Interoperability mechanism of pen with pressure sensor design

Abstract

Features of the present disclosure address the above-mentioned problems by implementing techniques for detecting contact or proximity of a stylus with a display screen of a computer device in the absence of pressure information within the constraints of existing pen protocols. To this end, a digitizer associated with the display screen of the computer device can determine when the stylus is touching (or is significantly close to) the screen when signal communication between the pen and the digitizer exceeds a threshold (e.g., time or voltage).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to methods for detecting user input via a pen-like stylus on a display screen in the absence of pressure sensor information.

[0002] Contextual Technology

[0003] Common computer devices (e.g., personal computers, mobile phones, tablet computers, etc.) include a graphical user interface (GUI) system that is optimized for receiving user input from one or more discrete input devices (such as a keyboard) for entering text and a pointing device (such as a mouse) having one or more buttons for activating user selections. Some computing systems have expanded the input systems available to users by providing a pen-like stylus. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms "pen-like stylus," "stylus," and "pen" may be used interchangeably to describe an active pen (also referred to as an active stylus), which may be an input device that includes electronic components and allows a user to directly write to or interact with the display screen surface of a computer device (e.g., a laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile device, etc.).

[0004] Using a pressure sensitive overlay or eletronic digitizer, a computer display can be enhanced to accept interactions from a user using a stylus. The stylus or pen transmits pressure information (e.g., how hard the user has pressed the screen) to the host computer through a reverse communication window in the pen / stylus protocol. The pressure information can be useful in applications, such as drawing, where the pressure can correspond to the thickness of a line. Although information from the pressure sensor of the stylus can be valuable to a computer device, the pressure sensor is also susceptible to damage or destruction because the pressure sensor is generally associated with the tip of the stylus (which itself presents a physical weak point on the stylus as a whole).

[0005] However, if the pressure sensor or the end of the stylus associated with the pressure sensor becomes damaged or broken, the user typically has no alternative but to discard the damaged stylus and purchase a new one. This is because in current pen protocols, there is no mechanism for the stylus to report that the stylus is in contact with the computer device without available pressure information. Therefore, a damaged stylus may become useless because pressure is generally used as an indication of contact with the display or screen.

[0006] While one solution may be to possibly modify the existing pen protocol to account for the reporting of a pressure-free pen (i.e., a broken pressure sensor), such a solution is not always feasible, especially when a large portion of the protocol timing window is already occupied by existing data. Modifying the existing protocol will also not help existing pen devices in the market that have already experienced a broken pressure sensor. Summary of the invention

[0007] Features of the present disclosure address the above-mentioned problems by implementing techniques for detecting contact or proximity of a stylus with a display screen in the absence of pressure information, within the constraints of existing pen protocols. To this end, a digitizer associated with a display screen of a computer device can determine when the stylus is touching (or is significantly close to) the screen when signal communication between the pen and the digitizer exceeds a threshold (e.g., time or voltage).

[0008] In one example, a method for detecting an input associated with an input tool is described. The method may include: receiving a signal from the input tool at a digitizer of a computer device, the signal lacking pressure information. The method may also include: detecting whether the signal from the input tool exceeds a voltage threshold. The method may also include: determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool based at least on detecting that the signal exceeds the voltage threshold. The method may also include: configuring the input using default pressure information based at least on determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool.

[0009] In another example, a computer device for detecting input associated with an input tool is disclosed. The computer device may include: a memory for storing data and instructions; a processor in communication with the memory. The processor may be configured to execute instructions for receiving a signal from the input tool at a digitizer of the computer device, the signal lacking pressure information. The instructions may also be executed by the processor to detect whether the signal from the input tool exceeds a voltage threshold. The instructions may also be executed by the processor to determine that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool based at least on detecting that the signal exceeds the voltage threshold. The instructions may also be executable to configure the input using default pressure information based at least on determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool.

[0010] In another example, a computer-readable medium is described that stores instructions executable by a computer device for detecting an input associated with an input tool. The computer-readable medium may include instructions executable by a computer device for receiving a signal from the input tool at a digitizer of the computer device, the signal lacking pressure information. The instructions may also be executable to detect whether the signal from the input tool exceeds a voltage threshold. The instructions may also be executable to determine that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool based at least on detecting that the signal exceeds the voltage threshold. The instructions may also be executable to configure the input using default pressure information based at least on determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool.

[0011] The foregoing has been fairly broadly outlined according to the features and technical advantages of the examples disclosed herein so that the subsequent detailed description can be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be easily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for the same purpose of performing the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein (both their organization and method of operation) and the associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each of the figures in the accompanying drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and not as a limitation of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is an example of a computer system illustrating interaction between a computer device and a stylus according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2A is an example of a communication timing structure for sending a signal including pressure information from a stylus to a computer device according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2B is an example of a communication timing structure for sending a signal without pressure information from a stylus to a computer device according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for a computer device according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for detecting stylus input without pressure information according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] As discussed above, the pressure sensor associated with the stylus end may be susceptible to damage or destruction due to fatigue or excessive force (each reflecting a physical weakness of the pen). When the pressure sensor or the stylus end associated with the pressure sensor becomes damaged or destroyed, the user generally has no alternative but to discard the damaged stylus and purchase a new one because, in current pen protocols, there is no mechanism for the stylus to report that the stylus is in contact with the computer device without available pressure information. The need to continually replace damaged styluses may not be cost-conscious. This is particularly true for institutions (e.g., schools) that are often with children (e.g., who often mishandle the stylus and may damage or destroy the stylus). For such institutions, having to continually replace the stylus may not be feasible.

[0018] While one possible solution could be to modify the existing pen protocol to account for the reporting of a pressure-free pen (i.e., a broken pressure sensor), such a solution is not always feasible, especially when a large portion of the protocol timing window is already occupied by existing data. Modifying the existing protocol will also not help existing pen devices in the market that have already experienced a broken pressure sensor.

[0019] Therefore, the features of the present disclosure solve the above-mentioned problems by implementing techniques for detecting contact or proximity of a stylus with a display screen in the absence of pressure information within the constraints of existing pen protocols. In fact, the features of the present disclosure allow both pressure-less and pressure-capable pens to function on the same system as desired.

[0020] Additionally, note that the term pressure (in relation to pressure sensors, etc.) can refer to a variety of sensor types and configurations. For example, in various cases and embodiments, pressure can refer to the pen tip pressure applied to the display screen surface (or "display"). Generally, pen tip pressure is usually sensed by some type of pressure transducer inside the pen, but pen tip pressure sensing can also be accomplished by the display / digitizer itself in some devices. Additionally, the terms pressure or pressure sensing, etc. can also refer to a separate channel for sensing the grip of a hand (or finger) contacting the housing or surface of the pen.

[0021] The following description provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made in the functions and arrangements of the elements discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Various examples may omit, replace or add various processes or components where appropriate. For example, the described method may be performed in an order different from the order described, and various steps may be added, omitted or combined. In addition, features described with reference to some examples may be combined in other examples.

[0022] First go back to Figure 1 , the computer system 100 includes interoperation between a computer device 105 and a stylus 110 (or active pen). In some examples, the stylus 110 can communicate with the touch-sensitive computer device 105 via a communication link 115. The stylus 110 can include a sensor module 120 embedded within the stylus 110 for monitoring readings of one or more sensors (e.g., a pressure sensor or a button trigger) and providing detected sensor information (e.g., pressure sensor information) to the computer device 105.

[0023] The touch-sensitive computer device 105 may include a digitizer 125 that receives data from the stylus 110, including input from one or more sensors of the stylus (e.g., inertial, accelerometer, pressure, grip, near field communication, RFID, temperature, microphone, magnetometer, capacitive sensor, gyroscope, etc.). In some examples, the computer device 105 may also receive input from a user's touch of one or more touch-sensitive surfaces 145 of the computer device 105. Given the sensor input and touch input (if any), the digitizer 125 may then evaluate the simultaneous, concurrent, sequential, and / or interleaved sensor pen 105 input and touch input (i.e., finger, palm, hand, etc.) on the display or other touch-sensitive surface of the computer device 105 relative to the context of the stylus 110 and the computer device 105 to trigger or activate one or more motion gestures.

