WO2001080090A2 - Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device - Google Patents
Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001080090A2 WO2001080090A2 PCT/US2001/012167 US0112167W WO0180090A2 WO 2001080090 A2 WO2001080090 A2 WO 2001080090A2 US 0112167 W US0112167 W US 0112167W WO 0180090 A2 WO0180090 A2 WO 0180090A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- user
- control unit
- access device
- navigation control
- web access
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
- G06F3/021—Arrangements integrating additional peripherals in a keyboard, e.g. card or barcode reader, optical scanner
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
- G06F3/0219—Special purpose keyboards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
- G06F3/0238—Programmable keyboards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0338—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
- H04L61/30—Managing network names, e.g. use of aliases or nicknames
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
- H04L63/02—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for separating internal from external traffic, e.g. firewalls
- H04L63/0227—Filtering policies
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/01—Protocols
- H04L67/02—Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/01—Protocols
- H04L67/04—Protocols specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/50—Network services
- H04L67/56—Provisioning of proxy services
- H04L67/563—Data redirection of data network streams
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/50—Network services
- H04L67/56—Provisioning of proxy services
- H04L67/564—Enhancement of application control based on intercepted application data
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
- H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
- H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
- H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/72445—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting Internet browser applications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L2463/00—Additional details relating to network architectures or network communication protocols for network security covered by H04L63/00
- H04L2463/102—Additional details relating to network architectures or network communication protocols for network security covered by H04L63/00 applying security measure for e-commerce
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
- H04L63/08—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/50—Network services
- H04L67/56—Provisioning of proxy services
- H04L67/568—Storing data temporarily at an intermediate stage, e.g. caching
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- H04L69/30—Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
- H04L69/32—Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
- H04L69/322—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
- H04L69/329—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
- H04M1/72412—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/72427—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting games or graphical animations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/7243—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/72442—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for playing music files
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W64/00—Locating users or terminals or network equipment for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W80/00—Wireless network protocols or protocol adaptations to wireless operation
- H04W80/04—Network layer protocols, e.g. mobile IP [Internet Protocol]
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates in general to a navigation control unit for use with a wireless resource access device.
- the Internet comprises a vast number of computers and computer networks interconnected through communication channels.
- the Internet is used for a variety of reasons, including electronic commerce, exchanging information such as electronic mail, retrieving information and doing research, and the like. Many standards have been established for exchanging information over the Internet, such as electronic mail, Gopher, and the World Wide Web (“WWW”).
- the WWW service allows a server computer system (i.e., web server or web site) to send graphical web pages of information to a remote client computer system. The remote client computer system can then display the web pages.
- Each resource (e.g., computer or web page) of the WWW is uniquely identifiable by a Uniform Resource Locator ("URL").
- URL Uniform Resource Locator
- a client computer system specifies the URL for that web page in a request (e.g., a HyperText Transfer Protocol ("HTTP") request): The request is forwarded to the web server that supports that web page. When that web server receives the request, it sends the requested web page to the client computer system. When the client computer system receives that web page, it typically displays the web page using a browser.
- HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
- a browser is typically a special-purpose application program for requesting and displaying web pages.
- HTML HyperText Markup Language
- HTML provides a standard set of tags that define how a web page is to be displayed.
- the browser sends the request to the server computer system to transfer to the client computer system an HTML document that defines the web page.
- the browser displays the web page as defined by the HTML document.
- the HTML document contains various tags that control the display of text, graphics, controls, and other features.
- the HTML document may contain URLs of other web pages available on that server computer system or on other server computer systems. New protocols exist, such as Extensible Mark-up Language
- XML XML
- WAP Wireless Access Protocol
- XML provides greater flexibility over HTML.
- WAP provides, among other tilings, the ability to view web pages over hand-held, wireless devices, such as cell phones and portable computers (e.g., PDA's).
- portable communication devices such as mobile telephones have been developed for access to information on a local or global computer network. These devices come in many different forms including, for example, a mobile telephone or a palm top computer, and will be referred to generally as a wireless web access device.
- Customers of the wireless web access device desire to have devices that provide a large amount of functionality and yet are small, lightweight, and affordable. To accommodate these conflicting desires, manufacturers have made the user controls smaller and have made each user control perform potentially a variety of functions.
- the Internet browser terminal designed to, among other things, reduce carpal tunnel syndrome for people using traditional computer keyboards to browse the Internet on their personal computer.
- the user interface of Grant must be less than 0.45 inches in thickness and roughly the length, width, and shape of a standard credit card.
- the interface is connected to a browser terminal via a translator, which converts the commands to a form acceptable to the browser terminal, and the translator is preferably connected to both the browser terminal and the user interface with a cord.
- the buttons on Grant are programmed to provide liriking commands to a variety of websites.
- the user interface of Grant is plagued with problems. For example, the user interface Grant is severely limited in size, shape and functionality and requires the use of a translator.
- Grant only discloses buttons programmed on the user interface itself, limiting its usefulness relative to the present invention. These are only some of the problems associated with Grant.
- wireless web access device users are unsophisticated in the operation of such devices, and thus have difficulty reconfiguring them to select a new home page (if this is possible), or even access other web pages. Even if users are capable of operating the device, navigating to desired web pages can be difficult, often involving a complex string of key presses. Thus, users find it difficult to customize their wireless web access devices, and find it difficult to navigate to desired web pages.
- many of the wireless web access devices are not general purpose computing devices, but instead are task driven for a small set of preferred tasks for the user, not for general browsing or web surfing. These tasks are horizontal across groups of people, such as electronic mail, calendar, address book, and the like. Content on the worldwide web, however, is much more segmented to specific user groups interested in the particular content provided by a particular site. Thus, there is a discontinuity between wireless web access devices, and the content to which they allow users access.
- FIG. 1 is schematic view of a wireless web access device with a first preferred embodiment of a navigation control unit.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3 A is an isometric view of a third preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3B is a three-dimensional view and a side profile of a fourth preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3C is a front view and a side profile of a fifth preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3D is a front view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3E is a photograph of the front view of a seventh preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIGS. 3F-3AU are isometric views of a variety of preferred embodiments of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3AV is an exploded, isometric wire frame view of another preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3AW shows a front view and an end view of a preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3AX shows alternative isometric views of the navigation control unit of FIG. 3 AW.
- FIGS. 3AY-3BG show exploded, isometric views of alternative embodiments of the navigation control unit if FIG. 3 AW.
- FIGS. 3BH-3BM show front views of preferred embodiments of the navigation control unit and the connector.
- FIGS. 3BO-3DK depict isometric views of alternative embodiments of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 3DL depicts a cut-away side view of an alternative embodiment of the navigation control unit.
- FIGS. 3DM-3DQ are isometric views of alternative packaging embodiments for marketing the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a preferred control circuit of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a preferred method of operation of the navigation control unit.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a preferred method for providing higher level functionality in the navigation control unit.
- a wireless web access device 110 such as a mobile telephone, Internet-enabled PDA, automobile-based web access device, or other portable or mobile communication devices.
- the wireless web access device 110 is a cellular telephone such as a GSM device, preferably operating under the wireless application protocol (WAP), GPRS, 3G, I-Mode, or other similar communications protocol.
- WAP wireless application protocol
- GPRS GPRS
- 3G 3G
- I-Mode or other similar communications protocol.
- the wireless web access device 110 typically has a display screen 111 and integral user controls 112 which are suitably buttons such as membrane switches.
- the wireless web access device 110 can be used to access any sort of computer resources, not only web pages, and could also be called a wireless computer resource access device 110.
- the wireless web access device 110 is used to access a wide range of information on databases linked by a global computer network such as the Internet.
- the wireless web access device 110 uses a browser function to access the Internet 115 through a gateway portal 114.
- Navigation between sites and between pages of a site is performed using the integral user controls 112 to control a browser function of the wireless web access device 110.
- the integral user controls 112 become smaller and more difficult to operate.
- each integral user control 112 typically performs a number of different functions often operated by pressing the same button several times or by pressing control buttons in various different combinations.
- a user must navigate a menu structure in order for the web access device to perform a desired function. It has been found that a menu structure having more than one or two levels is particularly difficult for users to navigate.
- the present invention provides a navigation control unit 120 that is coupleable to the wireless web access device 110.
- the navigation control unit 120 is coupleable directly to the wireless web access device 110 such as by a connector 121 entering a corresponding port 113 on the wireless web access device 110.
- the connector 121 provides both electrical and mechanical coupling between the navigation control unit 120 and the web access device 110.
- the navigation control unit 120 is supported closely adjacent to the web access device 110.
- the port 113 in this example is shown at the bottom of the wireless web access device 110, but can be provided elsewhere on the device or remote therefrom such as on an adapter lead.
- FIG. 1 Unless described otherwise below, the construction and operation of the various blocks shown in FIG. 1 and the other Figures are of conventional design. As a result, such blocks need not be described in further detail beyond that provided herein, because they will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art. Such further detail is omitted for brevity and so as not to obscure the detailed description of the invention. Any modifications necessary to the blocks in FIG. 1 (or other Figures and embodiments) can be readily made by one skilled in the relevant art based on the detailed description provided herein.
- FIG. 2 shows a second preferred embodiment wherein the navigation control unit 120 comprises a handsfree unit 230 including a microphone 231 and an earpiece 232.
- the handsfree unit 230 is coupled to the navigation control unit 120 by a communication link 233, such as a cord.
- a local wireless link is provided for communication between the navigation control unit 120 and the handsfree unit 230, such as by using optical, irifrared or radio frequency signals.
- FIG. 3A shows a third preferred embodiment where the navigation control unit 120 is provided remote from the wireless web access device 110 linked by a communication link 324, such as a cord or a local wireless link.
- a communication link 324 such as a cord or a local wireless link.
- the wireless web access device 110 may be carried about a user's person such as in a pocket
- the navigation control unit 120 may be carried separately such as in the hand, on a belt or on a jacket lapel
- the handsfree unit 230 may be provided about the user's head.
- the navigation control unit 120 may be attached to a replaceable part of wireless web access device 110, such as a battery pack.
- the battery pack and navigation control unit 120 could be packaged and sold together to create a potentially more desirable product.
- any replaceable part related to the wireless web access device 110, such as antennas or removable attachments, could be packaged with a navigation control unit 120.
- the navigation control unit 120 may take any suitable form factor. A generally rectangular box is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A merely for illustration.
- the navigation control unit 120 may take any suitable size.
- at least the part of the navigation control unit 120 in the region of the connector 121 is sized and shaped to correspond with external contours of the wireless web access device 110 in the region of the port 113, giving a neat visual appearance and assisting mechanical stability.
- the navigation control unit 120 may take other form factors, such as a watch or pen. This may be particularly useful in embodiments where the navigation control unit 120 is connected to the wireless web access device 110 via a remote wireless link.
- the navigation control unit 120 provides at least one user control 122, and preferably a plurality of user controls as illustrated. These user controls 122 on the navigation control unit 120 are remote from the integral control buttons 112 provided on the web access device 110.
- the user controls 122 may take any suitable form, and in one preferred embodiment are keys such as membrane switches. Unless described otherwise herein, the blocks depicted in FIGS. 1-
- FIG. 3B depicts an isometric view of one embodiment of the navigation control unit 120.
- the body 330 of the navigation control unit 120 is constructed as an ultrasonically-welded clamshell.
- the body 330 can be made of any suitable material, including any material suited for the injection-molding plastic process, such as poly-carbonate-based plastics (PC/ABS).
- the body 330 can be made of rubber, metal, other plastics, or any other material with satisfactory ergonomic and durability properties.
- the body 330 can have any type of finish or paint, including but not limited to a rubber-shot finish using thermoplastic rubber, a chrome finish, a high shine finish, a satin finish, a matte finish, a transparent or semi-transparent finish, and a metallic finish or paint.
