Accessing and selecting multiple key functions with minimum keystrokes
First Claim
1. A calculating device comprising:
- a display;
a keyboard including menu keys corresponding to menu labels displayable on the display and a multi-function key having a primary function and a secondary function, the function selected depending on the duration the multi-function key is pressed; and
a data processor coupled to the keyboard and the display for;
(a) executing the primary key function if the multi-function key is pressed for less than a first time period;
(b) displaying on the display a set of at least two menu labels corresponding to the secondary function if the multi-function key remains pressed for greater than the first time period, each of said at least two labels being displayed at the same time and representing an associated function;
(c) assigning the function associated with each displayed menu label to the corresponding menu key; and
(d) executing the associated function if the menu key is pressed.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A calculating device and related method for accessing and selecting among multiple key functions with a minimum of keystrokes. The keyboard includes menu keys corresponding to menu labels displayable on the display and a multi-function key having a primary function and a secondary function. Which of the key functions is selected depends on the duration of the key press. The calculating device executes the primary function if the key is pressed for a short time. However, if the key is pressed for longer than a given time period, the calculating device displays a set of menu labels and assigns a function associated with a displayed menu label to a menu key. If the key continues to be pressed, the display scrolls to show additional sets of menu labels. A menu function may then be selected by releasing the multi-function key and pressing the appropriate menu key.
188 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A calculating device comprising:
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a display; a keyboard including menu keys corresponding to menu labels displayable on the display and a multi-function key having a primary function and a secondary function, the function selected depending on the duration the multi-function key is pressed; and a data processor coupled to the keyboard and the display for; (a) executing the primary key function if the multi-function key is pressed for less than a first time period; (b) displaying on the display a set of at least two menu labels corresponding to the secondary function if the multi-function key remains pressed for greater than the first time period, each of said at least two labels being displayed at the same time and representing an associated function; (c) assigning the function associated with each displayed menu label to the corresponding menu key; and (d) executing the associated function if the menu key is pressed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A calculating device comprising:
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a display; a keyboard including menu keys corresponding to menu labels displayable on the display and a multi-function key having a primary function and a secondary function, the function selected depending on the duration the multi-function key is pressed; and processing means for; (a) executing the primary key function if the multi-function key is pressed for less than a first time period; (b) displaying on the display a set of at least two menu labels corresponding to the secondary function if the multi-function key remains pressed for greater than the first time period, each of said at least two labels being displayed at the same time and representing an associated function; (c) displaying a subsequent set of menu labels if the multi-function key remains pressed for greater than a second time period; (d) assigning the function associated with each displayed menu label to the corresponding menu key; and (e) executing the associated function if the menu key is pressed. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. In a calculating device having a display and a keyboard with menu keys, a method of selecting among multiple key functions, comprising:
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providing a multi-function key having a primary function and a secondary function; executing the primary key function if the multi-function key is pressed for less than a first time period; displaying a set of at least two menu labels corresponding to the secondary function if the multi-function key remains pressed for greater than the first time period, each of said at least two labels being displayed at the same time and representing an associated function assigning the function associated with each displayed menu label to a menu key; and executing the associated function if the menu key is pressed. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification