Elan Microelectronics Corporation v. Apple, Inc.

Filing 139

DECLARATION of Sean P. DeBruine in Opposition to 138 Memorandum in Opposition, filed byElan Microelectronics Corporation. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N, # 15 Exhibit O, # 16 Exhibit P, # 17 Exhibit Q, # 18 Exhibit R, # 19 Exhibit S, # 20 Exhibit T, # 21 Exhibit U, # 22 Exhibit V)(Related document(s) 138 ) (DeBruine, Sean) (Filed on 7/15/2010)

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Elan Microelectronics Corporation v. Apple, Inc. Doc. 139 Att. 1 EXHIBIT A Dockets.Justia.com [�ffi[mfi]m00f5i7642f1f8i4ffimffiilffiil fm us United States Patent Della Bona et al. ts4l METEOD AND �PP�-R.�TUS TOR CONIACTTNG A TOUCE-SENSITIVE CURSOR.CONTROLLING TNHJT DEVICE TO GENERATE BUT�ON V�LUES hveDto.s: M�rk �. Della BoDA. I-os Altos; Jo�st�� llorfutn, Berkeley; Jay F. EIIDI�D. SaDta Cruz. a.ll of Calif. f'731 rrsr Number: t451 Date of Patentr tlil Patent 517641218 Jun.9, 1998 CITIIER PTJELICAflONS rcT Prelimi�ary E�amh�tion Repon for Itrtem�tional Applicatiotr No. rcfruS95/00116. �D�i.led Aug. l. 1997 (6 pages). Assig�ee Apple Compu�er, Inc.. Cuperti�o. Calif. I!�rDatio]ral Se��ch Repon. PCTruS!X/00116. Jul. 6. 1996, IIaEl�a�. et aL. 'Nod at Your Comp�te�: Switcbless Selection Tech.�iques Ushg a HeadphoDe Device". ProceediDgs of the ADD�al CoDferetrce of lhe E�gi�e�ri�g in Medici�e. Mecvodd. Feb. 1996. "To��pads". pp. 68*�9. Pinary E aminet-R^tt�tond As si sc�rll J. Bayerl Examine l21l AppL No.: 38U71 I22l t51l Aftomey Agent, z.^fmar ts71 .4 method and or r-l�l� F. Stxaci F�nr;-Blakely. Sokolofi, T�ylo� & �BSTR.�CT Filed: Itrt Ct� J�D- 31,19t95 ts2l ts81 u.s, cr. Fidrl ofse�r.th y5n'74. 3451145.1'73. 166. 163. 158. 157 t561 Refercncs Cited U.S. P��TENT DOCTJMENTS 5,�9r'1 5An53t 53n J6t 5.444,458 4,/t994 Cre�pbeide,,.-.......,...............-. 34511'l 4 T4994 �'Eza et �1. ...,,..,-,..-.-..,........, 3451t57 411995 z.�E ...-......,..................,,,..,..,., yst t't3 71995 C�lde! et 911996 C�gl er ^1. �1. .......-....,....,..,-,.. A5tl45 s5s9943 ...,.,.,........................ uSI145 FOREIGN PATENT DOCIIMEI\�TS a! apparaus fo� cont�cting a touch-sensitive cursor-co�tolliDg itrput dcvice to genrate butto� values simulati[g the bu�on state of a mecha-dical button s�itch. This metl�od a�d �ppa�-atus eoable an c4lela�or to utilize the touch-setrsitive o.�rsor{onrolliDg input device to cha�ge the value of � Buttonst�te v��able (whi� simulates lhe Butto�State of a me.fiatrical butto� switc�) by (1) detectiDg coDtact �.�t�rv�ls wheD �e �sff clnlacts the lo�ch-sons�tive iDpur devjcc. (2) detditrg g�p itrtew�ls betwcen subsequent coDract i�tervals. and (3) moving the cursor oD tbe d�splay screen �Dd dra�gi�g the value of the Buttonsr�le variable based oD the dur�tio� of lhe co�lact �d gap i�trvals. ID tum. this buttotr geler�tio� capability eDables a� operator 10 perform v/ith a siDgle touc�-sensitive input devic �umerou s co��trol operatio�s. such �s d�rsor �'niFulatiod. click mufticlick d�g. click-andd�ag. aDd multi-click-aDd-d�ag op�atioDs. O4glxnl lzlggo E��a'pan Par Of. .-..-. C06F 3|/033 2544tO3 tU198-4 F��ce -...........,.-...-.,.,.. @6F 3/033 12 Clalms, 14 DnwiDg Shcels U.S. Patent Jun.9, 1998 Sheer 1 of 14 5,764,218 gr I U.S. Patent Jun.9, f�8 Sheet 2 of 14 5,764,218 /.--2OO I FIG. 2 U.S. Patent Jun.9, 199E Sheet 3 of 14 5,7�,218 U.S. Patent Jun. 9, 1998 Sheet 4 of 14 5,764,218 S��rt/Reset BunofLst�le � UP fn > tsn,fAx N=1 Buttonstate G Down N=N+1 Is du�ation of tihe between the (W-: )th ur� Nth c�ntaa intervals lo�ge� than TGMAX? Supply cr��sor kack�ng data to the coErputc! Buttonstat = Up Cont�ct ter��i�r�ted FIG. Does the user rerontact lJte tou�h-sensitive inpul device in �ess tha�r lsMAxl (t) CURSOR TRACK�NG nNcER I DowN UP r� __ I DOUBLE_CLICK \H FlG. I 'l l�Gr'h� 1 f_l E�;-' *""' hr ' <\��x I I !9 tD ,rff* I .,'H*,rH*I FtG. BUrroN DowN 5A I r, FG, 58 f I f_l ll 5c fI 5 ff� Hfdt'#J'""fl.- nrucEn up uP , , ,- o*" / """"'io--_.l n" eu�o�r -i,11d,*...---------.\zxru�x t>bv�x FIG, - \�$mxhixtruaxu jttf"* f *__l r, ,n .:* _l I t> +,PF:.t',--= F�ffi:."=j�/= h,.ruJ* - cUqK &. DRAG | | DRAG & STICK ,// - t t">��rx (,I bv�x 5D FIG, 5E FIG. 5F o\ l-J 0� \� � 6m e (t F,"g"ifil'""�fij�*:ii.**, ��C �9 ski/Rcsc, Burro�Srxc=Up ;l�s 605 �FF3 s y' ;'�o*;o*"0"'o'" tE�-:,�,*u'�,:ml , --Inr��r.gapriner� nn!*oovo tn��r�r�Dlin4 ' � s.nd bu|to� iF F (! down clkt ; rlli"l:�,liT::9y-1",-p'" /" �p ln�r�aremuln 0'r�� a�our'r l�tr8�r 6u �30 �im�r 5 �� 610 ! q � E-9 it Burronst.�E (clkl), = Up �nd rhcn Burl�nsDE= hi��rr tap �nrr2. ,l tniri�r�h� p'�!i L.�Dr D�r.!r r�Dd doc! ror rin � b.foEliDSc'hoB doi� �t5 6,0 Fin8�r .�^llS �.-g�� .sro. "i�l�i�*#"lij,ijJi'"-" racrin8 ljp 6 Tosrcp r�rc�r p�ss rinq D�tor� |rnger novcl c,pi�Es 6m 5� "-t f,"do� �h S.�d b�flon do�n �15� FIG. 6 FirgeruP& nor mov�ng I��ck (Dag�in8) g'�Hlr"',��l;:ffn, Sricty disst�B. belo� �rolhcr a�o�r tr� �40 �nGr s�cly d68 �n., {to.s �o� .rDtr! brto�E t��r d�! �or .�Dil! a'�oLhr �nB�r down tf dEB \,,,.r�r�r::*'*-'"0"'"' ,tr �sl�clY tnnjal. 5ticty di�DB�e�trhcr :rrl,,!!.,l,u," r��꡿�Dj�B b.to�c �nor�cr fin8r uP ut -t\ � � bJ c� ,r FTNGER v-l' BUTTON TR�CKING CURSOR , "_.l llllllll f-1l�.tEM*,I �"-"� -ftfiStn��X tr2<\Mrx DOUBLE-CUCK (A � tTl>tTMAx t�1(\MAX DowN FIG, I UP 7A II FIG. 78 DRAG | I | L__Jl__JFtG. 7C DRAG (LA.TENT :- g FINGER DOWN uP t-----1 BUTTON tttt II trr ' tcr<tcu�x PRESS) 'l l---------------- | [pRESs TIMER s <tru�x tT2>trM�x trep ruen + tL�lEvf f -_l tsncr FIG. 7E ltsncr �c'Jilt FIG, 7D tt -l � t) FT ca AND REPOSmON GAP �LLOWEO TO LIFT nNGER. �o' UP FINGER DOWN -lU ' r tc�tcu�x tcz<hu�x CLICK & DRAG r [ I tcl<buax tcz<hncxulry _ . .' r DRAG & STICK irlcK | I C trr<-\rr* tT2(trvlx tt3>tlt��x I trs> brs��rcleeu�o< 5 !a UP BUTTON DOWN FIG. 7F DRAG & r tctshurx ST.ICK oISENGAGE -' rtsstsncKM�x I j I FIG, 7G UP NNGER DOWN trllt1v�x tr�ttu�x M trg(brsEtlc�eEv�x (,� UP BUTTON DOW� \�\ o N) FIG. 7H � @ U.S. Patent Jun.9, 1998 Sheet 9 of 14 5,,764,218 lo a ctange in the use/s contacl wilh lhe louchpad ? SampleTme = al lim6 ol lhe Irensiti�n srep 81010 step 820 OR Butlonstale with ac{ual bullon value FIG. I U.S. Patent Jun.9, 1998 Sheet 10 of 14 5,7ffi,218 F�ngerDown=false FIG. 9 U.S. Patent JuI�. 9, ree8 5r764,218 a to�E g� E= �� -N /2 o ,g t�) /F o lvr - o (D lr- il c," rJ I -(.'� oqi L I I _t ir rl i� , UP FINGER --'� ooi�, DOWN I Ix l--] .''*-' LJ-Li-tfi>tl�ptge ttt<tr�pu�x tTt<tT�pvAX t12tt�4py4� CURSOR 'TRACKING �- (h CLICK �o tD UP--------...-.."-...--..''.---------------'--.--.-.- BUTTON -t___JFIG. IIB OOUBLE CUCK --1_J-FrG. !:. FIG. IIA ilc UP FINGER DOWN BUTION ';;ff UP i--------r tt FIG. IID \� � 1..) 0� (n e � , DOUBLE CUCK (! nNcERuPru -ut t�1lt��py4x trz<hpv�x tuStr�pv�x "-o" DOWN -l FIG, IIE - m FIG. IIF EN.ER I l-l [-l Do'wttlt<tt�puax . L_J --" �. -.t-.------.t UP DOWN uP tr�t�pu�x I T I t't t�lt�npMex "o."* (,r BUTIoNIIII FIG, IIG *� � l\) c� ,, n'rcen "' -J'�gru^* f.I t--l DOWN I DRAG DRAG + SNCK + G�P ALLOWED TO UFT REPOSMON FINGER e (A ʡ (D t�l<trApMAx trz>tnpurx UP BUTTON DOWN --t_____I tsrriKM� tlt<tT�pM�,x tTz>tl�pMAx ttg>inpulx U kncxu�x FIG, IIH DRAG UP FINGER DOWN FIG. III + DISENGA,GE SECK BrmoN tttltr�pu�x tr�tr�puex tr�<tr�pu�x UP-.