Nokia Patents User interface
Abstract.
The invention relates to a user interface for controlling an electronic device. The user interface comprises a sensor element (201) that has a sensor surface (202) and is arranged to produce a location indicator that indicates a location of a spot (231) of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object (220). The user interface comprises force sensor equipment (203a, 203b) that is arranged to produce a force indicator that indicates temporal changes of force components directed to the sensor surface in parallel with the sensor surface. A processor unit (205) is arranged to control the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator. A user of the electronic device is enabled to control the electronic device by using different levels and directions of force and/or torque directed to the sensor surface.
Claims
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1. A user interface comprising:a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object,force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, anda processor unit capable of controlling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
2. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein detection directions of the first force component and the second force component are mutually intersecting.
3. A user interface according to claim 2, wherein the detection directions of the first force component and the second force component are substantially perpendicular with respect to each other.
4. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment is arranged to detect the first force component at a first point of the sensor element and to detect the second force component at a second point of the sensor element.
5. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a pre-determined change is detected in one of the following: strength of the first force component and strength of the second force component.
6. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a pre-determined change is detected in a direction of a resultant of the first force component and the second force component.
7. A user interface according to claim 4, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a pre-determined change is detected in torque directed to the sensor surface by combined effect of the first force component and the second force component.
8. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment is arranged to produce an other force indicator adapted to indicate a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface and the processor unit being capable of controlling the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator, the force indicator, and the other force indicator.
9. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the sensor surface is a touch sensitive sensor surface arranged to produce the location indicator as a response to a situation in which the external object is touching the sensor surface.
10. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the sensor surface is a capacitive sensor surface arranged to produce the location indicator as a response to a situation in which a distance between the sensor surface and the external object is less than a pre-determined limit value.
11. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment comprises force detectors connected to edges of the sensor element and arranged to detect the first force component and the second force component.
12. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment comprises a ring-sensor arranged to detect the first force component and the second force component, the ring-sensor being located around a rod attached to the sensor element.
13. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment comprises a torsional sensor arranged to detect torque caused by common effect of the first force component and the second force component.
14. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the sensor surface is capable of operating as a display screen.
15. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to change colors displayed on a display screen according (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
16. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to scroll items displayed on the display screen according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
17. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to zoom items displayed on the display screen according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
18. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to rotate items displayed on the display screen according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
19. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to select an action directed to an item displayed on the display screen according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
20. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the location indicator is adapted to indicate locations of two or more spots of the sensor surface which are simultaneously touched by two or more external objects.
21. A method comprising:producing a location indicator that indicates a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object,producing a force indicator that indicates a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, andcontrolling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the first force component and the second force component are detected in mutually intersecting directions.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the first force component and the second force component are detected in directions substantially perpendicular with respect to each other.
24. A method according to claim 21, wherein the first force component is detected at a first point of a sensor element that comprises the sensor surface and the second force component is detected at a second point of the sensor element.
25. A method according to claim 21, wherein the electronic device is controlled to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a predetermined change is detected in one of the following: strength of the first force component and strength of the second force component.
26. A method according to claim 21, wherein the electronic device is controlled to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a predetermined change is detected in a direction of a resultant of the first force component and the second force component.
27. A method according to claim 24, the electronic device is controlled to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a pre-determined change is detected in torque directed to the sensor surface by combined effect of the first force component and the second force component.
28. A method according to claim 21, wherein the method comprises producing another force indicator that indicates a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface and the electronic device being controlled on the basis of the location indicator, the force indicator, and the other force indicator.
29. A method according to claim 21, wherein the sensor surface is a touch sensitive sensor surface arranged to produce the location indicator as a response to a situation in which the external object is touching the sensor surface.
30. A method according to claim 21, wherein the sensor surface is a capacitive sensor surface arranged to produce the location indicator as a response to a situation in which a distance between the sensor surface and the external object is less than a pre-determined limit value.
31. A method according to claim 21, wherein the force indicator is produced with force detectors connected to edges of the sensor element and arranged to detect the first force component and the second force component.