[0024] In some examples, stylus 110 may include a power supply (not shown) for generating a minimum operating voltage for the stylus, the minimum operating voltage being used to ensure that the signal envelope can be detected by digitizer 125 for hovering information. Generally, when stylus 110 is close to (hovering or touching) computer device 105, stylus 110 may send a signal to the digitizer via multiple electrodes, including but not limited to: tail electrode 130, ring electrode 135, and / or tip electrode 140. Stylus 110 may send a signal having the same frame length in all of its operating modes, in which the content of the frame may change between states. The transitions between the various states may be based on sensing the pressure applied on the tip electrode 140 of the stylus. Stylus 110 may use a wide array of frequencies (e.g., 15-45 KHz, 75-86 KHz, 150-210 KHz) for transmitting information from stylus 110 to computer device 105.

[0025] like Figure 2AAs shown, the information sent from stylus 110 to computer device 105 may include, but is not limited to, the tip and ring positions of stylus 110, the detected pressure level from the stylus tip, and / or pressure (or "force") information 225. However, in the case of a damaged or destroyed pen tip (or pen ring or pen tail) and associated pressure sensor (not shown), the information sent from stylus 110 to computer device 105 may not include any pressure information, such as Figure 2B Specifically, Figure 2B In the embodiment of the present invention, the frame structure that generally includes pressure information 225 may lack one or more of the pressure information collected from the tip electrode 140, the ring electrode 135, and / or the tail electrode 130. In general, in the absence of pressure information, the digitizer 125 may not sense the contact or hovering of the stylus 110 on or near the computer device 105. However, features of the present disclosure allow the digitizer 125 to detect touch and / or hovering information from the stylus 110 and display a corresponding cursor or writing even in the absence of one or more pressure information 225.

[0026] Return to Figure 1 , the digitizer 125 of the computer device 105 can sense various properties of the stylus 110 relative to various distances between the stylus 110 and the computer device 105 (i.e., contact, hovering range (e.g., 3-8 mm), and outside the hovering range) even in the absence of pressure information 225, as well as sense whether the movement of the stylus 110 is associated with a concurrent user touch of a display or other touch-sensitive surface of the computer device 105, or is associated with some movement of the computer device 105. Specifically, when the digitizer 125 detects that the pressure information 225 is missing from the signal(s) sent by the stylus 110, then the digitizer 125 can determine that the pressure sensor from one or more of the tail electrode 130, the ring electrode 135, and / or the tip electrode 140 is damaged or destroyed.

[0027] Despite the lack of pressure information 225, the digitizer 125 can utilize the touch-sensitive surface 145 and the stylus 110 characteristics to detect whether the stylus 110 is in contact with (or hovering over) the touch-sensitive surface 145 of the computer device 105. Specifically, when the stylus 110 is brought into proximity with or in contact with the touch-sensitive surface 145, the stylus 110 can send one or more signals to the computer device 105. When the digitizer 125 detects the presence of the signal but the absence of pressure information 225 in the frame structure of the signal reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., the time or peak power of the signal), the digitizer 125 can determine that the stylus 110 is in contact with the touch-sensitive surface 145 despite the lack of pressure information. Therefore, the digitizer 125 can use the default pressure setting as a substitute for the pressure information to display the corresponding cursor or user input.

[0028] These sensed properties of stylus 110 can then be correlated with various touches or motions of stylus 110 at computer device 105, and can also be considered in light of the current context of either or both of stylus 110 and computer device 105 (e.g., whether they are being held, moved, power state, application state, etc.), and used to trigger various "motion gestures" or other actions.

[0029] With respect to hover range, in various embodiments, the digitizer 125 may consider the distance of the stylus 110 above the digitizer 12 of the computer device 105 based on various ranges including the following three range categories: physical contact, within the hover range of the digitizer 125, or outside the range of the digitizer 125. The activation mechanism for any particular detection and motion gesture may consider these different ranges of the stylus 110, in conjunction with any other relevant input, touch, and / or motion of the computer device 105.

[0030] As noted above, raw sensor readings from stylus 110 may be reported or sent from stylus 110 to computer device 105 for evaluation and characterization by computer device 105 based on the pen protocol. For example, raw sensor data from an inertial sensor within a sensor pen may be reported by stylus 110 to computer device 105, and computer device 105 may then determine pen orientation based on the data from the inertial sensor. Alternatively, in various embodiments, stylus 110 may use on-board computing power to evaluate input from one or more sensors. For example, sensor data derived from an inertial sensor within stylus 110 may be processed by a computing component of sensor module 120 to determine pen orientation, and a tilted orientation may then be reported by the pen to computer device 105.

[0031] Clearly, any desired combination of reporting of raw sensor data by stylus 110 and reporting of processed sensor data to computer device 105 may be performed depending on the computing capabilities of stylus 110. However, for purposes of explanation, the following discussion will generally relate to reporting of sensor data by stylus 110 to computer device 105 for further processing by computer device 105 to determine proximity, contact, motion gestures, or other input contexts of stylus 110.

[0032] For example, one such input technique, referred to as a "touch and tilt for layers" gesture, uses simultaneous user touch and sensor pen tilt to activate or interact with different layers displayed on touch-sensitive surface 145. Note that the touch and tilt for layers gesture is initiated at any desired distance of stylus 110 from touch-sensitive surface 145. Sensor pen tilt is determined by one or more of the pen sensors and reported to computer device 105 via the communication capabilities of stylus 110. Touch and tilt for layers gesture is discussed in further detail herein.

[0033] Another gesture may include a "touch and splash" gesture, which uses the pen's sensors to detect taps of pen motion initiated by a user while the user is touching the display of the computer device 105. Typically, the touch and splash gesture operates in a drawing or painting type application to initiate an action that simulates an artist tapping a paint brush on her finger to produce the effect of paint splashing on paper. In this case, the user touches the touch-sensitive surface 145 with a finger and then strikes the stylus 110 against the finger (or any other finger, object, or surface). Note that the actual (x, y) position of the tip electrode will generally not be known given the limited hover sensing range of common computer devices 105 (e.g., tablets, tablets). Therefore, the touch and splash gesture initiates an action that produces a splash (in the currently selected pen color) centered on the finger contact point. As with the previously noted gestures, the touch and splash gesture is initiated at any desired distance from the display screen by the stylus 110, and the stylus 110 tapping action is determined by one or more of the pen sensors and reported via the communication capabilities of the stylus 110. Touch and splash gestures are discussed in further detail herein.

[0034] Other examples of sensor-related pen motion relative to the computer device 105 include using the sensor module 120 (e.g., accelerometer, pressure sensor, inertial sensor, grip sensor, etc.) to determine when the stylus 110 is picked up or put down by the user. By considering the current stylus 110 context or state (i.e., picked up or put down) relative to the current context or state of the computer device 105 (e.g., held by the user, powered off, etc.), any desired action can be initiated (e.g., exiting sleep mode in the computer device when the pen is picked up, or entering sleep mode when the pen is put down).

[0035] Reference now Figure 3 , describes a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for a computer device 105 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the computer device 105 may be a reference Figure 1The computer device 105 described herein may include an example of a computer device 105. The computer device 105 may include a processor 305 for performing one or more processing functions (e.g., method 400) described herein. The processor 305 may include a single processor or a multi-core processor or a collection of multiple processors. In addition, the processor 305 may be implemented as an integrated processing system and / or a distributed processing system.

[0036] The computer device 105 may also include a memory 310, such as for storing a local version of an application run by the processor 305. In some aspects, the memory 310 may be implemented as a single memory or a partitioned memory. In some examples, the operation of the memory 310 may be managed by the processor 305. The memory 310 may include a type of memory usable by a computer, such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a tape, a disk, an optical disk, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. In addition, the processor 305 and the memory 310 may include and run an operating system (not shown).

[0037] In addition, the computer device 105 may include a communication component 315 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more parties utilizing hardware, software, and services as described herein. The communication component 315 may carry communications between components and modules of the computer device 105. The communication component 315 may also facilitate communications with external devices of the computer device 105, such as electronic devices locally coupled to the computer device 105 and / or located across a communication network and / or devices serially or locally connected to the computer device 105. For example, the communication component 315 may include one or more buses operable to interface with external devices.

