US20100045628A1 - Input detection system for a portable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

A proximity input detection system for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes an inductive field sensor to detect a change in a magnetic field when an input device with a coil is within a threshold distance. In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes a capacitive sensor which can locate the position of an electrically conductive object which is within a threshold distance. The capacitive sensor can also be used, for example, as a switch to activate the device if a user picks it up. The present invention allows user inputs to be detected without actually touching the electronic device. The present invention can also be used to detect inputs through intervening non-metallic layers such as a protective cover or another display of the device without using additional input sensors.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is related to and is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/991,344, filed Nov. 20, 2001, entitled “PROXIMITY INPUT DETECTION SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” naming Shawn R. Gettemy and Yoon Kean Wong as inventors, and having attorney docket number PALM-3676.5G, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/728,023, filed Nov. 30, 2000, entitled “MULTI-SIDED DISPLAY FOR PORTABLE COMPUTER,” naming Francis Canova, Jr. as the inventor, and having attorney docket number PALM-3304. Both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Advances in computer technology have enabled the further miniaturization of the components required to build computer systems. As such, new categories of computer systems have been created. One of the newer categories of computer systems is the portable, hand held, or “palmtop” computer system, also referred to as a personal digital assistant or PDA. Other examples of a portable computer system include electronic address books, electronic day planners, electronic schedulers and the like.
• A palmtop computer system is a computer that is small enough to be held in the user's hand and as such is “palm-sized.” As a result, palmtops are readily carried about in the user's briefcase, purse, and in some instances, in the user's pocket. By virtue of its size, the palmtop computer, being inherently lightweight, is therefore exceptionally portable and convenient.
• Flat panel resistive touch screen displays are found in numerous electronic products such as wrist watches, hand calculators, cell phones and PDAs both to present information to the user as well as to facilitate input of data such as user touch screen commands. Such displays include a resistive digitizer mechanism and a display mechanism. A typical resistive digitizer mechanism consists of a digitizing element having a flexible thin film supported slightly above the surface of another thin layer digitizing element. A pressure applied to the outer surface of the flexible film causes the film to deflect and contact the digitizing element at a point which can be measured and thereby used as an input signal to activate the digitizer mechanism.
• The flexible film and the digitizing element must be mounted in a support housing to provide and maintain the proper spacing between the two. At the same time, additional protection against moisture, dust, and mechanical damage must be provided for the flexible film used in the digitizer mechanism. Thus, an additional outer protective film mounted above the digitizer flexible film is generally included in the touch screen display assembly. One problem with this technology is a gradual reduction in the sensitivity to the external mechanical pressure required to activate the digitizer mechanism. In addition, the added protective film may increase overall opacity which makes it more difficult to view any display element housed within.
• FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an enclosure/touch screen assembly100 utilized in prior art. The entire assembly is held in place by the supportingstructure105. The outerprotective film110 provides mechanical protection for the resistive digitizer film120. In addition, the outer protective film is coupled to the support mechanism in order to provide a moisture and dust seal. Thedigitizing element130 is located below and close to the digitizer film120. An externally applied pressure that deflects the protective film will also deflect the digitizer film.
• Any applied pressure great enough to cause the digitizer film to contact the digitizing element will then activate the resistive digitizer mechanism. Thedisplay element140 is located below the digitizer mechanism. User information is displayed on the upper surface of the display element. An icon sheet (not shown) is frequently disposed abovedisplay element140 which delineates areas on the display screen for specific functions (e.g., button functions or a handwriting recognition area). Together, the protective film, the digitizer film and the digitizing element should have an opacity small enough to allow viewing of the information displayed on the display element.
• The entire touch screen assembly is located within the support structure such that the surface of the outer protective film is below the upper edge of the support structure. There is therefore a step-downcorner150 from the upper edge of the support structure to the surface of the outer protective film and the resulting assembly exhibits a bezel like appearance. The support structure is also used to conceal theelectrodes160,insulators170, and traces180 which locate where the digitizer film and the digitizing element come into contact with each other.
• One problem with the bezel design is that maintaining a moisture and dust-free environment for the touch screen mechanism is difficult. Such an assembly often does not provide a satisfactory moisture and dust proof enclosure. The bezel design adds to the complexity, cost of assembly, and overall thickness of the device. Additionally, some designers would like to eliminate the bezel to update the appearance of the device.
