Device and method for previewing themes and categories of sequenced symbols

• US 7,506,256 B2
• Filed: 05/01/2003
• Issued: 03/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Semantic Compaction Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Semantic Compaction Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Baker, Bruce R., Hershberger, Dave H., McGrath, Thomas J. III, Dillon, Rob, Conti, Robert V.
• Primary Examiner(s): HAILU, TADESSE
• Application Number:
  US10/426,692
• Publication Number:
  US 20030210280A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,147 Days
• Field of Search: 715760-765, 715812-824, 715/835, 715700-715, 704/1, 704/7, 704/9, 704/260, 345/172, 345/173
• US Class Current: 715/708
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72469 for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons

Abstract

A computer device, such as a mobile phone or PDA for example, is able to output a message based upon selection of a corresponding sequence of symbol. Such symbols can be polysemous in nature and thus be associated with a plurality of different meanings depending upon other symbols sequenced therewith. By utilizing polysemous symbols, a relatively large number of sequences can be developed and associated with stored messages in the computer device. To aid a user in accessing a desired sequence or to aid in training the learning of stored sequences, for example, a category relating to at least two symbol sequences is fed back to the user upon pre-selecting a symbol; a theme relating to at least two symbol sequences is fed back to the user upon selecting a symbol and pre-selecting a next symbol; and/or a message associated with a sequence is fed back to the user upon selecting and/or pre-selecting at least one symbol completing a symbol sequence.

Claims

1. In a system for providing at least one of a message, command, and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, a method comprising:

receiving an indication of selection by a user of the system, of one of a plurality of displayed symbols;

receiving an indication of pre-selection by a user of the system, of one of the plurality of displayed symbols corresponding to a next symbol in at least two symbol sequences including the selected symbol and the pre-selected symbol, at least one of the selected and pre-selected symbols being polysemous; and

providing, in response to receiving the indication of pre-selection, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to a theme related to the at least two symbol sequences.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least the pre-selected and selected symbols are polysemous.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedback includes audible feedback.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedback includes display of the theme, stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the theme is displayed in a designated display area.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the theme is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedback includes display of the theme, relating at least two messages, commands or programs respectively stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the theme is displayed in a designated display area.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the theme is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedback includes display of the theme, the selected symbol and the pre-selected symbol.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the theme, the selected symbol and the pre-selected symbol are displayed in a designated display area.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the theme is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein valid symbols for selection and pre-selection are differentiated from invalid symbols.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, upon receiving an indication of selection of an invalid symbol, the feedback is negated.

16. In a system for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, a method comprising:

receiving an indication of pre-selection by a user of the system, of a first symbol, from a plurality of displayed symbols, of at least two symbol sequences; and

providing at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to a category related to the at least two symbol sequences, the first symbol being polysemous.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least two of the symbols of the two symbol sequences are polysemous.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the feedback includes audible feedback.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the feedback includes display of the category, stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the category is displayed in a designated display area.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the category is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the feedback includes display of the category, relating at least two messages, commands or programs respectively stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the category is displayed in a designated display area.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the category is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein the feedback includes display of the category and the pre-selected symbol.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the category and the pre-selected symbol are displayed in a designated display area.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the category is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

28. The method of claim 16, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

29. The method of claim 16, wherein valid symbols for at least one of selection and pre-selection are differentiated from invalid symbols.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, upon subsequently receiving an indication of selection of an invalid symbol, the feedback is negated.

31. In a system for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, a method comprising:

receiving an indication of pre-selection by a user of the system, of a last symbol, from a plurality of displayed symbols, of a symbol sequence sequentially including zero or more selected symbols and the pre-selected symbol; and

providing, in response to receiving the indication of pre-selection, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to at least one of a message, command and program stored in association with symbol sequences sequentially including the zero or more selected symbols and the pre-selected last symbol, the pre-selected last symbol being polysemous.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein at least two symbols in the symbol sequences are polysemous.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the feedback includes display of the display of the at least one of the message, command and program stored in association with the symbol sequence.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one of the message, command and program is displayed in a designated display area.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one of the message, command and program is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein the feedback includes audible feedback.

