User interface methodology for microprocessor device having limited user input
US6417874B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S715/963
- 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 a user interface for navigating user data. Application programs, which are provided for user operation of the device, are implemented as separate modules controlled by a module selector. The module selector serves as a user interface or shell representing the top-level or “home” display presented to a user. The module selector presents the user with selection icons for navigating to different applications or modules of functionality. The user interface implements a “single-click” style of button operation, so that users can associate each button with a particular task for a given program context. In addition to the single-click style, “click consistency” is imposed for each button. Generally, the same buttons are used over and over again to perform their respective tasks, even though the user has navigated to different modules of an application, so that the user is presented with a consistent interface or metaphor which can be easily mastered. The user interface supports in a small form factor device the browser-st…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.