SOFTWARE
`STORAGE
`
`|a 140
`MEMO
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`
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`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 22,2001 Sheet 2 of 6
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
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`
`
`FIG. 2a
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 22, 2001 Sheet 3 of 6
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
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`EVERUSSRLTURESresNEa PSOE
`
`tohtePESeeAélShensaeee
`
`FIG. 3a
`
`
`
`4
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 22,2001 Sheet 4 of 6
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
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`430
`
`clothing
`
`430
`
`Clothing
`shirts
`
`
`
`;
`
`|
`|
`
`420
`
`420
`
`
`
`
`
`400
`
`/-
`
`shoes
`socks
`ties
`
`pants
`jackets
`scarfs
`hats
`
`FIG. 4a
`
`400
`
`/
`
`shoes
`socks
`ties
`pants
`jackets
`scarfs
`hats
`
`FIG. 4b
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 22, 2001 Sheet 5 of 6
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
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`6
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 22, 2001 Sheet 6 of 6
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
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`GENERATING AN IMAGE ONA DISPLAYIN
`RESPONSE TO A TOUCH OR PRESSURE ON A
`PREDETERMINED AREAOFAN INPUT DEVICE
`ADJACENT THE DISPLAY
`
`
`INPUT DEVICE
`
`IMPLEMENTING A FUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH
`THE IMAGE WHEN A GREATER PRESSURE IS
`APPLIED TO THE PREDETERMINED AREA OF THE
`
`oe
`
`2°
`
`FIG. 6
`
`7
`
`

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`US 2001/0043189 Al
`
`Nov. 22, 2001
`
`ACTIVE EDGE USER INTERFACE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates generally to interface
`devices, and more particularly to a user interface device that
`includes dynamically configurable flexible touch areas
`located near the perimeter of a display to support interactive
`communication between a user and a user environment.
`
`[0002] There is always a need for user interface devices
`that simplify human interaction with computers. Current
`user interface devices include the keyboard, mouse, and
`touch-screen systems. Each of these user interface devices
`offer varying functionality in a desktop environment.
`
`[0003] The keyboard allows a user to enter text and
`symbol
`information into a computer, and provides pre-
`defined keys for executing specific functions (e.g., “save”
`and “exit” functions). The introduction of the windows-
`based operating system exposed the limitations of the key-
`board, which often required a user to perform multiple
`keystrokes to execute simple computer functions. To take
`advantageof the user-friendly, windows-based environment,
`the mouse wascreated to provide “point-and-click” func-
`tionality. This user interface tool significantly increased the
`efficiency of a computer session regardless of whether a user
`performed simple word processing or engaged in complex
`computer-generated graphic designs. For example, selecting
`and opening a word processing file typically required three
`or more keystrokes with a keyboard. However, with a
`mouse, the user can simply point to the file on the desktop
`or in a pull down menuand click on the file to open it.
`
`[0004] Although preferred in a desktop environment, key-
`boards and mice are not readily adaptable to smaller com-
`puting devices, such as palm-sized computers, wireless
`communication products, and public kiosks where space is
`at a premium. For these user environments, touch-screen
`systems seem to be the preferred choice of users since they
`do not require physical keys or buttons to enter data into
`each device. By eliminating physical keys, small computing
`device manufacturers can significantly reduce the size and
`weight of the device, characteristics that appeal to consum-
`ers. Moreover, through a touch-screen system, a user can
`interact with a public kiosk using only a display to request
`and retrieve information. Touch-screen systems typically
`include a touch-responsive medium that senses a human
`touch on a particularly area of the display and software to
`implement a function associated with the touched area.
`
`[0005] One example of a touch-screen interface is found in
`USS. Pat. No. 5,594,471 to Deeranet al. (the “’471 patent”).
`The °471 patent discloses an industrial computer worksta-
`tion with a display and a touch-screen. The touch-screen
`includes a display touch zone that overlaps the display and
`a border touch zone located outside the display. Portions of
`the display touch zone and the border touch zone are
`programmable as user input areas of the touch-screen and
`are identified to a user via removable templates. Although
`convenient, touch-screen systems such as the touch-screen
`interface of the *471 patent have disadvantages. Removable
`templates on a touch-screen display can be lost, destroyed,
`or misplaced, and when using a finger to select an item on
`a touch-screen, the user’s hand can often block a view of the
`screen. Furthermore, touch-screens quickly become dirty,
`especially when installed in a public kiosk or an industrial
`
`environment, and they do not support key travel—a sliding
`motion across the screen to execute a function (e.g., scroll-
`ing through data) or “two-step” functionality—the ability to
`implement multiple functions from a single predetermined
`area of the user interface device.
`
`[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved
`user interface device that is robust and ergonomically cor-
`rect to create a user-friendly environment that does not
`require physical keys,
`templates, or touching the actual
`display.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0007] Systems and methods consistent with the present
`invention provide a user interface device that
`includes
`dynamically configurable flexible touch areas located near
`the perimeter of a display to support interactive communi-
`cation between a user and a user environment.
`
`[0008] Specifically, a user interface consistent with this
`invention comprises a display; an input device located
`adjacent an edge of the display, and operatively connected to
`the display to respond to a physical contact; and a processor
`for executing user interface software configured to imple-
`ment a function in response to the physical contact on the
`input device.
`
`[0009] A method for implementing a user interface com-
`prises the steps of generating an image on a display in
`response to at least one of a human touch anda first pressure
`on a predetermined area of an input device adjacent the
`display; and implementing a function associated with the
`image when a second pressure is applied to the predeter-
`mined area of the input device.
`
`[0010] Both the foregoing general description and the
`following detailed description are exemplary and explana-
`tory and are intended to provide further explanation of the
`invention as claimed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo-
`rated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate
`presently preferred embodiments of the invention and,
`together with the preceding general description and the
`following detailed description, explain the principles of the
`invention.
`
`[0012]
`
`In the drawings:
`
`[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an active edge user interface
`consistent with the present invention;
`
`FIG.2aillustrates a cross-sectional view of a user
`[0014]
`input device at rest consistent with the present invention;
`
`[0015] FIG. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
`user input device in FIG. 2a with contact applied;
`
`[0016] FIG. 2c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
`user input device in FIG. 2a with additional contact applied;
`
`a cross-sectional view of
`[0017] FIG. 3a illustrates
`another user input device at rest consistent with of the
`present invention;
`
`[0018] FIG. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
`user input device in FIG. 3a with contact applied;
`8
`
`8
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
`
`Nov. 22, 2001
`
`[0019] FIG. 3c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
`user input device in FIG. 3a with additional contact applied;
`
`[0020] FIG. 4a illustrates the selection of an item illus-
`trated on a display using a user input device consistent with
`the present invention;
`
`FIG.4b illustrates a response to the selection of an
`[0021]
`item illustrated on a display using a user input device
`consistent with the present invention;
`
`[0022] FIG. 5a illustrates an implementation of an active
`edge user interface on a wireless communications device for
`responding to a call consistent with the present invention;
`
`[0023] FIG. 5b illustrates an implementation of an active
`edge user interface on the wireless communications device
`of FIG. 5a for forwarding a call;
`
`[0024] FIG. 5c illustrates an implementation of an active
`edge user interface on the wireless communications device
`of FIG. 5a for locating information in memory;
`
`[0025] FIG. 5d illustrates an implementation of an active
`edge user interface on the wireless communications device
`of FIG. 5a for selecting the name of a person; and
`
`[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for
`implementing an active edge user interface consistent with
`the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0027] Systems and methods consistent with the present
`invention use an active edge user interface positioned near
`the edge of a display that allows a userto interact with a host
`device. The active edge user interface includes a flexible
`input device that extends alongat least one edge of a display
`and responds to touch and pressure to implement one or
`more functions viewable on the display. This design sup-
`ports key travel, programmability, ease-of-use, and adapt-
`ability to a variety of applications and technologies.
