Automated text entry for processor-based system

• US 6,859,908 B1
• Filed: 08/31/1999
• Issued: 02/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Clapper, Edward O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shah, Sanjiv
• Application Number:
  US09/387,350
• Time in Patent Office: 2,002 Days
• Field of Search: 707/507, 707/506, 707/508, 345/780
• US Class Current: 715/224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/274 Converting codes to words; Guess-ahead of partial word inputs

Abstract

Predefined text may be repetitively entered into graphical user interfaces in response to mouse commands. This enables systems with reduced keyboard functions to more easily insert the text data. In addition, in systems with conventional keyboards, the user can automate the entry of common text.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

identifying a mouse event;

determining whether said mouse event is associated with a text entry field;

upon selection of the text entry field and prior to the user inputting text into said text entry field, displaying a plurality of mouse selectable text entry options, each of said options being predefined based on a characteristic of said text entry field; and

upon selection of one of said text entry options, copying code corresponding to a selected option into said text entry field.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying a plurality of text entry options includes displaying said text entry options as a graphical user interface.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein copying code corresponding to a selected option includes receiving a mouse selection from the user, correlating the mouse selection to a stored text locator and using the locator to access previously stored text for entry into a text entry field.

4. The method of claim 3 further including receiving a user selection in the form of a mouse event.

5. The method of claim 1 further including using an Internet browser to enable automated text entry.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein determining whether the mouse event is associated with a text entry field includes determining whether the user is operating a mouse to select an icon in proximity to a text entry field.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein copying code includes accessing a user programmed database containing defined code for entry into text entry fields.

8. The method of claim 1 further including accessing a pointer to a database entry corresponding to an item selected by a user on a graphical user interface.

9. An article comprising a medium for storing instructions that, if executed, enable a processor-based system to:

identify a mouse event;

determine whether said mouse event is associated with a text entry field;

upon selection of a text entry field and prior to the user entry of data into said text entry field, display a plurality of mouse selectable text entry options, said options being predefined based on a characteristic of said text entry field; and

upon selection of a text entry option, copy code corresponding to the selected option into said text entry field.

10. The article of claim 9 further storing instructions that cause a processor-based system to display said text entry options as a graphical user interface.

11. The article of claim 9 further storing instructions that cause a processor-based system to receive a mouse selection from the user, correlate the mouse selection to a stored text locator, and use the locator to access previously stored text for entry into a text entry field.

12. The article of claim 11 further storing instructions that cause a processor-based system to receive a user selection in the form of a mouse event.

13. The article of claim 9 further storing instructions that cause a processor-based system to use an Internet browser to enable automated text entry.

14. The article of claim 9 further storing instructions that cause a processor-based system to determine whether the user is operating a mouse to select a highlighted icon in proximity to a text entry field.

15. The article of claim 9 further storing instructions that cause a processor-based system to access a user programmed database containing defined code for entry into text entry fields.

16. The article of claim 9 further storing instructions that cause a processor-based system to access a pointer to a database entry corresponding to an item selected by a user on a graphical user interface.

17. A processor-based system comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to said processor;

a mouse to provide mouse inputs to said processor; and

said memory storing software that enables predefined textual information stored in a database to automatically be inserted into a text entry field in a graphical user interface in response to a mouse input command prior to entry by the user of text into said text entry field.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said system is a set top computer.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein said mouse device is a remote control unit.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein said remote control unit is infrared based.