Method for facilitating navigation and selection functionalities of a trackball incorporated upon a wireless handheld communication device
US7903087B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/233
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Method an arrangement for facilitating the use of a trackball on a wireless handheld communication device as a navigation tool and a selection tool of designated information presented on a display screen of the device. A wireless handheld communication device is provided that has at a front face thereof a display screen located above a keyboard suitable for accommodating textual input. A depressible trackball functions as a navigation tool for moving a cursor about on the display screen when rolled and as a selection tool when sufficiently depressed. Cursor movement is affected by digitally engaging the trackball and maintaining the trackball in a navigation zone depth within the device. Selection of designated information is affected by depressing the trackball a predefined amount. The wireless handheld communication device is configured so that no cursor movement is affected by rolling movement of the trackball when in the selection zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.