- the outer surface 331 of the body 330 is partially covered by a mat 334, which is preferably made of rubber or elastomer.
- the mat 334 can also be made of any suitable material, including plastics, metal, silicon, and can be provided with any finish or color.
- the mat 334 can provide improved ergonomics and can optionally be provided with an uneven surface that further improves ergonomics, such as by having small bumps on the mat 334 that improve the user's grip on the navigation control unit 120.
- a light source within the navigation control unit 120 provides backlighting to the displays on the body 330.
- any user controls 122 could be backlighted to provide improved visibility.
- the body 330 can be modified to accept removable devices or chips. Any of a wide range of devices or chips can conceivably be inserted into the navigation control unit 120, including memory sticks, Bluetooth-enabled cards, removable chips, electronic cash devices, electronic commerce devices, electronic wallet devices, location-deterrnining devices such as GPS receivers, beepers, etc.
- Grommets 332 can be used at the location where the body 330 connects with a connector 121 in order to provide an improved aesthetic appearance, to prevent foreign objects from mterfering with operation of the navigation control unit 120, and for strain relief of the cords or wires.
- grommets 332 are made of thermoplastic rubber, but can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or fabric.
- the navigation control unit 120 is connected or attached directly to the wireless web access device 110. In this embodiment, the navigation control unit 120 is attached directly to the mobile wireless device 110 such that the two items are substantially rigid with respect to each other.
- the length along the longitudinal axis is approximately 60 mm (2.36 inches), the width is approximately 50 mm (2.97 inches), and the depth or thickness of the body 330 is approximately 8.3 mm (.33 inches).
- the approximate length along the longitudinal axis of the body 330 is between 20 mm and 100 mm (0.79-3.94 inches), the approximate width of the body is between 20 mm and 100 mm (0.79- 3.94 inches), and the approximate depth or thickness of the body 330 is between 3 mm and 20 mm (.12-.79 inches).
- the width of the body 330 is approximately equal to the width of the wireless web access device 110 with which it is intended to be connected.
- the navigation control unit 120 is remote from the wireless web access device 110.
- the wireless web access device 110 is linked with the navigation control unit 120 by a communications link 324, such as a cord or a local wireless link, including radio, microwave, infrared, and any other form of communication.
- a hands-free unit 230 is optionally coupled to the navigation control unit 120 by a communications link such as a cord 233 or local wireless link.
- the length along the longitudinal axis is approximately 35 mm (1.38 inches), the width is approximately 25 mm (.98 inches), and the depth or thickness of the body 330 is approximately 8 mm (.31 inches).
- the approximate length along the longitudinal axis of the body 330 is between 25 mm and 100 mm (.98-3.94 inches), the approximate width of the body is between 15 mm and 50 mm (.59-1.97 inches), and the approximate depth or thickness of the body is between 4 m and 20 mm (.16-.79 inches).
- the maximum range is preferably no greater than approximately 10 feet in order to rninimize operational requirements, but larger ranges are possible and wilhin the scope of the invention.
- the navigation control unit 120 provides a base platform. Individual customers could provide a custom accessory that either changes the appearance or functionality of the navigation control unit 120.
- the navigation control unit 120 and body 330 are customized for a particular purpose, customer, or partner. For example, a company selling navigation control units 120 to facilitate Internet betting might design a navigation control unit 120 shaped like a horse, greyhound, playing card, or other gambling-related object. Similarly, a baseball team could sell a navigation control unit 120 shaped like a baseball bat or catcher's mitt. Such custom designs can increase the desirability of a navigation control unit 120 for customers.
- a navigation control unit 120 should have at least one means of accepting user input, such as a user control 122.
- a user control 122 may provide any kind of user input, including a request to link to a web site, a scrolling or other control command, powering on or off, data entry, etc.
- the user control 122 can be of any acceptable design such as a flat plastic button that the user presses down (as depicted in FIG. 3A).
- FIG. 3C depicts other embodiments of the user control 122, including a sunken button 122' recessed below an upper surface of the body 330 and a rubberized push button 122" located at an upper edge of the body 330.
- a sunken button 122' recessed below an upper surface of the body 330
- a rubberized push button 122" located at an upper edge of the body 330.
- FIG. 3D depicts another navigation control unit 120 where the user control 122 is a game playing device, such as a joystick or thumb pad.
- the user control 122 includes buttons, joysticks, rotary pads, sliders, or any other item used by a user to control the navigation control unit 120.
- One embodiment of the user control 122 has buttons with a clear plastic dome with paper underneath so that labels on the paper are visible underneath the button.
- Another alternative embodiment is using LCD screens for the user control 122, which may or may not be touch-screens. In this embodiment, the LCD screen can be changed to correspond with the current function of the user control 122.
- the function of each user control 122 in this embodiment would be designated by software instead of hardware.
- a browse signal might be indicated on the LCD screen when a browser is being viewed on the wireless web access device 110 and a purchase signal might be indicated on the LCD screen when an e-commerce application is being viewed.
- the user control 122 would comprise at least one touch-screen, which could be divided into separate "buttons" by software and therefore perform a wide variety of functions.
- Another alternative embodiment would include a rotating disk under a series of clear buttons where the rotating disk could provide different configurations. For example, there could be a browser setting, a music site setting, an e-commerce setting, etc. A magnifying glass could optionally be used to make the current setting more visible.
- a wide variety of user controls 122 are possible.
- FIG. 3E is a digital photograph of an alternative embodiment of the navigation control unit 120 described in relation to FIG. 2.
- the microphone 231 and earpiece 232 are coupled to the navigation control unit 125 by the communication link 233.
- a variety of user controls 122 are depicted, including clear plastic user controls 122 marked with a label.
- these user controls 122 preferably redirect the wireless web access device 110 to a variety of web sites based on the purpose depicted on the user control 122 (e.g., the user's e-mail site, Genie, Football 365, etc.).
- alternative user controls 180 provide a scrolling functionality.
- a spring loaded clip 235 permits a user to clip the cord 233 to the user's clothing.