• Another disadvantage with prior art display interfaces is the requirement that the digitizer assembly be a flat, two-dimensional surface. Currently, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is used as the conductive material (e.g., digitizer film120 and digitizingelement130 ofFIG. 1) in digitizer mechanisms. The digitizer mechanisms are formed by sputtering ITO onto a flat surface. The flat surface is required because while ITO has some flexibility, it is very brittle and will break down over time. Because of this ITO degradation, the interface of hand held computers needs to be re-calibrated occasionally. The brittleness factor necessitates an ITO layer that is flat and of uniform thickness. Additionally, the junction where the flexible digitizer film joins the electrodes and traces is frequently prone to failure.
• The brittleness of the ITO limits the design of prior art devices to a flat interface which may not be suitable for some designs and makes a three-dimensional display surface impractical. A three-dimensional display would allow designers to contour the top surface such that it is not flat giving the device, for example, a curved top profile. The brittleness of the ITO also prevents using a printed decorative border sheet to conceal the electrodes and traces of the digitizer mechanism and eliminate the need for a bezel design.
• Another drawback is that, because of the amount of space between the touch surface of the touch screen and display screen, there is a parallax effect. Simply stated, the parallax effect is a type of visual spatial distortion such that the actual point of contact on the touch screen does not correspond to the intended target area of the display screen. This is analogous to a stick being immersed in water, such that the stick takes on a bent or distorted appearance.
• Also, the amount of light that comes from the display screen through the touch screen to be viewed by the user is only about 80% of the available light. In a reflective display, that amount is further reduced to about 64%. This reduces the overall contrast, clarity, and quality of the display as seen by the user.
• Furthermore, the support structure and outer protective film are typically made of plastic. When subjected to normal use, the support structure and outer protective film can take on a scratched appearance which most users find unappealing. A protective cover may be used to protect the outside of the device, but this is inconvenient in that the device must be removed from the cover to use it and still does not protect the outer protective film while the device is being used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Thus, a need exists for a touch screen sensor which overcomes the disadvantages of a resistive touch screen sensor in a portable electronic device and which provides input functionality such that the visual quality of the display is not diminished. An additional need exists for a user interface that fills the above need and which substantially reduces the parallax effect, such that the intended target within the display device is the actual point registered by the sensing system. Additionally, a need exists for an input sensing system which is not prone to degradation over time and facilitates greater protection from dust and moisture for the electronic device. An additional need exists for a user interface which allows greater flexibility in designing the appearance of the device. Finally, a need exists for a user interface which permits normal use of the device while providing greater protection from damage.
• Accordingly, the present invention provides a user interface which overcomes the disadvantages of a resistive touch screen sensor in a portable electronic device and which provides input functionality such that the visual quality of the display is not diminished. The present invention further provides an interface which fills the above need and which substantially reduces the parallax effect, such that the intended target within the display device is the actual point registered by the sensing system. Additionally, the present invention is not prone to degradation over time and facilitates greater protection from dust and moisture for the electronic device. Embodiments of the present invention allow greater flexibility in designing the appearance of the device. Finally, the present invention permits using the electronic device while protecting the device from damage under normal use.
• In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes an inductive field sensor as the touch screen component to detect a change in a magnetic field when an input device with a coil is within a threshold distance. In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes a capacitive sensor which can locate the position of an electrically conductive object which is within a threshold distance. The capacitive sensor can also be used, for example, as a switch to activate the device if a user picks it up. The present invention allows user inputs to be detected without actually touching the electronic device. The present invention can also be used to detect inputs through intervening non-metallic layers such as a protective cover or another display of the device without using additional input sensors.
• These and other advantages of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.
• FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a display assembly utilized in prior art portable electronic devices.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary portable computer system upon which embodiments of the present invention may be utilized.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary computer network including a portable computer system utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 shows a front perspective of a portable computer system configured with a front cover utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIGS. 5A-5B are cross sectional views of a portable electronic device having a front cover configured with a input detection system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a display panel and an input detection system used in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 shows an exemplary portable electronic device and cover used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention will be discussed in conjunction with the following embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments alone. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents which may be included with the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary circuitry ofportable computer system200.Portable computer system200 includes an address/data bus201 for communicating information, acentral processor202 coupled with thebus201 for processing information and instructions, a volatile memory203 (e.g., random access memory RAM) coupled with thebus201 for storing information and instructions for thecentral processor202 and a non-volatile memory204 (e.g., read only memory ROM) coupled with thebus201 for storing static information and instructions for theprocessor202.Portable computer system200 also includes an optional data storage device205 (e.g., thin profile removable memory) coupled with thebus201 for storing information and instructions.Device205 can be removable.
• As described above,portable computer system200 also contains asignal communication device206, also coupled tobus201.Signal communication device206 can be a serial port (or USB port) for communicating with a cradle (not shown). In addition todevice206, wireless communication links can be established between theportable computer system200 and a host computer system (or another portable computer system) using aBluetooth wireless device207 or aninfrared device208.Display control circuit209 is for activating display devices coupled withsystem200. These components are housed on acircuit board210 which is contained within a cover assembly.
• Also included inportable computer system200 ofFIG. 2 is a display device A (211) and a display device B (212).Display device211 may be an active matrix LCD, a passive matrix LCD, electronic paper (E-paper), field emission display (FED), organic LED (OLED) or a variety of other display technologies.Display device212 may be an active matrix LCD, a passive matrix LCD, or another display technology which is sufficiently transparent that another display device (e.g., display device211) can be viewed throughdisplay device212. In one embodiment, the displays211-212 are multi-mode displays capable of both monochrome and color display modes. Display devices211-212 are activated bydisplay control circuit209 according to the position of a front cover for system200 (not shown).
• Portable computer system200 also includes aninput device213 coupled withbus201. In an embodiment of the present invention, theinput device213 may be an inductive sensor which is able to detect changes to a magnetic field from an object in proximity to but not in contact with the surface of the sensor.Input device213 can communicate information (spatial data) and command selections to the central processor102.Input device213 is capable of registering a position on display devices211-212 of a user response to information displayed on the display devices.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of anexemplary network environment300 including a portable computer system (e.g., portable computer system200) upon which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Portable computer system200 is also known as a palmtop or palm-sized computer system. In one embodiment,portable computer system200 has the ability to transmit and receive data and information over a wireless communication interface (e.g., a radio interface). For purposes of the present application, the term “portable computer system” is not intended to be limited solely to conventional palmtop or portable computers. Instead, the term “portable computer” or “portable computer system” is also intended to include any mobile electronic device. Such mobile devices include but are not limited to pagers and paging systems, wireless and cellular telephones, electronic address books, and numerous other mobile devices that may have the ability to conduct wireless communications with a network. As such, for purposes of the present application, the terms “portable computer” and “mobile device” will be considered synonymous and will be used interchangeably.
• Base station310 can be both a transmitter and receiver base station, which can be implemented by coupling it into an existing public switchedtelephone network320. Implemented in this manner,base station310 enablesportable computer system200 to communicate with a proxyserver computer system330, which is coupled by wire to the existing public switchedtelephone network320. Furthermore, proxyserver computer system330 is coupled to theInternet340, thereby enablingportable computer system200 to communicate with theInternet340. When communicating with a Web site overInternet340, protocols such as CTP (Compact Transport Protocol) and CML (Compact Markup Language) and WML (Wireless Markup Language) can be used byportable computer system200 in the present embodiment.
• It should be appreciated that one of the functions ofproxy server330 is to perform operations over theInternet340 on behalf ofportable computer system200. For example,proxy server330 has a particular Internet address and acts as a proxy device forportable computer system200 over theInternet340. It should be further appreciated that other embodiments of a communications network, planned or envisioned, may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, a wireless connection may be made fromportable computer system200 directly to theInternet340.
• The data and information which are communicated betweenbase station310 andportable computer system200 are the same type of information and data that can conventionally be transferred and received over a public switched telephone network. Additionally, inFIG. 3, the existing public switched telephone network could also be a packet-based network utilized by some conventional portable computer systems. However, a wireless communication interface is utilized to communicate data and information betweenportable computer system200 andbase station310. Furthermore, nearly any wireless network can support the functionality to be disclosed herein.
• FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exemplaryportable computer system400 upon which embodiments of the present invention may be utilized. While the present embodiment recites a portable computer system, the present invention is not intended to be limited solely to conventional palmtop or portable computers. Instead, the term “portable computer” or “portable computer system” is also intended to include any mobile electronic device. Such mobile devices include but are not limited to pagers and paging systems, wireless and cellular telephones, electronic address books, and numerous other mobile devices that may have the ability to conduct wireless communications within a network.
• InFIG. 4,portable computer system200 contains a display screen (e.g. display device211 ofFIG. 2) surrounded by aouter cover410. A removable stylus415 is disposed along the right side ofportable computer system200, but by virtue of the angle of the illustration, is not shown. In one embodiment, stylus415 has a metal tip that can be detected by a capacitive sensor located belowdisplay device211 and registered as an input tocomputer system200. In another embodiment, stylus415 contains electrical elements which interfere with an inductive field generated by an inductive array disposed beneathdisplay device211, located by the sensor, and registered as an input toportable computer system200.Outer cover410 also contains one or more dedicated and/orprogrammable buttons420 for selecting information and causingportable computer system200 to implement functions.
• FIG. 4 also shows a removablefront cover425 that is coupled toportable computer system200 by a hinge.Front cover425 provides protection toportable computer system200 and, in embodiments of the present invention, is configured with a two-sided display panel (e.g.,display device212 ofFIG. 2).Display device212 is configured infront cover425 such that there is a front display (display area520 ofFIG. 5A) which is visible whenfront cover425 is closed and a back display (display area530 ofFIG. 5B) which is visible whenfront cover425 is opened.Front cover425 may rotate as shown byarrow430 about the axis of the hinge.
• FIGS. 5A-5B are cross section views of an exemplary portable computer system upon which embodiments of the present invention may be utilized.FIGS. 5A-5B show the general disposition of the display and sensor apparatuses whenfront cover425 is in an opened and closed position. InFIG. 5A,front cover425 is closed anddisplay device212 is disposed abovedisplay device211. Anoptional backlight550 is disposed beneathsensor510 which is disposed beneathdisplay device211.
• Display device211 may be an active matrix LCD, a passive matrix LCD, electronic paper (E-paper), field emission display (FED), organic LED (OLED) or a variety of other display technologies.Display device212 may be an active matrix LCD, a passive matrix LCD, or another display technology which is sufficiently transparent thatdisplay device211 can be viewed throughdisplay device212. In other words, due to the transparency ofdisplay device212,display device211 is also visible whenfront cover425 is in a closed position and characters displayed ondisplay device211 are visible. A control circuit (e.g.,display control circuit209 ofFIG. 2) detects whenfront cover425 is in a closed position and activates the appropriate display portions (e.g.,display area520 and display device211). This allows showing multiple screens of information whilefront cover425 is in a closed position, thus increasing the viewable area available to a user.
• In one embodiment,sensor510 is an inductive sensor which is able to detect an object at a distance from the sensor itself and through intervening layers such as the Spiral® inductive sensor which is commercially available from Synaptics Inc. of San Jose, Calif. In one embodiment, stylus415 contains, for example, an inductor and a capacitor which will interfere with an inductive field emanating fromsensor510 and is registered as an input toportable computer system200. A user can indicate an input toportable computer system200 without actually touching the display surface with stylus415. Furthermore, becausesensor510 can detect through intervening layers, it can be used for determining user inputs to displaydevice212 whenfront cover425 is closed, thus increasing the viewable area ofportable computer system200. When used in conjunction with the transparent display described above, one sensor can be used to detect inputs to bothdisplay device211 and212. Because the present invention only requires one sensor,portable computer system200 can be manufactured at a lower cost than prior art systems that require multiple input sensors to achieve the same level of functionality.
• Another advantage of the present invention is that inductive sensors are more flexible and thinner than resistive digitizer mechanisms. This gives designers more options in designing the appearance of their products such as a thinner device which has a curved top surface. The present invention also provides greater durability due to the fact that the sensor itself is not being physically contacted by a user and because the brittleness and degradation of the ITO is no longer a factor. The present invention allows a manufacturer to eliminate the bezel appearance of the front cover and to create a better seal against dust and moisture. Becausesensor510 can be disposed behind display devices211-212, parallax will be reduced as there are fewer intervening layers between the display and the user and greater transparency of the display is achieved.
• In one embodiment, whenfront cover425 is opened, the detection threshold ofsensor510 is altered so that a gesture abovedisplay area530 can be detected as well as a gesture abovedisplay device211. In another embodiment, an additional sensor (e.g.,sensor610 ofFIG. 6) is disposed infront cover425 and is activated whenfront cover425 is opened.Sensor610 can be, for example, electrically coupled withportable computer system200 throughhinge540.
