Illuminatable buttons and method for indicating information using illuminatable buttons
US6906701B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/04895
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for indicating information to a user of a palmtop computer. Illuminatable hard buttons are disclosed that are operable for performing functions. The hard buttons are selectively illuminated to indicate information to a user that relates to the function performed when the bard button is pressed. The selective illumination of hard buttons to indicate information that relates to the function that is performed when the hard button is pressed conveys information to the user in a manner that is easily understood by the user. In one embodiment, whether or not the button is illuminated and the color of the illumination, convey information about the function that is to be performed when the button is pressed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.