Universal interface device with housing sensor array adapted for detection of distributed touch input
US8854314B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2250/22
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A universal interface device comprises a housing having a curvilinear or other shape, and processing circuitry disposed within the housing. The housing incorporates a sensor array substantially surrounding the processing circuitry and configured to receive touch input from points distributed over an outer surface of the housing. The sensor array generates sensor signals responsive to the touch input and the sensor signals are converted by the processing circuitry into commands associated with a communication function supported by the communication device. In an illustrative embodiment, the housing has a spheroidal shape, and the sensor array is configured to receive touch input from points distributed over substantially the entire outer surface of the housing. The points distributed over the outer surface of the housing from which the sensor array receives touch input are undefined from a point of view of a user providing at least a portion of the touch input.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.