WO2006106125A2

WO2006106125A2 - Input device and mobile radio device having extended input functions

Info

Publication number: WO2006106125A2
Application number: PCT/EP2006/061356
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernhard Wimmer
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2005-04-08
Filing date: 2006-04-05
Publication date: 2006-10-12
Also published as: DE102005016282A1; WO2006106125A3

Abstract

The invention relates to an input device which comprises at least one housing part which is provided with at least one first input means which are used to produce control signals. At least the first input means are activated by a flat, mechanical shaping of the housing part, and the surface of the shaping is dependent on a force which effects the shaping and is located, essentially, on the outside of display device.

Description

description

Input device and mobile device with extended input functionality

The invention relates to an input device and a mobile device using this input device.

For electronic devices to be controlled below are exemplified controls known.

A classic operating tool is a keyboard. Keyboards are known, for example, for mobile phones in which the input device is formed by mechanical buttons attached to one or more sides of the input device. The keys take up a lot of space and limit the miniaturization of the devices.

Also known is the touch-sensitive display (eg so-called "touch screens"), for example mobile radio devices or electronic notebooks (so-called "organizers" or "PDAs" (Personal Digital Assitants)) which are controlled via a touch-sensitive display For example, by touching a pressure-sensitive sheet, a resistance is changed which clearly allows the location of the touch to be measured Therefore, the user must focus precisely on his movement, which on the one hand requires a considerable amount of attention to the manual movement and on the other hand makes the input relatively slow.

Many input devices, such as cell phones, have been miniaturized over the last few years. Due to the increasing reduction of the sizes of the necessary gen components is a very small and compact design possible. By reducing the size of the case, there is less space on the case surface for a display and control buttons. However, the display should not be downsized, as reading becomes uncomfortable. So the number of available control buttons is largely reduced. Thus, the user has the difficulty that more operating errors can occur. Since electronic devices, such as mobile radios, count as permanent tools for the user, such error situations can often occur.

Recent generations of mobile devices are introducing many operational innovations. Thus, e.g. Mobile phones are known that are almost completely voice-controlled and no longer have a keyboard but only one key. Furthermore, mobile phones are also known, which the user can operate via a rotary knob, with which he also selects the digits for a telephone number to be dialed or letters for an SMS (SMS: Short Message Service). There is a significant need for simplified operation of input devices.

Thus, the object of the invention is to further improve the operability of an input device.

This object is achieved by an input device having the features of claim 1 and claim 9 and a mobile device having the features of claim 21. Further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

The input device according to the invention uses the property that a housing of the input device is mechanically deformable. The input device according to the invention comprises at least one first input means for generating Steuersig- signals, which is activated by a planar mechanical deformation of a housing part, wherein the surface of the deformation of the housing part of a deformation causing force depends and is located substantially outside of a display device. Unlike touch-sensitive input devices (eg, a "touch screen"), the input means is not part of the display but may, for example, be mounted on small area or otherwise unused surfaces of the housing By deliberately deforming the housing at a specific location of the housing, control signals can be generated by means of one or more sensors, which are used to operate the input device.

The invention allows a variety of novel input options, without the housing surface must be increased. Both analog data can be detected by the first input means, as well as a digital detection of a selection or a state. A planar mechanical deformation of the housing part in connection with the present invention means that a deformation of the housing takes place without an opening having to be present in the housing interior. Thus, the housing can be made easier water and dustproof.

With the help of the pressure on the deformable housing measuring pressure sensors can be achieved according to an advantageous development of the invention that a spatial localization of the input or the selection of a preferred position of the input is determined by the user. This preference position makes it easier for the user to associate certain information content, which simplifies and speeds up the input. An at least partially elastic housing allows a repeated similar operation of the input device.

It is advantageous if, according to a further development of the invention, the deformability of the housing is restricted to partial surfaces which coincide with the first and / or further input means in order to increase the stability of the housing Ensure housing. By appropriate sensors either pressure, rotation, displacement forces or a combination thereof can be measured. This makes it possible to have a multifaceted influence on the housing and thus the most varied forms of the housing.

The input means with the pressure-sensitive surface can be designed according to a further advantageous development of the invention such that the location of the deformation is not the only input parameter, but also on the determination of a duration of deformation, an intensity of deformation and / or a number of Repetition of deformation information can be entered.

The area and position of the deformation of the housing part are freely selectable according to a further embodiment of the invention on the housing. A surface for receiving a key on a printed circuit board is replaceable by an input device according to the present invention. You can save them by the pressure sensors, since only a few pressure sensors and not complete buttons with circuit board must be present. Since there are no or fewer mechanical keys, there are fewer restrictions in the housing design. The feature of using fewer keys has another advantage: fewer mechanical components can be used to save costs, mechanical defects and installation height.

In a further development of the invention, the input options can be changed by changing the assignment of the meaning of the control signals to the first input means or which can be changed. The assignment or the change of the assignment can be signaled to the user, for example via a display device. Furthermore, in a further development of the invention, the pressure sensors in the housing can be designed such that only the measurement information of these pressure sensors is processed by the measuring contacts and the measurement information is transmitted coded. By coding a copy protection for device housing can be realized because the coding in the input device and device to be controlled must be generated or evaluated similar and thus an arbitrary replacement of the input device including the housing part is no longer possible.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the drawings 1 to 8. Show it:

Figure 1: Example of an input device with a pressure sensor with undeformed housing part;

FIG. 2 shows an example of an input device with a pressure sensor with a deformed housing part; Figure 3: Example of an input device with a pressure sensor with undeformed housing part in rear view; Figure 4: Example of an input device with four pressure sensors with undeformed housing part in rear view; Figure 5: Example diagram for the output of various

Control signals in response to the input pattern; FIG. 6: decision tree for generating an output signal;

Figure 7: Example of an input device with deformable housing part in rear view; FIG. 8 shows an example of a deformable housing part with a three-dimensional marking.

FIG. 1 shows a mobile telephone MT. The mobile telephone MT has an input device EG with a first input means EMI, wherein the first input means EMI comprises a pressure sensor DS. The input means EMI further comprises a deformable housing part VGT and is shown in FIG. 1 without deformation of the deformable housing part VGT. The first input means EMI is at a narrower side surface of the input device EC. The input device EG is part of the mobile device MT and shown in front view. The mobile device MT further comprises a housing, a signal output means SAM and a keyboard. The signal output means SAM is designed as a display device and displayed as a screen. The first input means EMI comprises a deformable housing part VGT and a pressure sensor DS. A narrow housing part SSF of the housing is hatched. The narrow housing part SSF has the shape of a closed strip. On this strip is the deformable housing part VGT, which is marked hatched. For example, the deformable housing part VGT has a small oval shape of about 1 cm in length and 0.3 cm in width. In general, this surface can take any shape. Within the deformable housing part VGT a small circle is attached which identifies the position of the pressure sensor DS. The pressure sensor DS is located under the deformable housing part VGT. The first input means EMI is spatially separated from other input means UEM comprising a keyboard.

