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 device comprising:
 a frame,   a moveable platform configured to move relative to the frame, the moveable platform comprising a touch sensitive surface, and   a switch comprising two domes configured to push the moveable platform into engagement with the frame.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the moveable platform is configured to tilt relative to the frame in response to a force applied to a side of the moveable platform. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , comprising a processor configured to
 receive a first signal generated by the touch sensitive surface indicating a position of an input on the touch sensitive surface,   receive a second signal generated by the switch indicating that the touch sensitive surface has been moved, and   generate a command in response to the first and second signals.   
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is round. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the tilting action of the moveable platform relative to the frame enables the touch sensitive surface to move in multiple degrees of freedom relative to the frame, each of the multiple degrees of freedom being associated with a function of the device, the tilting action of the moveable platform relative to the frame enabling a user of the device to make a selection. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the device comprises a media player. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the touch sensitive surface comprises multiple spatially distinct input zones, each of the input zones having a corresponding indicator for generating a distinct user input signal when the touch sensitive surface is depressed in the region of one of the input zones. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the touch sensitive surface comprises at least four spatially distinct input zones. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is based on a polar coordinate system. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein one of the input zones corresponds to selection of a media file. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the two domes are configured to push the moveable platform into engagement with the frame to thereby align the touch sensitive surface with an external surface of the frame. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is configured to receive rotational inputs. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the moveable platform is configured to pivot about a first contact between the moveable platform and the frame when a force is applied to the touch sensitive surface in a first zone located on a side of the touch sensitive surface opposite the first contact, and wherein the moveable platform is configured to pivot about a second contact between the moveable platform and the frame when a force is applied to the touch sensitive surface in a second zone located on a side of the touch sensitive surface opposite the second contact. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is configured to be depressed relative to the frame in response to a force applied to the touch sensitive surface to thereby generate a button signal. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is configured to receive rotational inputs. 
     
     
         17 . A device comprising:
 a frame,   a moveable platform comprising a touch sensitive surface, and   a switch comprising two domes configured to push the moveable platform into engagement with the frame,   the moveable platform being configured to tilt relative to the frame to enable the touch sensitive surface to move in multiple degrees of freedom relative to the frame, each of the multiple degrees of freedom being associated with a function of the device, the tilting action of the moveable platform relative to the frame enabling a user of the device to make a selection.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is configured to receive rotational inputs. 
     
     
         19 . A device comprising:
 a frame,   a moveable platform comprising a touch sensitive surface, and   a switch comprising two domes configured to push the moveable platform into engagement with the frame,   the moveable platform being configured to pivot about a first contact between the moveable platform and the frame when a force is applied to the touch sensitive surface in a first zone located on a side of the touch sensitive surface opposite the first contact, and the moveable platform being configured to pivot about a second contact between the moveable platform and the frame when a force is applied to the touch sensitive surface in a second zone located on a side of the touch sensitive surface opposite the second contact.   
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is configured to receive rotational inputs.