- FIGS. 3F-3AU depict a wide variety of isometric views depicting alternative embodiments for the navigation control unit 125. From these figures, one skilled in the art would recognize that an infinite number of possible configurations of the navigation control unit 125 are possible, including different body 330 configurations, locations of communication links 233, types and configurations of user controls 122, connections with the wireless web access device 110, etc.
- the embodiments depicted in FIGs. 3F-3DQ are generally self explanatory to those skilled in the relevant art based on the detailed description provided herein.
- FIG. 3AV depicts an exploded isometric wire frame view of one embodiment of the navigational control unit 120.
- the navigation control unit 120 is generally teardrop or 'comma' shaped in this embodiment.
- a roughly circular or elliptical arc defines a first end of the navigation control unit 120, and a short, flattened plane or frustum defines a second end.
- a longitudinal axis extends from the first end to the second end.
- One side of the navigation control unit 120 is defined by a convex arc extending from the first end to the second end.
- the other side of the navigation control unit 120 is defined by a roughly circular or slightly elliptical convex portion extending from the first end to about the midpoint of the longitudinal axis and a shallow concave portion extending from the midpoint of the longitudinal axis to the second end, providing the teardrop shape.
- a circuit board 340 provides the centerpiece of the navigational control unit 120 and is generally shaped like the navigation control unit. Beneath the circuit board is a translucent rear cover 342 and an opaque rear over cover 344 that only partially covers the rear cover 342. Above the circuit board is a rubber button layer 346 which is covered by a translucent front cover 348 having cut-outs 349 appropriately placed to allow user controls 122 to penetrate the cover 348.
- the cut-outs 349 are preferably elliptical or circular in shape, and are located along a convex arc. Additional cut-outs 349 are located near the second end of the navigation control unit 120, close to the longitudinal axis.
- Alternative cut-outs 349' is shaped as roughly a half-ellipse and is configured to allow user controls 122 preferably designed for navigation, such as scrolling and enter functions.
- Both the first and second opaque front covers 350, 351 have holes substantially similar in alignment to the cut-outs 349, 349'.
- Label buttons 352 contain graphics and are placed beneath clear buttons 354 so that the graphics may be visible through the buttons.
- the buttons are in turn slideably secured within the front cover 348, with upper surfaces of the buttons extending through the cut-outs 349.
- the front and rear covers 348 and 342 may be ultrasonically welded together to enclose the button rubber 346, circuit board 340, interior portions of the grommets 332, label buttons 352, and interior portions of the buttons 354.
- the front and rear over covers 350 and 344 may then be secured over the front and rear covers (e.g., by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or other means), and the front over cover 351 secured within an upper circular recess portion 356 of the front cover. Further information and details regarding aspects of the navigation control unit and its construction may be found in FIGS. 3B-3AV.
- user controls 122 should be placed on the navigation control unit 120 in a manner that is ergonomically desirable. In one embodiment, the user could hold the navigation control unit 120 in one hand and operate the user controls 122 with the same hand.
- the user controls 122 would be placed in a roughly radial arc where they could be easily reached by a typical user's thumb if the navigation control unit 120 was held comfortably in the palm of one hand (as depicted in FIG. 3AV).
- user controls 122 could be placed anywhere on the navigation control unit 120, including in locations that would require the use of other fingers or two-handed operation.
- FIG. 3AW shows a front view and an end view of a preferred embodiment of the navigation control unit 120.
- the body 330 is circular in shape.
- a connector 121 provides a connection to the wireless web access device 110 and a communications link 233 connects with an optional hands-free unit 230.
- the navigator key 192 is circular button located in the center of the navigation control unit 120.
- the navigator key 192 preferably provides the ability for the user to input 'scroll up' and 'scroll down' commands by actuating the appropriate section of the navigation key 192, which is marked with label indicia.
- the rocker switch 190 is centered on the navigation control unit 120 and located around the navigator key 192.
- the rocker switch 190 has five spokes that provide links to five different web sites. The user can press any of the sections of the rocker switch 190 to actuate the user command associated with that spoke.
- labels 191 are placed underneath the rocker switch 190 to identify the function associated with each spoke, and the rocker switch 190 is preferably at least partially transparent.
- FIG. 3AX shows alternative isometric views of the navigation control unit 120 described in reference to FIG. 3AW.
- FIGS. 3AY-3BG show exploded, isometric views of alternative embodiments of the navigation control unit 120 described in reference to FIG. 3AW.
- different configurations of the body 330 and the rocker switch 190 are shown.
- a graphic cover 195 is described, where the rocker switch 190 is located within the graphic cover 195.
- FIG. 3AZ depicts an alternative to FIG. 3 AY, where the graphic cover 195 is transparent and a graphic panel 197 is located underneath so that the graphics are visible through the graphic cover 195 and rocker switch 190.
- FIG. 3BA depicts another alternative where the rocker switch 190 and graphic cover 195 are separate, and the graphic panel 197 is visible through the transparent rocker switch 190.
- the rocker switch 190 is a rubber keypad, where the user presses down a section of the rocker switch 190 and an actuator 196 is activated.
- the graphic cover 195 is placed on top of the rocker switch 190, and the rocker switch 190 contains label indicia to indicate the function of each spoke.
- FIG. 3BC is similar to FIG. 3BB, except that the rocker switch 190 is a polycarbonate keypad and the actuator design is accordingly different.
- FIG. 3BD is another alternative embodiment further comprising a navigator key 192 located in the center of the rocker switch 190.
- the actuator 196 is a force-sensing layer that receives the inputs from the rocker switch 190.
- FIG. 3 BE the actuator 196 is a force-sensing layer that receives the inputs from the rocker switch 190.
- FIGS. 3BH-3BM show front views of preferred embodiments of the navigation control unit 120.
- FIGS. 3BH-3BM alternative embodiments of the connection between a wireless web access device 110 and a navigation control unit 120 are shown.
- a connector 121 is attached to each navigation control unit 120.
- Each connector 121 in this embodiment is designed for a particular wireless web access device 110.
