Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Touch panel
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-02
2001-01-30
Saras, Steven J. (Department: 2775)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Touch panel
C345S173000, C382S190000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181328
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to improved information-retrieval methods and systems. In particular, the present invention relates to improved information-retrieval methods and systems utilized in association with graphical user interface devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to touch screen display units. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to methods and systems for calibrating touch screen display units.
2. Description of the Related Art
Touch screen technology is increasingly being utilized in all facets of data-processing applications. A touch screen is a display device that allows users to interact with a computer system by touching a particular area on the surface of the screen. Touch screen technology can be implemented by any of a number of sensing techniques. For example, touch screen technology can be implemented by detecting disturbances on a screen utilizing the fingers of a user. Typically, this disturbance is detected through the interruption or detection of heat on the screen.
A problem associated with such a detection technique is that detection sensitivity associated with this interruption is set equally for all portions of the keyboard. An example of such a problem is the “depression” of a character key on a touch screen keyboard wherein the character is depressed by the smallest finger on the hand, such that the finger must stretch outward across the screen to disturb that particular portion of the touch screen.
Users may generally be able to determine if a keystroke is successfully implemented by viewing the resulting input to the screen. However, if the keystroke is not detected, the user must typically type slower or shift more area of his or her finger over the screen area in order to register a depression of a touch screen key value.
Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a need exists for a method and system which would allow a user to calibrate a touch screen to take into account any sensitivities associated with a user's physical characteristics (e.g., heat or sound generated by a user's fingers). Such a method and system, if implemented, would be useful in reducing errors and confusion currently associated with touch screen technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved information-retrieval method and system.
It is another object of the invention to provide improved information-retrieval methods and systems utilized in association with graphical user interface devices.
It is still another object of the invention to provide an improved touch screen display unit which may be utilized in association with information-retrieval systems.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a method and system for calibrating touch screen display units.
The above and other objects are achieved as is now described. A method and system are disclosed in a data-processing system having a touch-sensitive display unit wherein touch-sensitive icons displayed within the touch-sensitive display unit may be calibrated according to physical characteristics associated with a particular user. Touch-sensitive icons are displayed within a touch-sensitive display unit, such that upon activation by a user, the touch-sensitive icons initiate data-processing operations. Thereafter, a user is prompted to enter a particular sequence of data utilizing the touch-sensitive icons. Physical characteristics associated with the user are then analyzed while the user is entering the particular sequence of data utilizing the touch-sensitive icons. Finally, in response to analyzing the physical characteristics, the touch-sensitive icons are configured such that the sensitivity of the touch-sensitive display may be raised or lowered according to the physical characteristics associated with the user. The touch-sensitive icons may be composed of touch-sensitive keys. The physical characteristics associated with a particular icon can include fingerprint heat or sound wave signatures. The touch sensitive-sensitive display unit itself may be composed of a touch screen display unit having a touch screen keyboard.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4903012 (1990-02-01), Ohuchi
patent: 5471226 (1995-11-01), Suzuki et al.
patent: 5565894 (1996-10-01), Bates et al.
patent: 5748512 (1998-05-01), Vargas
Maddalozzo, Jr. John
McBrearty Gerald Francis
Shieh Johnny Meng-Han
Emile Volel
Felsman Bradley Vaden Gunter & Dillon, LLP
International Business Machines - Corporation
Mengisteab Tewolde
Saras Steven J.
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