Virtual hard keys on a wireless device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A mobile electronic device comprising:
- a sensor for detecting an orientation of the device;
a first soft key that can adopt one or more functions depending upon the orientation of the device; and
a screen that changes its display based on the orientation of the device.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the claimed invention provide systems and methods whereby the functionality of soft keys on a mobile electronic device may be shifted depending on the orientation of the device. The device detects its orientation and then maps a different function to the appropriate soft keys to ensure that the soft keys retain their functionalities from the end-user'"'"'s perspective.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A mobile electronic device comprising:
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a sensor for detecting an orientation of the device; a first soft key that can adopt one or more functions depending upon the orientation of the device; and a screen that changes its display based on the orientation of the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A mobile electronic device comprising:
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means for detecting an orientation of the device; means for changing a function of a device key based on the orientation of the device; and means for altering a display based on the orientation of the device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A method for changing a function of a soft key on a device comprising the steps of:
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detecting a first orientation of the device at a first time; sensing a change in the orientation of the device to a second orientation; and mapping a different function to each soft key. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for changing a function of a key on a device comprising the steps of:
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detecting a first orientation of the device at a first time; and configuring the function of the key with respect to the orientation. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification