DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR ENTERING COMMANDS OR CHARACTERS USING A TOUCH SCREEN

摘要

Disclosed is a method, device, and system for entry of command using a touch sensitive surface. Instead of the device providing predefined locations for entering different commands, the device identifies the locations of three or more of the user's fingers or other objects. After determining the locations of the fingers, an entry mode allows for the entry of one or more commands based on an association between the commands and movements of different fingers and the type or direction of movement. The association may include a first command associated with the sliding motion of only a first finger in a first direction and a second different command associated with the sliding motion of only a second finger in a second direction. The first and second directions may be the same (i.e., within about 30°, within about 20°, within about 15°, within about 10°, or within about 5°) or different (e.g., angled by more than 30°, angled by more than 40°, or angled by more than 50°). Preferably the command entry mode is triggered by a trigger event. Preferably one of the fingers remain on the touch sensitive surface from the identification of the locations of the fingers through the entry of the command.

主权项

1: A method of entering a command comprising the steps of:
i. a processor connected to a touch sensitive surface sensing a simultaneously positioning of three or more objects above and near or on the touch sensitive surface at three or more different sensing locations, including a positioning centered at a first finger initial sensing point, a positioning centered at a second finger initials sensing point, and a positioning centered at a third finger initial sensing point; ii. the processor assigning a finger location region for two or more (e.g., each) of the three or more objects, wherein each finger location region is a distinct region of the touch sensitive surface, and each finger location region includes one of the initial finger sensing points; iii. the processor entering a command entry mode following the step of assigning the finger location regions (e.g., following a transitioning event), wherein the command entry mode includes an association having at least a first command associated with a movement of only one of the objects starting at a first finger location region and a second command different from the first command associated with the a movement of only one of the objects starting at a second finger location region; and iv. the processor recognizing a gesture on the touch sensitive surface including sensing the movement of only one of the objects starting at the first finger location region and identifying the associated first command based on the gesture.