Elan Microelectronics Corporation v. Apple, Inc.

Filing 88

Declaration of Sean P. DeBruine in Support Elan Microelectronics Corporation's Opening Claim Construction Brief (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) filed by Elan Microelectronics Corporation. (DeBruine, Sean) (Filed on 5/7/2010) Modified on 5/10/2010 (bw, COURT STAFF).

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EXHIBIT A ililil ilil]t ilililt illlililil]il ilililil� ililililt ililil il ]]l lill us005825352A United States Patent Bisset et al. n�t [11] Patent Number: 518251352 t4sl Date of P�tent: OcL 20, 1998 5,016,�A 5l�91. 5203,704 Gruaz el �1. ............................ 345/113 411993 Mcclo��d .....,..-....................... 434/156 5 32'7,L61 7 11994 l-og�n et a|. ............................ 345 /r'73 5,365,461. lLll994 Slein et al- ..,,................. ....... 364/550 [54] MULIPI� FINGDRS CONTACT SENSING METHOD FOR trMUTATING MOUSE BUTTONS AND MOUSE OPERATIONS ON A TOUCH SENSOR PAI) Inventors: Slephen J. Bisset, P�lo A�to; Bernard Kasser, Menlo Park, both of Calif. Assignee: Logitech, Inc,, F�e�on�, C�lif. Appl. No.:608,116 [75] [73] [21] [22] 376,946 72/1994 Mik�n ..................................... 345/r'73 5,432,531 7/1995 Calder et a�. ........................... 345/1'73 s,442,376 8/1995 T�nne�baum et al. ................. 345/156 5,463,388 1oll995 Boie er a1. ....-........................... 341/33 5,495,�J7 211996 Miller et a1. ...-........................ 345 /173 5 5,52A,: 5,543,591 8/1996 Gillespie et al. ......................... fialra 6 6/1996 Arbeitm�n et al, ................-....345/1'73 Filed: 5,565,658 l0/1996 Geryheide et �1. ..................... 345/174 5,648,642 1/1997 Miller et a1. .............................. 1'781� Feb.28, 1996 FOREIGN PAIENT DOCIJMENTS Relatd U.S. App�ic�tio� Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 582t6& J�n. 4, 1996, �bandoned. ,............................... wo 91�3039 3/1991 WIPO , wo 97118508 5/19S7 WIPO ................. OTIIER PUBLICATI ONS G06F 3/033 tsll Int. Cl.6 ls2l Is8] Is6] G09G si00; C09G 5/08 U.S.C|......................... Field of Se�rch References Cited 3451773:3a5/1.57 3451156,15'7, 345/760, 1'73, 17 4, 145; l7A1a; 34U33 Synaptics Brochure, "Synaplics To�ch Pad," pp. 1-39. P rimary Exam�ner-Jeffety B.riet Ass�tant E)raminer--+a]ul B'ell, ^. Aftorney, Agent, o� lo�i,'��---Townsend aDd To�,,nsend �nd Crew U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 3,921,166 1U1975 volpe. 4,1.03,252 1/�7a Bobick .................................... 345/774 4,4s5,452 6/79a Sch�yler ................................. 345/�3 �s1l ABSTRACT 4"55O,21 10ll9a5 Mabustl� ...........................--..... 345/173 4,639;72O t/199i R)'rnpalski et al. ..................... 345/774 4,6a6332 a/79n Grea�i�s 4 et al. ........................ 3451173 Evans ............................-........... 341 133 4,'136,191 4/19� Marzke er �1. .......................... 345/157 4,914,624 4/1990 Duntho� ...................-.-.......... 345/173 J33,222 3/l9AA Method aDd apparat�s for delecting an operalive coupling between one or mo�e flngersorother appropriate objeclsand a touch pad includes processes for detection of �ulliple maxima with i�termediate minima in appropriate sequences to cm�rlatc the opcrations of c�rso� cont�ol and b�tton actuatio�s i� � poinling and control device. 31 Clains, 17 Drawing Sheels 705\ c-cuN08 P0stn0il tr]*'',f,] T ----�r0 i FE �-1 Fmxl 0-r��f1 20\ I ar-jTD� ots�L�r---l @ f�!�-ldr-� I oA r ]I -rorJcJip�D E_ ---- fi----- l,,,,,,,1H roucrr I ll ;, ll- roiomnr'd rl� ,, ]l Rt-----l ' lr,r;r.l :_,-- PRolt�l -arn,On witness Von H ��4ea oarc �"1' "o. f t' �* J. lch�kiCSR f1660 U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 1 of 17 5,825,352 FlG I U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 2 of 17 5,925,352 sEr'rs0R Y DIRECTIOI{ x orn�clloil coHouclons ANALOO �ULTIPLEXOR CIRCUIT T0 l�IEASlJRE C}|A|\�GIS IN CAPACITANCE ()T SENSOR CONDUCTORS AilALOG-TO- DIGITAL CONVERTER [lICROCONTROLLER INIERFACE IO PC OR OTHER DIVICE FtG. 2. U.S. Patent oct. 2l,tsst shecr 3 or 17 5,825,352 FtG, 3. FIG, 4. U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 4 of 1? 5,925,352 U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 5 of 17 5,825,352 SET Xslole = Peokl ll.ll+l Xsum XreighlSum = Xsun ' I(ll X = IweightSum * ll * (ll ) Xp�kZ = X(N-l) Ft6. 6-t. U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 6 of 17 5,825,352 OR Ipeok2> Xobsolule' IreighlSum / Xsun Sl fi peokZ-XVolley) > (Xpeok2) /4? ond )(peokl>tlhresh? ond F/G, 6-2. U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 5,,825,352 3 o =g z'-\ 3 (- -'r \J �- * \:{_ =C t\\ t I I t� \,-.\ \\�_ ar AI \l ts\ \--: � (�t � \ \ \t-- (� -�P U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 8 of 17 5,825,352 t*\ 705\ mEnill IBDII{Iil c = clJRsoR F= t3-c TOUCH PAD P0sm0�l Hl3- lfrE-il-il lTl-Tro-n A o.lrrr r� f-lwrnr cor.TAcT roucnsElsol [-j e L] Y PfiOFILE TOUCH PAO ffiEilin f3--Y PROTILE yrD[0 DISPLAY mmol�-l lrmin tT----] �mo-il-l l7-T1 F--- l2sel�tCl ti_-l u___l x li'l nq PROFILE [,t'll l )( Y PROTILE T()UCH PAD L_l Ft6. 78. O lwlrnroucH I llO;8i,,'*+" ' sE[soR U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 9 of 17 5,825,352 r30\ t�.------1 l2selecll 7401 lilE��-u-l l;E�-imil-l l[E[-u--l tz-sef��ll �tuT�dil-l l--1 Y PROFILE I3----1 Y PRONLE tTt � T m nn L] x PROFILE IOUCH PAD P� 9 PBOIILE r50\ lT--1 7551 fff[in mtrl ffimutm�{ Hg Y PROIIILE f'tno�l FI qq r�n L_l L] l'trll I TOUCHPAt} )( fI---l Y PROTILE TOUCHPAD I PROI'ILE PROFILI FIG, 7C. U.S. Patent 760\ Oct. 20, 1.998 Sheet 10 of 17 5,925,352 m�-l 7701 lilE��t-] P9ro Y PROFILE n----1 ErwffiEl il I80a ITER�-] 9Pl L__l )( PROFILE n 790ra Y PROTILE Y PROTILT nt �um�t L9m Y PROFILE n--- FITE E liExr-l qqq Y E FIG. 7D. nr.il PR0�il. U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 11 of 17 5,925,352 800\ |�BUIIOI{ llI{El\lU e5\ '',lll I l7-l�llmi-l---.l F nl E rqq L_ Y PROFILE Y PROFILE l0t,cltPA0 rol 9nP) 810\ l�uT-Tdil Il,EiIU I F�u-rroqF] lr-__-l nr�n FIG, 78. U.S. Patent s20�\ Oct.20, 1998 Sheet 12 of 17 8208\ E-l r, Y PROTILT lr-Eiu-l ll l fBuTTo-N-l C= CURSOR mnmt 8I'TTO�I UP P0stTt0il Y PROFILE ", l," ll-l i l l TOUCll PAD I'rl /�nnsrn il coNTAcT l'-,1 TOUC}IPAD lulttrr louclsEt{son lr-] 8254\ e x PROFILE 15 I Y PROTILE ffi tr-- '/IDTO DISPLAY DISPLAY f�tl-rru-[� Burror{ Dorit f�mo-[] BUIIO!� DOII ltl [r 9e lt,irll 9n lrl Y PROFILE TOUCHPAD l,ll U x PROTILE )( PROFILE FIG 7F-/. U.S. Patent 8258\ Oct. 20, 1998 Sheer 13 of L? DISPI.AY '/IDEO ITUTTo=il-l C=ClJRS()R f-F�Tmil 8lJT�oil DoUi BUIloil Dolrl'l I P0slTl0�t Y PROFILE i,;l L_l x PROFILE l-j----l p) il-l T VIDEO li'i 9e 830\ tr-l Y PROFILE 825C\ lBm�fl] BUNOil ftumil F-= l3 -Y PROIILE lilEfiu--f,| il rol n I L] Y PROTILE TOUCllPAD ooB.,T�or�,,P ,,,J,,[-----_l 7F-2. U.S. Patent Oct.20, 1998 Sheet 14 of 17 5,825,352 Xfinger= 2 OR Xfinger " I At{0 Xmolion. Io bsolute - XobsolulePrevious Ymolion' Yobsolule -Yobsolule Prev ious U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 15 of 17 5,925,352 ANt) Finger= 2 BullonPrevious= Down AilD lFinger = 0 0R (Finger = I Reporl Bulton= Sel BultonPrevious= Up Up Previous= Fingei AI�D Report )(motion Report Ymotion Set XcbsolulePrevious' Xobsolule, Set YobsoluleP reviou s = Yobsolule, Set finqer Previous' Fing er U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 16 of 17 5,825,352 205 a0 2t5 XreighlSum = XweightSurn +il*X(l{ FIG U.S. Patent Oct. 20, 1998 Sheet 17 of 17 5,925,352 Set Xobsolule' )(weighl$um / Xsum fipeok2-XVolley)> (Xpeok2)/4? ond Xpeokl> Flhresh? ond F/G. 9-2. 5,825,352 MULIIPI,E FINGERS CONTACT SENSING METHOD FOR EMUIATING MOUSE BUTTONS AND MOUSD OPERAIIONS TOUCH SENSOR PAD RELAr'�D Tbis requires an up-down-up-down frger molion to do the same tbing as simply the "down-up" motion of tbe mouse bulton. Io general, any touchPad eq�ivalent 10 � mouse b�llor�-clicking function requires an extra "up �p" the �lcer m�st be lirred olr the ONA Apprf,cArroN INVENTION t �ii�iL]t"",�:t;:;b;c��se T1�� lime,aod stress �ssoci�ted with the extr� mol��n is This �pplication is a continualion ofU.S. p�lent . tion Ser-�o. 0g/5g2,7�g, frled Jan. 4, 1996, abando�'ed. sigoificant Hum-an faclo�s studies have shown tbat such toucbpads yield lower produclivily lhan a mouse in many 10 applications. This somewh�t limits to�chpads ro those FIELD OF THE applica- devices, and more partic�rl�ly relates to louchpad devics There is therelore a Ded lor a iouchpad capabte of yielding which detect �t le�st the presence of one or more �e same p�ocjucfivity �s � mo�se. such �s fingers to effectuale preslecled control �rnct�ons. t5 rh presnr invention relales seneraily ro roucbp�d ffj*ill",i";"]",";ir3�,%i:"lJ:r::i�it�Tf;;.*:::.H;:"1 objects BACKGROUN'D OF THE INVENTTON ro,rch sensins.revices are wel� koown, and r�ke a SUMMARY OF TIIE INVENTION n�mber of dife�ent forms- Perh�ps fhe best ktrowo are resislivememb�ane position sensors, whicb have bee� used ."J1.f��il�1i:�.:1"#1i:i-�fl,�i"'tsiT�i3ji" frngers or other �ppropriate objecLs to a iouch sensor.'l�e devices have been used as keyboards, position i�dicato�, embodimcnt involves ihe of�'capacitiie touch sensing �nd so forth. ol�er types of touch sensi�g devices 'se device sir�il�r to thal described in �.S. patent applicatioi resistive tablets, surface acouslic wave devices, loucb stn_ ser. No_ 0g,47g,290, entifled Touch Sensing Method ancl strai� gages or pressure s0sors, a�d optic�l 2r A-ppa�atus, fiIed Jun. Z, 1995, and �ssigned fo rhe �ssignee u "" pr"i"ot inrention'may be impiemented based on any con" -in numbe� of differenl aPplications for m�ny years. Such vcntional touch sensing technology, altlough an exemplary :�:*�, - i�clude .. capacitance to virtu�l gro�nd- Other capacitive techniques ereDce. are �lso known some touch sensitive devi-ces are k�own operation of the present itrveDtioD iDcl�des two aspecls: �rse interpolation lor more p�ecisely �dentifyi�g the dete�tioo of multipli objects, typically flngers, and assign_ of a �nger or 4� ment of various tu�ctioni to particulai acti�ns by the moveTypic�l of eacb of these prior art devices is th�l each ment of one or both frrgers. The detection fun�tion can be them senses aDy contact �s thal of only o�e flnger at a general, but in a simple, exemplary implementation can be C�rrsor movment is straigbtforward with one fingr, timited to a two-fing�r fu�ction such as the combination of lappi�g of � finger oD the surface of the pad. c� � be de Lected the index � nge r a nd middle frnger. In general, these are Lhe and actd upon in a manner simi�ar to detecti�g lhe actua�ion 45 two most rleitrous fingens, and rhey w�rk well together. As of a bul1on on a �ouse. Single aDd double taps can be a result, for tbis exemllary embodiment, t�e touc�pad need as simple equivalenls of single ard double mouse only distinguish betw�en the two fingels in one dimeosion With a single-frnger touchpad, the click �nd drag function since the hvo frnge� are typical�y side by side. In addition, is morc diffcult- With s[gle flnge� doteclion, dr�gging the to�chpad Deed o�Iy detect thc sccond flngcr in rcasonbeen implementcd with scbemes such as �ptap (finger lifted 50 �bly closc proximity to th flrsr fi�ger. In most siruations, thc aDd pi�ced dowr� agai� quickly), 1ap-and-a-half, �nd dist�nce betweeD frnger centers will be less than flve ccnlidtag (drag lock t�ms o� �utomatically alter the finger meters. Addition�l co�binations of fi�gers, such as three placed in one loca�iot without rnovfug for more lhan �nge�s tapping simullaneously or other combinations, may cert�in ti�e, such as on scond). All of these methods also be implemented in accordance with the methodology of more time a�d/or more frnger mo�ions tlan takes 1() 55 the pr�sent invention. perform tbe eq�ivalent funclion witb a mouse, and rre Fot clarity oI cxplanation, the present invenlion can be intuitiv to �sers f�mili�r with eleclronic mice. Prio� desc�il�ed in .ort �f ifs applications by establishing one louch pads are tb�rs less �ttraclive for geDeral use thaD frnger as controlli�g movemeit of the curm� ancl the s�cond frDger as controlling functions equiv�lent to a mor�se button Another cornmonly used fuDction in the prior art is thaL of 60 or switch. In this coDtexr, one �nger may be considered the clicking a box (or icon or displayed "button") or series "point' fnger, while the other is the "clicll' �nger. Vario�s boxes (sucb as "connecting the dots"). Wilh a mouse, convcnfional firnctions may then be defined accordingly. For cursor is �oved into position by moving the mouse, then ex�mple, "drag" may be efiected by movi�g tbe two frngers click ocq�rs with a dowD-up molion of the fi�ger to actuate in unison, "point and click' may be efected by moviDg the a bulto� or switch. Wilh a touchpad typical of the prior art, 65 cursor w.ilh the first �nger aDd tapping with the second the cursor is moved into posilion with the fnger, lhen flnger, "poinl and double cliclC'may be efected by moving click occurswith a tap of the frnger which moved the the cu�sor with the l�rst frnger and doub�e tappi�g wltb the some invention are described ge�erally below, �nd �n dctail he�ej0 in�fler.,A1tematively, the present invention may be �se�l with -' the method a�d apparat�s described in the U.S. patent u�de� �nd around the location of the finger. Typical of application Ser. No.08/582,769, entitled Touch Pad Sensing capacitive �o�ch sensing devices are touch sc�eens and Method aDd Apparatus, having as invntors Bemi Joss, c�pacitive pads which employ a matrix of row and column Bemald Kasser and StephD Bissel, frled on Jan. 4, 1996, electrodes �nd detect, for example, either tbe lr�Dscap�ci- �{ aDd �ssigned to the �ssignee of the present inven�ioD, the latrce between row and column electrodes or tbe effeclive "- relevaDl portions of wbi�h are ircorporated herein by refsensitrg, in which the loc�tion of a �nger (or in insta�ces a�other object such �s a stylus) over � sensing device is determiDed by virt�re of va�i�lions iD capacilance yer aDolher roucb sensirs rech'orosy is capacilive :j"'f""0'0":"lJ �n"l�l^i:�"ff lJT�i�i.�;�'��i:�i: stylus lo localion of ti�e. aDd used clicks. h�s sticky is a l�ke not an a il mouse. of tbe the lhe cursor. 34 second flnger, aDd so on. "Click and Drag" may be s,825,352 apparenl tbat �"oy ot tb�." operalions will be inluitive _soon e'xperienced -ou� ua"r", as as the correspondence Also included within tbe present i�ventio� is the detection beiwee� mouse functio�s ;rid the two fr�gers is de�;onslated aDd location of more tha� two finge�s, wilh accompanying 10 the user, aDd tb�s their implementation iD a touchp�d funcfional definilions permittiDg such multiple coDtacts to 15 indicate pointi�g device or olher co�lrol operations, such as co�text makes the� �speci�lly music�l kybo�rds addition to the foregoing functions, u,hich can In performed (albeit awkwardly �nd less i�hrilively) with It is therefore one object of thc prcsent invention to ve�tiot�I to�ch p�ds, there are addilioDal functioDs that provide a touchp�d system capable of detecti�g � pl�rality of be performed with two fingers and which can have substan- co�t�cls sucb as fingers. tial analogs to the ̡se of a mo�se Ir is a turther objecr of the preseDr inveorion ro provide a - ,- -,-;'._:9:,!:y:1q cooveolion�l mouse l�rDclioDs. For exam�le. delectioD t"puole or loc�rrrlg � plu�t�rly ol cotrlads �ocaLion of two ftogers will permit the touchpad ro reporl l]:of-"o"-ot]]:t su:b.as a bost sysrem rbe dist�oce b�tweeo tbe rwo 6'ogers. T�is ll is a Tg:rs' object of the present iDvention to provide a fu�her be used, for example, in pai�t ot otber prog;ms to method for detecting the presence ofmore lhan one flnger on �ine line widlh or �ther'spacing function� or aoy olber 25 � louch pad device. ''variable value'functioo. SimiJarly. tappirg wilb bolb gers at Lhe same ti�e ��y be de�red as �tr It is � still further object of the p�ese�t inventioD to shorthand method for a do�rbl tap (such �s may be de��ed provide a method for localitrg each of � plurality of �ngers for the middle bulton in � I-ogitech mouse) or may on a touch pad device. defined as a special firnction, simi�ar to the "right button" It isyet another object of lhe presert invetrtion to provide functions of a mouse. Such special �mclions may a meth�d for effecting the ,,po;t a�d click, functi�n on a partic�rl�r val�e i� operating syste�s $rcb as Wi�dov.,s ouchpad rhrough the use ofmultiple flngers. vr'here, for xample, implementatioD of tbe yet a furtheribject of the present iDveDtioD is to provide functioD is an important special fuDctioD. Such fuoction-sc�n a method for effe�dng the ,,�lick and drag,, functi�n on a be implementd re�dily wilb � friple l�nge� tap, a double tap ls roucbpad tbrougb the�xe of multiple fingJrs, ol nvo 6ngers. or other convenient coobLnatron. of the present invention is 10 provide j-:lt^t A�olher tunction v�hich may rr" i-pr"-"oi"� *itr, "�1"-t*1!-t " ,,dfag rocr<. r:nis n�ser delection is formed simply by moving the cu�o� to the appropriate posifion with the firs1 frnger, placing botb nr$ and se.o�d flnge�s o� the p�d, �nd moving bolh flngers logetber. The function may be concluded by simply raising one or bolh s frngers. Similarl� coDnecling the dots may be.performed lmply byEovi�g the cu�sor from dot to dol witb t� �rst fltger, and then clicking on the dot by t�pping .with lhe scond fiDger Ir will be appare�r ro rhose skilt"d ]".+,,..":l th�l lhese funclions may be de�ned differentlv a�d still lall l0 within the scnpe of th� present iovenrion. I� wil� �lso bc per- Most prior �t tor�chp�d devices operate, like mice, in relalive modeby indicatiDg the distaDc travelled rel�tive to the st�rting point of tbe molion. Touchp�ds, on the other hand, can also be oper�ted in absolutJ mode, where the �bsolute posirion of fhe finge� o� the pad is �e�cted and reporred rio rhe host system o; application.In absolute mode, multi-frnger detection allows thi frrst frnger to point to th� position, wbile fhe seco;d fingir performs �""i.J ;;;;; ;"'u*t'tr" ' --'- ;;kk',';p*arion is desired withouirequiring a "-I-'" rcmov�l ol lnc nrsl nngcr whrcn mrgnl lcsscn acc�racy or t"t:lult:n ,o desir�ble. be concan 20 or:Y.i and to can aleter6nalternate, be 30 have 95 objecl.viewer r*o n�ct-io��;�F lffi;i::::""::�:i:l wbeo a drag tunctior is uoderw�y, bur �r leasr ooe of lhe fingers reacbes tbe edge of the pad before �he drag function - is�mplete.Touchpad-operationmaybecontr"ll;�;;"i;-'" tain rh� drag oode�f, foi exarnpte, ti*r nng�is "i" rhe pad wiihio a tbreshold p"�o� or oo" ioot�"i tbeo placed down on the p;d ag�jn within a suilable r1i:J."#��.#:)sl"*: �i":i ;�i;; fir;;�rr.--: . _--:--_: . ,, Yel a�olbe. objecl of the plesent invnfio� is to provide a ror erecling on � touchpad, throush -':'!:9 of multiple flnger contacts, a plu�ality of enh�nced the use 1""9 1fl1:1* rnvenlron' resulting imag�, or "ink," is defued uy tte moiio� ol tbe � rsL 5s FIG 3 shows a finger prof�le for two non-ovcrlap?ing flnger d�rringlthe period when the s�cond �nger is also �ngers as sensed by the Ptesenl ir�vention. co�tact witli thc p�d; gaps in thc ..i'k,, occ"ur when FlG.4 shows � flnger profile for lwo closely-spaced secood tinger is lified awat ftom tbepad. The funqion � Dgers a s se Dsed by the present invention in some ways, be tho�rghf of �s eleclronic finge� pain I i�g, bu FIC. 5 shows in flow diagram form the sleps lor a high bas the �dditional advanlage ofallowing mulliple ch�r�cters level algorith� tb� a pointing device according to the lo be wrilten on a touch pad. Thus, E'ith the �$e of present invention. fngers, hand printing oI lext with gaps btween the and words becomes feasible and convenient, where�s iL FIG. 6 shows in flow diagram form the sfeps foa comimpractical with the prior art "�ap and a halP' mcthod puling motion and "bulton" states. turning oo the FIGS. 7A-7F2 sho\r in di�gr�m�alic form an exemplary Yet �noLher funclion which may be implemented with sequence of �nger conlacts a�d move�enls across a touch present invention is use of the to�rchp�d in �bsol�le seDsor. uJ*" time hr�clrons perio�. In some imp�emintations, highly exle0ded ti|�e 4j YeL a f�lhcr object of the present inwention is to provide a method and apPa�atus for clcctronic nngcr laintjDg. periods may be suintle in t�is contexi A furthe� f�ncfion whicb �ay be readily implemente� Thcse and olbcr objecls of th i�vetrtioD may be befter $�ith the pre sent inve�tion is the ibitity to opɡa� �n relariv. appreciated from the following detailed descr�t�o� of the invenlior�, t�ken together wifh the appended frgures. mode, wiere a first finger pe�fo�ms ; key fu�cljon, and � second frnger controls some attribute of the operation per- so lllE FICURES formed by the frrst fi�ger' For example a 6rsl 6oger coofrc. lshowsa Dersoeclive view or a devic accordinp ro _ . -f l�cting � touch fad m�y c�xsc � cursor to move across a .__ fbe Fresenl rnventlon' screeri, while contact (and removal) of a seconcl �nger wjtb FIG 2 sbows �n block diagr�m form lhe electronics oflhe the scieen may turn �n image, o� "i�lc' oo lana o"ft). Tbe presenl in tbe may, I 6� two letters js of �5 the mode. r,r,.�lr ink. s,825,352 5 FIG. E shows � more generalized case of FlG. 5 FIG. 9 sbows a morc generalized case oI FIG. 6 6 c�pacila�ce when �o fiDger is present. This "no-flngel' capacitance is measured aDd slored at a time previous to Lhe beginning of the cycle described hereir, and is described mo�e f�lly i� U,S. patent application Ser. No. 08/478,290, �led 7 Ju�. 1995 and commonly assigned. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring first to FIc. 1, a pl�rality of a user,s frDgers and l0B ire shown posit�ned o;er sufrcieDtly close p.o*i-ity to be oper�tively connecled thereto. Movemeni of a singte flngc� over t�e touchpad _l0 causes the c�rsor to move iD a now-conventional m�n;er. However, unlike prior arl devices, various contol functio�s may be performe� by the use of tle second 6nger, typically i� combi�ation willt the sam or � related opeiadofof the 5 10A j� It bas �lso been found by aPplicaDt that it is Dot necessary, aII eobodioen�, to subtract the "no-frngel' capacitance a tJuchpa� 20 in if techniq�es other than calculation of a centroid are used to loc�te lbe positio� oftbe 6ngers, a�d s�.rch subtraction is not required even i� all i�stances in which a centroid is c�lcul�ted. However, in at least so�e e�bodimer�fs the se�sitivity and benc.lhe resolution of the calcul�ted �nger location is eoiaDced by such subtraclion' Referri�g agaj� to the exemplary embodiment, the values first fi�ger. Operalions involving more thaD two fiogers may .. also be performed. [n an exemplary embodiment, the louch- '' of�oger-induced capacitanc aa then processed to calculate pad of the p�esent invention lepor� to a host either the a position, detect whether one or more fngers is in oper�five cont�cf wilh fhe pad surlace, and 10 detect aDy chaDges in tbe relative molion ofa finger across the to�chpad or changes in "bultoD-' status. nurnber of 6ngers operatively coupled to the pad. If the cycle more maxima will be detecLed with an appropri�te Dumber of intermediate minim� Altho�gh the �ger profrle shown in FIc. 3 suggests that the intermediate minim� sep�rati�g the two frngers js a zerc val�e, it is not necessary ir� �ll i�stances that the minima be commonly assigned with the present invention and zero. Thus, for example, FlG. 4 reflecls � frnger p�onle with porated herein by reference a nonzro local mi�ima 100 intermediate the lwo maxima 105 and 110 indicalive of two flngers operatively co�pled to The outp�rt of �e capacitance measuri�g circuit is provided to an analog Lo digital converter 80, which operates a5 the lo�chpad. This fr�ger plofrle simply reflecls two frngers placd closely to one another, but sti�l yields a valley for as described in eilber of the �bove-referenced patent measurcmeDt of the minima. cations 1o convert the capacrtanc val�es f�om the circ�it iblo � digit�l represntation.'l��e analog to digilal To oper�te efeclivelf the pres�t inveDtioD m�st delect 80 thcn supplics the signals to ihe microcontrolle� 60, �nd disting�ish the presnce of a single flnger, �nd thc operales to form, �mong othcr thi�gs, � finger profile for one 50 presence ofm�lliplc fingcrs.As noted previously, the second o� mo�e flngers, X-Y c�rrsor dala, and conlrol sigDa�s. or additional fu�ge�s are typically involved to provide "butDependiDg on the operation being performed at the ton" or coD�ol functions, similar Lo acl�aLior of the b�ttons lar time, the outpul of microcont�oller 60 is then s�pplied or swilches on � mo�se. Allho�gh the following example �n inLerface to a PC or olher device, sllch as a PS/2 interface, describes iD detail the llse of oDly rwo �nge�s, one for cursor an RS-232 inte�face, or �n Apple Desktop B�s 55 cont�ol and � second as a b�tton, the teachi�gs herein are believed $fficienl ro permit thos skilled in the art to A key feature of the presenf invention is its abilily distinguish thc presDce of multiple ��gers either to�rching construct �pparala using multiple Angers Ior addidon�l buaaons or in operative proximity to the to�chpad 30. In a 'lb avoid artifacts, a threshold may be �pplied to tbe bolb e�rbodiment, the operation of the ctcuit of FlG. 2 coDtinuously. As noled above, the cycle begins by scanning 60 the m�ximu� and minimum distaDce belween the m�xim� lhe tr�ces and me�suring the c�pacitaDce on each trace. lepresentalive of m�ltiple �ngers. For example, a threshold the portio� oT each mcas�rrcd c�pacitance that is induced requiring thc maxi�� to be .wilbin five centimeters of one the presence of a flnger is exlracted, aDd this finger-ind�rced anothermay be�sed 10 limit the maximum distance behvee� capacilance is slored in RAM, as X(1) through X(Xcon) the �ogers; other thresholds may be appropriate in some Y(1) through Y(Ycon), as described below. Tbe frnger- �s emlrodimenls. A threshold representative of the mi�imum inducd pofion of lhe meas�rd capacifaDce is determined distance m�y be cor�figured by establishiDg a maximum by subtracting a value, e�ch tr�ce, represeDtiDg value of the local minim� 100. Referring nexl to FIC.2, the oper�tion of rhe rouchpad 20 may be better appreciated. In p�r�cular, FtG. 2 sh�ws �o ",, block aiagram foru ttre electronics implemented to fofm exemplar! touchpad 20. A touchpad matrix 30 is mmposed of a plrlriliry of iows 35 and columns ,10 of wir., o, affanged in � convenfional manne�; se U.S. patenl app[-calioD Ser No. 08/321 ,98'7, 6led J2 OcL 1994, cnlitled Toucb Pad Senso� with Simullaneous Sensing, assigned with fhe present applicatior. The �ows and colu�lns ate connected to an analog m�rltiplexor 45 through � r�lity ofX (row) direction conductors 50 and apluralityof �� "Y (column) direction conductors 55, oDe conductor for eacb row and eachcol�mo. Under the control of a �icroconlroller 60, the analog multiplexor 45 selects which tr�ces of matrix 30 will be sampled, and the outp�t of those fr�ces then provided to a cap�citance mea$rring circuit 70. ODe �< suitable capacitance me�surirg circuit is described io afore- " �r� is repealed r�Pidly eDough to update a graphical user inte�face approximately 30 li��es per second or more, the appearaDce of smooth and instant�neo�ls lesponse is provided to lte user' For fuDctions other than pointing, such �s handwriling with the finger, a faste� sc�n rate m�y be req��ed �rd m�y, for example, be on the o�der of 200 sca�s Per i.u.., ,. secono commonly Refening next to FIG.3, a flnger profile is shown indica?l�- the is '' tive of the presence of two f�gers, spaced apa�t from o�e anolher. ID palicul�r, the circ�ri�ry software or �arnware of the louchpad c�cuitry, such as that showD in FIG. 2, detects a �rsl maxima 85 indicative of a flrst flnge� in ope�ative proximity to the to�chpad 30, followed by a minima 90 indicative of a sp�ce between the fingers, atrd further followed by aDother maxima 95 indicative of � second �nger oper�tively coupled to the touchpad 30. It will be apprcialed 1b�1. for oper.rtions involving more than two finge�, mentjoned U.S. patent application Ser No. 08�21,987, commo�ly �ssigncd u�ith the prcsent invention a�d inco�porated herein by �eference; atother is described i� U.S. patent application Ser No. 08/478,290, flled 7 Jun. 1995, * eDtitled Touch Sensing Method �nd Apparatus aDd also incorthen appli70 converter which partic�to (ADB). 10 lypic�l cycles fhen by and the f� 5.825.352 7 In an exemplary embodimenl, lhe oper�tior of the system of FIG. 2 is controlled in either frrmwa�e, softwa�c or hardware. Showri in FIG. 5 is a flow diagr�m showing the general oper�tion of such software or �Imware which is capable of detecling mulliple flngers, a�d which �ses the algorithm of FIG. 6, discussed hereinafter. The varial�les fo�rnd i� the flow diagram of FIc. 5 �e defrned belov�: 8 as checked at step 490, the state of Ybutton is �rp and YbutfonPrevious is Dowo, theD the vari�ble Butlon is sel to Up at step 495. the button v,�as st to DowD at state 465, o� Up at step if the results at steps 480 and 490 �re NO, the process adv�nces to step 510. At step 510, Xmotio� is set to the sum of X�bsolute less XabsolutePrevious, ��d at step 520, Yr�ofio� is set to the sum ofYabsol�te less YabsolutePrevious. Then, at step 530, 10 the state of Button is checked �nd, if it is changed by being Finger posilioD i� X di��ti@, cal@l�tcd d��irg tle either Up or Dowo, bol�� Xmotior �nd Ymolion �e sl to o enl cycle rel�tive lo Lhe s�sor pad, zero at step 535, indic�ting that the �sr bas acluated a Tae value �bove rored fron tle p�evioE cycle. bulloD and no cu�or movement sho�ld occr�� sinilat Lo xabsohtePrevio�s. lD additioD, if Button equals Up or Down, the sl�te of Has value Up or Dow� (reeardles of previo�s 15 Bulton is reported at step 540. At step 550, Xmotior� �nd Y�otion are co�pared 10 zero, and if either � not ze.o theD XbuttonP�eviou Tle v�lue above srored fJor L�e p�vious cycle. bolh Xmotion aDd Ymolion are reported to the microconYb�tto� SiDilar lo Xbu on, Yb�Lto�PFvro�s Simil�toXbuttoo?revious. troller will be �pparent thal this iDdicates a cursor Xm�tio� ChEor motion i� the X direcLio4 �ela�ve Lo lhe moveme�t, lypically reflective of the movement of a si�gle c��o� poeitio� of Lhe previous cycle (o y reportod 20 frnger over lhe touchp�d, or lwo frngers in some modes such ileilher o' bo� Xmotion and Y�orion arc as Click-and-Drag. rc�-�rc). Ynotion Similar to Xmotio�. Fur�her, �t step 560, whether there is motion reported or Eurtor M�y be Up �r DoM (o y �epored ifa chaoge not, the variable Xabsol�tePrevious is set to the val�e of fro� tle previoB cycle). Xabsolute, a�d at step 570 thc variablc YabsolutcPrevious is 2s set to the value ofY�bsolute. Simil�rly, af step 580 tbe val�e It will be unde�slood by those skilled in the �rt th�t a of XbuttonPrevious is set to Xbufton, and at s�p 590 the me�ns fr�nsmittitg infonn�tion to an application process val�e of Yabsol�rtePrevious is st to Y�bsol�te. The cycle executing on � host, $rch thal the cursor is a0oved or thenrepe�rsby returning to step 400.Itv�illbe apparetrt that fur�ction is performed. ln some instancs, driver software rhe for�going algorith�ican b� readily extende�io include executing on the host may ascertain tle existe�ce of flnger �o a��ition�l ��geri beyond bvo, represent�tive of �ddilional movement, while in other i�stances incl�ding the exemplary buttons. ln su�h an insrance, compare steps for current �nd embodiment described herein the determj��tioo of previot�s st�tes of each buttoD would b� conducted, aod :'up,,' or ,,down,' conditio�s would be repo�ted for each such movemen! occu�s i� the frrm\��aro in tho pointing Refe�ing slill to FIG. 5,lhe cyclical process begins at bu�on. ln some embo�imens ir may be �esireal to report..no 400, a�d conLinues �t step 410 by scanning the cooductor 35 change" conditions, and the foreg�ing algorithm;uld be sensors. Tbe sensors may be sc�nned sequentially ,"ud�y mo�lifred to provide su"n �"polrti"!. concurrently, depending on the ha�dware impleme�tatio�. Deiending on the desired con�guration, second and th�rd The scan p�ocess measures the va�ues of finger-i�duced burtons may-be implemented, for�xample, either by requircapacitance for cach ofthe co�ductors, a�d stors tbe ing a cnmbination'of two or more finge;s to indicaie operaRAM �t step 420. The cycle process coDtinues by a0 rio"� ofa second button, o�by the inde:pendent moveme;t of Ierlorming the Xcompute loop of FlC. 6 disc�ssed addirional flngers or ot�er objecrs.ln this latter e�bodi�enl, hereinafter, and also t}�e Ycomp�te loop �alogous^lo may be de;ir�ble to impl;meDt distaDce thresholding, to 6, �l step 430 �nd 