Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
  • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
  • G06F3/04883—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
  • G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
  • G06F1/169—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
  • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
  • G06F3/03547—Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/04 - G06F1/32
  • G06F2200/16—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/16 - G06F1/18
  • G06F2200/163—Indexing scheme relating to constructional details of the computer
  • G06F2200/1633—Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
  • G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
  • G06F2203/0339—Touch strips, e.g. orthogonal touch strips to control cursor movement or scrolling; single touch strip to adjust parameter or to implement a row of soft keys
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
  • G06F2203/048—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/048
  • G06F2203/04809—Textured surface identifying touch areas, e.g. overlay structure for a virtual keyboard

Definitions

• This invention is also related to prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 61/401,765, filed on August 19, 2010, titled “Method and devices for customizable integration of smart accessories that integrate with a wireless phone, reader, tablet or other communications device," and to U.S. Patent Application Number 13/494,004, filed on June 11, 2012, titled “Method and apparatus for remote capture of audio in a handheld device,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes in its entirety.
• This invention generally relates to a method for mobile personal computer input- output user interface and devices, and more particularly for developer or user-centric, customizable finger- and-hand gesture recognition, operational control and integration of smart accessories for a mobile personal computer (such as wireless phone, reader, tablet or other communication device) that utilize sensory interfaces.
• Some embodiments include novel sensory components that enhance user interface of the protected mobile computing device with software applications (referred to as “smart” accessories or “appcessories”) and including sensors or other I/O within the mobile-device enclosure to more effectively add user-interface options between the human user and the software applications on the mobile device.
• external input has been limited to the touch interface on the face, or screen, of the mobile devices.
• external keyboards that interface with the mobile devices via a wireless or a direct physical connection.
• Luo describes a detachable touchpad for a handheld computerized device. This detachable touchpad is configured to reversibly attach to the back of a handheld computerized device that lacks a rear mounted touchpad, and with appropriate software, allow the user to at least in part control the handheld computerized device from behind the device.
• an electronic device such as a mobile phone
• the mobile phone can be cradled in a user's palm while being securely grasped on edges thereof by the thumb and forefingers of the user's hand.
• the touchpad being located on the backside of the device, can be operated by a user's index finger, for example.
• Elias describes an electronic device that uses separate surfaces for input and output.
• One of the surfaces e.g., the bottom
• a force-sensitive touch-surface through which a user provides input (e.g., cursor manipulation and control element selection).
• a second surface e.g., the top
• a display element is used to present information appropriate to the device's function (e.g., video information), one or more control elements and a cursor.
• the cursor is controlled through manipulation of the back-side touch- surface.
• Bisset describes a handheld computing device comprises a thin enclosure having two opposing major faces. A display screen is disposed on a first one of the major opposing faces of the enclosure and a touch-sensitive object position detector input device is disposed on a second one of the major opposing faces of the enclosure. Computing device circuitry, circuitry for interfacing the touch-sensitive object position detector to the computing device circuitry, and circuitry for driving the display screen are all disposed within the enclosure.
• the present invention provides a method for implementing and using a sensory-interface device.
• the method includes: providing a protective case having plurality of touch-sensitive sensors; attaching the touch-sensor case to a user's mobile device; providing a communications mechanism configured exchange data between the protective case and a user's mobile phone; sensing touch of a user on the case; sensing a gesture made by the user on one of the touch sensitive surfaces; generating a first authentication code that is personal to the user based on the sensed gesture; combining the first authentication code with a device authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-device authentication code that enables a software function of the mobile device; and gathering data from a plurality of sources for compilation into at least one touch-sensitive device; wherein the data can be sent to remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchable from a database that is internal to the touch- sensitive device that is accessible through a communications network.
• the sensed gesture is a grip, and determining from the sense
• the present invention provides a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions when executed by a suitable information processor, perform a method that includes: receiving a signal that includes parameters from a gesture made by a user on a protective case having a touch sensor, wherein the touch-sensor case is attached to a user's mobile device; generating a first authentication code that is personal to the user based on the gesture; combining the first authentication code with a device authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-device authentication code that enables a software function of the mobile device; and gathering data from a plurality of sources for compilation into at least one touch- sensitive device; wherein the data can be sent to remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchable from a database that is internal to the touch- sensitive device that is accessible through a communications network.
• the present invention provides an apparatus that includes: a protective case that has touch capacitive sensors, wherein the touch-sensor case is configured to be attached to a user's mobile device; sensors in the case configured to sense a gesture made by the user; gesture detector operably connected to the sensor; and a user-authentication generator operably coupled to the gesture detector and configured to generate a first authentication code that is personal to the user based on the gesture.
• a protective case of the present invention encloses the back of a mobile device such as a wireless phone; in another embodiment, the case surrounds a tablet computer.
• the present invention includes an electronic device that provides for a way to enhance the user experience by providing for sensory inputs and/or outputs on a protective enclosure of a wireless mobile electronic device.
• the present invention provides a unique and novel case design to provide external user input sensors when a mobile device incorporates sensory components on the back of the mobile device.
• a phone which has touch-sensory surfaces located on the back of the phone itself would not benefit the user who uses a case or other protective enclosure that covers this surface.
• the back of the phone would be exposed to enable the user to access the touch-sensory components located on the phone itself.
• this invention provides for a thin layer of sensory material that covers the sensors located on the back of the phone, providing access to use the sensory components on the back of the phone while providing a protective layer from potential damage from the elements.
• FIG. 1 is an overview block diagram of a hardware- and operating-environment (or system) 100 that is used in conjunction with some embodiments of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustration of data transfer between a sensory-interface device user and various other devices, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is an illustration data transfer between a first sensory-interface device and a second sensory-interface device, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is an illustration the transfer of sensory data between a first sensory-interface device and a second sensory-interface device, according to other embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a back-and-side-views diagram of the embossed touch- sensitive surface on the back of a sensory-interface device, along with a detail view of the back, according to other embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective-view illustration of major elements of a sensory-interface device, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective-view diagram of a sensory-interface device, along with front and back views of the device in closed and opened configurations, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective-view illustration of major elements of a sensory-interface device, according to other embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective- view exploded diagram of a sensory-interface device, along with front and back views of the device in closed and opened configurations, according to other embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective-view illustration of major elements of a sensory-interface device, according to other embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 an exploded perspective-view diagram of a sensory-interface device, according to other embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective-view illustration of a sensory-interface device which includes a micro-thin, touch and/or pressure sensitive capacitive touch surface adhesively attached to a mobile device, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective- view illustration of a sensory-interface device interacting with remote flash units for photography, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective-view illustration of a sensory-interface device interacting with a variety of remote electronic devices, according to other embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 15A is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a system 1500 that includes a device protective enclosure 1501 having protective properties for mobile computing device 1590, and which has a through-hole aperture 1510 having one or more edge surface areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 that provide space for one or more of the additional sensory components, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 15B is an end cross- sectional drawing of the device protective enclosure 1501 shown in FIG 15A as seen at section line 15B of FIG. 15A.
• FIG. 15C is a side cross-sectional drawing of the device protective enclosure 1501 shown in FIG 15A as seen at section line 15C of FIG. 15A.
• FIG. 15D is a perspective drawing of the front (obverse) side of a device protective enclosure 1501, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 16A is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a device protective enclosure 1601 having protective properties for mobile computing device (such as device 1590 shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B), and which has one or more sensory components such as those indicated by reference numbers 1602, 1603 and 1604 on the external protective device 1601, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• a device protective enclosure 1601 having protective properties for mobile computing device (such as device 1590 shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B), and which has one or more sensory components such as those indicated by reference numbers 1602, 1603 and 1604 on the external protective device 1601, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 16B is an end cross- sectional drawing of the device protective enclosure 1601 shown in FIG 16A as seen at section line 16B of FIG. 16 A.
• FIG. 17 is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a system 1700 that includes device protective enclosure 1701 and a mobile tablet or other wireless communications and/or computing device 1790 according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the external protective enclosure 1701 contains, in some embodiments contains user parameters that are specified by a user, or user group, wherein the user parameters are stored in one or more onboard components such as those indicated by reference numbers 1710, 1712, and 1715, and optionally in one or more external add-on components such as those indicated by reference number 1713.
• the external protective enclosure 1701 contains, in some embodiments contains user parameters that are specified by a user, or user group, wherein the user parameters are stored in one or more onboard components such as those indicated by reference numbers 1710, 1712, and 1715, and optionally in one or more external add-on components such as those indicated by reference number 1713.
• FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment wherein the add-on external housing 1800 contains a data- input and/or data-output device 1801.
• FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an external clip-on sensor component 1900 that contains electronics, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional side view of an external clip-on sensor component 1900 that contains electronics, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an external clip-on sensor component 2000 having a roller-type sensor (e.g., a scroll-wheel input device), according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• a roller-type sensor e.g., a scroll-wheel input device
• FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an external clip-on sensor housing 2100 wherein the add-on sensor housing 2100 contains an output device 2101 and an input device 2102.
• FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a external protection cage (a type of protective enclosure) 2201 having open faces on the top, bottom, front and back sides, that can attach around a mobile device 2290 that has a curved cross-section profile and includes a touch- sensitive curved outer surface 2291.
• a external protection cage a type of protective enclosure
• FIG. 22B is a perspective view of a system 2200 that includes external protection cage 2201 having open faces on the top, bottom, front and back sides, that can attach around a mobile device 2290 that has a curved cross-section profile and includes a touch- sensitive curved outer surface 2291.
• FIG. 23 is an illustration of the data flow 2300 from various mobile electronics 2301, 2302 and 2303.
• the present invention includes a method of data transfer between a separate yet attached apparatus to a mobile communication device.
• the apparatus contains proprietary applications to optimize and navigate data interfaces via software and at least one controller to a mobile electronic device.
• an internet-enabled software-development kit enables a method wherein developers (who could also be defined as the first, primary user) can program and customize the sensory components on the apparatus for the benefit of optimizing their individual software applications.
• the apparatus is designed to connect to clip-on or otherwise encompass a mobile electronic device, iPhone ® , tablet or a similar device.
• the invention device is designed for impact protection to mitigate damage should the device be dropped from a height that may otherwise damage the mobile device.
