WO2008029285A2

WO2008029285A2 - Device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2008029285A2
Application number: PCT/IB2007/003534
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Jarczyk
Original assignee: Palm Inc.
Priority date: 2006-09-07
Filing date: 2007-09-07
Publication date: 2008-03-13
Also published as: GB2454632B; WO2008029285A3; GB0904484D0; GB2454632A

Abstract

The invention relates to an input device for entering characters or control instructions comprising a cylindrical body (4) with an axis (X), a selection element (5) which is rotatable about the cylindrical body and/or is adjustable in parallel with the axis, a plurality of measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°) which capacitively detect at least two charges on the cylindrical body (4) or the selection element (5) and at least one capacitively acting counter element (7, 7*, 7°) on conversely the selection element (5) or the cylindrical body, wherein, during an adjustment of the selection element relative to the cylindrical body, the at least one counter element is adjustable relative to the measuring elements and capacitance values (C1, C2, C3) which can be measured on the measuring elements change, and wherein the measuring elements and the counter elements are dimensioned in such a way and arranged relative to one another on the cylindrical body (or on the selection element in such a way that mutually differing capacitance values can be picked off at least one of the measuring elements as a function of the relative position. In other words, a plurality of measuring elements and counter elements which are arranged adjustably relative to one another are dimensioned and arranged in such a way that both a rotational movement of the selection element about the cylindrical body and a lateral axially parallel movement of the selection element or of a finger operating the selection element and sliding on the selection element can be unequivocally allocated a quite specific position on the circumference of the cylindrical body. In another embodiment there is an input device for entering characters or control instructions into a communication-unit with an input device (23) extending along an axis (X) with a cylindrical surface for entering characters or control instructions and with the control unit (C) for detecting the input of such characters or control instructions via input device (23) and for triggering at least a first function (f1) and/or a second function (f2) which is different to the first function depending on the entered characters or control instructions, with input device (23) along the axis (X) being subdivided into at least a first and a second input segment (23a, 23b) and with the control unit (C) being designed or controlled for triggering the first function (f1) in conjunction with input via the first input segment (23 a) and for triggering the second function (f2) in conjunction with input via the second input segment (23b). The communication-unit input device therefore allows the user to make a selection for entering at least two different functions via at least two corresponding input interfaces in the form at least two input segments. This therefore involves the triggering of different functions.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD

The invention relates to an input device and method for entering characters or control instructions into, in particular but not exclusively, a communication unit.

Input devices with keys which can be pressed by a finger for the entering of characters or control instructions are generally known in mobile radio telephones. Panels known as touch panels which are formed by a touch-sensitive input device are also generally known. These touch-sensitive input devices conventionally consist of at least a layer with a plurality of measuring elements which detect charges and capacitances, the layer being formed on a control unit for evaluating capacitance values of the individual measuring elements. The capacitance changes as a finger approaches a surface layer above the measuring element, and this is detected by the control unit. The control unit uses the position allocated to the respective measuring elements on the touch-sensitive input device to detect the position of the finger above the input device. Capacitive two-dimensional input devices of this type are also known, in particular, from portable computers.

In capacitive two-dimensional input devices of this type, a plurality of such measuring elements is conventionally formed by web-shaped elements which are arranged parallel to one another in a planar layer parallel to the two-dimensional surface of the input device. To allow detection of a finger position in more than a single dimension of the input device, a second plurality of such web-shaped measuring elements is arranged in a layer parallel thereto and in an orientation perpendicular thereto so as to form a grid-like structure in a plan view. This second plurality of measuring elements allows the detection of a movement of a finger also in the second dimension of the two-dimensional input device. A two- dimensional input device of this type therefore consists of two layers each with a plurality of measuring elements fixedly arranged stationary relative to one another.

Arrangements in which a plurality of substantially spot-shaped measuring elements is arranged below the surface of the input device are also generally known, these arrangements having the drawback that a considerably greater number of pick-offs needs to be processed by an evaluating logic unit.

Viewed from one aspect the invention may provide an input device for entering characters or control instructions, which consists of a cylindrical body having a cylinder axis and a selection element which is rotatable about the cylindrical body and/or is adjustable longitudinally thereto, the input device allowing a capacitive input by means of a finger which actuates the selection element.

In one aspect there is an input device for entering characters or control instructions having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to particular, or possibly advantageous, embodiments. Particularly, or possibly preferred, there is an input device for entering characters or control instructions comprising a cylindrical body with an axis, a selection element which is rotatable about the cylindrical body and/or is adjustable in parallel with the axis, a measuring element, or possibly preferably a plurality of measuring elements which capacitively detect at least two charges on the cylindrical body or the selection element and at least one capacitively acting counter element on conversely the selection element or the cylindrical body, wherein, during an adjustment of the selection element relative to the cylindrical body, the at least one counter element is adjustable relative to the measuring elements and capacitance values which can be measured on the measuring elements change, and wherein the measuring elements and the counter elements are dimensioned in such a way and arranged relative to one another on the cylindrical body or on the selection element in such a way that mutually differing capacitance values can be picked off at least one of the measuring elements as a function of the relative position, hi other words, a plurality of measuring elements and counter elements which are arranged adjustably relative to one another are dimensioned and arranged in such a way that both a rotational movement of the selection element about the cylindrical body and a lateral axially parallel movement of the selection element or of a finger operating the selection element and sliding on the selection element can be unequivocally allocated a quite specific position on the circumference of the cylindrical body. In a particular input device the measuring elements and the at least one counter element are spaced from one another by a partition layer in the form of a spacer layer or insulating elements, so that an insulating sliding connection can possibly advantageously, be formed.

An input device may comprise, possibly advantageously, a plurality of counter elements arranged opposite the measuring elements. The greater the number of measuring elements and counter elements, i.e. the smaller the dimensions thereof, the more precisely the relative position thereof can be determined.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein at least a portion of the counter elements are connected to one another by at least a line. The counter elements are therefore invariably at an equal potential relative to one another.

An input device such as outlined above may include, possibly advantageously, possibly counter elements covered by the selection element or another element in an electrically insulating manner in an external direction, wherein at least a contact of the at least one counter element is arranged in the external direction for contacting a finger which operates the selection element. With an arrangement of this type, wherein one or more individual small-area contacts lead from the exterior of the selection element to the counter element(s), the correspondingly contacted counter elements are placed at the potential of the finger. In the case of an embodiment with counter elements ' which are not mutually connected, therefore, the counter element which is correspondingly changed with respect to its potential by the finger can be correspondingly detected by an evaluating control unit. In the case of a continuous connection between the individual counter elements or in the case of a conductive layer which completely surrounds the selection element externally and is electrically conductively connected to the counter elements, all counter elements are brought to the potential of the finger when the finger makes contact with the external layer. An evaluating logic unit or control unit which evaluates the capacitance values of the measuring elements can recognise, by a corresponding change of potential or a corresponding change in the measured capacitance values, that a finger has been placed on or removed from the selection element. In particular, a quick tap to confirm a specific selection can be detected by the change in the capacitance values.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein a plurality of measuring elements is sub-divided into a plurality of individual electrically mutually separated measuring elements parallel to the rotational direction of the selection element.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein the measuring elements extend over a different length relative to one another in the rotational direction and/or wherein a plurality of such counter elements extend over a different length relative to one another in the rotational direction. This allows differing measured values and therefore unequivocal position finding. An input device may comprise, possibly advantageously, a plurality of measuring elements sub-divided into a plurality of individual electrically mutually separated measuring elements parallel to the axis of the selection element.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein the measuring elements extend over a different length relative to one another in the direction parallel to the axis and/or wherein a plurality of such counter elements extend over a different length relative to one another in the direction parallel to the axis. Arrangements of this type comprising a plurality of measuring elements and counter elements which are sub-divided according to the various conceivable constellations relative to one another and are differently dimensioned allow unequivocal capacitance values which can be picked off on the individual measuring elements by the control unit. In extreme cases, a single measuring element would even suffice with adequate dimensioning and sub-division of a plurality of counter elements. Conversely, with a correspondingly complex subdivision of a plurality of measuring elements each having different dimensions from one another, the arrangement of a single counter element will suffice in principle.

