18049219. PHYSICAL CONTROL DEVICE FOR TOUCHSCREENS simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

PHYSICAL CONTROL DEVICE FOR TOUCHSCREENS

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Thorsten Clevorn of Munich (DE)

Stefan Meyer of Hochstadt (DE)

PHYSICAL CONTROL DEVICE FOR TOUCHSCREENS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18049219 titled 'PHYSICAL CONTROL DEVICE FOR TOUCHSCREENS

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a method for communication between a physical control device and an electronic device using conductive protrusions on the control device that can be detected by a touch screen. The method involves identifying the control device based on the conductive pattern of the protrusions detected by the touch screen's capacitive touch sensor panel. It also includes performing actions on the electronic device based on inputs from the control device and ignoring touch inputs from the control device's housing.

  • The method allows for communication between a physical control device and an electronic device.
  • The physical control device has conductive protrusions that can be detected by a touch screen.
  • The conductive pattern of the protrusions is used to identify the control device.
  • Inputs from the control device can trigger actions on the electronic device.
  • Touch inputs from the control device's housing are ignored.

Potential Applications

  • Gaming controllers that can be used with touch screen devices.
  • Remote controls for smart home devices that can interact with touch screen interfaces.
  • Physical control devices for virtual reality or augmented reality applications.

Problems Solved

  • Simplifies the communication between physical control devices and electronic devices.
  • Provides a way to identify and differentiate between different control devices.
  • Prevents unintended touch inputs from the control device's housing.

Benefits

  • Enhanced user experience by allowing physical control devices to be used with touch screen devices.
  • Increased versatility and compatibility of physical control devices.
  • Improved accuracy and precision in controlling electronic devices.


Original Abstract Submitted

A method of communicating between a physical control device and an electronic device is disclosed herein, the physical control device having a plurality of conductive protrusions detectable by a touch screen of the electronic device when placed in contact with the touch screen. The method comprises identifying, via the electronic device, the physical control device in contact with the touch screen based on a conductive pattern of the conductive protrusions detected by a capacitive touch sensor panel of the touch screen. The method further includes performing a first action at the electronic device in accordance with an input to the physical control device that causes a change in a characteristic of the conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive protrusions detected by the capacitive touch sensor panel, and ignoring a touch input at the capacitive touch sensor panel from a housing of the physical control device.