• a conventional user interface on a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet computer) is traditionally limited to the user input derived from a touch screen or display.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device that clips or slips onto a personal computing and/or communications device such as a smart cell phone (smartphone), tablet, or data assistant (such as a Blackberry ® or an Apple ® iPad ® , iPhone ® , or the like).
• a personal computing and/or communications device such as this is generally referred to as a "mobile device” herein.
• the present invention includes a partial case or cover for the mobile device configured such that none of the built-in controls and inputs of the mobile device (touch-screen display, volume control, on/off button, and so on) are covered or otherwise interfered with.
• Some embodiments include a plurality of touch sensitive surface areas on the back and/or the sides of the present invention.
• the touch- sensitive surface areas can sense and interpret multiple simultaneous contacts with the touch surface, that is, the touch surface supports multitouch.
• Some embodiments include an apparatus and a software-development kit that enables any developer to take advantage of the available touch-sensitive surface area(s) on the back and/or sides of the apparatus. Developers can implement software applications that enable users to interface with the mobile devices and the software applications in a customizable way never before available for the developer community.
• the present invention includes the necessary electronics to detect a finger or other object touching the touching the touch- sensitive areas on the sensory- interface device.
• these electronics include a microprocessor and the microprocessor's program and data memory.
• the sensory-interface device communicates with applications (software) executing on the attached mobile device, providing the applications on the mobile device with information about the state of the touch- sensitive surface(s).
• state information includes, in various embodiments, the number of regions currently being touched, the location of the regions being touched, the size of the regions being touched and the pressure being exerted on the surface by the touching objects.
• the touch- sensitive areas can be dynamically configured into a set of virtual buttons.
• a “virtual button” is a region of the touch- sensitive surface that is treated as a single spot or area, that is, a touch (or some other contact) anywhere a virtual button's region is interpreted in the same way: as a press of the virtual button.
• the information relating to a press of a virtual button is used by the sensory- interface device itself (say in software running in the sensory-interface device's microprocessor), and can also be communicated to software running in attached mobile device.
• Such virtual button press information includes, but is not limited to, the fact that a virtual button is pressed and released quickly, that a virtual button has just been pressed, that a virtual button has been released, and the pressure with which the virtual button was pressed.
• buttons are dynamically configured by software (say software running on the attached mobile device), and can be configured in a wide variety layouts, depending on the use and desire of the programmer and/or the user of the sensory-interface device. For example, for use with a video game running on the mobile device, virtual buttons are configured on the touch- sensitive surface to approximate the layout of buttons found on a game console (such as a Microsoft Xbox 360 ® ) controller. For another application, virtual buttons on the touch-sensitive surface are configured as a phone keypad to facilitate phone dialing. For text input, the virtual buttons on the touch-sensitive surface are configured as a QWERTY (or other text input layout) keyboard. Text input could also employ the virtual keys configured as stenotype machine keyboard or other chorded keyboard or input device. (A "chorded" input device allows a user to enter data (which could be text or commands of some sort) by pressing several keys
• buttons on the touch-sensitive surface as a keyboard for Braille input (such as the 9-key Perkins keyboard), or for input of Chinese, Japanese or other ideographic text.
• regions on the touch- sensitive surface are configured as virtual sliders or other linear controls.
• the information relating to operation of a virtual slider is used by the sensory-interface device itself (say in software running in the sensory-interface device's microprocessor), and can also be communicated to software running in attached mobile device.
• Virtual slider information includes, but is not limited to, whether or not the slider is being touched, and where along the length of the slider (say as a percentage of the length of the virtual slider) the touch is occurring. Examples include a scroll bar (for information being displayed on the front of the attached mobile device), a virtual volume control, and a virtual zoom control for an attached mobile device's built-in camera.
• regions on the touch- sensitive surface are configured as the virtual knobs or other rotary controls.
• the information relating to operation of a virtual knob is used by the sensory- interface device itself (say in software running in the device's
• Virtual knob information includes, but is not limited to, whether or not the knob is being touched, how far the user has rotated the virtual knob, and the rate of rotation.
• One example for the use of a virtual knob is a virtual "jog dial", the control used by a DJ (disk jockey) when playing digitally recorded music to alter the rate and direction of music playback, allowing the DJ to perform techniques such as beat matching and scratching when playing digitally recorded music. (This is analogous to manipulating a turntable while playing a conventional vinyl record.) The recorded music played could be stored on the attached mobile device.
• the present invention could control a remote playback device making use of the attached mobile device's wireless communication capabilities (for example, Bluetooth ® or Wi- Fi ® ).
• Another example of a virtual knob is a virtual volume control.
• the touch- sensitive area on the back of the sensory-interface device is simply mapped to the touch screen of the attached mobile device. That is, touches and gestures made on the back of the detachable case or cover (i.e., the present invention) have the same result as touches and gestures made on the front touch screen of the attached mobile device.
• partially transparent images are displayed on the attached mobile device's front display, wherein the image represents the locations of touches being made on the back touch- sensitive surface.
• gesture detection is the movement of one or more contacts locations on the touch- sensitive surface on the back of the sensory-interface device. Examples of gestures include a single finger tracing a path on the touch-sensitive surface and two fingers making pinch-in and pinch-out movements (say to zoom an image smaller or larger).
• the gesture information is communicated to software running on the attached mobile device. In some embodiments, the gesture information is used by the sensory-interface device itself.
• gestures are used by the sensory-interface device for security purposes, as a "password” equivalent to unlock or enable the sensory-interface device or specific functions on the sensory-interface device, or to access data stored on the sensory-interface device itself.
• a gesture can include touches on more than one of the touch-sensitive surfaces. For example, a user's grip on a sensory- interface device (part of a palm and parts of some fingers touching the back, and parts of fingers touching sides and edges (which in this example contain touch- sensitive surfaces) can be considered a single gesture.
• the sensory-interface device (case or cover) connects to and exchanges information with the attached mobile device though the use of a wireless
• the sensory-interface device exchanges information with the attached mobile device though the use of a physical connection.
• a physical connection between the invention and an attached mobile device may provide electrical power.
• power is supplied from the attached mobile device to the case or cover.
• the case or cover contains a battery and can supply reserves electrical power to the attached mobile device.
• the present invention includes non-volatile data storage integrated on the sensory-interface device. Such storage could be implemented with flash memory or other suitable non- volatile storage technology. This storage is available to the user. In some embodiments, data stored in the on-board storage is encrypted providing a secure facility for storing sensitive information. In some embodiments, some form of user
• One form of authentication employed in some embodiments is biometric authentication based on gestures.
• biometric authentication based on gestures.
• the sensory- interface device captures information about the gesture, measuring parameters such as the specific path of the gesture, including gesture- segment paths and corner locations, the speeds at which the various segments of the gesture are made, and the changes in pressure exerted by the finger (or stylus) as the gesture is made.
• the captured information is compared to reference gesture information stored in the sensory- interface device's secure memory to determine if the just-entered gesture sufficiently matches the stored gesture parameters. If it does, the user is authenticated and access is granted.
• the sensory- interface device is trained.
• One method of training includes having a user repeatedly trace an unlocking gesture on the touch- sensitive surface while the sensory-interface device analyzes the gestures and develops a parameterized model of the gesture.
• a plurality of gestures can be stored and used with a single sensory-interface device. Entering a particular gesture can cause the sensory-interface device to simply grant access to some stored data. In some embodiments, entering a particular gesture can cause the sensory-interface device to perform some action.
• Data secured in the on-board sensory-interface device encrypted storage can include personal information, confidential data, and access control information.
• the following is one example of access control information stored in a sensory-interface device.
• a user wishes to access a secure facility, say a drug storage cabinet. Access to such a cabinet is very restricted. In order to get access to this drug storage cabinet, an individual must prove one's identity.
• the user draws the required gesture on the touch- sensitive surface on the back of the sensory-interface device.
• the sensory-interface device analyzes the entered gesture to see if it matches any gesture stored in the sensory- interface device's secure storage. If it does, the sensory-interface device performs the action associated with the entered gesture.
• a security code is retrieved from secure storage.
• this security code is transmitted to the drug storage cabinet's access control system over a secure radio link from a wireless device that is included in the sensory-interface device itself. Such a wireless link could employ a proprietary highly- secure communication protocol specific to the manufacturer of the drug cabinet's access control mechanism.
• the transmitted security code uniquely identifies the user, and the drug cabinet's access control mechanism can determine if this individual should be granted access.
• the result is a highly secure mechanism for access control. It requires both the specific sensory-interface device belonging to an individual and that individual's biometrically authenticated gesture in order to get access to the secured facility.
• This above mechanism can also be used to control access to information, for example, patient information in a hospital. A user would be required to biometrically authenticate himself, using his personal sensory-interface device, before being granted access to patient information, either on the attached mobile device or a separate hospital terminal.
• data is extracted from the secure on-board storage, decrypted, and sent to an application running on the attached mobile device.
• this information includes a password or a security code that is then transmitted by the attached mobile device's wireless capabilities (for example, Near Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth ® , or Wi-Fi) to a third device that requires the now decrypted information to grant access or, in the case of a digital wallet or an e-wallet, to complete a transaction.
• NFC Near Field Communications
• Bluetooth ® Bluetooth ®
• Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
• the present invention includes a fingerprint scanner.
• Biometric authentication optionally includes requiring the user to scan his finger, and verifying the user's finger print with finger print information stored in the secure sensory-interface device storage.
• the present invention includes a microphone to receive audio signals.
• Biometric authentication optionally includes requiring the user to speak a word or phrase (or make some other repeatable sound), analyzing the input audio signal and verifying the parameters of the spoken word or phrase match those stored in the secure sensory-interface device storage.
• the touch-sensitive surface of the invention includes a capacitive touch sensor. In other embodiments, the touch-sensitive surface of the present invention includes a resistive touch sensor. In other embodiments, the touch-sensitive surface of the present invention includes an infrared grid touch sensor. In other embodiments, the touch- sensitive surface of the present invention includes an acoustic pulse recognition touch sensor. In some embodiments, wherein the sensory-interface device includes a plurality of touch- sensitive surfaces, individual sensors may employ different touch sensing technologies. The above examples of touch sensing technologies are used to illustrate particular embodiments; however, the invention described in the claims is not intended to be limited to only these examples. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations touch sensing technologies are within the scope of the invention.
