Hand-held electronic device
US7969419B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F40/274
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.