U.S. patent application number 12/218634 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for mobile phone having hinting capabilities for operation function selection.
Invention is credited to Kimmo Hamynen, Mika Kalenius.
Application Number | 20090006959 12/218634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34423294 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090006959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kalenius; Mika ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
Mobile phone having hinting capabilities for operation function
selection
Abstract
An apparatus and related method in which one or more modules are
arranged and configured for determining in a device an operational
context of a given functionality, providing in response to the
determined operational context one or more operative
sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined
operational context, and hinting at one or more one next probable
operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative
sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational
context. In one embodiment, at least one next probable operative
sub-functionality is communicated via a suitable alerting
mechanism, wherein the suitable alerting mechanism is a first text
menu list of suggested operative sub-functionalities available for
selection, the first text menu list being shown on a display in
response to a chosen desired operational context. In another
embodiment, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more
selection hinting indicators configured and arranged for activation
each of which is associated with a next probable operative
sub-functionality.
Inventors: |
Kalenius; Mika; (Espoo,
FI) ; Hamynen; Kimmo; (Espoo, FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARE FRESSOLA VAN DER SLUYS & ADOLPHSON, LLP
BRADFORD GREEN, BUILDING 5, 755 MAIN STREET, P O BOX 224
MONROE
CT
06468
US
|
Family ID: |
34423294 |
Appl. No.: |
12/218634 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10686504 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
7403977 |
|
|
12218634 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/710 ;
715/708 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72403 20210101;
H04M 1/22 20130101; H04M 1/72445 20210101; H04M 2250/56 20130101;
G06F 3/0489 20130101; H04M 1/233 20130101; H04M 1/72469 20210101;
G06F 3/04895 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/710 ;
715/708 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/00 20060101
G06F003/00; G06F 3/048 20060101 G06F003/048; G06F 3/16 20060101
G06F003/16 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: one or more modules arranged and
configured for determining in a device an operational context of a
given functionality; one or more modules arranged and configured
for providing in response to the determined operational context,
one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated
with the determined operational context; and one or more modules
arranged and configured for hinting at one or more one next
probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative
sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational
context.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one
next probable operative sub-functionality is hinted at via a
suitable alerting mechanism in response to a chosen desired
operational context.
3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the suitable
alerting mechanism comprises one or more selection hinting
indicators arranged and configured for activation each of which
respective selection hinting indicator is associated with a next
probable operative sub-functionality.
4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein a text menu list
containing at least one next probable operative sub-functionality
is displayed in response to the operation of a corresponding one of
said one or more selection hinting indicators.
5. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 further comprising one or
more modules arranged and configured for activating said suitable
alerting mechanism.
6. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 further comprising one or
more modules arranged and configured for deactivating said suitable
alerting mechanism.
7. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said suitable
alerting mechanism further comprises one or more user action
prompting instructions.
8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said user action
prompting instruction is a text message representation.
9. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said user action
prompting instruction is a graphic message representation.
10. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said activated
selection hinting indicator is illuminated.
11. The apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said activated
selection hinting indicator is arranged to flash on and off.
12. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the suitable
alerting mechanism comprises one or more selection hinting
indicators graphically represented on a display of the apparatus
each of which graphically represented selection hinting indicators
is configured and associated with a next probable operative
sub-functionality corresponding to the given operational context
and sequence progression step in the selected desired operational
sub-functionality.
13. The apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said one or more
selection hinting indicators respond to contact by a screen touch
operation.
14. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further configured as one
of a mobile phone, mobile telephone, cellular telephone.
15. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said suitable
alerting mechanism comprises one or more distinctive tones each of
which tones corresponds to a given selection hinting indicator
associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality
available for user selection.
16. The apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said suitable
alerting mechanism comprises an icon of a selection hinting
indicator corresponding to a short-cut key for carrying out the
operational sequence progression steps corresponding to the
selected desired operational sub-functionality.
17. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least
one menu driven operational sub-functionality.
18. The apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said one or more
modules arranged and configured for hinting at one or more one next
probable operative sub-functionalities is arranged for voice
announcement of the one or more hinted next operative
sub-functionality selections available from a list of operative
sub-functionalities in the menu driven operational
functionality.
19. The apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein said one or more
modules for hinting at one or more one next probable operative
sub-functionalities is arranged for voice recognition for
responding to a spoken selection.
20. The apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said activated
selection hinting indicator is color illuminated.
21. A method, comprising: determining in a device an operational
context of a given functionality; providing in response to the
determined operational context, one or more operative
sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined
operational context; and hinting at one or more next probable
operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative
sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational
context.
22. The method as defined in claim 21 further comprising
identifying all operative sub-functionalities available for
selection.
23. The method as defined in claim 21 further comprising:
associating a suitable alerting mechanism of the device with each
of the operative sub-functionalities as a hinting indicator; and
activating the hinting indicator for hinting of its availability
for selection as a next probable operational sub-functionality.
24. The method as defined in claim 23 wherein activating the
hinting indicator further comprises illuminating the hinting
indicator.
25. The method as defined in claim 24 wherein illuminating the
hinting indicator further comprises flashing the hinting indicator
on and off.
26. The method as defined in claim 21 wherein hinting at the one or
more next probable operative sub-functionalities further comprises
showing an icon representing the associated hinting indicator on a
display of the device for hinting of its availability for selection
as a next probable operational sub-functionality.
27. The method as defined in claim 26 wherein the associated
hinting indicator is a short-cut key.
28. The method as defined in claim 23 further comprising providing
one or more distinctive audio tones each of which tones corresponds
to an identified associated hinting indicator.
29. The method as defined in claim 23 further comprising operating
one or more of the associated hinting indicators to select the
operational sub-functionality corresponding to the activated
associated hinting indicator.
30. The method as defined in claim 27 further comprising operating
one or more of the associated hinting indicators through voice
recognition operation by speaking the name of the hinting
indicator.
31. The apparatus as defined in claim 26, further comprising a
hinting indicator responding to contact by a screen touch
operation.
32. The method as defined in claim 24 wherein activating the
hinting indicator further comprises illuminating the hinting
indicator in a color.
33. A computer readable medium encoded with a computer program for
carrying out a method comprising: determining in a device an
operational context of a given functionality; providing in response
to the determined operational context, one or more operative
sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined
operational context; and hinting at one or more next probable
operative sub-functionalities of the one or more available
operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined
operational context.
34. An apparatus, comprising: means for determining in a device an
operational context of a given functionality; means for providing
in response to the determined operational context, one or more
operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the
determined operational context; and means for hinting at one or
more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or
more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined
operational context.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/686,504 filed Oct. 14, 2003, from which
priority is claimed under all applicable sections of Title 35 of
the United States Code including, but not limited to, Sections 120,
121, and 365(c).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention deals generally with user operation of
portable electronic devices and deals more particularly with mobile
telephones such as a cellular telephone having hinting capabilities
for making a user aware of possible next functions available for
selection.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0005] There has been an increasing demand for more and more
features in portable electronic devices, particularly mobile
telephones such as for example, cellular telephones. Generally, the
operation of the features are carried out by operating a
combination of one or more keys which may be selection keys or
alphanumeric keys such as typically found on and used with cellular
telephones. One such prior art cellular telephone is shown in FIG.
1 and generally designated 10. The cellular telephone includes a
display 12 for displaying text and/or graphics, selection keys 14,
16 for selecting desired operational functionalities of the
cellular phone, keypad means generally designated 18 for inputting
alphanumeric characters to the phone, a scrolling means generally
designated 20 which may be part of the keypad 18 for navigating
operative sub-functionalities within a selected operational
functionality, and various control keys 22 and 24, for example, to
send a call or end a call. The alphanumeric keys 26, 26 may be part
of a physical keypad 18 as illustrated or may be part of a virtual
keypad, for example a keypad representation on the display screen
of the device (not shown) and operated in a well known manner
including pen and touch screen operation.
[0006] Many of the features included with the portable electronic
device such as the cellular telephone are complex and their
operation may be menu driven with multiple selection options
available through nested sub-menus as illustrated in cascading menu
form in FIG. 2 for example. Often, the menu sub-operation
selections are not intuitive and cause the user to guess at which
operations or key selections should be made to perform the desired
operation selection for a given selected desired function.
[0007] Further, other features and functions may not be frequently
used to enable the user to memorize the necessary sequence of
operation steps to carry out the desired selected function much
less to become proficient with the operation of the desired
feature. Generally, user manuals accompany the portable electronic
device to explain the step-by-step operations necessary to carry
out the desired function. Obviously, it is inconvenient to carry
and time consuming to refer to the user manual each time the user
wants to select and operate a feature, particularly an unfamiliar
feature or function. It is difficult, even with the user's manual
to know with certainty which menu selection step to take in the
sequence of steps to carry out or progress in the desired feature
or function. Even with practice it takes some time to learn with
confidence the steps and possible operational functions available
for selection to carry out the desired feature or function.
[0008] It would be desirable to provide portable electronic devices
such as mobile telephones and particularly cellular telephones that
overcome the limitations and deficiencies of the prior art in
learning, selecting, and operating desired features and functions
of the device.
[0009] It would be further desirable if a user of the device could
be made aware without guessing of possible operation functions
available for selection in a desired chosen function.
[0010] Accordingly, what is needed is a way to provide a portable
electronic device such as a mobile telephone and particularly a
cellular telephone with hinting capabilities to make a user aware
of next possible operation functions available for selection in a
desired chosen function.
[0011] What is also needed is a way to provide a method for use in
a portable electronic device such as a mobile telephone and
particularly a cellular telephone that serves as a learning tool to
assist a user to learn the necessary operation functions in a
desired chosen function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In accordance with a first broad aspect of the invention,
one or more modules are arranged and configured for determining in
a device an operational context of a given functionality, providing
in response to the determined operational context one or more
operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the
determined operational context, and hinting at one or more one next
probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative
sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational
context. In some embodiments, at least one next probable operative
sub-functionality is communicated via a suitable alerting
mechanism, wherein the suitable alerting mechanism is a first text
menu list of suggested operative sub-functionalities available for
selection, the first text menu list being shown on a display in
response to a chosen desired operational context. In some
embodiments, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more
selection hinting indicators configured and arranged for activation
each of which is associated with a next probable operative
sub-functionality. In some embodiments, a text menu list containing
at least one next probable operative sub-functionality is displayed
in response to the operation of a corresponding one of the one or
more selection hinting indicators. In some embodiments, one or more
modules is further configured and arranged for deactivating the
suitable alerting mechanism. In some embodiments, the suitable
alerting mechanism further comprises one or more user action
prompting instructions. In some embodiments, the user action
prompting instruction is a text message representation. In some
embodiments, the user action prompting instruction is a graphic
message representation. In some embodiments, the activated
selection hinting indicator is illuminated. In some embodiments,
the activated selection hinting indicator is arranged to flash on
and off. In some embodiments, the activated selection hinting
indicator is color illuminated. In some embodiments, the suitable
alerting mechanism comprises one or more selection hinting
indicators graphically represented on the display each of which
graphically represented selection hinting indicators is configured
and associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality
corresponding to the given operational context and sequence
progression step in the selected desired operational
sub-functionality. In some embodiments, the hinting indicators
respond to contact by a screen touch operation. In some
embodiments, the apparatus is configured as a mobile phone. In some
embodiments, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more
distinctive tones each of which tones corresponds to a given
selection hinting indicator associated with a next probable
operative sub-functionality available for user selection. In some
embodiments, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises an icon of a
selection hinting indicator corresponding to a short-cut key for
carrying out the operational sequence progression steps
corresponding to the selected desired operational
sub-functionality. In some embodiments, the apparatus has at least
one menu driven operational functionality. In some embodiments, one
or more modules are arranged and configured for hinting at one or
more one next probable operative sub-functionalities is arranged
for voice announcement of the one or more hinted next feature
selections available from a list of features in the menu driven
operational functionality. In some embodiments, the hinting at one
or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities is arranged
for voice recognition for responding to a spoken feature
selection.
[0013] In accordance with a second broad aspect of the invention,
an operational context of a given functionality is determined in a
device. One or more operative sub-functionalities for selection
associated with the determined operational context are provided in
response to the determined operational context. One or more next
probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative
sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational
context are hinted at. In some embodiments, all operative
sub-functionalities available for selection are identified. In some
embodiments, a suitable alerting mechanism of the device is
associated with each of the operative sub-functionalities as a
hinting indicator. In some embodiments, the hinting indicator for
hinting of its availability for selection as a next probable
operational sub-functionality is activated. In some embodiments,
the hinting indicator is illuminated. In some embodiments, the
hinting indicator is illuminated in a color. In some embodiments,
the hinting indicator is illuminated by flashing on and off. In
some embodiments, an icon representing the associated hinting
indicator is shown on a display of the device for hinting of its
availability for selection as a next probable operational
sub-functionality. In some embodiments, the associated hinting
indicator is a short-cut key. In some embodiments, one or more
distinctive audio tones is provided, each of which tones
corresponds to an identified associated hinting indicator. In some
embodiments, one or more of the associated hinting indicators are
activated to select the operational functionality corresponding to
the activated associated hinting indicator. In some embodiments,
one or more of the associated hinting indicators are activated
through voice recognition operation by speaking the name of the
hinting indicator. In some embodiments, a hinting indicator
responds to contact by a screen touch operation.
[0014] A third broad aspect of the invention provides a computer
program product with a program code, which program code is stored
on a machine readable carrier, for carrying out a method comprising
determining in a device an operational context of a given
functionality, providing in response to the determined operational
context, one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection
associated with the determined operational context, and hinting at
one or more next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one
or more available operative sub-functionalities associated with the
determined operational context.
[0015] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect of the invention,
an apparatus comprises means for determining in a device an
operational context of a given functionality, means for providing
in response to the determined operational context one or more
operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the
determined operational context, and means for hinting at one or
more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or
more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined
operational context.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Other features, objects and advantages of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following written
description taken in conjunction with the following drawings
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a menu driven
operation selection mobile telephone typical of the prior art;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows an example of a prior art nested menu in which
a subsequent lower level menu functionality item is chosen and
selected from a previous list of higher level menu functionality
items;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a mobile phone
embodying the present invention having hinting capabilities for
operation function selection;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of
the mobile phone of the present invention with illuminated keys to
indicate next possible sub-functionality operations available for
selection for accessing the global computer network;
[0021] FIG. 5 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 4 wherein the next
possible user operation is hinted as a result of operating a
corresponding one of the illuminated keys;
[0022] FIG. 6 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 5 wherein the next
possible user operation is hinted by illuminated keys of the keypad
as a result of the beginning character string of a URL address
being shown in the window;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 5 wherein a history
list of URL's is shown on the display as a result of operating the
illuminated scroll key;
[0024] FIG. 8 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 7 wherein the scroll
key is illuminated to hint that the scroll key may be operated to
move through the URL list to select the desired URL address;
[0025] FIG. 9 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 8 wherein the URL
address has been selected and the scroll key and the talk key are
illuminated to hint that a different URL address can be selected or
that the selected URL address can be sent by operating the talk
key;
[0026] FIG. 10 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 4 wherein the
alphanumeric keys of the keypad are illuminated to hint at entering
the desired URL address;
[0027] FIG. 11 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 10 wherein the
desired URL address has been keyed in and the talk key is
illuminated to hint that the URL address can be sent by operating
the talk key;
[0028] FIG. 12 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 6 wherein the
alphanumeric keys of the keypad are illuminated to hint at entering
the desired URL address from the look-up list of URL's;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an alternate
embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention showing
graphic representations of keys to hint at next possible
sub-functionality operations available for selection for accessing
the global computer network;
[0030] FIG. 14 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 13 wherein completing
the beginning character string of a URL address is hinted by the
alphanumeric text to suggest operating the alphanumeric keys of the
keypad;
[0031] FIG. 15 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 13 wherein entering a
URL address is hinted by the scroll key representation to suggest
operating the scroll key to enter the URL address;
[0032] FIG. 16 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 15 wherein the scroll
key is shown to hint at moving through a list of URL addresses to
select a desired URL address and the talk key is represented to
hint the URL address can be sent by operating the talk key;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a further alternate
embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention utilizing a
virtual keypad shown on the display for the selection and
alphanumeric keys to operate the mobile phone;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing the major
functional elements of a mobile telephone embodying the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of a further alternate
embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention utilizing
audio tones to identify keys to hint at next possible
sub-functionality operations available for selection;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of a further alternate
embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention utilizing
voice generation to announce next featured selection available from
a list of features in a menu driven operational function;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram showing the major
functional elements of an alternate embodiment of the mobile phone
of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the method
of the present invention for hinting at next possible user
operation in a mobile telephone;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an alternate embodiment of
the method of the present invention for hinting at next possible
user operation in a mobile telephone;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a further alternate
embodiment of the method of the present invention for hinting at
next possible user operation in a mobile telephone;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the
method of the present invention for hinting at next possible user
operation in a mobile telephone;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the major functional
elements of one embodiment of the mobile phone of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Turning now to the drawings and considering the invention in
further detail wherein like reference numbers refer to like parts
throughout the drawings, FIG. 25 shows a flowchart generally
designated as 600 having basic steps or actions 600a, 600b, 600c
for implementing the inventive method according to some embodiments
of the present invention, for example in a suitable electronic
device or apparatus, comprising determining in a device an
operational context of a given functionality (step 600a), providing
in response to the determined operational context, one or more
operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the
determined operational context (step 600b), and hinting at one or
more next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more
available operative sub-functionalities associated with the
determined operational context (step 600c). These steps 600a, 600b,
and 600c may be implemented in one or more modules configured to do
the same in such device such as for example a mobile telephone,
cellular telephone or such like device. The scope of the invention
is not intended to be limited to the order in which the steps or
actions in FIG. 25 are performed. Further, the scope of the
invention is not intended to be limited to any particular
implementation using technology now known or developed in the
future for hinting at one or more next probable operative
sub-functionalities of the one or more available operative
sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational
context.
[0044] It is to be understood that the aforementioned methods may
include other steps known in the art that do not form a part of the
underlying invention.
[0045] FIG. 26 shows by way of example, a mobile communication
device generally designated 700 in the form of a hinting enabled
device generally designated 710 according to some embodiments of
the present invention. The hinting enabled device 710 has one or
more hinting modules 720 including a module 720a configured for
determining in a device an operational context of a given
functionality, a module 720b configured for providing in response
to the determined operational context, one or more operative
sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined
operational context, and a module 700c configured for hinting at
one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the
one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the
determined operational context.
[0046] Consistent with that described above, the hinting enabled
device 710 is shown in the form of a mobile communication device
700 or other suitable electronic device such as a mobile telephone,
cellular telephone or such like device now known or developed in
the future. The hinting enabled device 710 may also have other
device modules 730 that do not form part of the underlying
invention and are not described in detail herein.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a mobile phone such
as a cellular telephone embodying the present invention having
hinting capabilities for operation function selection and is
generally designated 100. The cellular telephone 100 is somewhat
conventional in appearance and has a display 102 for showing text
or graphics, a keypad or other similar means 104 for inputting
alphanumeric characters to the phone by way of alphanumeric keys
106, 106. The cellular telephone 100 also includes means such as
contact buttons or switch keys 108, 110 for selecting desired
operational functionalities of the cellular telephone. The cellular
telephone also includes means such as a scroll key 112 for
navigating operative sub-functionalities within a selected
operational functionality of the cellular telephone. The
functionalities are typical of that available with cellular
telephones and may include, for example, short text messaging,
connection to the computer global network, selections of prior
pre-programmed messages, list of addresses, names, or other typical
addresses and information and data associated with conventional
cellular telecommunication devices. The scroll key 112 is shown as
having directional capabilities which are activated by pressing on
the marginal areas 114, 116, 118, 120 to navigate or move about
through the particular display graphic, pictorial or text shown on
the display 102 in an upward and a downward vertical direction or a
sideward left and right horizontal direction. The scroll key 112
also includes a central portion 122 which functions as an entry or
selection contact switch typically by pushing on the center of the
scroll key to effectuate operation. The cellular telephone 100
additionally includes other control keys, for example, a talk key
124 which is typically used to send a message or to initiate a
dialing sequence to complete the call, and a control key 126, for
example, which is used to end or terminate a call. The cellular
telephone 100 also includes additional control keys 128, 130, 132
which are typically used to access various functions and features
of the cellular telephone and as explained in further detail herein
below are utilized with other keys to make a user aware of one or
more next possible operative sub-functionalities available for user
selection in the selected operational functionality, in other
words, providing a hinting capability for operation of a next
function selection from the current step in the call progression or
function access sequence. Although the cellular telephone 100 is
disclosed herein in numerous illustrative embodiments of the
present invention, it will be recognized that the cellular
telephone 100 may also operate in a conventional menu driven mode
such as shown, for example, by the menu sequence illustrated in
FIG. 2.
