U.S. patent application number 10/054684 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-24 for handheld computer with pop-up user interface.
This patent application is currently assigned to Palm, Inc.. Invention is credited to Canova, Francis James JR..
Application Number | 20030137495 10/054684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21992813 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030137495 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Canova, Francis James JR. |
July 24, 2003 |
Handheld computer with pop-up user interface
Abstract
A method and system for inputting text information to a handheld
computer is provided. A graffiti area or keyboard can be displayed
in response to a switch. The switch can be a pressure activated
switch on a side of the device.
Inventors: |
Canova, Francis James JR.;
(Fremont, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 3800
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5308
US
|
Assignee: |
Palm, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
21992813 |
Appl. No.: |
10/054684 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1626 20130101;
G06F 1/1698 20130101; G06F 3/04883 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A handheld computer system, comprising: a switch; a user
interface; a housing; and a display supported by the housing,
wherein the user interface includes an information entry area,
wherein the information entry area is activated in response to
manipulation of the switch the switch being a non-display
element.
2. The handheld computer system of claim 1, wherein the information
entry area is deactivated in response to manipulation of the
switch.
3. The handheld computer system of claim 2 wherein the switch
includes two actions: a first manipulation of the switch to
activate the information entry area and a second manipulation of
the switch to deactivate the information entry area.
4. The handheld computer system of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein the
switch is part of a touch pad associated with the display, a
squeeze switch associated with the housing, or a button associated
with the housing.
5. The handheld computer system of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein the
switch is a squeeze switch.
6. The handheld computer system of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein the
information entry area is a pop-up menu.
7. The handheld computer system of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein the
information entry area has at least two sizes when activated.
8. A user interface for a handheld computer system, the handheld
computer system comprising a display and a touch pad, the user
interface comprising: means for receiving information at the touch
pad and the display; and means for activating and deactivating the
means for receiving, wherein the means for receiving is reduced in
size or removed from the display when deactivated and the means for
activating and deactivating is not located on the display.
9. The user interface means of claim 8 wherein the means for
receiving is at least one of a graffiti area, a pictorial
representation of a keyboard, an area to accept a drawing, and an
area assigned for entering information into the handheld computer
system.
10. The user interface means of claim 8 wherein the handwritten
characters include numbers or letters.
11. The user interface means of claim 9 wherein the handwritten
characters include numbers or letters.
12. The user interface of claim 8 wherein the means for receiving
is removed from the display when activated.
13. The user interface of claims 9, 10, 11, or 12 wherein the means
for activating and deactivating includes a squeeze switch.
14. The user interface of claims 9, 10, 11, or 12 wherein the means
for activating and deactivating is integrated into a portion of a
housing of the handheld computer.
15. The user interface of claims 13 wherein the means for
activating and deactivating is integrated into a portion of a
housing of the handheld computer.
16. The user interface of claim 14 wherein the means for activating
and deactivating includes a symbol.
17. The user interface of claim 14 wherein the means for activating
and deactivating includes a symbol is a fixed symbol.
18. A method of interfacing with a handheld computer system, the
handheld computer system comprising a display and a touch pad, the
method comprising: manipulating a user interface device to cause a
suitable area for receiving handwritten characters to be displayed
on the display above or behind the touch pad; and providing
information entry on the touch pad, wherein the user interface
device is not located on the display.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: manipulating the
user interface device to cause the suitable area to be removed from
the display.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the user interface device is a
mechanical switch.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the mechanical switch is a
squeeze switch integrated in a housing of the handheld computer
system.
22. The method of claims 19, 20, or 21 wherein the suitable area is
at least one of a pop-up graffiti area, a pictorial representation
of a keyboard, an area to accept a drawing, and an area assigned
for entering information into the handheld computer system.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Handheld computing devices, "palmtops," "palmhelds,"
personal digital assistants (PDAs), or handheld computers typically
weigh less than a pound and fit in a pocket. These handhelds
generally provide some combination of personal information
management, database functions, word processing, and spreadsheets
as well as voice memo recording, wireless e-mail, and wireless
telephony functions. Because of the small size and portability of
handhelds, strict adherence to hardware constraints such as memory
and processor size must be maintained.
[0002] Conventional handheld computing devices can include a
display and screen or touch screen. The display is provided behind
the touch screen. A portion of the display can be dedicated for an
entry area or user interface which allows a user to input text to
the handheld computing device. For example, various conventional
handheld computing devices manufactured by Palm, Inc. include a
graffiti pad in a fixed location on its touch screen. The graffiti
pad can include an area for providing letters (text) and an area
for providing numbers (text) and can further include handwriting
recognition software to interpret the user inputs. For example, the
Palm.RTM. III device and Palm.RTM. V device include a graffiti pad
fixed to a bottom quarter of the display. Letters and numbers can
be input using a stylus or finger. The fixed graffiti area requires
space on the display and touch pad. Further, the fixed graffiti
area cannot be enlarged if necessary.