--.] "' I f- DOWN ut Ol -� 5 FIG. IIJ t.J 0� 5.7�.218 1 2 r�aiDl�idng dlis buttotr deFessed wbile movi[g the �argeted objed ro a Dew loc�tion by mogi�g the cursff via the lo�chpad- A user c�� fi�lther drag a ta�geted objed abot�t the sseeE by pelf$�r�itrg a click-��d{mg operatio�. which i�volves (l) usi�g the �or��pad to positio� the cu�so� over ME�EOD AND A.PPARATT]S FOR COI{T�CTING A TOUCE-SENSITIVE CTJRSOR.CONTR,OLLING INPTIT DEVICE TO GENER,�TE BIJTTON V�LIJFS BACKGROTJND OF TIIE INVENTION 5 l. Field of 1�e l�veDtio� the t{geted object. (2) selecti�g the t�geted objcct by dep�ssi�g a�d relf�sing lhe mech��ica.l buftoD (i,e.. by perfomi�g a click operatioD). (3) dapressing the �nch�ic�l buBo� a�d rD�itrt��iDg this buttotr dqrresse/ while moving �e object to its Dew loc�lion by movi�g the cursor vi� the touchpad. atrd (4) rcleasi�g the o,bject by rele�sitg the mecha�ic�l bu�oi switdr. Fi�aUy. tl��o��gh the touchp�d ��d the mecfiatric�l button. a use� c�D pe�form �u��erous olher multi-click and r�ulti-click-and-&ag cp�atio�s (e.g-. �iplewith the vir�al explosio[ i� lhe �r��nbe� of cor�putr 15 click double ciick-a�d-drag. t�iple click-a�d+ag. erc.). systems. thffe h�s beetr a co�req)o�ding increase i� dem��d Co�seque�tly. iD o�der to Ftrfo�tr click double{lid{. a�d fo! iDput devices that facilit�te t�e hultra� i�t�action with drag operations. p�io� art toudtp�ds not only �equi�e the use these computer sys�t�s, Orc type of pr�or a�t iDpu� devices of a to�chpad but also requ�re the �se of a me�haDical burto� si��ply cobsist of keyboards, These p�ior art i�put devics switch- Prior art mech�nical bu�or swit hos a�e rDoutrted require the hurDa! opralors to eDler data by typi�g on � either separalely as coDFol buttoDs or iDtegIated i�to lhe a.lph�-�urD�ric. sp�cial fu�ctio��. aDd �row keys of t�e over�ll pad assemblies such that �c depressioD of the f,�d keyboa�ds. The eDtered dat� 6e theD us�atly displayed on surfaces actuates these switches. either of these corDput� sclee�s. irEpleme.ot�tiotrs. thre is the added elecr�omedraDic�l co�nOther more sophistica�d a�d user-frietrdty p�ior dt itrput plexity a�d cost. Moreovff. mecbadc�l switches i�tegrated iotelfaces use cursor contollgrs a�d mechatric�l buttoD as lrdt of the touchpad rqui�e f�e �djus�nents to plevetrt switc�es to p(fo�lrl co�trol operatioDs (such �s cursc� iDadvrtent oper�tio� th�ough norm�l use of the �ouchpad. ln�.Eipulation, dicki�g. double-clickiDg. d�aggiDg. dickiDgAlso. as these adjustme s vdy betwe�D users (e.g.. difcre�t a-�dl�"aggiDg. etc.) i0 order �o edit �6xt, select objecls users Ftrefer qleiatio� of �re swifches b�sed on diferent displ�yed on the saree� (e.g.. �coDs. Eetr�s. scrollbars. text, fiDg� p�essures). the c�lit'��tioD of ihtegated ttrec�atric�l etc.). cf to i�itiate a giveD co�Ematrd (e.g., save or clos a 30 buto� switches ac�oss a {ide poputatioD be�oFes problemfle, etc.), U�dr this prio. a�t appfoac�, the user r��Dipulates atic. tl iDpt�l device order to co�trol the moveme�t of ��e Thus. the�e is a �eed in the ficld of col�putr itrr(ff�ces for cursor on a display saeer aod to generate b�tton �g�als fcr a�� a�para�rs and mDthod of imple�te�ting the button ge�performi�g thc dcsired editing. slectio�. ctr co��r�¡d. Fcr eratiotr f�nctiotr withot�t us��g a mecha�ical bufloD switah. eral�ple. a use� catr select a� icon displayed otr the compr�tcr -- Elimh�tioE of rhe mec��tric�l button switch trot ody results scrcetr by placi�g a cursor over the icoD a�d by clickitrg oD h fe1rer p�ts �trd sirylmes the �ssembly plocess. but it also the mecl��tric�l butto� slvi�ch (i.e.. by deressiDg �rd thetr etrh�Dces quality ��d reliability as well, Fl�rtherrDore. such releasibg this mecba.nical bu�oD swital�). a�� app��:�0�s a�d method �{ould be ide�Iy suited for p�There are sevefal ditre�eot t�es of crEso� co�rtolli�g .^ iDput devices fo! coDfollitrg the �rov.mcot of the c��sq ru table eompulcrs as t�'is �nethod and appa��tr�s reduces bolh size and weighl across � display scree�L These i�put devices i�clude a Ioor�se. a t�ackball. � joyticlc a writing peb. a stylus t�blet. SIJMM�RY OF TI{E INVENTION atrd a rouchpa� Touchpaals ate oDe of lhe mofe promisi�g q�ftDtty c�sor co�EolliDg i�tcrface devices The p�ese�t iDveDdon provides a me�od a�d �� apparan�s use- By sensbg the inherent cq)acita�ce associated v�ith a user's �5 for co�l�ctitrg a toudl-se[sitive curscr-cootsolliDg itrpr�t f�gr, a touc�pad e��bles � user to coq�ol fhc Fackiog of device to ge�e��te bu�on v�lues silD��tiDg t�e buttoD state the crl�o� (�.e., to r�ove the cl�rsoi across the dispLry scrce�) of a mccb�nica.l bu�to0 swfd. Tbe oethod a�d aplB�:��s of th preseDt inveDtiotr etrable an opsafor to utilize the widl his 6Dgd, I� othe� words, a user crrn s�mply t�ace his ftrgcr across the touchpad i� order �o co�tr.h�-od the comtouch-se�silive or�sor-coDtolling i�put device to chatrge the puter to move the cu�so� to any desired locatio� on thc 50 v�l�e of a Bu�otrStat variable (e/hid� si�ulates t�e B�1scree�- A-ftff the userpositiotrs lhe q��so� ovs the r�rget. tt�e to[State of a medraDicat buttoD switch) by (1) detlctin8 user catr deprss a�d �elease a me.ha�ical b�ttoo ss'itch co�tact i�lervals wheD tl�e user co�tacts the touch-seDsitive (i.e., catr perfoflE a click pr�tio�) itr o(dq to edit text. io ihȡt device. (2) d,ete.ti�g gap j�tervalr betweetr subscque�t slect a� object displayd o� the s.reen (c.g., slecf a� icon. cotrtact i�tervals. arld {3) ��ovi�g the cursor on the d��lay an �uenu. a s6ollba�. etc.). of t� itritiale a givetr coml�a�d 55 ssee! �d ch�ogi�g the v�lue of the Butto�St�te variable (such ai save ar close a �le)- ID additiotr, after usiDg �e based on the duratio� of the cort�cl a.ud g�p i�lervals. Itr �o�chped to movc the cu�sor to tbe ta�gct, a �ser c�� display h�tr, this b��o� ge�ration capabiliry enables a� operator to the cotrte�ts of the t�rge�ed objed by d�Plessitg a�d the� perfcrm with a si�gle toudt-sensitive iDpur devic� numro�ts releas��g the meah�oic�l butloo twice i� rapid successio� c!�tlol opcralio�s. sucl� as cu�so� D�nipu.latio�r. click multi(ie., by perf�ming a do�ble-click ofrer�tioD). 60 click drag, click-a�di��8. aDd m�lti-click-aDd-drag operatio�s. Fu�thermore, a usfr ca� prforD d�ag oprations. such as groopitrg of objects cr texa, by usiDg thc roucttpad to '�ipe" BRIEF DBSCRIPITON OF THE DRAS,�INGS ove� the objects or te� with the curso� while deFessiDg t�e rnah�-oical button switdl. Itr additioEr � user crtr perform Tle objets a�d adv��tages of the p�ese[t iovetrtion will additioD�l drag opratioli such as '\learirg o�" menus. (1) 65 bec�me Do�e �eadily appa�ent to tbosc ordiDarily stilled in by usi�g the to�chp�d 1o positio� thc c!�so� over a ta�geled the �n after reviesd�g the folowiDg det�iled description a�d objecr a�d (2) by drp�ssing l�e mecha�ical buttoD a�d a�oDpatryi�g d��wirgs, w�erei�: Tl�e presDt inveDtio� prtai�s to tlle field of computer i�terfaces. More pa�ticula�ly. the FeseDt itrveotioD �elales to � method a�d a� �ppa�atus for coDtactiEg a touch-sensitiv r0 cr��sor-co�tsoll��g itrput device to geDer�te b�Eo� values simulating the bu�on s�ate of a meahatrical button s�w�tch. 2- Backglou�d Art I! � i! .. i� forth itr FIG. 4. :3:T:!?jjg, -tf-,t"-tioDr�seritr-purdevic� whicb �Day be �' l1=::T^110.: f^.'9dttiooal Frc. 4 p,esenrs one embodirBent or re ilvenron #,litr_�ii �:Li��i:5'�il:i*:::"t:,�tjl fo� ge�erating butto� vatues with a touch-se�sit�]: clrsor,. ;--tyl", t"bi;. "'iouch-se�sitivc input devic (e.g.. a cootrolling inpr�t deyice. sucb as the touch-sensitive input '" �ou"[*�, *. Mioo*ot o]]o lSS llovides an ide�face dEvice of FIG- 2. between cu-rsor cotrtolle� 140 a�d bus l0s. A�ofhr device FIG 5 presents timi�g diagra�nJ which describe the whicb rn�y be cor�pled to bus 10S is h�rd copy device l4S geragoD oj ihe emMimeot of the FeseDt i�ve�tioD set which mat be usd for p�itrtitrg a had copf oo paper. It utitizing rtre touci-Lnsitive iopot a""ice o-r'ffd EIG- 1 p�ese�ts a co[tF�ter system upon which o�e CorDpute� systern l0O m�y �rthr i�clude a disDtay enbodimebt of lhe Frse�l i�veDtioD is iDplemeDte� device lIl. sudr as a cathod� ray tube (CRT) or a li�uia FIG. 2 shows an exa�lple of a toudr-sen�tive c�sor- crystal displ�y (l,CD) couptd to bus 105 fcE displayi�g co�trolliDg iDtrNt devioe Or�t ��ay be util�rd to i�pleme!� iDfo��tioD lo � co�Epr�t� user Alphanu�ric bpurdevice �e presEi iE�e�doo. i 135 (e.9.. a keyboard) may also be cDt�pled to bus 1ll5 for �Dd coE'o��d slctiotrs to FlG. 3 shows a pe$pective view of a co��purer system 34 5.7U.2t8 ffit irve Frc.6p�ese�rsa�a,remariveem*�r'e�torth�prese�t ioD fo� geuer�ti�8 but�otr values �s::#,fd**rir":"�'*r�#.'�.ii;:Hff:ir;'j i�pul device of FIG. 2v�rious as the user requircs, FIG. 7 Presents timiug diagrams which describe tbe 2q As meDtio�ed befcE. oDe eEbodil�ot ofcurscr cotrtrolqtration of the embodimeDt of the p�eseDt i�veDtion set lr 1.10 of FIG. I is � touch-seNi�ive i�p�t device. This forth i� FIG- 6. PIGS. t a�d 9 present yet �Dother emMiment of P�esebt i�veDtiotr se�sitive ctEsor-codt�ollitrg cu�sor-co�trolliDg jq)ut device. sudr as the with a to.rch-se�sitive ir cotrjun�'tiotr with the pres itrve�tio!. However. it is to�ch-setrsitive ap�r�iafed that aay ty�re of coD.�gu�atio� of the syst�m ��ray ' be usd fcr pt�rtoses louch-seDsitive iqxlt dcvice Day be a sqlar�tt pad which coutd be held i� the hatrd. d�ced oD a d�sktop. o� built iDto the coltlp��e� keybo�rd. A0 c,peratof utilizes this touch- sensitive input device by cortactiEg (e.g.. touctri�g tfie dvice with his nngr), which iD t�rtr c�uses � c��rsor ro rtrove �c�oss tbe display device based otr tf�e iDfo�m�tion pertai�ing to t�e oprsfq's cobtacl (e.g,, tie di8pl�ceme of the cpcrator's f�g� on �i� devicc) thatthis deviceprovids to lhe computer, ID additio�. as me�tioDd below. the method ��d �I?alatus of the preseDt i�vention e�able a[ a�d 9 is ir�[[e��ted. FIG. 11r{-1lJ prsent timing diagr��s describi�g lhe op�atot to ge��erate bu�o� v�l�es by co�tactiDg this toucbq)e��tioD of t�e �nbodiment ol the-feseDt inve�tioi set se-�sitive_ilFlt levice..More specifrc�ly. �r� operato� ca� utiliz this touc�_seositive i�p�r devic to ch�Dge the value folth itr FIGS. g �nd 9 35 of a ButtotrStato y�iable (which simulates the bu�o0 sta�e DETAILED DESCRPTION of a t�echadc� buEon switah) based o� the te��po�al The prese�t inventiob is a �Det�od and atr aE)��au�s fq d��tion ofthe user's 6.oDt�ct6 with th� touch-scnsit�ve itrput contactitrg a touch-sensitive o�sor-contollitrg i[put device device (i.e.. b�s�d oD the durEtiotr of the c$nt�c{ iDtcw�ls) to gensr�te b�tto� values co�espording to the b�ton stare atrd the l�pse of timc hetwe�r subsequent co�tact interval� (i.e.. the t�[, aDd dow� states) of a mechaeical b�lto� swi�ch. ao (ie,. based otr the dur�tiotr of the g�p htervals betwcetr the Itr the followiDg desoipion. fo� l)졡poses of expla��tion, co�tact intrv�ls). numero�s spci�c det�ils are set forth i� crder to Fovide a FIG. 2 prcseDts oDe eE bodit�e�t of the touch-seDsitive lhcrough uodrst��ditrg of the Fresetrt iDve�tioD- However. itrtrut device d�at ��y be �tiliz�d to irDplemeDt the p�eseDt it will be uDdErstood by oDe of �ditr�y skill i� the a�t dlat i�ventio�. Fo� orc emboatiEent of rh� �xeseot iavintion. the Prcsent i�vc[tio� may be p��ctictd without thes specinc 45 tor�ch-scositiv� q�rsor-co��olli�g i�put d�vice 2lxt of FIG. details- ID othe! i�staDces, weu-k�own structr�rs a�rd 2 is a tou.hpad. Touchpad 200 i��ludes vir��al electode pad devices are showtr in block diag�a�r� form iD ordcr Dot to 205. elec�ic�l bala�ce measu�eme�t circuit 215. b�h;ce obscl��e lhe desqiptiotr of the Prcs�Dt iDyeDtio�r 'rith umec- ratio dtmi�atiotr circu�t 220. and misoco�toller 22S. For essary detail. ooe e�Dbodimebt of the p�eseDt iDve�tio�. virtl�l elec�ode FIG' 1pr�seDts a co�np�tel system upoD wl�ich one 50 pad 205 is i[ �he shap of a recta-ngular shet Itis capable embodimnt of tle presetrf inveDtioD �s ir�plemented. Co�n- offorrtri�g 'r9irual elecfodes" at various positio�s otr its top Flter system lio i�cludes � bus o! other coDrmutricatioE aDd bottom surfaces. The6e clcc�.odes de deno�ed as .VirrDea�s 105 for co�l�t��Eicati�g iDfor�natioD. Ami.rolEoccs- t��l elecEodes' si�ce se�nrate coDduc{ive strips oD the two sor ll0 couples with bus 105 for processing digit�l data. sidcs ofpad �)5 are used to for�E s�ogle ele�netrts deDoted as CorEputer sylm 100 foflhc� i�cludes a ra�dom ��5s 55 "virt�al electrodes." The virtr�al elecEodrs ar co�nected to memory (RAM) or so�re olhe� dy�amic slor�ge device 115 elcctrotric circuiEy c4,able of me�slEiDg the electric�l bsl(�ef6red [o i� FIG. I as �lai� m9loory). which also couples aDce be�r�ee� sleded top a.�d bolom virh�.al ele4trodcs. to bus 105- Main rne�oory 115 stores digital data ald Bala�ce ratio detemitation circuit �o delemiDes the Fogram ibstudio�s fc( exeaut�o� by processo� 110. MaiD �atio of oDe balaDce me�su�emeha to aDoth�. Midoco�trolmemory ll5 also may be �sed fcr sto�ing tenpor�ry v�i- 60 le� 225 seleds qprofE�are electrodes fcr bala�c� me�smeables or othe� iDt�Dedi�re infcrmatioo during exeautioD by me�t and �atio-�et�minatio�. MicrocoDt�oller 22S also Focessor l10 Co�oput� systen 100 also i�cl�des a rc�d �esponds to bal��cc ratios to c�lculate ?ositio� i�o�Datio� ob�y memory (ROM) a�d/q other static sto��ge device Ϳ0 of the seDsed objed (e.g., �nger 210). t'1is infonration may coupld �o bus l(E for sto�i�g sraric i�c,r�Daliod a�d insEuc- iEclude positioml dat� along ooe axis or two axes par�lld t� tio�s fo�Processor ll0.I� addition, mass d�t�storagedevice 65 the etedrode pad surface {e.g.. along ��e x an� y ates�Ll5 such as a n�g�etic disk or aD optical disk ��d its Additio!�.l '��;r.iEity' i�foniatio� aiong aD ax�s'peryencorespo�diDg disk &ive �Eay �.lso be itrcludeddiorar to rhe s�rface of elechode pao zos 1e.g.. al�ng oe tl�e f(E geoerati�g b��oo va-lues with a to�chi�put devic�, such a6 tl�e se�s�tive iDput dev�.e of FIG. Z wheritr th sr�p� of e�bodirneDt of the prcseDt i�vetrtiotr are iryleme�led by touch-se�sitive ioput driver st�ed in the coml)l�trr FIG. l0 presebts a cor{ruter system upon which embodimeDt of the [rese�t bvetrrio� sets fo�th in FIGS. 8 30 this a syste�r tbe touch- zl z-axis) �nay also be dEterEiDed �oI� a.o appropr��le 405 a detrEiDatioD is made whether tfie lbst cotrt�ct iiterval lasts loDger th�� a use� seleclable predeterrne�s��lement- Positioh iDfor��tioD dterEhed by m�ed �n�ximum t�p iDtrval (t��{x). Also. at step �t05 aD conrolle� Z�5 �s Fovided to � utili"etio� mea�s 230. r�ay be a�y of � v�riety of decEotric or aoDplter devices ioteger variable N. rqrrese�tiDg lhe �umbcr of co�t�ct (s�ch as computI syst�� 5 i�tervals for perfofmi�g a pg-ticul� ��o1 opetatio�l Guch 56 5.7&.21,8 bala�ce microwhich (t�) 100). co�sequetrrly. rouchpad �)0 geoer�res x. y. perahirg to thc user's colt�ct r�trt A FIG' 5' �f the �rst co��act iDterval lo�chpad) ov., some region iD the -, y ;i;'�"�ooJ , lt:Ii�.t-15 "f verocities. ac.eler�tions. timing ditreren;als. ;-rr*�.1Pt-919-tl9i:*:tt.t-"-taPi�b�val(ie'iftlr>L�r)' o{,1",t*ch-sensitive cu�sorto�troLli�g i�p�t stre�grhs c�o be deter�d'ed ftom this �"�J"*- L-�� 9:.9po*9o the �sr coDt�cl inlerv�l is idetrti�ed as a - :-'::- '; �-device dudtrs t�on{� �elow. wneo lDese pa.r�nlele� afe consroereo aloEg : (i'e" a o�rsor �ack��g q'ratiotr)' nftt� prior eve�ts. iris poosible ro lT-*-i"".:1^�ry"Tu* *lalitrg to the user's co�t�ct with t�e m��iputatio!. cl�ck mutri-ctick �r"e, T:-tJ f-1d-9-".3,9P device is supplied to the corDputer . touch-seEsrhve !�Dut --.. :. taw mulu-chcf,-�tlto-or�g oprd�oos. Ad(uuo�6llv. -- x. v. i�llo �r '. effclu�te otr the � �t�r� c�tr be fit�ered to opriD�ze .,�".:'�--'- -' t�" comDuterTscreetr. Lo additio!. oocecusor move�enttrack�ng �"ri."'ii _- :lljlll- lg.lt lhis initial cursor �ucb.senstEve ��put devrce as percervod �y Ine user. sibce reedback to the �sr that peflaidog to lhe position of the oprator's fr�gs oo the z dara i:^1"Ti�l:,-l-"d"D' click multi-click d�ag' click-aDdd��8 and Eulti-click-a�d{�ag op�atio�s)' is set equal �o ^nd ,rt""ri,'�i�i|gl o�r"*ii"*�1"�r.i dr;t-��"r.*�i fust coulactinterval does not last longer thao the �u�ximum .,p in��fl,�l (i.e. if ta1�t��a�). thepr�ss transitio�s !o step 4i0. duri�g which iis s�-�l,o io i�rts B_F of FIG. S) rhi video sig�als (e.g.. a cbatrge i! shape. color. o! highlighring Suftonsrar� variad� is ser .qual to a Down value (i.e.. a of t�e c�so�' oD-s��en st�bls itrdicator' e�.). ,< se4oDd prlet�mi�ed lerel) �nd Dumbs of co�tacts variFIG. 3 shows a perspct�ve view of a computer sys�crD - �ble N is itrcremeDted by or�e. 300 haviDg toudtped 200 of FIG. 2 Pc.sonal coEputrr 300 FrorD step 410 tbe p�ocess t�sitiotrs !o step 41S. where tucludes � keyboard 310. palmrests 315. display scree.o 320. a detmi�;doD is m�de whether tbe user i�itia�s a� N� aDd tol�cbpad 3l)5' Touchpad 305 enables a-use� �o coDtrol cont�ct after thc (N- 1)th coDlac.t in less �haD a predetemined ��e moveme s of curso� 32S oD sc�eetr 320 by co�l�diDg 30 r�arit�uD� gap tiD� (i.e.. t��x). I� other,ro��:s, at step 415. rhe �ouchpad (e.g-. by �ovi�g his foge� across the -- 3 ��o1��!