User interface methodology supporting light data entry for microprocessor device having limited user input
US6310634A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/2757
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A portable computing device or "information appliance" having terse user input (e.g., limit set of keys) is provided with an improved user interface. A six-key embodiment is described that provides a "super-key" light entry and editing input system for ultra-portable devices, thus making it well suited for use with credit card-sized devices. In a preferred six-button embodiment, a credit card-sized device is modified to include an additional input button, an EDIT key. In user operation, pressing the EDIT key brings up a context sensitive pop-up menu, thus invoking the super-key feature. Customized user input controls, such as a Text Input Control (e.g., letter and number strips), are provided at appropriate times, for facilitating input. Underlying the super-key input is a heuristic sub-system that remembers and anticipates user input. In this fashion, the system can present in-context options for each application running on the target device, and present appropriate options during different phases of the execution of a variety of tasks. By remembering what the user has previously inputted and by using context-sensitive menus and adaptive "quick" lists, the system can anticipate wh…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.