[0003] In addition, conventional handheld computing devices
manufactured by Palm, Inc. include a keyboard interface duplicating
a QWERTY-style keyboard that is selectively provided on the
display. The keyboard interface is displayed in response to the
selection of a keyboard option from a menu and/or an icon when an
input is provided. Therefore, when inputting data a user can select
the keyboard interface through which text can be entered. With the
Palm, after the user selects a key marked done on the keyboard, the
keyboard is no longer displayed.
[0004] Other conventional handheld computing devices such as
handheld computing devices manufactured by Hewlett Packard have
included a pop-up user interface icon. A floating icon on the
screen is touched. One such device is the HP Omni-Go device.
Therefore, by user request, a device through software can provide a
box which floats on the screen. However, a user was often confused
because the placement of the small floating icon is difficult to
predict on the screen.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a dynamic user interface which can
be removed or enlarged on the display/touch screen of a handheld
computing device. Further, there is a need for an elegant way for
engaging or activating a user interface area such as a keyboard or
a graffiti area. Further, there is a need for a graffiti area that
can be moved and can have multiple sizes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An exemplary embodiment relates to a handheld computer
system. The handheld computer system includes a switch, a user
interface, a housing, and a display. The display is supported by
the housing. The user interface includes a text entry area. The
text entry area is activated in response to the manipulation of the
switch, the switch being a non-display element.
[0007] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of
interfacing with the handheld computer system. The handheld
computer system includes a display and a touch pad. The method
includes manipulating a user interface device to cause a suitable
area for receiving handwritten characters to be displayed on the
display above or behind the touch pad and providing handwritten
characters on the touch pad and the means for activating and
deactivating is not located on the display.
[0008] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a user interface for
a handheld computer system. The handheld computer system includes a
display and a touch pad. The user interface includes means for
receiving handwritten characters on the touch pad and means for
activating and deactivating the means for receiving, wherein the
means for receiving is reduced in size or removed from the display
when deactivated wherein the user interface device is not located
on the display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will become more fully understood from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic general block diagram of a handheld
computer including a display and a touch screen, the display and
the touch screen providing a text entry area that can be activated
and deactivated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram representative of the operation of
the handheld computer illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the
handheld computer illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a display with a
lateral pressure-sensitive switch for activating and deactivating
the text entry area entry area activated;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the
handheld computer illustrated in FIG. 3 showing an activated text
entry area;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the
handheld computer illustrated in FIG. 1 with an elongated switch
for activating and deactivating the text entry area, in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the
handheld computer illustrated in FIG. 1 with a switch for
activating and deactivating the text entry area, the text entry
area occupying a top portion of the display and touch screen in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment, showing a user
interface;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the
handheld computer illustrated in accordance with yet another
exemplary embodiment, with a switch for activating the text entry
area, the text entry area being of variable sizes, wherein the
interface area is provided at a top of the screen;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the
handheld computer illustrated in FIG. 1 with a circular switch for
activating and deactivating the text entry area in accordance with
yet another exemplary embodiment, wherein the interface area is
provided in multiple sizes; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a planar front elevation view of a handheld
computer illustrated in FIG. 1 with a switch on lateral sides of
the computer, the switch being for activation and deactivation of
the text entry area, in accordance with still another exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a handheld computer 100 is depicted
according to an exemplary embodiment. Handheld computer 100 may
include Palm style computers manufactured by Palm, Inc., of Santa
Clara, Calif. Other exemplary embodiments may include Windows CE
handheld computers, or other handheld computers and personal
digital assistants, as well as mobile telephones, web access
phones, pagers, and other mobile computing or communication
devices. Computer 100 can include a user interface 102, a processor
104, and a display 114. User interface 103 provides data or
commands to processor 104 which controls display 114. Interface 102
can include a switch 119, function keys 112, as well as a text
entry area 118 provided on display 114 (see FIG. 3).
[0020] Computer 100 can include a user interface 102, a processor
104, and a display 114. User interface 102 provides data or
commands to processor 104 which controls display 114. Interface 102
can include a switch 119, function keys 112 as well as a text entry
area 118 provided on display 114 (see FIG. 3).
[0021] Preferably, handheld computer 100 includes interactive
hardware and software that performs functions such as maintaining
calendars, phone lists, task lists, note pads, calculator
applications, spreadsheets, games, video files, and other
applications capable of running on a computing device. Further,
handheld computer 100 may be configured for such functions as voice
memo recording and playback as well as communications network
connectivity, Internet connectivity, wireless messaging, e-mail,
always-on e-mail, and wireless telephony. In one embodiment,
computer 100 includes at least the functionality of the PALM.RTM.
M105, PALM.RTM. 111, PALM.RTM. V, PALM.RTM. M505, PALM.RTM. M500,
or PALM.RTM. VII series handled computing devices.
[0022] Handheld computer 100, depicted in FIG. 3, includes a
plurality of input function keys 112 and display 114 having
graphical user interface features. Display 114 can be a monochrome
or color LED display or OLED display. Display 114 may be provided
with a touch screen interface that allows a user to select and
alter displayed content using a pointer, such as but not limited to
a stylus, a pen tip, a fingertip, or other pointing devices.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in an exemplary embodiment,
display 114 also includes a data entry area, such as, area 118 for
tracing alpha-numeric characters as input. Area 118 can be a
Graffiti.TM. text entry (or other handwriting recognition software)
area optionally including a first portion for entering letters
(text) and a second portion for entering numbers (text).
[0024] A plurality of input icons 116 for performing automated or
preprogrammed functions may be provided on a portion of display 114
(see, e.g., FIG. 4). Display 114 can also include a text entry
area, such as a keyboard provided on display 114 designating areas
of the touch screen interface for particular letters. The keyboard
can be accessible via switch 119 discussed below or through a menu
or icon activated command.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 100 may
include an integrated antenna 120 (FIG. 3) configured to transmit
and receive wireless communication signals, such as, but not
limited to, cellular telephone communication signals and other
radio frequency (RF) communications signals using an RF
transceiver. Antenna 120 may further include an indicator light 122
integrated into antenna 120 for indicating the transmission and
reception of wireless communication signals. Further, light 122 may
be used to indicate other states of handheld computer 100.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 100 also
includes navigation buttons 124 that may be utilized for navigating
or scrolling of information displayed on display 114. Further,
navigation buttons 124 may be programmed for other uses depending
on the application running on handheld computer 100. Handheld
computer 100 may be used for any of a variety of wireless
communications, including, but not limited to, communications with
the World Wide Web, mobile telephone communications, e-mail
communications, etc.
[0027] Advantageously, handheld computer 100 includes a switch 119
for activating and deactivating a text entry area such as entry
area 118. Switch 119 can be a variety of devices for indicating
whether entry area 118 should be activated or deactivated. For
example, switch 119 can be a pressure activated switch or sensor, a
push button, a mechanical switch, a sliding switch, a space bar
type switch, a capacitive sensor, or other manipulatable
device.
[0028] Computer 100 can be designed to operate in a toggle mode in
which switch 119 is pressed or engaged to cause entry area 118 to
appear on display 114. Display 114 continues to display entry area
118 until switch 119 is engaged again or another switch is
manipulated.
[0029] The toggle mode is particularly advantageous for users who
only have one hand free, are disabled, or otherwise cannot engage
switch 119 while entering data into writing section 118.
Alternatively, entry area 118 can be made to disappear by touching
a box, or other symbol in the writing area. In another embodiment,
computer 100 operates in a non-toggle mode in which entry area 118
is continuously displayed as switch 119 is engaged. Once switch 119
is no longer engaged, entry area 118 is removed from display 114.
In the non-toggle mode, ergonomic efficiency is enhanced as area
118 pops-up in response to switch 119 being engaged when the user
picks up computer 100 is in a writing position.
[0030] Preferably, computer 100 includes software for causing entry
area 118 to be activated or deactivated in response to the
manipulations of switch 119. Preferably, switch 119 is a pressure
activated sensor or switch located on a side housing of handheld
computer 100.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, operation of system 100 is
described below. At a step 200, a user engages a portion of user
interface 102 such as switch 119 to begin entry of text in area
118. When switch 118 of user interface 102 is engaged, entry area
118 is displayed on display 114 at step 204. Entry area 118 can be
displayed in a variety of sizes and a variety of locations. For
example, display 118 can be provided as a keyboard, or a graffiti
area at a bottom or top of display 114. In another example, display
204 can cause an application area of display 114 to scroll up as
entry area 118 is displayed on bottom of display 114. Entry area
118 can appear in a pop-up effect or be scrolled from a top, side
or bottom.
