Detecting a user input with an input device

Abstract

An input device and methods for detecting user input using an input device. An example input device includes a multi-touch sensing display configured to detect multiple simultaneous triggers on a surface of the multi-touch sensing display as distinct input events. The input device also includes at least one mechanical control element arranged on the surface of the multi-touch sensing display. The at least one mechanical control element is configured to generate an input event. The input event is detected by the multi-touch sensing display in response to actuation of the at least one mechanical control element.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An input device comprising:
 a multi-touch sensing display configured to detect multiple simultaneous triggers on a surface of the multi-touch sensing display as distinct input events;   a plurality of mechanical control elements arranged on the surface of the multi-touch sensing display, a first mechanical control element of the plurality of mechanical control elements is configured to control a function in response to a first user input; and   a touch-sensitive area positioned adjacent to the first mechanical control element and configured to receive a second user input,   wherein the second user input corresponds to a detected touch on the touch-sensitive area, and   wherein the touch-sensitive area is configured to change the function provided by the first mechanical control element based on a position of the detected touch on the touch-sensitive area.   
     
     
         2 . The input device of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of mechanical control elements includes a plurality of rotary knobs fixedly mounted to the surface of the multi-touch sensing display. 
     
     
         3 . The input device of  claim 2  wherein each rotary knob comprises a movable component and a shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The input device of  claim 3  wherein each rotary knob is configured to revolve around the shaft that is attached to a base that is attached to the surface of the multi-touch sensing display. 
     
     
         5 . The input device of  claim 1  where the multi-touch sensing display is configured to detect multiple simultaneous triggers that include touches, near-touches, or a combination thereof as distinct input events. 
     
     
         6 . The input device of  claim 1  wherein the touch-sensitive area surrounds the first mechanical control element. 
     
     
         7 . A method of detecting a user input with an input device comprising a multi-touch sensing display adapted to detect distinct input events and a plurality of mechanical control elements arranged on a surface of the multi-touch sensing display, the method comprising:
 in response to an actuation of a first mechanical control element of the plurality of mechanical control elements related to a first user input, generating an input event to control a function and detecting the input event by the multi-touch sensing display;   adjusting a parameter associated with the first mechanical control element in accordance with the detected input event;   detecting, at a touch sensitive area that is positioned adjacent to the first mechanical control element, a second user input that corresponds to a detected touch on the touch-sensitive area, and   changing the function provided by the first mechanical control element based on a position of the detected touch on the touch-sensitive area.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the plurality of mechanical control elements includes a plurality of rotary knobs fixedly mounted to the surface of the multi-touch sensing display. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein each rotary knob comprises a movable component and a shaft. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising revolving each rotary knob around the shaft that is attached to a base that is attached to the surface of the multi-touch sensing display. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising detecting, via the multi-touch sensing display, multiple simultaneous triggers that include touches, near-touches, or a combination thereof as distinct input events. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the touch-sensitive area surrounds the first mechanical control element. 
     
     
         13 . An audio console comprising:
 an input device including a multi-touch sensing display configured to detect multiple simultaneous triggers on a surface of the multi-touch sensing display as distinct input events,   a plurality of mechanical control elements arranged on the surface of the multi-touch sensing display, a first mechanical control element of the plurality of mechanical control elements configured to generate an input event in response to a first user input to control a function, the input event being detected by the multi-touch sensing display in response to actuation of the first mechanical control element; and   a touch-sensitive area positioned adjacent to the first mechanical control element and being configured to receive a second user input,   wherein the second user input corresponds to a detected touch on the touch-sensitive area, and   wherein the touch-sensitive area is configured to change the function controlled by the first mechanical control element based on a position of the detected touch on the touch-sensitive area.   
     
     
         14 . The audio console of  claim 13  wherein the plurality of mechanical control elements includes a plurality of rotary knobs fixedly mounted to the surface of the multi-touch sensing display. 
     
     
         15 . The audio console of  claim 14  wherein each rotary knob comprises a movable component and a shaft. 
     
     
         16 . The audio console of  claim 15  wherein each rotary knob is configured to revolve around the shaft that is attached to a base that is attached to the surface of the multi-touch sensing display. 
     
     
         17 . The audio console of  claim 13  wherein the multi-touch sensing display is configured to detect multiple simultaneous triggers that include touches, near-touches, or a combination thereof as distinct input events. 
     
     
         18 . The audio console of  claim 13  wherein the touch-sensitive area surrounds the first mechanical control element.