WO2001080529A2

WO2001080529A2 - Dynamic softkey for electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2001080529A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/010629
Authority: WO
Inventors: Samuel Lam
Original assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
Priority date: 2000-04-03
Filing date: 2001-04-02
Publication date: 2001-10-25
Also published as: WO2001080529A3; AU2001249778A1

Abstract

A softkey may be configured to provide choice between more than one function. Successive functions are automatically implemented in the softkey as indicated by the display to the user. If a displayed function is not selected by the user after a predetermined period of time, a next function is implemented in the softkey and displayed.

Description

DYNAMIC SOFTKEY FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for user input in electronic devices and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for providing softkey functions in an electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

In many electronic devices that allow user input for controlling the device, the user input is typically made by activating keys on a keypad. The particular functions or input function of a key, such as "call" to make a cellular call on a mobile telephone or the number "1" for data entry is usually indicated on or near the key or, in some cases, on a display located near the key. The latter case of the function being indicated on a display may sometimes be implemented in what is known as a softkey function.

A softkey may be used to control more than one function in an electronic device. An example of softkey use is the implementation of certain menu keys used in present day mobile telephones. A typical mobile telephone may have a pair of softkeys and a scroll key each positioned adjacent to a display, for example, in a row, with a softkey, the scroll key and another softkey positioned from left to right, close to the bottom of the display. The softkeys each perform the function that is displayed on the display immediately above the key. For example, when the mobile telephone is powered up, the function "menu" may be displayed in text over one of the softkeys and the function "names" may be displayed in text over the other of the softkeys. Pressing the softkey associated with names puts the user into a names function or the first level of the names function of the mobile telephone. Within the names and number function each of the softkeys may be assigned a new function at each level. For example, pressing the names softkey changes the functions displayed over the softkeys to "select" and "exit". If the user presses the select softkey, the next level of the names function, which has different softkey functions assigned, is displayed. If the exit softkey is pressed in the names function at this level, the softkey function is changed back to the menu and names functions. Similar softkey functions are assigned and changed if the user presses the menu softkey and the user moves through the functional levels of the menu function by pressing the appropriate softkey. A separate softkey is necessary for each softkey function that is to be available to a user at each level, and to select a softkey function that is not available at that level, it is necessary for the user to provide a key input or inputs to move to a level where the function is available and displayed for a softkey.

As technology advances, electronic devices become smaller. At the same time the sophistication of these devices increases and these devices are capable of more and more sophisticated functions. Examples of such technology advances include developments related to personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mobile telephones that are capable of browsing the web through wireless connections. PDAs and mobile telephones of this sort will require extensive use of softkey functions.

Also, as these electronic devices, particularly the portable electronic devices, become smaller it becomes necessary to provide smaller keypads. Smaller keypads are easier to implement when fewer keys are required. Also, there is a natural limitation on how small keys can be made on a keypad, requiring that these smaller keypads have fewer keys. If a device could be operated with fewer keys while still providing advanced functions, it may also be easier to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The invention provides a method and apparatus for dynamic softkey functions in an electronic device. A softkey may be configured to provide choice between more than one function at a softkey without requiring user input to move between functional display levels or display modes. Successive functions are automatically implemented in the softkey, and an indication of the function currently implemented in the softkey is output to a user. A user may select the currently implemented function to be activated, as indicated by the output to the user, through the softkey. If a function is not selected after a certain period of time, a next function is automatically implemented in the softkey and an indication of that function is output to the user. The functions available at a softkey may be successively cycled through until one is chosen or the user exits the functional display level or display mode. The method and apparatus allows implementation of softkey functions using fewer softkeys and provides the capability to customize menu functions by combining any number of functions and softkeys at different display levels or display modes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a mobile station into which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented;

FIGs. 2A-2C show views of an implementation of a mobile station that provides softkey functions according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGs. 3A-3D show views of an alternative implementation of a mobile station that provides softkey functions according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a software module depiction of an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGs. 5A-5C show a personal digital assistant (PDA) into which is implemented a stock trading function according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile station 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Generally, mobile station 1 includes receiver 10, transmitter 11 , and controller (which may also be known as a processor) 15 that is coupled to transmitter 11 and receiver 10. Processor 15 initiates the transmission of outgoing signals and processes incoming signals. These signals may include signaling information in accordance with the air interface of the applicable cellular or digital system, and also user speech and/or user generated data.

A user interface includes a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 12, tone generator 17, speaker 19, vibrate device 18 and user input device 14 comprising keypad 14a, all of which are coupled to processor 15. The input device may also comprise microphone 14b for generating input. Mobile station 1 also comprises timer 16 (also referred to as a clock chip) coupled to processor 15 for synchronizing the operations of processor 15 and tracking time.

