User interface for electronic devices
Contents
1. Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 13 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 104 US 2006 0146017 Al USER INTERFACE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES PRIORITY CLAIM 0001 This application claims the benefit of U S Provi sional Application 60 641 652 filed Jan 4 2005 and entitled USER INTERFACE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION 0002 This invention relates generally to electronic devices and more specifically to a new and improved user interface for electronic devices and methods of incorporat ing the same BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 0003 One of the constant challenges in this technological age is how to control the increasingly complex electronic devices used in everyday life While different types of electronic devices have different levels of functionality and thus require different levels of interface complexity many problems are fundamental to all such devices For example electronic devices such as audio equipment typically require incorporation of various controls accessible by users in order to direct the functionality of the audio equipment These controls include buttons knobs toggles dials switches or other user interface devices These controls in turn allow the user to access equipment functionality such as select equipment mode e g switching from CD player to radio radio station tuning alarm set up audio track play sequence and recording 0004 As electronic devices have increa2. songs music and video clips and photographs and images e g to be displayed as a screen saver or a slide show The interface 14 may also connect via wired or wireless communication to the Internet to allow the user to surf the web and send receive email 0031 The interface 14 may include a microphone cam era and or video and speaker capability that allows inde pendent capture and playback or display of audio and video as well as communication of captured audio and video to the electronic device 36 for presentation For example if the electronic device 36 is a stereo system the interface 14 with a microphone could be used to record a voice memorandum that is communicated to the stereo system for broadcast using the stereo system speakers Once captured the audio or video could be stored instantly replayed cataloged for association with different users and transmitted to other networked computers or on the Internet 0032 The interface 14 may independently or through the associated electronic device 36 be used to play video games For example the user may access and play video games through a touch screen user input device integrated with the interface 14 of the present invention In this embodiment a manipulation device e g stylus could be used to control game play Alternatively an external device such as a joystick could be connected to the interface 14 or electronic device via an input port such as a USB port 00
3. A method for controlling an electronic device the method comprising providing an electronic device comprising a case housing an operative portion responsive to control signals and a transducer coupled to the operative portion to receive output signals therefrom and convert the output signals into a perceptible form and a bay having communica tion channel interface electrically coupled to the opera tive portion providing a portable computer comprising an input device for receiving user inputs and a memory for storing operational and executable data structures the memory operably connected to the processor and storing a plurality of applications executable by the processor at least one of the applications being a control application configured to generate control signals executable by the operative portion in response to the user inputs inserting the portable computer into the bay having the processor in data communication with the operative portion receiving user inputs into the input device generating control signals corresponding to the user inputs transmitting the control signals to the operative portion and executing at least one function corresponding to the control signals 11 The method of claim 10 wherein the memory further stores a media application the method further comprising executing the media application to interpret media data to generate an output interpretable by the operative portion to genera
4. be configured for desktop use wall mounting or portability and may be configured to work with any combination of other mono stereo or multi channel equipment and speakers 0023 In some embodiments the case 12 comprises mul tiple portions such as portions 12a 12a housing speakers and a portion 12c housing control and signal generating portions An interface 14 secures to the case 12 and may be include a touch screen combined screen and key pad or the like In the illustrated embodiment the interface 14 is a portable digital assistant PDA In the embodiment of FIG 1B the interface 14 removably secures within a bay 16 secured to or formed in the case 12 In some embodiments a chord 18 extends from within the bay 16 and is connectible with the interface 14 to transmit signals In still other embodiments a socket or plug within the bay 16 engages a plug or socket respectively on the interface 14 In the embodiment of FIG 1C a wireless communication port 20 secures to the case 12 The interface 14 likewise includes a communication port 22 The communication ports 20 22 may be an infrared port BlueTooth 802 11b 802 11g or GPRS communication port or the like In some embodi ments the interface 14 communicates with the communica tion port 20 while positioned within the bay 16 whereas in others a socket or plug is provided for communication while the interface 14 is within the bay 16 and the communications port 20 22 are u
