US 6,975,304 B1 · Interface for processing of an alternate symbol in a computer device

Abstract

Described herein is a computer-implemented system and method for processing one or more alternate symbols associated or linked to a base symbol. A base symbol is a symbol to which at least one alternate symbol is linked. A base symbol commonly appears on a key of a keyboard or a display or a keyboard, or is a handwritten symbol recognized by handwriting entry software. Examples of alternate symbols are accented characters and punctuation marks that do not appear on a keyboard or are not commonly recognized by a handwriting entry program, and short symbol sequences. An example of a common short symbol sequence is an emoticon used in e-mail messages to convey tone or feelings. An example of a computer device that may embody the system or method is a hand-held computing device.

Claims32

Dependent claims

For use in a hand-held computing device, a computer-implemented method for providing an alternate symbol associated with a base symbol comprising:

receiving input requesting a first list of alternate symbols associated with a first base symbol;
and
displaying simultaneously a plurality of alternate symbols from the first list in a pop-up menu at an insertion location for at least one of the alternate symbols on a display of the hand-held device.

A hand-held computing device for providing an alternate symbol associated with a base symbol comprising:

a display;
a memory;
a processor coupled to the display and memory;
a user input device for indicating a symbol;
and software stored in the memory for providing an alternate symbol associated with a base symbol wherein the software comprises instructions for execution by the processor for performing the following:
receiving input requesting a first list of alternate symbols associated with a first base symbol;
and
displaying simultaneously a plurality of alternate symbols from the first list in a pop-up menu at an insertion location for at least one of the alternate symbols on a display of the hand-held device.

5 more elements

A computer usable medium comprising instructions for execution by a processor for performing a computer-implemented method for providing an alternate symbol associated with a base symbol for use in a hand-held computing device, the method comprising:

receiving input requesting a first list of alternate symbols associated with a first base symbol;
and
displaying simultaneously a plurality of alternate symbols from the first list in a pop-up menu at an insertion location for at least one of the alternate symbols on a display of the hand-held device.

A hand-held computing device for providing an alternate symbol associated with a base symbol comprising:

means for receiving input requesting a first list of alternate symbols associated with a first base symbol;
and
means for displaying simultaneously a plurality of alternate symbols from the first list in a pop-up menu at an insertion location for at least one of the alternate symbols on a display of the hand-held device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

09/977,870Filed 14 Oct 2001 · us provisional application

Priority

11 Jun 2001

Granted

13 Dec 2005

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification4 codes

G06F 3/04886
Using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures: by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the…
G06F 3/0236
Character input methods: using selection techniques to select from displayed items
G06F 3/0489
Using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of…:…
G06F
Computing and data processing

Interface for processing of an alternate symbol in a computer device

Life of this patent

Interface for processing of an alternate symbol in a computer device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32