A Limited Key Set Electronic Device Having an Enhanced User Input Mode

专利摘要:
Abstract. Provided is an in-home display unit for assisting users in effective management of their energy usage. The display unit captures data from a smart electricity meter and displays such data and measures derived from such data on its screen. The display unit has 5 a user interface unit for receiving user inputs comprising a limited key set such that the number of keys of said key set is not sufficient to constitute a standard numerical key set. In use, the display unit increments or decrements a displayed numerical value in response to a user input and displays the resultant incremented or decremented numerical value. The display unit has an enhanced user input mode whereby, when a count of successive 10 user input events of the same determined event type equals or exceeds a threshold, the currently displayed numerical value is then successively incremented or decremented by a substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type. Fig. 1 lsla is 18bFig 18 18a Fig. 2
公开号:AU2013202379A1
申请号:U2013202379
申请日:2013-04-03
公开日:2014-07-31
发明作者:Lawrence Kwok Wah Law；Vincent Wang Shun Tse
申请人:INTERCEL INVEST Ltd；
IPC主号:G06F3-0484

专利说明:
1 5 10 Complete Specification. Title: A Limited Key Set Electronic Device Having an Enhanced User Input Mode. 15 2 A Limited Key Set Electronic Device Having an Enhanced User Input Mode. Field of the Invention. The invention relates to an electronic device of the type having a limited key set for 5 entering user inputs and, more particularly, but not exclusively to an interactive in-home display unit which displays data and results derived from data captured from a smart electricity meter or the like and which receives user inputs through a limited key set user input interface. 10 Background of the Invention. In the IntercelTM eKoTM in-home display unit for displaying data relating to a user's energy use derived from the user's smart electricity meter and/or from one or more energy consuming devices, users are enabled, or even required in some cases, to adjust the magnitude of a displayed numerical value or parameter in certain input screens. However, 15 because the IntercelTM eKoTM in-home display unit is an electronic device of the type having a severely limited user input key set in its user input interface, i.e. it has three user input keys whose functions include: increment the displayed value; decrement the displayed value; and confirm the user inputted change, a problem arises where a level or magnitude of a displayed numerical value is significantly different than the level of a user 20 desired target value. In such a case, where the level of the initial value differs from the target value by a considerable amount and the step size for incrementing or decrementing the displayed value in response to each relevant user input is small, the user is required to make a multiplicity of inputs to adjust the initial value to the reach the target value. This may be overly time consuming for the user and does not provide a good user experience. 25 Furthermore, the user may become so frustrated by the effort required to change the value of a displayed parameter that the user may choose to not complete the change of value required for a function of the display unit or the user may make erroneous adjustments, all of which are not desirable and may compromise the useful functioning of the display unit. 30 Objects of the Invention.
3 An object of the invention is to mitigate or obviate to some degree one or more problems associated with known electronic devices of the type having a limited key set for entering user inputs, or to provide a useful alternative. The above object is met by the combination of features of the main claims; the sub 5 claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention. Another object of the invention is to mitigate or obviate to some degree one or more problems associated with known in-home display units of the type which display data captured from smart electricity meters or the like and which receive user inputs through a limited key set user input interface. 10 Another object of the invention is to provide an enhanced user input mode of operation for an electronic device of the type having a limited key set for entering user inputs. One skilled in the art will derive from the following description other objects of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing statements of object are not exhaustive and serve 15 merely to illustrate some of the many objects of the present invention. Summary of the Invention. In one aspect, the invention provides an in-home display unit for assisting users in effective management of their energy usage. The display unit captures data from a smart 20 electricity meter and/or from one or more energy consuming devices and displays such data and measures or parameters derived from such data on its screen. The display unit has a user input interface for receiving user inputs comprising a limited key set such that the number of keys of said key set is not sufficient to constitute a standard numerical key set. In use, the display unit increments or decrements a displayed numerical value in response 25 to a relevant user input and displays the resultant incremented or decremented numerical value on the screen. The display unit has an enhanced user input mode whereby, when a count of successive user input events of a same determined event type equals or exceeds a threshold, the currently displayed numerical value is then successively incremented or decremented