System and method for rapid input of data

• US 20070109325A1
• Filed: 11/15/2005
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CareFusion U.K. 305 Ltd. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: CareFusion U.K. 305 Ltd. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: Eveleigh, Simon
• Granted Patent: US 9,201,507 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/684
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0236 using selection techniques to select from displayed items
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/166 Editing, e.g. inserting or deleting
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/235 based on user input or interaction

Abstract

A data inputting system includes a communication device and user-activated control or input device, both coupled to a processor. Data and a focus indicator are displayed or otherwise communicated to a user through the communication device. The position of the focus indicator relative to the displayed data indicates a changeable portion of the displayed data. Changes to the displayed data are made by activating the input device, which may include one or more sets of up and down scroll keys. Each set of scroll keys may be used to change different portions of the displayed data. The processor automatically adjusts the position of the focus indicator based on predetermined criteria, thereby allowing changes to different portions of the displayed data. An associated method is disclosed wherein the focus indicator'"'"'s position is adjusted after a predetermined time has elapsed from which the input device is deactivated.

Claims

1. A data input system comprising:

a display configured to display characters and a focus indicator, the focus indicator positioned on the display to indicate at least one changeable character from among the displayed characters;

a processor in operable communication with the display and programmed to control the display to display the characters and to position the focus indicator based on a predetermined criterion; and

an input device configured to signal the processor to display a changed value for the at least one changeable character on the display, the processor changing the position of the focus indicator if the processor determines that the position of the focus indicator must change based on the changed valued for the at least one changeable character.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor up-shifts the position of the focus indicator when the changed value exceeds a first predetermined criterion.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor down-shifts the position of the focus indicator when the changed valued falls below a second predetermined criterion.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor down-shifts the position of the focus indicator when the processor determines that an elapsed time since the last signal is received from the input device exceeds a predetermined threshold.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor monitors the signals received from the input device and if the processor determines that the input device has not been released for longer than a predetermined time continues to display the changed value at an increased rate.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the focus indicator includes a first cue and a second cue, the first cue indicating a first changeable character, the second cue indicating a second changeable character; and

the input device includes a first controller and a second controller, the first controller configured to signal the processor to change the first changeable character, the second controller configured to signal the processor to change the second changeable character.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the first controller includes a first up key configured to signal the processor to change the first changeable character in an increasing direction, and a first decrease key configured to signal the processor to change the first changeable character in a decreasing direction; and

the second controller includes a second increase key configured to signal the processor to change the second changeable character in an increasing direction, and a second decrease key configured to signal the processor to change the second changeable character in a decreasing direction.

8. A data input method comprising:

displaying a plurality of characters;

displaying a focus indicator indicating at least one changeable character from among the plurality of displayed characters;

detecting whether a control device is activated to change the at least one changeable character;

changing the at least one changeable character when the control device is activated; and

adjusting the focus indicator'"'"'s position based on a predetermined criterion.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying characters comprises generating a visual message.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying characters comprises generating an audible message.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying characters comprises generating a tactile message.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying the focus indicator comprises generating a visual cue associated with the at least one changeable character.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying the focus indicator comprises generating an audible cue associated with the at least one changeable character.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying the focus indicator comprises generating a tactile cue associated with the at least one changeable character.

15. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying the focus indicator comprises generating a first cue and a second cue, the first cue indicating a first changeable character, the second cue indicating a second changeable character.

16. The method of claim 8, wherein adjusting the focus indicator'"'"'s position comprises:

determining a value defined by the displayed characters,

comparing the value defined by the displayed characters with a first value and a second value, and

moving the focus indicator when the valued defined by the displayed characters changes from the first value to the second value.

17. The method of claim 8, wherein adjusting the focus indicator'"'"'s position comprises:

determining an elapsed time from since the last activation of the control device, and

moving the focus indicator to a position of lesser value when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time.