Mobile station 1 also includes various memories, shown collectively as memory 13. Memory 13 includes a plurality of stored constants and variables that are used by processor 15 during the operation of mobile station 1. For example, memory 13 stores the values of the various feature parameters and the number assignment module (NAM). An operating program for controlling the operation of processor 15 is also stored in memory 13 (typically in a read only memory). Memory 13 is also used to store data provided by the user through the user interface. Furthermore, memory 13 is used to hold the subprograms or subprocesses for controlling the operation of mobile station 1 and carrying out the embodiment of the invention. The operating program in memory 13 includes routines for providing softkey functions according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIGs. 2A-2C, therein are shown views of an implementation of mobile station 1 that provides softkey functions according to an embodiment of the invention. Mobile station 1 includes a keypad 14a that includes scroll key 204, softkey 206 and softkey 202. Mobile station 1 also includes display 12. In FIGs. 2A-2C, an example stock trading feature is shown. The communication that is necessary between mobile station 1 and a cellular network to implement the trading feature may be implemented by using short messaging services (SMS) or by using a wireless application protocol (WAP) Internet browser. The embodiment of the invention allows use of a certain number of possible functions with a fewer number of softkeys without moving to another functional level or display mode. FIGs. 2A-2C illustrate how the embodiment of the invention may be implemented to allow use of three functions with two softkeys.

A user of mobile station 1 enters the program using appropriate commands and moves through the menu to the display shown in FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2A, the "enter symbol" text 218 is displayed above a box 210 outlined on display 12. The text "trade" 212 and the text "quote" 214 are displayed above softkeys 206 and 202, respectively, to define to the user the functions available at the two softkeys. The user may enter the text of a stock symbol in text box 210 as is shown in FIG. 2A. At this point, if the user hits softkey 206 a trade will be initiated, and if the user hits softkey 202 a quote on the displayed stock will be retrieved and displayed in box 210. However, according to the embodiment of the invention, softkey 202 has two functions implemented at this functional level or display mode of the stock trading feature. If no user input is received after a certain period of time determined by the operating program in memory 13, processor 15 will automatically change the function implemented for softkey 202 to the quit function of the stock trading feature. Processor 15 will then cause display 12 to appear as in FIG. 2B, with the text "quit" 220 displayed on display 12 over softkey 202. At this point, with the display as shown in FIG. 2B, if the user hits softkey 206 a trade will be initiated, and if the user hits softkey 202 processor 15 will quit the stock trading feature. However, if no user input is received after a certain period of time determined by the operating program in memory 13, processor 15 will automatically change the function implemented for softkey 202 from the quit function back to the quote function and quote will again be displayed above softkey 202 as shown in FIG. 2C.

The time period between changes of the softkey 202 function and displayed functional definition may be set depending on the desires of the designer implementing the feature in which the softkey is used. For example, a period of two to three seconds could be set as the period between function changes in the stock trading feature.

Referring now to FIGs. 3A-3D, therein are shown views of an alternative implementation of mobile station 1 that provides softkeys functions according to another embodiment of the invention. Mobile station 1 includes display 12 and keypad 14a that includes scroll key 304 and softkey 302. FIGs. 3A-3D show a softkey function that may be implemented in the normal window display of a mobile telephone. The function provides the capability to move from the normally displayed window to either the menu function or the names function using only one softkey. In a typical mobile telephone the text "menu" and the text "names" may be displayed above separate softkeys. Choosing the softkey associated with the appropriate text puts the mobile telephone into that function. In the embodiment of FIGs. 3A-3D, the text "menu" and the text "names" is alternately displayed above one softkey 302. As the text changes, the function implemented in softkey 302 is also automatically changed in accordance with the displayed text. FIG. 3A shows the appearance of display 12 while the mobile telephone is in normal mode of operation, after power up for example. In FIG. 3A the text "menu" 310 is displayed above softkey 302. The user may choose to activate the menu function during the time period when Menu is displayed by pressing softkey 302. The menu function will now be available to the user. If the user does not activate the menu function during and within a time period when "menu" is displayed, processor 15 will automatically change the function implemented in softkey 302 to the names function and the text "names" 312 will be displayed above softkey 302 as shown in FIG. 3B. If the user presses softkey 302 while "names" is displayed, the names function will be activated in mobile station 1 and the user will be allowed to choose various functions related to names stored in memory 13.

If a user does not enter input during a certain period of time while display 12 appears as in FIG. 3B, processor 15 will again automatically change the function implemented in softkey 302 back to the menu function and the text "menu" 310 will be displayed above softkey 302 as shown in FIG. 3C. The two-function softkey process will continue to automatically cycle back and forth between the functions. FIG. 3 D shows display 12 as it will again appear if the menu function is not chosen while the display appears as in FIG. 3C.

FIG. 4 shows a software module depiction of an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, software modules include softkey manager 402, softkey-1 -object 404a, softkey-m- object 404b, softkey- n-object 404f, application softkey (m+1) 406, application softkey (m+2) 408 and application softkey (m+3) 410. Softkey-n-object 404f implements three softkey functions. Softkey manager 402 informs softkey -n-object 404f that the device is in a browser application. The browser softkey labels may be stored in a circular list and will be displayed in a fashion such that the softkey (m+1 ) will be displayed for a duration of x seconds. After a timer expires, then softkey (m+2) will be displayed for a duration of x seconds. After the timer expires again, softkey (m+3) will be displayed for x seconds. The process then repeats.

