Touch Screen Control Device

Abstract

Generally, the present invention proposes a touchscreen control device 100. The touchscreen control device 100 includes a manually operable conductive controller 101. The touchscreen control device 100 also includes first and second conductive screen connectors 131, 132 for attaching the device 100 to a touchscreen. The controller 101 is movable from a first position, in which the controller 101 is conductively coupled to the first screen connector 131 to provide a first electrical signal to the touchscreen, to a second position, in which the controller 101 is conductively coupled to both the first and second screen connectors 131, 132 to provide a second electrical signal to the touchscreen.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Technical Field The present invention relates to touch screen controls. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to touch screen control devices and methods for calibrating touch screen control devices. [Background technology]

[0002] background Touch screens are becoming more and more common in modern life for both personal and professional use. The advantage of a touch screen is that an input device, such as a keyboard, and a display device, such as a monitor, may be combined into one, offering increased portability and simplicity. For example, many industries, such as the music industry, now commonly use touch screen devices to make various processes easier.

[0003] There are already mobile and computer applications for virtual disc jockey (DJ) sets that allow DJs to manipulate music via touchscreen devices. Typically, multiple functions such as tempo control, scratching and fading can be performed via touchscreen devices without the need to carry multiple devices. However, due to the nature of touchscreen devices, these functions can be difficult to operate. For example, the size of a touchscreen is typically much smaller than the size of a turntable, which makes it difficult to perform small and precise movements. Furthermore, friction between a user's fingers during operation makes smooth operation of the touchscreen difficult. Furthermore, touchscreen virtual DJ sets lack the advantages that traditional DJ sets offer via buttons and sliders.

[0004] To overcome the difficulties associated with operating a touchscreen device, external devices can be combined with the touchscreen device. However, such external devices may need to be connected to the touchscreen device by a cable, thereby reducing the portability and simplicity of the experience and adding additional costs. The external devices may also need to be connected to an additional audio output device via another cable, further reducing the portability of the product. In addition, these external devices require frequent maintenance to remove accumulated dust that may adversely affect the audio quality.

[0005] There are some external devices that do not need to be connected to the touchscreen device by a cable, but instead can connect via wireless communication. However, these devices require frequent charging and pairing with the touchscreen device, which adds time delays to the use of the DJ set. Furthermore, space must be provided for this additional device when in use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved touch screen control device that can overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings.It is an object of the present invention to address at least one of the above problems or other problems associated with the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Summary of the Invention A first aspect of the invention provides a touchscreen control device including a manually operable conductive controller. The touchscreen control device also includes first and second conductive screen connectors for mounting the device to a touchscreen, such as a capacitive touchscreen. The manually operable conductive controller is movable from a first position in which the manually operable conductive controller is conductively coupled to the first conductive screen connector to provide a first electrical signal to the touchscreen, to a second position in which the manually operable conductive controller is conductively coupled (i) only to the second conductive screen connector to provide a second electrical signal to the touchscreen, or (ii) to both the first and second conductive screen connectors to provide the second electrical signal to the touchscreen.

[0008] Preferably, in the first position, the manually operable conductive controller may be conductively coupled to only the first conductive screen connector for providing a first electrical signal to the touch screen.

[0009] In this manner, it is possible to manipulate the manually operable conductive controller to perform small, precise movements that can be detected by the touchscreen. Furthermore, the manually operable conductive controller allows the user to manipulate the touchscreen without requiring the user to use their finger directly on the surface of the touchscreen, thereby avoiding any friction between the user's finger and the touchscreen that may otherwise make it difficult to manipulate the touchscreen smoothly. Additionally, the touchscreen control device according to the present invention does not require any cables or wireless connections to connect to the touchscreen.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second electrical signal may include an electrical signal from only the second conductive screen connector. In some embodiments, the second electrical signal may include an electrical signal from both the first and second conductive screen connectors simultaneously.

[0011] Preferably, the first and second conductive screen connectors may be configured to removably attach the touchscreen controller to the touchscreen.

[0012] Preferably, a first electrical signal may be provided to the touch screen from a user contacting the manually operable conductive controller when in the first position. Preferably, a second electrical signal may be provided to the touch screen from a user contacting the manually operable conductive controller when in the second position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the touchscreen control device may include a third conductive screen connector. The manually operable conductive controller may be movable from a first position to a third position in which the manually operable conductive controller is conductively coupled (i) to only the third conductive screen connector to provide a third electrical signal to the touchscreen, or (ii) to both the first and third conductive screen connectors to provide a third electrical signal to the touchscreen.