[0048] Turning now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the mobile phone of
the present invention has various illuminated keys to hint at or
make the user aware of next possible sub-functionality options
available for selection and is illustrated schematically therein
and generally designated 100. For purposes of explanation and
illustration of the invention, the specific desired function
selected deals with accessing the global computer network wherein
the user has operated one of the selection keys, for example, 108,
110 to initiate the desired operational functionality. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the user is made aware that function to
access the global computer network requires an additional action as
indicated by the instruction text message "Enter URL" designated
134 and shown on the display 102 and the appearance of a window 140
on the display 102. The user at this stage of the sequence to
access the global computer network can either guess at what the
next possible step or action should be or in accordance with the
present invention, observe that the control key 128 is illuminated
and that the scroll key 112 is illuminated. The illuminated keys
128 and 112 hint or suggest to the user that operating one of these
keys might somehow be related to the function of entering the URL
to gain access to the global computer network. Thus, it is
suggested to the user by the cellular telephone 100 by way of the
illuminated keys 112, 128 that the user could possibly operate one
or the other of these keys to achieve the intended function to
access the global computer network. For purposes of example and
explanation of the present invention, the user may decide to
operate the control key 128 and which operation causes the
beginning character string "www." of a URL address to be shown in
the text window 140 on the display 102 of the cellular telephone
100 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The appearance of the initial
character string "www." of the URL address as illustrated in FIG.
5, suggests to the user and hints that a further entry is required.
In this context, the user is aware that the scroll key 112 is
illuminated to suggest that this key has a possible operational
relationship to the function that is being attempted, and in this
example, accessing the computer global network. The user may then
operate the scroll key 112 by pushing on the center region 122
which causes a history list of URL's 150 to be shown on the display
102 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The scroll key 112 continues to be
illuminated as illustrated in FIG. 7 suggesting to the user that
further possible functionality is available through operation of
the scroll key 112 such as, for example, the ability to navigate or
move through the list of URL addresses shown on the display 102. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the user may navigate through the list of
URL addresses using the scroll key 112 to highlight each address to
identify to the user the location of the scrolling cursor in a well
known manner to select for example a desired address as highlighted
and generally indicated 152. If the URL address 152 is the address
that the user desires, operating the scroll key 112 by pushing on
the center region 122 causes the URL address to appear in the
window 140 as illustrated in FIG. 9. Still referring to FIG. 9, the
scroll key 112 and the talk key 124 are illuminated suggesting to
the user that either one or both of these keys may be available for
possible further functionality selection. In this context, the
scroll key 112 may be operated to cause the URL address history
list 150 to reappear on the display 102 and to make a different URL
address available for selection. Alternately, in this context, the
user may determine that the selected URL address shown in the
window 140 is the desired and correct URL address and then operate
the talk button 124 to send the URL address from the cellular phone
100 in a well known manner to access the global computer
network.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 4 and considering an alternate user
operating sequence, the cellular telephone 100 is illustrated with
an illuminated scroll key 112 and illuminated control key 128 to
make the user aware of and hint at possible operations for entering
the URL address in accordance with the text instruction message
"Enter URL" 134 shown on the display 102. In this example, the user
operates the illuminated control key 128 with the resulting URL
address leading character string "www." being shown in the window
140 of the display 102 as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this context
operation of the control key 128 causes the alphanumeric keys 106,
106 of the keypad 104 to illuminate suggesting to the user that the
alphanumeric keys 106, 106 are somehow related to the next possible
user operation to access or complete the selected desired
functionality. In the context presented in FIG. 6, the cellular
telephone 100 hints that operation of the alphanumeric keys 106,
106 may be used to enter the remaining characters of the character
string for the desired URL address.
[0050] Turning now to FIG. 10, the cellular telephone 100 is
illustrated therein with the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 of the
keypad 104 illuminated to suggest or hint to the user that the keys
106, 106 are somehow related to the context and sequence of
entering the URL address in the window 140. The user then selects
the appropriate illuminated alphanumeric keys 106, 106 of the
keypad 104 to enter the desired URL address in the window 140 shown
on the display 102 as illustrated in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11,
the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 are extinguished after the URL
address is entered and the talk key 124 is now illuminated
suggesting to the user that operation of this key is a next
possible function available for access to send the URL address from
cellular telephone 100 to access the global computer network.
[0051] In a further alternate embodiment of the present invention
as illustrated in FIG. 12, the cellular telephone 100 shows on the
display 102 a history list of URL's 150 as a consequence of
operating the scroll button 122, during the sequence progression
steps in the desired operational functionality for example, in the
context shown in FIG. 6 to bring up and show the history list as
illustrated in FIG. 7 and also cause the appearance of the leading
character string "www." of a URL address in the window 140. In FIG.
12, the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 are illuminated suggesting to
the user that these alphanumeric keys 106, 106 are somehow related
to the next possible sub-functionality operation available for
selection for accessing the global computer network. In the example
shown in FIG. 12, the user may key in the URL address using the
alphanumeric keys 106, 106 in accordance with the desired URL
address 154 illustrated or shown in the URL history list 150. Upon
entry of the appropriate URL address, the talk key 124 will
illuminate suggesting to the user that this key is a next possible
sub-functionality operation available for selection to complete the
access to the global computer network. The alphanumeric keys 106,
106 may continue to be illuminated or may be extinguished in
accordance with the desired cellular telephone operation. Likewise,
the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 may be illuminated with different
colors or may flash on and off to make the user aware of their
possible use in the sequence progression and completing the desired
functionality.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 13, an alternate embodiment of the
mobile phone of the present invention is schematically illustrated
therein and generally designated 200. The mobile phone 200 is a
cellular telephone and includes a display 202, a keypad generally
designated 204 which includes alphanumeric keys 206, 206, a scroll
key 208 for controlling the direction of movement of a cursor shown
on the display 202 by pressing the outer ring in the area 210 to
move upward, 212 to move downward, 214 to move to the right and 216
to move horizontally to the left. The center region 218 of the
scroll key 208 is depressed to select or enter the function or
feature or to complete the sequence associated with the given
operation utilizing the scroll key in the manner well known to
those skilled in the cellular telephone art. The keypad 204 also
includes a number of control keys 230, 232, 234 which are used in
the control and operation of the cellular phone 200. The cellular
phone 200 also includes a talk key 224 and an end call key 226 and
optionally selection keys 220, 222 for selecting a desired given
operational function. By way of example, as shown in FIG. 13 the
user desires to access the global computer network and the text
message instruction "Enter URL" 246 is shown on the display screen
202. Additionally, a graphic representation or icon 240
corresponding to control key 234 and a graphic representation or
icon 242 corresponding to the scroll key 208 is shown on the
display to suggest to the user and hint at next possible
sub-functionality operations available for selection to access the
global computer network. In addition, an "abc marker" icon 244 is
shown on the display screen 202 along with the control key icon 240
and scroll key icon 242 again hinting to the user the next possible
operative sub-functionalities available for selection. In one
possible sequence, the user operates the control key 234
corresponding to the control key icon 240 shown on the display 202
of the cellular phone 200 with the result that the leading
character string "www." of a URL address appears in the window 260
on the display 202 as illustrated in FIG. 14. The instruction text
message "Enter URL" 246 also appears on the display 202 along with
the "abc marker" icon 244, to hint to the user that the missing
portion of the character string of the desired URL address may be
completed by operating the appropriate alphanumeric keys 206, 206
of the keypad 204 to complete the desired URL address character
string in a similar manner as described above in connection with
FIG. 10. Alternately, if the user operates the scroll key 208 by
depressing the center region 218 as suggested by the scroll key
icon 242 in FIG. 13 in response to the instruction text message
"Enter URL" 246 a look-up history list of URL addresses 250 would
be shown on the display 202 as illustrated in FIG. 15. The
instruction text message "Enter URL" 246 continues to be shown on
the display 202 along with the scroll key icon 242 to suggest or
hint to the user that further operation of the scroll key 208 could
cause movement through the list of URL addresses for purposes of
selecting a desired address. The navigation through the URL address
list 250 is in the upper vertical direction by operating the scroll
key portion 210 and downward by operating the scroll key portion
212 much like a joystick to control movement through the list and
stopping at a desired URL address, for example, the URL address
generally designated 252. The desired URL address is selected by
operating the portion 218 of the scroll key 208 with the result
that the URL address appears in the window 260 of the display 202
as illustrated in FIG. 16. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the scroll
key icon 242 is shown to hint that the user can move through the
list of URL addresses 250 to select a different desired URL address
other than the address appearing in the window 260 corresponding to
the URL address 252. A talk key or icon 246 corresponding to the
talk key 224 also appears on the display 202 hinting to the user
that the URL address shown in the window 260 can be sent by
operating the talk key 224 to send the URL address from the
cellular phone 200 to access the global computer network.
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 17, a further alternate embodiment of
the mobile phone of the present invention is schematically
illustrated therein and generally designated 300. In this
embodiment, the mobile phone is a cellular phone 300 and has a
virtual keypad shown on the display 302 and includes a graphic
representation of alphanumeric keys 304, 304 each of which may be
operated and respond to contact, for example, by a stylus or other
pen or screen touch operation to select the desired key as well
know to those skilled in the art. The display 302 also includes a
graphic representation of a scroll key 310, a talk key 312 and an
end call key 314 each of which is likewise operated through contact
with a stylus or other means well known to those skilled in the art
to effectuate their operation. The display 302 also includes, for
example, an instruction text message instruction for a desired
given functionality such as the "Enter URL" instruction text
message 316 shown on the display 302 generally positioned above a
text window 320 also shown on display 302. The alphanumeric keys
304, 304, and control keys 306 and 308 may be illuminated or flash
to hint to the user that operation of these keys are related to
further sub-functionalities available for accessing the global
computer network through entry of a URL address in the window 320
in a similar manner as described above in connection with the
cellular phones 100 and 200.
[0054] A schematic block diagram showing the major functional
elements of a mobile telephone such as a cellular telephone
embodying the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 18 and
generally designated 400. Electronic circuit means 402 appropriate
for carrying out the functions of the cellular telephone is
provided. A controller circuit means 404 which may be part of the
electronic circuit means 402 but for purposes of explanation is
shown as a separate functional element in FIG. 18 cooperates with
an instruction set contained within a memory means 406 and means
for input and function selection 408 and a display means 410 for
showing alphanumeric text messages, commands, graphics or other
indicia, pictorials and representations as may be desired or
required. The operation and interconnection of the major functional
elements of the mobile phone are well know to those skilled in the
art and the reader is referred to the appropriate literature and
instruction manuals that are generally available for further
details and which literature and manuals are incorporated herein by
reference to the extent needed to provide further explanation of
the operation of the major functional elements.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 19, a schematic representation of a
further alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present
invention is illustrated therein and generally designated 350. The
mobile phone 350 utilizes one or more distinctive tones generally
represented by the notes designated 352 each of which tones
corresponds to a given selection key 106, 112, 128, for example,
associated with next possible operative sub-functionalities
available for user selection. The various distinctive tones are
broadcast from the mobile phone speaker or ear piece as generally
indicated by the broadcast arrow symbol 354. It is contemplated
that the distinctive tones 352 could be user selectable for
assignment to a corresponding selection key as desired. As also
indicated in FIG. 19, an icon of a key generally designated 360
corresponding to a short-cut key for carrying out the operational
sequence progression steps corresponding to the selected desired
operational functionality is illustrated on the display 102. In the
illustrated example, a number 1 is shown in brackets on the display
screen 102 indicating to the user that the key number 1 on the
keypad 104 is the short-cut key to carry out the operational
sequence associated with the selected desired operational
functionality. For example, the short-cut key shown in the bracket
may indicate a save function, a reload function, or a toggle
function with each function corresponding to a different identified
key.
[0056] Turning to FIG. 20, a schematic representation of a further
alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention
is illustrated therein and generally designated 380. In the mobile
phone 380, a menu list of features generally designated 382 is
shown on the display 102 wherein one or more of the next feature
selections shown in the menu list are available in the menu driven
operational function selected. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 20, the user is made aware by voice announcement of one or
more of the next feature selections available corresponding to the
keys on the keypad 104 to hint at the next possible
sub-functionality operations available for selection. The voice
announcement is generally designated 384 and is transmitted or
broadcast from the mobile phone 380 via the speaker or ear piece.
For example, the voice announcement may indicate that the "FIND"
function is associated with the control key 128 and may be in the
form of a voice message "for FIND, press number 2". The user may
respond by pressing the appropriate associated key announced by the
voice announcement or may respond by speaking the name of the key
as generally indicated by the voice response arrow 386 to select
the desired sub-functionality.
[0057] Turning now to FIG. 21, a schematic block diagram showing
the major functional elements of an alternate embodiment of the
mobile phone of the present invention is illustrated therein and
generally designated 420. Electronic circuit means 402 appropriate
for carrying out the functions of the cellular telephone is
provided. A controller circuit means 404 which may be part of the
electronic circuit means 402, but for purposes of explanation is
shown as a separate functional element in FIG. 21 cooperates with
an instruction set contained within a memory means 406 and means
for input and function selection 408 and a display means 410 for
showing the alphanumeric text messages, commands, graphics or other
indicia, pictorials and representations as may be desired or
required. A tone generator circuit means 422 cooperates with the
controller means to generate the various tones as required to
identify the various associated keys for selection. A voice
generator circuit means is optionally provided and cooperates with
the controller means to provide the voice announcement to alert the
user regarding next feature selections available in a menu driven
operational function. A voice recognition circuit means generally
designated 426 cooperates with the electronic circuit means to
recognize voice input to the mobile phone for selecting next
features associated with corresponding to the selection key spoken.
The operation and interconnection of the major functional elements
of the mobile phone are well known to those skilled in the art and
the reader is referred to appropriate literature and instruction
manuals that are generally available for further details and which
literature and manuals are incorporated herein by reference to the
extent needed to provide further explanation of the operation of
the major functional elements.
[0058] Turning now to FIG. 22, a flow chart generally designated
450 is illustrated therein showing one embodiment of the method of
the present invention for hinting at next possible operative
sub-functionalities available for selection corresponding to the
given operational context and sequence progression step in the
selected desired operational functionality in a mobile telephone,
particularly a cellular telephone. The method illustrated in the
flow chart 450 begins with the start step 452 wherein the user
determines or identifies the particular function or feature and
selects the desired function in step 454. The selected desired
function is identified and sensed through the detection of
operation of a given selection or control key in step 456. The
method determines whether or not additional functionalities or
sub-functionalities are available in step 458 for the particular
operation detected in step 454. If additional functionalities are
available, the method moves to step 460 in which all associated
keys to select the possible sub-functionalities are identified. The
system next moves to step 462 to illuminate or display a key for
each of the associated keys identified in step 460. The user then
operates in step 464 one of the keys identified in step 460 and
illuminated or displayed in step 462. Upon operation of the given
key the sub-functionality corresponding to the associated key is
displayed in step 466. The method may return to step 464 to operate
additional keys and display the sub-functionality corresponding to
the associated operated key in step 466. If no additional keys are
operated in the method step 464 then the desired functionality is
selected in step 468 and the desired function is completed in step
470 with the method ending with step 472. If it is determined in
step 458 that no additional functionalities are available for the
function selected in step 454 the system moves to the step 470 to
complete the desired function and the method ends with the end step
472.
[0059] FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart generally designated 500
showing an alternate embodiment of the method of the present
invention for hinting at next possible operative
sub-functionalities available for selection corresponding to the
given operational context and sequence progression step in the
selected desired operational functionality in the mobile telephone,
particularly a cellular telephone. The method begins with the start
step 502 wherein the user identifies a particular or specific
feature or function is identified. The desired feature or function
is selected in 504 and the operation of the key or other action is
detected in step 506. It is next detected in step 508 if additional
sub-functionalities are available for selection for the desired
function selected in step 504 corresponding to the detected
operating sequence in 506. If additional sub-functionalities are
available, the associated sub-functionality key is identified in
step 510. The method then determines in step 512 whether additional
sub-functionality keys are available and if so, the method returns
to step 510 to identify the associated sub-functionality key. If it
is determined in step 512 that no additional sub-functionality keys
are available, a key corresponding to the desired functionality is
operated in step 514 to select the functionality. The method then
moves to step 516 to display the functionality corresponding to the
key operated in step 514. The displayed functionality is selected
in step 518 and its operating sequence is detected in step 506. The
method will then determine in step 508 if additional
sub-functionalities are available based on the selected
functionality in step 518 and on the operating sequence detected in
step 506. If additional sub-functionalities are available as
determined in step 508 the method then moves to step 510 to
identify the associated sub-functionality key and proceeds as
described above. If it is determined in step 508 that no additional
sub-functionalities are available for the desired function selected
in step 504 as detected through the operating sequence of step 506
the method moves to step 520 to complete the desired function.
Likewise, the system moves to complete the functionality selected
in step 518 and terminates with the end step 522. It will be
recognized and appreciated that multiple iterations may occur
depending upon the specific sub-functionality selected in the
method causing different associated sub-functionality keys to be
identified to hint at next possible user operation according to the
given operational context and sequence progression step in the
selected desired operational functionality.
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 24, a flowchart generally designated 550
illustrates a further alternate embodiment of the method of the
present invention for hinting at next possible operative
sub-functionality available for selection corresponding to the
given operational context and sequence progression step in the
selected desired operational functionality during operation of the
mobile telephone. The method that begins with the start step 552
wherein the function or feature desired for selection is selected
in step 554. The method determines in step 556 additional
sub-functionalities available corresponding to the desired function
selected in step 554. The system then identifies in step 558
corresponding available functionalities for the selected function.
The method then displays all the key symbols or icons associated
with the identified available sub-functionalities in step 560. The
method then operates a key corresponding to the key symbol or icon
displayed in step 562 which causes the functionality associated
with the operated key to be displayed in step 564. It is next
determined in step 566 if the desired functionality is displayed.
If the desired functionality is displayed then the method moves to
step 568 wherein the functionality is selected and the desired
function is completed in step 570 and terminates with the end step
572. If it is determined in step 556 that no additional
sub-functionalities are available, the system moves to step 570 to
complete the desired function and terminates with the end step 572.
If it is determined in step 566 that the desired functionality is
not displayed then the system moves to step 574 to determine if
additional keys are available. If additional keys are available
then the system moves to step 562 and the key corresponding to the
additional available functionality key is operated and the
functionality associated with the operated key is displayed in step
564. If the desired functionality is displayed in step 566 then the
method moves to step 568 to select the displayed functionality and
the method continues as described above. If in step 574 it is
determined that no additional keys are available then the method
moves to step 568 to select the displayed functionality or
terminates with the end step 572.
[0061] A mobile telephone such as a cellular telephone having
hinting capabilities for making a user aware of possible next
functions available for selection corresponding to the given
operational context and sequence progression step in the selected
desired operational functionality has been described above in
several embodiments along with a related method for carrying out
the hinting capability in the mobile telephone. Numerous changes
and modifications may be made by those skilled in the cellular
telephone art, for example, the sequence of presenting a history
list of URL addresses may appear at different progression steps
other than that described above. In addition, other control keys
and selection keys may be available and other activation means such
as voice activation and audio response may be employed to carry out
the function and intent of the present invention. Therefore, the
present invention has been described by way of example rather than
limitation.
* * * * *