• sensingpresence means detecting the occurrence of a combination of one or more parameters sensed by the present invention, such as a user's grip on the device, finger placement, pressure and movement, or the like, and automatically taking some action based on the detected parameter. For example, in some embodiments, the sensory-interface device automatically turns on when a user gripped the device in a particular way.
• sensfeedback is the sensory feedback provided by the sensory-interface device and includes haptic feedback (vibrations or changes in surface texture, audio feedback and visual feedback). The specific feedback provided in any instance is based on data compiled by the back-and-side touch- sensitive surfaces of the present invention in combination with data from the front face of the attached mobile device and/or applications running on the attached mobile device.
• “sencode” is a combination of sensory data points that provides for authentication for one user.
• “senscode” (in contrast to “sencode”) is a combination of sensory data points that provides for authentication of a group of users.
• One embodiment of the present invention includes included in the SensusTM Touch Sensitive Case for smartphones that expands the functionality of a smartphone. It provides application program interfaces to customize the operation of the touch- sensitive surfaces of the case, and to provide haptic feedback for improved sensory sharing.
• senspresence enables one user with the attachable sensing apparatus of the present invention to provide sensory data remotely with another user who has a similar attachable sensing apparatus (referred to herein as "telepresence").
• telepresence a similar attachable sensing apparatus
• sensfeedback enables users to engage in data input and output to each other and additional users in a peer to peer network based upon the sencode and senscode previously defined.
• game applications of the present invention incorporate the sensory input and output from devices of multiple players, optimizing the user interface by providing customized gesturing controls via programmed user preferences.
• the sensory-interface device also enables automatic user authentication via programmable software applications that in some examples connect with the software running on the microprocessor embedded in a sensory-interface.
• the software enables data authentication and preferences to be stored in the embedded storage of a sensory-interface device.
• the software application interaction of the present invention includes an application level of software utilizing code running on the attached mobile device.
• software running on the attached mobile device enables the reversing of the front display of the attached mobile device to the back of the phone (e.g., in some
• the user can thus hold the device such that the normal "front" display touch screen (which usually faces the user) is instead facing away from the user, enabling the user to use fingers of both hands on the display's touch sensor at the same time).
• data and/or software is stored in firmware in the root directory of the sensory-interface device.
• associated sensory-interface device software that runs on the attached mobile device is stored in the root directory of the attached mobile device.
• the sensory-interface device has a protocol that extends the invention off of the case or the phone, with an agnostic user interface, application, or operating system.
• the sensory-interface device uses a communications protocol to extend the sensory-interface device's function beyond the sensory- interface device itself or the attached mobile device.
• the present invention provides an agnostic user interface for use with a variety of applications and/or operating systems.
• the present invention includes gesture-based input.
• Touch- sensitive surface(s) are attached to portions of the wearable, head-mounted display (on the temples of the frame, for example), enabling gestures on the touch- sensitive surface(s) to provide input to the display device.
• the gestures recognized by the sensory-interface device include a forward swipe, a backward swipe, various tap sequences (single long tap, single short tap, double tap, etc.) and a downward swipe.
• the sensory-interface device is configured to broadcast data, and in some examples the data is encrypted with an encryption method that is embedded in to the sensory-interface device.
• the encryption method utilizes code running of the attached mobile device combination code running on the sensory-interface device itself.
• One embodiment of the present invention includes included in the Restaurant Canopy® which provides touch-sensor-based embodiments of ordering and transaction processing. These embodiments include one or more of: security and other sensors, user programmable sensors, unique IDs, and online digital signature authentication (i.e., verifying a signature is authentic by measuring parameters of the writing of the signature such as writing speed, writing pressures, etc.).
• Figure 1 is an overview diagram of a hardware- and operating-environment (or system) 100 that is used in some embodiments of the present invention.
• the description of Figure 1 is a brief, general description of suitable computer hardware and software environment with which software (applications and control program) used with the invention may be implemented.
• This software may run on the sensory-interface device, or on the attached mobile device.
• the invention includes described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, that are stored on computer- readable media and that are executed by a computer, such as a microprocessor residing in a sensory-interface device and/or in an external device worn by the user and/or personal computer that is/are wirelessly linked to the sensory-interface device.
• program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
• Figure 1 is a system 100 that includes a user or developer (not shown, and programmable user-controlled computer 20 that includes a wireless transceiver 71 that allows wireless management and control (i.e., reprogramming of the remote
• microprocessors of an attached mobile device 110 (which includes a programmable
• application programs 36 stored on a computer-readable optical storage medium 31 e.g., CDROM, DVD, Blu-ray DiscTM (BD), or the like
• application program are stored on a magnetic hard drive 27 attached to the computer via a hard drive interface 32.
• the magnetic hard drive may store the computer operating system 35, other program modules 37 and program data 38.
• the magnetic storage media is removable (e.g., a floppy disk) and read by a removable magnetic storage drive 28 attached to the computer via a removable magnetic storage drive interface 33.
• application programs are stored on second instances of a sensory-interface device 29.
• application programs are stored on a storage device 50 connected to a remote computer 49 that connects to computer 20 across a local-area network 51 and network interface 53, or a wide-area network 52 and modem 54.
• Application program 36 contain instructions and/or control structures (such as look-up tables, control parameters, databases and the like) that are processed and/or transmitted into the attached sensory-interface device 111 the sensory- interface device's operation or attached mobile device 110 to control the attached mobile device's operation.
• the applications programs 36 are partially executed in the computer 20 and/or the externally worn device 111, and then partially executed in the attached sensory or mobile attached device 110.
• application programs 36 are stored on a computer-readable solid state storage devices (e.g., thumb drive, flash drive, or SDHCTM (Secure-Data High- Capacity) memory card or the like), read and written with a solid state storage reader (not shown).
• a computer-readable solid state storage devices e.g., thumb drive, flash drive, or SDHCTM (Secure-Data High- Capacity) memory card or the like
• the computer 20 includes a processing unit 21 in which program run, a video adapter 21 and monitor 47 to provide output to a user, a mouse 42 and keyboard 40 attached via a serial interface 46 to accept input from a user, and system memory 22.
• the polarity of computer hardware components are interconnected with a system bus 23.
• System memory 22 includes read only memory (ROM) or flash memory that contains the computer's BIOS, random access memory 25 that contains running versions of the operating system 35, application programs 36, other program modules 37 and program data 38.
• FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the invention wherein data are wirelessly transferred from a user 210 operating an instance of a sensory-interface device via the internet 220 (or an intranet) to any or all of plurality of users, devices and storage media.
• This plurality includes users of other mobile devices 211 and 212 (e.g., smartphones or tablets), other users as groups 213, another user with a second instance of the present invention 260, network connected storage or databases 200.
• the user 130 of a sensory-interface device is connected wirelessly to the internet with a browser 231 and a dashboard 232 running on the sensory-interface device.
• a user 240 of a sensory-interface device is connected wirelessly to the internet using a dashboard 241 with a remote client 242 and application storage 243 embedded within the sensory-interface device.
• a user 250 of a sensory- interface device utilizes a dashboard 251 in a separate mobile device operating environment.
• Figure 3 is an illustration data flow 300 from a first sensory-interface device to a second sensory-interface device.
• Figure 3 also shows data interchange with other non-sensory- interface devices.
• Data from a first sensory- interface device 301 is transferred to the attached mobile device 302.
• a wireless connection such as Bluetooth ® or NFC is used.
• a physical connection is used to transfer the data.
• the data is then transferred wirelessly from the attached mobile device 302 to the internet 307 or to some other wireless network such as a cell phone system's 4G or LTE network.
• the data is then transferred to a second attached mobile device 304 and then to a second instance of a sensory-interface device 305.
• a sensory-interface device can communicate wirelessly with a mobile device 303 such as a smartphone, and with other wireless devices including televisions and game consoles 306.
• FIG 4 is an illustration of the flow 400 of sensory data from a first sensory- interface device to a second sensory-interface device.
• sensory data includes touches and gestures detected on the touch-sensitive surface(s) on the first sensory- interface device.
• data in this case sensory data, is transferred from the first sensory-interface device to the attached mobile device 402, then over a wireless network 405 to a second attached mobile device, and finally to a second sensory-interface device.
• the sensory data entered on the first sensory-interface device is processed on the second sensory-interface device.
• Such a facility would allow two individuals to interact as if they were sharing a single device, and is a desirable feature for functions like gaming and training.
• sensory data is exchanged in both directions between the two sensory-interface devices.
• Figure 5 illustrates the touch-sensitive surface(s) in some embodiments of the present invention.
• the back side touch surface 501 includes a raised diamond pattern easily detected by a user's fingers that allows for easy location of regions of the tactile touch surface.
• 504 is a detailed view of a "diamasphere" pattern which provides improved orientation of fingers on the touch-sensitive surface. Quadrants can easily be located while still being able to locate the exact center of the touch-sensitive surface.
• the sensory-interface device includes a right side touch-sensitive surface 502. In this example, the right side touch- sensitive surface is divided into four (4) segments.
• the sensory-interface device includes a left side touch-sensitive surface 503. In this example, the left side touch-sensitive surface has a single segment.
• a sensory-interface device includes a USB input 601 for transferring, collecting, or analyzing data shared with another device (e.g., a personal computer or a tablet computer).
• a sensory-interface device includes a plurality of slide tracks and grommets 602 which allows the sensory-interface device to be easily attached and removed from an attached mobile device.
• a sensory-interface device includes protective rubberized corners 603.
• the present invention includes a plurality of touch-sensitive surfaces 605, including a touch- sensitive surface on the back of the sensory-interface device, a touch-sensitive surface on the side of the sensory- interface device, and a touch-sensitive surface along an edge of the sensory-interface device.
• a given embodiment may include any or all of these sensors as well as additional touch-sensitive surfaces.
• the touch- sensitive surface detects both touch and pressure.
• a sensory-interface device can recognize an individual based on the individual's grip on the phone 604.
• a touch-sensitive surface on the side of the case can be used for scrolling with one's thumb 606.
• FIG. 7 is an exploded drawing of one embodiment of the present invention.
