User computer device with temperature sensing capabilities and method of operating same
US8751056B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/10
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A user computer device is provided that comprises a temperature sensitive touchscreen having a temperature sensitive user interface comprising multiple thermal energy emitter/detector devices, such as thermocouples. The multiple thermal energy emitter/detector devices are capable both of detecting thermal energy and emitting thermal energy. The temperature sensitive user interface generates thermal patterns that may be transferred to other thermally sensitive electronic devices or that may be used to authenticate the user computer device. The user computer device also can detect and thermally communicate with a thermal energy docking station and, based on thermal recognition, activate applications displayed on the temperature sensitive touchscreen. Further, the user computer device can auto-bias a temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface in order to better assure proper operation of the temperature sensitive user interface in all operating conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.