- FIG. 3BI depicts an alternative embodiment where one connector 121 is designed for all navigation control units 120.
- This connector 121 can be designed for a popular wireless web access device 110, for example.
- an adaptor 199 can be provided to serve as an interface between the connector 121 and the wireless web access device 110.
- FIG. 3BJ depicts another alternative embodiment where each navigation control unit 120 has a connector 121 which includes a cable, and adaptors 199 are designed to provide an interface with each type of wireless web access device 110.
- FIG. 3BK shows another alternative embodiment where the connector 121 does not include a cable, and each adaptor 199 includes both a device-specific connector and a cable.
- FIG. 3BL shows another alternative embodiment where the connector 121 includes a cable and a device-specific connector and the adaptor 199 includes another device-specific connector and another cable.
- 3BM shows another alternative embodiment where the connector 121 and adaptor 199 are effectively combined and the adaptor 199 is mounted directly in the navigation control unit 120.
- the navigation control unit 120 could contain a universal connector so that it could accept any adaptor 199.
- the connector 121 is a cable that contains a minor amount of memory.
- the connector 121 would then effectively be on a bus with the processor in the navigation control unit 120.
- the connector 121 could preferably contain the information necessary to program a given series of wireless web access devices 110. For example, a particular connection 121 could be designed to reprogram Nokia phones. This embodiment reduces the amount of memory needed on the navigation control unit 120.
- FIG. 3BN shows a front view of a preferred navigation control unit 120.
- the navigation control unit 120 has a body 330 and a wide variety of user controls 122.
- One user control is the hot key 123, which is configured to link to a web site after actuated by the user.
- Other user controls 122 include one or more navigation keys 192, which preferably direct the user's navigation of a web page. Navigation functions can include 'scroll up', 'scroll down', 'okay', 'enter', 'refresh', etc.
- an e-mail key 193 is also included to automatically direct the user to an e-mail portal and a start/stop key 194 is also included to provide start and stop functionality.
- FIGS. 3BO-3CT depict a wide variety of isometric views depicting alternative embodiments for the navigation control unit 120. From these figures, one skilled in the art would recognize that an infinite number of possible configurations of the navigation control unit 120 are possible, including different body 330 configurations, locations of communication links 233, types and configurations of user controls 122, connections with the wireless web access device 110, etc.
- the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3BO-3CT are generally self explanatory to those skilled in the relevant art based on the detailed description provided herein.
- FIGS. 3CU-3CZ depict isometric views of alternative embodiments of the navigation control unit 120.
- the navigation control units further comprise a SIM Card 702.
- the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Card 702, or smart card contains a microchip, microprocessor, and memory and is used to be inserted into a wireless web access device 110 such as a cell phone, and the SIM Card 702 preferably contains all subscriber-related data.
- a SIM Card 702 is inserted into a navigation control unit 120 to provide user information.
- the navigation control unit 702 could be made generically, and thus less expensive, and used by different users.
- the user can purchase a generic navigation control unit 120, insert their SIM Card 702, and have all their expected functionality and be identified to the navigation server 125, so that custom redirection can take place.
- FIGS. 3DA-3DK depict a wide variety of isometric views depicting alternative embodiments for the navigation control unit 120. From these figures, one skilled in the art would recognize that an infinite number of possible configurations of the navigation control unit 120 are possible, including different body 330 configurations, locations of communication links 233, types and configurations of user controls 122, connections with the wireless web access device 110, etc.
- the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3DA-3DK are generally self explanatory to those skilled in the relevant art based on the detailed description provided herein.
- FIG. 3DA depicts an alternative embodiment of the navigation control unit 120 where the body 330 is shaped like a watch and can be worn on the user's wrist like a watch.
- FIG. 3DI depicts an alternative embodiment of the navigation control unit 120 where a user cartridge 704 can be attached to the navigation control unit 120 to provide additional information or functionality.
- the user cartridge 704 can function as a smart card or SIM Card 702, can provide addition functionality, can provide user information, etc.
- a user could have a variety of user cartridges 704 to plug-in whenever they wanted to perform different functions with the navigation control unit 120 (e.g., having an Internet banking, surfing, and e-mail cartridges).
- FIG. 3DL depicts a cut-away side view of an alternative embodiment of the navigation control unit 120.
- FIG. 3DL is a close-up of part of FIG. 3BM.
- an embodiment of a connector 121 for a navigation control unit 120 is shown.
- the connector 121 slides or is inserted into the body 330 of the navigation control unit 121 and a connector assembly 373 automatically captures the connector 121.
- This capture could be a permanent capture or a release mechanism (not shown) could be provided. If capture of the connector 121 is permanent, then the navigation control unit may be coupled to the wireless web access device once, and then have the unit retained to the wireless device securely thereafter.
- a strain relief device 372 is provided around the connector 121 and in the body 330 to prevent failure of the connector assembly 373 when various forces, stresses, and strains are applied to the body.
- the body 330 has a casing top and a casing bottom.
- a main PCB 374 is mounted on one inside surface of the body, and an upper stacker 376 is mounted to the main PCB 374.
- the upper stacker 376 has a cone-shaped protuberance with a tip.
- a lower stacker 380 is mounted on the opposite inner surface of the body 330 from the upper stacker 376, and a secondary PCB 378 is mounted on the lower stacker 380.
- the point of the upper stacker 376 preferably touches the secondary PCB 378.
- the secondary PCB 378 is affixed to the strain relief device 372 to help securably attach the strain relief device 372 to the body 330.
- FIGS. 3DM-3DQ are isometric views of alternative packaging embodiments for marketing the navigation control unit. As shown in these FIGS., the navigation control unit may be packaged in various forms, depending upon how the navigation control unit is configured (as described herein).
- FIG. 4 shows a preferred circuit construction for the navigation control unit 120.
- a first i/o port 441 communicates with the wireless web access device 110.
- the i/o port 441 uses an RS232 communications interface. Communications are governed by a protocol such as GSM07.07. Power, for example at +3.3V or +5V and GND, is drawn through the port 441 from the host wireless web access device 110, or an independent power source is provided.
- the independent power source could be any suitable power source, including but not limited to batteries, solar-generated power, or power provided by another device, such as an automobile cigarette lighter, a wall outlet, or power source associated with a personal computer.
- audio signals are passed directly from the first i/o port 441 to a second i/o port 442.
- the second i/o port 442 is coupled to the handsfree unit 230.
- the navigation control unit 120 comprises a microprocessor 443 for executing instructions stored on an internal or external memory such as an EPROM, and coupled to internal or external temporary storage 444 such as SDRAM.
- the microprocessor 443 is coupled to the user controls 122 such as through a key switch matrix 445. Further details regarding circuitry and configuration of the navigation control unit may be found in U.S. Patent
- the routine 500 is preferably stored in non-volatile memory that forms part of the microprocessor 443 or memory 444, or can be stored in removable media, such as disks, or hardwired or preprogrammed in chips, such as EEPROM semiconductor chips.
- ASIC application specific integrated circuit
- DSP digital signal processing
- the navigation control unit 120 is powered on, such as by the navigation control unit 120 being connected to the wireless web access device 110 or by the wireless web access device 110 being turned on.
- communications with the web access device 110 are initialized.
- comniunication settings such as baud rate are negotiated.
- an identify request is sent to the web access device 110 and a reply received giving identity information of the web access device 110 such as make and model information.
- identity information such as make and model information.
- operation ends at step 503.
- the navigation control unit 120 optionally sets configuration parameters of the wireless web access device 110 using configuration commands.
- step 505 the navigation control unit 120 waits for user input such as by polling the keyswitch matrix 445 (as described in relation to FIG. 4).
- the user controls 122 monitored in step 505 perform any suitable function.
- step 506 the navigation control unit 120 sends control commands to the wireless web access device 110.
- Operation continues until power to the navigation control unit 120 is removed, such as when the navigation control unit 120 is disconnected from the wireless web access device 110 or when the wireless web access device 110 is turned off.
- the configuration commands in step 504 are used to set a wide variety of configuration parameters of the web access device 110.
- the configuration parameters are detennined by the nature and type of the wireless web access device 110.
- the wireless web access device 110 dials a predetermined network number when attempting to establish a connection to the Internet through a predeteimined gateway portal.
- the gateway portal is one example configuration parameter that may be set by the navigation control unit 120.
- Other configuration parameters may set screen displays including predetermined logos and advertising information.
- Still other configuration parameters of the wireless web access device 110 include, for example, a home page, bookmarks stored by the wireless web access device 110, and a ringing tone of the wireless web access device 110.
- the navigation control unit 120 conveniently sets these and other configuration parameters of the wireless web access device 110 for the user automatically and requiring rninimal or even no user input.
- the user avoids navigation of complicated button press arrangements and menu structures in the wireless web access device 110.
- usage of network bandwidth and network time is substantially reduced by the automatic operation of the navigation control unit 120 compared with manual keypresses of the integral user controls 112 by the user.
- the commands sent by the navigation control unit 120 in step 506 can be any sort of commands.
- the commands are a command sequence understandable by the wireless web access device 110.
- the commands sent by the navigation control unit 120 represent a keypress sequence equivalent to a sequence of manual keypresses on the integral user controls 112.
- each command sent to the wireless web access device 110 is equivalent to a single press on one of the integral user controls 112.
- each command is a string representing a predetermined sequence of keypresses.
- the keypress representation is preferably deteiniined with reference to the identity information obtained in step 502, such that the navigation control unit 120 is able to operate with a wide variety of wireless web access devices 110.
- the keypress sequence is obtained with reference to a lookup table stored in the navigation control unit 120, such that each user control 122 maps to a plurality of stored keypress sequences and one of the keypress sequences is selected according to the identity information of the wireless web access device 110.
- the keypress sequence is then used to form the command or a sequence of commands, depending upon the communication protocol required for communication with the identified web access device 110.
- the command includes a combination of wireless web access device commands and keypress commands.
- the command could include a power on command, a select browser commands, and then a keypress combination representing a series of single presses of the integral user control buttons 112.
- a first group of user controls 122 represent most commonly used functions suitable for controlling the wireless web access device 110.
- One common functionality would be navigation functions for navigation of a local or global computer network using commands such as back, forward, stop, refresh, scroll up, scroll down and select.
- These first group of user controls 122 may directly replicate equivalent integral user controls 112 on the wireless web access device 110. It is advantageous to provide these simple user controls on the navigation control unit 120.
- the navigation control unit 120 has user controls 122 which are easier to use than the integral user controls 112 of the wireless web access device 110, for example by being larger or having improved ergonomics.
- the navigation control unit 120 may have only the first group, or only the second group, or preferably both groups of user controls 122, or any combination of user controls 122.
- one actuation of the user controls 122 of the navigation control unit 120 represents a plurality of button presses required to perform the equivalent function using the integral user controls 112 of the wireless web access device 110.
- the controls may perform a wide variety of higher level functions, depending on the nature and type of the wireless web access device 110.
- one actuation of the user controls 122 of the navigation control unit 120 represents an e-commerce or purchase command.
- the user control 122 could be configured as a "purchase" button and a command would be sent to the e-commerce web page requesting to purchase a product.
- a retailer could sell navigation control units 120 that contained a user control 122 programmed to purchase, say, the book-of-the-month and proceed to complete the e-commerce transaction based on payment and delivery information stored on a server.
- an electronic cash chip or e- wallet coupled with the navigation control unit 120 could be used to provide payment.
- a user control 122 could provide identification or authentication information about the user of the navigation control unit 120.
- a selected one or more of the user controls 122 have a pre-defined hot key, or predefined link, function (depicted as hot key user controls 123). These user controls 122 each command the wireless web access device 110 to open a connection to a particular web site. Each of these user controls 122 links to a predetermined site, such that the user may easily access a selected few predete ⁇ nined sites very conveniently.
- the user obtains access to these predeteiniined web sites without having to use or even understand other navigation controls on the wireless web access device 110 or on the control unit 120.