FIG. 2 shows the mobile telephone MT and input device EG shown in FIG. 1 with a first input means EMI implemented by a pressure sensor DS, but shown with deformation of the deformable housing part VGT. The deformable housing part VGT is deformed by a mechanical pressure. As a result of this deformation of the housing part VGT, the pressure sensor DS is activated and outputs an output signal which is converted into a coded control signal by a signal processing device. The coded control signal is then transmitted from the input device EG to a control device of a mobile device or another device to be controlled.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an input device EG with a first input means EMI realized by a pressure sensor DS and a deformable housing part VGT, shown without Deformation of the deformable housing part VGT. The first input means EMI is arranged on a wide rear surface of the input device EG. The input device EG is designed as an outer shell (eg a removable and exchangeable so-called "clip-on-cover") as part of a housing of a mobile radio device and is shown in rear view in FIGURE 3. The first input means EMI consists of the deformable housing part VGT The deformable housing part VGT is marked with a fine hatch, the pressure sensor DS is located just below the deformable housing part VGT, for example, the deformable housing part VGT has a small oval shape about 1 cm long and 0.3 cm wide The deformable housing part VGT is provided with a small circle which marks the position of the pressure sensor DS In this exemplary embodiment, the first input means EMI realized by a pressure sensor DS is essentially punctiform.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an input device EG with a first input means EMI realized by four pressure sensors DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4 and a deformable housing part VGT. The deformable housing part VGT is shown without deformation. The first input means EMI is arranged on the wide surface of the input device EG. As shown in FIG. 3, the input device EG is part of a mobile radio device, shown in rear view. The first input means EMI consists of the deformable housing part VGT and the four pressure sensors DS1, DS2, DS3 and DS4. The deformable housing part VGT is marked hatched. The pressure sensors DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4 are located under the deformable housing part VGT. For example, the deformable housing part VGT essentially form the entire rear cover, for example the lower shell or clip cover for a mobile device. On this finely hatched housing part four small circles are attached, which identify the four pressure sensors DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4. In this embodiment, each mark on the deformable housing part VGT corresponds to one the pressure sensors DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4. If the housing part VGT is deformed by mechanical pressure at this point, the pressure sensors DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4 each output a control signal, wherein the pressure sensors DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4 on which the pressure is exerted correspond to a pressure corresponding to this pressure outputs analog or digital control signal. But also an operation and thus a pressure anywhere between or in the vicinity of the pressure sensors DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4 can lead to up to four control signals (at most one of each pressure sensor), which can be processed into an output signal. In this way, a location and a duration and possibly a course of the operation or the pressure can be determined.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing how, in an input device (e.g., EG in Figures 1-4), control signals SS are generated by multiple or persistent confirmation of a first input means (e.g., EMI in Figures 1-4). Above the time-indicating abscissa is shown the time lapse t of pressure ZD to a pressure sensor (e.g., DS, DS1, DS2, DS3 or DS4 in Figures 1 to 4) and a number 1,2 of activations of the pressure sensor. As the ordinate of the diagram, a control signal SS is plotted. The control signal SS changes according to the number of activations and with increasing duration of the activation. Thus, after a first pressure or a time unit t1, the function F1 is generated. The function Fl is, for example, the locking of the mobile device. After an increased second pressure or a time duration t2 or two activations 1, 2, the function F2 is generated. The function F2 is, for example, turning off the mobile device.

FIG. 6 shows a decision tree which illustrates how the activation of one or more input means generates a specific output signal at the same time. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, an output signal AS2 is generated when only a first input means (eg EMI in the filter) is generated. Guren 1 to 4) is activated; an output signal AS1 is generated when a key T1 and the first input means are simultaneously activated; an output signal AS3 is generated when a key T2 and the first input means are simultaneously activated. The output signal AS1 corresponds, for example, to the activation of an emergency call, the output signal AS2 to the blocking of the mobile radio device and the output signal AS3 to the triggering of a call. The control signals using one or more input means are combined to produce an output signal AS1, AS2, AS3.

FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment starting from the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. FIG. 7 also shows colored markings FM1, FM2, FM3 in the form of pictograms on the deformable housing part VGT. The colored mark FMl is the drawing of an open booklet. The pressure on the area of the mark FM1 generates access to the address book of the mobile radio device by means of the first input means EMI. The colored mark FM2 is the drawing of a telephone. The pressure on the area of the marking FM2 generates the triggering of a call by means of a further input means. The colored mark FM3 is the drawing of the dial of a clock. The pressure on the area of the marking FM3 generates access to alarm parameters by means of a further input device.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment based on the embodiment shown in FIG. On the deformable housing part VGT is a three-dimensional mark DMl for marking the first input means EMI attached. The three-dimensional mark DMl is formed as a bulge of the housing. The pressure on the zone of the mark DM1 triggers the access to the phone's address book via the activation of the first input means EMI, for example.

