William Hanson's Patents for Touch-Based User Interfaces

William Hanson

Patents; (granted)

Title: 7,986,310 Three-dimensional contact-sensitive features for electronic devices.
Inventors: Gettemy, Shawn R. (San Jose, CA); Lam, Lawrence (San Jose, CA); Hanson, William R. (Mountain View, CA).
Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (Houston, TX).
App. No.: 11/869,701.
Filed: October 9, 2007.
Abstract:
An electronic device is formed at least partially from a deflectable material that generates an electrical signal in response to
contact. The first material is integrated with a display module to provide a shaped feature on the exterior surface of the display
module. The shaped feature detects contact with an external object on one or more contact points, where contact with the
contact points corresponds to a defined input for a processor of the electronic device.

Title: 7,973,772 Single piece top surface display layer and integrated front cover for an electronic device.
Inventors: Gettemy; Shawn R. (San Jose, CA), Hanson; William R. (Mountain View, CA), Lam; Lawrence (San Jose, CA),
Slothower; Anna P. (Belmont, CA).
App. No.: 11/758,888.
Filed: June 6, 2007.
Abstract:
A single-piece top surface display and integrated front cover for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the cover comprises a
thin, flexible, transparent layer coupled with a supporting structure. The flexible layer is supported above a display screen which
is coupled with pressure activated sensors located under the display screen. The cover is dust-free, waterproof, and has a flat
outer surface that is free of any steps or indentations. Users input data by applying pressure on the cover which causes the
display screen to deflect and activate the sensors. The pressure exerted on the sensors is triangulated to register the position of
the user input. In another embodiment, the cover is transparent, rigid, and directly contacts the pressure activated sensors which
are located in front of the display screen or in the housing behind it. When pressure is applied to the cover, the cover deflects
and activates the sensors. In both embodiments, an accelerometer identifies valid input events.

Title: 7,911,445 Extension device of handheld computing device.
Inventors: Gettemy; Shawn R. (San Jose, CA), Fraser; Sherridythe A. (San Jose, CA), Lee; Kevin (San Jose, CA),
Hanson; William R. (Mountain View, CA), Wong; Yoon Kean (Redwood City, CA), Oliver; Mark W. (Fox River
Grove, IL).
App. No.: 11/530,430.
Filed: September 8, 2006.
Abstract:
A display system for a handheld computing device is disclosed. The display system includes a processing unit having a first
communication port, and a visual display unit separable from the processing unit. The visual display unit further includes a visual
display, and a second communication port. The display unit can be expanded from an initial or storage state to present a larger
visual display size. Further, the first communication port providing communication with the second communication port.

Title: 7,095,387 Display expansion method and apparatus.
Inventors: Lee; Kevin (San Jose, CA), Gettemy; Shawn R. (San Jose, CA), Fraser; Sherridythe A. (San Jose, CA),
Hanson; William R. (Mountain View, CA), Wong; Yoon Kean (Redwood City, CA), Oliver; Mark W. (Fox River
Grove, IL).
Assignee: Palm, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
App. No.: 10/085,911.
Filed: February 28, 2002.
Abstract:
A portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device includes a housing. The portable electronic device also
includes computing electronics that are supported by the housing. The computing electronics include a processor, a display
controller coupled to the processor, and memory coupled to the processor. The portable electronic device disclosed also
includes an expandable display coupled with a display controller. The expandable display is expandable from a first size to a
second size. The first size is different than the second size. A sensor is coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to
provide a signal representative of the size of the display.

Title: 7,079,119 Cover for electronic device.
Inventors: Hanson; William R. (Mountain View, CA), Gettemy; Shawn R. (San Jose, CA), Wong; Yoon Kean (Redwood
City, CA).
App. No.: 10/085,326.
Filed: February 28, 2002.
Abstract:
An electronic device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) is disclosed. The electronic device includes a cover coupled to a
computing device. The cover may include at least one of a touch panel and a lighting system.