[0038] The computer device 105 may include a user interface component 320 that is operable to receive input from a user of the computer device 105 and is also operable to generate output for presentation to the user. The user interface component 320 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to navigation keys, function keys, microphones, voice recognition components, any other mechanism capable of receiving input from a user, or any combination thereof. In addition, the user interface component 320 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to displays, speakers, any other mechanism capable of presenting output to a user, or any combination thereof.

[0039] The computer device 105 may also include Figure 1The digitizer 125 discussed. The digitizer 125 can detect one or more signals sent from an input device (such as the stylus 110). In some examples, the electronic components of the stylus 110 can generate wireless signals that are broadcast or transmitted and received by the digitizer 125. The signals can provide data about the pen position, pressure, and other functions. Most pens can also include one or more function buttons (e.g., eraser and right-click) that can be used in place of a mouse or keyboard. Information associated with the function buttons (e.g., whether the user has pressed the button) can also be received by the digitizer 125.

[0040] However, when the digitizer 125 detects that the received signal lacks pressure information associated with the pressure sensor of the stylus 110, the digitizer 125 may determine that the pressure sensor of the stylus 110 may be damaged or broken. The conclusion may be drawn based on the digitizer 125 detecting the peak voltage of the received signal for a predetermined period of time. Specifically, if the digitizer 125 detects that the signal exceeds a threshold voltage for a predetermined threshold period of time (e.g., the stylus 110 continues to send a signal without pressure information for a predetermined period of time), the digitizer 125 may conclude that the stylus 110 is in contact with (or hovering over) the display screen and is intended to interact with the computer device 105. Based on this determination, the digitizer 125 may detect and display interaction with a pressure-free stylus.

[0041] In some examples, digitizer 125 may calculate the probability that the pen is unable to report pressure based on the time that stylus 110 is detected to be in an "intended to contact the screen" state (i.e., the signal from stylus 110 has exceeded a threshold voltage level for a predetermined period of time, indicating a likelihood that stylus 110 is in contact with or hovering near touch-sensitive surface 145). The more time that has elapsed, the greater the probability that the pen is in the intended to contact the screen state. Similarly, if digitizer 125 detects that the pen is in an "intended to contact the screen" state for a first period of time without pressure information, and then moves out of a threshold range (e.g., voltage level of the signal) while remaining in the detection range (i.e., stylus 110 is still near touch-sensitive surface 145, even if not hovering or contacting), and returns to within the threshold range (i.e., in contact or hovering) during a second period of time, then digitizer 125 may conclude that there is a higher probability that stylus 110 is a pressure-free stylus 110 (i.e., a damaged or broken pressure sensor).

[0042] In some examples, the digitizer 125 in cooperation with the memory 310 may store information associated with the stylus 110 from a previous session (e.g., whether the pen is pressure-free) so that the time to determine whether the pressure sensor is damaged or broken is minimized. In some examples, the computer device 105 may store a pen identification (ID) and a corresponding state (e.g., pressure-free or capable of using pressure) associated with the stylus 110 in the memory 310 or a remote cloud service (not shown) so that for subsequent sessions, the digitizer 125 can identify the pen's capabilities with minimal delay. Thus, as illustrated above, allowing a user to functionally use a damaged or broken stylus 110 (even with a trade-off in accuracy) as provided by the present disclosure can provide cost-effectiveness that would not be available with conventional systems.

[0043] Next, return to Figure 4 , describes a method 400 for detecting input associated with an input tool (eg, a stylus). The method 400 may be performed as described in reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 Although method 400 is described below with respect to elements of computer device 105, method 400 may be performed by any computer or network system.

[0044] At block 405, method 400 may include receiving a signal from an input tool at a digitizer of a computer device. The signal may lack pressure information. In some examples, the digitizer may receive a signal with an indication that the input tool is unable to send pressure information because a tip electrode of the input tool or an associated pressure sensor is broken or damaged. Aspects of block 405 may be described by reference to Figure 3 The communication component 315 and the digitizer 125 described above are performed.