An input device, possibly preferred, comprises an integrated control unit and/or evaluating logic unit for detecting the capacitance values of the measuring elements for determining an unequivocal rotational position and axially parallel position of the cylindrical body relative to the selection element and/or relative to a finger which contacts the selection element.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein the selection element has an annular form and is adjustable in parallel with the axis over the cylindrical body. An annular element of this type facilitates the entering of a rotational position by rotation of the annular selection element with a finger and at the same time the entering of an lateral position by a lateral adjustment of the selection element in parallel with the axis of the cylindrical body.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein the selection element is in the form of a roller and extends in parallel with the axis of the cylindrical body over the surface thereof. A roller with this form may be advantageous as, in contrast to a laterally displaceable ring, dirt is inhibited from penetrating or cannot penetrate between the selection element and the cylindrical body.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein a plurality of second measuring elements extending in parallel with the axis and a plurality of first measuring elements extending in the rotational direction are arranged on the cylindrical body or on the selection element. A grid-like arrangement of this type, which is known per se, allows the detection of counter elements and/or a finger both in the rotational direction and in the axially parallel direction on the surface of the cylindrical body.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein the measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements are spaced from one another in an axially parallel direction and wherein the counter elements are dimensioned to have an extension which is smaller than the spacing between the measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements in the direction parallel to the axis. An arrangement of this type allows a rotation of the counter elements without disturbing the capacitive detection by means of the measuring elements which extend in the rotational direction.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein the plurality of first measuring elements and the plurality of second measuring elements extend in two electrically mutually separated layers overlapping in the radial direction of the cylindrical body. A grid structure is thus constructed in a manner known per se.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be wherein the measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements and the measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements are distributed over various circumferentially parallel portions of the cylindrical body. An arrangement of this type allows the individual measuring elements to be arranged clearly in a single layer, thus allowing particularly simple manufacture. For example, a film only needs to be printed on one side with structures for forming such measuring elements and then to be bent to form the cylindrical body.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein the counter elements have a greater extension in the rotational direction than the individual measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements. Each of the counter elements therefore covers a plurality of the measuring elements extending in parallel with the axis over the cylindrical body, so rotations can be detected easily and also with respect to the position. Embodiments in which the counter element does not however cover all mutually adjacent measuring elements with the axially parallel extension in the rotational direction are particularly useful, or possibly advantageous.

An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein the counter elements are dimensioned in such a way in the axially parallel direction that each of the measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements is covered in the axially parallel direction by a, in particular only a single one of the counter elements. An arrangement of this type provides, possibly advantageously, that, on the one hand, each of the measuring elements is covered by at least one of the counter elements but, on the other hand, sufficient space remains between the counter elements to be able to reliably detect the position of a finger resting on the selection element. An input device, possibly preferred, may be provided wherein a plurality of mutually spaced counter elements is arranged in the rotational direction. A plurality of this type allows an arrangement in which at least one of the counter elements is invariably arranged in the region of the measuring elements of the plurality of the first measuring elements and invariably at least one of the counter elements in the region of the measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements. At the same time, a plurality of the counter elements which are correspondingly small in size leave sufficient space therebetween to allow reliable detection of a finger resting on the selection element.

An input device allows ergonomic, i.e. in particular easy and fluid entering of a longitudinal and rotational position by means of a finger. The finger can easily input a position via the roller-shaped or annular selection element. In the process, the roller or the ring may slide, possibly preferably slides, as the selection element without mechanical contacting of measuring elements and counter elements on the cylindrical body, the position nevertheless being reported to the evaluation system. The sliding of a finger over a virtual keyboard can preferably be visualised on a display device.

There are a large number of striking differences between an input device of this type and two-dimensional touch-sensitive input devices. Since the counter elements are fastened on the selection element, there is no rigid, stationary- allocation of capacitive acting components. In particular, with a display of selectable and imputable characters or control instructions on the surface of the selection element, the finger has the function not only of selecting and activating a desired element but also of rotating the selection element about the cylindrical body into a desired position so that the characters or control instructions to be selected and input are located in the upper visual range of the user and can be called up by the finger. The input device to be produced at present therefore requires a rotating and sliding ring on the cylindrical body or a roller which is rotatable about the cylindrical body as the selection element, the finger which actuates the selection element resting thereon for most of the time. When the finger rolls on the selection element, it is not the tangential position of the finger but that of the selection element that has to be measured. When the tangential contact point of the finger on the selection element is stationary, a rotation of the selection element, moreover, would allow no measurement of rotation or only limited measurement of rotation.

A communication unit with such an input device is also independently provided. In this communication unit, measuring elements of a plurality of second measuring elements for detecting a rotational movement of the selection element relative to the cylindrical body are preferably arranged in a region of the communication unit which is not contacted by a finger of a person operating the communication unit during operation of the communication unit. This allows particularly reliable, undisturbed detection of a rotational movement for a control unit or evaluating logic unit. Also known are input devices for entering characters or control instructions are generally known in the field of communication equipment, especially mobile communication equipment and computers. These have, in the form of a so-called computer mouse for instance, a so-called scroll wheel which is rotatably mounted.

Rotation of the scroll wheel by the finger of the person using the communication unit is detected by a suitable arrangement and fed to an evaluation and/or control unit as a corresponding rotation signal. Such communication equipment also has a display on which, for example, optionally selectable list items can be displayed. Using an input method for entering characters or control instructions by means of such an input device, the rotation signals thus generated are used to scroll the list items or a marker which flags such list items on the display. A selectable character or a corresponding selectable control instruction which is assigned to a specific position can then be transferred for further processing by issuing an input command.

An arrangement consisting of a round input key which is surrounded by an input ring which is rotatably mounted around the key is also generally known as an input device for entering characters or control instructions in the case the Apple iPod. Rotation of the input wheel enables an input function which is equivalent to the scrolling of a scroll wheel. Capacitive input devices, can, for example, be used in the region of the hinge axis of the two clamshells of a mobile phone. These input devices consist of a cylinder or roller having a capacitively excitable surface which senses contact with or proximity of the finger of the user operating the device. Other capacitive input devices are known and may be configured as rollers. By using an appropriate arrangement of sensor elements and suitable evaluation electronics, not only rotation of the roller but also the instantaneous position of the finger on or above the roller can be detected. Instead of inputting a rotation signal as in the case of a scroll wheel, a position signal in at least a lateral direction, i.e. a direction which is axially parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller, can be detected and made available. In doing so, the system measures the rotation of the roller relative to a surrounding fixed point as well as to the finger which can be moved on the roller.

Modern-day applications increasingly demand more complex list management or selection of items from varied types of lists. Contact lists for selecting a contact from a large number of stored contacts, mp3 lists for selecting a track from a large number of different available tracks and other lists are increasingly used and this requires a mechanism which allows the user to toggle back and forth between items and select items quickly. Switching between various items or favourites, i.e. list items flagged as favourites which are frequently chosen is obtained by using direction keys or selection keys as a rule. Depending on the particular design, this may involve four direction keys and one selection key for example. Another technical solution is to assemble the four direction keys in a momentary-action switch which can be pivoted in four directions. With such a momentary-action switch, a rocker mechanism can then be used to select the desired change of direction in the data.

In the case of a scroll wheel or input wheel, a list item is selected by rotating the scroll wheel or input wheel appropriately and selection is obtained by a separate keypress. Changeover between various menus or menu levels when there is a large^' number of list items is obtained by using keys that must be pressed separately. This way the user can, for example, switch between the "tabs" of a filing-card like on-screen display by pressing right or left navigation keys and then returning to list navigation within a list which is made available accordingly.

In the case of the Apple iPod, the problem of input and selection is solved by the fact that the operator's finger must be taken off the input wheel in order to operate navigation right or left keys and return to an input mode for the input wheel, but this only allows intuitive, fast user input to a limited extent.

Another disadvantage of such previous technical solutions is the fact that increasing miniaturisation of devices demands ever more dexterity and cognitive skills on the part of the user. Sometimes, several mode changes are also required, e.g. change between selection mode and navigation mode, depending on the desired function and changeover. Frequent mode changes, sort criteria and sometimes small keys quickly result in incorrect or inadvertent data input This can impair user convenience.

Viewed from another aspect, the invention may provide an to improved communication-unit input device and a communication-unit input method for entering characters or control instructions into a communication unit sufficiently to allow both simplified operation and straightforward construction. In particular, in one embodiment there may be provided only one simple, easy-to-operate input and selection control which allows selection of various lists as well as scrolling.

In another aspect there is provided a communication-unit input device and a communication-unit input method for entering characters or control instructions into a communication unit having the features in claims 1 and 9. The sub-claims relate to particular or possibly advantageous embodiments.

In particular, or possibly particularly preferred, embodiment is a communication- unit input device for entering characters or control instructions with an input device extending along one axis and having a cylindrical surface for entering characters or control instructions and a control unit for detecting input of such characters or control instructions via the input device and for triggering at least a first function and/or a second function which is different to the first function depending on the entered characters or control instructions with the input device being subdivided along the axis into at least a first and a second input segment and with the control unit being designed or controlled for triggering the first function in conjunction with input via the first input segment and for triggering the second function in conjunction with input via the second input segment. The communication-unit input device therefore allows the user to make a selection for entering at least two different functions via at least two corresponding input interfaces in the form at least two input segments. This therefore involves the triggering of different functions. The description given therefore relates not merely to input of individual characters which are different to each other without any associated further functionality or without a different kind of processing of functionalities which are different to each other in connection with the input of individual characters.