��6� � ��e w�e�rer ttrc time i�te�val between touchpad), I� additiotr, based otr lhe d�ratio� of a� opf�- the lN-l)lh contact i�terval aod the Nt contact interva.l is tor's cont�cts v�ith this to��ch-seDsitive ibpu! device a�d the longe� th�� a Fedete�nfued m�xiEum gap �otef,v�l (trr�{x)duration of g�p iDtervals between subseque cont�at ,q.s itrow� i� �a�t B of FIG. S. if rhe g:ai�Dtrv"t i" i�if;r intervals. touchPad 305 eDables a us< to ge�er�te butloo 35 -- than the p�ede�e�D�Ded ��j�ll�� ;� idrerva.t (i.e. if values which simulate tl�e butto� sl�re (i.e.._ the up o� dow� tpto- r). the process id�ntifes the usr's cotrtact with dr position) ofa hecha-nic�l butlotr switch. AII�ough co�nputer t�uc�li�nsirive i�pur �evice as a click ope��tioD, �d the�e_ 300 catr be s�y of a variety of co�ryut�s, for obe embod�- fo�e tsansitions b�;k to reset step /mO loset the v�lue of the ment of the prescnt itrve�tio[ it is a laptop comp�ter which Butto�State variable equal �o lbe Up valueis � si�gle itrtegrated uEit (i.e.. has �ll of itr elemb-t_s pllced 40 OD lhe other h�!d. if �e gq ti:ne betrveen the (N_ l)', ' withi� o� case) a�d whidr is srD�ll enough ro frt onlo ��r"� �� t �; �;a� �"t .rrl � oot �*�l usr's initiaicdorcompletedisi�Dp�rt��Lfeedback�otl�e.userca�-.^ be iDco4ror�ted into the p�eseut i�veEtiob through the yT 9f ��dio sig��Is (e.g.. various bcp6. clicks. or custo�nizable sounds issued 6�ougb the comp�tr's sound_ system)- o( - "[**�". *" ffi�i"J' ,iffi""lfl.�ft; i�**",��l �:-�'ii; aos aeiermination is tiur t�e Al�r�atively. if ar step a �nade laP FIG. 4 p�ese�� on embodimeDt of the FeseDt iDveDtio� tr��tMrn). As showtr i-tr P�rt D of FIG, 5, if rle N� contact fo� gerer-ating b�ttoh values by co actibg a touch-seNitive i�tc�val does l�st longer tl�� thc nari� m tap intefval. the cursor-coDhollitrg i�p�t device such a� the touch-se�sitive p�ocess idrDtifres the user's co�t�ars with t�e touch-se�sidve ioPut device of FIG. 2. This embodident of t�e prese�t i�put dvice �6 a d�ag opra�io� a�d thus b�Dsitiobs to step fuvedion can b irDplehcnted by buto� gene�tio� circuitry 50 42S. At stet 425. �he p�ocess suI{rlies to tbe corDputs the itr the touch-snsitive itrp�t d�vice or itr rhe coEputer positioDal d�t� c�orrespoDditrg lo the user's coDtact wilh �e sysle�D.AlterDatively. this embodi�neDt of the presetrt louch-seDsitive i�put dcvic (i.e.. s�pplies curs6 tacki�g tiotr can be i�pleme�ted as a sofrwa�e code (i.e.. a daf� m thc co�nl)Utc� system). whi� �long with the br�tton rhe RAM) or � firmwde code (i.e.. a rcsidi-ng dov,�n value fo� the BuBoDstate variable eDables lhe coltrresiditrg in lhe ROM) in either lhe compuaer syste� or the 5j puter to perfc�n the requesfed draB opefatio��ouch-seDsitive i�F�t Once lhe user tc�E�ates h& N* coDtaat with the to�chThe operatioD ofthis elihodimeDt of the prese�t i�vebtioD seDsitive i�p�! devicc (e.g.. olce the user �eEoves his frngr will Dow be described by �eferetrcc to FIG. 4 �nd FIG. from lhe touch-seDsitive inp�rt devic for the N'� timc). the (ehich p�esen�s one embodimeDt of the timi�g diagr�Ds process t-��sitioDs to stelr 435. Duri�g rhis step. a delrrdthe cperatioo of this e�nHimenl of the prcseDt i�ventioD). @ natio� is r��de whelher �ftff tle N� coDt�ct i��er\ �.1. �e The idt�al rep i! the f,ow�art of FIG. 4 is the star�eset c'prato� �ecorrads tbe touc�-seDsitive itrput device i! less step �100. Dltri�g this step, a Buttols'tate vad�ble, simolatiDg thatr a ptrcd�temi�od m�xim�m sticky drag timc (i,c,. the bolo� statc of a mecha�ic�l buEoD switch. is set to equa.l ts=t$�.x). ff so, t�e process hatrsitioos b�ck to st�p 425 �d aD Up valuc (i.e., a fIst pledr*trmi�ed buttotr value). resu�les its d�ag opratio� by rs�mi�g to supply to the usca co�tacts the touch-seositive i�put device fo� � frrst time 65 computer c�t�s� tmc}rDg d�ta while Bu�olstatc is set to �e (c.g.. if the user touches the input dcvice with his flnger Down val�e. In .ithe� words. as showo iD Pa�t F of FIG. 5. � f.rst t��e). the process thed �a.[sitio�s to step 405. At stq) rl�l5 embles a user 10 coDtir�e a d�ag ol�ratio� even I�side computer sysrcE well ktrow! lecEo�ic cirdriry (s�ch as the conrlrobents dete��i��tio� is �a�e if tte No �o�tact i�terv� las's tooger shown itr FIG. 1) for the co[xg�t'I's opmtioD, �� than the prederc"'oined D�xi�um tap i�terv�l (i.e..-if " "oor.i �a.o r�c E�ximum g�p " time (i,. if to�tc��). the proc�ss 300 reside all thc esscntia.l a�d Ealsitions ftom stei atS to step 420. ti�d;g st�i420. a i� i�ve�code code 5 for dcvice. Iftbe for st4p touch- The ope�atio� of this mbodime�t oflhe pres�trt inveDtioE FeseDt will notrr be described by rcfereDce to FIG. 6 and FIC. 7 turven�o! �llows a use� to quickly repositio� his coutact (which preseDts oDe emMimeot of the timiDg diagra�Ds fo� (e.9.. his frDge�) without drol�itrg a solected iteE" This tbis chbodihebt of the pteseot itrvgntioD). Itr t�e followi�g fatu�e is adva�tageous when. for cx�rq)le. the usr's frEger 5 dcscriptioa. co�tactintervals a� hitialed by ��e userpl�ci�g rcaches the edge of the pad �nd bas �o bc relDsitio�ed i� his ��gd dowr oD the toucl�-se�sitive �trput device (ie,. by order lo co�tiNe dragging �o iteE- ID oDe embodime�t of a �[ge� dowo opratio�) a�d cont�cts a�e ter��i�ated by the lhc prese�l inve�fiotr, at stcp 435. bcfo�e the sticlT d�ag user removi�g his fi�gcr from the iDput dvice (e,g.. by the dtermin�tioD is �n�de a�� ilitial dfter�limtioD is l�ade uscr perfo��i�g a �Dger up oper�t�o�). Howevr. it is tobe efle� momentdily rcrEiDatiDg a coEtaaf with the seDsitive iEpul deeic, This sticky d�ag feature ofthe undrstood that the user c�n c�qrloy alterDative EeaDs (such as a mecha�cal objecr) for i�itiati�g atrd te�miDating his �l�osrs �e sticlry coDt�cts with the touch-se�sitive i�put dev�ce. sitratio�s where Iie user re�chcs lhe edge of ll�e pa� As sho'�,r iD FIG. 6. this emhdi�rert of the p(ese�t AltrDatively. as sho�rD Parri C aDd E of FIG. 5. if itrveDtiotr itritiates �t shrt/rest stp 600. At this stp. the stp 420 a deremi�atioa is �Dade �ha� lhe N� clbtact intcrval 15 value of a Bulolsl�te va�iable. simul�ting the b��o; state is a� N� tap in�erval whose dr��atio� is �ot loDger than of a hecha�ical butob swi�ch. is set !o equal an Up value (e.g.. a frst p�edeter�Ir��d v�lue). Once the user places his maxim�m t�p fue (t �|r). dre .process ideDtifres contacts with the toudr-se�sitive itrput devicc as a possible fDger o� the touch-sensitive iDput d�vice (ie,. o�ce the user mulli-click. click-and-drag or mul�i-click-and-dr�g perfo��s a frDger dow� cperation fo{ � fi�st tiee). the operaliotr. and thus sers the value ofthe Butto�St�te vari�ble 20 process ��r�rsitiotrs to step 6l�5 itr o�ds to ��itia.re a t�p timr equ�l to the Up value by t�allsitiotri�g to step 430. From (i,e-. ir o�der to c�r�sc a tap tilDq !o st�rt cor�bti-og). �tl�e t�p �130. the prooess Eansitioos back to s�ep 410. duri�g tirber cxpi�es p�ior �o �ss removiDg his �ngr. a laten! f'�ess the ButtoDst�te variable is agaiE set equal to the Dowtr timer is initi�led at step �10. �s show� in Pan E of FIG. 7. (as show� i� Pa�s C aDd E of FIG, � aDd N is i�deme�ted if lhe �sr does �ot r�ove his f-�gff oD the touch-se�sitive by 25 i�put device for the du��tiou of the latetrt press timer. the p�ocess (1) tra�sitio�s to stqt 635� where lhe ButtoDstate Then at strp 415. if lhe g� time (tc�/) betwee� the contact interval a�d the (N-l)th coDt�ct iDterva.l is greater variablc is se� equ�l to a DoqD value (e,g., a seco�d t�a� the �E�xir�uE gap timc (tc{r.tx). the Focess ide�ti�es prede�emi�ed bu$oD value). a�d (2) the� �'ansitio�s to sl,ep 635� where d�rsor tackiog d�la is sr�pplied to the computq the user's coolacts with lhe to�ch-setrsilive hput device a multi-ctick opsratioo aDd tbus t�a$�tio�s back to reset step 30 in ord� to c�use a dreg opr�tioD to be p�fq��d- Howevcr. 40� ��,he�e the BuftotrState variable is ser eAual to the if the us6 moves his fi�g(r fdor lo lhe exp�r�tio� of ��e la�eDt pressed t�ms. thc Focss �d�!��cs tl�e usfr's conlact value (as sbow! for � double-click operalior i� Pd1 C as a qEsor tacki�g opefat�otr (as sho��D i� PartA of FIG.7) FIC. 5). Altrnativcly. the g�p time betwee� the and thus tr-d.trsitio�s to step 620, At stfp 620. the p�ocess co�t��l itrtrrv�l a�d the (N-1)th coDt�ct iDterval i� less or c4ual to �e ��xihuD g�p tir�e (i.e.. if tc�tcir,r). steps 35 perfo�r�s lhe o�rso� backing c'per�tion by supplyitrg positio�al d.�tarelathg to the us6's c�Dt�ct (e.9., data pqtaiDiDg 42{L435 ar� theD psforEed i� c�rder to f,rfo�� to the t�ser's fnger positiotr) to th� coDputer systel�. O�ce ctick-atrd{��g. a�d multidic&-a�d-drag ope�atioDs, the cursor tracking �ation is terrtri�ratd. tbe process l�e! exa�ple. tbe user c�n perforE a click-a�d{rag (as show� 78 5,7@,218 whether the usr \�,as cobtactiDg the pad at its edg� prior �o the termitration of tbc contacl This detsmination i� turtr d�ag fea��e to o�.ly bc activaled for i! ar the us4's lo step which value N'; oDe. as if Up of N� thao multi-click For i� ren��s to start/�eset step 100. Pa�t E of FIG. 5) or mutt�-click-atrd-d�ag opeBtioD by causitrg tle process of FIG. 4 to lr�s�tio�� fiom step 415 ro 40 AttqD�tively. a� shown in ��s B-D atrd F-H of FIG, 7. sleps 42O.425. �trd 435. if at step 605 the �ap ti�er does �ot expire prio{ ro tie FIG. � presenls a� al�etuative embodimeDt of the Fresent itryeDt�o� for geDereti�g buEoD values by co actitrg a touch-se�sitive curscr-co�t�olli�g i�put device. s�c}� as the touch-sc�sitive i�Frt devioe of FIG. 2, This ertrbodime�t of a5 the prescDt ��ventiotr can be impleme�ted by bunoD generatiotr circuity in the to�ch-selsitive itrput dn�ce or iD tbe c�mp�tr syslrr�- Altcrtatively, this el�MimeDt of the present invenlioD c�.n be iDpleme�ted as a software code (r a firrtrwa�e code i� either the cor�put� sysem or the io �ouch-sensitive i�put devic. Fu�thennore. this ehbodimeDt �e�noyal of the f�st ��gf dowD, the B�totrS��e vaaiable is set equal to the Dow� val�e (ie., a sccotrd prde�ertrined value) �nd a f.rst gap tilrrcr is itritialed at s�ep 615. ffrhe gap timer expires Fior to lhe uscr pl�ciDg his fr�gc� dowtr agaitr (i,e., prjor to a secoDd �trgff dow�). the Irocss ideDtifies that rhe f�st 6Dger dowD (which car�scd the t�a$iriotr frortr slp �00 lo stp �05) �!d the tust �nger �p (which caused the tra�sitio� ftom step 605 to slp 61� as a si�gle click operatiotr. Thus. �rs show� in P�rt B ofFIG.7. the Foccss F�DsitioDs back to step 60,0. wh�re tlre Butto�Stare v�i�ble is st qo�l to aE Up v�l�e. of the preseDt i�ve�tio� geDerates bu�o� values b�sed o� terDlroral d��r�tion of lhc use�'s coDt�cts witb the OD the other ha�d, if the first g�p timer does not expire seDsitive itrp�t device (i.e.. b�sed o� the d��atio� of before the �s� puts his 6�9r back down o� the toudtcont�ct i�trvals) and tbe lapse oftirlle bctwceD subscque�t 55 seDsitive i�p�t device (i.c., if the g�p t�!e[ does Dot expire cont�ot interv�ls (i.e., based ob lhe duratioE of the befo�e a secoDd �Dger dowr oprafioD). a ml.�lti-click lim�r i�tervals betweeE subseque�t co�tact intervals). is i�itiated at step 625. If fhe �ulti-click timr does trot speai�caUy. this emMime�t of the lrese�t invontotr ex�e bfore the usc� �movs his �gef (i-e.. before anothf ates by (1) itritiati�g tiEets �t the i��hatioD or tflni�at�oD �Dger up operados). lhe Ixocess b�nsit�oos to step 630 a contact i�tc�val. �trd (2) the� de&rEfuing whether the �s� 60 whcre a sccotrd gap tiEer it itritiated- Itr �dditiotr. �s shog;� lermi�ates his coDtsct cr hitiates a�oths co�tactpricr to Pa�ts C aEd F of FIG. ?. the process at step 630 expiratio� of these time�s. These timers c�n be i�er moEe�tarily set the yalue of the Bu�otrSlate variable equal up or cou�rt dow! tirDrs, which �espectively expire ro t�e Up v�lue (.which threby p�oduces a dick ope�arioD) lhey re�dr a pledeterDitred expir�tio� value by co�nti[g and theD sets the value of the Buttonst�le vadable equal to (E by courtiEg dowD.ID additioD, fo� the e�Ebodimetrt ofth 65 r� Dow! value. Furthmde. lhe second gap timer p{:ese�t i�ventioD show� in FIG. �- the v�lue of each of expires before �he �ser recon�acts thc toudlpad. the p�ocess timers c�n be adjus�ed by tbe user. �ecog�izes the p�st f-ogex up and finger dow� operatiobs as thc to�chthe gap More cpe�of �e i� cou� wheE up ��e if perfon��iDg a Eulti-lick op�r�tio� atrd thus tra[sitio�s lo �eset s�cp �00 to set �e value of the BuEonsl�te v�riable to the Up val�re (as sbov/n for a double-click operatio� Part C ofFIG, �. However. if the sco�d gap time� does expire bfore aDother n�gr dowtr optr�tion is perfa��ted 5 the process t�trsitioDs bsck 625 itr ords �o allow the use� 9r0 5;l@,218 p�forD hulti-click ard mutti-click-a�d-drag A-ltrDatively. �Nlti-click time� expires prio� to the lse� removi�g his ��gr (ic.. p�io� to atrolier Eouse driver l(80, Tbe cpe�adoDs. back in Dot to if at step �25 the topor�l dur�tiotr of the �ser's contact t'ith the lo{�chpad (i,e,. b�sed ou tbe d�r�tio� of the cotrtact i�tf,v�ls) atrd tbe la?se of time betqeen subsequeEt coDtact i�tervals (ie.. based otr the du�atioD of lbe g�p i�rrvals ber�ceu sub6eque contactinte�vals). Consequently, o�ce lhe touchp�d d�iver h�s exa̡i��d a data packet comi�g ftoh tor�chpad 1025 iD order to dete�dDe vhethr to dra�ge the v�lue of a Bu�onsta�e va��ab�e, touchpad d�iver 1045 initializes basd oD the ��rouse d�iv6 �e� exam��es positional data comitrg fiom the rorchp�d and 'lhe Buno�St�te v��iable. iD arder to p�rfo�E co�lrol opcratioDs (such as cu�sqn�nipulatio�. click. �Eulti-click �ag. c�ck-�nd-drag. f�gq the value of th Bu�onstate va�iable eq��l to the Up touchpad 104� whi� stores i�fofiDatioa about the x a�d y by b�sitionibg back to stdttreset stqr �00. However. if displ�ceEerts �loDg the toudlll�d. If th�s data packer does user reconlactJ the louc�-se$itive i�p�t device prio� to Dot indicale a change thc pociliooal data rel�ti�g to a expi�atio� of the sticky dmg ti�e�, a disclgage slicky dr�g 30 us6's cotrt�ct witb thc touc�pad. thcD the louchpad driver timer is initiatd at step 645. As showtr in Pan H of FIG. Ρ'aBsitioos to step 890 which iDiti�ts the Eo�se �iv6. As if �rc �s�r reEoves his f�ge� before the dise�gage rDe�r��oned befo�e. �.fte� the touchpad &iver perfo��s tl�e &�g dmer expi�es. the process tra.EsitioDs back to stzrt&eset d�cessary a�alysis for itr buttor geDera�ion fr�ndion, the srqr 600. Therefole. tbe discngage sticky drag tilDtf louchpad devioe eD�btres ihcmor�se �Liver toperfon�r coD�ol vides atr opratcr vitb the abilily to ci�cumv t the sticky 35 opr�tioDs by ex�mitritrg the positio!.al dala fr�t�itri�g to the &ag fe�br�e of this eoHimDt of thc presenl toucbpad and ɡe value of the Bu�o�State va�iable. Al�m�tively. as show! i� Pan G of FIG- 7, if rhe user O0 the other ha�d. if the data packet that the touchpad r�ot rlDove his f�ger pri� ro �e esPiratioD of rl�e ta�sr�ls to the coEpute� i�volves d�t� pertainfug ro a dr�g disengage timer. the process fansitioDs back to char�ge iD the user's cotrt�ct with the louchpad. steps 635� iD order to allow the user to colrtiDue his dlag. a� E2Ht0 �e e�ea�ted- I� step 820, a variable SarDpteTi�ne dick-�Dd-dlag, c'r multi-ctick-a�d-drag is ser equal to the vatue of a clock uDit at ��e time whe� the FIGS. E a�d 9 preseDt yet amthe! eEbodimetrt of pro.es� tratrsitioned �om step E10 to step 8Z). Si�ce tbe present hveDtio� fcr geDerai�trg buttoD v�l�es with a process tr�nsitio�s f�om step 810 to stp 820 when d�ta sellsitive cursor-co�bolliDg i�put device. such as � tor�ch- pert�i�iD8 to � cha.oge itr the �s�'s cont�ct witb rhe to�chsensitive i�p�t devic� of FIG. 2. This embodi�e�t of the 45 p�d �rrives ftom t�e loudrped. S�q eTime corrsponds to plesent i�ve��tio� is i�lple�e�ted upon corqputer systern �e t�ft of a��ival of the last data packet fto� the touchpad. 1010 of FIG. 10. As shown in this �gr�re- co�puler system �r one eEbodihe�t of the !f,esen� i�vsntion. the clock is 1010 corEmu crts w�th mouse 1015, ke'�oa�d 1020, Ticlco��t, which is a MaciDtosb low lDer�ory gtobat dock touchpad 1025 though deslfop bus 1035. whosc operafioD co[taioiDg �]�e numbr of "ticb" (where eac� tick is one is coDEolled by lhe mic�oco(trolle�s of deslfop tra[sceivd 50 sixtieth of � scco�d) si�ce lhe comFrter wes tuaed otr. As lfi)S and of �e i��ut devices (i.e.. mouse 1015, kc)�oard mentioncd below. the variable SampleTi�Ee is used to detq1020. and to�clr|)ad 1025). Thse microcon�ollerE �se mi�e the tirne that el�pses betweeE th time that the usr itritiates a cotrtact with the touchpad (e.g.. �aces his 6�rgr �eci�c Fotocol (e.9.. th� AFpleO desllop bus protocol) dow� os the tdrchpad) aDd the ti�Ee the user temi-0ates f�is ^coEmudc�te to e�ch othe� thro�gh the deshop b�s- ID (e.8.. removes his finger fiom the "cmbodirnent of theprcsent i�venion. compt�tersystem 1010 is coot�ct u,irh the t�chpad is oDe of lhe Maci�tosh@ faDily of pe�soDal o1 touchpad.) comput(s such as thc M�cintosh@ Quad�ao). At sl,ep E3{l. a detsr�d�atiob is m�de Whether a Boole�� Powerbook@, Powe�Mac@ blatrd personal computers va�iable, Fi�gerDow�. has a value of TTue or False.If this ma�ufactured by Appleo Computer. I�c. of CupertiDo. Boole�tr vad�ble js tro�'frue. lhe to,lrchp�d d�ive� �ext Calif. (Apple. Maci�tosh. Qu�dr�. Pe�f.fi�� Powrbook 60 �an�tio�s ro srep M0, while it is Tl�e the process a�d multi-click-a�dl��g oper�tioDs). FIG.7). Once the user removeJ his fi�gf. lhe process theD The opration of this touhpad driver will now b tr�Dsitions �oln step 635, back to st��t&eset stcP �0{ if the 15 descrit�d wirh �efe�eDce �o FIGS. I atrd 9, At step 800. a drag op�atio� did �ot i�volvc �Eoveme�t of aD objecl Dr�g dete�rnin�tioD is m.ade whet�r inforrD�tiotr transmined to qremtions do trot i�volve moveme�t of objects ib sevrral desktop bus �aDsceivef t005 via deshop bus 1035 o�igiiDsta�ces. s�ch as whetr dtag operatioDs are prforrned �o nated �ol� touchp�d l0?-5. If so, st st�p E10. the detsmi'\�,�)" ove� text to sqoll dst�, aDd to sele4t objec{s ftorD ��tiotr is �lade Whetber ahis co��mu�icalion ftom the touchmenus. � pad ptt�i�s to positioml data rel�tibg to a chaDge itr the Howevcr, if the drag opralion involved �ovemeDt of �� usef,'s cootact with the touchp�d (e.g,. whethcr the d�r� object, tbe process t�sitioDs from step 636� to step �40 iDdicates a charge iD the �se/s �ger pos�tioD on the o�ce the usr removes his fi.Dger. At $p �40. a sticky drag touchpad i� the x aDd y axes). I� o! embodirDe�t of rhe timr is itriti�ted. As sbowD i� Pa�ts D-F of FIG. 7. if prior p�ese�rt i�rve[io�. rhis detell�itrario� of stp Elo i�volves to the expimtio! of this sticky drag timer �e user do�s nol zj ascertaidng whethcr the comEuDicatio�r fiom touchf,ad rccont�ct lhe lc�uch-se�sitive i�put device, lhe p�ocess sets 1025 origi!�ted ftomthe �egister itr lhi.rocontrolter 1030 (of u�. lhe process t�trsitio[s to stEp �35�. At this step. l0 iD ordfr to allo\r thc user to perforE d�ag. click-a�d-d�ag. a�d multi-click-atrd+�g opqatio�s, cu�sor maDipulatiob d�l� is supplied to �e co�ryuter (as showtr i� Pars D-H of value the the il 7, sticky pIo- i�ve�tiotr, dos sticky step the to�dF opratio�. a�d a to oDe laptop Prfol'Dae. a�d Po\terMac a�e registered tradem��ks of Apple Coryute�. Itrc.). Fo� o�e embodime�t of the preseut iDvcDtioE. the stqts t �.�d 9 are prfon�ed by a touchpad driver residing itr ��e��ory r�Dil 1(H0 of compute� sys�em 65 1010. Touchpad d�ivd 1045 ge�qa�es b��on values. reslroDditrg to the b�tto� positiotr of a hecbatrical switch. tho dow charts of FIGS. of to step t90. At stp t40. the value of th Fi�gerDowtr vari�ble ir set to True. a.nd a v�riable DowtrF�DsitioDs if TiEe is set equal to S�mpleTime. Thus. wheD t��e usr itritiares the frrsa cont�ct with the touchp�d (i.e.. whe� corDputer syste� 1010 receives the �st d�ta packet from the to̡chpad after ei�r stel' 935 o� 950 of FIG. has set the value of the Fi�ge�Dowtr vdiable 1o Fa-lse), the process of c�- t 5.7&218 11 Dechatrical bulto� switch v�l�. This allov/s lhe n�ech�Dic�l drag operatioDs. b�.�tloD switch to override the to�dtped At step t90, the F� exarDple. �s sho\r[ itr Patt A of FIC, 11. a� operato� value of tl�e B��onslat geftraftd at stqr 880 �nd v�lue of c�n pe�f�m � o.�rscr� r��Dipul�tior opratioo by co�aditrg y. �nd z to�cl�pad infctrm�tioD i� thetr supp�ed to the the x. r�e touch-se�sitive input device a�d m�itrtafuin g this contad sl�d�rd mouse d�iver. which thetr pedor�as the �cq�estd fo� r�ore tha� a �ser-seleatahle b�rihum tap i�le�val (i.e., coDtrol opratiotr Lnxr�r,y, *\,In othef u/ords, ��,he� thc co�t�ct intrval is FIG, 9 pr.eseDts o�e erDbodimeDt of the tirEer proaedure 30 lobger �a� the D.�iEum t�p iDierval. tl�s eDbodiDe�t of lhat opf,ates in conjuDc.ioD Ei� the stq)s of FIG. 8 lo the prese�t inve ioD does Dot produce a bu�on dowtr sig�al glxl. thfu timer p�ocedu�e �s �hd ooly iDitializs tbe mo��se driver iD older to c�use lhis �Eoduce buttoD values. At stp itriti�lizod every TimerPriod by the Ti�crManager drive� to ex�mi�e the positio��l da�a comiog fro� drc prograrD. which is iDstalld by the pIocess of FIG- 8. A� step touchpad to Fe�fo�m the �eque��d d�rso! t�ackihg olremtiotr. 905. the co��puter re�ds the z-axis itrfo�n�tion from the 35 However. as show� i� Pdt B of FlG. 11. a� opratcr ca� touchpad i� o�dr to dtrei�e if the user has trEi��tei his pelform a click opentiob h,y (1) nainta�dng his f�st coq�act coDtact u,ilh thc touchpad. The�. al ste 910. a dotefmi�atio� with the tor�ch-seNitjve i�p�t device for less tha� the is made as to whethe� tlte z-axis d�ta r�d fiom tbe toucbpad lD�.Rimu�n tap i�terval. end (2) Dot initi�tilg a secoDd clntac! is lcss th¡ a p�edete�mined tkshold value (, .,�r޿�). The int�rval with the loudr-se�sitiv� inp�t device until the z-axis d�ta is compa�cd to a theshold value at step 910 itr ao ma'.imum stick)� tirEe bas elapsed. I� addition. as shorv4 in �d�r to q)timize the op!:�tion of the touch-seDsitive i�put Part C of FIG. 11. a-o opsator ca� p�form a c�ck opr�tion devic by pdformi�g a �Itri�g opera�ior�. If thc z- aris d�ta by twice quickly t�ppidg lhe toudl-seDsitive i�p�t dvice. is �ot less th�n the z,r,-"�"�d valu. tie Frocess of FIG. 9 theD where each tap toggles the Buttobstale va�i�ble oDce. exec�tes step 940. which rcsets the T�m�Ma!�ger p�ogr�m Morcovcr, an showtr itr Parts D--4 of FIG. th�s fo� c�lli�g tbe tiEor p�oc�dure at rhe Dext TimerPcriod 45 embod�oe�t of the f{eseol i�ve�tiotr e�ables a� opflaaor to i�tsrval. prfc,rlD a double-c�ck oper�tioo by pcrfcrDiag two click Otherwise, if �he z-a:ds data is geate� o� equal !o the opqatioDs i� a row' It sho�ld b tro�ed that i� th�s eltrbodimetr� of thepreseDt iDventio[. the mouse d�ive! me�s��es the lredeter��i�ed r !,,-�, value (whidr i�dic�tes tha� the usef is tro lo�ger co�lactirg the toucbp�d). a deterEitration is gap tiltre betwe� subscqueDt click olq-atio�s- i� �der to nr�de as to tl�e ealue of the Fi�gefDowD �oole�D variable, 50 ascerta�D vlelher lhe s�bsequelt click operatio�s a�e part of If lhis variable is True, a� llp'fime va�iable is created aod its a d�lti-click ope�atior. Furthermore. as showD i� Pdts H-J va.lue is set equ�l to the clock value at the InomeDt that the i� FIG. 11, a user ca� prfo�m a d�ag cp�ation (i.e.. geDerate timfr procedr��e harsitiotred from stcp 915 �o stap 920. a b�ttoo down value aDd ��ai�tai� this bu�otr dowtr valuc for Si�c� the p�ocess of FIG- 9 tr'�DsitioDs �om stp 915 to step the duration of the conl�ct i[trrval dlri�g which the usq' 92{ o!.ly orce fo� e�ch co�act itrtrval (�s step 935 sets �e 55 tr�rctr across the toud�pad) if ( I ) a fi�sr coDt�ct intdval is not value of FingsDown �o f�ls) �nd o�ly �fter the �sr lotrger thatr the lD�aimun t�p i��erv�j" (2) the g�p intrval �er��i��tes his contact (�s the p�ocess caD otrly �-�nsitioD betweeo the 6fst mtt�ct iDtc�v�t atrd the secoDd co�tad Aom sl@s 910 to 920 if a� step 910 � dere�[ilatio� is ��de i�Erval is �ot gEate� t�D the u*r-select�blc Ear�r�ul� thal the z-axis d�f� is less h^� ,,r-,ur). UpT ime co�resticky ti�. atrd (3) �e second tap tut�vat lasts loDge� rhan spoods �o �e tiln that the user tefmiiates bis co act pith 60 the maxim�Itr tap hterval. As sholr,D i� Part I of FIG. 11, lhis the louchpa� Ar step 925, a dcter�Dl�atioD is theD lD�de aJ el�bodiment of �e prescnt itrveDtioD also allows a user to to whfte� UpTime mitrus DowtrTljtre is less tha[ � us� reposition his n�ger duritrg a drag opralioD. FiDa�y, as select�ble E�ximum tap time (t,rp{^x). If this is Cue. r�e� sbou'o io Part J of FIG. 11, this embodiment of the preseot at step 930 the ButtotrStatc vari�ble is caused to togge (i,.. i�vention enables atr cpelator to caDcel lle sticky d�ag to dlallge �om Up to Dow� o�to dl�ge �or� Dow� to Up). 