37. The method of claim 31, wherein the feedback includes display of the at least one of the message, command and program stored in association with the symbol sequence.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one of the message, command and program is displayed in a designated display area.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one of the message, command and program is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

40. The method of claim 31, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

41. The method of claim 31, wherein valid symbols for selection and pre-selection are differentiated from invalid symbols.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein, upon receiving an indication of selection of an invalid symbol, the feedback is negated.

43. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one of the message, command and program;

the selected symbols; and

the pre-selected symbol are displayed in a designated display area.

44. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one of the message, command and program is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

45. A device for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, comprising:

an input device, to permit selection by a user of the device, of a symbol from a plurality of displayed symbols, and to permit pre-selection by a user of the device, of a symbol from the plurality of displayed symbols, corresponding to a next symbol in at least two symbol sequences including a selected symbol and a pre-selected symbol; and

a feedback device, to provide, in response to pre-selection by the user, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to a theme related to the at least two symbol sequences, at least one of the selected and pre-selected symbols being polysemous.

46. The device of claim 45, wherein at least the selected and pre-selected symbols are polysemous.

47. The device of claim 45, wherein the feedback device includes a display.

48. The device of claim 47, wherein the feedback includes display of the theme, relating at least two messages, commands or programs respectively stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

49. The device of claim 48, wherein the theme is displayed in a designated display area.

50. The device of claim 48, wherein the theme is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

51. The device of claim 47, wherein the feedback includes display of the theme, the selected symbol and the pre-selected symbol.

52. The device of claim 51, wherein the theme, the selected symbol and the pre-selected symbol are displayed in a designated display area.

53. The device of claim 51, wherein the theme is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

54. The device of claim 47, wherein the input device and feedback device include an integrated input and display.

55. The device of claim 47, wherein the input device includes a touch panel display.

56. The device of claim 47, wherein the input device includes a mouse.

57. The device of claim 47, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

58. The device of claim 47, wherein valid symbols for selection and pre-selection are differentiated from invalid symbols on the input device.

59. The device of claim 58, wherein, upon selection an invalid symbol, the feedback is negated.

60. The device of claim 47, wherein the theme is displayed in a designated display area.

61. The device of claim 47, wherein the theme is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

62. The device of claim 47, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

63. The device of claim 47, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

64. The device of claim 47, wherein the device is a remote control device.

65. The device of claim 47, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

66. The device of claim 47, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

67. The device of claim 47, wherein the input device is further useable to permit selection, by a user, of a second symbol and to permit pre-selection of a third symbol, by a user, of a symbol sequence sequentially including the first, second and third symbol and wherein the feedback device is further useable to provide feedback corresponding to at least one of a message, program and command stored in association with the symbol sequence sequentially including the first, second and third symbol.

68. The device of claim 67, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

69. The device of claim 67, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

70. The device of claim 67, wherein the device is a remote control device.

71. The device of claim 67, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

72. The device of claim 67, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

73. The device of claim 67, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

74. The device of claim 67, wherein at least two of the symbols are polysemous.

75. The device of claim 47, wherein the feedback device is further to, in response to pre-selection of a first symbol of at least two symbol sequences via the input device, provide feedback corresponding to a category related to the at least two symbol sequences.

76. The device of claim 75, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

77. The device of claim 75, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

78. The device of claim 75, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

79. The device of claim 75, wherein at least two of the symbols are polysemous.

80. The device of claim 45, wherein the feedback device includes a device for providing audible feedback.

81. A device for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, comprising:

means for selecting, by a user of the device, a symbol from a plurality of displayed symbols and for pre-selecting from the plurality of displayed symbols, by a user of the device, a symbol corresponding to a next symbol in at least two symbol sequences including the selected symbol, at least one of the selected and pre-selected symbols being polysemous; and

means for providing, in response to pre-selecting by the user, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to a theme related to the at least two symbol sequences.

82. The device of claim 81, wherein at least the selected and pre-selected symbols are polysemous.

83. The device of claim 81, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

84. The device of claim 81, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

85. The device of claim 81, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

86. The device of claim 81, wherein the device is a remote control device.

87. The device of claim 81, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

88. The device of claim 81, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

89. The device of claim 81, wherein the means for selecting a symbol is further for selecting a second symbol from the plurality of displayed symbols and for pre-selecting, from the plurality of displayed symbols, a third symbol of a symbol sequence sequentially including the first, second and third symbol and wherein the means for providing at least displayed feedback is further for providing at least displayed feedback corresponding to at least one of a message, command and program stored in association with the symbol sequence sequentially including the first, second and third symbol.

90. The device of claim 89, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

91. The device of claim 89, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

92. The device of claim 89, wherein the device is a remote control device.

93. The device of claim 89, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

94. The device of claim 89, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

95. The device of claim 89, wherein at least two of the symbols are polysemous.

96. The device of claim 89, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

97. The device of claim 81, wherein the means for providing at least displayed feedback is further for, in response to pre-selecting of a first symbol of at least two symbol sequences via the means for selecting a symbol and for pre-selecting a symbol, providing at least displayed feedback corresponding to a category related to the at least two symbol sequences.

98. The device of claim 97, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

99. The device of claim 97, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

100. The device of claim 97, wherein the device is a remote control device.

101. The device of claim 97 wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

102. The device of claim 97, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

103. The device of claim 97, wherein at least one two of the symbols are polysemous.

104. The device of claim 97, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

105. The device of claim 81, wherein invalid symbols are differentiated from valid symbols and wherein, upon selection an invalid symbol, the feedback is negated.

106. A device for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, comprising:

an input device, to permit pre-selection by a user of the device, of a symbol, from a plurality of displayed symbols, corresponding to a last symbol in a symbol sequence sequentially including zero or more selected symbols and a pre-selected symbol, the pre-selected symbol being polysemous; and

a feedback device to provide, in response to pre-selection by the user, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to the at least one of a message, command and program stored in association with the symbol sequence sequentially including the zero or more selected symbols and the pre-selected last symbol.

107. The device of claim 106, wherein at least one two of the symbols are polysemous.

108. The device of claim 106, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

109. The device of claim 106, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

110. The device of claim 106, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

111. The device of claim 106, wherein the device is a remote control device.

112. The device of claim 106, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

113. The device of claim 106, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

114. The device of claim 106, wherein the input device is further o select the zero or more symbols.

115. The device of claim 106, wherein invalid symbols are differentiated from valid symbols and wherein, upon selection of an invalid symbol, the feedback is negated.

116. A device for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, comprising:

means for pre-selecting, by a user of the device, a symbol, from a plurality of displayed symbols, corresponding to a last symbol in a symbol sequence sequentially including zero or more selected symbols and a pre-selected symbol, the pre-selected symbol being polysemous; and

means for providing, in response to pre-selecting by the user, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to the at least one of the message, command, and program stored in association with the symbol sequence sequentially including the zero or more selected symbols and the pre-selected last symbol.

117. The device of claim 116, wherein at least one other symbol, is polysemous.

118. The device of claim 116, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

119. The device of claim 116, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

120. The device of claim 116, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

121. The device of claim 116, wherein the device is a remote control device.

122. The device of claim 116, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

123. The device of claim 116, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

124. The device of claim 116, wherein the means for pre-selecting a symbol is further for selecting the zero or more symbols.

125. The device of claim 116, wherein invalid symbols are differentiated from valid symbols and wherein, upon selection of an invalid symbol, the feedback is negated.

126. A device for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, comprising:

means for automatically pre-selecting a last symbol in a symbol sequence sequentially including at least one symbol, selected by a user of the device from a plurality of displayed symbols, and the automatically pre-selected symbol upon selecting the at least one symbol, setting a default selection mode and a time expiring, at least one of the pre-selected and selected symbols being polysemous; and

means for providing, in response to the pre-selecting, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to the at least one of a message, command and program stored in association with the symbol sequence sequentially including the at least one selected symbol and the pre-selected last symbol.

127. The device of claim 126, wherein the time for expiration is settable.

128. The device of claim 126, wherein the time for expiration is predetermined.

129. The device of claim 126, wherein the time for expiration is a default time.

130. The device of claim 126, wherein at least two symbols are selected and wherein the pre-selected symbol is identical to the last selected symbol.

131. The device of claim 130, wherein the at least two selected symbols correspond to an associated theme.

132. The device of claim 126, wherein at least the pre-selected and selected symbols are polysemous.

133. The device of claim 126, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

134. The device of claim 126, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

135. The device of claim 126, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

136. The device of claim 126, wherein the device is a remote control device.

137. The device of claim 126, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

138. The device of claim 126, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

139. The device of claim 126, wherein the means for pre-selecting a symbol is further for selecting the at least one symbol.

140. In a device for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, a method comprising:

setting a default selection mode;

receiving an indication of selection, by a user of the device, of at least one symbol from a plurality of displayed symbols;

automatically pre-selecting a last symbol in a symbol sequence sequentially including the at least one selected symbol and the automatically pre-selected symbol, upon a time expiring, at least one of the selected and pre-selected symbols being polysemous; and

providing, in response to the pre-selecting, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to the at least one of a message, command and program stored in association with the symbol sequence sequentially including the at least one selected symbol and the automatically pre-selected last symbol.

141. The method of claim 140, wherein the time for expiration is settable.

142. The method of claim 140, wherein the time for expiration is predetermined.

143. The method of claim 140, wherein the time for expiration is a default time.

144. The method of claim 140, wherein at least two symbols are selected and wherein the pre-selected symbol is identical to the last selected symbol.

145. The method of claim 144, wherein the at least two selected symbols correspond to an associated theme.

146. The method of claim 140, wherein at least the selected and pre-selected symbols are polysemous.

147. The method of claim 140, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

148. The method of claim 140, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

149. The method of claim 140, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

150. The method of claim 140, wherein the device is a remote control device.

151. The method of claim 150, wherein the feedback includes display of the message, stored in association with the symbol sequence.

152. The method of claim 140, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

153. The method of claim 140, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

154. The method of claim 153, wherein the message is displayed in a designated display area.

155. The method of claim 153, wherein the message, the selected symbols and the pre-selected symbol are displayed in a designated display area.

156. The method of claim 153, wherein the message is displayed proximate to the pre-selected symbol.

157. The method of claim 140, wherein the feedback includes audible feedback.

158. The method of claim 140, wherein valid symbols for selection and pre-selection are differentiated from invalid symbols.

159. The method of claim 140, wherein, upon selecting an invalid symbol, the feedback is negated.

160. A device for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, comprising:

an input device, to permit pre-selection by a user of the device, of a first symbol, from a plurality of displayed symbols, of at least two symbol sequences; and

a feedback device, to provide, in response to pre-selection by the user, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to a category related to the at least two symbol sequences, the first symbol being polysemous.

161. The device of claim 160, wherein the feedback includes display of the category, stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

162. The device of claim 160, wherein the feedback includes display of the category, relating at least two messages;

commands or programs respectively stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

163. The device of claim 160, wherein the feedback includes display of the category and the pre-selected symbol.

164. The device of claim 160, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

165. The device of claim 160, wherein valid symbols for at least one of selection and pre-selection are differentiated from invalid symbols.

166. The device of claim 160, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

167. The device of claim 160, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

168. The device of claim 160, wherein the device is a remote control device.

169. The device of claim 160, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

170. The device of claim 160, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.

171. A device for providing at least one of a message, command and program in response to a selection of an associated symbol sequence, comprising:

means for pre-selecting, by a user of the device, a first symbol, from a plurality of displayed symbols, of at least two symbol sequences; and

means for providing, in response to pre-selecting by the user, at least newly displayed feedback to the user corresponding to a category related to the at least two symbol sequences, the first symbol being polysemous.

172. The device of claim 171, wherein the feedback includes display of the category, stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

173. The device of claim 171, wherein the feedback includes display of the category, relating at least two messages, commands or programs respectively stored in association with the at least two symbol sequences.

174. The device of claim 171, wherein the feedback includes display of the category and the pre-selected symbol.

175. The device of claim 171, wherein the pre-selecting includes highlighting the symbol.

176. The device of claim 171, wherein valid symbols for at least one of selection and pre-selection are differentiated from invalid symbols.

177. The device of claim 171, wherein the device is a personal digital assistant.

178. The device of claim 171, wherein the device is a mobile phone.

179. The device of claim 171, wherein the device is a remote control device.

180. The device of claim 171, wherein the device is a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device.

181. The device of claim 171, wherein the device is a remote control device for controlling, at least in part, a television.