The input device is optionally, or possibly preferably, designed to detect the position of an input means, especially a finger, on or above the surface in a parallel direction and in a direction of the surface which is circumferential relative to the axis. The input device may be, or possibly preferably be, designed to capacitively detect the position of the input means. In one, or possibly especially preferred, embodiment, the input device therefore consists of a capacitively- detecting body having a cylindrical surface in the form of a cylinder, a hollow cylinder or a roller for instance. Nevertheless, alternative embodiments which detect input pressure-sensitively can also be implemented. The control unit may, or possibly is preferably, designed or controlled to trigger another function depending on the position or the changing position of the input means in the circumferential direction of the surface relative to the axis. The input device may be, or possibly is preferably, designed to rotate around the axis and to supply a rotation signal and the control unit may be, or preferably is, designed or controlled to trigger another function depending on such rotation. The various input segments can also be designed as independently rotatable components so that, for example, the first input segment can be rotated independently of accompanying rotation of the second input segment. It is even possible to implement mutually opposed directions of rotation of the two input segments in order to trigger two other functions rather than just one functionality. A change in the position of an input means, for example a finger, in the circumferential direction of the input device, for example due to rotation of the input device designed as a roller, is then detected as another control signal which triggers another third functionality which is independent of the first two functionalities.

The control unit can be designed or controlled to trigger selection of a menu from various menus depending on the first and the second function and to trigger another selection within a menu selected through the first or the second function by means of input using the other function. The control unit may be, or is preferably, designed or controlled to trigger various filtered and/or list displays depending on the first and the second function and to trigger selection of list items as another selection. This makes it possible to navigate up and down or scroll, for example, through lists displayed according to the first selection on a display depending on the first or second function selected. The first function triggered by actuating the first input segment may enable, or preferably enables, scrolling through a complete list whereas the second function triggered by actuating the second input segment may only allow, for example, scrolling through favourite items in the list, i.e. scrolling through favourites. This allows evaluation of the other functionality linked with the preselected or simultaneously selected first or second functionality. The position or the change in the position of the user's finger used as an input means, by way of example, is thus used to switch from a column in a table or to toggle a selection criterion. This may be construed as, for example, selecting all items or only preferred items in a list.

The surfaces of the first input segment and of the second input segment may be, or are preferably, designed so that they are different in terms of colour and/or texture. Such differently coloured or textured surfaces provide the user with identification and differentiation, which can be intuitively detected visually or by touch, into different segments to which various first and second or even more functionalities are assigned. Such a feature allows the user to differentiate and operate the roller more easily.

Another, possibly especially preferred, embodiment is a communication-unit input device for entering characters or control instructions with which characters or control instructions are entered on a cylindrical surface of an input device which extends along one axis and, by means of a control unit and depending on the entered characters or control instructions, at least a first function and/or a second function which is different to the first function is triggered and actuating the input device, which is subdivided along its axis into at least a first and a second input segment, in the region of the first input segment triggers a first function and actuating it in the region of the second input segment triggers a second function.

The position of an input means, especially a finger, is detected on or above the surface in a parallel direction and in a circumferential direction of the surface relative to the axis whereby another function is triggered, depending on the position or the changing position of the input means in the circumferential direction of the surface relative to the axis.

This allows, in particular, selection of a menu from various menus depending on the first and the second function and another selection within a menu selected through the first or the second function by means of input using the other function. There may be various possibly preferred, filtered and/or list displays depending on the first and the second function and selection of list items as another selection.

Accordingly there is independently also a communication unit which has such an input device and is set up to use such a method. Embodiments will be described in more detail hereinafter by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Reference numerals which are identical or optionally provided with additional characters in the various figures and embodiments refer to identical or identically acting components and functions, components and functions which are repeatedly used being described by reference to the other respective more detailed descriptions of other figures and embodiments to simplify the description. In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a side view of an input device for entering characters or control instructions into a mobile communication unit;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of an arrangement, which has been unrolled for the sake of clarity, of measuring elements and counter elements of such an input device;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of components of such an input device;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view according to Fig. 3 showing further components;

Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of an unrolled arrangement of measuring elements and counter elements according to a particular embodiment;

Fig. 6 shows a further unrolled arrangement of a further embodiment; and Figures 7A-7C take a large number of time-staggered steps in the operational sequence to show individual schematic views of an input device, an input method for entering characters or control instructions whereby scrolling through all the 5 displayed list items in a list is performed;

Figures 7D— 7F show the arrangement in Figures 7 A— 7C, but only scrolling through favourite list items in the list is performed; and

Figures 8A— 8C show the arrangement in Figures 7A— 7C, whereby scrolling 10 through the list items in the list is performed by jumping to subheadings with an alphabetically new letter.

Fig.l shows an example of schematic contours of a mobile radio telephone 1 with an input device 2 for entering characters or control instructions into the mobile

L 5 radio telephone 1. The input device 2 can obviously also be used in other equipment, for example portable computers, into which characters or control instructions are to be input. The device is actuated by a finger 3 of a user of the mobile radio telephone 1. The input device 2 basically consists of a cylindrical body 4 as a stationary or non-rotatably arranged element of the mobile radio

.0 telephone 1 and of a selection unit 5 which is arranged in the form of a ring or roller around the cylindrical body 4. The selection element 5 is positioned round the cylindrical body 4 in such a way that the selection element 5 can be rotated round the cylindrical body 4 or the axis X thereof by the finger 3. The selection element 5 can be rotated, possibly preferably, in both rotational directions ω round the cylindrical body 4.

Measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° and counter elements 7, 7*, 7° have the function of entering a symbol, which is rotated into the upper visual range and is visible on an external surface of the input device 2, for a character or a control instruction, the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° being adjustable relative to the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° by a rotation of the selection element 5 with respect to the mutual positions. In the case of an annular configuration of the selection element 5, a lateral adjustment of the position of counter elements 7, 7*, 7° relative to the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° can also be effected by a displacement of the selection element 5 in parallel with the axis X of the cylindrical body 4. The measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° are arranged on the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 4 and are electrically separated from one another by insulators 10, 10° or other insulating portions or spaced portions.

A line 9 leads, possibly preferably, from each of the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° to a control unit C for detecting a capacitance value Cl, C2, C3 of the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°. The control unit C can optionally also be preceded by a dedicated evaluating logic unit. The counter elements 7, 7*, 7° are arranged with mutual spacing on the interior of the selection element 5, where the spacing can be brought about by insulating separating portions 11. Although three respective measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° and counter elements 7, 7*, 7° are illustrated, an embodiment with only one respective measuring element 6 and one counter element 7 is theoretically feasible in the context of an embodiment.

To simplify clearer position finding of the selection element 5 relative to the cylindrical body 4, however, a plurality of respective measuring elements 6 and counter elements 7 may be used or are preferred. According to a first embodiment, an arrangement in which the three measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° each extend axially in the form of webs and each cover an identical angular range of the surface of the cylindrical body 4 relative to one another is particularly preferred. In this embodiment, the three measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° are arranged in the upper half of the circumference of the cylindrical body 4. In conjunction with the illustrated arrangement of the counter elements 1, 7*, 7°, an arrangement of this type may be sufficient for finding the rotational position of the selection element 5 relative to the cylindrical body 4.

The three counter elements 7, 7*, 7°, on the other hand, are distributed over the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 4 in such a way that two of the counter elements 7, 7°, with at least a respective portion of their circumference, preferably always oppose one or more of the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°. The circumferential lengths of the three counter elements 7, 7*, 7° also differ from one another, so that each of the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° covers a differently sized circumferential portion of the opposing measuring elements 6, 6* 6° in a position completely opposite the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°. Referring to the bar charts next to the reference numerals of the respective measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°, such an arrangement of counter elements 7, 7*, 7° relative to the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° results in unequivocal capacitance values Cl, C2, C3 at the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°, an unequivocal angular position of the selection element 5 relative to the cylindrical body 4 about the axis X corresponding to each value relationship of the three capacitance values Cl, C2, C3.

The application of the finger 3 to a circumferential portion of the selection element 5 influences the capacitance value of the measuring element 6* located below the finger 3. The finger 3 causes an increase in the capacitance value C2, as illustrated by means of the upper dotted portion. This further change in capacitance value can optionally be used to find, for example, the lateral position of the finger 3, in other words the position of the finger 3 located axially on the surface. The duration of application of the finger can optionally also be determined in order to detect, for example, a brief lift, application or renewed lifting of the finger 3 in the form of a tap on the surface as an input instruction.