5. 00 sense such events as a fire or heart attack The application 34 interfacing with the sensors 100 may then cause the phone system 78 to phone emergency services In some embodiments a user may provide an input into the interface 14 causing the interface 14 to call emergency services Upon sensing a heart attack or the like the interface 14 may be programmed to perform such things as open a window to allow in fresh air or adjust the temperature of the room The interface 14 may direct the surveillance system 88 or a webcam to the location of a fire or a victim and send images or video to a third party The interface 14 may also unlock the door lock 98 to permit emergency personnel to enter the building 0042 In the embodiment of FIG 10 the memory 28 of the interface 14 may host a scheduling application accessible by a user to schedule operation of the various devices connected to the interface 14 The scheduling application may be programmed to invoke applications corresponding to one or more of the devices in order to cause the devices to perform scheduled tasks In some embodiments the bay 16 hosts a computer executing a scheduling application that may be synchronized with the scheduling application of the interface 14 In some embodiments the scheduling applica tion reviews items in a calendar or schedule and schedules other tasks in response thereto For example a wake up alarm may induce the scheduling application to turn on the heat
6. 33 Referring to FIGS 3A through 3C the interface 14 may be positionable within a bay 16 formed on an angled surface 44 formed in the case 12 Referring to FIGS 4A through 4C in an alternative embodiment the case 12 is substantially planar having a thickness much less than the height and width thereof Referring to FIG 5A through 5C in some embodiments the case 12 is adapted to be portable having a handle 46 and a round cross section The bay 16 may be formed in a planar portion tangent to or extending outwardly from the remainder of the case 12 Referring to FIGS 6A through 6C in still other embodiments the interface 14 secures to a bay 16 formed on an edge of a substantially planar case 12 having a height substantially less than the width and length thereof In the embodiment of FIGS 6A through 6C the bay 16 may be embodied as a cutaway portion extending through the entire thickness of the case 12 0034 Referring to FIG 7A the electronic device 36 may be embodied as a DVD player coupled to a television set 48 In the embodiment of FIG 7B the electronic device 36 may be embodied as the television set 48 and the interface 14 may further include a DVD player DVD recorder or flash memory storing media to be displayed on the television 48 The interface 14 wirelessly transmits the content of the DVD player or other memory device to the television 48 to be displayed As in other embodiments the interface 14 func tions as a contro
7. 4 While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described as noted above many Jul 6 2006 changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention Accordingly the scope of the inven tion is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodi ment Instead the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows 1 An electronic system comprising an electronic device comprising a case housing an operative portion responsive to control signals and a transducer coupled to the operative portion to receive output signals therefrom and convert the output signals into a perceptible form a communication channel interface electrically coupled to the operative portion and a portable computer comprising a processor for processing operational and executable data structures a communication channel operably connected to the processor to carry information to and from the pro cessor an input device for receiving user inputs and a memory for storing operational and executable data structures the memory operably connected to the processor and storing a plurality of applications executable by the processor at least one of the applications being a control application configured to generate control signals executable by the opera tiv
8. US 20060146017A1 as United States a2 Patent Application Publication co Pub No US 2006 0146017 A1 Leung et al 43 Pub Date Jul 6 2006 54 USER INTERFACE FOR ELECTRONIC Publication Classification DEVICES 51 Int Cl 75 Inventors Paul C P Leung Vancouver CA G09G 5 00 2006 01 Kenneth Kee Ho Coquitlam CA 62 UsS sO Hernen 345 156 Ying Chiu Chan Vancouver CA 57 ABSTRACT Correspondence Address A system is disclosed including an electronic device having BLACK LOWE amp GRAHAM PLLC a case housing an operative portion such as a sound system 701 FIFTH AVENUE CD Player or the like A bay is formed in the case and SUITE 4800 includes a communication channel interface electrically SEATTLE WA 98104 US coupled to the operative portion The system further includes a portable computer such as a personal digital assistant 73 Assignee Empower Technologies Inc PDA The portable computer is sized to fit within the bay having a communication channel thereof in data communi 21 Appl No 11 318 147 cation with the communication channel interface The por table computer stores applications including one or more 22 Filed Dec 23 2005 control applications programmed to generate control signals in response to user inputs Applications may display an Related U S Application Data interface on a touch screen and receive user inputs there from The control signals are transmitted to the operative 60 Provisiona
9. control signals interpretable by the electronic device 36 Control applications 34 may generate a user interface on the display 30 and receive user inputs by means of the input output devices 26 In one embodiment the display 30 is a touch screen both displaying information and receiving user inputs The control applications 34 translate the user inputs into control signals provided to the electronic device 36 0027 The control application 34 for a particular appli cation may also store a user manual Access to the user manual may vary based on a predetermined configuration or user preference For example the applicable portion of the user manual may be displayed on the touch screen as each control is pressed describing the control functionality and programming options Alternatively the user manual may be interactive and displayed only to notify the user that incor rect options were selected and to give the user additional options In another example the user manual may be used to guide the user through a predetermined sequence of steps to setup or control either the user interface or associated electronic device 0028 The control applications 34 may be programmed to display only user interface elements such as buttons invok ing functions that are currently a by the electronic device 36 being controlled or selected for control Thus confusion that results from interfaces having too many small buttons is reduced In some embodim
10. e parameters thereof Referring to FIG 9C in some embodiments a sensing mat 66 secures is laid on the bed 56 to measure vital signs The sensing mat 66 is connected to the interface 14 by a cable or wirelessly such that results may be stored and progress monitored The mat 66 may sense blood pressure heart rate breathing rate blood oxygen temperature body heat motion e g by means of radar infrared or video means weight carbon dioxide levels moisture e g sweat sulphur dioxide hydrogen sulphide or the like Such measurements may enable medical professionals to discern for example whether a patient is sweating and the temperature of a room should be adjusted 0037 Referring to FIG 10 in some embodiments the interface 14 hosts applications controlling devices in addi tion to audio visual devices For example the interface 14 may control such items as exhaust fans 68 ceiling fans 70 air conditioners 72 exterior lighting 74 interior lighting 76 phone and answering systems 78 irrigation systems 80 decorative lighting 82 heating systems 84 alarm systems 86 surveillance systems 88 desktop or notebook computer systems 90 robots 92 motorized blinds 94 motorized windows 96 electric door locks 98 sensors 100 and the like 0038 The interface 14 connects to the enumerated devices wirelessly or through the bay 16 formed in the housing 102 secured to a wall or like structure The bay 16 may be connected with the
11. e portion in response to the user inputs the portable computer selectively positionable having the communication channel in data communication with the communication channel interface 2 The electronic system of claim 1 wherein the memory further stores a media application the media application configured to interpret media data to generate an output interpretable by the operative portion to generate at least one of audio pictures and video 3 The electronic system of claim 2 wherein the memory stores media data readable by the media application 4 The electronic system of claim 1 wherein the memory further stores a scheduling application programmed to store a schedule and invoke the control application according to the schedule 5 The electronic system of claim 1 wherein the electronic device is a sound system 6 The electronic system of claim 1 wherein the input device is a touch screen 7 The electronic system of claim 1 wherein the commu nication channel is a wireless communication device 8 The electronic system of claim 7 wherein the commu nication channel is an infrared communication device 9 The electronic system of claim 1 wherein the case further comprises a bay having the communication channel interface proximate thereto the portable electronic device positionable within the bay having the communication chan nel in data communication with the communication channel interface US 2006 0146017 Al 10
12. ents the control applications 34 are programmed to display interface elements in a larger than normal size upon receiving an input from a user in order to accommodate users having limited eye sight 0029 The electronic device 36 typically includes a con trol module 38 an input output module 40 and one or more functional modules 42 The control module 38 receives control signals from the interface 14 to control operation of the electronic device 36 Control signals may control such functions as activation deactivation volume control CD track selection input selection and the like In input output module 40 handles communication with the input output devices 26 of the interface 14 Functional modules 42 execute the functions dictated by the control signals In embodiments where the electronic device 36 is a sound system the functional modules 42 are typically operable to produce music and perform related functions 0030 The memory 28 of the interface 14 may also store applications enabling networking to other computers either locally or across the Internet In such embodiments the interface 14 would allow the user to view information associated with networked computers and other devices The interface 14 would be able to download and upload data such US 2006 0146017 Al as a daily schedule e g to function as a sophisticated alarm clock to remind the user for multiple important events in any pattern audio and video files e g
13. housing an operative por tion such as a sound system CD Player or the like A bay is formed in the case and includes a communication channel interface electrically coupled to the operative portion The system further includes a portable computer such as a Jul 6 2006 personal digital assistant PDA The portable computer is sized to fit within the bay having a communication channel thereof in data communication with the communication channel interface The portable computer includes a proces sor and a memory for executing and storing applications respectively Applications stored by the portable computer include control applications programmed to generate control signals in response to user inputs The control signals are transmitted to the operative portion which responds to the control signals by playing music adjusting a volume level and the like A touch screen is provided displaying an interface to the control applications A user provides inputs to the portable computer by means of the touch screen 0007 The portable computer may also store a media application programmed to interpret media data and to generate an output interpretable by the operative portion to generate at least one of audio pictures and video The media data operated on by the media application may be stored in the portable computer or stored in external memory selec tively placed in data communication with the portable computer 0008 The portable co