• a sensory-interface device in configured as a case that fits around the back and sides of a mobile device such as a smartphone, and includes a number of components.
• these components include a slide portion of the case 701, an internal case 702 which includes a circuit board 703, an external case 704, and a touch sensitive flex circuit 703.
• the touch sensitive flex circuit is located between the internal case 702 and the external case 704, and the internal case is fastened to the external case.
• the slide case 701 is attached to the internal case with slide grommets 705 that allow the slide case to move relative to the internal case.
• the slide case is pulled to an open position shown in 707 from the back and 708 from the front.
• a mobile device is placed into the case and the slide case is pushed to the closed position shown in 709 from the back and 710 from the front, secured attaching the sensory-interface device to the mobile device.
• a sensory-interface device includes a USB input 801 for transferring, collecting, or analyzing data shared with another device (e.g., a personal computer or a tablet computer).
• a sensory-interface device includes a slide track 805 which allows the sensory-interface device to be easily attached and removed from an attached mobile device.
• a sensory-interface device includes protective rubberized end caps 802 and 806.
• the sensory-interface device includes a release tab 804 to facilitate the attachment and removal of a sensory-interface device from a mobile device.
• the present invention includes a plurality of touch- sensitive surfaces 803, including a touch- sensitive surface on the back of the sensory-interface device, and a touch- sensitive surface on the side of the sensory-interface device.
• a given embodiment may include any or all of these sensors as well as additional touch-sensitive surfaces.
• the touch- sensitive surface detects both touch and pressure.
• a sensory-interface device can recognize an individual based on the individual's grip on the phone 807.
• a touch-sensitive surface on the side of the case can be used for scrolling with one's thumb 808.
• Figure 9 is an exploded drawing of one embodiment of the present invention.
• a sensory-interface device in configured as a case that fits around the back and sides of a mobile device such as a smartphone, and includes a number of components.
• these components include a slide portion of the case 901, an internal case 902 which includes a circuit board 903, an external case 905, and a touch sensitive flex circuit 904.
• the touch sensitive flex circuit is located between the internal case 902 and the external case 905, and the internal case is fastened to the external case.
• the slide case 901 is attached to the internal case with a fastener configured to allow the slide case to move relative to the internal case.
• the slide case is pulled to an open position shown in 909 from the back and 908 from the front.
• a mobile device is placed into the case and the slide case is pushed to the closed position shown in 907 from the back and 906 from the front, secured attaching the sensory-interface device to the mobile device.
• a sensory-interface device includes a USB input 1001 for transferring, collecting, or analyzing data shared with another device (e.g., a personal computer or a tablet computer).
• the sensory-interface device includes an opening in the side of the case provides access to the auxiliary connector (e.g., audio jack) of an attached mobile device.
• a sensory-interface device includes spring- loaded installation platform 1004 that serves to secure a mobile device in the case, but which allows the sensory-interface device to be easily attached and removed from an attached mobile device.
• the present invention includes a plurality of touch-sensitive surfaces 1002, including a touch-sensitive surface on the back of the sensory- interface device, and a touch-sensitive surface on the side of the sensory-interface device.
• a given embodiment may include any or all of these sensors as well as additional touch- sensitive surfaces.
• the touch- sensitive surface detects both touch and pressure.
• a sensory- interface device can recognize an individual based on the individual's grip on the phone 1006.
• a touch-sensitive surface on the side of the case can be used for scrolling with one's thumb 1007.
• 1005 is a back view of a sensory-interface device attached to a mobile device.
• Figure 11 is a more detailed view of individual components and the installation procedure of the embodiment shown in Figure 10.
• 1102 is a top view of a spring-loaded, press- fit sensory-interface device which uses a spring-loaded platform to secure a mobile device into the device, and 1102 is a cross sectional view through along line AA.
• the sensory- interface device includes a press fit insert 1104 and a base cavity cover 1104 that surround the back much of the sides of a mobile device 1103 that can be inserted into the sensory-interface device, a USB connector 106 and connector bracket 1107, a spring-loaded platform 1108that supplies pressure on an inserted mobile device to securely hold it in place, an auxiliary jack insert 109 to permit a connection to the mobile device's auxiliary (audio) jack, a printed-circuit board (PCB) containing the electronic components of the sensory- interface device, a touch-sensitive flex circuit 115, and an external case 1111.
• the functional elements provided by the electronic components on the PCB include a
• a mobile device is installed into a sensory-interface device as follows: a mobile device is placed in a sensory-interface device at an angle 1121 such that it aligns with the spring-loaded platform; the mobile device is pushed toward the bottom and back of the sensory- interface device 1113 until the mobile device is within the sensory-interface device and is securely held in place 1114.
• FIG 12 is an illustration of a sensory-interface device in some embodiments of the present invention.
• the sensory-interface device is a touch-sensitive surface attached to the back of a mobile device with an adhesive.
• the adhesively attached sensory-interface device communicates with the mobile device using a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth ® or NFC).
• the adhesively attached sensory-interface device communicates with the mobile device using connection (e.g., USB or the proprietary iPhone connector).
• software to enable the touch- sensitive surface of the sensory-interface device is downloaded, resides and runs on the mobile device.
• the touch-sensitive surface of the sensory-interface device includes a microprocessor and storage that contain and run the software to enable the touch-sensitive surface.
• the sensory-interface device is pre-programmed, and a connector plug (e.g., the USB connector used to connect the sensory-interface device to the mobile device) includes a microprocessor and storage that contain and run the software to enable the touch- sensitive surface.
• the touch-sensitive surface is a micro-thin, capacitive-touch, touch and/or pressure sensitive device.
• Figure 13 is an illustration that represents the functionality of a sensory-interface device in some embodiments.
• the sensory- interface device includes a laser (e.g., a visible light or infrared LED laser) and a light-sensing device (e.g., a; photodiode or a photo transistor) 1301.
• the laser/light sensor combination is used to interact with external electronic devices.
• One example of such interaction is the use remote flash lighting units 1302 for photography with an attached mobile device's camera. Taking a picture with attached mobile device's camera causes a light signal 1303 to be emitted from the laser that triggers the remote flash units.
• the light sensor detects the mount of light coming from the remote flash units and turns them off when the desired amount of light has been emitted from the remote flash units.
• Software running on the mobile device can analyze the captured image and determine if a different amount of light should be emitted by the remote flash units for a subsequent image.
• the laser/light sensor combination is used as a range-finder to measure distance by emitting a light pulse from the laser, allowing it to reflect (i.e., bounce) off of a surface, detecting the return of the reflect light pulse, measuring the time it took for the light pulse to travel from the sensory-interface device to the surface and back, thereby determining the distance to the surface.
• such a distance measuring capability is combined with an application running on the attached mobile device that would allow a contractor, for example, to measure the dimensions of a room, and based on cost information input by the contractor, automatically generate a bid and wirelessly sent it to a client.
• the sensory-interface device includes biomedical sensors that detect functions of a human body such as pulse rate, respiration rate, and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
• the sensory-interface device includes a senor to measure blood sugar levels for a blood-sugar diabetic test.
• the sensory-interface device elicits and receives information from a remote drone, including sending flight control information to the drone and receiving images and/or other telemetry from the drone. This function could include military uses.
• FIG 14 is an illustration that represents the functionality of a sensory-interface device in some embodiments.
• a sensory- interface device can interact with a wide variety of other electronic devices 1403, sending data to and receiving data from such devices 1405.
• such devices include a remote flash for photography 1401, a vehicle 1404, and a robotic device 1406.
• the communications with external devices is done using a wireless radio-frequency communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth ® , NFC, or Wi- Fi).
• the communications with external devices is done using a wireless light-based communication protocol employing a laser and light sensor 1402 (described above as 1301 in Figure 13).
• sensors includes sensors that include electronics and that output electronic signals that represent one or more parameters sensed by the sensor, as well as sensors that do not themselves include electronics, and that output optical signals or the like.
• sensors are devices that detect and/or interpret parameters that are caused or controlled by a human user, as well as parameters of the environment, such as pressure (e.g., the touch or pressure from one or more fingers on a touch screen), acceleration (such as from gravity, tilting of the device, or shaking of the device), light (such as brightness, color, time-of-flight of a laser pulse), chemical detection and concentration determination (such as sensors for smoke, carbon monoxide, chemicals that could be smelled, chemicals that are odorless, chemicals that could be tasted, and/or chemicals that are tasteless, whether in gas or liquid form, or the like), acoustic parameters (including sounds in the range of human hearing as well as pressure vibrations below or above that range, including ultrasound sensors that are used, e
• Figure 15A is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a system 1500 that includes a device protective enclosure 1501 that surrounds at least some of the outer edges and/or front and back of mobile computing device 1590, and which has a through-hole aperture 1510 in a back-side touch-sensitive input surface 1509 of protective enclosure 1501 to provide access to back-side touch panel 1591 on mobile computing device 1590.
• aperture 1510 is surrounded by one or more edge surface areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 that provide space for one or more additional sensory components for receiving user input, and/or input and/or output devices that enhance the functionality of mobile computing device 1590.
• a resilient material is affixed to the corners of protective enclosure 1501 to form bumpers 1506 (sometimes referred to herein as "crashbumpers") that protect mobile computing device 1590, for example if system 1500 is dropped onto a hard surface.
• protective enclosure 1501 includes one or more apertures 1508 to provide outside access for components, such as camera and flash 1592, of the mobile computing device 1590.
• back surface 1509 of the protective enclosure 1501 extends from the outer circumference of protective enclosure 1501 to the outer edges of one or more additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505.
• protective enclosure 1501 includes one or more sensory component, such as a touch-sensitive sensor, in or on back surface 1509 (in some embodiments, the touch-sensitive sensor in back surface 1509 functions as an additional touch sensor for mobile computing device 1590.
• protective enclosure 1501 includes one or more sensory component, such as a touch-sensitive sensor, in or on side surfaces 1519 and/or end surfaces 1529 that also or alternatively function as additional touch sensors for mobile computing device 1590 (for example, such side-surface sensors 1519 function as programmable volume controls for audio output, as camera-activation inputs to activate the electronic "shutter” to take a photograph or start a video recording, or the like).
• the additional aperture-edge sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and 1505 provide further touch-sensitive "real estate" available to the enhanced user interface of the present invention (e.g., in some embodiments, additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and 1505 provide additional surface opportunities to receive user input data).
• additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and 1505 are beveled inner edges of a through opening 1510.
• the mobile computing device 1590 includes a touch-sensitive user- input surface built into the back-side surface of mobile computing device 1590, that, for example, permits the user to control items such as cursors, game pieces or figures, or other things displayed on the front-side display screen of mobile computing device 1590.
• the aperture of through opening 1510 provides touch-access for the human user to the rear surface of mobile computing device 1590.
• the one or more additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 each includes a touch- sensitive area within a beveled- surface space that occupies an area between the back surface of mobile computing device 1590, and the back outer surface 1509 of the external protective device 1501.
• one or more of the additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 provides additional surface area to accommodate other types of sensory inputs or other kinds of input and/or output components, such as light emitters (e.g., LEDs that can be strobed), vibration devices that provide a touch-feedback to a user, light emitter-detector combinations that are used to determine oxygen content in the user's blood by directing light output towards the user's fingers and detecting amounts and wavelengths of the returned light, or any other suitable input and/or output component.
• light emitters e.g., LEDs that can be strobed
• vibration devices that provide a touch-feedback to a user
• light emitter-detector combinations that are used to determine oxygen content in the user's blood by directing light output towards the user's fingers and detecting amounts and wavelengths of the returned light, or any other suitable input and/or output component.
• one or more of the additional aperture-edge sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 are implemented to include touch sensors or other input and/or output devices for user interaction with mobile computing device 1590.
• external sensory inputs i.e., sensors
• a protective housing are located between the back of the housing 1509, and the back surface of the mobile device 1510.
• user-programmable inputs sensors are implemented in sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504 and/or 1505, and are programmed by the user of the mobile device 1510, or a remote user using a separate device 2302 (see the description of Figure 23 below).
• the user provides the gesture-control programming that enables the sensors to control the software application that is executing on the mobile device 1590 according to user preferences.
• Figure 15B is an end cross-sectional drawing of the protective enclosure 1501 shown in FIG 15A as seen at section line 15B of FIG. 15A.
• the cross section of mobile computing device 1590 is not shown here, in order to more clearly show pocket 1511 that is configured to receive and securely retain mobile computing device 1590 and provide a level of protection against scuffs to the surface or damage from dropping system 1500 (which includes both mobile computing device 1590 and protective enclosure 1501 as shown in Figure 15A).
• protective enclosure 1501 includes a replaceable thin protective film 1515 stretched across aperture 1510 and adhesively attached to the inner back surface 1516 of the protective enclosure 1501. Replaceable thin protective film 1515 is configured to not impair the sensing functionality of the back touch-surface of mobile computing device 1590. Other embodiments omit this film 1515.
• FIG. 15C is a side cross-sectional drawing of the device protective enclosure 1501 shown in FIG 15A as seen at section line 15C of FIG. 15A.
• FIG. 15D is a perspective drawing of the front (obverse) side of a device protective enclosure 1501, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 16A is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a device protective enclosure 1601 having protective properties for mobile computing device (such as device 1590 shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B), and which has one or more sensory components such as those indicated by reference numbers 1602, 1603, 1604 and 1605 on the external protective device 1601, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• one or more of the sensory components 1602, 1603, 1604 and 1605 includes a physical
• each physical hyperroller includes a thin roller having a length of five (5) to twenty (20) cm and a diameter of 0.7 to 2 mm, is held by sleeve or roller bearings such that it can be rolled by a user rubbing or wiping their finger(s) over it.
• a substantially similar user interface is implemented as a virtual hyperroller, defined as a touch-sensitive surface area configured to detect finger movement across its short dimension (i.e., with the user's finger wiping or rubbing in a direction perpendicular to the long axis) in a motion that mimics a physical roller by detecting the user rubbing or wiping their finger(s) over its short dimension to, e.g., rapidly scroll through a virtual document from one side to another.
• a virtual hyperroller defined as a touch-sensitive surface area configured to detect finger movement across its short dimension (i.e., with the user's finger wiping or rubbing in a direction perpendicular to the long axis) in a motion that mimics a physical roller by detecting the user rubbing or wiping their finger(s) over its short dimension to, e.g., rapidly scroll through a virtual document from one side to another.
• FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional end view (not to the same scale as Figure 16A) of the device protective enclosure 1601 shown in Figure 16A, as seen at section line 16B of Figure 16A.
• some embodiments of protective enclosure 1601 include embedded devices 1621 that include electronics, sensor devices, battery electrical storage, radio antennae, and/or other like devices that implement the enhanced functionality of protective enclosure 1601.
• protective enclosure 1601 includes electrical contacts that are used to connect power and/or electrical signals to optional and-in devices as described further below.
• FIG. 17 is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a system 1700 that includes a device protective enclosure 1701 that holds a mobile computing device such as a tablet computer 1790, optionally having one or more local and/or long-distance wireless communications capabilities (such as an Apple ® iPad ® , with wifi, Bluetooth ® , and/or telephony communications).
• a mobile computing device such as a tablet computer 1790
• one or more local and/or long-distance wireless communications capabilities such as an Apple ® iPad ® , with wifi, Bluetooth ® , and/or telephony communications.
• external protective enclosure 1701 contains user parameters that are specified by a user or user group, wherein the user parameters are stored in one or more onboard components such as those indicated by reference numbers 1710 (e.g., a microprocessor), 1712 (e.g., a battery), and 1715 (e.g., an antenna), and optionally one or more external add-on and/or plug-in components 1713. Having plug-in optional components 1713 allows a common platform 1701 to be customized with specialized functions that will differ from user to user depending on their personal requirements or desires. Some embodiments (not shown here) include resilient bumpers 1506 such as shown in Figures 15A-15D.
• one or more additional sensor areas 1702, 1703, 1704, and/or 1705 are used for additional sensor inputs and/or output functions, in a manner similar to the one or more additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 described for Figure 15A above.
• protective housing 1701 for a mobile device designed for access to sensors embedded in the mobile device, that includes sensor input components on an external housing; wherein the back 1791 of the mobile device 1790 is accessible by the user (e.g., to accomplish gesture control input to touch surface 1791.
• the protective housing contains a power source 1702 that is separate from the power source (not shown) of the mobile device 1790 (i.e., the device that is protected by the protective housing).
• the protective housing 1701 includes a separate data processor 1705 located in the protective housing 1701, separate from the processor(s) in the mobile device 1790.
• the protective housing 1701 includes separate data storage 1710 located in the protective housing 1701, separate from data storage within the mobile device 1790.
• the protective housing 1701 includes a software program stored in data storage device 1710 that includes software routines to tune and/or optimize the sensory- component data received from the sensory components (e.g., back-surface touch sensor 1709 and/or sensors in aperture edge areas 1702, 1703, 1704, and/or 1705.
• the protective housing 1701 includes a software program used to tune and/or optimize sensory component data sent to or received from the sensory components.
• the protective housing 1701 contains a software program to tune the sensory component data, optimizing the data elicited from the sensory components from users.
• the protective housing 1701 contains a software program to elicit, store, and provide and ready access to, user-defined content.
• an add-on sensor housing 1713 includes one or more programmable external sensor components (such as blood- oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, GPS devices, or any other specialized or programmable general purpose input and/or output (I/O) device. In some embodiments this add-on sensor housing 1713 clips on to the external protective enclosure 1701. In some embodiments this addon sensor housing 1713 is of a standard shape that is interchangeable with other similar add-on sensor housings having different functionality, or with a "dummy" spacer that fills the compartment when none of the interchangeable external sensor housings are connected. In some embodiments, an integrated controller is embedded into the housing of the protective enclosure.
• FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment wherein the add-on external housing 1800contains a data-input and/or data-output device 1801.
• this is a laser measuring device that outputs a laser beam 1802 and detects a return beam (e.g., such as are used in blood-oxygen measurement devices or laser range finders).
• I/O device includes an ultrasound transmitter/receiver that emits an ultrasonic pulse and detects an ultrasound response for acoustic range finding.
• other types of combined I/O devices are implemented.
• the swappable clip-on sensors 1801 include devices that elicit and receive data (e.g., such as a speaker and microphone).
• the clip-on sensors 1900 include devices that communicate with distal communication devices and receive and transmit data using antenna 1902 or other suitable wireless communications interface (e.g., radio waves, infrared light, ultrasonic sound or the like; in some embodiments, bi-directionally, while in other embodiments, uni-directionally transmitting or receiving)).
• the separate clip-on sensors 2100 include devices that elicit, receive and transmit data and contain a separate power source 2104 (such as a battery or the like).
• the external clip-on sensors 2000 include devices that have interchangeable components 2001, 2002, and 2003.
• Figure 19A is a perspective view and Figure 19B is a cross-sectional illustration of external clip-on sensor component 1900, wherein the external clip-on sensor component contains electronics.
• an antenna 1902 is included.
• conductive contactors 1903 that provide an electrical path for signals and/or power between the clip-on component 1900 and the protective enclosure device (e.g., enclosure 1701 of Figure 17 or the like) that provides for a data communications and/or a power gateway.
• the protective enclosure device e.g., enclosure 1701 of Figure 17 or the like
• there are other components including a battery 1904.
• Figure 20 is an embodiment 2000 of an external clip-on accessory with a roller-type sensor (e.g., a scroll-wheel input device), according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• the scroll wheel portion of sensory component 2001 is interchangeable with different sizes of scroll wheels such as scroll wheel 2002 and scroll wheel 2003.
• Figure 21 is an embodiment wherein the add-on sensor housing 2100 contains an output device 2101 and an input device 2102.
• output device 2101 includes a speaker
• input device 2102 includes a microphone.
• output device 2101 includes both output and input functionality, such as a selectively vibrating joystick controller that receives motion or pressure input from the user who pushes or tilts the joystick, and a sensory output such as a vibrator that is selectively turned on or off to provide a touch stimulator (touch feedback to the user as the joystick is moved or as some action takes place in a video game being executed) in the portable computing device.
• output device 2101 includes a light flash and input device 2102 includes a light sensor.
• an auxiliary input or output device 2103 is provided.
• output device 2101 can be interchanged with a different type of flash 2103.
• sensor 2102 can be interchanged with a separate, optimized sensor 2103.