- FIG. 6 shows a preferred method for performing higher level controls such as the hot key function 123 of a user control 122.
- a user control 122 is activated or actuated by the user.
- the navigation control unit 120 sends control commands to the wireless web access device 110. These control commands may depend upon the current state of the wireless web access device 110, such as establishing a web connection or opening a browser function if required.
- the control commands include sending a URL. Conveniently, the URL is sent as a keypress sequence.
- the URL comprises three fields.
- a first field gives a web address, preferably in a standard format such as "http://www.serveraddress.xxx”.
- a second field provides an identifier unique to the navigation control unit 120, or unique to a predetermined group of navigation control units, such as an alphanumeric sequence of 6, 8 or 10 characters allocated to the navigation control unit 120 during manufacture. In this example the unique identifier is "XXX12345”.
- the third field identifies the user control 122 activated by the user as determined in step 601. In this example the user activated key number "3".
- the complete URL is sent, for example, as the character sequence "ht ⁇ ://www.serveraddress.xxx/xxxl2345/3".
- the URL may require a complicated keypress sequence.
- a wireless web access device 110 may have integral user controls 112 in a 4x3 number keypad layout, where each number key is used to obtain an extended alphanumeric character set by repeated keypresses. For example, the "1" button is pressed twice to give the letter "A", or pressed three times to give the letter "B".
- entering the URL manually requires many keypresses on the integral user controls 112.
- the URL contains 39 characters, each of which may require several button presses by the user on the integral user controls 112, typically at least a total of 60 presses.
- the user need only perform one keypress on the pre-defined user control 122 of the navigation control unit 120 to achieve the same result, giving a significant advantage.
- the wireless web access device 110 responds to the URL and attempts to access the web address identified by the URL, using browser functions within the wireless web access device 110.
- the first field preferably identifies a predetermined navigation server 125, which receives the URL request from the wireless web access device 110.
- step 604 the navigation server 125 uses the second and third fields of the URL to determine a redirection address, and returns the redirection address to the wireless web access device 110.
- the redirection address is a second URL.
- step 605 the wireless web access device 110 is redirected to the redirection address supplied from the navigation server 125.
- the redirection address is conveniently deteimined with reference to a lookup table stored on the navigation server 125.
- the second and third fields provide the information "XXX12345/3" and the redirection address is returned as a website corresponding to user controls 122 number "3" on navigation control unit 120 number "XXX12345".
- the website may be visibly labeled on the user control 122 or adjacent thereto for the user.
- the user control 122 number "3" is labeled "weather” and the redirection address corresponds to a website giving weather information.
- the redirection action takes place at the navigation server 125, such that the navigation control unit 120 is relatively dumb. Also, if the location of the desired website changes or if it is desired to substitute another website, then reprogramming is performed centrally at the navigation server 125.
- the navigation control unit 120 stores user specific information, and such information is delivered to the wireless web access device 110, for example, when accessing a particular predetermined website from one of the user controls 122. Additionally or alternatively, such user information is supplied from the navigation control unit 120 in response to an interrogation signal issued from the wireless web access device 110.
- navigation generally takes place using software controls within the device using the integral user controls 112.
- the navigation control unit 120 provides an external hardware controller to determine navigation of the wireless web access device 110. The navigation control unit 120 readily links to predetermined web sites that are of interest to the user.
- the user controls 122 may be tailored to the needs of each user, such as providing financial, travel, sports or any other information, by changing the central lookup table or personalization table at the navigation server 125.
- the unique identifier allows each navigation control unit to have a different response, based on the redirection addresses stored at the navigation server. Further information regarding the navigation server and operation of the system described herein may be found in U.S. Patent Application No. and , entitled
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2001293358A AU2001293358A1 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device |
EP01969059A EP1417597A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device |
US10/269,156 US20030083114A1 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2002-10-11 | Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device, such as a wireless web content access device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0009004.3 | 2000-04-13 | ||
GBGB0009004.3A GB0009004D0 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2000-04-13 | Navigation control unit for a wireless web access device |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/269,156 Continuation US20030083114A1 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2002-10-11 | Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device, such as a wireless web content access device |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001080090A2 true WO2001080090A2 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
WO2001080090A9 WO2001080090A9 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
WO2001080090A3 WO2001080090A3 (en) | 2004-02-26 |
Family
ID=9889762
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/012168 WO2001079979A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device, such as a wireless web content access device |
PCT/US2001/012165 WO2001079965A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Navigation server for use with, for example, a wireless web access device having a navigation control unit |
PCT/US2001/012166 WO2001080089A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Method and system for a internet navigation control unit for use with a wireless access device |
PCT/US2001/012167 WO2001080090A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device |
PCT/US2001/012183 WO2001080091A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-13 | Navigation server for use with a wireless web access device having a navigation control unit |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/012168 WO2001079979A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device, such as a wireless web content access device |
PCT/US2001/012165 WO2001079965A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Navigation server for use with, for example, a wireless web access device having a navigation control unit |
PCT/US2001/012166 WO2001080089A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-12 | Method and system for a internet navigation control unit for use with a wireless access device |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/012183 WO2001080091A2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2001-04-13 | Navigation server for use with a wireless web access device having a navigation control unit |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (4) | EP1410249A2 (en) |
AU (5) | AU2001253482A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB0009004D0 (en) |
WO (5) | WO2001079979A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2003247593A1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2003-12-31 | Wireless Ink, Llc | Method, apparatus and system for management of information content for enhanced accessibility over wireless communication networks |
GB0807590D0 (en) | 2008-04-25 | 2008-06-04 | Ominplug Technologies Ltd | Data synchronisation |
FR2956494B1 (en) * | 2010-02-18 | 2012-08-31 | Bouygues Telecom Sa | NAVIGATION AND LOCATION SUPPORT SYSTEM |
TWI456538B (en) * | 2011-07-28 | 2014-10-11 | Evermore Technology Inc | Method of providing contents for mobile computing device |
CN106294632B (en) * | 2016-08-02 | 2019-09-10 | 四川秘无痕科技有限责任公司 | A kind of extracting method for iPhone Baidu map guidance path |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0704788A2 (en) * | 1994-09-22 | 1996-04-03 | AT&T Corp. | Communication apparatus |
WO1996023251A1 (en) * | 1995-01-27 | 1996-08-01 | Khyber Technologies Corporation | Combination keyboard and cover for a handheld computer |
WO1999030311A1 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 1999-06-17 | Timex Corp. | Programmable computer pointing device |
WO2001016681A2 (en) * | 1999-05-20 | 2001-03-08 | Mysmart.Com, Inc. | Method and apparatus for providing simplified access to the internet |
WO2001018966A1 (en) * | 1999-09-07 | 2001-03-15 | Cirque Corporation | A miniature keyboard for a personal digital assistant and an integrated web browsing and data input device |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FI102868B1 (en) * | 1996-02-26 | 1999-02-26 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Terminal for use of telecommunications service |
WO1998003923A1 (en) * | 1996-07-21 | 1998-01-29 | Ernestine, Llc | World wide web bar code access system |
US5854624A (en) * | 1996-09-12 | 1998-12-29 | Innovative Device Technologies, Inc. | Pocket-sized user interface for internet browser terminals and the like |
SE523335C2 (en) * | 1998-07-03 | 2004-04-13 | Sendit Ab | Method and apparatus for accessing and retrieving information |
-
2000
- 2000-04-13 GB GBGB0009004.3A patent/GB0009004D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2001
- 2001-04-12 AU AU2001253482A patent/AU2001253482A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-04-12 AU AU2001255370A patent/AU2001255370A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-04-12 WO PCT/US2001/012168 patent/WO2001079979A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-04-12 WO PCT/US2001/012165 patent/WO2001079965A2/en active Application Filing
- 2001-04-12 AU AU2001293358A patent/AU2001293358A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-04-12 EP EP01928523A patent/EP1410249A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-04-12 AU AU2001255371A patent/AU2001255371A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-04-12 EP EP01926984A patent/EP1360574A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-04-12 WO PCT/US2001/012166 patent/WO2001080089A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-04-12 WO PCT/US2001/012167 patent/WO2001080090A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-04-12 EP EP01969059A patent/EP1417597A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-04-13 EP EP01928529A patent/EP1410250A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-04-13 WO PCT/US2001/012183 patent/WO2001080091A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-04-13 AU AU2001255377A patent/AU2001255377A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0704788A2 (en) * | 1994-09-22 | 1996-04-03 | AT&T Corp. | Communication apparatus |
WO1996023251A1 (en) * | 1995-01-27 | 1996-08-01 | Khyber Technologies Corporation | Combination keyboard and cover for a handheld computer |
WO1999030311A1 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 1999-06-17 | Timex Corp. | Programmable computer pointing device |
WO2001016681A2 (en) * | 1999-05-20 | 2001-03-08 | Mysmart.Com, Inc. | Method and apparatus for providing simplified access to the internet |
WO2001018966A1 (en) * | 1999-09-07 | 2001-03-15 | Cirque Corporation | A miniature keyboard for a personal digital assistant and an integrated web browsing and data input device |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
SCHULT T J: "COLORGANIZER" CT MAGAZIN FUER COMPUTER TECHNIK, VERLAG HEINZ HEISE GMBH., HANNOVER, DE, NR. 13, PAGE(S) 172-174,176-180 , XP000828974 ISSN: 0724-8679 the whole document * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2001080089A3 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
WO2001080090A3 (en) | 2004-02-26 |
AU2001255377A1 (en) | 2001-10-30 |
WO2001079979A2 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
WO2001080089A2 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
AU2001253482A1 (en) | 2001-10-30 |
AU2001255371A1 (en) | 2001-10-30 |
WO2001079979A3 (en) | 2002-04-04 |
AU2001255370A1 (en) | 2001-10-30 |
WO2001079965A2 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
EP1410249A2 (en) | 2004-04-21 |
WO2001080091A3 (en) | 2003-10-02 |
EP1410250A2 (en) | 2004-04-21 |
AU2001293358A1 (en) | 2001-10-30 |
WO2001080089A9 (en) | 2002-04-11 |
WO2001080090A9 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
GB0009004D0 (en) | 2000-05-31 |
WO2001080091A2 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
EP1417597A2 (en) | 2004-05-12 |
WO2001079965A3 (en) | 2003-02-06 |
EP1360574A2 (en) | 2003-11-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20030083114A1 (en) | Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device, such as a wireless web content access device | |
US7932892B2 (en) | Human interface input acceleration system | |
CN100440135C (en) | Subscriber device with adaptable user interface and method thereof | |
US20030095525A1 (en) | Navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device, such as a wireless web content access device | |
US8063880B2 (en) | Mobile device customizer | |
CN101326480A (en) | Human interface input acceleration system | |
US20030080996A1 (en) | Software for a navigation control unit for use with a wireless computer resource access device and associated system | |
WO2006019639A2 (en) | Using emoticons, such as for wireless devices | |
WO2003007117A2 (en) | Portable, hand-held electronic input device and combination with a personal digital device | |
WO2001018966A1 (en) | A miniature keyboard for a personal digital assistant and an integrated web browsing and data input device | |
EP1417597A2 (en) | Hardware configuration for a navigation control unit for a wireless computer resource access device | |
US20050119028A1 (en) | Miniature subscriber terminal and subscriber terminal set for radio system | |
KR100365853B1 (en) | Method for editing additional information of a portable communication terminal using a external input device | |
JP2002007246A (en) | Communication system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 10269156 Country of ref document: US |
|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: C2 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: C2 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
COP | Corrected version of pamphlet |
Free format text: PAGES 1/41-41/41, DRAWINGS, REPLACED BY NEW PAGES 1/41-41/41; DUE TO LATE TRANSMITTAL BY THE RECEIVING OFFICE |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2001969059 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 2001969059 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Ref document number: 2001969059 Country of ref document: EP |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: JP |