Multipurpose Navigation Keys For An Electronic Device

a multi-purpose, electronic device technology, applied in the direction of two-way working systems, instruments, data recording, etc., can solve the problems of limited keys space on portable imaging devices, unfavorable user experience, and often unexpected user events of navigation controller keys, so as to reduce user errors and save space on navigation controller-equipped devices

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-09-20
SCENERA TECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution allows users to select objects without moving their finger from the last navigation key pressed, reducing user errors and saving space on the device by combining navigation and select functions into a single controller.

Problems solved by technology

First, space for keys is limited on portable imaging devices.
The user must find and press the right key in the correct sequence, which given the small keys on many portable devices due to miniaturization, is not always an easy task.
Users of devices with navigation controller keys often get unexpected results from pressing an undesired portion of the navigation controller key 18.
The most typical error is when the user presses a navigation key when intending to press the selection key 20 to initiate the selection function.

Method used

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  • Multipurpose Navigation Keys For An Electronic Device
  • Multipurpose Navigation Keys For An Electronic Device
  • Multipurpose Navigation Keys For An Electronic Device

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0014] The present invention relates to implementing of navigation and select functions on a portable electronic device. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0015] The present inventions provides an improved method and apparatus for implementing navigation and select functions on a portable electronic imaging device by providing a multipurpose navigation controller that performs both navigation and select functions.

[0016]FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating hardware user interface embod...

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for multipurpose navigation in a portable electronic device are described. According to an exemplary embodiment, a portable electronic imaging device is described including a display screen for displaying objects including at least one of digital still images, video clips, menu items, and icons. The device also includes a navigation controller comprising navigation keys for allowing a user to navigate between the displayed objects by pressing a portion of the navigation controller corresponding to a navigation key last pressed to navigate between the displayed objects, wherein the device is configured to allow the user to select a currently displayed object without moving a finger from the portion of the navigation controller corresponding to the navigation key last pressed to navigate between the displayed objects, thereby implementing navigation and select functions on a single portion of the controller.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 869,733, filed Jun. 16, 2004, titled “Multipurpose Navigation Keys For An Electronic Imaging Device,” (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,307, issued May 22, 2007), which is commonly owned with this application and is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to portable electronic imaging devices, including digital cameras and cell phones, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for implementing navigation and select functions using a multipurpose navigation key. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Portable electronic imaging devices capable of displaying digital images and video are commonplace today. Examples of such devices include digital cameras, camera-enabled cell phones, MP3 players, and personal digital assistants (PDAs), for instance. FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustratin...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G09G5/00G06F3/048G11B27/00H04N7/173
CPCG06F3/04842G06F3/04892G06F3/0489G06F3/0485
InventorMORRIS, ROBERT P.SULLIVAN, STEPHEN G.
OwnerSCENERA TECH