Device, system, and methods for entering commands or characters using a touch screen

Abstract

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 degrees, within about 20 degrees, within about 15 degrees, within about 10 degrees, or within about 5 degrees) or different (e.g., angled by more than 30 degrees, angled by more than 40 degrees, or angled by more than 50 degrees). 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 ofthe locations of the fingers through the entry of the command.

Description

[0001] priority claim [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application 62 / 207,564, filed August 20, 2015, and US Provisional Patent Application 62 / 266,916, filed December 14, 2015. The entire contents of US Patent Applications 14 / 976,005 and 13 / 091,158 and US Provisional Patent Applications 62 / 207,564 and 62 / 266,916 are incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present teachings relate to apparatus, systems, and methods for using a touch-sensitive surface to input one or more commands to control an electronic device. Preferably, a locate mode is employed to locate control locations (eg, finger contact areas) based on contact of the touch-sensitive surface with three or more fingers. Background technique [0004] Using a touch screen display to control a device often makes operation of the device more intuitive and / or simplified. However, there are many scenarios where it is unsafe, impossible, or otherwise inefficient to v...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although the operator may, for example, move a control location by dragging a window, such movement typically requires the operator to first visually identify the initial position of the control location

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