Plural Function Key Patents (Class 708/145)
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Patent number: 11586297Abstract: A data entry system comprises a processor configured to receive a first data entry, make a first determination whether the first data entry is a first character entry or a first chorded entry, select a first output based on the first determination, and transmit the first output. The processor is further configured to receive, after transmitting the first output, a second data entry; make a second determination whether the second data entry is a second character entry or a second chorded entry; select a second output based on the second determination; and transmit the second output. The first data entry is the first character entry and the second data entry is the second chorded entry, or the first data entry is the first chorded entry and the second data entry is the second character entry.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Inventor: Riley Ford Keen
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Patent number: 11567775Abstract: Some embodiments provide a non-transitory machine-readable medium that stores a program. The program observes a parameter associated with a computing system. Upon receiving a change associated with the parameter, the program further determines a routine definition from a set of routine definitions associated with the parameter. Each routine definition in the set of routine definitions specifies a set of instructions associated with a particular parameter associated with the computing system. The program also executes the set of instructions specified in the determined routine definition.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: SAP SEInventors: Debashis Banerjee, Paresh Rathod, Kavitha Krishnan, Prateek Agarwal, Hemanth Basrur
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Patent number: 10284896Abstract: Disclosed are a smart TV controlling method and a smart TV thereof, the method including: determining currently running UI; obtaining key controlling policy for the currently running UI according to pre-stored mapping between UI and key controlling policy, the key controlling policy indicating adjustment for UI controlling keys; generating controlling instruction according to received key information sent from remote controlling device and key controlling policy for the currently running UI; and sending the controlling instruction to the currently running UI for the UI to perform operation associated with the controlling instruction. The key information sent from the remote controlling device is adaptable to different UIs according to different key controlling policies of different UIs, allowing operations associated with key information be adapted to the requirements of different UIs, so that appropriate adjustments are made to the current running UI according to the user's needs.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignees: Hisense Electric Co., Ltd., Hisense USA Corporation, Hisense International Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yutai Lu
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Patent number: 9110515Abstract: A method and apparatus for text entry are provided. The method provides a keypad comprising four directional keys and a center selection key, and assigns a set of letters to each of the four directional keys. A representation of the set of letters assigned to each of the four directional keys is provided. A sequence of selected directional keys is received in accordance with a user input, and in accordance with the selected directional keys, the set of letters assigned to each of the selected directional keys are selectively passed to a parsing algorithm. The parsing algorithm determines a user intended text input based upon the passed sequence of letter groupings.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Santosh Sharan, Mayank Agarwal, Gordon Kessler
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Patent number: 8788548Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a quick and easy user interface system for allowing a user to format mathematical expression on a math program as they would be formatted in longhand. The user interface is configured to switch between a linear math expression entry scheme and a structured math expression entry scheme based on a user's math expression entries in order to predict the user's desired entry format. The user interface contains additional shortcuts and display features which enable a user to enter mathematical expressions quickly and easily, with less confusion.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: I.Q. Joe, LLCInventor: Jeff Hatch
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Patent number: 8700829Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for implementing one or more individual pressure sensitive keys that each support multiple native scan codes, with each scan code corresponding to a unique pressure level output. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in one exemplary embodiment to allow users to leverage the capability of a variable pressure keyboard by providing an information handling system having individual variable pressure keys that are each capable of outputting a different macro or multi-key sequence per key pressure level sensed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Dell Products, LPInventors: Mark A. Casparian, Carlos Ross, Danae Sierra, Karun Reddy, Larry E. Knepper
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Patent number: 8643604Abstract: A button array panel for a handheld communication device. The button array panel can include buttons and a continuous and seamless layer covering each button. Each button has an associated function and full recovery. A substrate layer can also be provided and can be interposed between the buttons and continuous and seamless layer. The button array panel can be a side button array panel or a keypad button array panel. The button array panel can prevent material, such as dust or liquid, from penetrating the handheld communication device.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Jimmy Bedolla, David Szczypinski, Paul John Kudrna