by a substantially increased step size in response to each further user input 30 event of the same determined event type. In a first main aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device having an accelerated input mode, comprising: a screen for displaying a numerical value to be adjusted in response to a user input; a user input interface for receiving a user input; a 4 memory storing program instructions; a processor configured to execute said program instructions to implement the steps of: a) determining a type of user input event in response to a user input received at the user input interface; b) incrementing or decrementing the displayed numerical value by a predetermined step amount in response to said determined 5 type of user input event and displaying a resultant incremented or decremented numerical value; c) maintaining a count of successive user input events of the same determined event type; d) determining that said count of successive user input events equals or exceeds a threshold number; and e) in response thereto, implementing an accelerated input mode whereby a currently displayed numerical value is successively incremented or decremented 10 by a substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type. One advantage of the enhanced user input mode of operation, i.e. the accelerated input mode, is that it considerably improves a user's experience when inputting changes to the electronic device. 15 In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device may comprise an in-home display unit that is configured to capture data from another electronic device. The another electronic device is preferably a smart electricity meter, but it may comprise any device that consumes energy, particularly electrical energy. In the preferred embodiment, the in home display unit may capture data from a smart electricity meter and/or energy 20 consuming device in real time and may communicate wirelessly with said smart electricity meter over a wireless network such as a ZigBeeTM wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, the user input interface comprises a limited number of input keys. The limited number of input keys may be substantially less than is required to define a full standard numerical key pad such that each input key of the user input interface 25 may comprise a multi-function or dual function key, the functions of each key being dependent on input modes of the user input interface. In one embodiment, the user input interface comprises three dual function keys, a first one of the keys comprising a "menu/confirm" key whereby the key functions as a menu key in one input mode to cause one of a number of menu screens to be displayed on 30 the screen and functions as a confirm key to accept a displayed value or menu item when in another input mode, a second one of the keys comprising a "Up/x" key whereby it functions in one input mode to scroll up items listed in a displayed one of the menu screens and it functions to decrement a displayed value in another input mode, and a third one of 5 the keys comprises a "Down/-" key whereby it functions in one input mode to scroll down items listed in a displayed menu screen and it functions to increment a displayed value in another input mode. In some embodiments, the input keys of the user input interface may comprise any 5 of: all physical push button keys; all soft keys; or a combination of at least one physical push button key and at least one soft key. Preferably, the at least one soft key of the user input interface is provided on the screen, the screen comprising a touch screen. Preferably also, the at least one physical push button key is provided at a location in close proximity to the screen. 10 In a preferred embodiment, the "menu/confirm" key comprises a physical push button key and the "Up/x" key and the "Down/" key comprise soft keys defined on the touch screen. The touch screen may comprise a capacitive touch screen. In a preferred embodiment, the processor is configured to execute said program instructions to define first and second software modules, said first software module 15 comprising a touch module configured to implement step a) of the method of the invention, and the second software module comprising a user interface module configured to implement steps b) to e) of the method of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the touch module may be configured to determine a type of user input event dependent on a combination of an input mode of the user input 20 interface and which one of a limited number of input keys of the user input interface is actuated by a user. In a preferred embodiment, the touch module may be configured to determine a user increment value event from a combination of the user actuating a key of the user input interface assigned a numerical value increment function and by virtue of the screen 25 displaying a numerical value to be adjusted in response to a user input. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface module may be configured to increment the displayed numerical value by the predetermined step amount and to display a resultant incremented numerical value in response to said touch module communicating said user increment value event to said user interface module. 30 In a preferred embodiment, the touch module may also be configured to determine a user decrement value event from a combination of the user actuating a key of the user input interface assigned a numerical value decrement function and the screen displaying a numerical value to be adjusted in response to a user input.
6 In a preferred embodiment, the user interface module may also be configured to decrement the displayed numerical value by the predetermined step amount and to display a resultant decremented numerical value in response to said touch module communicating said user decrement value event to said user interface module. 5 In a preferred embodiment, the touch module may be configured to determine a user "finger out" event when a user releases an actuated key of the user input interface and wherein the user interface module is configured to return the electronic device to a default mode of operation in response to said touch module communicating said user "finger out" event to said user interface module. 10 By using the release of actuation of the key under these circumstances to terminate the accelerated input mode provides the benefits that a termination of the accelerated input mode can be precisely controlled by a user and the user does not have to actuate a further key to terminate the accelerated input mode. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface module may be configured to 15 automatically adjust or enable manual adjustment of a magnitude of said predetermined step amount in dependence on a characteristic of the numerical value being displayed on the screen. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface module may be configured to determine the presence of a series of successive user input events of the same determined 20 type at the user input interface where a user maintains actuation of a key of the user input interface for a period longer than a key touch period of the user input. In this embodiment, the user interface module may be configured to receive user input events from the touch module and to maintain a count of successive user input events of the same determined event type, to determine if said count equals or exceeds a threshold number and, in 25 response thereto, implement the accelerated input mode. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user interface module may be configured to revert to a default mode of operation upon receipt at the user interface module of a user input event of a different type than preceding user input events received at said user interface module. This offers the advantage that, where a user has continuously actuated a key for a 30 period much longer than a key period such that the continuous actuation results in a succession of user input events to invoke the accelerated input mode, subsequently releasing actuation of the key constitutes a different user input event which results in termination of the accelerated input mode.
7 The default mode of operation may comprise step b) of the method of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface module may be configured to automatically adjust or enable manual adjustment of a magnitude of said threshold number 5 in dependence on a characteristic of the numerical value being displayed on the screen. This has the benefit of enhancing the user's experience when inputting changes to the device. Preferably, when the electronic device is in said accelerated input mode, said user interface module is configured to successively increment or decrement the currently 10 displayed numerical value by a substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type according to the following equation: Xi = X ± m*S; 15 where X 1 is a value of the currently displayed numerical value; S is a predetermined step amount; m is a multiplication factor; and
X
1 ,, is the adjusted numerical value to be next displayed. 20 m is preferably an integer. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface module may be configured to automatically adjust or enable manual adjustment of a magnitude of said predetermined step amount in dependence on a characteristic of the numerical value being displayed on 25 the screen and may be configured to automatically adjust or enable manual adjustment of a magnitude of said multiplication factor in dependence on a characteristic of the numerical value being displayed on the screen. Again, this has the benefit of enhancing the user's experience when inputting changes to the device. 30 In accordance with a second main aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of adjusting a numerical value displayed on a screen of an electronic device of the type comprising a screen for displaying a numerical value to be adjusted in response to a user input, a user input interface for receiving a user input, a memory storing program 8 instructions, and a processor configured to execute said program instructions, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining a type of user input event in response to a user input received at the user input interface; b) incrementing or decrementing the displayed numerical value by a predetermined step amount in response to said determined type of 5 user input event and displaying a resultant incremented or decremented numerical value; c) maintaining a count of successive user input events of the same determined event type; d) determining that said count of successive user input events equals or exceeds a threshold number; and e) in response thereto, implementing an accelerated input mode whereby a currently displayed numerical value is successively incremented or decremented by a 10 substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type In accordance with a third main aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable storage medium comprising program instructions executable by a processor of an electronic device to implement the steps of the method of the second main 15 aspect of invention. The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the features essential for defining the invention; the invention may reside in a sub-combination of the disclosed features. 20 Brief Description of the Drawings. The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figures, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to the 25 invention: Figure 2 is a plan view of a user interface comprising a screen and a user input interface for the electronic device of figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a touch module and a user interface module for the electronic device of figure 1; 30 Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of one implementation of a QTouchTM module for the electronic device of figure 1; and Figure 5 is a flow chart of the method according to the invention.
9 Description of Preferred Embodiments. The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect. 5 Referring to figure 1, there is shown a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to the invention which in a preferred embodiment as shown comprises an in-home display unit 10 for assisting users in managing their energy usage by capturing data from a smart electricity meter (not shown) or the like and displaying such data and measures derived from such data on its screen 14. The display unit 10 is an interactive unit 10 which captures data from smart meters in real time or near real time and processes said data to provide information to users to enable such users to, for example, better manage their use of utilities (gas, water, electricity) and thus better manage their utility bills. For example, the display unit 10 may display, among other things, information such as utility usage and cost to date, historical usage by hour, day, week or month, and estimated bill to 15 date. In the case of electricity usage, it may also display standby appliances energy cost, and even the amount of carbon emissions, both accumulated and instantaneous. The display unit may be a free standing or wall-mounted device. Whilst the display unit 10 in its preferred form is described hereinafter as being able to capture data from a smart electricity meter, it should be understood that it can also 20 be used with smart water meters and smart gas meters to likewise assist users in effective management of their water or gas usage by capturing data from a smart water or gas meter and displaying such data and measures derived from such data on its screen 14. The display unit 10 has a user interface 12 (denoted by broken outline in figure 1) comprising the screen 14 and a user input interface 16 for receiving user inputs. The user 25 input interface 16 has a limited number of input keys 18. It will be understood that, whilst the screen 14 and user input interface 16 are shown as separate modules, these may be fully or partially integrated. For example, one or more of the keys 18 of the user input interface may be defined in use as soft keys on the screen 14. It will also be understood from the discussion of the preferred embodiment 30 provided hereinafter that, whilst the preferred embodiment concerns an electronic device comprising an interactive in-home display unit for assisting users in effective management of their utilities usage, the present invention is not limited to such display units, but is 10 generally applicable to any electronic devices of the type having a limited key set, i.e. small number of keys, for entry of user inputs. The user input interface 16 comprises a limited key set such that the number of keys 18 is not sufficient to constitute a standard numerical key set and thus not sufficient to 5 enable a user to directly enter a specified numerical value through the key set. In this embodiment, the limited key set is such that each input key 18 of the user input interface 16 has assigned to it multi-functions or at least dual functions, the functions of each key 18 being dependent on input modes of the user interface 12. In the preferred embodiment as shown, the user input interface 16 comprises three 10 dual function keys 18, a first one of the keys comprising a "menu/confirm" key 18a whereby the key functions as a menu key in one input mode to cause one of a plurality of menu screens to be displayed on the screen 14 and also functions as a confirm key to accept a displayed value or menu item when in another input mode. A second one of the keys comprises an "Up/x" key 18b whereby it functions in one input mode to scroll up 15 items listed in a displayed menu screen and it also functions to decrement a displayed value in another input mode. A third one of the keys comprises a "Down//" key 18c whereby it functions in one input mode to scroll down items listed in a displayed menu screen and it also functions to increment a displayed value in another input mode. It will be understood that the multiple functions assigned to the keys 18 may be different than that 20 described above. In some embodiments, the input keys 18 of the user input interface 16 may comprise any of: all physical push button keys; all soft keys; or a combination of at least one physical push button key and at least one soft key. In the preferred embodiment as shown in figure 2, the second and third input keys 18b, 18c are provisioned as soft keys on the 25 screen 14, the screen 14 comprising a touch screen whereby a user input on such soft keys 18b, 18c can be effected by the user using a finger or stylus or the like to touch a selected key 18b, 18c. The screen 14 is preferably a capacitive type touch screen. The remaining key 18a of the user input interface 16 is provided as a physical push button key 18a at a location in close proximity to the screen 14. In another embodiment, as also shown in 30 figure 2, the second and third input keys 18b, 18c may be provided as physical push button keys 18b', 18c' on the periphery of the screen 14. The user interface 12 includes a number of indicator LEDs 19 and a circular pattern of up to thirty ambient LEDs 21. The indicator LEDs 19 can be used individually or in 11 various combinations to provide predefined indications to the user when lit. The ambient LEDs 21 which are arranged in a circle around the periphery of the screen 14 can be lit in sequence to provide a visual indication of an amount, for example, today's cost versus today's budget. 5 In use, the display unit 10 increments or decrements a displayed numerical value in response to a relevant user input and displays the resultant incremented or decremented numerical value on the screen 14. The display unit 10 has an enhanced user input mode whereby, when a count of successive user input events of a same determined event type equals or exceeds a threshold, the currently displayed numerical value is then successively 10 incremented or decremented by a substantially increased step size in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type. The in-home display unit 10 captures data from a smart meter in real time or near real time preferably by communicating wirelessly with said smart meter over a wireless network such as a ZigBeeTM wireless network (not shown). As such, the in-home display 15 unit 10 has a communications module 20 to enable it to wirelessly communicate with other devices, although, in some embodiments, the in-home display unit 10 may be connected by a cable or wired network for wired communication with other devices. The display unit 10 includes a memory 22 storing program instructions and one or more processors 24 configured to execute said program instructions to implement an 20 enhanced user input mode of operation and other functionality of the device. The enhanced or accelerated user input mode of operation is invoked through the following method steps performed by the processor 24, namely: a) determining a type of user input event in response to a user input received at the user input interface 16; b) incrementing or decrementing a numerical value displayed on the screen 14 by a predetermined step 25 amount in response to said determined type of user input event and displaying a resultant incremented or decremented numerical value; c) maintaining a count of successive user input events of the same determined event type; d) determining that said count of successive user input events equals or exceeds a threshold number; and e) in response thereto, implementing the accelerated input mode whereby a currently displayed numerical 30 value is successively incremented or decremented by a substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type. In the preferred embodiment, the processor 24 is configured to execute said program instructions to define first and second software modules as shown in figure 3.
12 The first software module comprises a touch module 26 configured to implement step a) of the aforesaid method. The second software module comprises a user interface module 28 configured to implement steps b) to e) of the aforesaid method. The touch module 26 is configured to determine a type of user input event 5 dependent on a combination of an input mode of the user interface 12, e.g. whether a menu screen is being displayed or whether a numerical value adjustable by a user is being displayed, and which one of the limited number of input keys 18 of the user input interface 16 is being actuated by a user. For example, if a time value is being displayed in a user input mode whereby the user is 'requested' to adjust a time parameter such as start time or 10 end time, the touch module 26 will interpret an actuation of the menu/confirm key 18a as being a user input confirm event as opposed to a retrieve menu screen event. As illustrated by arrowed line 30 in figure 3, the touch module 26 communicates this user input confirm event to the user interface module 28 where the user interface module 28 interprets such event as comprising a user input to confirm the displayed time as the user's selection. In 15 contrast, where the user actuates the Up/x key 18b, the touch module 26 interprets this as a decrement value user input event (as opposed to a move up displayed list of menu items input event) and communicates the event to the user interface module 28. The user interface module interprets this event as a decrement displayed time value input and consequently decrements the displayed time value by a predetermined step size and 20 displays the decremented time value on the screen 14. In respect of this latter situation, the converse would be true had the user actuated the Down// key 18c. In the preferred embodiment, the user interface module 28 is configured to determine the presence of a series of successive user input events of the same determined type at the user input interface 16 when a user maintains actuation of, i.e. continuously 25 actuates, a key 18 of the user input interface 16 for a period longer than two times a key touch period of the user input. In this embodiment, the touch module 26 detects a user input event when a key 18 is actuated by manual manipulation for a physical key or by touch on the screen for a soft key. In each case, if the period of actuation of the key 18 equals or exceeds a predetermined time period referred to herein as a key touch period for 30 convenience, this is determined by the touch module 26 as comprising a user input event. If the user continuously actuates the key for a period equal to or exceeding two times the key touch period, the touch module 26 determines this as comprising a series of two or more successive user input events of the same type, the actual number being dependent on 13 how long the key 18 is actuated for. The touch module 26 communicates each of the series of successive user input events of said same type to the user interface module 28. The user interface module 28 is configured to receive said successive user input events from the touch module 26 and to maintain a count of successive user input events of the same 5 determined event type. In doing so, the user interface module 28 serially actions each user input event, e.g. serially incrementing or decrementing the displayed value, until such time that it determines that said count of same type events equals or exceeds a threshold number. Once the user interface module 28 determines that the count has equaled or exceeded the threshold number, it, in response thereto, implements the accelerated input 10 mode of operation whereby the user interface module 28 successively increments or decrements as appropriate the currently displayed numerical value by a substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type. In other words, if the user continuously touches the Down// key 18c for a period longer than say ten key touch periods, where ten is assumed to be the threshold 15 number, the user interface module 28 will successively increment the displayed value on ten successive occasions by the predetermined step size. If say an initial value of the displayed