`
`wireless communication device, such as a cellular phone, in
`which case display 110 is an LCD display. Although illus-
`trated in FIG. 1 with a square screen, display 110 can be any
`geometrical shape.
`
`[0030] Active edge input device 120 is a user interface
`device positioned adjacent display 110. Active edge input
`device 120 mayactually touch display 110 or lay a prede-
`termined distance away from an edge of display 110. The
`shape of active edge input device 120 may vary depending
`on the user environment. For example, active edge input
`device 120 may be shaped in a mannerthat visibly distin-
`guishes between a highly used area of the device and a lesser
`used area of the device (e.g., the highly used area is wider
`than the lesser used area).
`
`[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, active edge input device
`120 extends around the perimeter of display 110. Neverthe-
`less, active edge input device 120 may be configured to
`extend only along one, two,or three sides of display 110. If
`display 110 has a round geometrical shape, active edge input
`device 120 may form a complete circle around the display or
`only extend around a portion of the display. The position of
`active edge input device 120 relative to display 110 is
`important to provide an ergonomically correct, user-friendly
`interface device. The structure of and method for using
`active edge input device 120 with display 110 is described
`in detail with respect to FIGS. 2-6, respectively.
`
`[0032] Processor 130 is preferably a high-speed processor,
`such as an Intel Pentium® processor, capable of processing
`simple and complex graphic applications. Processor 130
`communicates with display 110 and controls active edge
`user interface 100. Although illustrated as an external unit,
`processor 130 can be integrated into display 110 or located
`in a peripheral device.
`
`[0033] Memory 140 is a random access memory (RAM)
`that communicates with processor 130 to store and retrieve
`data and software. Preferably, memory 140 facilitates high-
`speed access to enhancethe storage andretrieval process. As
`illustrated in FIG. 1, memory 140 includes data storage 150
`and user interface software 160. One skilled in the art will
`
`appreciate that memory 140 can store additional data and
`software not described herein. For example, in a wireless
`communications environment, memory 140 may include
`communications software to support the transfer of voice
`signals to and from a cell site.
`
`FIG.1 illustrates an active edge user interface 100
`[0028]
`consistent with the present
`invention. Active edge user
`interface 100 includes a display 110, active touch input
`device 120, processor 130, and memory 140. These com-
`ponents represent the basic infrastructure of active edge user
`interface 100. One skilled in the art will appreciate that
`active edge interface 100 may include additional compo-
`nents depending on the host device in which it is used. For
`[0034] Data storage 150 is an area of memory 140 that
`example, active edge user interface 100 can be used in a
`stores data. For example, when utilizing active edge input
`wristwatch, which may requirealtering the shape andsize of
`device 120 in a wireless communications device, data stor-
`display 110 and input device 120. In addition, active edge
`age 150 may includealisting of telephone numbersor call
`user interface 100 can be installed in a desktop computer
`information (e.g., number of calls received within a speci-
`which may include additional processors and memory.
`fied time period). Of course, the type of data resident in data
`Active edge user interface 100 is designed as a universal
`storage 150 may change based on the user environment.
`interface that can operate in any graphical user interface
`environment.
`
`[0029] Display 110 is any commercially available display
`that is capable of displaying textual and graphical images.