14. ing system 84 around the same time as the alarm 0043 Referring to FIG 11 in one embodiment the interface 14 communicates with a wrist mounted sensor 104 sensing blood pressure heart rate blood oxygen tempera ture body heat motion e g by means of radar infrared or video means weight or the like The wrist mounted sensor 104 communicates this data to the interface 14 which may then forward the data wirelessly such as by cell phone networks or wireless Internet The Interface 14 may also display the information on the display 30 Applications executing on the interface 14 may also analyze the data and provide audible visible or vibrational warnings in response thereto Warnings may be displayed on or otherwise enun ciated by the interface 14 and may be transmitted to another device to provide notice to a relative the police department a hospital or a monitoring company Referring to FIG 12 in an alternative embodiment the sensor 104 clips to the shirt or other clothing of a user similar to a pen or like device The interface 14 may also include a clip such that it may be clipped to the belt or other clothing of a user The sensor 104 may be embodied as a microphone transmitting the user s voice to an interface 14 embodied as a wireless phone In such embodiments the sensor 104 may include a speaker receiving audio signals from the interface 14 The speaker may likewise play music transmitted from the interface 14 004
15. l application No 60 641 652 filed on Jan portion which responds to the control signals by playing 4 2005 music adjusting a volume level and the like a 12c 12b US 2006 0146017 A1 Sheet 1 of 13 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 2 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 INTERFACE 14 24 26 PROCESSOR I O DEVICES MEMORY 28 J3 MEDIA DATA MEDIA CONTROL APP APP a J2 34 ELECTRONIC DEVICE 36 38 CONTROL MODULE a I O MODULE 4 FUNCTIONAL MODULE 42 FIG 2 DISPLAY 30 TOUCH SCREEN US 2006 0146017 A1 Sheet 3 of 13 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 4 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 gor FIG 4A FIG 4B FIG 4C Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 5 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 6 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 7 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 20 LA Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 8 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 ion Jul 6 2006 Sheet 9 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 10 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 11 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1 FIG 10 Patent Application Publication Jul 6 2006 Sheet 12 of 13 US 2006 0146017 A1
16. ller of the television set 48 permitting users to provide inputs by means of input output devices 26 or a display 30 embodied as a touch screen In such embodi ments media applications 32 may include DVD playing software other video file playing software video editing software internet browsers and the like 0035 Referring to FIGS 8A through 8C the electronic device 36 may be embodied as a projector 50 having a case Jul 6 2006 12 with a bay 16 for receiving the interface 14 In the illustrated embodiment the bay 16 is formed on a truncated corner 52 of the case 12 As in other embodiments the interface 14 may provide both control signals and media content to the projector 50 0036 Referring to FIGS 9A and 9B the interface 14 may secure to a case 12 formed in or secured to a reclining chair 54 FIG 9A or bed 56 FIG 9B having a plurality of speakers 58 secured thereto such as by means of arms 60 extending from the chair 54 The interface 14 may likewise secured to an arm 60 extending from the chair 54 The chair 54 may include an armrest 62 having a media player 64 embedded therein The interface 14 may connect to the media player 64 wirelessly or by means of connecting wires extending therebetween The chair 54 or bed 56 may have automatic massaging elements embedded therein having the controls thereof connected to the interface 14 such that the interface 14 may be used to initiate and terminate massages and change th
17. mputer may store a scheduling application programmed to receive a schedule The sched uling application interprets the schedule and invokes the control application to cause the operative portion to perform a function according to the schedule BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0009 Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with refer ence to the following drawings 0010 FIGS 1A through 1C are perspective views of an electronic device having an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 0011 FIG 2 is a schematic block diagram of a system including an interface and an electronic device in accor dance with an embodiment of the present invention 0012 FIG 3A through 3C are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device having an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 0013 FIGS 4A through 4C are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device having an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 0014 FIGS 5A through 5C are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device having an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 0015 FIGS 6A through 6B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device having an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the presen
18. pplications executable by the processor at least one of the applications being a monitoring application config ured to receive the output and at least one of archive the output and generate an alert in response thereto the portable computer selectively in data communica tion with the operative portion to receive the output thereof 19 The electronic system of claim 18 wherein the sensor is a heart rate monitor 20 The electronic system of claim 18 wherein the sensor is mounted in a wrist mounted device and wherein the communication channel comprises a wireless communica tion channel 21 The electronic system of claim 18 wherein the sensor is mounted to a clip mountable to clothing and wherein the communication channel comprises a wireless communica tion channel 22 The electronic system of claim 18 wherein the portable computer is a portable digital assistant 23 The electronic system of claim 18 wherein the sensor is mounted in a mat overlaying a bed