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Patent number: 8564461Abstract: A handheld device includes a plurality of input members, a first set of which each have a Roman character assigned thereto, a least some of which have a first non-Roman, second non-Roman character, and third non-Roman characters assigned thereto. The device is switchable between first and second modes. In the first mode, each Roman character may be input in response to actuation of the input member to which it is assigned, and in the second mode, each first non-Roman character may be input in response to a first type of actuation of the input member to which it is assigned, each second non-Roman character may input in response to a second type of actuation of the input member to which it is assigned, and each third non-Roman character may be input in response to a third type of actuation of the input member to which it is assigned.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Dan Rubanovich, Vadim Fux, Aleksej Trefilov
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Patent number: 8499015Abstract: On a portable electronic device, multiple-position toggle button data entry keys are provided within the data entry keypad. A controller detects activation of each multiple-position toggle button data entry key on the keypad by a user, and also detects the number of times the data entry key is activated. The controller then accesses a key map in memory to determine the letter or numeric digit selected by the user. All letters and numbers represented on the communication device may be activated with no more than two depressions or activations of a corresponding toggle button.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Elke Wiggeshoff
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Patent number: 8416103Abstract: Keypads are described which are row similar to a standard telephone keypad though they have a different number of columns of base-letter-assigned keys than the standard to which they are related. Smooth sequences of such row-similar keypads are exhibited. Keypads which support both row-similar telephone keypad layouts and reduced layouts corresponding to typewriter standards are disclosed. It is shown how to combine various structural and statistical limitations with row similarity. It is also shown how to embed a row-similar digit layout in row-similar base letter layouts, and how to beneficially provide negative space between keys, construct pseudo standards, and extend or reduce desktop standards or pseudo standards while obeying structural or typability constraints.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventors: Howard Andrew Gutowitz, Dimitrios Kechagias
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Patent number: 8339357Abstract: The grouping unit assigns an m-digit value expressed by an n-ary notation to each input candidate character one-for-one to classify the respective input candidate characters into n groups on a basis of each of the m digits. The group displaying unit causes the display device to display, in the lump on a group basis, the input candidate characters classified on a digit basis. Among n selection keys corresponding to the respective groups, the input device has one key operated by a user to output information indicating which selection key is operated (information indicative of a selection key operated) to the character structuring unit. The character structuring unit determines a character according to information input from the input device.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Shuji Senda
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Patent number: 8332445Abstract: When an arithmetic operation is performed on an inequality, a solution notation pattern composed of a combination of a symbol and an inequality sign symbol is determined on the basis of an expression, a solution, and an inequality sign symbol. With Line I/O being set as the calculation result display mode, the solution notation pattern data, for example, [A?X?B], is displayed in the upper part of a display unit. The values of the solutions [X1] [X2] corresponding to the symbols [A] [B] shown in the pattern data are displayed as [A=X1] [B=X2] in the lower part of the display unit. This makes it possible to display the solution of the inequality in an easy-to-understand manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fumio Gotoh
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Patent number: 8254565Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone area telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, William B. Rees, Robert Y. Haitani, Michael Alexander Yurochko, Edward Thomas Colligan
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Patent number: 8174410Abstract: An improved keyboard layout for use with information handling systems such as ultra mobile information handling systems. The improved keyboard layout eliminates the numbered function key (F1-F12) row and maps all of the functions that have traditionally been function (Fn) options on the F1-F12 row (such as brightness, volume, battery meter, etc.) to other keys.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Erin K. Walline, Michael E. Smith, Justin Lyles
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Patent number: 8161088Abstract: The invention relates to a pocket calculator for financial, mathematical calculation routines, comprising a keypad (11) comprising several input keys and function keys for the input of data, a memory which is used to memorise permanent data and volatile data, a processor which is used to carry out the financial, mathematical calculation routines and a display (12) which displays data. The keypad (11) comprises several function keys for a capital payment calculation routine, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: FAF Verwaltungs GmbHInventor: Bernd W. Kloeckner
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Patent number: 8094806Abstract: A touch-sensitive input device has an exposed, continuous surface defining a planar area, and a grid of sense elements coextensive with the area of the exposed surface and responsive to engagement of the exposed surface by an operator to establish a position of said engagement of the exposed surface. The exposed surface varies in elevation across its planar area to form a series of tactile features. The exposed, continuous surface is affixed to the grid of sense elements. An electronic circuit is configured to interpret large-scale capacitance variations of the grid as an intended input from the operator in a region identified by the capacitance variation, and to interpret small-scale capacitance variations of the grid as a position of engagement of the exposed surface by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventor: David H. Levy