`Preferably, display 110 is a liquid crystal diode (LCD)
`display, however, the type of display used with active edge
`user interface 100 can depend on the user environment. For
`example, active edge user interface 100 may be used in a
`desktop computer system. In this instance, images can be
`generated on display 110 using a cathode ray tube. Alterna-
`tively, active edge user interface 100 may be used in a
`
`[0035] User interface software 160 is a software program
`resident in memory 140 that implements methodsof active
`edge user interface 100 in accordance with the present
`invention. User interface software 160 is executed by pro-
`cessor 130 to respond to user inputs into active edge input
`device 120. User interface software 160 interprets the user
`inputs
`and implements
`an appropriate
`response. For
`example, if a user wishesto call a friend, the user selects the
`friend’s name from a telephone listing displayed on the
`screen by pressing on active edge input device 120 in a
`9
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`9
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
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`Nov. 22, 2001
`
`predetermined area (e.g., adjacent the friend’s name). In
`response to the selection, user interface software 160 asso-
`ciates the name with a telephone number stored in data
`storage 150 and instructs processor 130 to dial the number.
`User interface software 160 can be configured to operate in
`a variety of user environments such as on a desktop com-
`puter or a public kiosk.
`
`these electrical
`250 which are fixed thereon. Preferably,
`contacts are also composed of carbon and are aligned with
`upper electrical contact 220 and lower electrical contacts
`230, respectively. A gap exists between the electrical con-
`tacts on body surface 260 and the electrical contacts on
`flexible strip 200 while active edge input device 120 is at
`rest.
`
`[0036] FIGS. 2a-2c illustrate cross-sectional views of
`[0042] Cavities 210 are formedin an area offlexible strip
`active edge input device 120 in accordance with a preferred
`200 adjacent each protrusion 208. Preferably, each of cavi-
`embodiment consistent with the present invention. As illus-
`ties 210 is formed in an image of protrusions 208 and
`trated in FIG. 1, active edge input device 120 is a strip of
`extensions 209, but may have any shape. Cavities 210 are
`material that extends along a border of display 110 and is
`designed to collapse when a pressure is applied and return to
`responsive to touch or pressure. Active edge input device
`its original shape when the pressure is released. Thus,
`120 is designed to provide “two-step” functionality. A first
`cavities 210 provide a “soft button” effect when engaged by
`function is implementedat the first step whenafirst pressure
`a user. The deformation of cavities 210 under pressure is
`illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 2c.
`or touchis applied to the inputdevice (e.g., pressure applied
`by a humanfinger). A second function is implemented at the
`second step when a second pressure is applied to the same
`area on the input device (e.g., additional pressure applied by
`a humanfinger in the same location).
`
`FIG.2aillustrates a cross-sectional view of active
`[0037]
`edge input device 120 at rest. Active edge input device 120
`includes a flexible strip 200 positioned adjacent a host
`device body surface 260. Body surface 260 is a surface of a
`host device in which active edge user interface 100 is
`employed. For example, if the active edge user interface 100
`is employedin a wireless communication device, then body
`surface 260 is a surface of the wireless communication
`device body.
`
`[0038] Flexible strip 200 is an elastomerstrip of material
`that includes an upper surface 205, a lower surface 207 and
`one or morecavities 210. Although an elastomer material is
`preferable,
`flexible strip 200 can be composed of any
`resilient material. Preferably, flexible strip 200 is a continu-
`ous strip of material that extends aroundat least one side of
`display 110. However, flexible strip 200 may be sectioned
`(i.e., non-continuous) as appropriate in the user environment
`to satisfy design requirements.
`
`[0039] Upper surface 205 is a surface of flexible strip 200
`that is exposed to a useras illustrated in FIG. 1. Preferably,
`upper surface 205 is smooth, however,
`it may include
`protrusionsor havea distinct texture to allow users to locate
`certain areas on active edge input device 120 by touch alone.
`The smoothness of upper surface 205 allows a user to drag
`their finger or other instrument along flexible strip 200 in a
`sweeping motion. This motion, for example, may be used to
`implement a scrolling function which allows a user to
`quickly view information on display 110.
`
`[0040] Lower surface 207 includes one or more protru-
`sions 208 that extend outward and include extensions 209.
`
`The face of protrusions 208 include upperelectrical contacts
`220 that are fixed thereon. Preferably, these electrical con-
`tacts made from a conductive carbon material and form a
`
`continuousring around extensions 209 asillustrated in FIG.
`2a. Upper electrical contacts 220 can be sectioned into
`distinct units, however, that are spaced around extensions
`209. The face of extensions 209 include lower electrical
`contacts 230 that are fixed thereon. These electrical contacts
`are “puck-shaped” and are preferably formed from a carbon
`material.
`
`[0041] Body surface 260 includes body protrusion elec-
`trical contacts 240 and body extension electrical contacts
`
`[0043] FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view ofa first
`pressure applied to active edge input device 120 consistent
`with a first embodimentof the present invention. This figure
`showsthefirst step of the “two-step” functionality described
`herein. In this instance, a first pressure (e.g., a “touch”) is
`applied to an area 270 of flexible strip 200 which deforms
`upper surface 205 and cavity 210. The pressure forces
`protrusion 208 downward until lower electrical contact 230
`makes contact with body extension electrical contact 250.
`The connection of these two electrical contacts generates a
`signal that is sent to processor 130 for processing. A dis-
`cussion of how processor 130 responds to this connection is
`described with respect to FIGS. 4-6. Pressure on one area of
`flexible strip 200 only affects the componentsdirectly below.
`That is, if pressure is applied to one of three adjacent areas
`on flexible strip 200, only the selected area will respond to
`the pressure as shown in FIG.25.
`
`[0044] FIG. 2c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
`second pressure applied to a user input device consistent
`with a first embodimentof the present invention. This figure
`shows the second step of the “two-step” functionality
`described herein. In this instance, the first pressure shown on
`area 270 is increased to a second pressure (e.g., a “press”)
`until upper electrical contact 220 makes contact with body
`protrusion electrical contact 240. In this position, both lower
`electrical contact 230 and upper electrical contact 220 are
`electrically coupled with the respective body electrical con-
`tacts under area 270. This connection generates a second
`signal to processor 130 which is processed accordingly.
`
`[0045] FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate a cross-sectional view of a
`user input device consistent with a second embodiment of
`the present invention. In this second embodiment, active
`edge input device 120 includes an alternative design for
`entering data into a host device. Although the embodiment
`in FIGS. 2a-2c is preferred, the active edge input device
`illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3c also provides “two-step” func-
`tionality as described herein.
`
`[0046] FIG. 3a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
`second embodimentof active edge input device 120atrest.
`As in the first embodiment, active edge input device 120
`includesa flexible strip 300 positioned adjacent a host body
`surface 350. Body surface 350 is a surface of a host device
`in which active edge user interface 100 is installed. For
`example, if active edge user interface 100 is installed in a
`wireless communication device, then body surface 350 is a
`surface of the wireless communication device.
`
`10
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`US 2001/0043189 Al
`
`Nov. 22, 2001
`
`[0047] Flexible strip 300 is an elastomerstrip of material
`that includes an upper surface 305, a lower surface 307, and
`one or more cavities 320. Although elastomeris preferable,
`flexible strip 300 can be composed of any resilient material.
`Preferably, flexible strip 300 is a continuousstrip of material
`that extends around at least one side of display 110. How-
`ever, flexible strip 300 may be sectioned (i.e., non-continu-
`ous) as appropriate in the user environmentto satisfy design
`requirements.
`
`[0048] Upper surface 305 is a surface of flexible strip 300
`that is exposed to a useras illustrated in FIG. 1. Preferably,
`upper surface 305 is smooth, however,
`it may include
`protrusions to allow users to locate certain areas on active
`edge input device 120 by touch alone. The smoothness of
`upper surface 305 allows users to drag their finger or other
`instrument along flexible strip 300 in a sweeping motion.
`This motion, for example, may be used to implement a
`scrolling function which allows a user to scroll through
`information on display 110.
`
`[0049] Lower surface 307 includesa resistive plate 310
`that is responsive to a human touch. Preferably, resistive
`plate 310 extends along lower surface 307 as a continuous
`strip of conductive material. However, resistive plate 310
`may have separate and distinct sections that are positioned
`along lower surface 307. Resistive plate 310 may comprise
`resistive material currently used in conventional
`touch-
`screen devices.
`
`[0050] Attached to resistive plate 310 are one or more
`protrusions 308 that extend outward and include extensions
`309. The face of extensions 309 include input device elec-
`trical contacts 330 fixed thereon, as illustrated in FIG.3a.
`These electrical contacts are “puck-shaped” and are formed
`from an electrically conductive material (e.g., carbon).
`
`[0051] Body surface 350 includes body electrical contacts
`340 which are fixed thereon. These electrical contacts are
`also composed of an electrically conductive material (e.g.,
`carbon) and are aligned with input device electrical contacts
`330. A gap exists between the electrical contacts on body
`surface 350 and the electrical contacts on extensions 309
`
`while active edge input device 120 is atrest.
`
`to FIGS. 4-6.
`software 160 is described with respect
`Although FIG.35 illustrates deformation of flexible strip
`300 in the area where a touch is applied, active edge input
`device 120 can be configured to simply sense a human touch
`without requiring the application of pressure to flexible strip
`300. In this instance, resistive plate 310 simply detects the
`presence of a human touch on area 360 and does not require
`any deformation of flexible strip 300.
`[0054] FIG. 3c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
`pressure applied to active edge input device 120 consistent
`with a second embodiment of the present invention. This
`figure shows the secondstep of the “two-step” functionality
`described herein. In this instance,the first pressure shown in
`FIG.35 is increased to a second pressure (e.g., a “press’”’) on
`area 370 of flexible strip 300 until input device electrical
`contact 330 makes contact with body electrical contact 340.
`The second pressure deforms flexible strip 300 including
`resistive plate 310 and cavity 320. The connection of the
`electrical contacts generates a second signal to processor
`130 which is processed accordingly by implementing user
`interface software 160.
`
`[0055] FIGS. 4a-4billustrate the operation of selecting an
`item illustrated on a display using an active edge input
`device consistent with the present invention. Specifically,
`the operation of display 400, active edge input devices 420
`and 430, and user interface software 160 (of FIG. 1) is
`discussed with reference to FIGS. 4a-4b. Active edge input
`devices consistent with the present invention are dynami-
`cally configurable such that different functions can be asso-
`ciated with each selectable area of the input device depend-
`ing on the user environment.
`[0056] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a mode of operation for
`an active edge user interface consistent with the present
`invention. The user environment illustrated in these figures
`includes a notebook computer with an active edge user
`interface. The notebook computerincludes a display 400 and
`active edge input devices 420 and 430 located on the right
`andleft sides of display 400, respectively. Active edge input
`devices 420 and 430 may include the design of FIGS. 2a-2c
`or 3a-3c. In either case, the user can enter information into
`the notebook computer using active edge input devices 420
`and 430.
`
`[0052] Cavities 320 are formed in an area offlexible strip
`Initially, information stored in data storage 150 or
`[0057]
`300 adjacent each protrusion 308. Preferably, each of cavi-
`a peripheral device is generated on display 400. As shown in
`ties 320 are formed in an image of protrusions 308 and
`FIG.4a, this information relates to fashion and includes a
`extensions 309, asillustrated in FIG. 3a, but may have any
`main category “clothing” displayed on the left side of
`shape. Cavities 320 are designed to collapse when a pressure
`display 400 and a plurality of sub-categories including
`is applied and returnto its original shape whenthe pressure
`“shoes, socks, shirts, pants, jackets, scarfs, and hats” dis-
`is released. Thus, cavities 320 provide a “soft button” effect
`played on the right side of display 400. In operation, a user
`whenapressure is applied thereto by a user. The deforma-
`can touch or press an area of active edge input device 420
`tion of cavities 320 underpressure is illustrated in FIGS. 35
`to highlight a sub-category adjacent thereto. In addition,
`and 3c.
`users can drag their finger down or up active edge user input
`device 420 to scroll through the sub-categories. As illus-
`trated in FIG.4a, the sub-category “shirts” is highlighted as
`a result of a touch or press on an adjacent area of active edge
`input device 420. A sub-category, or any data displayed and
`selected using embodiments consistent with the present
`invention, can by highlighted in many different ways. For
`example, the selected data can change colors, expand, con-
`tract, flash, or be affected in any mannerthat indicates it has
`been selected by a user via active edge input device 420.
`[0058] The touch or press on active edge input device 420
`corresponding to the selection of the “shirts” sub-category
`11
`
`[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
`touch applied to active edge input device 120 consistent with
`a second embodimentof the present invention. This figure
`showsthefirst step of the “two-step” functionality described
`herein. In this instance, a voltage is applied to resistive plate
`310 during operation of the host device. When a human
`touches upper surface 305 offlexible strip 300 (e.g., on area
`360), a change in voltage is detected and a first signal is
`generated. Processor 130 receives the first signal and
`responds by implementing user interface software 160. A
`discussion of how processor 130 implements user interface
`
`11
`
`

`

`US 2001/0043189 Al
`
`Nov. 22, 2001
`
`sends a first signal to processor 130 which processes the
`signal using user interface software 160. User interface
`software 160 interprets the signal as a selection of the
`“shirts” category based on the screen location of the cur-
`rently display data and the selected area on active edge input
`device 420. Since the touch or press only implements the
`first step of the “two-step” functionality described herein,
`the “shirts” category is simply highlighted for the user.
`
`[0059] Once the sub-category is highlighted, the user has
`the option of accepting the selected category or moving to
`another displayed category. The latter option highlights a
`newly selected sub-category in a manner similar to the
`highlighted “shirts” sub-category. If the user chooses to
`accept the “shirts” sub-category, they simply increase the
`pressure on active edge input device 420 until the electrical
`contacts of active edge input device 420 contact the elec-
`trical contacts connected to a surface of the host device. This
`operation implements the second step of “two-step” func-
`tionality described herein. At this point, a second signal is
`sent to processor 130 indicating that the selection is accepted
`and the “shirts” sub-category movesto the left side of the
`screen under the “clothing” category, as illustrated in FIG.
`4b. User interface software 160 then implements the func-
`tion associated with the user selection that, in this example,
`is updating the category listing with “shirts.”
`
`[0060] The function implemented by user interface soft-
`ware 160 will change depending on the user environment.
`For example, the display may show an “Announce”function
`that, when selected, announces predetermined information
`to specified subscribers over a wireless or wireline commu-
`nication channel. The “Announce” function may allow the
`user to select the priority of the announcementby displaying
`priority selections adjacent an active edge input device (e.g.,
`gold priority for urgent, silver priority for semi-urgent, and
`bronze for not urgent). Using the active edge input device,
`the user can scroll through the displayed priority categories
`and select the desired priority using the “two-step” func-
`tionality described herein. Another example of this feature is
`discussed with reference to FIGS. 5a-5d.
`
`If the “Ans” function parameter is selected, wireless com-
`munications device 500 connects the call. If the “Fwd”
`
`function parameter is selected, the user has the option of
`forwarding the call
`to “VMail” (i.e., voicemail) or
`to
`“Home” (i.e., to telephone number “763-5463”) as illus-
`trated in FIG. 5b. The user can move between each dis-
`
`played option, for example, by dragging a finger along the
`left or right side surface of active edge input device 520. One
`skilled in the art will appreciate that active edge user
`interface may be configured such that the user can only use
`one side of active edge input device to select between the
`options on display 510.
`
`[0063] When the user is touching or slightly pressing on
`an area of active edge input device 520 adjacent a desired
`option, the option is highlighted, as shown in FIG. 5b. The
`touching or slight pre