The influence of the finger three on the capacitance value not only of the measuring 6* located directly below the finger 3 but also by a change in capacitance value of the counter element 7 possibly instantaneously opposing the measuring element 6* can optionally also be transferred to further measuring elements 6. In order to achieve this effect or generally to increase the influence of the finger 3 on the capacitance value, contacts 13 may be arranged on the external surface of the selection element 5, the contacts 13 being connected in an electrically conductive manner to the counter element 7 located therebelow by an electrical connection.

With an arrangement of this type, an electrically insulating spacing is provided between the outer circumference of the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° and the inner circumference of the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° to prevent a short circuit. A spacing of this type can be brought about by a corresponding bearing arrangement for the cylindrical body 4 and the selection element 5 relative to one another. Electrical insulation can be embodied in a particularly simple manner, however, by a separating layer 12 of an electrically insulating material which is applied externally to the cylindrical body 4 and to the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° and/or internally to the opposing elements 7, 7*, 7°. In such a case, the surface of the separating layer 12 simultaneously forms a sliding surface for the selection element 5 relative to the cylindrical body 4.

In modifications of this embodiment it is possible to deviate from the illustrated configuration as a solid cylinder with respect to the construction of the cylindrical body 4. For example, the cylindrical body 4 can also be constructed in the form of a hollow cylinder. The cylindrical body 4 can also optionally be constructed in parallel with the axis X from an axial or axially parallel element from which elements carrying the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° extend radially. Similarly, the section element 5 may be modified, in particular in the form of a C-shaped element, which embraces the cylindrical body 4 by preferably, but not absolutely essentially, more than 180 °.

Finally, it is crucial that the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° and the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° are adjustable relative to one another as if they were arranged so as to be relatively rotatable about one another on a cylindrical body 4 and a selection element surrounding the cylindrical body 4, at least in part.

According to further modifications, the selection element 5 need not necessarily be rotatable about 360 ° and more round the cylindrical body 4. In principle, an embodiment of the basic idea with a smaller permitted rotational range is also feasible. According to optional embodiments, the measuring elements can also be arranged on the interior of the selection element 5 and the counter elements on the exterior of the cylindrical body 4, even though an embodiment of this type is less simple and possibly less advantageous as its wiring is more complicated.

Fig. 2 shows an unrolled two dimensional view of the components which are arranged cylindrically during actual operation according to Fig. 1, insofar as they are required to understand the relative arrangement of measuring elements and selection elements. An embodiment which is modified from the embodiment of

Fig. 1 and in which, instead of a first counter element 7 with a very broad extension over the circumferential region, three individual elements extending equally broadly over the circumferential region are arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction is illustrated at the same time. The second counter element 7* is correspondingly formed from two such individual elements which are mutually adjacent in the circumferential direction. The third counter element 7° is formed by a single circumferential element.

The measuring elements are arranged in a similar manner to an arrangement known per se in the case of two-dimensional touch-sensitive input devices as a first plurality of measuring elements 6a which are arranged adjacent to one another in rows and are shown in red or dots, and as a second plurality of mutually adjacent measuring elements 6b which are arranged in columns and are shown in blue or hatching. The first measuring elements 6a arranged in rows and the second measuring elements 6b arranged in columns are located in two electrically mutually spaced or insulated planes, so short circuits are avoided.

Each first row-form and second column-form arrangement of measuring elements

6a, 6b is allocated a corresponding line 9a, 9b which is guided to an evaluating logic unit and/or control unit C. As a result, a finger position 14 of the finger above the surface of the input device 2 can be determined not only in the rotational direction but also in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the input device 2 by means of the measuring elements 6a, 6b, as known per se. The finger position 14 causes a change in the corresponding capacitance value, as sketched laterally by means of the bar charts of the corresponding measuring elements or below the arrangement. For determination of the rotational position of the selection element 5 relative to the measuring elements 6a, 6b on the surface of the cylindrical body, the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° can be arranged relative to the measuring elements 6a, 6b in accordance with the embodiment in Fig. 1, the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° in turn being adjustable relative to the stationary measuring elements 6a, 6b. In the unrolled illustration in Fig. 2, the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° would shift upwards and downwards. For determination in the rotational direction, without impairing the detection of the finger position 14 in the axial direction or in the lateral direction in Fig. 2 by means of the first measuring elements 6b in rows, the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° are, possibly preferably, not constructed as elements which are continuous in the axial direction. The counter elements 7, 7*, 7° accordingly, possibly preferably, have only a width in the axial direction which is narrower than the spacing between the mutually adjacent second measuring elements 6b in columns.

Fig. 3 shows the arrangement from Fig. 2 in the rolled up state, in which the arrangement is finally inserted in the input device 2. Production can be carried out in a simple manner by capacitively acting coated or printed films and the capacitively active printing or coating of films and the subsequent winding of the films. A hollow cylindrical body 4 on which the measuring elements are placed as the first plurality of measuring elements of 6a and the second plurality of measuring elements 6b is then accordingly formed. In a simple manner, for example, the plurality of first measuring elements 6a can be placed on the underside of the film forming the cylindrical body 4 and the plurality of second measuring elements of 6b on the upper side or exterior of the film. The counter elements 7 which may optionally be electrically connected to one another by further line 9c in order to lie at the same potential can accordingly be placed on the exterior of the film forming the selection element 5 so that this film simultaneously forms the separating layer between the selection element 5 and the cylindrical body 4. The counter elements 7 can obviously also be placed on the interior or the underside of the film forming the selection element 5, in which case a spacing or the separating layer prevents a short circuit relative to the measuring elements 6a, 6b. An illustrative finger position 14 is again also indicated in this illustration.

An incorporation of an input device 2 constructed in this way in accordance, in particular, with Fig. 1 to 3 into, for example, a display housing of a mobile radio telephone is one embodiment. In a simple manner, using a capacitive sliding member placed in the display housing and a metal strip additionally placed in the input device forming a roller, an embodiment in a display housing by means of a capacitive slider placed therein or one or more metal strips additionally placed in the input device forming a roller is feasible. Metal strips of this type measure the capacitance of a double-layered metallically shaped ring in the form of the selection element from the exterior and the interior. The annular or roller-shaped selection element 5 in this embodiment is, possibly preferably, two dimensionally shaped on its underside so that a rotation can also be measured.

An input device 2 of this type, possibly preferably, allows the measurement of a direct contact by means of a finger 3 of the selection element 5 by the finger 3. In addition, an approach of the finger 3 can already be detected capacitively. In the case of an annular selection element which is arranged axially in parallel with the axis X, the longitudinal displacement and the rotational displacement of the annular selection element 5 can also be carried out using a single capacitive measuring arrangement. In the case of a roller-shaped selection element 5, the lateral displacement, i.e. a displacement of the finger 3 on the surface of the selection element 5 in parallel with the axis X can be detected capacitively.

Metallically capacitive active structures which are, possibly preferably, separated from one another by insulators 10, 10° in the circumferential direction and from one another in the axial direction are used as the measuring elements 6; 6a, 6b.

Embodiments in which the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b, in the case of the hollow cylindrical body 4, are placed on the side thereof facing the operator's finger 3 may be particularly preferred. An arrangement of this type provides that, possibly advantageously, that mechanical play which increases with time is also uncritical for the detection of the finger 3. An arrangement of this type prevents or inhibits air from penetrating between measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b forming the detectors and the interior of the selection element 5 during contact in the remote region of the ring.

In addition to the formation of a stationary capacitive detection layer for the rotation by the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b arranged in this way, the, possibly preferred, configuration simultaneously provides a stationary capacitive detection layer for a longitudinal displacement of an annular selection element 5 and/όr the finger 3. Whereas, for example, the first plurality of first measuring elements 6a arranged in rows has the function of detecting a rotation, the plurality of second measuring elements 6b which are arranged in columns or, in the rolled up state are arranged in an annularly encircling manner have the function of longitudinal displacement in parallel with the axis X.

Optionally, or possibly preferably, the roller-shaped or annular selection element 5 with different portions of capacitively active faces in the form of the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° is pushed over the cylindrical body 4 in such a way that optimum displaceability is accompanied by the minimum of play. Counter elements 7, 7*, 7°, which are dimensioned in such a way that at least two faces with partial areas of the plurality of measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° are always overlapped by at least one of the counter elements 7 are particularly preferable.

