Accepting user control

Abstract

The invention is directed to an improvement in mechanisms and techniques for accepting user input. An apparatus for accepting a user input is described comprising a display, detector and controller. The display is configured to show an initial output. The detector is positioned in a location with respect to the display such that the detector detects placement of a trigger, such as a user's hand, proximate to the display. Various methods of detection such as infra-red detection, ultrasonic detection, capacitive detection, etc. may alternatively be used. The controller is configured to, upon placement of the trigger in a relative position with respect to the detector, cause the display to display an alternative output. After a pre-determined period of time, the display automatically reverts to the initial output or similar reduced-content output.

1 . An apparatus for accepting a user input comprising: 
 a display, wherein the display is configured to show an initial output;    a control, located proximate to the display, a detector, wherein the detector is positioned with respect to the display such that the detector detects placement of a trigger proximate to a portion of the display associated with the control; and    a controller, wherein the controller is configured to, upon placement of a trigger proximate to the portion of the display, cause the display to display different information, the information associated with the control.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus for accepting a user input comprising: 
 a display, wherein the display is configured to show an initial output;    a detector, wherein the detector is positioned with respect to the display such that the detector detects placement of a trigger proximate to the display; and    a controller, wherein the controller is configured to, upon placement of a trigger in a relative position with respect to the detector, cause the display to display an alternative output.