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  Device interfaceUSPTO Application #: 20070198954Title: Device interface Abstract: The present invention relates to a small computing device with an improved interface. The interface comprises a display screen which extends the majority of length of the face of the housing, and a plurality of multi-function buttons extending on either side of the display screen. (end of abstract) Agent: Jones Day - New York, NY, US Inventor: Kevin W. Dinn USPTO Applicaton #: 20070198954 - Class: 715864000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Data Processing: Presentation Processing Of Document, Operator Interface Processing, And Screen Saver Display Processing, Operator Interface (e.g., Graphical User Interface), For A Small Display Screen (e.g., Personal Digital Assistant, Palm-top) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070198954. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a Small computing device with an improved interface, and, particularly, but not exclusively, to a mobile communications device, such as a mobile telephone. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is desirable for small computing devices, by which we mean usually portable devices, such as lap-top-type commuters and smaller, including mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, cameras and other devices, to be a small as possible for convenience. [0003] The problem with making such devices small enough to carry is that it allows only a limited size for the interface. For example, in mobile telephones, a small screen and traditional numeric keypad are provided for the interface with the user. The numeric keypad input has been used for standard telephones for years, and was merely transferred for use in mobile phones with no significant adaptation. As mobile telephones become smaller and smaller, the traditional numeric keypad input becomes more and more difficult to operate. This is particularly the case where, as is usual for most mobile telephones today, it is required to input alphabetic characters in order to, for example, store contacts in the memory of the mobile telephone. [0004] Further, the display screens provided for mobile telephones are, by necessity, also small where the phone is small. They are not able to provide, therefore, a view of a great deal of information at any one time. [0005] There is a need for an improved interface for small computing devices, such as mobile telephones and PDAs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a small computing device, including a housing and a display screen extending along the face of the housing lengthwise, a first plurality of keys positioned adjacent one side of the screen and a second plurality of keys positioned adjacent the opposite side of the screen. [0007] Preferably, the display screen extends for the majority of the length of the face. [0008] Preferably, by "small computing device" is meant lap-top-type computer size or smaller, and is preferably PDA-type size or smaller, including mobile telephone size. [0009] Preferably, the first and second plurality of keys are positioned in rows running parallel to the length of the display screen. Each row is preferably only one key in width. [0010] Preferably, the small computing device further comprises a control means arranged to control operation of the small computing device, the control means being arranged to control the small computing device to operate in a plurality of operating modes, wherein the keys operate as multi-function keys. [0011] Preferably, the control means is arranged to control the device such that the particular function of a key in a particular operating mode is designated by indicia appearing on the display screen. Preferably the indicia appear adjacent the associated key. [0012] Preferably, the first plurality of keys comprises two or more keys and the second plurality of keys comprises two or more keys. [0013] Preferably, the first plurality of keys comprises between four and ten keys and the second plurality of keys comprises between four and ten keys. [0014] Preferably, the first plurality of keys comprises six to eight keys and the second plurality of keys comprises six to eight keys. [0015] Preferably, in one the plurality of operating modes, the keys are associated with numerics and operation of the keys is arranged to input numerals to the small computing device. [0016] Preferably, there are at least five keys either side and each of the keys are associated in one operating mode with each of the ten digits of the decimal numeral system appearing as indicia on the display screen. [0017] Preferably, in one operating mode, a scrolling function is provided which enables information on the display screen to be scrolled. Preferably, the scrolling function has a plurality of modes of scrolling. Preferably, each of the keys is associated with one or more of the modes of scrolling. [0018] Preferably, the device does not include any standard numeric or alpha-numeric keypad. It may include a limited number of additional keys, such as "yes" or "no " and/or "direction" keys, but the majority of the functions of the device are preferably carried out by the first and second plurality of keys. [0019] Preferably, in one operating mode, a plurality of the first and second plurality of keys are associated with a plurality of menu options. Selection of a menu option by actuating an associated key in this mode, then switches the device to a further operating mode where a plurality of the first and second plurality of keys are associated with a menu item within the selected menu option. Preferably, the number of menu items is equal to or less than the number of the first and second plurality of keys, enabling selection of a menu item by a simple two step operation of the interface, the first step selecting the menu option, the second step selecting the menu item within the menu. Note that operation is not limited to two step operation, and there may be modes where more than two steps of operation are implemented. [0020] The small computing device preferably includes text sense means implementing a text sense function to facilitate input of text to the device. In a first text input operating mode, a user can select characters (eg. alpha-numerics) utilising the first and second plurality of keys. When one or more characters have been selected, the text sense means may propose a word or further characters to go with the characters already selected, and the user may select or deny the word or further characters. [0021] The text sense means may also be arranged to provide a suggestion without a user having first selected characters of the word ie. text sense may be arranged to provide a suggestion for the start of the word. Continue reading... Full patent description for Device interface Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Device interface patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Device interface or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Target acquisition Next Patent Application: Circuit simulator and circuit simulation program storage medium Industry Class: Data processing: presentation processing of document ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Device interface patent info. 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