Context sensitive labels for an electronic device
US6917373B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/1431
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control panel unit for a computing device includes buttons having characteristics that define individual button states. Upon actuation of a button, the viewable states of the buttons may change. A portion of the button may be illuminated to represent the state and/or include an icon depicting an application controlled by the button. The control panel unit may include a display for displaying plural soft labels corresponding to the buttons and representing the current context that will be initiated when the corresponding button is actuated. The soft labels may identify users or applications available to one user. Upon actuation of an application, the soft labels can change to represent various actions or functions available in the application. In the user interface, each user may be assigned a specific color scheme. The color schemes allow a person to visually determine who is logged into the system and/or which individual has new information.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.