Method and apparatus for selecting input modes on a palmtop computer
US6498601B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04809
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A palmtop computer for entering characters using one or more input modes. In one example, a physical sensor is coupled to select the input mode. The physical sensor may be in the form of a button, rocker switch, dial, pressure strip, moveable bar, or accelerometer mounted to the device. The physical sensor may also be mounted to a pen. In another example, a ridge is formed on the digitizer pad and positioned to define input regions associated with particular input mode. In another example, a border is formed around the digitizer pad. The border includes a ridge coupled to select the input mode. The digitizer pad may also be textured. A first textured region is associated with one input mode and a second textured region is associated with another input mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.