numerical parameter has the value 5 and the predetermined step size is 5, the user interface module will successively increment and display the following sequence of values 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55, at which point it will then invoke the 20 accelerated input mode of operation. In the accelerated input mode, the displayed parameter, which now has an incremented value of 55, will be increased by a substantially increased step size on each further detected user input event of the same type, i.e. where the user continues to touch the Down// key 18c the touch module 26 will continue to serially communicate user increment value input events to the user interface module 28 25 which, in turn, will successively increment the currently displayed value by the substantially increased step size. For example, if the substantially increased step size has a magnitude of say 25, the user interface module 28 will cause the screen 14 to display the following series of incremented values 80, 105, 130, 155......... until such time as the accelerated mode of operation is terminated. 30 In the preferred embodiment, when the display unit 10 is operating in said accelerated input mode, the user interface module 28 is configured to successively increment or decrement the currently displayed numerical value by a substantially 14 increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type according to the following equation: X,1 = X"± m*S; 5 where X 1 is a value of the currently displayed numerical value; S is a predetermined step amount; m is a multiplication factor; and
X
1 ,, is the adjusted numerical value to be next displayed. 10 m is preferably an integer. It can be seen therefore that the substantially increased step size is determined by the product m*S. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the display unit 10 is operating in said accelerated input mode, the user interface module is configured to revert to a default mode 15 of operation upon receipt at the user interface module 28 of a user input event of a different type than any preceding user input events received at said user interface module 28. For example and with reference to the situation described above where the user interface module 28 is operating in the accelerated input mode for incrementing the value of the displayed parameter by a substantially increased step size, the user interface module 28 20 will revert to the normal mode of operation where it receives from the touch module 26 any type of user input event other than an increment value input event. The other type of user input event may comprise a decrement value input event or even just a "finger out" input event where a user releases a currently actuated key 18 of the user input interface 16. This offers the advantage that, where a user has continuously actuated a key for a 25 period much longer than a key touch period such that the continuous actuation results in a succession of user input events to invoke the accelerated input mode, subsequently releasing actuation of the same key constitutes a different user input event which results in termination of the accelerated input mode. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface module 28 is configured to 30 automatically adjust a magnitude of said predetermined step size in dependence on a characteristic of the numerical value being displayed on the screen. For example, where the displayed parameter is time in hours and minutes on a twenty-four hour clock configuration which results in a total of 1440 different values, the user interface module 28 15 may automatically alter the predetermined step size for this display configuration to a magnitude of say 15, representing quarters of an hour. In contrast, where the displayed parameter is a temperature (within a normal range), the user interface module 28 may set the step size as low as 2, for example. 5 In some embodiments, the display unit 10 may be configured to allow a user to adjust the value of the predetermined step size, but in such a case, it is preferable that the user is limited to selecting a changed value within a set range. Similarly, the user interface module 28 is preferably configured to automatically adjust a magnitude of said threshold number in dependence on a characteristic of the 10 numerical value being displayed on the screen 14. In some embodiments, the display unit 10 may be configured to allow a user to adjust the magnitude of said threshold number, but in such a case, it is preferable that the user is limited to selecting a changed value within a set range. In the preferred embodiment and in like manner to the foregoing, the user interface 15 module 28 is configured to automatically adjust said multiplication factor in dependence on a characteristic of the numerical value being displayed on the screen 14. The touch module 26 may comprise a software module as already described or a QTouchTM module as illustrated in figure 3, although many other implementations of the touch module 26 other than that described herein or shown in figure 4 are applicable to the 20 present invention. Referring to figure 3, shown is a QTouchTM sensor circuit for one possible alternative implementation of the touch sensor keys 18b', 18c' of the user input interface 16. The sensor circuit comprises a sensor 32, an RC circuit comprising a series resistance Rs 34 and a sampling capacitor Cs 36 connected by first and second input/output lines 38, 25 40 to a QTouchTM processor 42. QTouchTM is a capacitive touch sensing technology. It works on the charge transfer principle that enables measuring the capacitance of the sensor 32 by continuous charging and discharging. The sensor 32 may be an electrode of copper, aluminium or any other conducting material. 30 The sampling capacitor Cs 36 is supplied with voltage pulses. When a finger is brought close to the sensor 32, it induces charge into the sensor 32 and as a result, the capacitance of the sensor 32 varies. The sampling capacitor Cs 36 hence takes lesser time to charge or discharge.
