Abstract: Described herein is a computer-implemented system and method for processing one or more alternate symbols associated or linked to a base symbol. A base symbol is a symbol to which at least one alternate symbol is linked. A base symbol commonly appears on a key of a keyboard or a display or a keyboard, or is a handwritten symbol recognized by handwriting entry software. Examples of alternate symbols are accented characters and punctuation marks that do not appear on a keyboard or are not commonly recognized by a handwriting entry program, and short symbol sequences. An example of a common short symbol sequence is an emoticon used in e-mail messages to convey tone or feelings. An example of a computer device that may embody the system or method is a hand-held computing device.

Abstract: On a device having keys with multiple values, a user may perform either an iterative directory filtering operation or a direct-dial operation, without specifying which of the operations is intended. The invention thereby allows the user to perform any of a number of different operations to specify a number to be dialed or to identify a directory record, without requiring the user to specify a mode. The invention determines which of the operations the user intends by analyzing the entered keystrokes, and activates the appropriate feedback and functionality for the determined operation. The invention further performs iterative directory filtering on multiple fields concurrently, including derived fields and combination fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for organizing and accessing addressing elements is herein disclosed. In many situations in use of a handheld computer, for example, it is desirable to obtain quick and easy access to addressable resources from among a list of such resources. In the case of a handheld computer including a telephone, for example, a user may wish to quickly and easily dial certain telephone numbers through use of a “speed dialing” system. An exemplary speed dialing system herein described includes a plurality of speed dial pages which can be selected by the user for display on a touch sensitive screen. Each speed dial page has an arrangement of speed dial buttons, and each speed dial button can be assigned a label, that is displayed on or adjacent the button, and a telephone number that is dialed when the button is pressed using the touch sensitive screen. The assignment of labels and telephone numbers can be arranged among the buttons by the user to aid the user in recalling where (e.g.

Abstract: A method for generating an error correction code (ECC) for a sequence of data units. A first lookup table has first mask words representing a correspondence between each possible data unit sequence position and bit modifications for the ECC. A second lookup table is provided having second mask words representing a correspondence between each possible data unit value and bit modifications for the ECC. For each data unit, the ECC is modified utilizing the first and second lookup tables. The parity of the data unit is determined and, if the parity of the given data unit is of a first value, a first mask word is obtained from the first lookup table corresponding to the given data unit sequence position, and used to modify the ECC. The ECC is modified using a second mask word obtained from the second lookup table.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an aliased selection system with audible cues to allow a user of a handheld computer system locate a desired item from a list of item. The aliased selection system allows a user to spell out a desired item by activating an input that specifies a subset that containing a next letter. In one embodiment, two different subsets are used: A to M and N to Z. When the user has entered information on enough letters such that the number of possibilities fits entirely on a display screen then a first audible cue is given. The user may enter additional information on until a single list item is uniquely identified. Once a single item is uniquely identified, the system emits a second audible cue that informs the user that a single item has been specified. The aliased selection system allows a user to select a desired item from a list with a single hand and without looking at the display screen. However, the user may shorten the selection process by looking at the display screen.

Abstract: A robust external interface for a computer system is disclosed. The robust external interface allows a user to insert or remove external peripherals to the external interface at any time such that the user does not need to carefully follow any scripted procedures. The external interface software detects insertions or removals and acts in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an organizer that may receive a cellular portion to form a cellular telephone is provided. An organizer comprises an organizer component, including a microphone. The organizer further includes an area for receiving an additional component. The area is designed to receive a cellular component, and a connection element is designed to mate the microphone in the organizer component with the cellular component, to use the organizer as a part of a cellular telephone.

Abstract: An expandable mobile computer system is described. The mobile computer system includes a peripheral expansion interface that allows a large number of different sized expansion peripherals to be created and used with the mobile computer system. A pair of rails forms a first opening of the peripheral expansion interface wherein an expansion peripheral device may be inserted. Large expansion peripherals may extend in a first dimension out of that first opening. The rails also form a second opening along a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension. Large expansion peripherals may also extend outward from the peripheral expansion interface in the second dimension.