Gestures for touch sensitive input devices

Abstract

Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.

1 . A touch-based method, comprising:
 (a) detecting a user input that occurs over a multipoint sensing screen or pad, the user input including one or more inputs, each input having a unique identifier;   (b) during the user input, classifying the user input as a tracking or selecting input when the user input includes one unique identifier or a gesture input when the user input includes at least two unique identifiers;   (c) performing tracking or selecting during the user input when the user input is classified as a tracking or selecting input;   (d) performing one or more control actions during the user input when the user input is classified as a gesturing input.   
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein scrolling or panning is performed when the at least two unique identifiers move together in substantially the same direction. 
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein zooming is performed when the at least two unique identifiers linearly move away or towards one another. 
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein rotation is performed when the at least two unique identifiers rotate relative to each other or relative to a known point. 
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein multiple control actions are performed simultaneously during the same user input. 
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein the user input is a continuous stroke, the stroke maintaining continuous contact on the multipoint sensing screen or pad. 
   
   
       7 . A computer implemented method for processing touch inputs, said method comprising:
 (a) reading data from a touch screen, the data pertaining to touch input with respect to the touch screen, and the touch screen having a multipoint capability;   (b) converting the data to a collection of features, wherein a feature includes a position and a magnitude for a sensing point;   (c) classifying the features;   (d) grouping the features into one or more feature groups;   (e) calculating key parameters of the feature groups; and   (f) associating the feature groups to user interface elements on a display.   
   
   
       8 . The computer implemented method as recited in  claim 7  wherein said method further comprises:
 recognizing when at least one of the feature groups indicates performance of a gesture relative to its associated user interface element.   
   
   
       9 . The computer implemented method as recited in  claim 7  wherein said method further comprises:
 providing user feedback when at least one of the feature groups indicates performance of a gesture relative to its associated user interface element, wherein the user feedback is in addition to changes made to the user interface element.   
   
   
       10 . The computer implemented method as recited in  claim 7  wherein said method further comprises:
 implementing an action when at least one of the feature groups indicates performance of a gesture relative to its associated user interface element.   
   
   
       11 . The computer implemented method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said method further comprises:
 providing user feedback in conjunction with the action, wherein the user feedback is in addition to the implemented action and changes made to the user interface element.   
   
   
       12 . The computer implemented method as recited in  claim 7  wherein the operation of associating comprises:
 (a) receiving group of features;   (b) determining if there is a change in number of features;   (c) if there is a change, calculating initial parameter values;   (d) if there is no change, calculating current parameter values; and   (e) reporting both the initial and current parameter values.   
   
   
       13 . A computer implemented method for initiating floating controls via a touch screen, the method comprising:
 (a) detecting the presence of an object on the touch screen;   (b) recognizing the object; and   (c) generating a user interface element on the touch screen in the vicinity of the object based on the recognized object.   
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the user interface element includes one or more control options that can be selected by a user of the touch screen. 
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 14  further comprising generating a control signal when one of the control options is selected by the object. 
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein the control signal modifies the functionality of the computer. 
   
   
       17 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein the control signal modifies a user interface element. 
   
   
       18 . The method as recited in  claim 13  wherein the object is a finger or a stylus.