Virtual tools for use with touch-sensitive surfaces
US10082935B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 25, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04808
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive surface, for example a touch pad or touch screen. The user interacts with the touch-sensitive surface, producing touch interactions. Some of these touch interactions may be detected as indicative of a grasp for manipulating a physical tool (e.g., the grasp for holding a pen). When these touch interactions are encountered, a corresponding virtual tool is instantiated. The virtual tool controls an action on the electronic device that is similar to an action that can be performed by the physical tool. For example, the virtual pen can be used to draw on the display, whereas the physical pen draws on paper. A representation of the virtual tool is also displayed on a display for the electronic device, possibly providing additional affordances, at a location that corresponds to a location of the detected touch interaction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.