16 The number of charge cycles it takes for the capacitance to charge without a touch is called the reference level and the number of charge cycles it takes for it to charge with a touch is called the signal level. When the signal level differs from the reference level by a certain 'delta', a counter is incremented. When the difference is greater than delta for 'n' 5 counts given by a parameter called detect integration, the sensor 32 is detected as having been touched. It follows that the key touch period as hereinbefore mentioned is equal to 'n' counts where a QTouchTM circuit is implemented. The lower input/output line 40 is used to charge the capacitor Cs 36 through the charging pulses. The upper input/output line 38 is used to discharge the capacitor Cs 36. 10 The resistor Rs 34 serves to remove the chances of an electric discharge on the processor 42 and is not essential. Figure 5 is a flow chart of the method according to the invention. At the initiation step 50 of the method, the touch module 26 and user interface module 28 operate in the default mode of operation as described above. Where the touch module 26 communicates 15 a user input event to the user interface module 28 when the screen 14 is showing a menu screen for example, it is determined at decision box 52 that no display value adjustment is required thus returning the method via pathway 54 to the start step 50. If, however, it is determined at decision box 52 that a display value adjustment is required, then such adjustment is implemented in accordance with the default mode of operation via pathway 20 56 and the display screen updated at 58. In addition, the user interface module 28 having received the user input event from the touch module 26 commences its count of user input events of the same type at step 60. If it is determined at decision box 62 that the count has equaled or exceeded a threshold number then the accelerated mode of operation is implemented via pathway 64 whereby the predetermined step size S of the default mode is 25 increased by a multiplication factor m to provide a substantially increased step size. In decision box 66, a determination is made as to whether the continuous key actuation by a user is still present and, if it is, the accelerated input mode of operation is continued. However, if at decision box 66, it is determined that a finger out action has occurred then, i.e. the user has released the key 18, the accelerated input mode is terminated via pathway 30 68 and the count reset to zero at step 70. In general, the invention provides an in-home display unit for assisting users in effective management of their energy usage. The display unit captures data from a smart electricity meter and displays such data and measures derived from such data on its screen.
17 The display unit has a user interface unit for receiving user inputs comprising a limited key set such that the number of keys of said key set is not sufficient to constitute a standard numerical key set. In use, the display unit increments or decrements a displayed numerical value in response to a user input and displays the resultant incremented or decremented 5 numerical value. The display unit has an enhanced user input mode whereby, when a count of successive user input events of the same determined event type equals or exceeds a threshold, the currently displayed numerical value is then successively incremented or decremented by a substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type. 10 While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment. The 15 illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be 20 imposed as are indicated by the appended claims. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or 25 addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.

权利要求:
Claims (16)
[1] 1. An electronic device having an accelerated input mode, comprising: a screen for displaying a numerical value to be adjusted in response to a user input; 5 a user input interface for receiving a user input; a memory storing program instructions; a processor configured to execute said program instructions to implement the steps of: a) determining a type of user input event in response to a user input received 10 at the user input interface; b) incrementing or decrementing the displayed numerical value by a predetermined step amount in response to said determined type of user input event and displaying a resultant incremented or decremented numerical value; c) maintaining a count of successive user input events of the same 15 determined event type; d) determining that said count of successive user input events equals or exceeds a threshold number; e) in response thereto, implementing an accelerated input mode whereby a currently displayed numerical value is successively incremented or decremented by a 20 substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type.