The method and apparatus of the invention may be implemented in any type of electronic device. For example, FIGs. 5A-5C show a personal digital assistant (PDA) into which is implemented a stock trading function similar to the stock trading function illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2C. PDA 500 includes a display 502 and a keypad 510 including scroll key 504 and softkey 506. In the embodiment of FIGs. 5A-5C, softkey 506 has three softkey functions implemented at this level, and without input being received the device automatically switches the function implemented in softkey 506 through the succession of trade, quote and quit functions and displays the text "trade" 508, "quote" 514 and "quit" 516, over softkey 506, accordingly. When a user presses softkey 506, the function implemented in softkey 506 and displayed at that time will be activated.

As examples, the method and apparatus may also be implemented in electronic devices, such as calculators, GPS devices, landline telephones, computers, televisions, radios, remote control devices operating a television display, and other devices having softkey input and output capability. The output indication of softkey function may also be other than a visual display and may include, for example, audio output that indicates the softkey function as it changes. The input or softkey may also be other then a keypad and a softkey may include, for example, keys indicated on a touch screen. The method and apparatus may be realized by implementing any number of functions automatically and successively in any number of softkeys in any configuration to realize any combination and number of softkeys providing different functions in an electronic device. The timing of switching between different function implementations in a softkey may be variable.

Thus, while the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and scope may be made thereon without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for providing a softkey function in an electronic device, said method comprising the steps of:

implementing a first function in a softkey during a first period of time and outputting an indication of said first function during said first period of time; and

after said first period of time,

automatically implementing a second function in said softkey during a second period of time and outputting an indication of said second function during said second period of time.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises the steps of, after said second period of time, automatically implementing said first function in said softkey during a third period of time and outputting an indication of said first function during said third period of time.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises the steps of, after said second period of time, automatically implementing a third function in said softkey during a third period of time and outputting an indication of said third function during said third period of time.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of outputting an indication of said first function comprises displaying an indication of said first function in a visual display and the step of outputting an indication of said second function comprises displaying an indication of said second function in a visual display.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of outputting an indication of said first function comprises playing an indication of said first function at an audio output and the step of outputting an indication of said second function comprises playing an indication of said second function at an audio output.

6. A method for providing a softkey function in an electronic device, said method comprising the steps:

automatically implementing a succession of one of a plurality of functions in a softkey;

outputting an indication of said one of a plurality of functions that is currently implemented in each one of said softkey by said step of automatically implementing; and

receiving an input at said softkey and activating said one of a plurality of functions that is currently implemented in said softkey by said step of automatically implementing.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said step of outputting comprises displaying an indication of said one of a plurality of functions in a visual display.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein said step of outputting comprises playing an indication of said one of a plurality of functions at an audio output.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein said electronic device comprises a mobile phone.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein said electronic device comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA).

11. An apparatus for providing a softkey function in an electronic device, said apparatus comprising:

an input device, said input device including a softkey for receiving input;

an output device for providing output information from the electronic device; a processor coupled to said input device and said output device, said processor for implementing a first function to be activated by said softkey during a first period of time; and

outputting an indication of said first function at said output device during said first period of time, said processor further, after said first period of time, automatically implementing a second function to be activated by said softkey during a second period of time and outputting an indication of said second function at said output device during said second period of time.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said processor further, after said second period of time, automatically implements said first function to be activated by said softkey during a third period of time and outputs an indication of said first function at said output device during said third period of time.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said processor further, after said second period of time, automatically implements a third function to be activated by said softkey during a third period of time and outputs an indication of said third function at said output device during said third period of time.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said output device comprises a visual display, and said processor outputs an indication of said first function by displaying an indication of said first function in said visual display, and further outputs an indication of said second function by displaying an indication of said second function in said visual display.

15. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said output device comprises an audio output, and said processor outputs an indication of said first function by playing an indication of said first function at said audio output, and further outputs an indication of said second function by playing an indication of said second function at said audio output.

16. An apparatus for providing a softkey function in an electronic device, said apparatus comprising:

an input device, said input device including a softkey for receiving input;

an output device for providing output information from the electronic device;

a processor coupled to said input device and said output device, said processor for automatically implementing a succession of one of a plurality of functions to be activated by said softkey and outputting an indication of said one of a plurality of functions that is currently implemented in said softkey at said output device;

said processor, further, for receiving an input from said softkey of said input device and activating said one of a plurality of functions that is currently implemented in said softkey..

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said output device comprises a visual display, and said processor outputs an indication of said one of a plurality of functions that is currently implemented in said softkey by displaying an indication of said first function in said visual display.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said output device comprises an audio output, and said processor outputs an indication of said one of a plurality of functions that is currently implemented in said softkey by playing an indication of said first function at said audio output.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said electronic device comprises a mobile phone.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said electronic device comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA).