Methods and apparatus for controlling a portable electronic device using a touchpad

摘要: Apparatus and methods for controlling a portable electronic device, such as an MP3 player; radio, voice recorder, or CD player are disclosed. A touchpad is mounted on the housing of user enters commands by tracing patterns with his finger surface touchpad. No immediate visual feedback provided command pattern traced, does not need to view device enter commands. microcontroller within matches traced against plurality preset patterns, each which corresponds predefined function device. If reasonably close match any performs corresponding matched pattern. The replaces numerous buttons that typically used control devices, thereby enhancing usability reducing manufacturing costs.