초록 ▼

A portable computing device or "information appliance" having terse user input (e.g., limit set of keys) is provided with an improved user interface. A six-key embodiment is described that provides a "super-key" light entry and editing input system for ultra-portable devices, thus making it well sui

A portable computing device or "information appliance" having terse user input (e.g., limit set of keys) is provided with an improved user interface. A six-key embodiment is described that provides a "super-key" light entry and editing input system for ultra-portable devices, thus making it well suited for use with credit card-sized devices. In a preferred six-button embodiment, a credit card-sized device is modified to include an additional input button, an EDIT key. In user operation, pressing the EDIT key brings up a context sensitive pop-up menu, thus invoking the super-key feature. Customized user input controls, such as a Text Input Control (e.g., letter and number strips), are provided at appropriate times, for facilitating input. Underlying the super-key input is a heuristic sub-system that remembers and anticipates user input. In this fashion, the system can present in-context options for each application running on the target device, and present appropriate options during different phases of the execution of a variety of tasks. By remembering what the user has previously inputted and by using context-sensitive menus and adaptive "quick" lists, the system can anticipate what the user needs to do at any given time and can guide the user through a step-by-step process to complete each task, thus facilitating the tasks that users most often perform. By including adaptive techniques or built-in intelligence that allows the device to be faster and easier to use with each user session, the target device may anticipate the tasks users need to perform in specific situations and thus make those tasks increasingly easier.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [5.]5. A portable information processing device with improved user input capability, for viewing and possible altering of information by a user, the device comprising:a microprocessor;a memory;a display for displaying views from a plurality of views, including views for displa

[ What is claimed is:] [5.]5. A portable information processing device with improved user input capability, for viewing and possible altering of information by a user, the device comprising:a microprocessor;a memory;a display for displaying views from a plurality of views, including views for displaying portions of the information;a physical input key that is substantially dedicated to initiating a mode for user alteration of the information, wherein the input key remains visible to the user substantially throughout ordinary use of the device;logic operating to react to a user input at the input key when a view is being displayed by determining, based on the particular displayed view, referred to hereinafter as the context-view, a set of context-appropriate user input activities for altering the information, including displaying user-selectable information that may serve as user input for the alteration of said information, wherein a user input activity that is context-appropriate for a first possible context-view is context-inappropriate for a second possible context-view; andlogic operating to communicate at least some of the determined context-appropriate user input activities to the user;logic operating to accept from the user an indication of a desired one of the determined context-appropriate user input activities, andlogic operating to assist the user in performing the desired user input activity.