[0032] At a step 206, text such as letters or numbers or symbols
can be entered on area 118. After the user enters text in step 206,
the user can release switch 119 or at a step 208 to cause entry
area to be removed from display at a step 210. Alternatively, the
user can manipulate switch 119 again to cause entry area 118 to be
removed or touch another portion of user interface 118.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3-9, various embodiments are shown
including switch 119 of various shapes and sizes and entry area 118
of various sizes and placements on display 114. Further, switch 119
can be placed at various locations on computer 100. The embodiment
shown in FIGS. 3-9 can be combined with each other without
departing from the scope of the invention. Although shown as
examples, the embodiments of FIGS. 3-9 are examples only and are
not by any means the only examples of writing areas 118 and
switches 119.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, handheld computer 100 is
shown with switch 119 disengaged (FIG. 3) and with switch 119
engaged (FIG. 4). In FIG. 3, switch 119 is a pressure sensitive
switch located on at least one lateral side 121 of computer 100.
The use of switch 119 allows the user to immediately engage entry
area 119 without having to look for an icon on display 114.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 4, when lateral side 121 is deformed
due to pressure provided by user, entry area 118 is displayed upon
a bottom portion of display 114. In another embodiment, lateral
side 121 is not deformed in response to pressure, however switch
118 senses pressure. One example of a pressure sensitive switch can
be a substantive deformation of lateral side 121. Computer 100 can
be configured to sense the application of a squeezing motion by the
user.
[0036] Handheld computer 100 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is preferably
operative in non-toggle mode in which area 118 is only displayed as
switch 118 is engaged or senses pressure. In this way, when
computer 100 is held and squeezed by a user in one hand, entry area
118 is provided which allows text to be entered by the other hand
of the user. Such an elegant approach allows the user to engage and
disengage the entry area 118 in response to natural motions
associated with picking up handheld computer 100 and writing or
pressing keys.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 5, handheld computer 100 includes
switch 119 embodied as a spacebar switch or elongated switch on a
side 123 handheld computer 100. Alternatively, switch 119 can be
provided on a bottom surface or a lateral surface of handheld
computer 100.
[0038] In this embodiment, computer 100 can operate in a toggled or
non-toggled mode. In the toggled mode, when switch 119 is pressed
such as by the thumb of the user as computer 100 is held, entry
area 118 is displayed on screen 114. When switch 119 is released or
disengaged, entry area 118 disappears. In a toggled-mode, when
switch 119 is pressed once, entry area 118 is displayed until
switch 119 is pressed again. Computer 100 can be configured for use
in the toggle or non-toggle mode.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 6, handheld computer 100 includes a
switch 119 which is provided on a side 125 of computer 100. Switch
118 in FIG. 6 is not quite as elongated as in FIG. 5. In addition,
handheld computer 100 is configured so that entry area 118 is
provided on a top portion of display 114, rather than on a bottom
portion as shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0040] Alternatively, entry area 118 can be provided on a middle
portion of display 114 or a side portion of display 114. In one
embodiment, the location of entry area 118 can be configured
through a menu selection or by dragging area 118 to a desired
location.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 7, handheld computer 100 utilizes any
of buttons 112, 120 or 124 to provide entry area 118. In this
embodiment, buttons 112 or 124 operate as switch 119. Further, in
FIG. 7, handheld computer 100 includes an enlarged entry area 118
which does not include icons such as icons 116 shown in FIGS. 1-6.
Preferably, entry area 118 includes icons such as boxes 127
provided on screen 114 to indicate the size of entry area 118. For
example, in FIG. 7, two sizes are selectable, such as a size
associated with entry area 118 in FIG. 6 and a size associated with
entry area 118 in FIG. 7. A third box can be utilized to make entry
area 118 disappear.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 8, handheld computer 100 includes a
circular push button switch 119 located at a top portion 131 of
computer 100. With reference to FIG. 9, switch 119 extends from a
lateral side 121 and 137. In FIG. 9, switch 119 can be a slidable
switch, or a deformable push switch or a pressure sensor. Computer
100 in FIG. 9 can operate in a toggle or non-toggle mode.
[0043] While the detailed drawings, specific examples and
particular formulations given describe preferred and exemplary
embodiments, they serve the purpose of illustration only. The
inventions disclosed are not limited to the specific forms shown.
For example, the methods may be performed in any of a variety of
sequence of steps. The hardware and software configurations shown
an described may differ depending on the chosen performance
characteristics and physical characteristics of the computing
devices. For example, the type of computing device, communication
bus, or processor used may differ. The systems methods depicted and
described are not limited to the precise details and conditions
disclosed. Furthermore, other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the
appended claims.
* * * * *