The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Patent No.:

US 8786555 B1

Date of Patent:

Jul. 22, 2014

Filed:

Mar. 21, 2008

Feedback-providing keypad for touchscreen devices

Applicants:

Eric M. Bloomcamp, Olathe, KS (US);

Shane R. Werner, Olathe, KS (US);

Warren B. Cope, Olathe, KS (US);

Inventors:

Eric M. Bloomcamp, Olathe, KS (US);

Shane R. Werner, Olathe, KS (US);

Warren B. Cope, Olathe, KS (US);

Assignee:

Sprint Communications Company L.P., Overland Park, KS (US);

Attorney:

Primary Examiner:

Alexander S Beck

Assistant Examiner:

Karin Kiyabu

Int. Cl.

CPC ...

G06F 3/041 (2006.01); G09G 3/36 (2006.01); G09G 5/00 (2006.01); G06F 3/02 (2006.01); G06F 3/045 (2006.01); G06K 11/06 (2006.01); G08C 21/00 (2006.01); G06F 3/046 (2006.01); A63F 9/24 (2006.01); A63F 13/00 (2014.01); G06F 17/00 (2006.01); G06F 19/00 (2011.01); G06F 3/01 (2006.01); G06F 3/14 (2006.01); G06F 3/00 (2006.01); H03K 17/94 (2006.01); H03M 11/00 (2006.01); G09B 21/00 (2006.01);

U.S. Cl.

CPC ...

Abstract

Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and a touchscreen device manipulating user-input elements are provided. Generally, manipulation includes identifying a predefined configuration associated with a request received from a user and/or application, deriving configuration settings from the predefined configuration, and transmitting the configuration settings to an electromechanical device that adjusts a portion of user-input elements to an extended orientation and activates a portion of user-input elements. In embodiments, the extended user-input elements positioned in the extended orientation are activated, while the remainder are set to an idle condition. Typically, the extended user-input elements produce outwardly-extending protrusions expressed at a flexible touchpad incorporated in the touchscreen device. These outwardly-extending protrusions may replicate keys of a standard keyboard and correspond with the presently-running application implemented on the touchscreen device. User-initiated actuations of activated user-input elements provide a tactile feedback that substantially simulates a click generated by standard keyboard keys.

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