US20150169131A1 - Motion sensitive input control - Google Patents

Abstract

A motion sensitive input control configured to prevent unintended input caused by inadvertent movement of a computing device. In one embodiment, unintended input can be prevented by disregarding an input event if a change in motion of the computing device is detected simultaneously with or immediately prior to the detected input event. In another embodiment, unintended input can be prevented by reducing the sensitivity of an input device during a motion-based state associated with the computing device. In this manner, the likelihood of inadvertent motion of a computing device causing an unintended input event can be reduced.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
• This relates generally to input devices, and more particularly, to preventing unintended input caused by inadvertent movement of a computing device.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
• Many types of input devices are presently available for performing operations in a computing system, such as buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, touch sensor panels, touch screens and the like. Touch sensitive input devices generally recognize input events when a user touches a touch sensitive surface. Touch sensitive input devices using capacitive touch technology can detect an input event with virtually no force, while other touch sensing technologies (e.g., resistive touch technology) require a somewhat greater amount of force. In contrast, mechanical input devices, such as push buttons for example, generally do not recognize input events unless a user taps or presses the mechanical input device with an amount of force great enough to actuate a switch through mechanical motion. This amount of force is generally greater than the amount of force that would trigger recognition of an input event on a capacitive or resistive touch sensitive surface.
• These varieties of input devices exist for performing operations in computing devices, such as desktops, laptops, media players, remote controls, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, etc. A user can cause an operation to be performed in computing device by applying an input event to an input device. In one example, a user can move a cursor displayed on a display screen of the computing device by touching an input device in a particular manner. In another example, a user can select an item displayed on the display screen by tapping an input device in a particular location.
• With input devices that provide touch sensitive surfaces, various sensor elements can be provided relative to a surface of a computing device, and an input event can be detected by sensing a change in some measure, such as capacitance for example, that is associated with the sensor elements and that exceeds a particular threshold level. If the threshold level is set too low, the touch sensitive surface can become too sensitive, allowing unintended actions (e.g., setting the touch sensitive surface on a table) or effects (e.g., noise) to be detected as an input. If the threshold level is set too high, the touch sensitive surface can become too insensitive, allowing intended input actions (e.g., a light touching of the surface) to go undetected.
• Accordingly, determining a proper threshold level for a touch sensitive device can provide unique challenges.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
• A motion sensitive input control is disclosed that can prevent unintended input caused by inadvertent movement of a computing device. For example, if a user operates a computing device on public transportation and the user's finger hovers over an input area of the computing device during a bump in the ride, the bump can cause the finger to inadvertently tap the input area. If the computing device is configured to implement a click action when a tap input event is detected on the input area, the inadvertent tap can result in an unintentional click in the user interface of the computing device. This can lead to undesirable user interface behavior, such as the deletion or premature sending of an e-mail depending on where the cursor is located at the time of the inadvertent tap input event.
• In one embodiment, motion sensitive input control can prevent unintended input by disregarding an input event if a change in motion of the computing device is detected simultaneously with or immediately prior to the detected input event. In another embodiment, motion sensitive input control can prevent unintended input by reducing the sensitivity of an input device during a motion-based state associated with the computing device. In this manner, the likelihood of inadvertent motion of a computing device causing an unintended input event can be reduced.
• A motion-based state, for example, can be determined based on a particular type of network connection (e.g., if the computing device connects to a particular type of network during a period of movement, such as traveling on public transportation), when the computing device is operating (e.g., if the computing device is associated with movement during particular time periods) and where the computing device is operating (e.g., if global positioning system capability and/or a camera indicate that the computing device is moving or not at a home or business location).
• The sensitivity of the input device can be reduced in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, an input event threshold associated with the magnitude of a detected measure of input (e.g., capacitance for a capacitive input device) can be adjusted during a motion-based state. In another embodiment, a threshold associated with how long an input must be recognized in order for the input to be recognized as an input event can be adjusted during a motion-based state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing device with motion sensitive input control according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary process in which a computing device can determine whether to disregard or process an input event according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process in which a computing device can determine whether to reduce the sensitivity of an input device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary graphs through which a reduction in sensitivity of an input device is depicted by increasing an input event threshold during a motion-based state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary graphs through which a reduction in sensitivity of an input device is depicted by increasing the time required to recognize an input event during a motion-based state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computing device architecture according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary computing device including a multi-touch sensor panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure
• FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary mobile telephone providing motion sensitive input control according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary media player providing motion sensitive input control according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.
• Embodiments of the disclosure relate to preventing unintended input caused by inadvertent movement of a computing device. In one embodiment, unintended input can be prevented by disregarding an input event if a change in motion of the computing device is detected simultaneously with or immediately prior to the detected input event. In another embodiment, unintended input can be prevented by reducing the sensitivity of an input device during a motion-based state associated with the computing device. In this manner, the likelihood of inadvertent motion of a computing device causing an unintended input event can be reduced.
• Although some embodiments of this disclosure may be described and illustrated herein in terms of a portable computing device such as a laptop, it should be understood that embodiments of this disclosure are not so limited, but are generally applicable to any device, system or platform, configured for receiving input and that can be operated in an environment susceptible to movement. Further, although some embodiments of this disclosure may describe and illustrate a tap on a capacitive trackpad as a representative type of unintended input and input device, respectively, it should be understood that embodiments of this disclosure are not so limited, but are generally applicable to any type of input event and input device.
• FIG. 1 illustratescomputing device100 configured with motion sensitive input control. As illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 1,computing device100 can includedisplay110 andinput area120.Input area120 can include a touch sensitive surface of an input device, such as a trackpad, associated withcomputing device100.Computing device100 can also include one or more motion sensors (not shown) inside its housing.
• Computing device100 can be configured to prevent unintended input ininput area120 caused by inadvertent movement ofcomputing device100. For example, if a user operatescomputing device100 on public transportation and the user's finger hovers overinput area120 during a bump in the ride, the bump can cause the finger to inadvertently tapinput area120. Ifcomputing device100 is configured, for example, to implement a click action when a tap input event is detected oninput area120, the inadvertent tap can result in an unintentional click in the user interface ofcomputing device100. This can lead to undesirable user interface behavior, such as, for example, the deletion or premature sending of an e-mail depending on where the cursor is located at the time of the inadvertent tap input event.
• In one embodiment, unintended input can be prevented by disregarding an input event if a change in motion of the computing device is detected simultaneously with or immediately prior to the detected input event (e.g., a predetermined number of milliseconds). For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2,computing device100 can includeinput device210,processor200 andmotion sensor220.Input device210 can be configured to output (block230) a signal toprocessor200 when an input event is detected. Similarly,motion sensor220 can be configured to output (block240) a signal toprocessor200 when a change in motion is detected. Whenprocessor200 receives output from bothinput device210 andmotion sensor220,processor200 can determine (block250) whether the change in motion occurred simultaneously with or immediately prior to the input event. Ifprocessor200 determines that the change in motion occurred simultaneously with or immediately prior to the input event,processor200 can disregard (block260) the input event. In contrast, ifprocessor200 determines that the change in motion did not occur simultaneously with or immediately prior to the input event,processor200 can process (block270) the input event.
• Any suitable input event can be detected byinput device210 for consideration byprocessor200 in block250, such as a touch event or gesture for example. A “touch event” can refer to an event other than a mere touching ofinput device210. Rather, a touch event can be one of several types of touch events, including, for example, a “touch begin” event (e.g., initial touch is detected), a “touch move” event (e.g., after initial touch is detected, the coordinates of the touch change), and a “touch end” event (e.g., after initial touch is detected, the touch is no longer detected). A gesture can be based on a series of touch events—e.g., touch down+multiple touch moved+touch up events—and/or some other type of input event or events (e.g., press, hold, etc.) that can be captured byinput device210 and used byprocessor200 to implement a function ofcomputing device100.
• Any suitable type of motion change can be detected bymotion sensor220 for consideration byprocessor200 in block250. For example, in one embodiment, any detected change in motion above a specified threshold can be considered byprocessor200 as potentially causing an unintended input event. In another embodiment, only a spike in the output frommotion sensor220 can be considered byprocessor200 as potentially causing an unintended input event, since a spike in the output can indicate a particular type of motion akin to an inadvertent jostling ofcomputing device100.
• Further, any suitable type of motion sensor can be utilized in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, a dedicated one-dimensional motion sensor can be utilized in an embodiment in which inadvertent motion ofcomputing device100 in only one direction is likely to cause an unintended input to be prevented (e.g., preventing a laptop trackpad from bouncing up into a finger due to inadvertent motion, causing a false tap input event). A dedicated two-dimensional motion sensor can be utilized in an embodiment in which inadvertent motion ofcomputing device100 in either or both of two directions is likely to cause an unintended input to be prevented (e.g., preventing a laptop trackpad from lateral movement due to inadvertent motion when a finger is already touching the trackpad, causing a false gesture or tracking input event). And a dedicated three-dimensional motion sensor can be utilized in an embodiment in which inadvertent motion ofcomputing device100 in any direction is likely to cause an unintended input to be prevented (e.g., preventing an input device such as a trackball from inadvertent contact in any direction with a finger, causing a false trackball movement input event). In another embodiment,computing device100 can utilize a three-dimensional motion sensor in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and for other purposes, such as detecting when computingdevice100 is falling in order to park its hard drive and take any other preventive action.
• In another embodiment, unintended input can be prevented by reducing the sensitivity of an input device during a motion-based state associated with the computing device. In this manner, the likelihood of inadvertent motion of a computing device causing an unintended input event can be reduced. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3,processor200 can detect whether a state ofcomputing device100 associated with motion (block300) exists. If a state ofcomputing device100 associated with motion is detected,processor200 can reduce (block310) a sensitivity ofinput device210 during the detected state. When the detected state is no longer detected (block320),processor200 can restore (block330) the sensitivity ofinput device210 to its previous level.
• States of computingdevice100 that can be associated with motion can be widely varied. In one embodiment, a motion-based state can be determined based on a network connection state associatedcomputing device100. For example, if a user connects to a particular type of network during a commute on public transportation,processor200 can utilize the network connection state to determine that a reduced sensitivity is required forinput device210 while that particular network connection is maintained. In another embodiment, a motion-based state can be determined based on when computingdevice100 is operating. For example, if a user ofcomputing device100 tends to commute on public transportation at similar time periods during the week,processor200 can utilize current time information to determine that a reduced sensitivity is required forinput device210 during those time periods. Similarly, a motion-based state can be determined based on wherecomputing device100 is operating. For example, if computingdevice100 has global positioning system (“GPS”) capability and/or a camera,processor200 can utilize GPS information and/or camera output to determine whethercomputing device100 is stationary or at home or a business location. Ifprocessor200 determines thatcomputing device100 is moving or not at home or a business location,processor200 can utilize the location information to determine that a reduced sensitivity is required forinput device210 while computingdevice100 is moving or away from home or a business location. Other information can also be used to determine whethercomputing device100 is associated with a motion-based state, such as information resulting from an analysis of output from motion sensor660 over time for example.
• The manner in which the sensitivity ofinput device210 can be reduced can be widely varied. For example, in one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4, an input event threshold associated with the magnitude of a detected measure of an input can be adjusted during a motion-based state. InFIG. 4,graph400 depicts a plot of a detected measure (e.g., capacitance for a capacitive input device) of input403 and input407, andgraph410 depicts whether a motion-based state ofcomputing device100 corresponds to the detection of input403 and input407. As illustrated inFIG. 4, an input event can be recognized based on input403 since the detected measure associated with input403 exceedsinput event threshold405 during a non motion-based state ofcomputing device100. However, during a motion-based stateinput event threshold405 can be increased, such that an additional amount of the detected measure is required in order to compensate for unintended inputs to inputarea120. Accordingly, during a motion-based state, an input event can be recognized based on input407, which exceedsinput event threshold405, but an input event cannot be recognized based on an input similar to input403, which does not exceedinput event threshold405 in view of the increased input event threshold.
• In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5, a threshold associated with how long an input must be recognized in order for the input to be recognized as an input event can be adjusted during a motion-based state. InFIG. 5,graph500 depicts a plot of a detected measure (e.g., capacitance for a capacitive input device) ofinput503 andinput507, andgraph510 depicts whether a motion-based state ofcomputing device100 corresponds to the detection ofinput503 andinput507. In the illustrated embodiment, during a non motion-based state, an input can be required to exceedinput event threshold505 for a threshold of 3 frames in order to be recognized as an input event, whereas, during a motion-based state, an input can be required to exceedinput event threshold505 for a threshold of 6 frames in order to be recognized as an input event. As illustrated inFIG. 5, an input event can be recognized based oninput503 since the detected measure associated withinput503 exceedsinput event threshold505 for at least 3 frames during a non motion-based state ofcomputing device100. However, during a motion-based state the time-based threshold can be increased, such that the detected measure is required to exceedinput event threshold505 for an additional amount of time (e.g., for 3 additional frames) in order to compensate for unintended inputs to inputarea120. Accordingly, during a motion-based state, an input event can be recognized based oninput507, which exceedsinput event threshold505 for at least 6 frames, but an input event cannot be recognized based on an input similar toinput503, which does not exceedinput event threshold505 for at least 6 frames in view of the increased time-based threshold.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary architecture ofcomputing device100. In particular,computing device100 can includeinput device210,display620, I/O processor630, processor (CPU)200 and memory/storage650. Programming for processing input as described above may be stored in memory/storage650 ofcomputing device100, which may include solid state memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), hard drive memory, and/or other suitable memory or storage.CPU200 may retrieve and execute the programming to process output signals received frominput device210 and motion sensor660 as described above. Through the programming,CPU200 can also perform actions based on output signals frominput device210 that can include, but are not limited to, moving an object such as a cursor or pointer, scrolling or panning, adjusting control settings, opening a file or document, viewing a menu, making a selection, executing instructions, operating a peripheral device coupled to the host device, answering a telephone call, placing a telephone call, terminating a telephone call, receiving a text message, sending a text message, changing the volume or audio settings, storing information related to telephone communications such as addresses, frequently dialed numbers, received calls, missed calls, logging onto a computer or a computer network, permitting authorized individuals access to restricted areas of the computer or computer network, loading a user profile associated with a user's preferred arrangement of the computer desktop, permitting access to web content, launching a particular program, encrypting or decoding a message, and/or the like.CPU200 can also perform additional functions that may not be related to input device processing, and can be coupled to memory/storage650 anddisplay620, which may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) for example, for providing a user interface (UI) to a user of the device.
• Note that one or more of the functions described above can be performed by firmware stored in a memory (not shown) associated with I/O processor630 and executed by I/O processor630, and/or stored in memory/storage650 and executed byCPU200. The firmware can also be stored and/or transported within any computer-readable storage medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable storage medium” can be any medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) (magnetic), a portable optical disc such a CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, or DVD-RW, or flash memory such as compact flash cards, secured digital cards, USB memory devices, memory sticks, and the like.
• The firmware can also be propagated within any transport medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “transport medium” can be any medium that can communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The transport readable medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic or infrared wired or wireless propagation medium.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary multi-touch sensor panel that can be associated withcomputing device100.Computing system100 can include one ormore panel processors702 andperipherals704, andpanel subsystem706 associated with a touch sensitive surface associated withinput device210 as described above.Peripherals704 can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) or other types of memory or storage, watchdog timers and the like.Panel subsystem706 can include, but is not limited to, one ormore sense channels708,channel scan logic710 anddriver logic714.Channel scan logic710 can accessRAM712, autonomously read data from the sense channels and provide control for the sense channels. In addition,channel scan logic710 can controldriver logic714 to generatestimulation signals716 at various frequencies and phases that can be selectively applied to drive lines oftouch sensor panel724. In some embodiments,panel subsystem706,panel processor702 andperipherals704 can be integrated into a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
• Touch sensor panel724 can include a capacitive sensing medium having a plurality of drive lines and a plurality of sense lines, although other sensing media can also be used. Each intersection of drive and sense lines can represent a capacitive sensing node and can be viewed as picture element (pixel)726, which can be particularly useful whentouch sensor panel724 is viewed as capturing an “image” of touch. In other words, afterpanel subsystem706 has determined whether a touch event has been detected at each touch sensor in the touch sensor panel, the pattern of touch sensors in the multi-touch panel at which a touch event occurred can be viewed as an “image” of touch (e.g., a pattern of fingers touching the panel). Each sense line oftouch sensor panel724 can drivesense channel708 inpanel subsystem706. The touch sensor panel can be used in combination with motion sensor660 to provide motion sensitive input control in accordance with the teachings as disclosed above.
• Computing device100 can be any of a variety of types, such as those illustrated inFIGS. 1,8 and9 for example.FIG. 1 illustratesexemplary computing device100 in the form of a laptop withdisplay110 andinput area120. The input device associated withinput area120 can be configured to provide motion sensitive input control in accordance with the teachings as disclosed above.FIG. 8 illustrates exemplarymobile telephone800 withdisplay device810 andinput areas820 and830. Eitherinput area820 or830, or both, can be configured to provide motion sensitive input control in accordance with the teachings as disclosed above.FIG. 9 illustratesexemplary media player900 withdisplay device910 andinput areas920 and930. Eitherinput areas920 or930, or both, can be configured to provide motion sensitive input control in accordance with the teachings as disclosed above. Additionally,computing device100 may be a combination of these types. For example, in oneembodiment computing device100 may be a device that combines functionality ofmobile telephone800 andmedia player900. Motion sensitive input controls can enable the computing devices ofFIGS. 1,8 and9 to be configured such that the likelihood of inadvertent motion of the computing device causing an unintended input event can be reduced.
• It will be appreciated that the above description for clarity has described embodiments of the disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units or processors may be used without detracting from the disclosure. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processors or controllers may be performed by the same processors or controllers. Hence, references to specific functional units may be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.
• The disclosure may be implemented in any suitable form, including hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of these. The disclosure may optionally be implemented partly as computer software running on one or more data processors and/or digital signal processors. The elements and components of an embodiment of the disclosure may be physically, functionally, and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed, the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units, or as part of other functional units. As such, the disclosure may be implemented in a single unit or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units and processors.
• One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many possible modifications and combinations of the disclosed embodiments can be used, while still employing the same basic underlying mechanisms and methodologies. The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has been written with references to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations can be possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical applications, and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated.
• Further, while this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is being claimed or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Claims (19)

What is claimed is:

1. A computing device comprising:

an input device configured to detect an input event applied to an input area of the computing device, and

a processor configured to

detect a state of the computing device associated with motion; and

at least partially reduce a sensitivity to touch of the input device during the detected state by changing a magnitude threshold for detecting the input event or changing a time threshold for detecting the input event.

2. The computing device ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to at least partially reduce the sensitivity to touch of the input device during the detected state by changing the magnitude threshold for detecting the input event.

3. The computing device ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to at least partially reduce the sensitivity to touch of the input device during the detected state by changing the time threshold for detecting the input event.

4. The computing device ofclaim 1, wherein

the computing device further comprises a camera, and

the processor is configured to detect the state associated with motion based on output from the camera.

5. The computing device ofclaim 1, wherein the computing device comprises a mobile telephone.

6. The computing device ofclaim 1, wherein the computing device comprises a media player.

7. A method comprising:

detecting a state of a computing device associated with motion, the state indicating an increased possibility of unintended input events being received by the input device;

reducing a sensitivity to touch of an input device associated with the computing device during the detected state by changing a threshold associated with a magnitude of a detected measure of an input that determines whether the input can be recognized as an input event or by changing a threshold associated with how long the input must be recognized in order for the input to be recognized as the input event;

monitoring the computing device to determine if the previously detected state of the computing device associated with motion persists; and

restoring the sensitivity to touch of the computing device once it is determined that the detected state of the computing device associated with motion has ended.

8. The method ofclaim 7, comprising reducing the sensitivity to touch of the input device by changing the threshold associated with a magnitude of a detected measure of the input that determines whether the input can be recognized as an input event.

9. The method ofclaim 7, comprising reducing the sensitivity to touch of the input device by changing the threshold associated with how long an input must be recognized in order for the input to be recognized as the input event.

10. A laptop computing device comprising:

a capacitive trackpad configured to detect a tap applied to the trackpad; and

a processor configured to

detect a state of the computing device associated with motion, the state indicating an increased possibility of unintended input events being received by the input device,

partially reduce a sensitivity of the capacitive trackpad to taps during the detected state by changing a threshold associated with how hard an object must tap the trackpad to trigger a tap input event;

monitor the computing device to determine if the previously detected state of the computing device associated with motion persists; and

restore the sensitivity to touch of the computing device once it is determined that the detected state of the computing device associated with motion has ended.

11. The laptop computing device ofclaim 10, wherein the processor is configured to reduce the sensitivity of the capacitive trackpad by increasing the threshold associated with how hard an object must tap the trackpad to trigger the tap input event.

12. A computing device comprising:

an input device configured to detect an input event applied to an input area of the computing device; and

a processor configured to

detect a state of the computing device associated with motion,

reduce a sensitivity to touch of the input device during the detected state by changing a magnitude threshold for detecting the input event or changing a time threshold for detecting the input event;

monitor the computing device to determine if the previously detected state of the computing device associated with motion persists; and

restore the sensitivity to touch of the computing device once it is determined that the detected state of the computing device associated with motion has ended.

13. The computing device ofclaim 12, wherein the processor is configured to detect the state associated with motion which corresponds to an increased likelihood of inadvertent motion of the computing device.

14. The computing device ofclaim 12, wherein the processor is configured to reduce the sensitivity to touch by changing the magnitude threshold for detecting the input event.

15. The computing device ofclaim 14, wherein changing the magnitude threshold comprises increasing the magnitude threshold.

16. The computing device ofclaim 12, wherein the processor is configured to reduce the sensitivity to touch by changing a time threshold for detecting the input event.

17. The computing device ofclaim 16, wherein changing the time threshold comprises increasing the time threshold.

18. A laptop computing device comprising:

a capacitive trackpad configured to detect a tap applied to the trackpad; and

a processor configured to

detect a state of the computing device associated with motion, the state indicating an increased possibility of unintended input events being received by the input device,

change a sensitivity of the capacitive trackpad to taps during the detected state by changing a threshold associated with how hard an object must tap the trackpad to trigger a tap input event;

monitor the computing device to determine if the previously detected state of the computing device associated with motion persists; and

restore the sensitivity to touch of the computing device once it is determined that the detected state of the computing device associated with motion has ended.

19. The laptop computing device ofclaim 18, wherein the processor is configured to change the sensitivity of the capacitive trackpad by reducing the sensitivity of the capacitive trackpad by increasing a threshold associated with how hard an object must tap the trackpad to trigger a tap input event.

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