19. sed in sophisti cation more and more functions are necessary to control these devices This has necessarily required the integration of more controls into the devices With an increase in the number of controls has come a frequent corresponding increase in the confusion experienced by device users as they struggle to learn program use and reprogram the controls to achieve the desired functionality of the devices Users often experience difficulty in locating the buttons to control the desired functionality caused by too many or poorly labeled buttons Often multiple controls must be activated in sequence or simultaneous to achieve desired functionality Other controls are required to be continuously operated to maintain certain functionality In general it is also difficult to obtain user feedback on the operation of the controls and instruction manuals are often missing incom plete or incomprehensible 0005 Accordingly there is a need for an improved user interface for electronic devices and methods of incorporat ing the same that minimizes the number of controls required to achieve the desired functionality improves the ease with which the controls can be programmed and in general makes the control system more user friendly all while not sacri ficing the scope of functionality required in modern elec tronic devices SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 0006 A system according to the invention includes an electronic device having a case
20. sed only when the interface 14 is removed from the bay 16 0024 Referring to FIG 2 the interface 14 includes a processor 24 input output devices 26 memory 28 and a display 30 The input output devices 26 may include systems for communicating with other devices and for receiving user inputs The devices 26 may include serial parallel USB and Firewire ports as well as wireless communication devices The devices 26 may also include a key pad and other buttons facilitating user interaction with the interface 14 0025 The memory 28 stores an operating system and a plurality of applications executable by the processor 24 The interface 14 may store applications such as a calculator Jul 6 2006 calendar and electronic reference books such as dictionaries and encyclopedias Applications may include media appli cations 32 programmed to interpret media data 33 stored in the memory 28 or in external memory made accessible to the media applications 32 and generate data convertible into audio and or video signals provided to an electronic device 36 Media data 33 may include audio and video files in various formats External memory may include memory cards CDs and the like In some embodiments media data 33 is stored and played on the electronic device 36 such that media applications 32 are not necessary 0026 The applications may also include control applica tions 34 Control applications 34 enable the interface 14 to generate
21. t invention 0016 FIGS 7A and 7B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device having an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 0017 FIGS 8A through 8C are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device having an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention US 2006 0146017 Al 0018 FIGS 9A through 9C are perspective views of furniture having embedded electronic devices having an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 0019 FIG 10 is a perspective view of a house having various systems controlled by an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 0020 FIG 11 is a perspective view of a wrist mounted sensor having a separate interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and 0021 FIG 12 is a perspective view of a pocket mounted sensor having a separate interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 0022 Referring to FIGS 1A through 1C an apparatus 10 includes a case 12 housing an electronic device such as a sound system CD player radio alarm cassette player MP3 player or the like The electronic device may include other types of electronic systems that require a variety of controls ranging from computer electronics to household appliances The case 12 may
22. te at least one of audio pictures and video and transmitting the output to the operative portion 12 The method of claim 9 wherein the memory stores media data readable by the media application 13 The method of claim 10 wherein the memory further stores a scheduling application the method further compris ing generating a schedule and invoking the control applica tion according to the schedule 14 The method of claim 10 wherein the electronic device is a sound system 15 The method of claim 10 wherein the input device is a touch screen Jul 6 2006 16 The method of claim 10 wherein the communication channel is a wireless communication device 17 The electronic system of claim 16 wherein the communication channel is an infrared communication device 18 An electronic system comprising a monitor comprising a sensor selectively contacting a user to sense a condition and a communication channel operable to transmit a sensor output from the sensor a portable computer comprising a processor for processing operational and executable data structures an input port operably connected to the processor to carry information to and from the processor the input port selectively in data communication with the communication channel an input device for receiving user inputs and a memory for storing operational and executable data structures the memory operably connected to the processor and storing a plurality of a
23. various devices such that posi tioning the interface 14 within the bay 16 places the interface in data communication with the various devices The bay 16 may house a computer programmed to control the various devices such that data sent between the bay 16 and the interface 14 need not include low level commands to the devices 0039 The control applications 34 of the interface 14 may interact with the devices to perform different functions such as direct a camera 88 to view a designated area transmit video from a camera 88 over the internet activate the robot 92 to perform a function open and close blinds 94 open and close windows 96 lock or unlock a door lock 98 contact police or the fire department contact relatives send mes sages over the internet and the like 0040 In some embodiments the sensors 100 are posi tioned inside or outside a building and provide inputs to the US 2006 0146017 Al interface 14 wirelessly or through the bay 16 The sensors 94 may include motion sensors air pressure sensors heat sen sor e g an infrared radiation sensor temperature sensors and the like Applications executing on the interface 14 may process the outputs of the sensors 100 and enunciate alerts based thereon on the interface 14 and or transmit alerts to other devices in order to provide notice to a third party such as a relative the police department a hospital or a moni toring company 0041 In one example the sensors 1
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