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Patent number: 7956771Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input keypad having a plurality of keys. The input keypad outputs an output signal that is indicative of either a single depressed key or a plurality of depressed keys. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the output signal by the input keypad and associating an alphabetic character with the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Ralph M. Kling
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Patent number: 7953448Abstract: A keyboard for a mobile device 400 having a processor 618 for interpreting signals comprises a plurality of keys 410-424 and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to an array of letters A-Z. The keys 410-419 that are associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than twenty-six and correspond to one of a QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK key arrangement. Each of the plurality of keys 410-424 have multiple input surfaces and are arranged in an array of rows and columns that include a first outer column, at least one middle column, and a last outer column. The first and last columns of keys are operable to input at least three different signals to a processor 618 of a mobile device 400 depending upon what input surface of the key 410-424 is pressed. A middle column of keys is operable to input at least five different signals to a processor 618 depending on what input surface of the key 410-424 is pressed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Velimir Pletikosa, Jason T. Griffin, Norman M. Ladouceur, Robert Lowles
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Patent number: 7839390Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input keypad having a plurality of keys. The input keypad outputs an output signal that is indicative of either a single depressed key or a plurality of depressed keys. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the output signal by the input keypad and associating an alphabetic character with the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Ralph M. Kling
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Patent number: 7778818Abstract: A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Brian Palmer, Keith Charles Hullfish, Doug Brams
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Patent number: 7761175Abstract: We discovered that a) a single key can support a multiplicity of ordered groups, b) only a subset of each group needs to be visually represented on the face of a key, c) either multi-tap or predictive methods, or both, can be used to input members of each of the groups, and d) auxiliary keys are a convenient, effective and user-discoverable method to select ordered groups, and to perform the multi-tap function. The objects of: limiting multi-tap depth, reducing keystrokes per symbol, unifying focus, increasing discoverability, graduated discoverability, power, compact presentation, and seamless integration of multi-tap and predictive text methods, can all be achieved by exploiting these discoveries.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Eatoni Ergonomics, Inc.Inventors: Howard Andrew Gutowitz, Terence Jones
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Patent number: 7725511Abstract: A biometric keyboard or other input device, such as a keypad or touch screen, may be part of an input mechanism for inputting user information to a computing system. The mechanism may include biometric sensors associated with the buttons or keys of the input device. A mapping scheme may be used such that the input value forwarded to a processing resource when a user activates one or more of the buttons or keys varies depending on which digit (finger, toe, etc.) was used to activate the key(s) or button(s). Other embodiments are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Zafer Kadi
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Patent number: 7672988Abstract: An arithmetic processing device includes a menu displaying unit which displays a menu screen for a plurality of arithmetic processings when the predetermined key is operated, each of the arithmetic processings being assigned to one of a plurality of numeric keys; an arithmetic processing unit which, when a numeric key allocated to any one of the arithmetic processings is operated, executes an arithmetic processing corresponding to the operated key; and a display controller which, when a key other than the numeric keys assigned to the arithmetic processings is operated, displays a specific mark.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoaki Satoh
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Publication number: 20090055453Abstract: On a portable electronic device, multiple-position toggle button data entry keys are provided within the data entry keypad. A controller detects activation of each multiple-position toggle button data entry key on the keypad by a user, and also detects the number of times the data entry key is activated. The controller then accesses a key map in memory to determine the letter or numeric digit selected by the user. All letters and numbers represented on the communication device may be activated with no more than two depressions or activations of a corresponding toggle button.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicants: SONY CORPORATION, SONY ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Elke Wiggeshoff
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Patent number: 7461105Abstract: On a portable electronic device, multiple-position toggle button data entry keys are provided within the data entry keypad. A controller detects activation of each multiple-position toggle button data entry key on the keypad by a user, and also detects the number of times the data entry key is activated. The controller then accesses a key map in memory to determine the letter or numeric digit selected by the user. All letters and numbers represented on the communication device may be activated with no more than two depressions or activations of a corresponding toggle button.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Elke Wiggeshoff
