Movable touch pad with added functionality

Abstract

An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a first control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A portable electronic device comprising:
 a display,   a first input comprising a switch, the switch enabling generation of first input signals that activate at least a portion of the device,   a second input enabling generation of second input signals, and   a touch-sensitive input associated with the display, the touch-sensitive input enabling generation of third input signals when an object touches or is moved across a surface of the touch-sensitive element and fourth input signals when an object applies pressure to the touch-sensitive input.   
     
     
         3 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the touch-sensitive input is configured to flex when the object applies pressure to the touch-sensitive input. 
     
     
         4 . The portable electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the touch-sensitive input enables the generation of the fourth input signals by flexing. 
     
     
         5 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the touch-sensitive input comprises a first sensor that senses touch or movement and a second sensor that senses force. 
     
     
         6 . The portable electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein the first sensor is disposed on a first side of the touch-sensitive input and the second sensor is disposed on a second side of the touch-sensitive input. 
     
     
         7 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first input and the second input comprises a button. 
     
     
         8 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , comprising a light-sensitive sensor, the light-sensitive sensor generating fifth input signals based on light input to the device. 
     
     
         9 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein multiple device functions are selectively enabled by simultaneous receipt of at least two of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         10 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein multiple device functions are selectively enabled by sequential receipt of at least two of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         11 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the touch-sensitive input comprises at least one of a resistive sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, and a capacitive sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , comprising an output that enables audio output in response to receipt of at least one of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         13 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein multiple device functions are selectively enabled by receipt of at least one of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         14 . The portable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the multiple device functions comprises a scrolling function. 
     
     
         15 . The portable electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the scrolling function comprises scrolling through a list. 
     
     
         16 . The portable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the multiple device functions is enabled by translational movement of at least one of the inputs. 
     
     
         17 . The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the multiple device functions is selectively enabled by simultaneous receipt of at least two of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         18 . A method, comprising:
 enabling, via a first input, generation of first input signals that activate at least a portion of a portable electronic device,   enabling, via a second input, generation of second input signals, and   enabling, via a touch-sensitive input associated with a display of the portable electronic device, generation of third input signals when an object touches or is moved across a surface of the touch-sensitive element and fourth input signals when an object applies pressure to the touch-sensitive input.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein multiple device functions are selectively enabled by simultaneous receipt of at least two of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein multiple device functions are selectively enabled by sequential receipt of at least two of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the multiple device functions is enabled by translational movement of at least one of the inputs.