440, respeclively. ID ge�er�l, tbe ensur; that movemeDt ofa second or additional button f�ger of the Xcompute �nd Ycomp�te processes is simply is not rnis{�ken for movement of ihe flrst or other b�tton ev�lu�lc thc currc0t measurcments by calculatiDg lhe cen- 45 finper. tIoid of the finge� measurement, and by derecring whether �et forth in FIC. 6 is a florv diagram setting forth the steps scond flnger is to�ching fhe p�d which determines for comp�1iog motion and ,,butlo;,, states iri lhe X direction, b�tton or vrhat �ay be rcferred to �s "Xcompule.:'A� aDalogou; In the excmplary embodiment, only � ch�nge in calculation is performed fo� the y direciion, or whl maly be stale is reporled. As a result, at step 450 the v�l�re of Brtton 50 referred to as.iycompute,,, fhe algoritbm �rses the fo�o�ng is set to No Char�ge. In �ddilion, in Lhe exemplary embodi- variables and constaDls: ment a lap or double click by only a frrst fuger is Dot acted upon, althougl � tap by a seco�d fir�ger or by rD�lt�le fl�gers is acted �pon. In the exmplary ana�gement, � "bulton down" condition is only reported if botb fDgers ar xoo \,�luos, stored i� re�ory, of �ngrind�ced po ion of in oper�live conlact wit� t�e �pacit�r@ re�sured o� e�cb cond�cLor Naanes fronr The process continus by compariDg the current aDd I to Xcon. [wben �o n�ger is co�tacting tle pad abov previous butto� st�tes of fhe X and Y conductors. First, at a cond�cror, rh val�e is app�oxinately zero. In addilio�, x(0) is i�iria��ed to � wal@ ol0.1 step 460, the slate ofxb�tton is checked to see il it is Down \�lue ol �geFinduccd se�or conducro� ccpacilan.e x(N t) and the state of XbuttonPrevious is checked to sce ifit is Up. eo for the p�eYiou corductor. Ifboth compares are lrue, lben the v�ri�ble B�tlon is set 10 The ��mber olse�so� co�drctoE in lhe X dhecLion. f)owD at step 465. In addition, �l stcp 470, thc statc of The �ini��n ttreshold tlat X must �cacl lefore a ¡er is @nsidered l,r be prese�t- lseLs t�e torcl] sensirivity ot Ybu on is checked to see if it is DowD and the slate of Lhc pad.l YbutlonPrevious is checked to see it is Up. both Xp�k1 ri�ble to sto�e Lhe val�e of the �6t !ak X vai�e. comp�res are 1rue, the variable Button � also set to Dow�, 65 Xv�llev v�iab�e to sLore Lhe v�l�e ol a loc�l nririm�D (il �ny) Altematively, as determioed at slep 480, if tbe state of Xbr�tron is Up �d the slat ol XbulloDPrevious is Dowr, or, s If 495, or It "leport" a 6oger devicc. step o. i� val�es FIC. furction lo a the state thetulton t�uc�pa�. " if If 5,825,352 9 10 235 a�d a repeat wilh aD incre�entally higher N. If a second fitge� is louching lbe pad then eventually the value of X(N-l) will be ge�10� than o� e$ral to the value of X(l'O, Xp�12 X5u� \�riable to st�� ihe v�lue of lhe secord pea� X val�e (il aiy). !�riablc to a@nulatc t�e sun of tle X values, Io� �ntroid l�laLio�. Lo acom�laLe lle s�m oI tt X values, we�ghLed by N (Lle t�sitio! of the co�duc��r), for cetrtr�id elcul�Lior. 5 Xweights�m �/�.iable such that fhe valley is defected-At this point, �I slep 262, the value ofxvalley is set to X(N-l) and Xslale is st to Pe�k2. The process then jumps to step 235, where it repeals from step 215 �r�less the last conductor iD lbe matrix has been XrL�te ^ Tail, �riible wlich c�n have val�es Pea!], l,�lley, Peal2 or �re lhe th� exe�plary L� itrdic�re whic! p�rL of the �nger pro�le ru�ently ssrching 6or Tle T�il st�le is sinply E ��ainder of Lhe scar �fter a seco�d peak (ir e�bodi�en� has beer ide�dned. evalualed. On the nerl cycle, a NO resulf is reached at both step 225 10 and step 450, c�using a jump to step 270. At slep 210 �he state of Xst�e is compared to Peak2, �nd a YES result v,/ill occur. This results in � compare between X(�� ard X(N-l) at step 275, to look for a seco�d peak, in a manner $�bstar- 235' and then lo slep 215 uDtil the cbange masured at fhe last co�duclor has been evaluated' As before, lhe value of X(� will eveDt�ally start to v�rial�les initiatized a�e N, which iiset to zero, aod fue *,alue 20 decre�se. sucb that X(� will be less than X(N-1). A1 this of X(0), which is �lso set to zero. In �dditior, Xpe�k1, point, �t step 278,1he v�lue of Xpeak2 is set to the val�e of Xv�lley, Xpeal�, Xs�rm and Xweigh�um, a�e all set to zero. X(1.�-1) aDd the state of Xslale is set to Tail. Tl�e "t�il" is the remaining portion of FIG. 4 following tt�e second peak. In additioD, the stale of Xstate is set to Peakl. At slep 210 a loop, referred to �s "Xloop" sfafls. The Vy'hile a Tail state is used in the exemplary embodime�t, p�lpose of Xloop is to c�lclrl�fe the X centroid, by �cc�r- 25 such a state may nol be Decessary in all embodiments. mulating the sum and 'reigbted sum of the X values fo� all The process then cycles through uDtil the last cond�rctor tbe X conductors from one to Xcon. Thus,lhe loop typically me�s�r�ement has becn considered, at which poirt N does starls with lhe value of N=0 aDd incremenls by one at the eq�ral Xcon when lhe check �l sfep 235 is made. Witb aYES beginning of each cycle until the value of N=Xcon. �he �es�lt, the p�ocess b�arches to a lhresholding comp&ison at steps of the loop i�clude step 215, wbere N is iDcremeDted 30 step 290. 10 N+1 �nd the value X(� of the c�rl�enl conductor is added In an exemplary embodiment, the Xcompute procss lhen 10 the prior �ccumulated val�e, Xsrm, which then becomes continues by c�ldrlating the centroid for the frngers the new value of Xsum. Tbe loop theD continues at step 220, detcctcd, so long a,s thc ��xim� cxceed a tbreshold value. In where the prior value of Xweights�m is added to a weightd accordaDce with the present invenl�o�, two appro�ches rn�y v�lue of X(��, where the weighting is done by multiplying 35 be used ir calculatiDg ceotroid values. In a frrst X(10 by the �mber N of the conducto� being sampled, The i�plementation, only a sir�gle centroid value is calculated sum of Xweights�m and N*X(N) then becomes tbe Der�/ for the combin�tion of one or more flngers. ln this value of Xweightsum. arrangemenl, it will be app�rent th�t, when � second finger Thc XI-oop continues at step 225, whcrc onc of � series contacts the to�chpad, the centroid 'lumps" l�terally of subloops is selected depending o� the val�e of Xstale. 40 approximately to the midpoiDt ofthe two flngers,In a seco�d Since Xstate is initi�lly set 1o Peak1, tho fl�st s�rbloop i��plementation, � ce�troid value may be c�lculated for each eDtred is the Pe�k1 $rbloop, begi��i�g al step 230. At step m�xim�, yieldi�g multiple ce�lroid values when multiple 230 the value of X(�D is comp�red to the value of X(N-1) �ngers inter�ct with the p�d. For puryoses of clarily, the �nd, if X(� is greater th�n o. eq��l 1o the v�l�re ofX(N-1), followi�g descr�tion will be limited to the �rst implementhe R�sl pe�k bas nol yet been reached. As � result, the loop 45 tation. jumps to slep 235, at which points lhe valu of N is Th�s, al step 290 tbe values of Xpeakl and Xpeal2 are co�p�red to the v�l�e of Xcon. If fhe frnger-inducd c�paci- compared to Fthresh, atrd if either or both are greater then lance measurecl at the last coDductor has DotbeeD evaluated, X�bsolute is set to the value of Xweighlsu�lxsum at slep the resull is a NO aod the process jumps to step 215 to repeat 295, which c�uses the X centroid to be calorlated. If neithe� with a� increme�led value of N. 50 peak exceeds Ft�resh, then no finger is deemed ptesent a�d At some v�luc oI N Lbe val�e oI X(� is less than tbe Xbuttotr is st to Up at slep 315. v�l��e ofX(N-l), af whicb poinl lhe check �t slep 230 yields Ifboth Xpea-kl and Xpeak2 we�e greale� thaD Fthrsh,lhe a NO. At this point, the pe�k h�s been tbund �Dd �I slep 232 Xcom��te process conlimres at slep 305 by comparing the thevalue of Xpeakl isset to X(N-1) a�d the value of Xst�te differe�ce betwee� Xpe�kl a�d Valley to the value of is set to Valley. The syslem ther jumps to step aj5, where a s5 Xpeakl divided, for example, by fo̡. If the diffe�e�ce is the check is made to see if the last coDductor hasbeen measu�ed greater of the lwo, then Lhe difference between Xpeak2 and by comp�ring N to XcoB. ,As before, if the capacitance Valley is compared 10 the value of Xpeak2 divided, for change measrred at the l�st cond�cLor has not been cbecked, example, by four If thE diffe�ence is grealer than Lhe the resr t is a NO, and the process loops to step 215 and dividend, the XbutloD is set to Down at step 310. Olherwise, repeats. 60 thev�lu� ofxb�llon is set lo Up at step315. The comparison When the p�ocess begins with t�e next inc�ement ofN, � described above is provided lo eDsure that a legitim�te NO wil� result at step 225, so that the process q.ill jump to v�llcy �nd two lcgitimatc pe�ks h�ve been detected,lo avoid step 250, where a check is m�de to see if Xstate equal artifac�. 11 will be appreciated, given the teachings herein, Xvalley. Since it now does, a YES resulLs and the process that olher co�parison methods or divisors other tl�an fo�r branches 10 step 255. At step 255 a X(� is compared to 6s may be �sed t�Jr this purpose. X(N-1). IfX(N-1) is not greater than or equat to X(�, the The Xcompute loop then ends at step 320. It will b valley has not yet �reen fo�Ed, causing a furtberjump to step app�eciated by those skilled in the �rt lhal fhe foregoiDg is r;;i;cil; " T�e a�gorithm for Xcompule starts at step 200, followed by iniri�l;z�ton of variabl; ar srep 205. Fo; Xco��pure, rhe "Ycompure" ��riables and co�srans ditr"� �"niy;; " �i�:l�.,1ilJffi,r'i ��q,�"'.-'.�.*�.�'r;:iJ. t1�e process jumps to steP lhe-peak has nol been found, so X by y. - 11 manner. 5,825,352 12 a simplil�ed �lgorithm and does not incl�rde compens�tioD for settling, moisl�!�e and Doise. Noise thresholdi�g may provided in at least some embodimeDts, if noise causes curve to be noD-monotonic; setlling ard noisture may 5 de�Il with in a similar be the be example, relative movemeDt of the first frnger, together \�ith a tap of the scond or more finge� �1 so�e point, followed either by remov�l of both fi�gers, fu�t�er movement of the flrst flnger, o� f�rther movement of bolh flnge� Such sequences c�n, essntiall� be viewed as a series of scans iD The l'compute loop is performed similarl% as noted wbicb one or more �ngers werc found to be eilher preseDt or above. Depen�ing on the particular arrangem;nt desired, abse�t i� �ny givet scaD, wilh ��olion, or lack thereof, oflhe tnge� or, nngers across the touch serisor ir�terspersed and the ass�ciared hardware, the X and Y co�pute processei m�y be performed sequen�aly io vy'hile rhe torcgoing example describes idenrificalion of :i:r-y::l::�t minima and maxima in rhe x -d y i"1"�'J apparent lhat ao analysis aloog a diagonal or some o�ber ,;n.i ang�lar directio� may be prefe�ed in so�e josla�ces, aod is Referrhg ro FI6S- 7A_7R there is shown in diagram15 ma[c fon; an exmpl�ry sequence involving opeiative still within the scope of the p�esent inve�tion. It will bc apprcci�lcd th�t the foregoing describes a new coupling of a plurality ;f fingers�th a touch seo-*. io aDd �rseful method and �pparafus for detecliDg a pluralily of both a -curso� mov�ment �nd a cotrhol fuDclioD. "ouo More fiDgers operatively coupled to a to�ch pad seDsor for specifrc�llf FlG. ?Ashows a sedes of �ovements ofone or enab�ing a variety of mo�se-like operatioDs. A second por- more flngers across a louch seDsor, incl�ding various finger tion of the inventior i�volves using the previously detectio� 20 taps. FIGS. 7B-7F show, fo� each of the nu�eric �efere�ces methodology to perforrD various cr�sor �ovement ard cori� FIC.74, �n exernplary video display, ar exe�plary trol lunclions simil�r Lo those well known 10 use�s of positio� of o�e or more Angers on Lhe to�cbpad, andX and electronic mice and t�ackballs. Y finger profrles appropriate to lh�l flnger contact. It will be As previo�sly noted, the flrst �nger �s most commonly helpful to de6ne celain conventions used in FIGS. TA 7F associatd, ir the prior �n, with cursor movement, �rhile 25 be�ore disc�ssiDg these flgures. In FIG. 7A-74 contact vario�s tappingmolions [e.g., tap �nd tap-�d-a ha]f] of�hat btween a flDger and th touch pad is indicated by a solid flrst finger bave been imple�en�ed to perform various circle within the flngertip; an abseDce of contact between � conlrol fuDclioDs. Unl <e such prior art, however, va�ious fingerlip aDd the touch seDsor is iDdicaled by the absence of circle within the frnger tip. A t�p-i,e., an up a�d down moveme�ts (including sequences of taps) of additio��l �ngers or combinations of the first and �ddition�l fr�gers a�e 30 r�olion- +y a finger is indicated by a dashed circle. Moveprovided to enabl such conhol functions in the present ment of the frngers fiom a �rst to a second poi�� while in i�veDtio�. DependiDg on the implementation desired, it is contacl with lhe touch sensor is indicated by a solid arrow also possible to implement a superst of the prior a� cont�ol Movement of the frDgers frcm a first to a scond point r��ith functions together wilb the mo�e lob�st control function set lhe frngers not in contact is indic�ted by a d�shed �lrow. 15 Witb lbese conve�lions io miod, FTCS. 7A-7F ca0 be berler �vailable wilh lhe present invenlio�. Note that iD the preferred embodiment, the �ser may understood. In p�rticular, and $'ilh reference to FlG. ?A in combinaarbitrarily choose which finger he or she �ses as the "Rrsf" or "second" or additional frr�gers. Thus, for example, one lion with FIG.7B, an initial series ofscans 700 indicates lhe user m�y choose the inclex �nger as the frrst frnger and the presence of a single �nger in contact with the touch scnsor, middle flnger as lhe scond finger, while �nolher usr may 40 ��.ith the cbanging XJ locatior belweer 700 and 705 prefer t�e reverse or some diferent combination. ID the indicating relativ motioD by the fltrger across the to�lch reDtly. "itn"i o�", o� -"*i- belweencbanges i t d#"fi"*,'i�� # t - l1�:hpi9: -1".:l*�" the nu�ber offi�gers in contact with the seq�eDce can fhen be analvzed to onlv a cufsor movement is involved of ii:'*":.�,i'j1t":"�'""��i�i:"t"�:tr",f"� prefeffed embodiment, the only distinction betweeD the second ar�d additional nngers is fhe seq�e�ce in which are pl�ced in contact w�th the touchpad surface, or removed fro� it- In �ny c�sc wbcrc � second or additional fingcr or 45 flngers is placed down �fter a f�t 6�ger, or multiple frng�s, is ahe�dy in coDtact with lhe pad, the newly placed frngers can be in any relalioDsbip to those alreadyiD coDtact wilh �rst, they At 710, � secoDd frDgr is detected in cotrtact \��ith tbe tcuch se�sor, and conli�ues to be operarively coupled to the sensor for several more sc�ns withoul sigDifrc�Dt �el�tive sensor. motion �c�oss thc scnsor At 720, thc sccond fll�gcr is removed, wbile the first l�nger remains. From 720 unlil 730 (shown in FIG. 7C) the flrst l�nger contin�es ils relative molion, while at 740lhe second �nger is again placed down. pad, s�ch as to �e lefl, to lhe igbf, above o�below. The The scans of the sensor theD detect bolh the fr�t and secoDd req��rcme�l is that, jn the p�oflle of finger-induced 50 flnge.being moved together ac�oss the se�sor until lhe sc�n c�pacil�nces, Lhe pro�le ol tbe newly pl�ced flnger exhibits al 750, lhen both flr�gers are removed al 755. Thereaflet � zero value or a local minim�m on eacb side of ils borh fi�gers are ag�in placed on the sensor at 760 (shou,n in value, iD at least oDe of the X or Y directions, so that it FlG. 7D), where they remain for a few mo�e sca�s until770, be distin$rished f�om the olher I�Dger(s) in conlact with al which lrme lhey are both removed. Three fngers �r 55 placed on the se�so� at 780, and lemoved a few sca�s later Ir palicul�r, the �bilily o[ the previo�sly desc'ribed at 790. Thereaftsr, lhrce frDgers �re placd otr the setrsor al 800 (FIG. 7E), moved �cross the lo�cb sensor for � few odology to �ecognize mulliple l�ngers �llows fhe f�rst to se�ve, esseotially, as the "poinf' flnger, while additional scans from 800 to 805, �nd ��re ther removed at 810. Fin�lu ingers serve as the "click" finger(s). Combinalions of �s show� at 820 (FIGS. 7F1-2), one flnger is placed down first, second, and perh�ps addrtioDal fiDgers can then eDable �o �'hile the adjacDt �nger is moved, s�ch as might be n�m�ous conventioDal fuDctions to be perfo�med based desirable for marking texl or olher functions. Vy'hen the the mapping of a variety of sequences of taps or finger is moved as far as is practicable, the moving finger is picked up at 825 and placd dowD again at 830 for further movements to a sel of coDvetrlional pointing fuoctioDs, where tbe pointing device could be a touchp�d, movemeot.'Ihe moving flnger can be picked up aod placed mouse, lrackball, joyslick, or styl�s, for example. It will be 6s down again �s often as desired. Eventually the other, subapparent 10 those skilled in the a�t, given the foregoing stanlially fixed frDger is lifted at 835, ca�sing a "buttoD up" condition. descriplion, th�l the presenl invenlion can detect, lhe only to�chpad. pe�k may the methf�nger the on finger device for 5,825,352 13 While Lhe foregoing seq�elce can be programmed to FIGS. 5 and 6 are in most cass refered to by the refere�ce de�ne any number of cursor movement and control numera�s �sed in those �gures, f�rDclions, �n exempl�ry de�nition of the f�nctions associID FIG.8, the process begDs iD a maDner ideDtical toFIG. ated with s�ch sequences c�n be t�e followiDg� For the 5, starting at step 400 a�d followed by scaming the con- t4 period from 700 through 705 the rel�Live motion of � siDgle 5 d�ctors �nd sto�ing the results of the scan itr memory at step finger can be defr�ed to mean c�rsor movement for 405, followed by Xcompute ald Ycompule at steps ,lil0 and period, from fhe beginning point u�til the relative 4,10, respectively. For this embodiment, Xcompule is sho\��D point. Du�ing the period 710 to 720, a second flnger in FIG. 9, and Ycompute is identical to Xcompute. At step detected �nd then re�oved, wbich is defrned in an 850, a determination is made .��hether two frDgers arc i� plary embodiment as � single finge� tap which may be a ro coDtact with the lo�chpad by evaluating both Xcornpute and "slecf' function $rcb as selecting one item frcm � screen Ycor�pute. If neithe� Xcompute nor Ycorlpufe indicatc the preseDce of two fingers, the a�we� is NO a�d ibe process menu. During the period 720 �ntil 730, the single again moves the cursor, while �1 740 the sco�d drops to step E55. However, if either the Xcomp�tre �outine reappears to enable a difierenl function. The second or the Yco�pute loulire indicates the prese�c of two moves �cross th� sensor, together wilh the �rst finger, �ntil 15 flnge�s, the answer at step 850 is YES and the process moves �t755 both fingers are removed. Again, such seq�cnccs-�ll to stcp 860, where the value of the v�riabl FINGER is set to 2. of which m�y be regarded as gestures-can be mappd coDt�ol functioDs in nume�ous ways, but one reasonable If the answer at step 850 w�s NO, then a dele�tinalion defltrition is th�t tbe p�esence of two �ngers engaged has to be made at step 855 whether o�e or no fl�gers �re in variables Xtnger and relalive motion is a "drag fuDclioD," such as where a� e�tity 20 cortact.��ith the lor�ch sensor. w�s selected by the frsl tap and dragged lo � new Yfrnge� do notboth equ�l 1, then fhe coropariso� atstep 850 where it is dropped by the removal oI both �ngers al is � NO �nd it is delermined th�t no frngers �re in co�tact wifh fhe touch sensor In this c�se, the vadable FINGER is Then, at 760, bolh fingers reappear and remain for a addition�l scans �rntil bolh �re removed at 770, This geshrre, set to 0 at step 865. However, il lhe va�iabls both yield a 1, which may be considered a 'two �nger tap," can n�ble 25 then � determinalion is m�de thal one fnger is iD coDtact with the seDsor, and the variable FINGER is st to 1 at step ��rmero�s fu�ctions, b�l an exemplary definitiotr is cl�ssical "double-click' of a standard left mo�s b�ttoD, 870. the click ofa middle l�uttoD oD some tbree bulton mice, ID either eveDl,lhe prccass then moves to step 875, where as those sold by Logitecb, lnc., and could, for example, X��otion �nd Yroofion �e calculated i� a manner identical activate a function or applicatioD associated with th ite� to :o with FIG- 5. The process then cortinues at step 880, where which the c�sor is pointing the variable FiDge� is compared to the value of FingerPreNext, the sequence from 780 to 790, wheD the vious. the value of FiDger difers from the val�e of fingen reappear and arc then removed, is a "tbree FingerP�evious, then a button actuation is ass��med to have l�p", �d c�n be regarded, for exa��ple, �s a right r�o�rse occured, and Xmolion and Ymotion �e set 10 ze�o at step b�tton click which may, for ex��ple, activate � menu 35 885. Howeve�, if the value of Finger equals the value of specifrc to the ilem to which the cursor is pointing. FingerPrevious (i.e., the cu�eot number of frDgers coDlactfhe sequence from 800 until 810, iD which lhree ing the pad is the same as in lhe previous stat�, then the comparison of step 880 yields a YES, �rd the pnocess r�oves reappear, move across the to�cb sensor and �re removed, may in an excmpl�ry embodiment be seen �s to step 890. At slep 890 a comparison is m�de to determine shortcr�t to a multisequence function. Fo� ex�mple, such a 40 whethe� there h�s been motion in either the X o� Y direcmovemeDt might b dfined as a scroll function, tio�s. If neither Xmotion nor Ymolion is Donzero, a NO might olherv/is require the usr to move the c��or to rcsults aDd the process moves to step 895 where the va�iable s�oll bal, dr�g �nd drop a scrcll box, and retum the Motio� is set lo NO. The s�me lesults obtains if the process that e�ding is exemflnger fi�ger fl�ger Lo in locatio�, 750. few the or such If three frnger II Fi�a�lt fingers then � mouse up the mo�se (while coDliDuing to hold dowD the b�tton) and From either step 895 or step 900, the process moves to llacing the mous down again at a positioD convnient for step 905, where a check is made 10 delermine whether further �ovemer�t of the �o�se. Ore exa�ple of the �se of 50 ButtonPrevio�rs w�s up �nd the n�rmber of flngers detected such a seque�ce is lhe ma�king of texl. The algorithm for is two. If the �nswe� is NO, the process moves to slep 910. recogn�ing �ovemenl by one "c�rsol' fl�ger while the However, if a YES is obtained, the process moves to step other "button" fr�ger is maintained in position is a gener�l- 915 whe�e the state ol the Butto� va�iable is repofed to the ized case of the algorithm shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, aDd is host as DOWN, and the vanable B�tloDPrevious is set to described in glealer detail in FIGS.8 a�d 9. Other functions 5s Dow�. which can bc implemntd with such gsturcs includ �n Referrir�g to the wo�king �re� of the screen. Finallf goes thro�gh step 885. However, either Xmotioo or 820 thro�gh t3Ocan be analogizrd to holding down � rno�se 45 Ymofion is nonzcro, a YES re$lts �t step 890, �nd lhe process moves to s�ep 900 where lbe variable Motion is s� button (for example the left mo�se bulton), rolling a wh�tever dist�nce is corvenienl for the use�, then picking to YES . v/hich a cu�sor the sequence ftom if exemplary algorithm shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a determinalion is made wbether zero, o�e or two frngers are i� contact with the touchpad. Depending on how many frngers identified, v�rio�s operations are permitled. It will be appre- 65 ci�td fha� FIG. 8 is analogous to FIG. 5, while FIG. 9 �nalogo�s to FIC.6. Forconvenience, steps unchanged "ink" function (menlione�l �bove), entry oI v�ri�ble val�es, whelher eilbe� of two g�oups oI condilioDs exisl. A YES �nd �rse of the ser�sor �n �bsohile mode. result may be oblai�eLI �l BuLlonPrevious Ls DOWN aod ard Referring next to FIGS. 8 �nd 9, Lhe generalized case tt�e value of the Finger variable is zero; or ifB�tto�P�evious associated wilh FIGS. 7F1-2, but also applicable 10 t�e 60 is Down aDd the variable Morion is st to YES and the remainiDg functions, may be better appreciated. In t�e variable firger is set to one. If none of these coDdilions ag�rin 1() step 910, a check is m�de to detelmine are is from exist, a NO result is obtaiDed and the process moves to step 920. However, iI a YES does result, then the process moves to step 925 a�d reports to the host that Buttoo is Up, while also setting the variable Br�ltonPrevio�s 1() Up. If a NO resulted at step 910, at slp 920 a comparison is made betwcer vari�bles Fi�gerPrevio�s �nd Firger, and the 5,825,352 same �nger or fingers aqoss tbe touch sensor, to evaluate those value as Finger, and Motio� has occurred (i.e., Motion is seque�ces either locally or via softwar o� lhe host, and to Yes), tie process moves to step 930 �nd both Xmotion and rcport �ppropiiate signals to cause cursor mover�ents or Ymotion are repo�led. The p�ocess then moves to step 935. conlrol functions to occur itr applicatioDs prografns o� oper_ However, if the compa�ison at step 920 yields a No, tbe s a�nq enviroDmnls. process moves directly to step 935- Al slep 935, the value o[ ,;-.,--..,,-. described vario�s embodiments of the Having tury xabsolureprevious is ser ro r�e value of x��rl;. #;i� prese�t- iDve�lioo, r�cro�s alterDatives and eq�rivale�ts yabsotureprevio�s is*r t.lb" of ofi"b-;i;i;-;;;; which do.not dep�rt ftom the invenlion wi�l be �pparent to "^h" value of FingerPrevio�s is set 10 t�" ri"i* ""rr" ;i ,""�,�Lrn; ro lt the "� proccss tberi moves to step 940, *rr"r" lbo* ttt;llt� be � invention not io the a'1 by is therefore intended th�t but limited the foregoi�g descriptio�, jumping back to srart. R�feiring nexr to FlG. 9, the xco�pure process is shown o�ly by the �ppended claims wb�t is cl�imed is: in detail foi the generalize� case snown in'Ftc. 8. -�\s �oted 1. A method for detecti�g the operative coupli�g of previously, the Ycomp�rte process is identic�l and is thereis the 15 state of the Molion vari�ble. If Fingerkevio�s t6 to ihat shown in FtG. 6 up through ste! 290, �nd the preceding steps will therefore not be discussed again. However, if a No resulls i�om the comparison atstep2gO, a determinatior is made that no finge� are in conlact with pad. This ca�rses lhe v�riable fore not shown separalely. The process of FIG. 9 is identical ,5 multiple flngers to � louch minima fo[owing second maxima sensor i�volving the ste?s of scannhg �e rouch sensor to (a) ideDti_tf a fust maxim� in a sigial corresponding to a-frrst flnger, (b) identify a the X�ger 1o be set to zero at step 20 ii a signal th; �rst r�axi�-a, 1�)'tentify a correspon�i�g ro a sec�nd 970. sreps 295 and 30s �le unch�nged ftom FIG. 6 and will not if N. .;J;;;^ �� " comparison at slep 305, then � determination is m�de th�t . ff:T^['-.jt' one ringer is iD conract wir� r�e sensor, ai�ihei"il;'il ,r ^",i:,�: -'^:lo,,"j- 9f c]�im 1 tu�ther includins the step of v�riab�exrinserisserrooneatsrepgz5.�yi�;;;,�il'"::T:':q:.f.T!T.deviceclicktunctioDtooccurinresponse teast a second maxim�' resurr �r srep 305 is a yes, tt u �"�"..io�lo�"b ffiil;� " lo"j"-t":l.tj-:t " 1 �rrlher incl'dins the step of "o be discussed t-urrher, Horvever, rwo flnsers �rc in conracl wirh ,h" *"*;�i� ;"-;;;;bi; xfinge� is ser ro rwo ar step 980. RegarctlesiTr�i" ""-t* or fligen in conracr wit ir" ""n"oitr" f,io�* step 320 and ends until the next cycle. Another tunction achievable with the ard �ppar�rus of rhc prer.nr inu"n,ion rryotb�::t:iTri:: edse rock. Because a rouch sensor can ter-ms, wbere oo tbe seosor nt?::dTg-::- finger following said mlinima, an� of lhe simullateo�s presence of T-oi"*loD tw^o fi�gersin response to identi�cation ofsaid �rst and :':111e" ;;;;b , :::19e- *"1i:"r*"i'"iff"f "iiT;: --l;,T::to:1,* tuBction 10 occ�r in respons "aim fil�i�",.'u,�s 10 to the e�ablins a "selecl" functio� in respo��s al least-a seco�d maxima the srep or the detection of �e operalive coupl�og occurs, �;;;;';;ffi Dertrg � the �:]��*-i,l�'lltly ot rures' saro maxrmas�id li�es largesl value on oDe of due to involving;;;;;; 1"":1^Llljt]::-11-1 "tenalfrnger of a b"f"."'f#�;""";;i;; * "ry"'"#l'-'-',lgtng t-t]o.it-tclaim drvle�ein said maxima are peak ��r;;;;i: 3 R: 1 turther comp�isios the s�ep of ii�i;�ffi;� ^^11:--:t*^1-* 'laim between said fl�st maxim� and s�id bul�on down, purs ir back d"*" ,d -;;;"';;;;-rf ;; :::^l1Tq.ij""ll"* p(ede�ned threshold u conrext of a louchpad, �o-".rr"r, ,".o.rur �iil�1"*� dn*"� """"oo�T�T:,to^ claim 1tu'ther comprising the steps of: n r�aybe perceivd �s re�minario� of rhe funi'ri;;;; ilil o, Tt-Ittno!.of s�rch terminalion was not inten�led. To �void $ch orobleri's. providi�g a first control f�nction i� response to the delectioD of the movement of two finge�s: the function in which the �se. w�s engaged at th� dme the detccfing the re�ching of an edgc of s�id to�cb snsor by flngers hit the edge may remain aclive i.e., locked in-for s�id two fingers; a delay period. If the fiDgers are placed dow� on the to�chPad within lhe delay period, the usr continues wilh lhe 50 detectirg � �rst ti�e corresponding to the �emoval of said e�rlier lunction. Il the user does not pl�ce down the frngers �ngers from said Lo�rch sensor; within a predefrned delay, th functioD is termi�ated aod a dekcting a second time corresponding to the leplacement �ew fu�ction begins wheD the �ser again pl�ces tbe 6�gers of said rwo frngen on said louch sensor; an� in operalive conlact wrth the sensor *::'^"^i�q,:jj It \\.irr b appreci�red rrom rhe roregoins rhar rhe preser! 55 *::tt are wltol� a preoerermrneo itme lrmrl "lj::.,::*':t--T:-",t-'T,lijil.1--ft,1.:'^tol i�ve�tio� �Ll�ws numeruus multi-6iger- qesrures' lo b. "t]es derected and converLed ro mouse-related fuo�::^tj:::.:, roiffi. ilrti"o trrt- I turrher comprising rhe srep of: ing a cursor and cootrol of oper�ting environmeots or i- _^-_'-":' deteclitg a distance between said frrst �d second �'plications programs. I-Iowever, whi� some exemplary fuDcfions �nd cxemplary definitio�s for p�ticul�r sequeocrs oo --mj t'. 11. Th melbod of claim 1 further comprising the step of: have been provide� ab�ve, it is to be �ndcrstood �at rhe providir�g � drag control f�nction i� respons to detecli�g prcsent invcnLion is not �imited to the �ssocialion of a a movement in substa�fial �rniso� of lwo said fi�gers. particular functioD with a paficular sequence or to �lny 12. The metbod of cl�im 1furthe� comprising the slep of: partic�rlar set of f�nctions. lnsteacl tbis �sprct of the invention is directed lo the ability lo identify and process various 65 p�oviding a click function in response to the removal and sequeDces in which one or more �ngers are eilber absent or reappe�rance of said second maxima within a predepresent, i�te�spersed with motion or lack of motion of the te�mined period of time. is possible to detect that one or�ore fingets hui. rhe e.rse ot rhe sensor tn i""o'""", "o,'" cooti��e �e movement he was engaged i� wbeo he hit cdse; ror exampre, a drag runction which the rwo fi'sers hir the edse dragged b�s �eached i1s desrination. In rhe mouse, tbe �rser simpry pictsup tne mouse ,.u.n"� "1"'jiT^1Jl-'-' ",n"�i.;.i""�"�� ,-^1.*"^l:P-:j,.:t^."11*_ -_i;,1':^n:l::l :.r-:l*._t-gt^o::^T:tl"o^'ig.l9^.1"X:l ir ,r i-1iTl�:ji",ryncrron �n respo�se �o �nc dclcclton ol al 1"Y,n"j:T.j1o"^t:�l ,T�:1 13.The method ofclaim 1f�rlber co�prising lhe steps of: detectiDg a move�ent of said frnt maxina; detecti�g a rcmoval aDd replaceDenr of said maxiloa wrtn�n � prcoe�ermrneo tr�e penoo' r7 5,825,352 18 23. The touch sensor of cl�im 18 further co�prisirg: means for providing a frrst control function io respo�se to tb: d.:l:c,ti:i of the �ovemett of lwo flngers: meaos lor detecli�g the re�chiog of an edge of said touch �ent of said frrst maxima; and providing a contro� futrctio� in response to s�id co'�otli�s � c�rsor tunction io ,".po*. ro said moveand replacemeDt of said second 14. The method of claim 1 further co�prising the step t ."i��:t :�::,i�'r" l"ot�i�'r" conespo'di�s ro rbe maxima. removal combinatio� of a nu�ber of frtrgers detected, * e�cb olher amo�nt of time s�id fingers are �etected. and any - .of ' 24-'fte touch sensor of claim 18 further comprising: movemenf of said frngersl 15 means for deLecting a disl�nce belweeD said flrst aDd 15. The method of claim l furtber comprising tbe step of max�n�' determidng if said first and second maxima a�e within 5 --secoDo 25 The toucb sensor of claim 18 furlher comP�ising: centimeters-, and only providing s�id indicatio� of lhe presmeans for providi�g a drag coDtrol fuDction in rcspoDse to ence of �vo frngers i? said f�st and scco�d m"xim� u." selecting a� appropriate co�trol of: 10 furclior basd on a

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