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Publication number: 20080281889Abstract: The invention relates to a pocket calculator for financial, mathematical calculation routines, comprising a keypad (11) comprising several input keys and function keys for the input of data, a memory which is used to memorise permanent data and volatile data, a processor which is used to carry out the financial, mathematical calculation routines and a display (12) which displays data. The keypad (11) comprises several function keys for a capital payment calculation routine, i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2005Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventor: Bernd W. Kloeckner
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Patent number: 7436326Abstract: An operation input device according to the present invention displays a plurality of keys (7) on a liquid crystal panel (6), and prompts a user to press the keys (7) in the order of numbers assigned to the respective keys (7). On the basis of key pressing periods during which the respective keys (7) are pressed, the characteristics of a key input operation performed by the user (the average and standard deviation of the pressing periods) are detected, and judgment reference values are determined on the basis of the detected characteristics for judgment of the type of the user's key input operation (an ordinary key input operation, a longer pressing key input operation or a double click key input operation). When a key input operation is performed, the type of the key input operation is judged on the basis of the judgment reference values thus determined, and a process according to the judged key input operation type is performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventor: Chikashi Kajikawa
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Patent number: 7420480Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for receiving input from a multi-function momentary switch by providing feedback from a user interface for each function associated with the switch. According to one method, alphanumeric input values are associated with a momentary switch. Each of the alphanumeric input values is associated with a different active time duration for the switch and at least two of the alphanumeric input values are associated with a same alphanumeric text entry mode. A duration of time the switch is in the active state is monitored. At least one of tactile and audible feedback is provided each time the duration of time matches a duration associated with an alphanumeric input value. The alphanumeric input value associated with the alphanumeric text entry mode and duration for the last feedback provided is selected as input from the switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Scenera Technologies, LLCInventor: Robert P. Morris
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Patent number: 7420544Abstract: A new-type user interface for providing a hotkey is disclosed, which has high operability and which can also be used to provide the hotkey in a conventional manner. In information processing apparatus has a hierarchical structure including a keyboard as one of hardware parts in a bottom layer, a built-in controller as one of hardware parts in a layer higher than the keyboard, and an operating system and an application program as software part in a layer higher than the built-in controller, wherein the operating system and the application program are connected to the built-in controller via a bus. In this information processing apparatus, if an Fn key is pressed and released, information indicating that the Fn key has been pressed and released is supplied to a utility via an SPIC which is logically different from the keyboard controller. In response, a launcher including hotkey menu icons corresponding to additional keys is displayed on a display.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kenichi Ono, Hidenori Yamaji
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Patent number: 7333093Abstract: A new-type user interface for providing a hotkey is disclosed, which has high operability and which can also be used to provide the hotkey in a conventional manner. In information processing apparatus has a hierarchical structure including a keyboard as one of hardware parts in a bottom layer, a built-in controller as one of hardware parts in a layer higher than the keyboard, and an operating system and an application program as software part in a layer higher than the built-in controller, wherein the operating system and the application program are connected to the built-in controller via a bus. In this information processing apparatus, in response to an input operation on a hotkey using an Fn key, information indicating that the key has been pressed or released is supplied to a utility, which is a higher-level system, via an SPIC which is logically different from the keyboard controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hidenori Yamaji, Kenichi Ono, Soichi Sato, Yoshitaka Narukawa
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Patent number: 7265745Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input keypad having a plurality of keys. The input keypad outputs an output signal that is indicative of either a single depressed key or a plurality of depressed keys. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the output signal by the input keypad and associating an alphabetic character with the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Ralph M. Kling
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Patent number: 7035885Abstract: A hand-held calculating apparatus for solving a plurality of formula-related calculations and conversions commonly encountered in the machinist trade having a visual display and a keyboard including key groupings denominated as basic arithmetic and memory, function and conversion, timing and clear and on/off keys. The function and conversion key grouping permit a user to automatically convert among dimensional measurements in different systems while continuing to utilize an earlier calculated result in the present calculation.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventor: John A. Kulak
