Controlling functions of a handheld multifunction device
First Claim
1. A multifunction device that can be held in a plurality of orientations, including a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation, the multifunction device, comprising:
- a user interface including a display;
a plurality of applications that provide the multifunction device with respective functions, the plurality of applications comprising at least two of organizer, communication, utility, and entertainment functions, wherein at least a portion of the application include different modes of operation; and
control means for detecting an orientation of the multifunction device and for automatically switching between the plurality of applications based on the detected orientation.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for controlling the functions of a handheld multifunction device based on the orientation of the device. The multifunction device can be held in a plurality of orientations including a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The multifunction device includes a user interface that includes a display; and a plurality of applications that provide the device with respective functions, the plurality of applications comprising at least two of organizer, communication, and entertainment functions, wherein at least a portion of the application include different modes of operation. The device further includes control means for detecting an orientation of the multifunction device and for automatically switching between the plurality of applications based on the detected orientation.
765 Citations
40 Claims
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1. A multifunction device that can be held in a plurality of orientations, including a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation, the multifunction device, comprising:
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a user interface including a display;
a plurality of applications that provide the multifunction device with respective functions, the plurality of applications comprising at least two of organizer, communication, utility, and entertainment functions, wherein at least a portion of the application include different modes of operation; and
control means for detecting an orientation of the multifunction device and for automatically switching between the plurality of applications based on the detected orientation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for controlling functions of a multifunction device, wherein the multifunction device can be held in a plurality of orientations including a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation, the method comprising:
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providing the multifunction device with a plurality of applications that provide the multifunction device with respective functions, wherein at least a portion of the functions include multiple modes of operations;
associating each of the functions to a respective orientation of the multifunction device;
during operation of the multifunction device, detecting a current orientation of the multifunction device; and
automatically switching between the plurality of applications based on the detected orientation. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A computer-readable medium containing program instructions for controlling functions of a multifunction device, wherein the multifunction device can be held in a plurality of orientations including a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation, the program instructions for:
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providing the multifunction device with a plurality of applications that provide the multifunction device with respective functions, wherein at least a portion of the functions include multiple modes of operations;
associating each of the functions to a respective orientation of the multifunction device;
during operation of the multifunction device, detecting a current orientation of the multifunction device; and
automatically switching between the plurality of applications based on the detected orientation.
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Specification