• 2102 is a moisture sensor. In another embodiment, 2102 detects airborne pathogens. In one embodiment, 2103 is a blood- test measuring device that measures various properties of blood cells and other blood components. In some embodiments, an integrated controller 2104 is included.
• Figure 22A is a perspective view of an external protective cage (a type of protective enclosure) 2201 having open faces on the top, bottom, front and back sides.
• an external protective cage a type of protective enclosure
• protective cage 2201 includes a first-end (e.g., top) frame member 2202 (in some embodiments, a rod-shaped member having an oval toroid shape) that holds a first plurality of resilient inner bumpers 2205 configured to grip and cushion one end of a mobile computing device 2290 (such as described in U.S.
• a second-end (e.g., bottom) frame member 2202 that holds a second plurality of resilient inner bumpers 2205 configured to grip and cushion the opposite end of a mobile computing device 2290
• a plurality of rod-shaped side frame members 2203 that are each affixed to and extend from first-end frame member 2202 to second-
• one or more of the rod-like frame members 2202, 2203 and/or 2204 include a touch-sensitive sensor surface configured to receive gesture commands (e.g., taps, wipes, presses, multi-touch contacts, and the like) from a human user.
• gesture commands e.g., taps, wipes, presses, multi-touch contacts, and the like
• one or more of the side rod-like frame members 2203 operate as "hyperrollers" that sense circumferential wiping motions of the users fingers in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis, as well as longitudinal wiping motions along the length of a member 2203.
• the circumferential wiping motions cause the objects displayed on the screen(s) of device 2290 to be scrolled in left-or-right directions
• longitudinal wiping motions cause the objects displayed on the screen(s) of device 2290 to be scrolled in up-or-down directions.
• similar wiping motions are sensed on one or more of frame members 2202 and/or 2204, and are used as user input to control the operations of device 2290.
• one or more of members 2203 are physically rotatable around its longitudinal axis, and such rotation is used as human- user input to control an operation (such as screen scrolling) of device 2290.
• one or more of members 2203 is touch sensitive in order to be virtually rotatable around its longitudinal axis (i.e., wiping motion is detected and interpreted as rolling of the sensor by the humans finger), and such rotation is used as human-user input to control an operation (such as screen scrolling) of device 2290.
• FIG 22B is an illustration of a mobile device system 2200 includes a mobile device 2290 (such as those described in that has a curved surface and contains a touch-sensitive surface 2291 on at least one side (in some embodiments, the device 2290 has touch-sensitive surface 2291 on both the front and back; in some embodiments, the device 2290 has a visual display on both the front and back).
• an external protection cage 2201 provides structural protection and case-like properties to offer protection from elements as well as from potentially damaging impact, for example, if the device is dropped by the human user.
• part of the cage structure e.g., at least one of the frame members 2202, 2203 and/or 2204 acts as a hyperroller.
• FIG. 23 is an illustration of the data flow 2300 from various mobile electronics 2301, 2302 and 2303.
• the wired or wireless connectivity 2352 connects external sensory devices 2330 and 2331 to their respective protective enclosure devices 2360, 2361 and 2362.
• the system in some embodiments uses a database 2350, an internet or intranet 2351, and a desktop server 2310.
• External clip-on sensors 2330 and 2331 contain various components to enable wireless connectivity 2341 with processors 2358 and batteries 2357 incorporated with external sensory devices 2340.
• External sensory devices can be enhanced with sensory-control components 2353, which in some embodiments is a hyperroller.
• sensors are located on a steering wheel in a car 2363 and in the dashboard or arm-rest of a vehicle 2364.
• the sensors are dynamically connected to other devices.
• the sensors are user controlled wherein the user can determine the sensory-input- device parameters and can optimize and tune the resulting data input and the data output from the sensors.
• the sensors are programmed via a software application.
• the optimizing of the data generated from the sensors helps authenticate a protocol or a user.
• the device and method authenticates an adult user separate from a child user.
• the sensors are programmed by a user to help interface with a software application.
• the sensors are programmed to have multivariate gesture controls to navigate the software on the mobile device.
• mobile computing devices are understood to include, but not be limited to, mobile telephones, personal data assistants, devices such as iPads ® and iPods ® , music players, and the like.
• the present invention provides a protective housing for a mobile device, designed for access to sensors embedded in the mobile device, which includes sensor input components on an external housing; wherein the back of a mobile device is accessible.
• the protective housing has external sensory inputs on a protective housing located between the back of the housing, and the back surface of the mobile device.
• the protective housing has user-programmable input sensors that are programmed by the user of the mobile device, or by a remote user using a separate device.
• the user can provide the gesture control programming enabling the sensors to control the software application on the mobile device according to user preferences.
• the present invention provides a protective housing for a mobile device, designed for access to external sensors embedded in a protective housing of a mobile device, including sensors that are connect to the housing, wherein the sensors are controlled by users who provide a plurality of human-user-defined sensory parameters and data.
• remote users can provide sensory data from remote locations to separate users utilizing separate mobile devices.
• user data and preferences are stored within the protective housing.
• user data is stored on remote servers.
• the present invention provides a protective housing for a mobile device, where the protective housing contains ridged bars that contain the mobile device. In some such embodiments the bars are movable and interchangeable to fit various mobile- device sizes and shapes.
• the protective housing contains crashbump protective pieces. In some embodiments the crashbump protection is pressurized. In some embodiments the crashbumpers are programmable. In some embodiments the crashbumpers are programmed to deploy a protective method to protect the mobile device upon impact. In some embodiments the crashbumpers are located on the exterior of a mobile device without a protective housing.
• parameters of the invention include: Gesture customization, basic sensor configuration, sensitivity controls, processing of data, noise filtering, detection of sensory information, processing how certain filters are applied and adjusted, features turned on or turned off, gestures in generic sense in taps in swipes, or high level description of what the hand is doing including an ability to adjust the filter parameters to include sensitivity and data quality measures.
• the customizable adjustment of intentional and unintentional gestures or touch which also includes right handed grip versus left identified and controlled by the developer, right handed grip versus left identified and controlled automatically by the system, right handed grip versus left handed grip identified and controlled by the user, back channel adaptive controls, intuitive learning mode wherein the gestures from a remote device, for example a TV, can communicate volume and channel gestures as defined by the user.
• Some embodiments of the present invention include a grip recognition code wherein the sensor can authenticate the user.
• a first sensory-interface device can adaptively send data to one or more other sensory-interface devices.
• the sensory-interface device has internal memory embedded in the system which is separate from the connected mobile device.
• the securely encrypted data is stored within the sensory case, wherein the sync code is stored in the external data storage.
• the present invention includes a sensory case that includes other external sensory devices such as has external microphones.
• automatic video-audio synchronization software is embedded in the data storage of the sensory- interface device and runs on a microprocessor also embedded in the sensory-interface device.
• a user with a first sensory-interface device can remotely connect to another user with a second sensory- interface device and can access the internal memory of the second sensory- interface device for authentication purposes.
• the authentication provides for encrypted payment processing of funds.
• the internal memory embedded in the sensory-interface device contains medical records that are accessible to emergency response personnel who can remotely access the data prior to an emergency event.
• a unique and novel feature of this invention is the attribute of hardware and software combining to create an environment which a user can customize.
• a user contributes to the "uEffect" score and parameter weightings.
• Game #l the user can access the content of the blog, view the parameters within the system and can suggest a new parameter to evaluate Game.
• Customization based on personal preferences is supported, including adapting controls, context dependent controls on both the sensory-interface device and the attached mobile device.
• the context is based the particular remote device a sensory- interface device is interacting with, for example a TV.
• the sensory-interface device enables multiple user authentication methods for various devices.
• a sensory-interface device can provide a sencode for a user's Apple computer at home based upon the sensory inputs from the sensory-interface device. When that same user goes to work, another sencode may be enabled which allows the user to log in to a network in the work environment.
• the sensory-interface device includes TV remote control functions that are enabled by the sensory inputs on the sensory-interface device.
• volume controls for all devices can be programmed in to be a specific gesture, for example, for a left handed person, to be a thumb swipe up or down on the left side of the sensory-interface device.
• This gesture input can be configured to change the volume from the TV or other devices up or down.
• the sensory-interface device is a protective case to mitigate the risk of damage to an attached mobile device should the device be dropped or be subject to other external forces.
• the invention provides for enhanced design characteristics to protect the mobile device and the components installed on the sensory-interface device.
• a touch sensitive protective case can be programmed to be an interactive TV remote: wherein the sensory-interface device case becomes a dynamic remote control.
• Another embodiment is a touch sensor housing, wherein the case can be customized to input Braille inputs based upon a user's preferences such as being right or left handed, or a Chinese keyboard wherein a finger or a thumb can activate a separate window that allows selection of various characters of Chinese language.
• a sensory-interface device includes a detachable, sensory device and serves as a protective housing for a mobile device that has one or more sensory components (one example being a capacitive touch (multitouch) sensor) embedded in it.
• the sensors are controlled by integrated circuits (ICs) in the housing, which are powered by a direct connection to the mobile device.
• ICs integrated circuits
• Data created by the sensors is processed by the ICs and then transmitted to the mobile device.
• the attached mobile device uses the processed multitouch sensor data to control the attached mobile device's Operating System and Application user interfaces.
• the processing of the data created by the sensors is processed by processors located and embedded within the sensory-interface device itself.
• the protective housing may include additional and/or alternative sensor types including a force sensing resistive touch (pressure) sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer, accelerometer, thermometer, GPS, fingerprint scanner, RFID reader, or Near Field Communication (NFC) reader.
• pressure force sensing resistive touch
• gyroscope magnetometer
• barometer barometer
• accelerometer thermometer
• GPS GPS
• fingerprint scanner RFID reader
• NFC Near Field Communication
• communication of the sensor data to the attached mobile device is not limited to a wired connection and also includes a wireless connection such as Bluetooth® or WiFi.
• a sensory-interface device includes a battery to power the sensors instead of drawing power from the attached mobile device.
• a wireless communication option exists wherein instead of sending the processed sensor data to a specific mobile device, the data is instead broadcast (with no specific endpoint) and any mobile device can receive the data and use it.
• the processing of the raw sensor data takes into account the "context" of the attached mobile device.