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Patent number: 6922710Abstract: A hand-held calculator programmed to teach mathematics in a manner which emulates traditional step-by-step teacher-student teaching methods and shows the important intermediate steps. Using linked lists, the method allows the use of selected data sets of problems and provides choices of mathematical operations, including transformations which are applicable or can operate on a selected problem. Importantly, the choices available to the student will not always lead to a solution or simplification of the problem. This allows the student to see the effect of an improper choice, as well as a proper choice.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: J. Douglas Child, Malgorzata A. Brothers, Todd Fortenberry
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Patent number: 6865586Abstract: A calculator comprises an input having an UNDO key for recovering cleared values. When displayed data or recorded data of memory is cleared by pressing one of deletion keys, the cleared data is pushed into a stack register. A flag register is set when the displayed data or recorded data is cleared by a deletion key. When the UNDO key is pressed and the flag register indicates that the displayed data or recorded data was cleared by the deletion key, a data entry is popped from the stack register, so as to recover the cleared value.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Frank Chen, Anny Liu
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Patent number: 6795011Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a remote control device includes a HELP feature which is driven by the activation of the button in question itself. In particular, if a multiple-use button is pressed quickly (i.e., for less than a given duration), or in another embodiment if held for a long time (i.e., for more than another given duration), then the HELP mode is triggered for that key. The help may be spoken and/or displayed from either the remote control device itself, or from the controlled device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: Charles William Berthoud, Lakshmi Narayana Jampanaboyana, Mohd Majed Hobbi
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Patent number: 6727830Abstract: A method and system are provided for extending the functionality of application buttons on a limited resource computing device. Alternative application functions are launched based on the length of time an application button is pressed. A default function for an application is launched if the button is pressed for a short, i.e., normal, period of time. An alternative function of the application is launched if the button is pressed for a long, (e.g., at least one second), period of time. Still another function can be launched if the application button is pressed multiple times within a short period of time, e.g., double click.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Charlton E. Lui, Jeffrey R. Blum
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Publication number: 20010049708Abstract: A hand-held calculating apparatus for solving a plurality of formula-related calculations and conversions commonly encountered in the machinist trade having a visual display and a keyboard including key groupings denominated as basic arithmetic and memory, function and conversion, timing and clear and on/off keys. The function and conversion key grouping permit a user to automatically convert among dimensional measurements in different systems while continuing to utilize an earlier calculated result in the present calculation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2001Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventor: John A. Kulak
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Patent number: 6058402Abstract: A method is disclosed of modifying and/or extending the command set (READ, WRITE) of a smart card. Use is made of the attribute tables (100, 200, 300) associated with certain files and with the commands of the existing command set to modify the functions of the commands. Thus, non-standard functions may be implemented without the need to use additional, i.e. non-standard instructions.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Koninklijke KPN N.V.Inventor: Albertus Feiken
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Patent number: 5982303Abstract: A method is provided for transforming ordered pairs of keystrokes entered on a keypad with eight or more keys into a full complement of alpha-numeric characters, as might be enterable from a computer keyboard. The method can be utilized with any device that permits an operator to select one of eight keys or other means of generating a distinct electrical or other signal. The keys or positions are arranged radially around a center point in locations corresponding to keys 1-4 and 6-9 of the telephone keypad. Examples of input devices include a numeric keypad, a telephone keypad, and a "joystick." The method employs an alphabet in which each character is represented by a two-stroke pictographic figure. The first stroke proceeds from the position of the first key to be pressed, thence to the center of the keypad or device. The second stroke proceeds from said center to a the position of the second key to be pressed.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Jeffrey Smith
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Patent number: RE44913Abstract: A method and device for improved character input are described, wherein the method employs a keypad 100 comprising keys 102 able to display secondary characters 106 in addition to primary characters 104. The keypad has a default display state. A first key selection causes the keypad 100 to display secondary characters 106 associated with the first key on other keys 102, whereupon a second key selection causes the displayed character to be input, following which the keypad reverts to displaying the default state. Further secondary characters 200 may also be displayed after a first key selection. The method is particularly useful for handheld devices such as mobile radio telephones or handheld computers adapted to implement the method of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Matthew J. Bickerton