초록 ▼

A touchpad pointing device dynamically adjusts cursor control gain characteristics based on the x-y coordinates at which the finger first touches the touchpad for a given cursor control task. In this manner, cursor control gain such as simple cursor tracking rate or cursor acceleration profile may b

A touchpad pointing device dynamically adjusts cursor control gain characteristics based on the x-y coordinates at which the finger first touches the touchpad for a given cursor control task. In this manner, cursor control gain such as simple cursor tracking rate or cursor acceleration profile may be optimized for each control task without changing settings. The x-y coordinates are preferably grouped into easily identifiable zones on the touchpad surface. Accordingly, a wide range of control gain is available, including very high cursor track rates where long distance cursor excursions are desired, and very low cursor tracking for tasks requiring fine cursor positioning. As a further aspect of the invention, the touchpad also allows control of other operational features such as tapping, tapping sensitivity, and button functionality, thus providing a touchpad that is highly customizable.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for configuring the control gain of a computer pointing device, said pointing device being of the touch sensing type employing a bounded plane sensing surface and said pointing device being further of type capable of providing x-y position information to a host computer system in respons

1. A method for configuring the control gain of a computer pointing device, said pointing device being of the touch sensing type employing a bounded plane sensing surface and said pointing device being further of type capable of providing x-y position information to a host computer system in response to the presence of an object touching said sensing surface, said method comprising the steps of:dividing the sensing plane into a plurality of distinct regions and associating a given control gain setting for each region; detecting the touch down of an object onto said sensing surface; sending x-y position information of said touch down to said host computer system; determining in which of said distinct regions said touch down occurred based on the x-y position information of said touch down; and configuring the pointing device according to the control gain setting associated with the distinct region in which it is determined that said touch down occurred.