65 featEe by quickly lappi�g tl�e touc�-seDsitive input device Othfrwise. st? 93{l is skipped. ,c.t srrp 935. $e FiDgerDow! at the end of a d��g operatio�. order lo toggle the cotrditiotr is set to false, As tDeDtioEed before. at step 9.40. ButtotrSt�te variable. t has been O� rhc othr ba�d. if at step 915 a detmin�tio� is m�de i�itialized- If so, the touc�ad d�iver �'�ls�tioDs (o step E80, thal tlrc FingrDoro va�iable is false. st�p 945 is perfo�DedOlberwioe. stq)s E6O aDd 870 are erecuted Ib slcp 860. 5 Itr slEp 945. a d�trEin�tion is made as to wbethe� the clock the ti�6 rub�iDg coDditio� is set �o be Tr�e ��d thc value mi�us UpT:rme va�iable is g�e�tr �aD a �stf selecred of a TimerPeriod va�iable �s se� to equal a Irederelmined tnaximum stic� time, If lhe �esult is �egatiye. tbeD step 940 user sclecl�ble val�e. I� o�e emhodimeDt of the present is �xec�ted. Otlrcnvise. at step 9S0. the Fi�gerDowtr aDd iDve�tion. tbe Tln�rP6iod variablc is set equal to o[e h�lf TjEfrR�ntriEg co�ditiotrs �� set to be false. the TimcrMa�of DoubleTim. wbidr is a Mactutosh low ]uemory global 10 ager is caoceled. and lfie Bu�o�State v�iable is set equal to vafi�ble �eprese�ting the E�ximum number of ticks alowed the uP va.l̡e ar step 950. betweetr two cliks itr a double-click operatio�. The use of As dentiorcd before. the embodir�e�t of t�e lreseot DoubleTfu�re is coDv�Die beca�se it is use�-adjustable a�d iDve�tio� set forth i� FIGS. t a�d 9 Fovidcs a method for co actiDB a touchp�d to ch�rge the v�lue of a b�tto� it !lates to how fast atr operator might dp�ss ar�d �elease �c ltrecha�ical b�tton switch, ,- variable, which simulats the bu o� state (e.g.. the up or . Next. at st�p 870. a TimerMa�age� p�og.ar� is itrid�red ' dol'� positioD) of a mecba�ic�l butto� switch. More specifrca�ly. tb�s embodime�t of the p�sebt itrvertioh whose sol pu�pose is to start tho tiEe� procedure of FIG. 9 eEables an operator to gener�te buttoD v�lues based on the otce every TimelPerlod. Mo�e speci�cally. this T:��rrMaDd��tiotr of the cotrtact i�tervals a�d the fiequeDcy of 6e ager Fogra�D repe�tedly c�ls the timr procedure once cont�ct i�lcrvals, h ��m. as showD itr FIG. 11. �is button every Ti��erPe�iod until it is c��celd at step 950 of FIG. 9. � gencr�tiob c�pability en�bles a! oprrato� to prform with a F��ally. at step 8E0. the rouchpad d�iver program pedo��s single touch-seDsitive cu�sor-coEt�olI�g ilput device a� OR qr�atioD oD the Bu�o$tate variable (whose v�.l�e js ourDerous contol opfatio�s. such as cutsol tD��ip�lat�o!. coDtsolled by the timef Focedure of FIG, 9) with aD �cllal cl�ck Dulti-click. &ag, click-a�d-d�ag. �Dd mulri-click-ardis E�de whelhe� the tim�r p�ocedu�e of FIG. FIG. E tratrsit�oos �oE stp E30 to 840 a�d sets Ihe Fi�gerDotr D variable to Tl�e. At st4p &l), � detrrDiD�rioo tz the Timea ProcedD�e �esets the time� procss aDd the process exits. fcr aDothe� pass 25 ll. i� 5.7&,218 13 It will be �ecognized t�at the above-dscib�d i[ventiotr E�y be eDHied in o�er specific fofms witho�t departiDg from the spirit ot the ess�tial chdactcistics of the iDven- 14 �ot follow said �rst coDr�ct iDtcrval iD less tha� sa�d seaoDd predetetui�ed lDaxim�� time i�tcrvali g) determinhg if said secoDd cotrtact i�terval lasts loogfr tbaD a third �ed�temiDed �D�ximl�m tir�e itrte�val if said secoDd co�t�ct iD�erval does follow said nrst cobtec� i�lerv�l itr less tha�r s�id secotrdprcdete�EiDed EaxiEum time iDkr,/al; h) sudyitrg positio�al d�ta relali�g to the scoDd c!�tact int�val to said col�p�tef system to cause the curso� to move a�oss said display sc�een if said seco�d confact tio�. F6 example. eltho�gh rhe above-me�tiooed embodi- b uDdarstood by oue skilled iD rfie a�t lhat alter�ative embodime�ls of the preseDt i�ve�tiotr ge�rate a bu�o� dowo sigDal at differe0t tibes. For example. a butto� dow� �trents genrate a ButtoDDowD value atthete�DinatioD ofthe user's co�t�ct with �re �ouc�-se�sitive itrII�t device. it will 5 contact with the louc�-se�sitive itrIxtt device. or (3) a p�edeterhi�d �Do�trr of dln �ffe� tbe use� t@i�ates his co�t�ct �tith lhe to�ch-seDsitive iq)��t device. Howeve�. it sig�al can b ge�rated (1) when tfie usridtiates a co�tact. t0 (2) � predete�mi�ed a��ouDl of ti��e a�ef �re �sq hiti�tes a inttrval las�s lotrger thaD said thi�d predt<mined secoDd cont�ct i) maximum time in�erval; dereating whether � ��d a�d acccleratio� of the co act it� o�der !o funhe� discem betwee� ope�atio�s. Zaxis sensiti�t)� �D.ay also be used �o 20 discEo @cratio�s by indicariDg hor{, f�r lhe fng� w�s lified of the touc�pad duri�g the q)eratio�. Thus. while ctft�i! exemplary embodiments bave bccD described aDd sbo{�n iD the accoEtpa�ying dr�wi�gs. it is to be u�dr�stood that tle itrvetrtiotr is Bor limired by the foregoiog illustsat�ve details. t5 but r�t�er is def�ed by the �ppeDded cl�iDs. Wh�t is clairDed is: 1. A method of opsati�g a �ouc{�- seEsitive .iDput devic� a cohputer system cotqprisi�g the stel s of: should be notd tl�at sele.tiotr upotr liftbg h�s the advahtage t5 of �llowi�g the �ser to move of of a mistakebly selccl�d object witho�t activ�ti�g it I� �ddirion. �lter�tive embodime�� of thepresetrt i�ve�tio� detff�Ehe t�e z-axis vlocify cottrct interval follows said i�terval in less than a fo�fh p�edeterthe j) miDed loaxi��m time iDtervali seeing tle velue of the Bu�oDstate va�iable to se�o�d button val�e if s�d thi�d co�tact iDt�rvs.l does �ot follow said secoDd coDlaat interval i.o less tha� said lhe cursoi movemen� iDitiated by suplrlyhg positioD�l dat� rel�ti�g lo the secoDd cont�ct intcfv�l to the compuier system a) detedi�g contad hterval� wheD a user contacts lhe 30 said third co �ct iDterv�l lasls touch-sensitive i�put device; IoDger tha� said �fth predetemioed D,aximum dme i�tcrval. b) detecti�g gap iDte�vals bctlve� subseque�t contact 3, The mthod of cl�il� 2 �.8��e� c�r�pfisi�g the srp of itrterva�s; aDd seEitrg the value of the Butto�Sޡe v�i�ble to lhe secotrd c) disti Dguishi�g betwee� s first at��sor co�tol operatio�. ". bu�o� value if said third co�tad i�terv�l dos not l�st loEg� a secood o�rsor conEol opereliotr a�d a thi�d cu�so� lh�! said �frh Fcdetfrmi�ed l!�xirEum time interva.l. co�lrol opemtioD based o� the d��atiotr of said coDtad 4. A rD�thod of using a to�ch-selrsitive input device a�d gap iDte�yals; �Ed co�pled to � coqputer system to move a cu�so� oD a displ�y d) rponi�g o�e of said frst. seco�d or rhid cursor scree� of the compr�t�r system ��d 1o chaDge Ihe value of � control opefations iD accddance with said stcp of aO ButtoDs�ate variable to otre of a first b�ttotr val�e ahd � disti�guish�9, secoDd butto� v�Iue. s�id Bi�fio0state variable s�r�ulatiDg � 2. A hethod of usiDg a toudt-sensitive i�put device bu�on $ale of a n��hatric�l br�ttotr swi�h, said me�;d coupled to_a comF�tE� system to �Dor� a cursor oD a display cohprisitrg lhc sr�ps of: scree� of fhe computff system and to cbaoge the value-of � a) detecting a �fst coDtacl erval whe� a use� fust Butto�State v�iable to oDe of a fus� b�tto� value a�d a 45 coDt�cts said touch-setrsitive input devioe; secotrd b�tto� v�lue. s�id �u�o�State vr.iable simulating a b) de�fmitriry if said frst coDt�ct i�te�val lasts lodgfr. b�doD state of a lbedtan�cal b�tton switch, said Eethod th�� a first prgdetenDined �ޡximum time i�tcrval; corryrisi�g the slcps of: c) supplyitrg positio�al d.ata relati�g to the frst cont�ct a) dete4ting a first coDtact hterval whe� a use� first ibterval to said coDp.�tf systemto c��se the corso� to contacts said touch.seisitive i�put 50 rnove across said display sseetr said fust coDtact b) dctelmini�g if said tust coEtact �lterv�l lastl louger i[tcrv�l laitr lo�ger thaD said fi�st FedeterrEi�ed rDa.xi�hetr a first predelerrDined m�ximum tiDe �nte�vat; mum tiEe iDterval; c) supplying positional da�a r�l�titrg to the fi�6t coDt�ct d) sctiDg the value of thc B�roDs(ate variable to the fiJst ibterval to said computcr system to ceuse the cu�sor to butoD v�lue if said first cootact itrterval dos trot last rrrove across said displ�y scretn if said fust o act 55 lotrer d�an said fust predet��d�ed of fo�rtl� predetermioed maxim�� ti�e inteaval; de�efmitribg if said third contad ifterv�l lasts longe� tha� a ffdr predetsmi�ed Daxim�D time ifterv�l if said third coDtact intsval does follow the scotrd conl�ct i�trval in less tt�a� said fot��th predefe�nined D�rim�l�t time itrtedali a�d l) supplying positio�al daf� retatiDg to the third c!