32. A method according to claim 21, wherein the force indicator is produced with a ring-sensor arranged to detect the first force component and the second force component, the ring-sensor being located around a rod attached to a sensor element comprising the sensor surface.
33. A method according to claim 21, wherein the force indicator is produced with a torsional sensor arranged to detect torque caused by common effect of the first force component and the second force component.
34. A method according to claim 21, wherein at least a part of the sensor surface is capable of operating as a display screen and visual information is displayed on the sensor surface.
35. A method according to claim 28, wherein colors displayed on a display screen are changed according (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
36. A method according to claim 28, wherein items displayed on the display screen are scrolled according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
37. A method according to claim 28, wherein items displayed on the display screen are zoomed according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
38. A method according to claim 28, wherein items displayed on the display screen are rotated according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
39. A method according to claim 28, wherein an action directed to an item displayed on the display screen is selected according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
40. A method according to claim 21, wherein the location indicator indicates locations of two or more spots of the sensor surface which are simultaneously touched by two or more external objects.
41. An electronic device comprising:a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object,force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, anda processor unit arranged to control the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
42. An electronic device according to claim 41, wherein the force sensor equipment is arranged to produce another force indicator adapted to indicate a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface and the processor unit being arranged to control the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator, the force indicator, and the other force indicator.
43. An electronic device according to claim 41, wherein the electronic device is at least one of the following: a mobile communication terminal, a palmtop computer, and a portable play station.
44. A computer readable medium encoded with computer executable instructions for making a processor unit to control an electronic device on the basis of:a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object, anda force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface.
45. A computer readable medium according to claim 44, wherein the computer readable medium is encoded with computer executable instructions for making the processor unit to control the electronic device also on the basis of another force indicator adapted to indicate a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface.
46. An interface module comprising:a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object,force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, anda processor unit capable of controlling an electronic device connected to the interface module on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
47. An interface module according to claim 46, wherein the force sensor equipment is arranged to produce another force indicator adapted to indicate a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface and the processor unit being capable of controlling the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator, the force indicator, and the other force indicator.
48. A user interface comprising:means for producing a location indicator that indicates a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object,means for producing a force indicator that indicates a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, andmeans for controlling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
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Description
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]The invention relates to a user interface for controlling an electronic device. The invention further relates to a method and a computer program for controlling an electronic device. The invention further relates to an electronic device and to an interface module that can be used as a building block of an electronic device.
BACKGROUND
[0002]Electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals and palmtop computers are typically equipped with digital devices capable of supporting various services and application functions. As a consequence, designing user interfaces for electronic devices of the kind mentioned above presents unique challenges in view of limited size, a limited number of controls that can be accommodated on such devices, and a need for quick, simple, and intuitive device operation. Especially in conjunction with mobile devices, the challenge related to a user interface is exacerbated because such devices are designed to be small, lightweight and easily portable. Consequently, mobile devices typically have limited display screens, keypads, keyboards and/or other input and output devices. Due to the size of the input and output devices, it may be difficult for users to enter, retrieve and view information using mobile devices. Users may have difficulty in accessing desired information, a desired service, and/or a desired application function due to variety of information that may be contained in or accessed with the mobile device, as well as due to a growing number of services and applications functions such devices are capable of supporting. Due to a great number of services and application functions a user interface of an electronic device typically includes a hierarchical menu structure.
[0003]A typical user interface of an electronic device according to the prior art includes a hierarchical menu structure in which one or more menu layers are being directly accessible at a time. The user interface can comprise a touch sensitive display screen such that a user of the electronic device is enabled to accomplish control actions by touching icons, texts, or other symbols displayed on the touch sensitive display screen. Due to the limited size of the touch sensitive display screen all details of the menu structure cannot usually be displayed simultaneously. Therefore, the user has usually to perform many successive control actions in order to get to a desired menu item that can be e.g. a desired application function to be performed. Each control action may include pressing a relevant spot of the touch sensitive display screen and, after getting response to the pressing, releasing the above-mentioned spot of the touch sensitive display screen from pressure. The repetitive pressing and release actions make the use of the user interface physically tiring.
