Interactive input device

Abstract

An implementation of the technology includes a control device that is used in conjunction with a computing device (e.g. a media player or smartphone), that allows a user to control the operation of the computing device without directly handling the computing device itself. This allows the user to interact with the computing device in a more convenient manner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for interacting with an application on a processing apparatus, comprising:
 an input module;   a processing module; and   a transmission module;   wherein the input component is configured to detect a tactile input applied by a user;   wherein the processing component is configured to translate the input into an application command; and   wherein the transmission component is adapted to transmit the command to the processing apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tactile input comprises one or more of the following: a momentary touching gesture, a sustained touching gesture, and a swiping gesture. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tactile input comprises a series of two of more of the following: a momentary touching gesture, a sustained touching gesture, and a swiping motion gesture. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing component is configured to determine a number of fingers used by the user to apply the input. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the processing component is configured to translate the input into an application command based on the number of fingers detected. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more audio speakers. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the application is a media management application. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing apparatus is one of the following: a media player, a smartphone, a gaming device, and a computer. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the command comprises a command to control a media playback function of the processing apparatus. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the command comprises a command to transmit a message to a recipient through a communications network. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the communications network comprises one or more of the following: a LAN, a WAN, the internet, and a cellular network. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the recipient is a communications device, a social media website, an email server, and a telephone. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a steering wheel for controlling a vehicle.