[0014] In some embodiments, the third electrical signal can include an electrical signal from only the third conductive screen connector. In some embodiments, the third electrical signal can include an electrical signal from both the first and third conductive screen connectors simultaneously.

[0015] Preferably, the third conductive screen connector may be configured to removably attach the touchscreen controller to the touchscreen.

[0016] Preferably, a third electrical signal may be provided to the touch screen from a user contacting the manually operable conductive controller when it is in the third position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the touch screen control device can be arranged such that movement of the manually operable conductive controller from the first position to the second position is in an opposite direction to movement of the manually operable conductive controller from the first position to the third position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the touch screen control device may include a guide for guiding movement of the manually operable conductive controller between the first and second positions. For example, the guide may include a slot through which at least a portion of the manually operable conductive controller may be disposed. In some embodiments, the slot may be generally elongated. Preferably, the guide may define a generally linear slot.

[0019] In some embodiments, the touch screen control device may include a guide for guiding movement of the manually operable conductive controller between the first, second, and third positions. For example, the guide may include a slot through which at least a portion of the manually operable conductive controller may be disposed. In some embodiments, the slot may be generally elongated. Preferably, the guide may define a generally linear slot.

[0020] In some embodiments, the touch screen control device may include a housing that includes a guide.

[0021] In some embodiments, the manually operable conductive controller may include one or more of a fader knob, a slider, a switch, and / or a joystick.

[0022] In some embodiments, one or more of the conductive screen connectors may include a suction cup.

[0023] In some embodiments, the touchscreen controller may include a first conductive contact conductively coupled to the second conductive screen connector for calibrating the touchscreen controller to the touchscreen. Advantageously, this may enable first and second electrical signals to be provided from the manually operable conductive controller and the first conductive contact through the first and second screen connectors, respectively, to the touchscreen when the manually operable conductive controller is in the first position for calibrating the touchscreen controller.

[0024] In some embodiments, the touchscreen controller may include a first conductive contact conductively coupled to the second conductive screen connector and a second conductive contact conductively coupled to the third conductive screen connector for calibrating the touchscreen controller to the touchscreen. Advantageously, this may enable first and second electrical signals to be provided from the first and second conductive contacts through the second and third screen connectors, respectively, to the touchscreen when the manually operable conductive controller is in the first position for calibrating the touchscreen controller.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first and / or second conductive contacts may include conductive pins.

[0026] The present invention contemplates a method of calibrating a touch screen control device according to a first aspect of the invention, the touch screen control device including a first conductive contact, the method comprising: - positioning a touchscreen control device over a predetermined area or section of a touchscreen; - contacting first conductive contacts on the touch screen control device and receiving input from a user contacting the manually operable conductive controller when the manually operable conductive controller is in a first position; - detecting a first electrical signal from a second conductive screen connector corresponding to the first conductive contacts and detecting a second electrical signal from the first conductive screen connector corresponding to the manually operable conductive controller; - determining whether first and second electrical signals are received simultaneously at a first location on the touchscreen and at a second location on the touchscreen, and that the first and second locations are separated by at least a threshold distance; - calibrating the touch screen control device based on the determination of the first location and the second location. Includes.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention provides a method of calibrating a touch screen control device according to the first aspect of the invention, the touch screen control device including first and second conductive contacts, the method comprising: - positioning a touchscreen control device over a predetermined area or section of a touchscreen; - receiving input from a user contacting first and second conductive contacts on the touch screen control device when the manually operable conductive controller is in a first position; - detecting a first electrical signal from a second conductive screen connector corresponding to the first conductive contacts and a second electrical signal from a third conductive screen connector corresponding to the second conductive contacts; - determining whether first and second electrical signals are received simultaneously at a first location on the touchscreen and at a second location on the touchscreen, and that the first and second locations are separated by at least a threshold distance; - calibrating the touch screen control device based on the determination of the first location and the second location. Includes.

[0028] In this manner, the touchscreen control device may be advantageously used with touchscreens of various sizes (ie, with touchscreen devices having screens of different sizes).