SUMMARY
[0004]In accordance with a first aspect of the invention a novel user interface is provided. The user interface comprises: [0005]a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object, [0006]force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, and [0007]a processor unit capable of controlling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
[0008]A user of the electronic device is enabled to control the electronic device by using different levels and directions of force and/or torque directed to the sensor surface. Therefore, the electronic device can be controlled with a smaller number of repetitive pressing and release actions.
[0009]In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a novel method that can be used for controlling an electronic device is provided. The method comprises: [0010]producing a location indicator that indicates a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object, [0011]producing a force indicator that indicates a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, and [0012]controlling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
[0013]In accordance with a third aspect of the invention a novel electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises: [0014]a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object, [0015]force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, and [0016]a processor unit arranged to control the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
[0017]The electronic device can be, for example, a mobile communication terminal, a palmtop computer, a portable play station, or a combination of them.
[0018]In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention a novel computer program is provided. The computer program comprises computer executable instructions for making a processor unit to control an electronic device on the basis of: [0019]a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object, and [0020]a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface.
[0021]A computer readable medium can be encoded with the above-mentioned computer executable instructions.
[0022]In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention a novel interface module is provided. The interface module comprises: [0023]a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object, [0024]force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, and [0025]a processor unit capable of controlling an electronic device connected to the interface module on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
[0026]A number of embodiments of the invention are described in accompanied dependent claims.
[0027]Various exemplifying embodiments of the invention both as to constructions and to methods of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
[0028]The exemplifying embodiments of the invention presented in this document are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this document as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.
The invention relates to a user interface for controlling an electronic device. The user interface comprises a sensor element (201) that has a sensor surface (202) and is arranged to produce a location indicator that indicates a location of a spot (231) of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object (220). The user interface comprises force sensor equipment (203a, 203b) that is arranged to produce a force indicator that indicates temporal changes of force components directed to the sensor surface in parallel with the sensor surface. A processor unit (205) is arranged to control the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator. A user of the electronic device is enabled to control the electronic device by using different levels and directions of force and/or torque directed to the sensor surface.
Claims
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1. A user interface comprising:a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object,force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, anda processor unit capable of controlling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
2. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein detection directions of the first force component and the second force component are mutually intersecting.
3. A user interface according to claim 2, wherein the detection directions of the first force component and the second force component are substantially perpendicular with respect to each other.
4. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment is arranged to detect the first force component at a first point of the sensor element and to detect the second force component at a second point of the sensor element.
5. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a pre-determined change is detected in one of the following: strength of the first force component and strength of the second force component.
6. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a pre-determined change is detected in a direction of a resultant of the first force component and the second force component.
7. A user interface according to claim 4, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a pre-determined change is detected in torque directed to the sensor surface by combined effect of the first force component and the second force component.
8. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment is arranged to produce an other force indicator adapted to indicate a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface and the processor unit being capable of controlling the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator, the force indicator, and the other force indicator.
9. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the sensor surface is a touch sensitive sensor surface arranged to produce the location indicator as a response to a situation in which the external object is touching the sensor surface.
10. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the sensor surface is a capacitive sensor surface arranged to produce the location indicator as a response to a situation in which a distance between the sensor surface and the external object is less than a pre-determined limit value.
11. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment comprises force detectors connected to edges of the sensor element and arranged to detect the first force component and the second force component.
12. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment comprises a ring-sensor arranged to detect the first force component and the second force component, the ring-sensor being located around a rod attached to the sensor element.
13. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor equipment comprises a torsional sensor arranged to detect torque caused by common effect of the first force component and the second force component.
14. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the sensor surface is capable of operating as a display screen.
15. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to change colors displayed on a display screen according (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
16. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to scroll items displayed on the display screen according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
17. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to zoom items displayed on the display screen according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
18. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to rotate items displayed on the display screen according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
19. A user interface according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit is capable of controlling the electronic device to select an action directed to an item displayed on the display screen according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
20. A user interface according to claim 1, wherein the location indicator is adapted to indicate locations of two or more spots of the sensor surface which are simultaneously touched by two or more external objects.
21. A method comprising:producing a location indicator that indicates a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object,producing a force indicator that indicates a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, andcontrolling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the first force component and the second force component are detected in mutually intersecting directions.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the first force component and the second force component are detected in directions substantially perpendicular with respect to each other.
24. A method according to claim 21, wherein the first force component is detected at a first point of a sensor element that comprises the sensor surface and the second force component is detected at a second point of the sensor element.
25. A method according to claim 21, wherein the electronic device is controlled to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a predetermined change is detected in one of the following: strength of the first force component and strength of the second force component.
26. A method according to claim 21, wherein the electronic device is controlled to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a predetermined change is detected in a direction of a resultant of the first force component and the second force component.
27. A method according to claim 24, the electronic device is controlled to execute a pre-determined function as a response to a situation in which a pre-determined change is detected in torque directed to the sensor surface by combined effect of the first force component and the second force component.
28. A method according to claim 21, wherein the method comprises producing another force indicator that indicates a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface and the electronic device being controlled on the basis of the location indicator, the force indicator, and the other force indicator.
29. A method according to claim 21, wherein the sensor surface is a touch sensitive sensor surface arranged to produce the location indicator as a response to a situation in which the external object is touching the sensor surface.
30. A method according to claim 21, wherein the sensor surface is a capacitive sensor surface arranged to produce the location indicator as a response to a situation in which a distance between the sensor surface and the external object is less than a pre-determined limit value.
31. A method according to claim 21, wherein the force indicator is produced with force detectors connected to edges of the sensor element and arranged to detect the first force component and the second force component.
32. A method according to claim 21, wherein the force indicator is produced with a ring-sensor arranged to detect the first force component and the second force component, the ring-sensor being located around a rod attached to a sensor element comprising the sensor surface.
33. A method according to claim 21, wherein the force indicator is produced with a torsional sensor arranged to detect torque caused by common effect of the first force component and the second force component.
34. A method according to claim 21, wherein at least a part of the sensor surface is capable of operating as a display screen and visual information is displayed on the sensor surface.
35. A method according to claim 28, wherein colors displayed on a display screen are changed according (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
36. A method according to claim 28, wherein items displayed on the display screen are scrolled according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
37. A method according to claim 28, wherein items displayed on the display screen are zoomed according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
38. A method according to claim 28, wherein items displayed on the display screen are rotated according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
39. A method according to claim 28, wherein an action directed to an item displayed on the display screen is selected according to (a) temporal change(s) in at least one of the following: a) direction of a resultant of the first, second, and third force components, b) torque caused by combined effect of the first and second force components, and c) strength of the resultant of the first, second, and third force components.
40. A method according to claim 21, wherein the location indicator indicates locations of two or more spots of the sensor surface which are simultaneously touched by two or more external objects.
41. An electronic device comprising:a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object,force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, anda processor unit arranged to control the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
42. An electronic device according to claim 41, wherein the force sensor equipment is arranged to produce another force indicator adapted to indicate a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface and the processor unit being arranged to control the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator, the force indicator, and the other force indicator.
43. An electronic device according to claim 41, wherein the electronic device is at least one of the following: a mobile communication terminal, a palmtop computer, and a portable play station.
44. A computer readable medium encoded with computer executable instructions for making a processor unit to control an electronic device on the basis of:a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object, anda force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface.
45. A computer readable medium according to claim 44, wherein the computer readable medium is encoded with computer executable instructions for making the processor unit to control the electronic device also on the basis of another force indicator adapted to indicate a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface.
46. An interface module comprising:a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object,force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, anda processor unit capable of controlling an electronic device connected to the interface module on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
47. An interface module according to claim 46, wherein the force sensor equipment is arranged to produce another force indicator adapted to indicate a temporal change of a third force component directed to the sensor surface, the third force component being substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface and the processor unit being capable of controlling the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator, the force indicator, and the other force indicator.
