User interface dial with display
View Patent ↗An interface dial with display. In one embodiment, a user interface is comprised of a display device for displaying images which is situated as part of a mechanical dial device. The display device is located in an inner portion of the mechanical interface dial. A rotatable outer ring can be coupled with and encompasses the inner portion. The rotatable outer ring is for triggering retrieval of images to be displayed in the display device. The icons displayed in the display device portion can change as the outer dial is rotated to allow selection of a displayed function by depressing the display device. The dial also provides four-way navigation having a rocker switch integrated therewith. Resembling a combination lock in one embodiment, the dial can also act as a security device.
1. An interface component comprising:
an inner portion comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein a first interaction with said first portion is operable to initiate a first operation, and wherein a second interaction with said second portion is operable to initiate a second operation;
a display device coupled with said first portion, wherein said display device is operable to display an image; and
an outer ring operable to rotate about said inner portion, wherein said outer ring is further operable to rotate about said display device, and wherein a rotation of said outer ring is operable to alter information displayed on said display device, and
wherein said first portion, said second portion and said outer ring are concentric.
2. The interface component of claim 1 , wherein said first portion comprises a central button, and wherein said first interaction comprises a depression of said central button.
3. The interface component of claim 1 , wherein said image comprises an icon associated with an executable application, and wherein said first operation is associated with an initiation of said executable application.
4. The interface component of claim 1 , wherein said image is associated with an alphanumeric character, and wherein said first operation is associated with a selection of said alphanumeric character.
5. The interface component of claim 1 , wherein said second portion comprises a multi-way portion for generating at least one control signal, and wherein each of said at least one control signal corresponds to a respective operation.
6. The interface component of claim 1 , wherein said second operation comprises a movement of a cursor displayed on said display device.
7. The interface component of claim 1 , wherein a rotation of said outer ring is operable to cause a display of a second image on said display device.
8. The interface component of claim 1 , wherein said second portion surrounds said first portion, and wherein said outer ring surrounds said second portion.
9. A portable electronic device comprising:
a processor;
a memory; and
an interface component comprising:
an inner portion comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein a first interaction with said first portion is operable to initiate a first operation, and wherein a second interaction with said second portion is operable to initiate a second operation;
a display device coupled with said first portion, wherein said display device is operable to display an image; and
an outer ring operable to rotate about said inner portion, wherein said outer ring is further operable to rotate about said display device, and wherein a rotation of said outer ring is operable to alter information displayed on said display device, and
wherein said first portion, said second portion and said outer ring are concentric.
10. The portable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein said first portion comprises a central button, and wherein said first interaction comprises a depression of said central button.
11. The portable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein said image comprises an icon associated with an executable application, and wherein said first operation is associated with an initiation of said executable application.
12. The portable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein said image is associated with an alphanumeric character, and wherein said first operation is associated with a selection of said alphanumeric character.
13. The portable electronic device of claim 9 further comprising:
a second display device, and
wherein a third interaction with said inner portion is operable to initiate a third operation selected from a group consisting of a selection of information displayed on said second display device and an alteration of information displayed on said second display device.
14. The portable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein said second portion comprises a multi-way portion for generating at least one control signal, and wherein each of said at least one control signal corresponds to a respective operation.
15. The portable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein said second operation comprises a movement of a cursor displayed on said display device.
16. The portable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein a rotation of said outer ring is operable to cause a display of a second image on said display device.
17. The portable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein said second portion surrounds said first portion, and wherein said outer ring surrounds said second portion.
18. A portable electronic device comprising:
a processor;
a memory;
a first display device operable to display first information; and
an interface component comprising:
an inner portion;
a second display device coupled with said inner portion, wherein said second display device is operable to display second information;
an outer ring operable to rotate about said inner portion wherein said outer ring is further operable to rotate about said second display device, and
wherein said inner portion is operable to enable a user to interact with said first information displayed on said first display device and said second information displayed on said second display device.
19. The portable electronic device of claim 18 , wherein said inner portion comprises a central button, wherein a first interaction with said central button is operable to select said first information displayed on said first display device, and wherein a second interaction with said central button is operable to select said second information displayed on said second display device.
20. The portable electronic device of claim 18 , wherein said second information comprises an icon associated with an application stored in said memory, and wherein an interaction with said inner portion is operable to initiate an execution of said application using said processor.
21. The portable electronic device of claim 18 , wherein said second information is associated with an alphanumeric character, and wherein an interaction with said inner portion is operable to select said alphanumeric character.
22. The portable electronic device of claim 18 , wherein said inner portion comprises a multi-way portion for generating at least one control signal, and wherein each of said at least one control signal corresponds to a respective operation.
23. The portable electronic device of claim 22 , wherein said multi-way portion is further operable to move a cursor.
24. The portable electronic device of claim 18 , wherein a rotation of said outer ring is operable to alter said second information displayed on said second display device.
25. The portable electronic device of claim 18 , wherein said inner portion comprises a central button and a multi-way portion, wherein said multi-way portion surrounds said central button, and wherein said outer ring surrounds said multi-way portion.