The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 09, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 03, 1999
John F. Pavley, Cupertino, CA (US);
Eric C. Anderson, San Jose, CA (US);
FlashPoint Technology, Inc., Peterborough, NH (US);
Abstract
A method and system for implementing an efficient alphanumeric text entry interface for a portable digital electronic device. A first entry area and a second entry area are generated for display on the incorporated display screen of a digital electronic device. The first and second areas are configured to display alphanumeric characters. A cursor is generated for selecting from among the various alphanumeric characters displayed in the first area and the second area. The cursor is operable to highlight a currently selected alphanumeric character such that the currently selected alphanumeric character is visible and easily distinguishable to the user. The movement of the cursor is controlled with the four way controller built into the digital electronic device. The four way controller is adapted for easy actuation by the user, wherein its movements are coordinated with the movement of the cursor on the display. The user controls the movement of the cursor among the alphanumeric characters within the first area and second area and controls the movement of the cursor between the first area and second area. A persistent selection highlight is generated for an alphanumeric character previously selected by the cursor, such that as the cursor is moved between the first area and second area, the previously selected alphanumeric character remains visible to the user. The user is able to selectively process the currently selected alphanumeric character or the previously selected alphanumeric character in accordance with the user's actuation of an input control built into the digital electronic device.