48. A user interface comprising:means for producing a location indicator that indicates a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object,means for producing a force indicator that indicates a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, andmeans for controlling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
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Description
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]The invention relates to a user interface for controlling an electronic device. The invention further relates to a method and a computer program for controlling an electronic device. The invention further relates to an electronic device and to an interface module that can be used as a building block of an electronic device.
BACKGROUND
[0002]Electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals and palmtop computers are typically equipped with digital devices capable of supporting various services and application functions. As a consequence, designing user interfaces for electronic devices of the kind mentioned above presents unique challenges in view of limited size, a limited number of controls that can be accommodated on such devices, and a need for quick, simple, and intuitive device operation. Especially in conjunction with mobile devices, the challenge related to a user interface is exacerbated because such devices are designed to be small, lightweight and easily portable. Consequently, mobile devices typically have limited display screens, keypads, keyboards and/or other input and output devices. Due to the size of the input and output devices, it may be difficult for users to enter, retrieve and view information using mobile devices. Users may have difficulty in accessing desired information, a desired service, and/or a desired application function due to variety of information that may be contained in or accessed with the mobile device, as well as due to a growing number of services and applications functions such devices are capable of supporting. Due to a great number of services and application functions a user interface of an electronic device typically includes a hierarchical menu structure.
[0003]A typical user interface of an electronic device according to the prior art includes a hierarchical menu structure in which one or more menu layers are being directly accessible at a time. The user interface can comprise a touch sensitive display screen such that a user of the electronic device is enabled to accomplish control actions by touching icons, texts, or other symbols displayed on the touch sensitive display screen. Due to the limited size of the touch sensitive display screen all details of the menu structure cannot usually be displayed simultaneously. Therefore, the user has usually to perform many successive control actions in order to get to a desired menu item that can be e.g. a desired application function to be performed. Each control action may include pressing a relevant spot of the touch sensitive display screen and, after getting response to the pressing, releasing the above-mentioned spot of the touch sensitive display screen from pressure. The repetitive pressing and release actions make the use of the user interface physically tiring.
SUMMARY
[0004]In accordance with a first aspect of the invention a novel user interface is provided. The user interface comprises: [0005]a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object, [0006]force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, and [0007]a processor unit capable of controlling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
[0008]A user of the electronic device is enabled to control the electronic device by using different levels and directions of force and/or torque directed to the sensor surface. Therefore, the electronic device can be controlled with a smaller number of repetitive pressing and release actions.
[0009]In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a novel method that can be used for controlling an electronic device is provided. The method comprises: [0010]producing a location indicator that indicates a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object, [0011]producing a force indicator that indicates a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, and [0012]controlling an electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
[0013]In accordance with a third aspect of the invention a novel electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises: [0014]a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object, [0015]force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, and [0016]a processor unit arranged to control the electronic device on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
[0017]The electronic device can be, for example, a mobile communication terminal, a palmtop computer, a portable play station, or a combination of them.
[0018]In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention a novel computer program is provided. The computer program comprises computer executable instructions for making a processor unit to control an electronic device on the basis of: [0019]a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of a sensor surface that is closest to an external object, and [0020]a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface.
[0021]A computer readable medium can be encoded with the above-mentioned computer executable instructions.
[0022]In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention a novel interface module is provided. The interface module comprises: [0023]a sensor element having a sensor surface and being arranged to produce a location indicator that is adapted to indicate a location of a spot of the sensor surface that is closest to an external object, [0024]force sensor equipment connected to the sensor element and arranged to produce a force indicator that is adapted to indicate a temporal change of a first force component directed to the sensor surface and a temporal change of a second force component directed to the sensor surface, the first force component and the second force component being parallel with the sensor surface, and [0025]a processor unit capable of controlling an electronic device connected to the interface module on the basis of the location indicator and the force indicator.
[0026]A number of embodiments of the invention are described in accompanied dependent claims.
[0027]Various exemplifying embodiments of the invention both as to constructions and to methods of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
[0028]The exemplifying embodiments of the invention presented in this document are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this document as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.
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