Title: 7,048,401 Method and apparatus for directing light to a display and other features in a device.
Inventors: Lee; Kevin (San Jose, CA), Gettemy; Shawn R. (San Jose, CA), Fraser; Sherridythe A. (San Jos, CA),
Hanson; William R. (Mountain View, CA), Wong; Yoon Kean (Redwood City, CA).
App. No.: 10/346,619.
Filed: January 17, 2003.
Abstract:
A lighting system for a portable electronic device or handheld computer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the lighting system
includes a light source coupled to a light distributing element. The light distributing element is coupled to a phosphorescent
material. The phosphorescent material is coupled to a display and/or input device. The light source pulses on and off to maintain
light at a display and/or input device.
Title: 6,685,328 Display having planar light guide with integrally formed frame.
Inventors: Hanson, William R. (Mountain View, CA); Gettemy, Shawn R. (San Jose, CA); Fraser, Sherri (San Jose, CA);
Oliver, Mark (Fox River Grove, IL).
Assignee: palmOne, Inc. (Milpitas, CA).
App. No.: 09/940,833.
Filed: August 27, 2001.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a display assembly including a display screen, a planar light guide, a light source, a light bar, and
a frame. The frame is integrally molded with the planar light guide to form a single component, wherein the top and said bottom
of the light guide is not obstructed by the plastic frame. The planar light guide is disposed above the display screen and provides
mechanical support of the display. The light bar is disposed between the planar light guide and the light source, and acts to
couple light from the light source into the planar light guide.

Title: 7,701,442 Automatic orientation-based user interface for an ambiguous handheld device.
Inventors: Wong; Yoon Kean (Menlo Park, CA), Hanson; William Robert (Mountain View, CA), Gettemy; Shawn R. (San
Jose, CA).
App. No.: 11/773,270.
Filed: July 3, 2007.
Abstract:
An electronic device is provided that includes a user-interface feature, a detection mechanism and one or more internal
components. The user-interface feature is configurable to have a selected orientation about one or more axes. The detection
mechanism can detect orientation information about the electronic device. The one or more components may select the
orientation of the user-interface feature based on the detected orientation information.
Title: 7,551,429 Multifunctional cover integrated into sub-panel of portable electronic device.
Inventors: Hanson; William Robert (Mountain View, CA), Wong; Yoon Kean (Redwood City, CA).
App. No.: 11/644,223.
Filed: December 22, 2006.
Abstract:
A cover for an opening in the housing of a portable electronic device that provides a function in addition to that of protecting the
opening from dirt. The cover can be coupled to the housing so that it can move between a closed position within the housing's
surface recess and an open position that allows access to the opening in the housing. In the closed position, the cover becomes
part of the housing and the form factor of the device is generally unchanged. The cover can function as an antenna for wireless
communication between the device and a network or access point, and it can contain circuitry for devices such as
transmitter/receivers. The cover can also function as a display device, a speaker, or an alarm. Thus an existing cover that
occupies space within the volume of a handheld device can be utilized for expanding the functionality of the device while
generally retaining the current form factor of the device.

Title: 7,411,583 Optical sensor based user interface for a portable electronic device.
Inventors: Wong, Yoon Kean (Menlo Park, CA); Hanson, William Robert (Mountain View, CA).
App. No.: 10/951,537.
Filed: September 27, 2004.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method are described herein, which simultaneously promotes a positive computing experience for users of
portable computer systems and increases overall durability and longevity thereof. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus
enhances the user computing experience, in one embodiment by simplifying operation, and is much more durable and long-
lasting than mechanical switch and dial type devices it may replace. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an
apparatus, which enables efficient portable computer device function, field, and data selection, gaming, input, interconnection,
and other switching-related functions, simplifying operation and enhancing versatility thereof, yet without exposing the portable
computer interior to any degree to incursion of environmental contamination. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus obviates
openings in a portable computer package, which would otherwise be required. In one embodiment, the apparatus, capable of
sensing manipulation and directed by software, has a light source and corresponding light sensor.

Title: 7,280,100 Accessory module for handheld devices.
App. No.: 09/975,544.
Filed: October 11, 2001.
Abstract:
An accessory module or accessory display device for a handheld computer is disclosed. The device includes an interface
configured to be coupled to a handheld computer through an interface slot. The module may be flexibly hinged to the
interconnect interface, permitting the coupling of the module to a variety of host devices. The module includes memory
configured to store information customized to the user.

Title: 7,159,194 Orientation dependent functionality of an electronic device.
App. No.: 10/006,525.
Filed: November 30, 2001.
Abstract:
An electronic device is provided that includes a housing, a plurality of modules, a sensor and a selection mechanism. The
housing has multiple housing segments, with each segment housing one of the plurality of modules. The sensor detects an
orientation of the electronic device. The selection mechanism automatically selects at least one, but nor all, of the plurality of
modules to be active, based on the detected orientation of the electronic device.

Title: 7,091,964 Electronic device with bezel feature for receiving input.
Inventors: Wong; Yoon Kean (Menlo Park, CA), Hanson; William Robert (Mountain View, CA), Gettemy; Shawn R. (San
Jose, CA).
App. No.: 10/006,342.
Abstract:
An electronic device includes a bezel feature, a connector and a processor. The bezel feature is provided on the front panel and
interfaces with the processor. The bezel feature includes a circumferential track provided on the front panel and is formed by a
contact-sensitive material that provides a surface capable of detecting contact from a user at multiple positions on the track. The
contact indicates an input based on both a starting position and a finishing position of the contact on the track. The processor is
configured to calculate the input based on the starting position and the finishing position and to perform an operation
corresponding to a selection of an application based on the input.

Title: 7,057,579 Moveable output device.
Inventors: Hanson, William Robert (Mountain View, CA); Gettemy, Shawn R. (San Jose, CA); Fraser, Sherridythe A. (San
Jose, CA); Wong, Yoon Kean (Redwood City, CA); Oliver, Mark W. (Fox River Grove, IL).
App. No.: 10/806,660.
Filed: March 23, 2004.
Abstract:
A display system is disclosed. The display system includes a processor. The display system also includes a first display device
having a first display surface and receiving display data from the processor. The display system also includes a second
displayed device having a display area smaller then the first display device and moveable over the surface of the first display
device. The display system also includes a sensor in communication with the processor and communicating location data to the
processor. The location data is representative of the relative location of the first display to the second display. Further still, the
display system includes a program running on the processor and providing display data to the first and second display devices.
The display data is provided to the second display device based on the location data.

Title: 6,755,533 Moveable display device for three dimensional image creation.
Inventors: Fraser, Sherridythe A. (San Jose, CA); Hanson, William Robert (Mountain View, CA).
App. No.: 09/997,383.
Abstract:
A display system is disclosed. The display system includes a processor and a first display device having a first display surface
and receiving display data from the processor. The display system also includes a second display device having a display area
smaller than the first display device and moveable over the surface of the first display device. The second display device is either
partially transparent or partially translucent. The display system also includes a sensor in communication with the processor and
communicating location data to the processor. The location data is representative of the relative location of the first display to the
second display. A program is configured to run on the processor and provides display data to the first and second display
devices such that the display data prior to the second display device is based on the location data. A user of the system views a
composite three-dimensional image when viewing the second display. The composite three-dimensional image is made up of a
partial first image from the first display viewed through the second display and a partial second image from the second display.

Patents; (applied)

App. No.: Filed: Title:

1 9821522 Mar. 29, 2001 Expandable miniature accessory card for handheld computer.
2 10085924 Feb. 28, 2002 Wireless detachable display.
3 10085945 Feb. 28, 2002 Detachable expandable flexible display.
4 9996149 Nov. 28, 2001 Detachable flexible and expandable display with touch sensor apparatus & method.
5 9989273 Nov. 20, 2001 Non-visible light display illumination system and method.
6 12939900 Nov. 04, 2010 Sealed Chip Package.

William Hanson's Patents for Touch-Based User Interfaces

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