as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2004/0150631 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Aug. 5, 2004
`
`Fleck et al.
`
`US 20040150631A1
`
`(54) METHOD OF TRIGGERING FUNCTIONSIN
`A COMPUTER APPLICATION USING A
`DIGITIZER HAVING A STYLUS ANDA
`DIGITIZER SYSTEM
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: David Fleck, Vancouver, WA (US);
`Sadao Yamamoto, Saitama (JP)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Joseph W. Berenato, III
`Suite 240
`
`6550 Rock Spring Dr.
`Bethesda, MD 20817 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/354,982
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 31, 2003
`
`en
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Ute C17 accccecscsssssssssssssesnssnssstsesnen G09G 5/00
`(52) US. Che
`cassssssssstsessssssstsntesnssnststsntnntete 345/179
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A method of triggering functions in a computer application
`comprises the steps of: providing a digitizer having a
`pointing device, wherein the digitizer and pointing device
`are operably associated with a computer having an operating
`system and an application; applying pressureto the digitizer
`with the pointing device; sensing the applied pressure;
`triggcring in the application a first function if the scnsed
`applied pressure exceeds a first pressure threshold; and
`triggering in the application a second function if the sensed
`applied pressure exceeds a second pressure threshold. The
`second pressure threshold is greater than the first pressure
`threshold.
`
`Valve Exhibit 1027
`Valve Exhibit 1027
`Valve v. Immersion
`Valve v. Immersion
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`On
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 5, 2004 Sheet 1 of 4
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`Fig. 1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 5, 2004 Sheet 2 of 4
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`Fig. 2
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`52
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`00
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`100
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`B
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`P
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`A
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`0
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`T
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`Fig. 3
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 5, 2004 Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 2004/0150631 Al
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`Fig. 4
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`Fig. 5
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 5, 2004 Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 2004/0150631 Al
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`Fig. 6
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`15
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`20
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`35
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`45
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`55
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`65
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`US 2004/0150631 Al
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`Aug. 5, 2004
`
`METHOD OF TRIGGERING FUNCTIONS IN A
`COMPUTER APPLICATION USING A DIGITIZER
`HAVING A STYLUS AND A DIGITIZER SYSTEM
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a method oftrig-
`gering functions in a computer application by applying
`pressure to a digitizer using a pointing device, such as a
`stylus or an airbrush. The applied pressure is sensed, and a
`first function is triggered if the sensed applied pressure
`exceeds a first pressure threshold. A second function is
`triggered if the sensed applied pressure exceeds a second
`pressure threshold.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`
`[0002] User interface applications for computer systems
`can receive input from both pointing devices and keyboards.
`Auser may prefer to interact with an application by using a
`pointing device. As commonly knownin the art, a pointing
`device is a tool that lets the user move a pointer around on
`a display. The pointing device also has some means of
`activating a displayed object under the pointer. The pointing
`device allows the user to directly manipulate the displayed
`objects. Rather than entering a keyboard commandfor each
`action, a user can point to an object and directly manipulate
`it using the pointing device. For example, in systems using
`a graphical user interface such as the Windows™ Operating
`System by Microsoft Corporation (“Windows”),
`the user
`mayselect a particular icon displayed on the display with the
`pointing device.
`
`[0003] The most typical pointing device is a mouse. How-
`ever, a digitizer system, a track ball, a joystick, and other
`such tools also work as pointing devices. Objects on the
`display can be manipulated by combining the pointing
`device with its associated buttons, such as mouse buttons.
`Manypointing devices haveat least left and right buttons.
`
`[0004] A user can combine button press and release
`actions along with pointing device movements to activate
`elements of applications and components. Various common
`button actions include: 1) pressing a button without releas-
`ing it (“press”); 2) releasing a button after pressing it
`(“release”); 3) pressing and releasing a button without
`moving the pointer (“click”); 4) pressing a button without
`releasing it and then moving the position of the pointer
`(“drag”); 5) a number of clicks in quick succession (“mul-
`ticlick” and/or “double click”); and 6) a numberofclicks in
`quick succession withouta final release (“multipress”). It is
`understood by those skilled in the art that other button press
`and release actions, in combination with pointer movements,
`activate elements of applications. The “double click” action
`is well knownin the art, and used in computer applications
`using a graphical user interface such as Windows.™
`
`If the pointing device is a mouse, a button press
`[0005]
`may also be described as a “mouse down”action. A button
`release may be described as a “mouse up”action. A double
`click action on the mouse usually requires that the user press
`the button on the top of the mouse twice in quick succession
`without moving the mouse (or pointer on the display). This
`action is relatively easy with the mouse, given the downward
`pressure on the mouse button during the double click tends
`to hold the mouse steady due to friction.
`
`[0006] However, a user may also use a graphics digitizer
`having a pointing device, such as a stylus or an airbrush.
`Various designs for such pointing devices are known in the
`art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,959 to
`Katsurahira et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,438 to Fleck et al., and
`USS. Pat. No. 5,969,296 to Yamamotoetal., the disclosures
`of which are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`[0007] As best shownin FIG.1, a digitizer 10 and a stylus
`12 are operably associated with a computer 14 and a display
`16. The computer 14 has an operating system and an
`application, and an associated pointer 17 is displayed on the
`display. Compared to a mouse,the digitizer 10 and stylus 12
`are better suited for applications such as drawing or photo
`manipulation.It is well knownintheart that the digitizer 10
`usually provides a surface 18 upon whichpressure is applied
`by the pen-shaped stylus 12. Pressure maybe detected either
`by the digitizer 10, the stylus 12, or both.
`
`[0008] The stylus 12 generally comprises an elongated
`pen-shaped body 20 having a tip 22 at one end for contacting
`the surface 18 of the digitizer 10, as best shown in FIG.1.
`Auser may apply pressure, or force, on the surface 18 of the
`digitizer 10 with the tip 22 of the stylus 12. Either the stylus
`12 or the digitizer 10 has a sensor 24 for detecting the
`applied pressure whenthe tip 22 of the stylus 12 contacts the
`surface 18 of the digitizer 10. Preferably, sensor 24 is located
`at the tip 22 of the stylus 12, as best shown in FIG. 1. In
`either case, the sensor 24 may be a mechanical switch, such
`as a domeswitch,or it may be a pressure sensor.If the sensor
`24is located at the tip 22 of the stylus 12, a “press” may be
`activated if the tip 22 depresses into the stylus body 20 when
`the tip 22 is pressed onto the surface 18 of the digitizer 10.
`If the sensor 24 is a pressure sensor, a single click may be
`generated by pressing the tip 22 onto a particular point of the
`surface 18 of the digitizer 10, and thereafter releasing the
`force of the tip 22 from the surface 18. Thus, the single click
`may be easily activated with the digitizer 10 and stylus 12.
`
`In order to activate a double click using the digi-
`[0009]
`tizer 10 and stylus 12,a first click (as described above for a
`‘single click’) must be activated when the pointer 17 on the
`display 16 is positioned at a particular point, followed by a
`second click with the pointer 17 remaining at the same
`particular point on the display 16. Thus,the tip 22 is pressed
`onto the surface 18 of the digitizer 10 at a particular point.
`The user then releases the force of the tip 22 from the surface
`18, and then reapplies force to the surface 18 of the digitizer
`10 with the tip 22 of the stylus 12 at the same particular
`point. Generally, the first and second clicks are in quick
`succession, for example less than 1 second.
`
`[0010] The double click action is much moredifficult with
`a digitizer 10 and stylus 12 as compared to a mouse.
`Generally, the surface area of the stylus tip 22 is relatively
`small, and mayslide fairly easily on the surface 18 of the
`digitizer 10. It is usually advantageous that the stylus 12
`slide across the surface 18, much like a pen across paper,
`given it is often used for drawing applications and the like.
`However,this results in a relatively small amountoffriction
`to hold the tip 22 in place at a particular point on the digitizer
`surface 18 during the double click action. Furthermore,
`many users hold the stylus 12 at an angle relative to the
`digitizer surface 18. When the stylus 12 is held at an angle,
`depression of the tip 22 onto the surface 18 of the digitizer
`10 often causes lateral movementon the surface 18. As such,
`
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`US 2004/0150631 Al
`
`Aug. 5, 2004
`
`the tip 22 may unintentionally slide across the surface 18 of
`the digitizer 10. Further, even if tip 22 remainsstationary,
`the sensor 24 in the stylus body 20 may movelaterally,if tip
`22 includes a spring mechanism allowing movement of
`stylus body 20.
`
`{0011] The priorart fails to disclose a methodfortrigger-
`ing a function, such as a double click action, using a digitizer
`and a pointing device, such as a stylus, which avoids the
`above noted problems. One such attempt requires that the
`stylus tip maintain contact with the digitizer surface for a
`certain amount of time, after which time the function is
`triggered. However,the useris not able to adequately control
`activation of the desired function with such a method, given
`the user may inadvertently maintain contact between the
`pointing device and the digitizer. Furthermore, some appli-
`cations may require continuous contact between the pointing
`device and the digitizer, such as drawing applications. In
`either case, the user must again release and reapply contact
`of the stylus with the digitizer to re-trigger the function.
`Another attempt provides a stylus having mechanical but-
`tons thereon. However,
`such designs do not provide
`adequate control for triggering a function, such as a double
`click, given the user must manipulate the button, which
`affects user control of the stylus, or causes a release in force
`between the stylus and digitizer.
`
`[0012] As such, there is a need for a system and method
`for activating a doubleclick action with a digitizer 10 having
`a stylus 12 that is not prone to the aforesaid problems.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`{0017] FIG.3 isa graph of time versus pressure according
`to the first embodiment of the present invention;
`
`[0018] FIG. 4 isa graph of time versus pressure according
`to a second embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[0019] FIG.5 isa graphof time versus pressure according
`to a fourth embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[0020] FIG.6 isa graphof time versus pressure according
`to fifth embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`{0021] FIG.7 isa graphof time versus pressure according
`to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0022] The disclosed invention involves a methodoftrig-
`gering functions in an application of a computer operating
`system using a digitizer 10 having a pointing device, such as
`a stylus or an airbrush, as best shownin FIG.1. Digitizer 10
`and stylus 12 are operably associated with a computer 14
`and a display 16. Computer 14 has an operating system, such
`as Windows™, and an application, such as AutoCAD,
`Photoshop, etc. Pressure is applied to digitizer 10 with stylus
`12. The applied pressure is sensed with a sensor 24, which
`may be either operably associated with digitizer 10, or
`operably associated with stylus 12.
`
`[0023] Sensor 24 may be any type of sensor, such as a
`variable inductor, a variable capacitor, a variableresistor, a
`magnetsliding past a Hall effect sensor, a piezoelectric force
`sensor, or any other force or pressure sensor as known in the
`[0013] The present invention relates to a method oftrig-
`art. For example, sensor 24 maybe positioned proximate a
`gering functions in a computer application comprising the
`tip 22 of stylus 12, wherein stylus 12 comprises an elongated
`steps of: providing a digitizer having a pointing device,
`pen-shaped body 20 with tip 22 at one end, as best shown in
`wherein the digitizer and pointing device are operably
`FIG. 1. Sensor 24 may also function like a switch, having
`associated with a computer having an operating system and
`an open position and a closed position, whereby tip 22 is
`an application; applying pressure to the digitizer using the
`depressed into body 20, thereby triggering sensor 24. In the
`pointing device; sensing the applied pressure; triggering in
`alternative, digitizer 10 may have a detecting surface 18 that
`the applicationafirst function if the sensed applied pressure
`senses pressure applied by stylus 12.
`exceeds a first pressure threshold; and triggering in the
`application a second function if the sensed applied pressure
`exceeds a second pressure threshold, wherein the second
`pressure threshold is greater than the first pressure threshold.
`
`[0014] The present invention also relates to a digitizer
`system comprising a digitizer operably associated with a
`computer having an operating system and an application. A
`pointing device for applying pressure to the digitizer is
`provided, which is operably associated with the digitizer. A
`sensor operably associated with one of the digitizer and the
`pointing device senses pressure applied to the digitizer by
`the pointing device. If the sensed applied pressure exceeds
`a first pressure threshold, a first function in the application
`is triggered. If the sensed applied pressure exceeds a second
`pressure threshold, a second function in the application is
`triggered. The second pressure threshold is greater than the
`first pressure threshold.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG.1 is a schematic diagram ofa digitizer having
`[0015]
`a pointing device, operably associated with a computer and
`display;
`
`[0016] FIG. 2 is a graph of time versus pressure, withfirst
`and second pressure thresholds thereon;
`
`[0024] While the disclosed invention is explained with
`reference to a pen shaped stylus 12, it is understood that it
`may be implemented with any known pointing device used
`with digitizers, such as an airbrush. Therefore, reference to
`stylus 12 is made for purposes of explanation only, and the
`disclosed invention is not limited to same.
`
`[0025] Moreover, the actual means of sensing pressure is
`not an important aspect of implementing the present inven-
`tion. It is not an important aspect of this invention as to
`whether sensor 24 directly senses force, such as with a
`piezoelectric force sensor, or whether pressure is sensed. For
`example, the displacement of tip 22 of stylus 12 may be
`sensed by sensor 24, whereby a predeterminedresistance to
`displacementof tip 22 is provided by a mechanical spring,
`resilient material such as rubber, or remote sensing of the
`strain of the tip material. In the alternative,
`tip 22 may
`include two switches, wherein a first switch is activated
`whena relatively small amount of pressure is applied, and
`a second switch is activated whena relatively large amount
`of pressure is applied. It should be understood that various
`means of sensing pressure are knownin the art, such as in
`USS. Pat. No. 5,134,689 to Murakami et al., or the above
`mentioned patents, the disclosures of which are incorporated
`herein by reference.
`
`

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`US 2004/0150631 Al
`
`Aug. 5, 2004
`
`[0026] According to the present invention, pressure P, or
`force, is applied to digitizer 10 with stylus 12. The applied
`pressure P is sensed by sensor 24. The sensed applied
`pressure P is communicated to computer 14, as knownin the
`art. Specifically, a signal corresponding to a value for the
`sensed applied pressure is transmitted to computer 14. The
`sensed applied pressure P is therefore recogmized by com-
`puter 14 via the transmitted signal. A first function is
`triggered in an application, or the operating system,if the
`sensed applied pressure P exceedsa first pressure threshold
`A. A second function is triggered in the application, or the
`operating system, if the sensed applied pressure P exceeds a
`second pressure threshold B.
`[0027] As best shown in FIG. 2, applied pressure P is
`related to time T. Applied pressure P is graphed on the y-axis
`versus time T on the x-axis. Applied pressure P has a
`minimum value of zero at 0, when no force is being applied
`to surface 18 with stylus 12. Pressure may be applied to
`surface 18 with stylus 12, and sensed by sensor 24 up to a
`predetermined maximum force. The predetermined maxi-
`mum force may be adjusted according to user preference, or
`by manufacturer specifications. The maximum predeter-
`mined force that may be applied to surface 18 is equal to
`100% of the total force range that will be sensed by sensor
`24, indicated at 100 in FIG.2.
`
`[0028] Before tip 22 of stylus 12 contacts surface 18 of
`digitizer 10, applied pressure P and time T are zero, as
`indicated at 0 in FIG. 2. When the user applies force to
`surface 18 with tip 22 of stylus 12, the applied pressure P is
`sensed by sensor 24, and communicated to computer 14. The
`sensed applied pressure P increases as the user depressestip
`22 onto surface 18 with increasing force. Sensor 24 may be
`located in either digitizer 10 orstylus 12, or both, for sensing
`applied pressure P. A first function in the application is
`triggered when the sensed applied pressure P exceedsfirst
`pressure threshold A, indicated at 50 in FIG.2.
`[0029] A second function in the application is triggered if
`the sensed applied pressure P exceeds a second pressure
`threshold B, indicated at 52 in FIG. 2. Second pressure
`threshold B is greater than the first pressure threshold A.
`However,first and second pressure thresholds, A and B, may
`be adjusted so thatfirst and second functionsare triggered at
`any desired percentage of the total force range, so long as
`second pressure threshold B is greater than first pressure
`threshold A. Depending on the operating system, applica-
`tion, and user preference, pressure thresholds A and B may
`vary.
`
`In a first embodiment of the disclosed invention,
`[0030]
`sensor 24 operates like a switch having an open position and
`a closed position, similar to a button on a mouse. Sensor 24
`is operably associated with tip 22 of stylus 12, as best shown
`in FIG. 1. Sensor 24 senses applied pressure P when tip 22
`is depressed onto surface 18 of digitizer 10. Tip 22 is thereby
`depressed into body 20 of stylus 12. Sensor 24 then com-
`municates the sensed applied pressure P to computer 14,
`whichcorresponds to a switch in a closed position. A closed
`switch is equivalentto a “press” action, as defined above. An
`open switch is equivalent to a “release” action, just as a
`mouse button may be pressed and released.
`[0031] Computer 14 has an operating system, preferably
`the Windows™ Operating System, or
`the Maclntosh™
`Operating System, having an application including the
`double click function.
`
`[0032] As best shown in FIG.3, a first functionis trig-
`gered if sensor 24 senses applied pressure P that exceeds a
`first pressure threshold A, whichisset relatively low, pref-
`erably no more than 10% ofthe total force range. A second
`function is triggered if sensor 24 senses applied pressure P
`that exceeds a second pressure threshold B, which is set
`relatively high, preferably at least 85% of the total force
`range.
`
`If the sensed applied pressure P exceedsfirst pres-
`[0033]
`sure threshold A, information is generated by sensor 24 and
`sent to the operating system of computer 14 corresponding
`to a switch in a closed position at 54 in FIG.3 (i.e. a “press”
`action). A first function may then be triggered. If the sensed
`applied pressure P thereafter exceeds second pressure
`threshold B, information is generated and sent to computer
`14 corresponding to a switch in an open position immedi-
`ately followed by a closed position at 56 in FIG. 3 (ie. a
`“release” followed by “press” action). A second function
`may then be triggered in the application, preferably a double
`click action. Thereafter, when the sensed applied pressure P
`again falls below first threshold A at 58 in FIG.3, infor-
`mation is generated and sent to computer 14 corresponding
`to a switch in an open position (i.e. a “release” action).
`Alternatively, the second function may be triggered when
`the sensed applied pressure P falls below first pressure
`threshold A at 58 in FIG.3. Thus, the information generated
`is similar to the “press-release/press-release” action using a
`mousebutton that triggers a double click action.
`
`[0034] Note that the first embodiment may be such that a
`double click messageis triggered as described above, but no
`first function is triggered when the sensed applied pressure
`P exceedsfirst pressure threshold A. Thus,it is not required
`that first pressure threshold A trigger any particular first
`function in the application. The disclosed invention may be
`applied so that first and second functions are activated, or
`only one function maybe activated, such as the doubleclick
`message.
`
`[0035] Depending on the operating system, the particular
`application, or user preference, a second function, such as a
`double click, may be triggered unintentionally due to
`improper or unexpected stylus 12 movement, or some other
`user error. An application, such as a drawing application,
`may require that a user contact stylus 12 to surface 18 of
`digitizer 20 with varying degrees of force or at varying
`angles, which mayalso trigger an unwanted double click
`action. Therefore, various embodiments of the present
`invention are disclosed, providing the user with additional
`control fortriggering a first and/or second function, thereby
`decreasing the possibility of unintentionally triggering such
`commands.
`
`Inasecond embodiment, a second function is only
`[0036]
`triggered in an application once after the sensed applied
`pressure P has exceeded secondpressure threshold B. There-
`after, the second function will not be triggered again until the
`sensed applied pressure P first falls below first pressure
`threshold A, and then again exceeds second pressure thresh-
`old B. As best shownin FIG.4, the second function may be
`triggered in the application at 60 after exceeding second
`pressure threshold B, as described aboveinthe first embodi-
`ment. However, the second function will not be triggered at
`62, because the second function has already been triggered
`once at 60, and the sensed applied pressure P has not
`
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`US 2004/0150631 Al
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`Aug. 5, 2004
`
`the
`dropped below first pressure threshold A. Thereafter,
`second function may again be triggered at 66, given the
`sensed applied pressure P has dropped belowfirst pressure
`threshold A at 64, and then exceeded second pressure
`threshold B at 66.
`
`example less than 10% of the total force range. Second
`pressure threshold B maybe set lowerthanin other preferred
`embodiments, thoughstill higher than first pressure thresh-
`old A, for example at least 25% ofthetotal force range. The
`user may then maintain a large amount of force on surface
`18 with stylus 12 without unintentionally triggering a double
`click, or some other second function.
`
`[0037] The second embodiment may be beneficial for
`certain applications wherein a constant pressure is applied
`[0041] Note that the fourth embodiment may be applied in
`on surface 18 with stylus 12, such as for drawing. The
`conjunction with other embodiments as described above.
`application may also require that the user apply variable
`For example, a second function may onlybe triggered in an
`pressure. First pressure threshold A may beset very low,for
`application onceafter the sensed applied pressure P hasfirst
`example less than 5% of the total force range, while second
`exceeded secondpressure threshold B, and then falls below
`pressure threshold B may be set very high, for example at
`secondpressure threshold. Thus, elements of the second and
`least 95% of the total force range. With the preferred
`fourth embodiment may be applied in conjunction. Simi-
`settings, the user may then maintain continuous contact with
`larly, a second function may only betriggered if the sensed
`stylus 12 on surface 18, and apply variable amounts of force
`
`to surface 18, without unintentionally triggering a second applied pressurePfirst exceeds second pressure threshold B,
`function such as a double click.
`and then falls below second pressure threshold B, but only
`if the sensed applied pressure P exceeded second pressure
`threshold B at the particular point at which first pressure
`threshold A was exceeded, as described above. Thus, ele-
`ments of the third and fourth embodiments may be applied
`in conjunction.
`
`In a third embodiment, a second function is only
`[0038]
`triggered if the sensed applied pressure P exceeds the second
`pressure threshold B at a particular point at which thefirst
`pressure threshold A was exceeded. Therefore, the second
`function will not be triggered if the sensed applied pressure
`P exceedsfirst pressure threshold A at a first point, and
`thereafter the sensed applied pressure P exceeds second
`pressure threshold at a second point.
`
`In a fifth embodiment, a second function is trig-
`[0042]
`gered in an application only if the sensed applied pressure P
`exceeds second pressure threshold B within a predetermined
`amountof time after having exceeded first pressure thresh-
`[0039] Depending on user preference, as well as applica-
`old A. Preferably, the predetermined amountof timeis less
`tion specifications, the particular point at which the second
`than 1 second, though this may be adjusted depending on
`function may be triggered may bea particular location on
`user preference. For example, a double click may betrig-
`display 16 where pointer 17 is displayed whenfirst pressure
`gered in an application if the sensed applied pressure P
`threshold A is exceeded, as best shown on FIG. 1. This
`exceedsfirst pressure threshold A at 70, and then exceeds
`particular point may be defined byacertain area of pixels,
`second pressure threshold B within 1 second thereafter at 72,
`or preferably by a particular area such as an icon or menu
`as best shown in FIG.6. In contrast, if the sensed applied
`area displayed on display 16, as used in WindowS™oper-
`pressure A exceeds first pressure threshold A, and then
`ating systems. Therefore, an area proximateto the particular
`exceeds second pressure threshold B more than 1 second
`point indicated by pointer 17 on display 16 maytrigger the
`thereafter, a double click will not be triggered. Note that
`second function(i.e. an icon). Thus, a double click may be
`FIG.6 provides time T on the x-axis with points 1s through
`triggered only if first and second pressure thresholds A and
`6s for purposes of explanation only, wherein 1s equals one
`B are exceeded while pointer 17 is displayed and positioned
`second, 2s equals two seconds, and so forth. However, the
`disclosed invention is not limited to these time frames. The
`on a desired icon. In the alternative, the particular point may
`be a particular location on surface 18 of digitizer 10, where
`stylus 12 initially contacts surface 18 and first pressure
`threshold A is exceeded, which may be defined by a par-
`ticular pressure sensor 24, or group of sensors,in digitizer 10
`that sensed the applied pressure which exceededfirst pres-
`sure threshold A. The particular point, or area proximate the
`particular point, may be adjusted according to user prefer-
`ence and application specifications. Therefore the area in
`which the user maytrigger a function maybe variable. Thus,
`unintentional movement of either tip 22 of stylus 12, or
`pointer 17, maystill trigger a function,if tip 22 maintains
`contact within the particular area and the appropriate pres-
`sure P is applied. In either case, the user need not release
`pressure from tip 22 on surface 18.
`
`predetermined amountof time may be adjusted depending
`on user preference, the application, or the operating system,
`wherein the predetermined amount of time exceeds one
`second.
`
`In the sixth embodiment, a second function is
`[0043]
`triggered in an application if the sensed applied pressure P
`falls below first pressure threshold A within a predetermined
`amount of time after having exceeded second pressure
`threshold B. The sixth embodimentis therefore similarto the
`
`fifth embodiment. The predetermined amount of time is
`again preferably less than 1 second. As best shown in FIG.
`7, a double click may be triggered in an application if the
`sensed applied pressure P falls below first pressure threshold
`A at 76 within 1 second after having exceeded second
`pressure threshold B at 74.
`
`a second function is
`In a fourth embodiment,
`[0040]
`triggered in an application after the sensed applied pressure
`P first exceeds second pressure threshold B, and then falls
`below second pressure threshold B at 68 in FIG. 5. The
`fourth embodimentis thus very similar to the first embodi-
`ment. However, such a configuration may be useful for
`various applications wherein a relatively large amount of
`force is usually applied on surface 18 with stylus 12. First
`pressure threshold A may again be set relatively low, for
`
`[0044] The disclosed invention also relates to a digitizer
`system comprising a digitizer 10 operably associated with a
`computer 14 and display 16, wherein computer 14 has an
`operating system and an application, as best shown in FIG.
`1. A software driver is typically provided for installation on
`computer 14 to permit signals from digitizer 10 to be
`understood by the operating system and for the application.
`
`

`

`US 2004/0150631 Al
`
`Aug. 5, 2004
`
`The disclosed invention is preferably implemented as a
`componentof the software driver. Pressure may be applied
`to a surface 18 of digitizer 10 with a stylus 12, or some other
`pointing device, which is operably associated with digitizer
`10. A sensor 24 is operably associated with either digitizer
`10 or stylus 12, and senses pressure applied to surface 18
`with stylus 12. If the sensed applied pressure P exceeds a
`first pressure threshold A, sensor 24 communicates with
`computer 14 and triggers in the application a first function.
`If the sensed applied pressure P exceeds a second pressure
`threshold B, sensor 24 communicates with computer 14 and
`triggers in the application a second function, such as a
`double click action. The second pressure threshold B is
`greater than the first pressure threshold A. The digitizer
`system senses the applied pressure with any knownsensor,
`as disclosed above. The disclosed system may triggerfirst
`and second functions according to the embodiments
`described above. Therefore, same will not be repeated
`hereafter.
`
`[0045] Although this invention has been described as
`having various embodiments,
`it is understood by one of
`ordinary skill in the art that various modifications, usages,
`adaptations and/or variations following the general prin-
`ciples of the invention can be made without departing from
`the scope or the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the present
`invention includesall such departures as come within known
`or customary practice in the art to which this invention
`pertains, and as may be applied to the central aspects set
`forth above, and whichfall within the scope of the appended
`claims.
`
`Whatis claimedis:
`1. A method oftriggering functions in a computer appli-
`cation, comprising the steps of:
`
`providing a digitizer having a pointing device, wherein
`the digitizer and pointing device are operably associ-
`ated with a computer having an operating system and
`an application;
`
`applying pressureto the digitizer with the pointing device;
`
`sensing the applied pressure;
`
`triggering in the application a first function if the sensed
`applied pressure exceedsa first pressure threshold; and
`
`triggering in the application a second function if the
`sensed applied pressure exceeds a second pressure
`threshold, wherein the second pressure threshold is
`greater than the first pressure threshold.
`2. The method of claim 1, includingthe step of triggering
`the second function when the sensed applied pressure falls
`below the first pressure threshold after having exceeded the
`second pressure threshold.
`3. The method of claim 2, including the further step of
`triggering the second function when the sensed applied
`pressure falls below the first pressure threshold within a
`predetermined amount of time after having exceeded the
`second pressure threshold.
`4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined
`amount of time is less than 1 second.
`
`5. The method of claim 1, including the step of triggering
`the second function if the sensed applied pressure exceeds
`the second pressure threshold within a predetermined
`amount of time after having exceeded the first pressu