User input device

摘要

A user input device is described. In an embodiment the user input device is hand held and comprises a sensing strip to detect one-dimensional motion of a user's finger or thumb along the sensing strip and to detect position of a user's finger or thumb on the sensing strip. In an embodiment the sensed data is used for cursor movement and/or text input at a master device. In an example the user input device has an orientation sensor and orientation of the device influences orientation of a cursor. For example, a user may move the cursor in a straight line in the pointing direction of the cursor by sliding a finger or thumb along the sensing strip. In an example, an alphabetical scale is displayed and a user is able to zoom into the scale and select letters for text input using the sensing strip.

主权项

1. A hand-held user input device comprising:
a sensing strip arranged to detect one-dimensional motion of a user's thumb or finger relative to the strip and to detect position of a user's thumb or finger on the strip in use; the sensing strip being sized and shaped such that a user's thumb or finger may slide along the strip in use; a housing supporting the sensing strip and sized and shaped to be held in a user's hand in use; a processor supported in the housing and arranged to receive sensed data from the sensing strip and to control a communication unit supported in the housing; the communication unit being connected to the processor and arranged to send the sensed data to a master device in order to control movement and position of a cursor at a user interface of the master device in use, the user interface displaying the cursor and a direction beam extending at least forward from the cursor in a direction associated with the orientation of the input device, forward being the direction toward which the cursor is pointed.