Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Controlling the condition of display elements
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-27
2001-05-15
dela Torre, Crescelle N. (Department: 2173)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Controlling the condition of display elements
C345S182000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06232969
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for composing or editing a string of characters representing information, such as for use in a device for wireless exchange of text messages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a portable device for receiving and transmitting text messages, a problem arises when the device is pocket sized, since, due to its small size, it cannot conveniently accommodate both a multi-line display and a full alphabetic keyboard.
An attempt has been made to solve this problem by providing a display divided into two areas, being a message area, which shows a portion of the message being composed or edited, and a character selection area, which displays a list of characters for use in composing or editing the message. A set of keys is provided for moving a cursor within the selection area in order to select a required character which then appears in the message area. By moving the cursor from character to character, the user can compose a complete message. However, this method is tedious and slow. It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus by which messages can be composed or edited, not only more effortlessly but also significantly faster.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a device for composing or editing a string of characters representing information, comprising a character string display for displaying a character string being composed or edited; a character selection display for displaying a set of characters for use in composing or editing the character string; means for activating the character selection display to display the character set in a display area in which at least some of the individual characters of the set are arranged relative to a designated location in the display area at distances according to decreasing frequency of use; means for displaying a cursor in the character selection display area; means for moving the cursor from one character to another in the character selection display for indicating a desired character to be selected; means for effecting selection of said desired character; means for automatically moving the cursor to said designated location after the selection of a desired character has been effected.
A selected number of characters that are most likely to be frequently used may be arranged in close proximity to said designated location. The designated location may be occupied by a character having the highest frequency of use.
The device may further comprise a receiver for receiving a character string from a remote location and means for displaying said received string in the character string display. The device may also comprise a transmitter for sending a character string to a remote location. The character string may comprise a text message.
The display area may have a centre and the designated location may comprise the centre of the display area or it may be located in proximity to the centre.
Also according to the invention there is provided a device for composing or editing a string of characters representing information, comprising a character string display for displaying a character string being composed or edited; a character selection display for displaying a set of characters for use in composing or editing the character string; means for activating the character selection display to display the character set in a display area contained within a boundary; means for displaying a cursor in the character selection display area; means for moving the cursor within the character selection display area for selecting characters to be included in the character string being composed or edited; means for resisting attempted movement of the cursor over the boundary of the character selection display area; and means for switching the character selection display from one predetermined character set to another responsive to attempted movement of the cursor in a predetermined direction over said boundary.
Also according to the invention there is provided a device for composing or editing a string of characters representing information, comprising a character string display for displaying a character string being composed or edited; a character selection display for displaying a set of characters for use in composing or editing the character string; means for activating the character selection display to display the character set in a display area contained within a boundary; means for displaying a cursor in the character selection display area; means for moving the cursor within the character selection display area for selecting characters to be included in the character string being composed or edited; means for resisting attempted movement of the cursor over the boundary of the character selection display area; and means for automatically deleting a predetermined character in the character string responsive to attempted movement of the cursor in a predetermined direction over said boundary.
Also according to the invention there is provided a method of composing or editing a string of characters representing information, comprising the steps of activating a character selection display to display a set of characters for use in composing or editing the character string in a display area in which the individual characters of the set are arranged relative to a designated location in the display area at distances according to decreasing frequency of use; displaying a cursor in the display area; moving the cursor to a desired character; activating a selector for selecting the desired character indicated by the cursor for including the desired character in the character string being composed or edited; and effecting an automatic movement of the cursor to said designated location substantially immediately after the selection of the desired character.
Also according to the invention there is provided a method of composing or editing a string of characters representing information, comprising the steps of activating a character selection display to display a set of characters for use in composing or editing the character string in a display area contained within a boundary; displaying a cursor in the display area for selecting characters from the character set to be included in the character string being composed or edited; resisting attempted movement of the cursor over the boundary of the character selection display area; and effecting an automatic switching of the character selection display from one predetermined character set to another responsive to attempted movement of the cursor in a predetermined direction over said boundary.
Also according to the invention there is provided a method of composing or editing a string of characters representing information, comprising the steps of activating a character selection display to display a set of characters for use in composing or editing the character string in a display area contained within a boundary; displaying a cursor in the display area for selecting characters from the character set to be included in the character string being composed or edited; resisting attempted movement of the cursor over the boundary of the character selection display area; and effecting an automatic deletion of a predetermined character in the character string responsive to attempted movement of the cursor in a predetermined direction over said boundary.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention below.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5128672 (1992-07-01), Kaehler
patent: 5430436 (1995-07-01), Fennell
patent: 5479536 (1995-12-01), Comerford
patent: 5574482 (1996-11-01), Niemeier
patent: 5748512 (1998-05-01), Vargas
Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
dela Torre Crescelle N.
Glenayre Electronics, Inc.
LandOfFree
Device for composing or editing a string of characters does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for composing or editing a string of characters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for composing or editing a string of characters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2524858