Softkey access to network connections

• US 20080064388A1
• Filed: 09/13/2006
• Published: 03/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Helio LLC (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Original Assignee: Helio LLC (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Inventors: Ford, Peter J., Duarte, Matias, Hayes, Gregory Paul
• Application Number:
  US11/520,335
• Publication Number:
  US 20080064388A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/425
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72466 with selection means, e.g. keys, having functions defined by the mode or the status of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72469 for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/06 including a wireless LAN interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/22 including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided by which a mobile device may be configured to display a list of available networks in response to a single action. In particular, some embodiments of the present invention include a softkey that may be programmed to view a menu of available wireless networks.

Claims

1. A mobile device comprising:

a display;

a processor; and

a memory for storing computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the mobile device to display at least one softkey, wherein the softkey is adapted to generate a menu of available wireless networks with a single action.

2. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the softkey is part of the display.

3. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the softkey is a hardkey.

4. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the softkey is positioned adjacent to the display.

5. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the menu of available networks includes an indicator of network signal strength for each network.

6. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the menu of available networks includes an indicator of network encryption.

7. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the function of the designated softkey is determined according to the device'"'"'s orientation.

8. A method for operating a mobile device, comprising:

in response to only a single action being performed, displaying information identifying a network;

receiving a request relating to the network; and

connecting the mobile device to the network.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the single action comprises pressing a button.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the button comprises a softkey.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the single action comprises a verbal command.

12. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

scanning to identify the network.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein the network is available for the mobile device to connect.

14. The method of claim 8 wherein the single action includes pressing and holding a softkey.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the mobile device displays more information about the network for a long duration press than for a short duration press.