[0029] Preferably, calibrating the touchscreen controller based on determining the first and second points may include adjusting a size of a predetermined area or section of the touchscreen, which may advantageously enable the size of the predetermined area or section on touchscreens of various sizes (i.e. on touchscreen devices having screens of different sizes) to be adjusted according to the size of the touchscreen controller.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method may include determining whether the first and / or second point is positioned within a predetermined area or section of the touch screen.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method may include defining a first calibration area at the center of the first point and / or a second calibration area at the center of the second point.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method may include defining a third calibration area at a third point positioned midway between the first point and the second point.

[0033] In some embodiments, the threshold distance may be 30 mm or greater. For example, the threshold distance may be 33 mm or greater.

[0034] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the terms "comprise" and "including" and variations of these terms, such as "comprises" and "comprises," mean "including, but not limited to," and do not exclude other components, wholes, or steps. Furthermore, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise, and specifically where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating the singular and plural unless the context requires otherwise.

[0035] Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be described in relation to any of the other aspects. It is expressly intended that within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, claims and / or the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, the features of all embodiments and / or any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, so long as such features are compatible.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a touch screen control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch screen control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a touch screen control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention attached to a smartphone. [Figure 4] 1 shows a manually operable conductive controller of a touch screen control device according to a first embodiment in a first (a), second (b) and third (c) position; [Diagram 5] 3 illustrates calibration of a touch screen control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 illustrates calibration of a touchscreen control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention with touchscreen devices of different sizes. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a touch screen control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a touch screen control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]1 shows a manually operable conductive controller of a touch screen control device according to a second embodiment in (a) a first, (b) a second, and (c) a third position. [Figure 10] 13A-13C show a manually operable conductive controller of a touch screen control device according to a third embodiment in (a) a first, (b) a second, and (c) a third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Detailed Description 1, a touchscreen control device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated guide portion 102 and an elongated base portion 104 connected together to form a housing 106 that defines an enclosed volume. The guide portion 102 has a generally recessed shape and has an elongated base 102a, two sides 102b, 102c and two ends 102d, 102e. The base 102a of the guide portion 102 has a narrow elongated slit 103 that extends along approximately 2 / 3 of the elongated length of the base 102a.

[0039] The metal lever 120 and the pair of cylindrical guide rails 124 are disposed within the enclosed volume of the housing 106. The cylindrical guide rails 124 are held in place by two pairs of recesses 104a, 104b formed in protrusions 104c, 104d at each end of the base portion 104. The metal lever 120 has a base portion 121 which includes a pair of cylindrical holes 122a, 122b through which the pair of cylindrical guide rails 124 pass. The metal lever 120 is thus linearly movable along the cylindrical guide rails 124 from one end of the base portion 104 to the other, relative to the elongated length of the base portion 104.

[0040] The metal lever 120 also has a thin upstanding portion 123, which is arranged to pass through the elongated slit 103 in the guide portion 102 from inside to outside the housing 106 and connect to the manually operable conductive controller 101 seated above the guide portion 102 on the outside of the housing 106. In this manner, the metal lever 120 can be moved along the cylindrical guide rail 124 by moving the operable conductive controller 101 back and forth along the elongated slit 103 in the guide portion 102. The manually operable conductive controller 101 is made of a conductive material and thus electrically connects with the metal lever 120, which is also made of metal and is conductive.

[0041] The first conductive suction cup 131 is disposed on the outside of the housing 106 and extends through a hole 104e in the base portion 104 only about halfway along its elongated length. In this example, the first conductive suction cup 131 is fabricated from silicon. The first conductive suction cup 131 is electrically connected to the metal lever 120 by a flexible cable 140 disposed on the inside of the housing 106. The flexible cable 140 has a sufficient length such that the flexible cable 140 remains connected to the first conductive suction cup 131 as the metal lever 120 moves back and forth along the entire length of the cylindrical guide rail 124 from one end of the base portion 104 to the other.

[0042] The second and third conductive suction cups 132, 133 are also disposed on the outside of the housing 106 and extend through holes 104f, 104g at the respective ends of the base portion 104 adjacent the protrusions 104c, 104d. The second and third conductive suction cups 132, 133 are also fabricated from silicon. Thus, when the metal lever 120 is moved to either end of the cylindrical guide rail 124, it will contact, and thus be electrically connected to, either the second or third conductive suction cups 132, 133, respectively. The first and second conductive pins 141, 142 also extend from the outside to the inside of the housing 106 through the protrusions 104c, 104d, and are in electrical contact with the second and third conductive suction cups 132, 133, respectively.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fully assembled touchscreen controller 100.

[0044] In use, the touchscreen control device 100 is attached to a touchscreen of a device, such as a smartphone or touchscreen computer, by the first, second and third conductive suction cups 131, 132, 133. Figure 3 shows the touchscreen control device 100 attached to the touchscreen of a smartphone 10.

[0045] 4(a), in the first position, the manually operable conductive controller 101 is disposed in the middle of or towards the elongated slit 103 as shown in FIG. 4(a). In the first position, the manually operable conductive controller 101 is in electrical contact only with the first conductive suction cup 131 via the metal lever 120 and the flexible cable 140. Thus, when in the first position, when a user contacts the manually operable conductive controller 101, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 101, through the metal lever 120 and the flexible cable 140 to the first conductive suction cup 131. As a result, a single electrical signal is received by the touch screen of the touch screen device from the first conductive suction cup 131 (at position C as shown in FIG. 4).

[0046] 4(b), the manually operable conductive controller 101 can be moved by a user from a first position to a second position where the metal lever 120 contacts the second conductive suction cup 132 by moving the manually operable conductive controller 101 toward the far end of the slit 103 toward the second conductive suction cup 132. Thus, when in the second position, when the user touches the manually operable conductive controller 101, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 101, through the metal lever 120 to the second conductive suction cup 132, and through the flexible cable 140 to the first conductive suction cup 131. Thus, two electrical signals are received by the touch screen of the touch screen device from the first and second conductive suction cups 131, 132 (at positions A and C as shown in FIG. 4).

[0047] 4(c), the manually operable conductive controller 101 can be moved by a user from the first position to a third position where the metal lever 120 contacts the third conductive suction cup 133 by moving the manually operable conductive controller 101 to the far end of the slit 103 in the direction of the third conductive suction cup 133. Thus, when in the third position, when the user touches the manually operable conductive controller 101, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 101, through the metal lever 120 to the third conductive suction cup 133, and through the flexible cable 140 to the first conductive suction cup 131. Thus, two electrical signals are received by the touch screen of the touch screen device from the first and third conductive suction cups 131, 133 (at positions C and B as shown in FIG. 4).

[0048] 5, the touchscreen controller may be used in conjunction with an application (i.e., app) or computer program on a device that includes a touchscreen. The computer program application may display a predetermined area on the touchscreen where the touchscreen controller is attached. The application or computer program may be configured to detect an electrical signal from the touchscreen controller within the predetermined area on the touchscreen.

[0049] As mentioned above, the first and second conductive pins 141, 142 extend from the exterior to the interior of the housing 106 through the protrusions 104c, 104d of the base 104 where they electrically connect with the second and third conductive suction cups 132, 133, respectively. The first and second conductive pins 141, 142 enable a user to provide first and second electrical signals from the first and second conductive pins 141, 142 through the second and third conductive suction cups 132, 133, respectively, to the touch screen when the manually operable conductive controller 101 is in the first position.

[0050] In this particular example, the distance between the second and third screen connectors 132, 133 is 33 mm. Thus, the application or computer program may be configured to determine that when first and second electrical signals are simultaneously received from the second and third screen connectors 132, 133 at the first and second points on the touchscreen, if the first and second points are spaced apart by 33 mm (432 PX) or more, the first and second points correspond to the second and third conductive suction cups 132, 133, respectively. The application or computer program may also calculate a midpoint between the first and second points on the touchscreen to determine the position of the first conductive suction cup 131.

[0051] In this manner, an application or computer program can detect the position of the touchscreen controller 100 on the touchscreen and recalibrate the size of the display accordingly. Thus, the touchscreen controller 100 can be used with touchscreens of various sizes, as shown in FIG.

[0052] 7 and 8 show a touchscreen control device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The touchscreen control device 200 has the same overall structure as the touchscreen control device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the only exception that the flexible cable 140 is replaced by a metal brush 240 and a metal plate 241. The metal brush 240 is attached to the metal lever 220. The metal plate 241 is attached to the base portion 204 on the hole 204e so as to be in electrical contact with the first conductive suction cup 231. When the metal lever 220 reciprocates along the entire length of the cylindrical guide rail 224 from one end to the other end of the base portion 204, the metal brush 240 slides over and remains in contact with the metal plate 241, thereby maintaining electrical contact with the first conductive suction cup 231.

[0053] 9(a), in the first position, the manually operable conductive controller 201 is disposed in the middle of or towards the elongated slit 203 as shown in FIG. 9(a). In the first position, the manually operable conductive controller 201 is in electrical contact only with the first conductive suction cup 231 via the metal lever 220, the metal brush 240 and the metal plate 241. Thus, when in the first position, when a user touches the manually operable conductive controller 201, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 201, through the metal lever 220, the metal brush 240 and the metal plate 241 to the first conductive suction cup 231. Thus, a single electrical signal is received by the touch screen of the touch screen device from the first conductive suction cup 231 (as indicated by a single arrow in FIG. 9(a)).

[0054] 9(b), the manually operable conductive controller 201 can be moved by a user from a first position to a second position where the metal lever 220 contacts the second conductive suction cup 232 by moving the manually operable conductive controller 201 to the far end of the slit 203 in the direction of the second conductive suction cup 232. When the manually operable conductive controller 201 is moved by a user from the first position to the second position, the metal brush 240 slides along the metal plate 241. The metal plate 241 is configured to have a sufficient length such that the metal brush 240 remains in contact with the metal plate 241 when the manually operable conductive controller 201 is in the second position, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0055] Thus, when in the second position, when a user touches the manually operable conductive controller 201, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 201, through the metal lever 220 to the second conductive suction cup 232, and through the metal lever 220, the metal brush 240 and the metal plate 241 to the first conductive suction cup 231. Thus, two electrical signals (as indicated by the two arrows in FIG. 9(b)) are received by the touch screen of the touch screen device from the first and second conductive suction cups 231, 232.

[0056] 9(c), the manually operable conductive controller 201 can be moved by a user from the first position to a third position where the metal lever 220 contacts the third conductive suction cup 233 by moving the manually operable conductive controller 201 to the far end of the slit 203 in the direction of the third conductive suction cup 233. When the manually operable conductive controller 201 is moved by the user from the first position to the third position, the metal brush 240 slides along the metal plate 241. The metal plate 241 is configured to have a sufficient length such that the metal brush 240 remains in contact with the metal plate 241 when the manually operable conductive controller 201 is in the third position, as shown in FIG.

[0057] Thus, when in the third position, when a user makes contact with the manually operable conductive controller 201, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 201, through the metal lever 220 to the third conductive suction cup 233, and through the metal lever 220, the metal brush 240 and the metal plate 241 to the first conductive suction cup 231. Thus, two electrical signals (as indicated by the two arrows in FIG. 9(c)) are received by the touch screen of the touch screen device from the first and third conductive suction cups 231, 233.

[0058] 10(a)-10(c) show a touchscreen control device 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The touchscreen control device 300 has the same overall structure as the touchscreen control device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, in the touchscreen control device 300, the length of the metal plate 341 is configured such that when the manually operable conductive controller 301 is in the second or third position, the metal brush 340 moves beyond the length of the metal plate and is thereby no longer in contact with (i.e., disconnected from) the metal plate 341. Thus, when the manually operable conductive controller 301 is in the second or third position, there is no electrical contact between the manually operable conductive controller 301 and the first conductive suction cup 331.

[0059] 10(a), in the first position, the manually operable conductive controller 301 is disposed in the middle or towards the elongated slit 303 as shown in FIG. 10(a). In the first position, the manually operable conductive controller 301 is in electrical contact only with the first conductive suction cup 331 via the metal lever 320, the metal brush 340 and the metal plate 341. Thus, when in the first position, when a user contacts the manually operable conductive controller 301, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 301 through the metal lever 320, the metal brush 340 and the metal plate 341 to the first conductive suction cup 331. Thus, a single electrical signal is received by the touch screen of the touch screen device from the first conductive suction cup 331 (as indicated by a single arrow in FIG. 10(a)).