[0045] At box 410, method 400 may include detecting whether a signal from an input tool exceeds a voltage threshold. In particular, the input tool may send a signal when the input tool approaches the surface of the display. The signal may be detected by the digitizer based on a peak voltage that will exceed the voltage threshold when the input tool is closer to the display surface than when the input tool is farther away from the display surface. Thus, when the input tool is within a hovering threshold (e.g., 3-5 mm), the voltage of the signal may exceed the voltage threshold. The longer the input tool remains in contact with the display surface or hovers over the display surface, the greater the confidence the digitizer may have in determining that the input tool may be attempting to interact with the computer device (e.g., write or select) using the input tool. Aspects of box 410 may be described by reference to Figure 3 The digitizer 125 described herein performs the above.

[0046] At box 415, method 400 may include determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool based at least on detecting that the signal exceeds a voltage threshold. In some examples, the computer device may store information associated with the pressure-free input tool in a memory of the computer device for subsequent sessions. In some aspects, the memory may be remotely located in a cloud service so that a second computer device can identify the stylus input tool (i.e., whether the stylus is a pressure-free pen) based on the pen ID. The memory may also include calculating the probability that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool based on the length of time the signal is detected to exceed the voltage threshold. The longer the time period, the higher the probability that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool. In some examples, the failure to send (or lack of) pressure information may be based on the fact that the input tool may include a damaged or destroyed pressure sensor, end electrode, tail electrode, or ring electrode. In some examples, the determination that the input tool is a pressure-free input stylus is determined without modifying the existing pen protocol. In some aspects, the digitizer may also retrieve pressure capability information associated with the stylus from a remote storage device (e.g., a cloud service). The pressure capability information may indicate whether the pressure sensor of the stylus is damaged or broken, so as to minimize the time required to detect that the stylus is a non-pressure stylus. Aspects of block 415 may be as described with reference to Figure 3 The digitizer 125 described herein performs the above.

[0047] At block 420, method 400 may include configuring the input using default pressure information (e.g., 50% of the range or the last known pressure) based at least on determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool. In some examples, the default pressure information may be predetermined by a user or dynamically selected (e.g., by updating a setting). Aspects of block 420 may be described in detail with reference to Figure 3 The user interface component 320 described above performs

[0048] As used in this application, the terms "component", "module", "system" and the like are intended to include computer-related entities, such as but not limited to hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but not limited to, a process, a processor, an object, an executable, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer running on a processor. By way of illustration, both the application running on a computer device and the computer device can be components. One or more components can reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components can be located on a computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media with various data structures stored thereon. Components can communicate by local and / or remote processes, such as according to a signal with one or more data packets (such as from interacting with another component in a local system, a distributed system and / or by a signal across a network such as the Internet and interacting with other systems).

[0049] In addition, various aspects are described herein in conjunction with a device (which may be a wired device or a wireless device). A wireless device may be a cellular phone, a satellite phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless connectivity, a computer device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0050] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the blocks in the disclosed process / flowchart is a diagram of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the blocks in the process / flowchart can be rearranged. In addition, some blocks can be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present the elements of each block in a sample order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0051] Provide previous description to enable those skilled in the art to practice various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but should be given a complete scope consistent with the language claims, wherein, unless otherwise clearly stated, reference to singular elements is not intended to mean "one and only one", but "one or more". The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, instance or illustration". Any aspect described as "exemplary" herein need not be understood as being preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless otherwise clearly stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Combinations such as "at least one of A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "A, B, C or any combination thereof" include any combination of A, B and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B or multiple C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described in this disclosure that are known or later appear to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element should be understood as a functional module unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "a unit for..."

[0052] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various aspects of the features are presented in terms of systems that can include a number of devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that the various systems can include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and / or can include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures.

[0053] The various illustrative logics, logic blocks, and method actions described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed using a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, or a specifically programmed one of any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computer devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In addition, at least one processor may include one or more components operable to perform one or more of the steps and / or actions described above.

[0054] In addition, the steps and / or actions of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be directly embodied in hardware, in a software module run by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may reside in a RAM memory, a flash memory, a ROM memory, an EPROM memory, an EEPROM memory, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. In addition, in some aspects, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In an alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. In addition, in some aspects, the steps and / or actions of the method or algorithm may reside in a machine-readable medium and / or a computer-readable medium as one or any combination or set of codes and / or instructions, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0055] In one or more aspects, the described functions can be implemented with hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the function can be stored or transmitted on a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, and communication media includes any medium that promotes the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any connection can be named as a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is sent from a website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave, then coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave can be included in the definition of medium. Disks and magnetic disks as used herein include compact disks (CDs), laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein magnetic disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while magnetic disks typically reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Although aspects of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with examples thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the aspects described above may be made without departing from the scope thereof. Other aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification or from practice according to the aspects disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for detecting an input associated with an input tool, comprising: receiving a signal from the input tool at a digitizer of a computer device, wherein the input tool is configured to provide pressure information that identifies a value of pressure applied to a display screen surface of the computer device from a range of pressure values, and wherein the signal received at the digitizer lacks the pressure information; detecting whether the signal from the input tool exceeds a voltage threshold; determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool based at least on detecting that the signal exceeds the voltage threshold; as well as Based at least on a determination that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool, the input is configured using default pressure information.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Information associated with the pressure-free input tool from a first time period is stored in a memory of the computer device for use during a second time period.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: Based on the length of time that the signal is detected to exceed the voltage threshold, a probability that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool is calculated. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-pressure input tool comprises a damaged or destroyed pressure sensor. 5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the determination that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool is determined without modifying a digitizer communication pen protocol. The method of claim 1 , wherein the signal comprises an indication that the input tool is unable to transmit the pressure information.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Pressure capability information associated with the input tool is retrieved from a remote storage device, wherein the pressure capability information indicates whether a pressure sensor of the input tool is damaged or destroyed.

8. A computer device for detecting an input associated with an input tool, comprising: Memory, used to store data and instructions; as well as a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions to: receiving a signal from the input tool at a digitizer of a computer device, wherein the input tool is configured to provide pressure information that identifies a value of pressure applied to a display screen surface of the computer device from a range of pressure values, and wherein the signal received at the digitizer lacks the pressure information; detecting whether the signal from the input tool exceeds a voltage threshold; determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool based at least on detecting that the signal exceeds the voltage threshold; as well as Based at least on a determination that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool, the input is configured using default pressure information.

9. The computer device of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to execute instructions to: Information associated with the pressure-free input tool from a first time period is stored in a memory of the computer device for use during a second time period.

10. The computer device of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to execute instructions to: Based on the length of time that the signal is detected to exceed the voltage threshold, a probability that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool is calculated.

11. The computer device of claim 8, wherein the pressureless input tool comprises a damaged or destroyed pressure sensor.

12. The computer device of claim 8, wherein the determination that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool is determined without modifying a digitizer communication pen protocol.

13. The computer device of claim 8, wherein the signal comprises an indication that the stylus is unable to send pressure information.

14. The computer device of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to execute instructions to: Pressure capability information associated with the input tool is retrieved from a remote storage device, wherein the pressure capability information indicates whether a pressure sensor of the input tool is damaged or destroyed.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a computer device for detecting an input associated with an input tool, the instructions comprising instructions executable by the computer device to: receiving a signal from the input tool at a digitizer of a computer device, wherein the input tool is configured to provide pressure information that identifies a value of pressure applied to a display screen surface of the computer device from a range of pressure values, and wherein the signal received at the digitizer lacks the pressure information; detecting whether the signal from the input tool exceeds a voltage threshold; determining that the input tool is a pressure-free input tool based at least on detecting that the signal exceeds the voltage threshold; as well as Based at least on a determination that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool, the input is configured using default pressure information.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions for: Information associated with the pressure-free input tool from a first time period is stored in a memory of the computer device for use during a second time period.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions for: Based on the length of time that the signal is detected to exceed the voltage threshold, a probability that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool is calculated.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the pressure-free input tool comprises a damaged or destroyed pressure sensor.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the determination that the input tool is the pressure-free input tool is determined without modifying a digitizer communication pen protocol.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the signal comprises an indication that the input tool is unable to send the pressure information.

Images