• Furthermoresensor510 has sufficient sensitivity to differentiate the proximity of stylus415 and, in response to that proximity, causesdisplay control circuit209 to change the active display. For example, iffront cover425 is in a closed position a user can interact with eitherdisplay device212 ordisplay device211 by changing the height of stylus415 above the display. When stylus415 is moved closer to the surface ofportable computer system200display control circuit209 changes the active display fromdevice212 to211. The active display can, for example, become grayed out when it becomes inactive or can change from a color display to black and white.
• In another embodiment,sensor510 is a capacitive sensor such as the MultiTouch sensor which is commercially available from FingerWorks Incorporated of Newark, Del. The MultiTouch sensor is capable of remotely detecting, (e.g., in proximity to but not touching the sensor itself), the presence of an electrically conductive material (e.g. metal or a user's finger). Previous capacitive sensors were able to detect electrical conductors only when they were touching a protective cover above the capacitor. However, advances in the technology have created sensors with much greater sensitivity which are able to detect the electrical conductors at a distance up to an inch from the sensor and through an intervening non-metallic material. A user can make an indication above the surface of the display which can be registered bysensor510 as an input toportable computer system200.
• The remote sensing capability of a capacitive sensor allows users to input information intoportable computer system200 using, for example, only their finger and allows the manufacturer to incorporate functions into the border areas outside of the display areas such asouter cover425 ofFIG. 4. For example, users could scroll down a text display by simply running their finger downouter cover425 without obstructing their view of the display.
• Additionally, the direction in which a capacitive sensor detects can be reversed so that electrically conductive materials are detected through the back cover ofportable computer system200. In one embodiment, when a user picks upportable computer system200,sensor510 detects the capacitance of the user's hand and actuates or powers upportable computer system200. This eliminates the need for an on/off switch and can be incorporated with a power saving system to turn offportable computer system200 when it is not being handled by a user, thus extending the battery life of the system.
• Furthermoresensor510 has sufficient sensitivity to differentiate the proximity of a user's finger and, in response to that proximity, causesdisplay control circuit209 to change the active display. For example, iffront cover425 is in a closed position a user can interact with eitherdisplay device212 ordisplay device211 by changing the height of their finger above the display. When their finger is moved closer to the surface ofportable computer system200display control circuit209 changes the active display fromdevice212 to211. The active display can, for example, become grayed out when it becomes inactive or can change from a color display to black and white.
• FIG. 5B showsportable computer system200 withfront cover425 in an open position. Whenfront cover425 is opened, display control circuit deactivatesdisplay area520 and activatesdisplay area530. Information previously displayed ondisplay area520 is now reoriented so as to be displayed ondisplay area530. No change is made to information ondisplay device211. The advantage of having the displays arrayed in this configuration is that a program requiring a larger viewing area such as a spreadsheet can be viewed by a user without having to scroll to the relevant portion.
• FIG. 6 shows a cross section view of a display panel and a input detection system used in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 6,front cover425 is in an open position and asecond sensor610 is shown disposed belowdisplay device212. WhileFIG. 6 showssensor610 as being disposed belowdisplay device212, the present invention is well suited to disposingsensor610 abovedisplay device212 or betweendisplay areas520 and530 ofdisplay device212.
• Embodiments of the present invention allowportable computer system400 to be used when a protective cover (e.g.,protective cover750 ofFIG. 7) is in place.Protective cover750 can protectportable computer system400 from damage by, for example, slidingportable computer system400 into an opening ofprotective cover750. Becausesensor510 can detect user inputs away from the surface of the sensor and through intervening layers,portable computer system400 can still be used whenprotective cover750 is in place. Anopening760 in the face ofprotective cover750 allows a user to view a portion of the display screen when the cover is in place and can simply be an opening inprotective cover750 or have a plastic window to protect the face ofdisplay area520.Protective cover750 can be made of a variety of materials (e.g., leather or plastic) without interfering with the functioning ofcomputer system400 or could be made entirely of clear plastic which has the advantage of allowing the full functionality ofportable computer system400 while protecting it from damage.Protective cover750 can have printed or embossedfeatures770 to indicate button areas to giveportable computer system400 specific functions such as a calculator or a phone dialer (as shown inFIG. 7).Protective cover750 could have electronics which interact withsensor510 to indicate which function is to be performed while the cover is in place.
• In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. Thus, the sole and exclusive indicator of what is, and is intended by the applicant to be, the invention is the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. Hence, no limitation, element, property, feature, advantage, or attribute that is not expressly recited in a claim should limit the scope of such claim in any way. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (27)