The resultant faces form gaps which can be unequivocally detected as such by an evaluating logic unit and/or the control unit C. The metal faces which are formed by the counter elements 7, 7*, 7°, and possibly also gaps therebetween form potential maximum overlap faces as capacitive contacts that can be unequivocally distinguished from the system. With the orientation according to Fig. 1, for example, the counter element 7° with the smallest dimensions and the counter element 7 with the greatest dimensions is instantaneously arranged in the active region of the cylindrical body 4, i.e. is arranged opposite measuring elements 6,

6*, 6°. Optionally, or possibly preferably, the arrangement and dimensioning of the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° and of the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° are selected in such a way that the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° always detect at least one such different area at its limits, i.e. two gaps for one counter element or two counter elements for one gap. For example, it is the large counter element 7 which is detected by two of the measuring elements 6, 6* in the present case.

On the upper side or exterior of the selection element 5 there is, possibly preferably, a thin metal structure, for example, in the form of the further lines 9c, which electrically connects the larger metal faces of the counter elements 7, 7*,

7°. In this embodiment, the thin metal structure itself is barely capacitively active. When the finger 3 touches this metal structure, a conductive connection is formed between the finger 3 and all contact surfaces or counter elements 7, 7*, 7°. The counter elements 7, 7*, 7° directed toward the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b are therefore connected to the capacitance of the user and can measure the connected increase in capacitance. This effect can be displayed clearly on the two-dimensional touch pad of a computer known per se. If a coin is placed on the touch pad and displaced directly by a finger or by a metallic object by the hand, the mouse cursor moves on the computer screen. If, on the other hand, the metallic coin is displaced by means of an electrically non-conductive plastics object, the mouse cursor is not displaced.

If a contact between the finger 3 and the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° is produced, for example via the finger contacts 13, the various measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° can measure the applied capacitance for their position. The detection and determination of the longitudinal displacement can be carried out by methods known per se. The counter elements 7, 7*, 7° on the selection element 5 are configured in such a way that their capacitances are independent of the position in the longitudinal direction of the axis X and that they come to rest at the same position of the X axis. It is emphasised as a particular feature, however, that the surfaces of the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° are arranged on an annular surface.

A rotation of a selection element 5 is measured in that the control unit C or a corresponding evaluating logic unit utilises the fact that all surfaces and gaps between the surfaces of the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° and/or the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° are different and are arranged in a specific relationship to one another. As each of the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° only measures absolutely how much capacitance, i.e. surface, is located above it in the form of a counter element 7, 7*, 7°, it is determined by means of a suitable algorithm or a corresponding logic interconnection on the basis of the known dimensions of measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° and counter elements 7, 7*, 7° in what position the individual elements are precisely located in relation to one another. Optionally, or possibly preferably, the position is calculated absolutely over the entire 360 ° even though the individual measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° can only measure partial regions of these 360 °, for example in the arrangement according to Fig. 1.

For an arrangement with three such measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° with three gaps 10, 10° etc. or separating portions 11 and with three counter elements 7, 7*, 7°, for example, the procedure described hereinafter can be determined for determining the instantaneous relative position of selection element 5 and cylindrical body 4 relative to one another. Attempts are made, optionally always made, to combine only plausible lengths to plausible neighbourhoods with one another. Respectively allocated capacitance values Cl, C2, C3 which are proportional to the respectively overlapping surfaces of the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° on the one hand and the surfaces of the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° opposite to them are detected for the three measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°.

In a first step, after a discrete number or a number determined in accordance with a Gaussian distribution of columns or elements, the plurality of second measuring elements 6b is sought, in which a capacitance value can be measured at all. The sum of capacitance values is subsequently determined for all rows, i.e. elements of the plurality of first measuring elements 6a in these columns. The maximum possible capacitance value maxR (i) of such a row i can be defined by the maximum overlap and measurement of the capacitance value or the capacitance values. The minimum capacitance value minR (i) can be defined as the absent overlap of a detector row or row i of the plurality of first measuring elements 6a. The fact that each row has a basic capacitance is taken into consideration. The measured current value actR (i) of each row i lies between the maximum and the minimum value, so minR (i) < actR (i) < maxR (i) applies.

Furthermore, Counter (i) = (actR (i) -actR (i))/(maxR (i) -minR (i)) applies to the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° and

Meas (i) = (max R(i) -actR (i))/(maxR (i) -minR (i)) applies to the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°. The ring surrounding the measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° in the form of the selection element 5 has jmax counter elements 7, 7*, 7° with the potential maximum contact capacitances Counter (j) and jmax gaps or separating portions with the minimum contact capacitances Sep (j). In this case, j represents the numbers of the contact capacitance counted in the clock hand and the numbers of the correspondingly counted gap. Counter (j) is the respective left-hand neighbour of Sep (j), and this can be expressed by Counter (j) before (Sep (j)). Sep (j) before (Counter (J⁺I)) accordingly applies at the beginning of the circle and Counter (jmax) before (Sep (jmax)) and Sep (jmax) before (Counter (I)) at the end of the circle, jmax = 3 in Fig. 1.

The sizes of the surfaces in the embodiment and consequently the value of the variables Counter (j) and Sep (j) are selected and arranged as follows: the sum of all variables Counter (j) and Sep (j) is proportional to the circumference of the circle. All variables Counter Q) differ in the surface, and all variables Sep Q) also. The spacing in the surface of a variable Counter Q) from Counter (j+1), i.e. the difference in the surface is equal for all j and distinguishable at least by a detector in the form of at least one of the measuring elements. The spacing in the surface or the value of a variable Sep Q) from Sep (j+1) or the corresponding difference in surface is equal for all j and is distinguishable at least by a detector in the form of at least one of the measuring elements. The sequence of the separating elements or gaps and the counter elements of the selection element are completely known to the system and stored, for example, in a database of the system.

During use, the smallest surface, i.e. for example Counter (1) is used as a start for the counter elements 7°, 7, 7*. This is followed by Sep (jmax) for the adjacent separating portion 11, then Counter (2) and Sep (1), etc. All permutations of the measured detector values with Counter Q) strictly on the left and Meas Q) strictly on the right are listed for all detector elements, i.e. measuring elements 6, 6*, 6°.

Implausible islands of measured surfaces of the variables Counter Q) and Sep Q), which may be determined by a comparison with entries in the database, are eliminated. Respectively adjacent surfaces or values of the variables Counter Q) and Sep Q) are calculated. If no direct solution is found, the solution is determined, for example, by interval nesting.

A position finding procedure of this type can be used in conjunction with an input device 2 of this type in any equipment using an axis with a capacitively measurable ring or a capacitively measurable roller as the selection element 5. Various sensor geometries can be used. According to a first arrangement configuration, capacitances can be measured in combined rows and columns of measuring elements 6a, 6b. A procedure of this type is known from what are referred to as touch pads, as an n x m surface can be detected with n row measurements + m column measurements. Optionally, measurement of the individual cell capacitances of the individual measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° is possible. This method differs insofar as the columns in which a signal is present at all are first selected and the relevant rows are then combined in these cells which are formed by the columns.

The above-described procedure has further possibilities and advantages in addition to the various capacitive sensor geometries. For example, a camera can additionally be installed in the axis or the cylindrical body 4. As the capacitive pad lies in the direction of the user, the camera can be directed backwardly in the axis. A lateral opening in the cylindrical body can then, possibly advantageously, be constructed as a hole filled with glass, in particular with a lens. In this case, the cylindrical body forms both a camera and, with its outer circumference, the input device on the surface of which the selection element is adjustably mounted.

Fig. 2 relates to an embodiment with a roller-shaped selection element 5 instead of an annular selection element 5. There may be a technical difference here. In the case of an annular selection element 5 with only a limited lateral extension in the direction parallel to the axis X, the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° can extend in an axially parallel direction over the entire width of the selection element 5. A minimum number of measuring elements 6, 6*, 6° to the side of the selection element 5, which are not covered by the counter elements 7, 7*, 7°, remains in each case. A position of the annular selection element 5 can therefore invariably be detected in a direction parallel to the axis.

The embodiment according to Fig. 2 utilises the geometric considerations of the embodiment of Fig. 1. The positions required for the translational detection of the finger 3 are left clear.

The columns of the plurality of first measuring elements 6a in Fig. 2 are recessed or not covered by the capacitive surfaces, i.e. the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° of the selection element 5 also in the form of a rotating roller. Optionally, or preferably, the individual counter elements 7, 7*, 7° are constructed as metallic surfaces and are connected to one another by the lines 9c which are thin as possible (Fig. 3). The fine lines 9c are preferably either contacting by touching the finger or are connected to earth by a sliding contact, but the self-capacitance thereof is also sufficient to carry out the measurement.

In addition to use with a finger directly on the roller, a contacting ring can be used for the principle. If the ring is completely of metal, the beneficial effect is achieved whereby the disturbance with respect to rotation and translation is homogeneous.