• the attached mobile device indicates to the sensory- interface device that headphones are plugged in and that a panning gesture up and down on the multitouch sensors should send a "Volume Up / Down" command to the mobile device instead of just a generic "Panning Gesture” indication.
• a sensory-interface device is implemented a "sticker", where the touch- sensitive surface, ICs and a battery are built into a flexible membrane that has a non- permanent, non-destructive adhesive on one side such that the sensory-interface device can be attached to any mobile device.
• the sensory-interface device is programmed for contextual processing.
• sensory-interface device includes ability for the code running on the sensory-interface device to deliver specific commands based upon a configurable context set by the attached mobile device.
• An example of a command is "Volume Up” or “Brightness Up” or “Call Mom”.
• An example of a context is "In Car” or "Headphones On” or Watching a Movie”.
• contexts are manually set through user interaction on the attached mobile device.
• contexts are automatically set based upon sensor data (the sensors could be on the attached mobile device or sensory-interface device itself).
• Context identification also is programmed in some embodiments to automatically change as configured or programmed by the sensory-interface device itself. For example, a GPS unit included with a sensory-interface device identifies the sensory-interface device is "In the House” so enabling that context.
• grip recognition is employed.
• the housing of the sensory-interface device includes force sensing resistive sensors that extend to the sides of the sensory-interface device, and the edges or bevels, to enable grip recognition.
• the distance and pattern of pressure points from a hand gripping the sensory-interface device are biometric readings that are used to identify specific individuals.
• sensor components built into the apparatus gather additional biometric readings including temperature, finger print patterns and color.
• the additional sensors are attached to or embedded within the sensory-interface device, while in other embodiments external sensors are wireless connected to the sensory-interface device.
• Other sensory components include card readers to identify and gather digital content.
• a level of certainty is generated based upon the amount of variation between an established grip (whose parameters are stored within the sensory-interface device) and the detected grip.
• grip recognition is used to provide a context for the above "Contextual Processing", attached mobile device unlocking (based on biometric readings), or other adaptive user interface paradigms based on user identification.
• compressed air in conjunction with an inflatable airbag, or multiple airbags is designed to be employed when risk of impact presents itself.
• a sensor embedded in the sensory-interface device detects a falling motion and potential impact beyond a safe threshold, and engages safety mechanisms (i.e., uses the compress air to inflate the air bag(s)).
• a sensory-interface device provides a method for users to interface with software applications and/or other users of other instance of sensory-interface devices in an interconnected environment wherein there is a link where data can be exchanged.
• the sensory-interface device contains touch sensitive inputs and other sensory components such as microphones, an internal controller and separate data storage independent of an attached mobile device.
• a first sensory-interface device in conjunction with an attached mobile device with a camera, provides a method of combining multiple data inputs simultaneously from several remote devices.
• a first sensory-interface device and attached mobile device act as a primary camera with other satellite sensory-interface devices and their attached mobile devices acting as other camera points.
• the satellite sensory-interface devices and attached mobile devices share a single point of audio, wherein the audio is automatically synchronized with the video data.
• the application with the algorithm to synchronize the audio and video data resides in the data storage within the primary sensory-interface device that is connected to a mobile iPhone.
• a sensory-interface device provides location marking and orientation for remote data collection systems. For example a camera system attached to a gimble, or a gyro set up in a separate remote location such as a helicopter is sent data collected from a mobile device or data collected via a sensory-interface device's sensory components.
• satellite sensory-interface devices collect audio.
• Software that runs on either an attached mobile device or internally on an embedded controller in the sensory-interface device, calculates the latency in the audio signal (due to distance), combines and synchronizes the audio data with the video data, stores the combined data, and transmits the combines audio/video data.
• the transmitted data is made available to anyone with access to the system (wireless, Bluetooth®, near field communications or internet).
• only users who have a sensory-interface device have access to the data.
• access to the combined audio/video data is based upon pre-determined digital access rules.
• the external sensors on the sensory-interface device detect the presence and identity of one specific individual.
• biometric identification is using a finger print obtained from a touch sensitive capacitive surface, and data that is stored in a sensory-interface device and processed by an embedded microcontroller in the sensory-interface device to identify and authenticate a user.
• the authentication can enable additional transactions such as a mobile payment.
• a user, or a user group can customize a sencode, which is a combination of sensory data points that provides for authentication for one user, or a senscode for more than one user.
• Sencodes and senscodes may incorporate traditional character input (numbers and/or letters) with one or more sensory inputs.
• Another example of a sencode is an audio sound that is converted to data.
• Another example is a set of touch sensory inputs configured to establish an individual grip on a mobile device.
• a software application specific to creating and interpreting sencodes and senscodes is configured to determine if a user is right or left handed.
• An advantage of the present invention is the ability to determine right and left handed users, and to provide specific content and/or user interfaces that are optimized to either a right handed user or a left handed user.
• the determination is automatic when configuring the attached mobile device.
• the right or left hand determination is configured within the sensory-interface device.
• a sensory-interface device connected to an attached mobile device, includes a laser.
• the laser is used detect distances to objects or surfaces, or to obtain other data. This data can then be shared with other users.
• One example is includes a number of interconnected sensory-interface device users, wherein data from a primary sensory-interface device can be processed in its onboard microcontroller, sometimes in conjunction with stored data, and then is transmitted via the attached mobile device to other (satellite) sensory-interface device/mobile device combinations, processed by the satellite sensory-interface devices and made available for display or for other output for satellite sensory- interface device users.
• a measuring wheel is attached to the sensory-interface device and the measurements collected can be converted to data and sent via the sensory-interface device to the attached mobile device, sent to storage either on board the sensory-interface device or to another location, and can be communicated to other devices based upon the digital rights management and authentications provided for by the sensory-interface device.
• sensors embedded in the sensory-interface device obtain pressure measurements of the local environment pressure.
• Customizable software interfaces communicate certain triggers, alarms or other data to the user and other users.
• personal data is stored in the sensory-interface device.
• individuals who are diabetic or have an unusual allergy or blood type often wear bracelets or other identification tags on their person.
• certain personal data including a medical record can be stored in and accessed via the sensory-interface device by emergency responding personnel based upon previously defined conditions.
• sensory inputs from the sensory-interface device will authenticate an individual before releasing the data.
• the data is encrypted for security purposes and the encryption key for a sencode or senscode is stored on the Sensus apparatus.
• data collected from a sensory-interface device is shared via a peer to peer sharing network.
• the senscode to unlock data can be sent to additional devices or provided for download, wherein a satellite sensory-interface device can store the senscode either within an attached mobile device or within the embedded data storage of the sensory-interface device. Because of the sensors embedded within the sensory-interface device, authentication information and other sensory data and information collected from the remote satellite sensory-interface devices can be transmitted back to a primary sensory-interface device.
• the sensory-interface device significantly improves the user interface for the content game and interaction with other users.
• the sensory-interface device enables multiple players can simultaneously access the game from the traditional touch-screen on an attached mobile device, while (via sensory- interface device enabling software code) other players access the game from the touch-sensitive surface on the back of the sensory-interface device.
• the sensory-interface device enables separate players to control separate functions within the game or other software application.
• a sensory-interface device includes a plurality of sensory output components that control the heat, vibration, color, and/or tactile feel of the sensory- interface device Such components are custom configured to provide output based on user input of sensor data and/or output of application programs.
• a sensory-interface device sends raw data to another device such as a mobile device.
• data is processed within the sensory-interface device.
• data is sent as commands.
• data is encrypted based upon a senscode or sencode.
• a sensory-interface device can be configured to have separate public keys for data access or output, and private keys for data access or output.
• a sensory-interface device and its attached mobile device are utilized as a remote control for a 3 rd device,
• a sensory-interface device can adaptively send data to one or more sensory- interface devices.
• a sensory-interface device includes a computer system, an external sensory case that contains sensory inputs for a mobile device, and wherein the sensory-interface device includes a microprocessor and attaches (wirelessly, or via direct connection) to a mobile device.
• a sensory-interface device includes one or more touch- sensitive surface that can detect finger gestures.
• a microprocessor embedded in the sensory- interface device can be configured (or manipulated) by a user or a developer to customize code that is manipulated in the microprocessor and/or the software application that is running on the attached mobile device.
• the sensory-interface device includes an embedded power supply or battery, independent of the attached mobile device's power source.
• a sensory-interface device includes external data storage capacity configured to provide authentication where the data can be secured.
• the data includes medical and financial data.
• digital rights management is used to secure digital storage containing architect/movie producer/photographer data.
• information available for emergency responders is biometrically secured.
• a sensory-interface device can authenticate a user via chorded input (multiple finger input), grip and/or gesture recognition.
• a sensory-interface device includes transmitting data via RFID such that the sensory-interface device services as a secure ID device to perform functions such as unlocking a cabinet or an encrypted data file.
• the touch-sensitive surface(s) are reconfigurable and dynamically mapped to virtual buttons, which facilitates multiplayer gaming wherein the cursors from a first sensory-interface device with attached mobile device reflect what is going on in another person's second sensory- interface device with attached mobile device.
• the connection between a first sensory-interface device with attached mobile device and a second sensory-interface device with attached mobile device is Bluetooth®.
• a sensory-interface device allows multiple game players to hold the device and simultaneously provide input via the touch-sensitive surface in order to collectively interact with a game and each other.
• a sensory- interface device includes a control device such as a wheel for gambling gaming.
• applications send data over a network for gaming, authentication or other collaborative purposes between a first sensory-interface device with attached mobile device and a second sensory-interface device with attached mobile device
• the present invention includes a novel method to send data to other external devices.
• a sensory-interface device includes light sensitive sensors programmed to gather light data including, ISO number, intensity, color values and color temperatures (in degrees Kelvin).
• the sensory-interface device essentially combines a light meter, a color meter and a flash meter that interfaces with the attached mobile device, and external devices such as light flash units, and communicates with other like apparatuses.
• a sensory-interface device enables an external device that triggers a flash device, enables a user interface on the attached mobile device screen, such that gesture sensor controls located on the sensory-interface device in conjunction with a touch sensitive screen on either the attached mobile device or on the back of the invention apparatus, recognize certain location input from a camera with the view displayed on the mobile device screen, wherein a light sensor reading can be measured by the sensory-interface device.
