US 7,506,269 B2
Bezel interface for small computing devices
Eric G. Lang, Redmond, Wash. (US)
Assigned to Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash. (US)
Filed on Feb. 16, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/357,761.
Application 11/357761 is a continuation of application No. 09/775077, filed on Jan. 31, 2001, abandoned.
Prior Publication US 2006/0139320 A1, Jun. 29, 2006
Int. Cl. G06F 3/048 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 715—786  [715/829; 715/830; 715/854; 715/864] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A user interface suitable for a small computing device, the user interface comprising:
a display screen operable to display computer-generated information;
a bezel encircling the display screen, wherein the bezel is rotatable about a substantially central point on the display screen and wherein the bezel is pivotable about an axis extending substantially through the substantially central point on the display screen;
at least one first movement sensor configured to provide a first movement signal when movement of the bezel occurs, wherein the first movement signal is operable to scroll computer-generated information presented on the display screen in a vertical direction in response to the bezel being pivoted in a first direction and subsequently rotated and operable to scroll computer-generated information presented on the display screen in a horizontal direction in response to the bezel being pivoted in a second direction and subsequently rotated;
at least one second movement sensor configured to provide a second movement signal when movement of the bezel occurs in a planar direction substantially parallel to the display screen, wherein the second movement signal is operable to move a cursor displayed on the display screen in the planar direction; and
a browser application presented on the display screen and operable to render web pages for viewing by a user of the small computing device, wherein movement of the bezel provides the user functionality to scroll through information presented in the web pages;
wherein the small computing device is a wristwatch.