Fig. 4 shows a particularly, possibly preferred, arrangement of measuring elements 6d, 6e on the cylindrical body 4 and counter elements 7d thereon, which are adjustable relative to the measuring elements 6d, 6e and are electrically separated by the separating layer which can also be formed by a spacing. In the illustrated embodiment, the counter elements 7d would be adjusted upwards and downwards in the case of a rotation. The counter elements 7d extend as a plurality of spatially limited counter elements 7d preferably over the entire surface of the selection element which has a roller-shaped configuration. In addition to the configuration of the counter elements 7d in the form of square tiles, the counter elements 7d can also be configured in different ways, for example with a circular shape. Optionally, or preferably, the counter elements 7 are connected to one another by further lines (not shown in Fig. 4) as in the other embodiments and thus connected to identical potential.

The measuring elements 6d, 6e are sub-divided into two groups of a plurality of first measuring elements 6d which are shown by hatching and a plurality of second measuring elements 6e which are shown by dots. The plurality of first measuring elements 6d has an elongate extension in and parallel to the rotational direction ω of the counter elements 7d. The plurality of second measuring elements 6e extends in a direction transversely to the direction of movement and rotation ω of the counter elements Id. In particular, the plurality of second measuring elements 6e, possibly preferably, extend over the entire width of the roller-shaped selection element. The outer circumference of the cylindrical body 4 therefore has at least two portions which are different from one another, the plurality of first measuring elements 6d being arranged in a first portion and the plurality of second measuring elements 6e in a second portion.

The plurality of first measuring elements 6d has a width which allows a finger movement in a lateral direction, i.e. parallel to the axis X of the input device, to be detected. Depending on the desired resolution, the individual elements of the plurality of first measuring elements are correspondingly wider or narrower in construction. The counter elements 7d have a width in the direction parallel to the axis X which is, possibly preferably, narrower than the width of the individual elements of the plurality of the first measuring elements 6d. In addition, sufficient counter elements 7d are arranged in a row parallel to the axis X for each of the plurality of first measuring elements 6d to be covered by at least one counter element 7d in a lateral direction. As illustrated, individual counter elements 7d can be arranged in such a way that they overlap two mutually adjacent elements of the plurality of first measuring elements 6d.

The measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e extend, possibly preferably, less widely in the rotational direction ω than the corresponding width extension of a counter element 7d which operates the input device, so the counter element 7d also always overlaps at least one of the measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e.

In addition to the above-described specific embodiments, a plurality of modifications can be made, wherein, in particular, also the individual aspects of various described embodiments can be combined with one another.

The individual measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e have a width in the rotational direction ω which allows a rotation to be detected with sufficient resolution. The individual measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e are, possibly preferably, narrower in the rotational direction ω than the corresponding extension of the counter elements 7d. An embodiment is possibly particularly preferred in which each of the counter elements 7d which oppose the plurality of second measuring elements 6e, possibly preferably, cover two or more of the measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e in the rotational direction ω. On the other hand, the extension of the counter elements 7d is so small in the rotational direction ω that not all measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e can be covered by an individual counter element 7d in the rotational direction ω. Early tests have shown that this embodiment produces particularly good detection results during both the detection of a rotation of the selection element with the fastened counter elements 7d and a lateral movement of the finger in parallel with the axis X. Fig. 5 shows a constructional combination of the embodiments according to Fig. 3 and 4. A plurality of first measuring elements 6d for detecting a lateral movement of a finger in parallel with the axis X on the surface of the selection element is again shown by hatching, these first measuring elements 6d again being constructed from elongate elements which are laterally spaced from one another. In the illustration of the arrangement which is unrolled into a plane, these first measuring elements 6d again form a plurality of columns. A plurality of second measuring elements 6e which are mutually adjacent and extend in parallel with the axis X in an elongate manner in the form of rows, is also shown by dots. The individual measuring elements 6d, 6e, possibly preferably, may each have equal widths, although this is not absolutely essential. A plurality of counter elements 7, 7*, 7°, which extend in an elongate manner in the rotational direction ω into the spaces between the columns and measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements 6d are also shown. The individual counter elements 7, 7*, 7° are also constructed with different lengths in the rotational direction ω. There are respective gaps in the form, for example, of the insulating separating portions according to Fig. 1 between the individual counter elements 7, 7*, 7°. The longitudinal extension of these separating portions l la, Hf is, possibly preferably, dimensioned, in a similar manner to the counter elements 7, 7*, 7°, in such a way that no two separating portions l la, 1 If of equal length are provided. An arrangement of this type is also selected in such a way that, of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e, at least one of the counter elements 7* is detected in each case. In the arrangement which is illustrated by way of example, the dimensioning of the individual elements is selected in such a way that, during a complete rotation of the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° or of the selection element in the rotational direction ω, for example of the seven measuring elements of the second measuring elements 6e each permutation of the length of gaps and the length of counter elements 7* detected via the measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e only occurs once. On the left-hand side of Fig. 5, a sub-division into longitudinal portions of the width of seven measuring elements of the second plurality of measuring elements 6e is shown in broken lines and, next to it, the respective permutation allocation of the separating portions 11a — Hf framed with dots and the counter elements 7, 7*, 7° sketched with a border. This is illustrated by the bar chart on the right-hand side of Fig. 5. The fact that the capacitance value which can be detected via the measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e depends directly on the respective length of the detected counter elements 7* is utilised.

The dimensioning can be determined in a particularly simple manner by the following procedure. There is, possibly preferably, a fixed plurality of the second measuring elements 6e with a predetermined equal width, i.e. extension in rotational direction ω. The extension of the separating portions 1 Ia - 1 If and the counter portions 7, 7*, 7° corresponds in each case to an integral multiple of this extension of the measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e. The extensions of a pair of a counter portion 7° and the separating portion lie adjacent thereto in the rotational direction ω respectively are also selected in such a way that the total extension corresponds to the width of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e, i.e. the number of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e multiplied by the extension thereof in the rotational direction ω. It is also established that each extension of the counter elements and each extension of the separating portions occurs only once in each case in the rotational direction. This allocation allows, possibly unequivocal, r position finding in the rotational direction ώ.

Fig. 6 shows an optional arrangement which corresponds in its basic construction to the arrangement according to Fig. 5. A plurality of first measuring elements 6d is again shown by hatching or turquoise. However, individual counter elements which are shown in transverse broken lines or in black are configured with an extension in the rotational direction ω which is identical to others of these counter elements Ix. The same applies to a portion of the separating portions Hx arranged therebetween. To allow, possibly unequivocal, position finding in rotational direction co, the following procedure can be employed in such an arrangement, for example for determining the individual extensions in the rotational direction. A specific number of measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e, which are shown in red or by dots, again with a respective predetermined identical extension in the rotational direction ω is again used a basis. The value 7 is again provided as the number. The extension of the separating portions l lx and the counter elements 7x again corresponds to an integral multiple of the extension of the entire plurality of second measuring elements 6e. The arrangement of the counter elements 7, 7x is selected in such a way that the plurality of second measuring elements 6e invariably oppose and can detect at least a pair of a counter element 7, 7x and a separating portion 11, 1 Ix. If there are more opposing pairs, triplets, quadlets or N-lets are formed. In order to be able to provide the possibly unequivocal nature, it is specified that each N-let occurs only once. In addition, the maximum height of a counter element 7, 7x and of a separating element 11, Hx corresponds to the number, which is seven in the present case, of measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements 6e minus the value of, for example, 3 or, in the present illustration, 4. In order to make the illustrated arrangement with a number of seven of the second measuring elements 6e and a total extension in the rotational direction of, for example according to Fig. 6, 42 -times the extension of the individual second measuring elements 6e unequivocal, twelve counter elements 7, 7x and twelve separating portions 11, 11 x are accordingly required.

An embodiment incorporated into and used with a communications device will now be described

The various figures each show a communication unit 21. As is conventional, the communication unit 21 has a display 22 and an input device 23. The input device 23 is used to enter characters and/or control instructions. The display 22 is used to display entered characters or functions among other things. As well as other components that are usual for such a communication unit 21, the communication unit 21 also has, in particular, control unit C for controlling the various functionalities of the communication unit 21. Besides control programs for the functionality of the communication unit 21, user-related data can also be stored in a memory M. Such user-related data includes, for instance, an address list like a telephone directory in which names of contracts are stored together with the phone numbers assigned to the names.

After using a finger 24 to select a function to display the phone directory, touching the input device 23 with the finger 24 displays a list 25 of various list items 26 on the display 22. Actuating the input device 23 appropriately by the finger 24 makes it possible to scroll through the list 25 or through individual list items 26 with a cursor, for instance, being used as a selection position indicator to flag one of the list items 26. The list items identified by the user of the communication unit 21 as especially important or favourite address items are shown on the display highlighted for instance. Highlighting is shown schematically in Figures 7A to 7F by the dotted background.

