Any of these schemes or others would work, however it might be advantageous to use an existing key similar to “Fn” key 608 or “Windows” key 610 instead of a dedicated key 612. Using mini projector existing key simplifies keyboard design and is more acquainted to customers accustomed to standard keyboards. However, it may be advantageous to label the prevailing key with an icon or lettering to indicate its twin function as a contact screen activation key in addition to its normal label, as illustrated by key 616 of FIG. In some prior artwork portable computer systems, the devoted system standing displays are situated in order that they are visible even when the cover of the pc is closed over the principle display. This arrangement would allow the user to observe battery recharging and different quiescent activities of the computer system whereas the pc is not in use.
Region 802 is configured in order that a finger tap brings up a menu of additional presentation choices; in a single instance presentation software system, tapping on area 802 would simulate a right mouse button click. The slide presentation software program can be configured to show auxiliary picture 800 solely throughout a full-screen presentation. At different times, the software would enable the touch display screen to revert to iconic mode with the touch sensor serving its usual role as a pointing system to operate the software program.
server spare parts could additionally be used to indicate which icons represent tap-sensitive areas; within the instance of FIG. four, dashed traces 426 and 428 are used to indicate these areas. In instance picture 400, extra icons have been added to represent varied system status indicators and capabilities. Icon 410 defines a second contact region or a nook tapping region to activate the “back” function of internet browsers and other software program.
In essentially usb extension cable , the contact display could be seen as a second show monitor by the operating system, and functions may open home windows and dialogs on this show simply as they'd on the primary show. Conversely, in some methods backlight 206 could also be omitted to save heaps of house, power, or price. On such systems, an alternate attention mechanism may be supplied to alert the consumer when the contact display is activated or modified to a brand new picture with different lively buttons. Suitable attention mechanisms include audible alerts, an icon or special cursor shape on the primary display of the pc, an LED mounted close to the touch screen, or a tactile suggestions mechanism integrated with the touch screen.
In such gadgets, a finger tap might trigger an activated function while a pen faucet could be interpreted as a standard mouse click on, or vice versa. Or, a special button might be provided on the body of the pen that triggers the activated function of an icon when pressed. Yet another mechanism is for the person to click on a gentle button or icon on the principle display to activate the contact screen. Numerous different activation mechanisms are well-known that could serve for contact display screen activation, similar to finger movement gestures, voice instructions, foot switches, retinal gaze monitoring, and so on. Software functions that make use of the touch screen can supply extra, application-specific activation mechanisms. Icon 412 is a continuous display of the time and date.
Icon 422 selects a calculator or numeric keypad. Like icons 416 and 418, icons 420 and 422 could additionally be made sensitive to finger faucets only when the contact display is in the activated state. No. 5,543,591 to Gillespie et al. discloses a typical prior art contact pad sensor during which finger tapping gestures in designated areas of the touch surface invoke special commands on the pc. No. 5,943,052 to Allen et al. discloses a contact pad in which finger motions in designated regions invoke a scrolling command.
Icon 416 is an e-mail notification standing icon; icon 416 might, for example, change to a brand new shape or animated image to indicate that e-mail has arrived. Icon 418 equally notifies the user of imminent appointments. These icons suggest a natural action that might be taken when the consumer faucets on the icons, such as opening the associated e-mail reading or appointment scheduling software.