1. A portable electronic device comprising:

a housing;

a processor disposed within said housing;

a memory disposed within said housing;

a display device coupled with said housing;

a sensor disposed within said housing and operable to detect an object in proximity to said housing; and

wherein said processor is operable to initiate an operation responsive to a detection of said object by said sensor.

2. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said sensor is a capacitive sensor.

3. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said sensor is a MultiTouch sensor.

4. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said object is selected from a group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a metal, a stylus, a hand of a user, and a finger of said user.

5. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said object comprises a body part of a user, and wherein said sensor is further operable to detect a gesture made with said body part.

6. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said sensor is further operable to detect said object in proximity to a portion of said housing outside of a display area associated with said display device.

7. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said sensor is further operable to detect said object in proximity to a back portion of said housing.

8. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said operation is selected from a group consisting of making said display device active, making said display device inactive, and changing a color of said display device.

9. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said operation is selected from a group consisting of powering up said portable electronic device and powering down said portable electronic device.

10. A method of operating a portable electronic device, said method comprising:

detecting, using a sensor of said portable electronic device, an object in proximity to a housing of said portable electronic device, wherein said portable electronic device further comprises a display device; and

initiating an operation in response to said detecting said object.

11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said sensor is a capacitive sensor.

12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said sensor is a MultiTouch sensor.

13. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said object is selected from a group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a metal, a stylus, a hand of a user, and a finger of said user.

14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said object comprises a body part of a user, and wherein said detecting further comprises detecting a gesture made with said body part.

15. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said detecting further comprises detecting said object in proximity to a portion of said housing outside of a display area associated with said display device.

16. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said detecting further comprises detecting said object in proximity to a back portion of said housing.

17. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said operation is selected from a group consisting of making said display device active, making said display device inactive, and changing a color of said display device.

18. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said operation is selected from a group consisting of powering up said portable electronic device and powering down said portable electronic device.

19. A portable electronic device comprising:

a housing;

a processor disposed within said housing;

a memory disposed within said housing;

a display device coupled with said housing;

a sensor disposed within said housing and operable to detect handling of said housing by a user; and

wherein said processor is operable to initiate an operation responsive to a detection of said handling of said housing.

20. The portable electronic device ofclaim 19, wherein said sensor is a capacitive sensor.

21. The portable electronic device ofclaim 19, wherein said sensor is a MultiTouch sensor.

22. The portable electronic device ofclaim 19, wherein said sensor is further operable to detect an object in proximity to said housing, and wherein said object is selected from a group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a metal, a stylus, a hand of a user, and a finger of said user.

23. The portable electronic device ofclaim 22, wherein said object comprises a body part of a user, and wherein said sensor is further operable to detect a gesture made with said body part.

24. The portable electronic device ofclaim 22, wherein said sensor is further operable to detect said object in proximity to a portion of said housing outside of a display area associated with said display device.

25. The portable electronic device ofclaim 22, wherein said sensor is further operable to detect said object in proximity to a back portion of said housing.

26. The portable electronic device ofclaim 19, wherein said operation is selected from a group consisting of making said display device active, making said display device inactive, and changing a color of said display device.

27. The portable electronic device ofclaim 19, wherein said operation is selected from a group consisting of powering up said portable electronic device and powering down said portable electronic device.

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