In the list 25, shown as an example in the Figures, the names Achim Anger, Albert Ammer, Chriss Cell, Detlev Daber, Eberhard Engel, Ernst Schmidt and

Friedrich Fahrer have been entered as list items 26. The names Chriss Cell, Ernst Schmidt and Friedrich Fahrer are highlighted as favourites. One common feature of the various embodiments shown is the fact that at least two first functions fl and f2 can be activated via the input device by appropriately using the finger 24 as an input means to touch or actuate. A different kind of functionality is triggered depending whether the first or the second function is selected. In principle these different kinds of functionalities can be functions which are completely different to each other, for instance selecting send options on the one hand and selecting storage or playback options on the other hand. Nevertheless, there is one, or possibly especially preferred, functionality whereby subdivision into favourite and non-favourite items in the list 25 is performed by means of the first two functions fl and f2.

Another function f3 can also be activated by using the finger to obtain input. The first two functions fl and f2 are performed by touching the input device 23 with the finger on the left-hand or right-hand side as a first or a second input segment 23 a and 23b. The other function f3 is entered by moving the finger 24 on the input device 23. In the embodiment shown, the input device 23 is a cylinder- or roller- shaped input device 23 which has a cylindrical surface that extends around an axis X. The input device 23 and its surface may be, preferably possibly mounted in the communication unit 21 so that it is capable of rotation or pivoting around the axis X. Movement of the finger 24 transversely relative to the axis X therefore causes rotation ω of the input device around the axis X. This rotation ω is detected by a control unit C as a control signal and is used to trigger another function β. The various control signals and input signals are evaluated by the control unit C which is wired appropriately to the input device. In the case of the embodiments shown, the first two functions consist of switching between display of the list 25 as a list containing all the list items 26 or optionally displaying the list items 26 in the list 25 with it only being possible to activate the favourite list items 26. Scrolling the input device 23, i.e. activating the other function f3, scrolls, depending on the page of the input device 23 selected for scrolling, through all the list items 26 or optionally only through the favourite list items 26.

Figure 7A accordingly shows an initial state where the finger 24 is touching the second input segment 23b so that the complete list 25 containing all the list items appears on the display 22. The cursor 27 is on the first list item, i.e. the name

Achim Anger. By way of a scrolling movement of the finger, shown in Figure 7B, on the right-hand side of the input device 23, i.e. on second input segment 23b, another function f3 is activated in addition to second function f2. In accordance with the method, this causes the cursor 27 to scroll through the list 25 from one list item 26 to another list item 26. When a desired destination address is reached, i.e. in the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 7C, the fourth list item, the name Detlev Daber, the finger 24 is lifted off the input device 23 and this flags up the currently selected list item for subsequent processing in the control unit C. For example, a call can then be made to the phone number of this list item by establishing a mobile radio communication connection. Figure 7D again shows an initial state in which the list item 26 with the focus or currently selected list item 26 is flagged by the cursor 27. Placing the finger 24 on the left-hand side of the input device, i.e. on first input segment 23 a, activates the first functionality in accordance with the first function fl . In accordance with the first function fl , only the favourites among the list items 26 are activated. If the list item 26 with the focus is not a favourite list item, the system automatically jumps to the very last, last or next favourite list item depending on the default setting.

Optionally, further list items 26 can be displayed with display in a smaller font size being preferred. Optionally, favourite items can also be identified by means of marking 28 as an additional feature. Placing the finger 24 on the first input segment 23 a also causes, in accordance with the first functionality, the first favourite list item to be flagged by the cursor 27 rather than the very last and previous deactivated list item 26. This is illustrated in Figure 7E. Scrolling the finger 24 over first input segment 23 a causes, in accordance with the method, the cursor 27 to then jump directly to the next favourite list item, i.e. the name Ernst Schmidt, rather than to the very next list item 26.

Figures 8 A to 8C schematically show an optional way of assigning functionalities to the first function fl and second function f2. After touching the first input segment 23 a of the input device 23 with the finger 24, the list 25 on the display 22 changes from a normally listed state which includes all the list items 26 (Figure 8A) to an optional display (Figure 8B) in which each first list item 26 which starts with a new letter of the alphabet is accompanied by the relevant initial letter in a non-indented column. This displays a tabular list with a first column which is used to show individual letters, with each letter occurring only once in alphabetical order, and a second column in which the individual list items are shown in alphabetical order. Whereas scrolling with the finger 24 (not shown) on the second input segment 23b would produce scrolling from list item to list item 26, scrolling with the finger 24 on the first input segment 23a causes, in accordance with the first function fl, jumping to the first list item 26 that has a new initial letter. As shown schematically in Figures 8B and 8C, scrolling with the finger on the first input segments 23 a causes the focus to jump directly from the very last list item which is the name Achim Anger with the initial letter A, not to the second list item 26, the name Albert Ammer, i.e. a name having the same initial letter, but to the third list item 26 which has the initial letter C, the list item Chriss Cell. Further scrolling causes the focus to jump to the next initial letter D - to the list item with the name Detlev Daber.

Figures 7A to 7F show scrolling and navigating through a list by way of example. The list items 26 in the list 25 show, by way of example, contacts, i.e. addresses which can be selected from an address book with names being shown on the display 22 as the selection criterion for the list item 26 names. At the top, the list item 26 with the name Chriss Cell is displayed on dotted background 28. Because the aim is to select from among all the items, the finger 24 is placed on the right- hand side of the roller used as the input device 23 and then moved downwards in the direction shown by the arrow. This moves the cursor 27 downwards through the list 25 one position at a time, as shown in Figure 1C, to the name Detlev Daber. When the finger is taken off the roller 21, the cursor 27 continues to flag the Detlev Daber field. When the finger 24 is placed on the input device 23 again, this time on the right-hand side using second input segment 23b, this activates the second function 23b. This causes the cursor 27 to jump to the next or, as shown by way of example, the previous list item in the favourite list items which is the name Chriss Cell. Scrolling then produces jumping to favourite list items only (Figures 7E to 7F). Placing the finger 24 on the first input segment 23a again to scroll further would toggle from the first function fl back to the second function f2 and produce scrolling, one position at a time, starting from the list item Ernst Schmidt currently flagged by the cursor 27.

Figures 8A to 8C also show scrolling in another list 25. Scrolling in the list 25 using a different selection criterion, such as alphabetical sorting, by way of example, is shown here. Because the aim is to sort using a selection criterion according to the first function fl, the left-hand half of the roller is used for scrolling. The display on the display 22 changes when the finger 24 touches the roller. Flagging of the previously flagged list item in the form of the cursor 27 disappears. This is replaced by the initial letter of the list item found, in this case a name for example, in the left-hand margin in a non-indented column. The initial letters of the other list items are also shown alphabetically sorted in the left-hand margin of the display 22. The names are shown, alphabetically sorted by initial letter on the right-hand side. If the finger 24 is moved downwards on the roller in the direction shown by the arrow, the cursor 27 jumps down in the column in the left-hand margin one list item at a time.

Insofar as embodiments of the invention described above are implementable, at least in part, using a software-controlled programmable processing device such as a Digital Signal Processor, microprocessor, other processing devices, data processing apparatus or computer system, it will be appreciated that a computer program for configuring a programmable device, apparatus or system to implement the foregoing described methods is envisaged as an aspect of the present invention. The computer program may be embodied as any suitable type of code, such as source code, object code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. The instructions may be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and/or interpreted programming language, such as C, C++, Java, BASIC, Perl, Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, JAVA, ActiveX, assembly language, machine code, and so forth. The embodiments are not limited in this context. The skilled person would readily understand that the term computer in its most general sense encompasses programmable devices such as referred to above, and data processing apparatus and computer systems. Suitably, the computer program is stored on a carrier medium in machine or device readable form, for example, using any computer-readable media, machine- readable media, or article capable of storing software. The media or article may include any suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory medium, storage device, storage article, storage medium and/or storage unit. The media or article may comprise memory, removable or non-removable media, erasable or non-erasable media, writeable or re-writeable media, digital or analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD- ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewritable (CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, magneto-optical media, removable memory cards or disks, various types of Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), subscriber identify module, tape, cassette, or the like. The computer program may be supplied from a remote source embodied in a communications medium such as an electronic signal, radio frequency carrier wave or optical carrier wave. Such carrier media are also envisaged as aspects of the present invention.

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the input device need not be a roller device but could be a rotatable disc or other movable element. Different parts of the surface of the rotatable disc may be associated with different function such that touching different parts of the disc surface actuate different functions. Rotation of the disc may be used to scroll through lists of displayed items. Furthermore, embodiments are not limited to communications units or devices that may be used to interface with many different types of device and apparatus, such as a media player or control apparatus. Additionally control units C and C may be implemented in the same control circuitry such as microprocessor. The touch sense mechanism need not be capacitive but could be another touch sense mechanism.