[0060] 10(b), the manually operable conductive controller 301 can be moved by a user from a first position to a second position where the metal lever 320 contacts the second conductive suction cup 332 by moving the manually operable conductive controller 301 toward the far end of the slit 303 toward the second conductive suction cup 332. When the manually operable conductive controller 301 is moved by a user from the first position to the second position, the metal brush 340 slides past the end of the metal plate 341 such that it no longer contacts the metal plate 341 when the manually operable conductive controller 301 is in the second position, as shown in FIG.

[0061] Thus, when in the second position, when a user touches the manually operable conductive controller 301, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 301, through the metal lever 320, to only the second conductive suction cup 332. Thus, a single electrical signal (as indicated by the single arrow in FIG. 10(b)) is received from the second conductive suction cup 332 by the touch screen of the touch screen device.

[0062] 10(c), the manually operable conductive controller 301 can be moved by a user from the first position to a third position where the metal lever 320 contacts the third conductive suction cup 333 by moving the manually operable conductive controller 301 to the far end of the slit 303 in the direction of the third conductive suction cup 333. When the manually operable conductive controller 301 is moved by a user from the first position to the third position, the metal brush 340 slides past the end of the metal plate 341 such that it no longer contacts the metal plate 341 when the manually operable conductive controller 301 is in the third position, as shown in FIG.

[0063] Thus, when in the third position, when a user touches the manually operable conductive controller 301, an electrical signal is transmitted from the user through the manually operable conductive controller 301, through the metal lever 320, to only the third conductive suction cup 333. Thus, a single electrical signal (as indicated by the single arrow in FIG. 10(c)) is received from the third conductive suction cup 333 by the touch screen of the touch screen device.

Claims

1. 1. A touch screen control device, comprising: a manually operable conductive controller; first and second conductive screen connectors for attaching the device to a touch screen; wherein the controller is movable from a first position in which the controller is conductively coupled to the first screen connector to provide a first electrical signal to the touch screen, to a second position in which the controller is conductively coupled to (i) the second conductive screen connector, or (ii) both the first and second screen connectors to provide a second electrical signal to the touch screen.

2. 2. The touch screen control device of claim 1, further comprising a third conductive screen connector, the controller being movable from the first position to a third position in which the controller is conductively coupled to (i) the third conductive screen connector, or (ii) both the first and third screen connectors, to provide a third electrical signal to the touch screen.

3. The touch screen control device of claim 2 , positioned such that movement of the controller from the first position to the second position is in an opposite direction to movement of the controller from the first position to the third position.

4. A touch screen control device according to any preceding claim, including a guide for guiding movement of the controller between the first and second positions.

5. A touch screen control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, including a guide for guiding movement of the controller between the first, second and third positions.

6. A touch screen control device according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller comprises one or more of a fader knob, a slider, a switch and / or a joystick.

7. The touch screen control device of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the conductive screen connectors comprises a suction cup.

8. 8. A touch screen control device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a first conductive contact conductively coupled to the second conductive screen connector to enable first and second electrical signals to be provided from the manually operable conductive controller and the first conductive contact through the first and second screen connectors to the touch screen when the controller is in the first position.

9. 9. The touch screen control device of claim 1, further comprising a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact, the first conductive contact conductively coupled to the second conductive screen connector and the second conductive contact conductively coupled to the third conductive screen connector to enable first and second electrical signals to be provided from the first and second conductive contacts through the second and third conductive screen connectors to the touch screen when the manually operable conductive controller is in the first position.

10. A touch screen control device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first and / or second conductive contacts comprise conductive pins.

11. A method for calibrating a touch screen control device according to claim 9 or 10, comprising the steps of: - positioning said touchscreen control device over a predetermined area of ​​a touchscreen; receiving input from a user touching the first and second conductive contacts on the touch screen control device when the manually operable conductive controller is in the first position; - detecting a first electrical signal from the second conductive screen connector corresponding to the first conductive contact and a second electrical signal from the third conductive screen connector corresponding to the second conductive contact; determining whether the first and second electrical signals are received simultaneously at a first location and a second location, and that the first and second locations are separated by at least a threshold distance; calibrating the touch screen control device based on the determination of the first location and the second location; The method includes:

12. The method of claim 11 , comprising determining whether the first and second points are located within the predetermined area of ​​the touch screen.

13. 13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising defining a first calibration area at the centre of the first point and a second calibration area at the centre of the second point.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising defining a third calibration area at a third point positioned midway between the first point and the second point.

15. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the threshold distance is greater than or equal to 30mm.

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