Configurable keys for pen-based devices

• US 20030221877A1
• Filed: 06/03/2002
• Published: 12/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Marvell International Limited (Marvell Technology Group Limited)
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Harrison, Edward Ralph
• Application Number:
  US10/163,180
• Publication Number:
  US 20030221877A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 178/18.01
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0489 using dedicated keyboard keys or combinations thereof

Abstract

A device has the capability of performing applications. The device comprises a processor to execute applications. It includes a display screen and a case housing the display screen. The device includes at least one button on the case, wherein the button performs a different function depending upon an application being executed.

Claims

1. A device, comprising;

a processor to execute application;

a display screen;

a case housing the display screen; and

at least one button disposed upon the case, wherein the button performing a different function depending upon an application being executed.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a stylus.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the display further comprises a touch-sensitive screen.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a memory.

5. The memory of claim 4, wherein the memory is to store a database of functions.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is also to access a database of a button functions when the button is pressed.

7. A system, comprising:

a host device to execute application;

a removable device, electrically coupled to the host device; and

at least one button on the removable device, wherein the button has a different function depending upon an application being executed.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the host device further comprises a personal computer.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the host device further comprises a docking station.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the application being executed includes a connection between the host device and a network.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the removable device is a pen-based device.

12. A method of configuring button functions, the method comprising:

identifying an application being executed;

accessing a database to determine at least one button function for the application; and

sending the button function to the application.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises receiving a signal indicating that a button has been pressed.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises performing the button function.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein accessing a database further comprising accessing a database stored on the device.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein accessing a database further comprising accessing a database stored on a host device.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein sending the button function further comprises using an application programming interface.

18. An article of machine-readable code that, when executed, causes the machine to:

identify an application being executed;

access a database to determine at least one button function for the application; and

send the button function to the application.

19. The machine-readable code further causes the machine to receive a signal indicating that a button has been pressed.

20. The machine-readable code further causes the machine to perform the button function.

21. A method of configuring keys on a portable device, the method comprising:

assigning a key sequence to a button on a portable device; and

updating a key sequence database to reflect the key sequence.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein assigning a key sequence further comprises assigning user-defined key sequences.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein assigning a key sequence further comprises assigning vendor-assigned key sequences.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein assigning a key sequence further comprises registering key sequences from applications.