Hard tap

Abstract

The use of variable-pressure taps in computer interfaces is disclosed in which tap inputs cause different functions to execute depending on the pressure applied by the tap. A hard tap is interpreted when a user makes rapid contact with the input surface, exceeding a threshold pressure within a threshold time, possibly without exceeding a threshold distance from the initial point of contact. Operating systems, applications, and other software may interpret a hard tap as a unique input, or as a double-click, right click, etc.

1 . A computer-implemented method for responding to a user interaction, comprising the steps of:
 (1) receiving a tap upon a display surface of a display device;   (2) determining whether the tap is a hard tap;   (3) responsive to determining that the tap is a hard tap, performing a first function; and   (4) responsive to determining that the tap is not a hard tap, performing a second function, wherein the second function is different from the first function.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (2) further comprises:
 (2a) evaluating whether a pressure of the tap over time exceeds a configurable threshold pressure within a configurable time threshold.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein step (2) further comprises:
 (2b) evaluating whether a location of the tap over time falls inside a configurable threshold distance.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 (2c) responsive to steps (2a) and (2b) both evaluating in the affirmative, determining that the tap is a hard tap.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first function is a left button click. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the second function is a double click. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the second function is a right button click. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the second function is a middle click. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the second function is a scroll wheel click. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the second function is displaying an on-screen keyboard. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the second function is launching an application. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tap is provided by a human finger. 
   
   
       13 . A computer-implemented method for performing a function responding to a tap, the method comprising:
 (1) receiving a tap input from an input device;   (2) evaluating whether a pressure of the tap input exceeds a configurable threshold pressure; and   (3) performing either a first function or a second function, which is different than the first function, in response to and depending upon the pressure of the tap input.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first function is a left button click. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second function is a double click. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second function is a right button click. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second function is displaying an on-screen keyboard. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second function is launching an application. 
   
   
       19 . A computer-readable medium for storing computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in  claim 13 . 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tap input is provided by a human finger.