Gimballed scroll wheel

Abstract

An input device that includes both a movement detector, such as mechanical switch, and positional indicator, such as touch pad touch screen, and/or touch sensing housing is disclosed. These two input devices can be used substantially simultaneously to provide a command to the device. In this manner, different commands can be associated with depressing a moveable member in different areas and a single moveable member can perform like several buttons.

1 . A device comprising:
 a touch panel, and   a single switch configured to be activated by movement of the touch panel,   the touch panel being configured to move relative to the device about multiple axes.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein signals associated with the touch panel and signals associated with the single switch are used in combination to simulate buttons associated with distinct areas of the touch panel. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the touch panel is divided into multiple distinct button zones. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the button zones are designated by a light source. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein each of the distinct button zones is associated with a button function. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the button function comprises one of a Menu, Forward, Back, Play, Stop, Pause and Select function. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the touch panel is round. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is included in a media player. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is included in a cellular phone. 
     
     
         10 . A device comprising:
 a frame,   a platform configured to move relative to the frame, the platform comprising a touch panel, and   a single switch configured to push the platform into engagement with the frame.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the platform is configured to tilt relative to the frame in response to a force applied to a side of the platform. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the platform is configured to move relative to the frame without tilting in response to a force applied to a center of the platform. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a processor configured to receive a first signal generated by the touch panel indicating a position of an input on the touch panel,
 receive a second signal generated by the switch indicating that the touch panel has been moved, and   generate a command in response to the first and second signals.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the touch panel is round. 
     
     
         15 . A device comprising:
 a frame comprising a top wall and a bottom wall,   a plate configured to tilt within the frame, the plate comprising a touch panel, a first side and a second side, the first side opposite from the second side, and   a single flexible member positioned between the bottom wall of the frame and the plate, in response to a press on the first side of the plate, the frame being configured to limit an amount of tilt of the plate by contact between the first side of the plate and the bottom wall of the frame and by contact between the second side of the plate and the top wall of the frame, and   in response to a press on the second side of the plate, the frame being configured to limit an amount of tilt of the plate by contact between the second side of the plate and the bottom wall of the frame and by contact between the first side of the plate and the top wall of the frame.   
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the plate comprises a single flat bottom surface 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the top wall of the frame comprises an opening within which the touch panel is configured to float. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the plate comprises a tab protruding from the first side and the second side of the plate and extending under the top wall of the frame. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the flexible member comprises a portion of a switch. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the flexible member is configured to activate the switch in response to movement of the plate. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the flexible member forms a bubble shape in a rest position. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the flexible member is configured to invert when moving from a rest position to a depressed position.