As used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including,"

"has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,

"or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed therein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigates any or all of the problems addressed by the present invention. The application hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features during the prosecution of this application or of any such further application derived therefrom. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the claims.

Claims

1. Input device for entering characters or control instructions comprising

- a cylindrical body (4) with an axis (X),

a selection element (5) which is rotatable about the cylindrical body and/or is adjustable in parallel with the axis (X),

- a measuring element, preferably a plurality of measuring elements (6, 6*,

6°; 6a, 6b; 6d, 6e) which capacitively detect at least two charges on the cylindrical body (4) or the selection element (5) and

at least one capacitively acting counter element (7, 7*, 7°; 7d) on conversely the selection element (5) or the cylindrical body,

wherein, during an adjustment of the selection element (5) relative to the cylindrical body (4), the at least one counter element (7, 7*, 7°; 7d) is adjustable relative to the measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b; 6d, 6e) and capacitance values (Cl, C2, C3) which can be measured on the measuring elements change, and wherein the measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b; 6d, 6e) and the counter elements (J, 7*, 7°; 7d) are dimensioned in such a way and arranged relative to one another on the cylindrical body (4) or on the selection element (5) in such a way that mutually differing capacitance values (Cl, C2, C3) can be picked off at least one of the measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b; 6d, 6e) as a function of the relative position.

2. Input device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b) and the at least one counter element (7, 7*, 7°; 7d) are spaced from one another by a partition layer (11) in the form of a spacer layer or insulating elements.

3. Input device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of the counter elements (7, 7*, 7°; 7d) are arranged opposite the measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b; 6d, 6e).

4. Input device according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the counter elements (7, 7*, 7°) are connected to one another in the circumferential and/or rotational direction by at least a line (9c).

5. Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the counter elements (7, 7*, 7°) are covered by the selection element (5) or another element in an electrically insulating manner in an external direction, wherein at least a contact (13) of the at least one counter element (7) is arranged in the external direction for contacting a finger (3) which operates the selection element (5).

6. Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of such measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6a; 6e) is sub-divided into a plurality of individual electrically mutually separated measuring elements parallel to the rotational direction (ω) of the selection element (5).

7. Input device according to claim 6, wherein the measuring elements (6, 6*,

6°; 6a, 6b) extend over a different length relative to one another in the rotational direction (ω) and/or wherein a plurality of such counter elements (7, 7*, 7°; 7d) extend over a different length relative to one another in the rotational direction (ω).

8. Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of such measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6b; 6d) is sub-divided into a plurality of individual electrically mutually separated measuring elements parallel to the axis (X) of the selection element (5).

9. Input device according to claim 8, wherein the measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b) extend over a different length relative to one another in the direction parallel to the axis (X) and/or wherein a plurality of such counter elements (7, 7*, 7°; 7d) extend over a different length relative to one another in the direction parallel to the axis (X).

10. Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, with an integrated control unit (C) and/or evaluating logic unit for detecting the capacitance values (Cl, C2, C3) of the measuring elements (6, 6*, 6°; 6a, 6b; 6d, 6e) for determining an unequivocal rotational position and axially parallel position of the cylindrical body (4) relative to the selection element (5) and/or relative to a finger (3) which contacts the selection element (5).

11. Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection element (5) has an annular form and is adjustable in parallel with the axis over the cylindrical body (4).

12. Input device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the selection element (5) is in the form of a roller and extends in parallel with the axis (X) of the cylindrical body (4) over the surface thereof.

13. Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of second measuring elements (6a; 6e) extending in parallel with the axis

(X) and a plurality of first measuring elements (6b; 6d) extending in the rotational direction (ω) are arranged on the cylindrical body (4) or on the selection element.

14. Input device according to claim 13 wherein the measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements (6a) are spaced from one another in an axially parallel direction and wherein the counter elements (7, 7*, 7°) are dimensioned to have an extension which is smaller than the spacing between the measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements (6a) in the direction parallel to the axis (X).

15. Input device according to either claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the plurality of first measuring elements (6a) and the plurality of second measuring elements (6b) extend in two electrically mutually separated layers overlapping in the radial direction of the cylindrical body (4).

16. Input device according to claim 13, wherein the measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements (6d) and the measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements (6e) are distributed over various circumferentially parallel portions of the cylindrical body (4).

17. Input device according to claim 16, wherein the counter elements (7d) have a greater extension in the rotational direction (ω) than the individual measuring elements of the plurality of second measuring elements (6e).

18. Input device according to any one of claims 13, 16 or 17, wherein at least a portion of the counter elements is dimensioned in such a way in the axially parallel direction that each of the measuring elements of the plurality of first measuring elements (6d) is covered in the axially parallel direction by a, in particular only a single one of the counter elements.

19. Input device according to any one of claims 13, 16, 17 or 18, wherein a plurality of mutually spaced counter elements (7d) is arranged in the rotational direction (ω).

20. Communication unit with an input device according to any one of the preceding claims.

21. Communication unit according to claim 20, wherein measuring elements of a plurality of second measuring elements (6e) for detecting a rotational movement of the selection element (5) relative to the cylindrical body (4) are arranged in a region of the communication unit which is not contacted by a finger

(3) of a person operating the communication unit during operation of the communication unit.

22. A device for entering characters or control instructions into a communication-unit comprising

- an input device (23) extending along an axis (X) having a cylindrical surface for entering characters or control instructions and - a control unit (C) for detecting input of such characters or control instructions via the input device and for triggering at least a first function (fl) and/or a second function (f2) which is different to the first function depending on the entered characters or control instructions - wherein the input device (23) is subdivided into at least a first and a second input segment (23a, 23b) along the axis (X) and

- wherein the control unit (C) is designed or controlled for triggering the first function (fl) in conjunction with input via the first input segment (23a) and for triggering the second function (f2) in conjunction with input via the second input segment (23b).

23. A device according to claim 22 in which the input device (23) is designed to detect a position of an input means, especially a finger (24), on or above the surface in a parallel direction and in a direction of the surface which is circumferential relative to the axis (X).

24. A device according to claim 23 in which the input device (23) is designed to capacitively detect the position of the input means.

25. A device according to either claim 23 or claim 24 in which the control unit

(C) is designed or controlled to trigger another function (f3) depending on the position or a changing position of the input means in the circumferential direction of the surface relative to the axis (X).

26. A device according to claim 25,

- in which the input device (23) is designed to rotate around the axis (X) and to supply a rotation signal and - in which the control unit (C) is designed or controlled to trigger the other function (β) depending on such rotation (ω).

27. A device according to either claim 25 or claim 26 in which the control unit (C) is designed or controlled to trigger selection of a menu from various menus depending on the first and the second function (fl, f2) and to trigger another selection within a menu selected through the first or the second function (fl, f2) by means of input using the other function (f3).

28. A device according to claim 27 in which the control unit (C) is designed or controlled to trigger various filtered and/or list displays depending on the first and the second function (fl, fl) and to trigger selection of list items (26) as the subsequent selection.

29. A device according to any one of claims 22 to 28 in which the surface of first input segment (23 a) and second input segment (23b) are designed differently in terms of colour and/or texture.

30. A method for^' entering characters or control instructions into a communication unit in which

- characters or control instructions are entered on a cylindrical surface of an input device (23) which extends along an axis (X) and - by means of the control unit (C) and depending on the entered characters or control instructions, at least a first function (fl) and/or a second function (f2) which is different to the first function is triggered,

- actuating the input device (23) which is subdivided along the axis (X) into at least a first and a second input segment (23a, 23b) in the region of the first input segment (23a) triggers the first function (fl) and actuating it in the region of the second input segment (23b) triggers the second function (£2).

31. A method according to claim 30 in which the position of an input means, especially the finger (24), is detected on or above the surface in a parallel direction and in a circumferential direction of the surface relative to the axis (X) wherein another function (£3) is triggered depending on the position or a changing position of the input means in the circumferential direction of the interface relative to the axis (X).

32. A method according to either claim 30 or claim 31 in which selection of a menu from various menus depending on the first and the second function (fl, £2) is triggered and another selection within a menu selected through the first or the second function (fl , f2) is triggered by means of input using the other function (β).

33. A method according to claim 32 in which various filtered and/or list displays are triggered depending on the first and the second function (fl, f2) and selection of list items (26) is triggered as the subsequent selection.

34. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 33 for operating a communication-unit input device according to any one of claims 22 to 29.

35. A device according to any one of claims 22 to 29 or for carrying out a method according to any of claims 22 to 29.

36. A computer program comprising computer program elements for configuring a programmable processing device to implement a method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, or implement a device according to any one of claims 22 to 29 or claim 35.

37. A computer program carrier, carrying a computer program according to claim 36.