�tact itrtrval !o said cor�pt�ter sys�e� i� o�dcr to Eairtai� k) if -' i dcvicel if i�r�rval l�sts lorge! tha� said f�t Fedete�mined rD�ximum ti��e intcrv�.I; d) settitrg the val�e of the BuroDsr�[e va�iable 10 the fu.st bl�loD value if said nrst coDt�c{ itrtcrval do�s not l�sl longer rhan said first predetemi�e� m�xiroum timr ibterv�l; e) dd�cting whethe� a sccond co�tacl itrtrval follows said �rsr colt�ct i�terval itr less th�n a sco�d predgtermi�ed �Darimud tiltre iDterval; � setti�g the va-lue of thc BuBoDStat variable to the sec�nd b�tto! value if s�id saotrd coDtad iDterval does lDarim��n tfu�e intrval; c) detectibg whethr � secoDd cotrtact i��erval follows said fust co�tact iD�e�val i� less than a sco�d prede- d t�iDed trl�ximum tihe i�trva.l; f� 6s setthg tl�e value of the B�ttoDstat variable to the scold br��otr value if said secotrd coDtact itrt�rval dos Dot follow said flst conlact interval i� less th�r s�id seco�d predeterEi�ed r[�xillurE tir�e i�tc�val; g) detfmitriDg if s�id seco�d contacl iot�rval las�s lotrgr thatr a third predf�er��iDed m�ximu� time itrte�'val if said secoDd coDtact ioterval does follow said firsr 5.7&.218 15 rޡxir�uE time inte�val co�t�ct futerval i� legs �a� sajd scoDd Fedetermi�ed ; 16 � circuity for settibg ��e va.lue of �e Buttonstate v�iable to the secoDd b��otr v�I�e if said s.o�d co�tact i�erval does not follow sa�d fust co�t�ct i!�erv�l iD less thaD said scord prEdete�tri�ed l�,axirtruJtr time iDtr- h) s�pplyiEg positioEal alal� rdati�g ro the secord coDt�cr hterval to said co�tx�ter syst�tr to cause the cr��sor io ��oye acfosr said display scree�� if said second mtrlact 5 val; g) circuitry f6 dete�miDitg if said secoDd cortact irterval lasts longer tha� a t�i�d predte�trihed rEaximum time intefval. if said secoDd coDtact itrtw�l does follow s��d fust coDt�ct intrval in less lhatr said scoDd p�edeter- interval lasts longq. than said third predet͡tri�ed m�xi��m time i�terval; i) selthg the value of the Buttolstate valiable to t�e seco�d buttotr valu e if said secotrd co�tact i�terval does �ot last loDger th¡ s�id third predetermined j) setti�g the value of rl�e B�to�State �a�iable to the frst butto! value; k) derectiog whethet a th�d coDtact i[te�v�l follows s�id seco�d contact i��eryal i� less tha� a fouth predetermiDcd m�xiltrum ti�tre ibterval; lo m�tred tD�ximum time i�trval: h) ci�cuitry for supplyitrg posirio�al dat� �elathg to the seco�d contaa! intqval to said com[N�t�r systeE to r) . I) se�jag tfie velue of the Buttolstate variable to the secood �uEo� value if said rhird co�t�ct i�t�rval doei Dot follop said se4o�d colt4ct i�trval itr less thatr said fo�1b p�edetffmi�cd �tr�txi��um lime hterval; m) detfmid[g if said third cont�d i0te�val lasts lo�ger �h�� fifth predet�mi�ed m.a�fu�uJ�r t�ne interval if said tlrird c��tact iDtrval does follo'r raid seaoDd cobt�ct hte�val itr less tha.n s�id fo�tb FedetermiDed maximum time i�tefv�l; a�d i) cirolitry for dtecti�g whethe� four� prcdeterr�iDed predet�mincd maxim�D time itrrrval; a third cotrtact iDterval follows sa�d se@�d coDtact ihterval iD less t�a� a rhe value cause the curso! to move across said displ�y scree�r. if said secoDd cobt�cl itrtcrval lasrs lo�ge� rbtu s�id third 20 j) circuitry for scttilg i�tffval; �ble to the sccoDd buttoD v�lue if s�id �ird co�tact iDterval docs not follow s�id secobd co�tact iDtcrval itr less tha[ said fo�.��th Fedctemi�ed r�arimum time Drxir��m tirDe hte�vali of the Bu�otrState v�ri- r) 25 s�pplyiDg po6itional d�ta relatibg to the third co�tact i�terv�l to said co��putr syste[! to cause the c��so� !o move acloss said display s.Tee� if said t�jrd cD act �terval lasts lotrge� thaD said frnh p�edetcr��ined maximum time iDterv�I, 5- �� app�at�s for op<fatiDg � toucb-setrsitive i�pr�t device of a corDp�er system coEg�isi�g: a) mears for detEctiDg co�t�ct i�te�vals wheD a user 30 co�tacls the tol�ch-seositive iDIrut device; val to the co�Po�er sys�tD" if said third confact i�t(val l�s� lotrgrth�! said ffth p(edete�miDed E�xiE�m ti�ne b) lne�trs for de�e.li�g gE �Dtefvals betweetr subseque�t i�terv�I. co�t�t i�tervals; �0d 7. Tbe app�fatus of c��im � �d�cr coDp�isirg ci�cuitry c) meaDs for distiDgu�shiDg betweer a �rst cursor c!�tol for se��g the value of the ButtoDst�te varieble to the secoDd opffatiotr. a scco�d c�rsor colt�ol ope�atio� a�d a third bufto� vElue if said �hiad cont�ct i�t�f,val doer noa l�s! lotrgq cr�so� contsol operation based on ��e du�atioD of s�id cotrt�ct atrd gap iDtervals and for reporti�g oDe of said a0 tha� said �.fth predeiernitred ��xiD�m time i��erval. E. A� �ppa�a��s for usi[g a toud�-sens�tive i�put dovice first seco�d o� thi�d c��sor coDtrol qpemtio�rs itr accorcoupld to a comp�ter rystcm to Eove a d��sor oo a display daDcc the�ewith. screen of tbe cor�pute� syste�� aod fo dlaDge the v�lue of a �. An app4arus for usi�g a tou(�-seDsitive i�put device ButtotrSt��e v�iable to o�e of a 6rst butto� value �trd a coupled to a computer system to move � d�rso� oo a displ�y screer of the co�lPutcr system aod to c�aDge the value of a 45 seco�d buttotr v�lue, s�id Buttorstate v�iable sirnulating a bu�o� rtate of a mechanicel bu�on switdt. said apparans Bl��onst�te variable to orc of a �rst b�tto� valuc a�d a coryfisitrg: seaond bulo! va.lue. s�id Bu�o�Srate v�ri�bte sihpt,ting a a) circlritry fo� detediEg a fi�st co[t�ct interval when a b�tton state of a mech�Eical buEotr switch. said app�at�s usff fust coDtacti said �ouch-seDsitive iD[ut dcvice; comprising: a) circuity f� det�cti�g a first co�a(t interv3.� whe� a b� a"krmidDg if said �st co�tact ib�rval "�t-iu'y �ser f�st cofiacls said touch-seositive �tr,t�t device; la�ts lo�q tha� a first predetermiDed lDaximum time iotrval; b) circuiFy fo! detrmi��g if s�id �st cobt�ct i�terr'�l lasls loDger lha� a fust predctqmhed �lariDum time c) cirqritry for supplyiDg positiou�l d� �elati�g to rle iDlerval; first cotrtact itrterval �o said compuler sys�em to cause tbe cursor to move a�osr said display sc�eet if said c) circr�itry fo� supf,lyi�g positiodal d�ta �el�tibg ro the fust coot�ct idc{'val lasts longe� thao said flst pr�defust coDtacf i�tarval to said corEF�t6 system to c�use tcfmiDed �!�ximu�n time iDtervali the cursor to move a6oss said display screeD if said first co act i�tf,va� lasts lotrge� tha� said f�st preded) cirq�itry for selting tl�e value of the BuBoDstate termi�ed rD�ximum tiEe iDterval; vari.able to the fust b�tton value if said fust coDtact d) circr�i�-y for setri�g the v�lue of tbe Bu[o�State iDtcrval docs not l�st lotgcr tha� said frst predete�miDed ma�imum interv�l; vari�ble to the first bu�totr valuc if said fust co[tact itrtervsl does Dot last lo�ge� lhatr said f�st prr/etere) ci�cuitry for dtectiDg whether a secoDd c�ltact iDtFval mi�ed m time i�terval; follows said �rst co�tac{ ��terval itr less th�! a secotrd e) ci�c��iFy fo! detecting whether a scoDd cotrtad �terval p�edtermi�d l�axi�n�m time irt�v�l; follows said fi�st c!�tad iDterval i� less tha� a second � ci�cuify for settibg the value of t�e ButtoDstde varipredeterrDined rDaximurD time i�t6eal; able to the second bu�on value if said seco�d co�tad k) circ�irfy for dete�Eitri�g if said third contact i�tf,val laJts lo�ger th�D a �ffh fEedltmfued maxiDr�m rime iDte�_val. if said thi�d coDt�d irterval dos follov lhe second contact i�!rv�.l iD less tla! 6a�d fol�nh predetermiDed l��tdEl�m time iDteryal: l) circuitry fo� suPplyi�g positio�al d�ra relatiog !o the Ihird cotrtact itrtervat lo s�id corDp�tef system i� crdcr to mai��i� the cursgr moyeme�ts i�iti�ted by sulplyihg positio��l d�ta relati�g to the sccotrd co

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