In the following, further embodiments and application examples for the present invention are given. It can be formed in the following pressure sensors and / or mobile devices or housing and housing parts of mobile devices, for example, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8.

With the help of a pressure sensor, for example, a simple on / off function for a mobile device can be realized. For this purpose, the pressure sensor can be mounted, for example, under an at least partially deformable side surface of the mobile radio device. Upon an incoming call, by firmly squeezing his hand, the user may exert pressure on the side surface of the mobile device that activates a first input device. This can then be the e.g. effect the acceptance of an incoming call. Alternatively, the call can be ended.

According to another application, an emergency call can be initiated by firmly squeezing the housing, which emergency call can be issued with a current location signal (e.g., location coordinates). This is particularly useful in practice because in an emergency, e.g. a raid, there is no time to enter the emergency number. In addition, it is also not apparent to the criminal that the emergency call was canceled by squeezing. In another embodiment, the emergency call not only by pressing once but only by pressing several times, e.g. at certain intervals, activated, whereby the risk of an unwanted triggering can be reduced.

With the help of a single pressure sensor, although the place where a pressure is applied to the housing, can not be determined exactly. However, pressure on a location remote from the pressure sensor will result in a lower gauge pressure at the pressure sensor than if the same pressure is applied to the location of the pressure sensor. With the help of several pressure sensors, the location where pressure is applied to the housing can be determined more accurately. With three or four sensors, several buttons can be simulated on the top. The measurement result of each measuring sensor is fed to a processing module and assigned there after normalization of all measurement results to a specific location. For example, on the housing, only the location with a symbol such as a number and / or one or more letters, printed, on which by pressing the corresponding icon can be activated. For example, the numbers 0 to 9 are only printed on the upper shell. Pressing the digit with the symbol "4" will display this symbol on the display.

Depending on the application, the number of differential pressure points on the housing and the functionality of the respective pressure point on the housing can be changed. For example, a game requires the functions up, down, left, right. Instead of these functions, special buttons on the keyboard can also be assigned to certain surfaces on the top shell. Extensive pressure points on the upper shell facilitate operation.

For example, particular games can be sold for certain games, which have printed special pressure points that realize particular functions for the particular game. The arrangement of these pressure points is arbitrary. For example, a portion of the bruises may be realized on one back side (e.g., a lower shell) and another part on an upper surface (e.g., an upper shell) of a respective housing.

Alternatively, the pressure sensors can be integrated in the housing and pass their control signals to the mobile device through contact points. By generating coded control signals, any unauthorized replacement of the input device, eg in the form of a The coding of the control signals is only known to the authorized manufacturer and can not be imitated in simulated input devices without knowledge of the code. This results in the possibility of more valuable and not readily copied input devices in the form of upper or lower shells as exchangeable housing shells ("clip-it-cover" or "clip-on-cover") to market.

As an alternative or in addition to pressure sensors, it is also possible to use sensors which measure a rotation, displacement forces or a combination thereof.

An input device according to the above description can also be designed to be switched off. Thus, e.g. In certain applications - for example a game to be operated via the keyboard - a false triggering of individual functions can be prevented by switching off the input device.

As an alternative to the mobile device, for example, an input device according to the present invention can also be used in a game console. This game console comprises at least one housing and a first input means. Since at least the first input device is used to operate the game console, a design of the housing is easier to select. In the case of the game console, the design of the case can then be designed to better match the requirements of the game. For example, the housing of the game console has the design of a weapon. Instead of pressing a button, the player uses the imitation of a realistic game accessory, e.g. a weapon.

With the help of the first input means, each point of the game console housing can be distinguished. Each point corresponds to a specific measurement of the pressure sensors. It follows that many functions are directly and quickly accessible. The first input means thus makes more complex Develop game console without complicating their operation.

Furthermore, the duration, the strength and the number of deformations can be measured with the aid of the first input means. Thus, if the game console is a combat console, it is possible for the player with the accuracy of the measurements, for example, to influence the force of his in-game virtual strikes by the corresponding compressive force on the housing. This feature also makes it possible to develop a game console with multiple functions without complicating its operation.