[2] 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the user input interface comprises a limited number of input keys, the limited number of input keys being substantially less 25 than is required to define a full standard numerical key pad.
[3] 3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the input keys of the user input interface comprise any of: all physical push button keys; all soft keys; or a combination of at least one physical push button key and at least one soft key. 30
[4] 4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the at least one soft key of the user input interface is provided on the screen, the screen comprising a touch screen. 19
[5] 5. The electronic device of any one of claims I to 4, wherein the processor is configured to execute said program instructions to define first and second software modules, said first software module comprising a touch module configured to implement step a) of claim 1, and the second software module comprising a user interface module 5 configured to implement steps b) to e) of claim 1.
[6] 6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the touch module is configured to determine a type of user input event dependent on a combination of an input mode of the user input interface and which one of a limited number of input keys of the user input 10 interface is actuated by a user.
[7] 7. The electronic device of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the touch module is configured to determine a user "finger out" event when a user releases an actuated key of the user input interface and wherein the user interface module is configured to return the 15 electronic device to a default mode of operation in response to said touch module communicating said user "finger out" event to said user interface module.
[8] 8. The electronic device of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the user interface module is configured to determine the presence of a series of successive user input events 20 of the same determined type at the user input interface where a user maintains actuation of a key of the user input interface for a period longer than a key touch period of the user input interface.
[9] 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the user interface module is configured to 25 receive user input events from the touch module and to maintain a count of successive user input events of the same determined event type, to determine if said count equals or exceeds a threshold number and, in response thereto, implement the accelerated input mode. 30
[10] 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the user interface module is configured to revert to a default mode of operation upon receipt at the user interface module of a user input event of a different type than preceding user input events received at said user interface module. 20
[11] 11. The electronic device of any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein, when said electronic device is in said accelerated input mode, said user interface module is configured to successively increment or decrement the currently displayed numerical value by a 5 substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type according to the following equation: X", = X"± m*S; 10 where X 1 is a value of the currently displayed numerical value; S is a predetermined step amount; m is a multiplication factor; and X 1 I is the adjusted numerical value to be next displayed. 15
[12] 12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the user interface module is configured to automatically adjust or enable manual adjustment of a magnitude of said predetermined step amount in dependence on a characteristic of the numerical value being displayed on the screen. 20
[13] 13. The electronic device of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the user interface module is configured to automatically adjust or enable manual adjustment of a magnitude of said multiplication factor in dependence on a characteristic of the numerical value being displayed on the screen. 25
[14] 14. A method of adjusting a numerical value displayed on a screen of an electronic device of the type comprising a screen for displaying a numerical value to be adjusted in response to a user input, a user input interface for receiving a user input, a memory storing program instructions, and a processor configured to execute said program instructions, the method comprising the steps of: 30 a) determining a type of user input event in response to a user input received at the user input interface; 21 b) incrementing or decrementing the displayed numerical value by a predetermined step amount in response to said determined type of user input event and displaying a resultant incremented or decremented numerical value; c) maintaining a count of successive user input events of the same 5 determined event type; d) determining that said count of successive user input events equals or exceeds a threshold number; e) in response thereto, implementing an accelerated input mode whereby a currently displayed numerical value is successively incremented or decremented by a 10 substantially increased step amount in response to each further user input event of the same determined event type.
[15] 15. A computer readable storage medium comprising program instructions executable by a processor of an electronic device to implement the steps of the method of claim 14. 15
[16] 16. An electronic device having an accelerated input mode substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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AU2013202379B2|2016-02-25|

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NZ605910A|2014-07-25|

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法律状态:
2016-06-23| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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NZ605910A|NZ605910B||2013-01-17|A Limited Key Set Electronic Device Having an Enhanced User Input Mode|

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NZ605910||2013-01-17||

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