• the sensory-interface device can then communicate that reading to other external devices and trigger a flash or other function from the external devices.
• the present invention includes a method that includes providing a protective case having touch sensors, attaching the touch-sensor case to a user's mobile device, sensing touch of a user on the case; and wirelessly receiving data into the case.
• the present invention further includes sensing a grip of the user;
• the present invention further includes gathering data from a plurality of sources for compilation into at least one touch- sensitive device; such that the data can be sent to remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchable from a database that is internal to the touch-sensitive device that is accessible through a communications network.
• the present invention further includes sensing biometric data of the user. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes sensor components that are located on the back, sides and bevel edges of a protective, clip-on enclosure of a mobile electronic device. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes processing, sending data generated from the input sensory components to other electronic devices via a wireless communication network. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes receiving data generated from the input sensory components of other electronic devices via a wireless communication network. In some embodiments, the present invention further includes sending and receiving data generated from the input sensory components to a database embedded in the sensory clip on device. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes sending and receiving data generated from the input sensory components to a database located on a network separate from the sensory clip on device.
• the present invention further includes determining from the sensed grip whether the user is holding the device with a left hand. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes combining a first authentication code with a device authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-device authentication code that enables a software function of the mobile device. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes sensing some other parameter (light, gravity direction) or touch. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes providing feedback to the user by vibrating the case and /or activating an illumination source in the case. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes activating applications on other electronic devices (such as a TV), and receiving data parameters from other electronic devices; wherein the parameters can be interpreted and changed from touch- sensitive surfaces on the device. In some embodiments, the present invention further includes providing a cost parameter indicating price of some content and a content-type parameter; and combining the cost parameter with the first authentication code to form an authenticated purchase code and transmitting the authenticated purchase code to a remote server.
• a cost parameter indicating price of some
• the present invention further includes eliciting and receiving parameters indicative of sensory gestures of the user that indicate preferences improving user interface of software applications. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes eliciting and receiving parameters indicative of sensory gestures of the user that indicate preferences improving user interface of software applications that also incorporate a time function. In other embodiments, the present invention further includes eliciting and receiving parameters indicative of sensory inputs of the user to authenticate a user; and wherein a time function is included in the authentication.
• the parameters collected by the sensory inputs, and the authentication information is used in a plurality ways. Depending on the particular embodiment, this data may be stored on the sensory apparatus; stored on a remote server; communicated to a satellite sensory apparatus; used to authenticate a transaction, and/or used to authenticate a user.
• the present invention includes a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions when executed by a suitable information processor, perform a method which includes receiving a signal that includes parameters from a grip of the user on a protective case having a touch sensor, wherein the touch- sensor case is attached to a user's mobile device; determining from the sensed grip whether the user is holding the device with a left hand versus a right hand; and generating a first
• the present invention further includes the ability to identify if specific features are turned on or off. In some embodiments, the present invention further includes the ability to adjust the filter parameters to include sensitivity and data-quality measures. In some
• the present invention further includes enabling the customizable adjustment of filters. In some embodiments, the present invention further includes enabling filter adjustment of intentional and unintentional gestures or touch and other data considered noise. In some embodiments, the present invention further includes the ability for the apparatus to provide training of system applications, user adaption improving the user interface. In some
• the computer-readable medium of claim 2 having further instructions stored thereon, wherein the further instructions when executed by a suitable information processor, cause the method to further include combining the first authentication code with a device authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-device authentication code that enables a software function of the mobile device.
• the present invention further includes allowing for back channel adaptive control.
• the present invention further includes enabling intuitive learning modes wherein the gestures from an electronic device, such as a TV, can communicate volume and channel gestures as defined by the user.
• the present invention further includes enabling a separate operating environment independent to the attached mobile device.
• the present invention further includes enabling a separate operating environment independent to the attached mobile device; allowing for customizable features and applications.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes a protective case that has touch capacitive sensors, wherein the touch-sensor case is configured to be attached to a user's mobile device; sensors in the case configured to sense a grip of the user; a handedness detector operably connected to the sensor and configured to determine from the sensed grip whether the user holds the device with a left hand versus a right hand; and a user-authentication generator operably coupled to the handedness detector and configured to generate a first authentication code that is personal to the user based on the determination.
• the present invention further includes a combiner that combines the first authentication code with a device-authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-device-authentication code that enables a software function of the mobile device.
• the present invention further includes an audio component sensing audio input data and enabling audio output from data received from another electronic device; and combining sensory audio information in to authentication code.
• the present invention further includes a light sensitive component sensing light input data and enabling light and color output from data received from another electronic device; and combining sensory light information in to authentication code.
• the present invention further includes a pressure component sensing gravity and environmental pressure data and enabling the data to be sent to a data base or another electronic device; and combining pressure sensing information in to authentication code.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes a protective case that has touch capacitive sensors, wherein the touch-sensor case is configured to be attached to a user's mobile device.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes enabling a gesture, touch based switch wherein the code reverses of the 'front' touch display of the mobile device to the back touch panel of the senor device.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes code that stores information on the firmware of the sensor-case at the root level.
• the present invention includes a sensory- interface device which includes code that is agnostic in user interface that can broadcast and share with other remote electronic devices.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes code that enables the use of other additional sensory devices. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes code that enables the use of other additional sensory devices including a laser. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes code that enables the use of other additional sensory devices including an audio device.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes code that enables the use of other additional sensory devices including a wheel measure device.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes a light meter that can wireless trigger external flash devices, or other external apparatus.
• the present invention provides a method for implementing and using a sensory-interface device.
• the method includes: providing a protective case having plurality of touch-sensitive sensors; attaching the touch-sensor case to a user's mobile device; providing a communications mechanism configured exchange data between the protective case and a user's mobile phone; sensing touch of a user on the case; sensing a gesture made by the user on one of the touch sensitive surfaces; generating a first authentication code that is personal to the user based on the sensed gesture; combining the first authentication code with a device authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-device authentication code that enables a software function of the mobile device; and gathering data from a plurality of sources for compilation into at least one touch-sensitive device; wherein the data can be sent to remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchable from a database that is internal to the touch- sensitive device that is accessible through a communications network.
• the touch sensitive sensors are located on the back and sides of the protective case.
• the touch sensitive sensors sense touch location and pressure, and wherein the touch sensors sense multiple simultaneous touches.
• the touch-sensitive sensors measure the touch location and touch pressure variation over time.
• the sensed gesture is a grip, and determining from the sensed grip whether the user is holding the device with a left hand versus a right hand.
• the protective case includes a back, a plurality of sides and a plurality of beveled edges, and wherein the plurality of touch- sensitive sensors are located on the back, sides and bevel edges of the protective case.
• the protective case further includes secure data storage, a data encryption and decryption facility and encrypted data stored in the secure data storage; and the combined personal-and-device authentication code is required to access information the encrypted data in the secure data storage.
• the protective case further includes a laser and a light sensing device.
• the surface of the touch-sensitive sensors is textured to provide tactile feedback to the user.
• the communication mechanism between the protective case and the mobile phone is wireless.
• the communication mechanism between the protective case and the mobile phone is wired.
• the present invention provides a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions when executed by a suitable information processor, perform a method that includes: receiving a signal that includes parameters from a gesture made by a user on a protective case having a touch sensor, wherein the touch-sensor case is attached to a user's mobile device; generating a first authentication code that is personal to the user based on the gesture; combining the first authentication code with a device authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-device authentication code that enables a software function of the mobile device; and gathering data from a plurality of sources for compilation into at least one touch- sensitive device; wherein the data can be sent to remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchable from a database that is internal to the touch- sensitive device that is accessible through a communications network.
• the protective case further includes secure data storage, a data encryption and decryption facility and encrypted data stored in the secure data storage; and the medium further includes instructions such that the method further includes: eliciting and receiving data from the user; encrypting the data and storing the data in the secure data storage; eliciting and receiving from the user a gesture that generates the first authentication code that is required to access the encrypted data in the secure data storage; and decrypting the data.
• the present invention provides an apparatus that includes: a protective case that has touch capacitive sensors, wherein the touch-sensor case is configured to be attached to a user's mobile device; sensors in the case configured to sense a gesture made by the user; gesture detector operably connected to the sensor; and a user-authentication generator operably coupled to the gesture detector and configured to generate a first authentication code that is personal to the user based on the gesture.
• the touch sensitive sensors are located on the back and sides of the protective case.
• the touch sensitive sensors sense touch location and pressure variation over time, and wherein the touch sensors sense multiple simultaneous touches.
• the protective case further includes secure data storage, a data encryption and decryption facility and encrypted data stored in the secure data storage; and the authentication code is required to access information the encrypted data in the secure data storage.
• the gesture detector detects if the gesture is a grip a grip, and determines from the sensed grip whether the user is holding the device with a left hand versus a right hand.
• the protective case includes a back, a plurality of sides and a plurality of beveled edges, and wherein the plurality of touch-sensitive sensors are located on the back, sides and bevel edges of the protective case.
• the protective case includes a laser and a light sensing device.
• the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includes code that enables the use of other additional sensory devices; wherein certain code processes data on the apparatus; wherein the apparatus is external device separate from a wireless mobile device; wherein the apparatus has sensory inputs that enable user interface, and wherein the apparatus can wirelessly transmit data or code to enable separate functions on external, separate devices.
• the present invention includes a sensory- interface device which includes code that enables gathering more than one sensory data input, and combining the multivariate data inputs in to a summary symbol or score.
• the present invention further includes gesture based recognition of hand grip and finger and thumb navigation of the software application; wherein the software application functions within the mobile device.
• the present invention further includes gesture based recognition of hand grip and finger and thumb navigation of the software application; wherein the software application functions within the external sensory apparatus.
• the present invention further includes light sensor components that gather data; enabling a wireless trigger for an external device wherein the external device is one or more flash devices, enables an interface with the mobile device screen, the gesture sensor controls located on the apparatus, certain gestures are programmed to recognize location in put on the screen, wherein the light sensors than measure the light readings specific to the location input from the mobile device screen.

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Cited By (12)

Citations (6)

• 2013
  • 2013-04-23 WO PCT/US2013/037867 patent/WO2013163233A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (6)

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