Another possible characteristic of the first input means utilizes the property that the first input means is activated by a change in temperature or humidity of the housing and / or on the housing. This not only a pressure measurable, but possibly already the hand warmth or humidity when touching the first input means, which is sufficient for activation of the first input means.

Claims

claims

1. input device (EG) with at least one first input means (EMI) for generating control signals, wherein - the first input means comprises a deformable housing part (VGT) and at least the first input means (EMI) by a planar mechanical deformation of the deformable housing part (VGT) is activated or is activatable, - the area of deformation of the deformable housing part (VGT) depends on a deformation-causing force and is substantially outside of a display (SAM).

Second input device (EC) according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformable housing part (VGT) is at least partially elastically deformable.

3. input device (EC) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mechanical deformation of the deformable housing part (VGT) by pressure, rotation, or displacement is generated or generated.

4. Input device (EG) according to one of claims 1 to 3, character- ized in that the mechanical deformability is essentially limited to the range of the first input means (EMI).

5. Input device (EG) according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the control signals are generated by a deformation of the housing by means of one or more pressure sensors (DS) and / or torsional (DS) or can be generated.

6. input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a location of deformation of the deformable housing part (VGT) by a plurality of pressure sensors (DS) and / or torsion (DS) is determined or determinable.

7. input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the measurement of a change in the

Deformation of the deformable housing part (VGT) by several pressure sensors (DS) and / or torsion sensors (DS).

8. input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement of a pressure profile over time takes place.

9. Input device (EG) having a housing: having a first or more input means (EMI) for generating control signals, wherein at least the first input means (EMI) is activated by a temperature change or humidity change of the housing.

10. Input device (EG) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least partially a signal processing already takes place in the input device and a control signal generated by the signal processing is transmitted encoded thereby controlled or controllable device.

11. Input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first input means (EMI) is spatially separated from further input means (UEM).

12. Input device (EG) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an assignment of the meaning of the control signals to the first input means (EMI) is variable.

13. Input device (EG) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first input means (EMI) is assigned at least one signal output means (SAM), mit- which an information triggered by the first input means (EMI) can be output or output.

14. Input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by the use of the first

Input means (EMI) an emergency call is triggered.

15. Input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a predetermined number of actuations and / or a certain period of time sustained actuation of the first input means (EMI) is associated with a specific control signal.

16. Input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (EG) several

Input means (EGL) and the control signals of the input means are combined or combined to produce an output signal.

17, input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of the first input means (EMI) successively generated control signals result in at least one output signal.

18, input device (EC) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (EC) on its surface at least one of the position of the first input means (EMI) indicative mark (FML, FM2, FM3, DMl).

19. Input device (EC) according to claim 18, characterized in that the marking (FM1, FM2, FM3) is colored.

20. Input device (EG) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the marking (DMl) is formed in three dimensions.

21. Mobile device (MT) with at least one input device (EC), wherein the input device (EG) at least a first input means (EGL) for generating control signals and wherein the first input means (EGL) by a planar mechanical deformation of a deformable housing part (VGT) is activated, and - the area of deformation of the deformable housing part (VGT) depends on a force causing the deformation and is substantially outside a display (SAM).

22. Mobile device (MT) according to claim 21, characterized in that the input device (EC) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 20.

23. Mobile device (MT) according to claim 21 or 22, character- ized in that the first input means (EGL) can be switched off.

24. Mobile device (MT) according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the deformation with the aid of at least one sensor (DS, DSl, DS2, DS3, DS4), in particular with analog pressure evaluation, is evaluated.

25. Mobile device (MT) according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that a menu can be controlled by the control signals or is controlled.

26. Mobile radio device (MT) according to one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the mobile radio device (MT) has a housing and the first input means (EMI) is arranged on a narrow side surface (SSF) of the housing.

27. Mobile device (MT) according to one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that the input device (EG) is designed as a housing upper shell or lower housing shell of the mobile device (MT).