US7002553B2 — Active keyboard system for handheld electronic de…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 224 words

An active keyboard system comprising: a processor; a memory communicatively connected to the processor; a display communicatively connected to the processor; input means for inputting data into said system, said input means including at least one selector, and a plurality of keys, one of said at least one selector being a set of at least one movement sensor configured to sense motion in different dimensions; and active keyboard system software stored on the memory, said active keyboard system software being configured to dynamically present available choices on the display grouped to effect unambiguous selection of the available choices through use of said input means; said active keyboard system software, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to carry out steps comprising: creating a grid of value boxes organized into a plurality of vertical columns and horizontal rows; enabling a user (1), by using the at least one selector, to select a group of value boxes, and (2), by using the plurality of keys, to select one value from the value boxes from the selected group of value boxes and inputting the value into the memory; processing data from the set of at least one movement sensor caused by rotational change in position of the system; and moving around the grid of value boxes based on processed data from the at least one selector.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 224 words

An active keyboard system comprising: a processor; a memory communicatively connected to the processor; a display communicatively connected to the processor; input means for inputting data into said system, said input means including at least one selector, and a plurality of keys, one of said at least one selector being a set of at least one movement sensor configured to sense motion in different dimensions; and active keyboard system software stored on the memory, said active keyboard system software being configured to dynamically present available choices on the display grouped to effect unambiguous selection of the available choices through use of said input means; said active keyboard system software, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to carry out steps comprising: creating a grid of value boxes organized into a plurality of vertical columns and horizontal rows; enabling a user (1), by using the at least one selector, to select a group of value boxes, and (2), by using the plurality of keys, to select one value from the value boxes from the selected group of value boxes and inputting the value into the memory; processing data from the set of at least one movement sensor caused by rotational change in position of the system; and moving around the grid of value boxes based on processed data from the at least one selector.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 25 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of keys is configured to be operated by fingers without obstructing the display.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 47 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein one of said at least one selector is a wheel, a track ball, a joystick, a rocker pad, a touch pad, a selector switch, a toggle switch, a key button, an N-state button, or an N-state selector.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 38 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said one of said at least one selector is at least two sets of movement sensors configured to filter out effects of external forces applied to said system.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 50 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 4 , wherein said at least two sets of movement sensors are configured to filter out effects of external forces applied to said system by aligning a sensitivity axis of a second set of movement sensors to a first set of movement sensors.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 20 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one selector is at least two selectors.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 30 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said system is configured for ambidextrous use by providing partial or full duplication of said input means on said system.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 31 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said system is configured for ambidextrous use by allowing a user to rotate, reattach, slide, or move parts of said system.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 20 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of keys are configured to inhibit unintentional engagement.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 42 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said system is configured as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a global positioning receiving device, a remote control, a computer mouse, a pager, a walkie-talkie, a scanner, or a multi-meter.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 36 words

An active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein some or all components of said system are configured as a sleeve to operatively attach to and be used in combination with a handheld electronic device.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 47 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 11 , in combination with a handheld electronic device, said device being configured as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a global positioning receiving device, a remote control, computer mouse, a pager, a walkie-talkie, a scanner, or a multi-meter.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 29 words

An active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said system is configured to effect browsing on the Internet, or to work with applications with a single selector.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 28 words

An active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said system is configured to effect browsing on the Internet, or to work with applications utilizing two selectors.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 21 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 1 , wherein said active keyboard system software comprises presentation code and filter code.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 26 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said presentation code displays a selection pointer controlled by one of said at least one selector.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 41 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 16 , wherein said filter code comprises step motion code configured to translate user intentions into precise movement of the selection pointer over a grid, and to allow readjustment of the system between steps.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 22 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said presentation code comprises step or scroll resolution code to enable scrolling.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 26 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said presentation code comprises application adapter code to translate transactions between application code and presentation code.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 41 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said presentation code comprises sound code to provide an audio announcement for a selected choice, a confirmation for completion of an action, and an alarm for failure to complete an action.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 23 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said presentation code comprises feedback code to enhance user interaction with the system.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 24 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said filter code is configured to separate intentional user input from accidental user motion.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 27 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said filter code comprises external forces filter code to separate user input from effects of external forces.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 29 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said filter code comprises sliding zero code to allow a user to change a position while operating the system.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 26 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said filter code comprises adaptive threshold code to optimize operator interaction with the system via feedback.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 22 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said filter code comprises calibration code to effect user and application preferences.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 23 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 26 , wherein said single selector is configured and positioned to be operated by a thumb.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 33 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 15 , wherein said presentation code comprises grid presentation code to organize available choices on a visual grid and provide the visual grid to the display.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 21 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 28 , wherein said grid presentation code configures the visual grid with plural panes.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 21 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 28 , wherein said grid presentation code configures the visual grid with three panes.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 52 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 28 , wherein said visual grid comprises a plurality of cells and said grid presentation code comprises grid population code to populate each of said plurality of cells with an alphanumeric character, a symbol, a music note, an icon, text, an ideogram, or a logogram.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 35 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 28 , wherein said grid presentation code configures the visual grid with at least one pane as a matrix with a plurality of columns and plurality of rows.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 29 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 32 , wherein said grid presentation code configures said at least one pane as a matrix with three columns and four rows.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 31 words

The active keyboard system according to claim 32 , wherein said grid presentation code configures said at least one pane as a matrix with one column and a plurality of rows.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 123 words

An active keyboard system comprising: a processor; a memory communicatively connected to the processor; a display communicatively connected to the processor; input means for inputting data into said system, said input means including at least two sets of movement sensors positioned to sense motion in different dimensions; and active keyboard system software stored on the memory, said active keyboard system software, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to carry out steps comprising: processing data from at least two movement sensors caused by rotational change in position of the system, and filtering out interference from external forces and undesirable user movements; and comparing signals from at least two sets of movement sensors and canceling interference from external forces and undesirable user movements.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 123 words

An active keyboard system comprising: a processor; a memory communicatively connected to the processor; a display communicatively connected to the processor; input means for inputting data into said system, said input means including at least two sets of movement sensors positioned to sense motion in different dimensions; and active keyboard system software stored on the memory, said active keyboard system software, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to carry out steps comprising: processing data from at least two movement sensors caused by rotational change in position of the system, and filtering out interference from external forces and undesirable user movements; and comparing signals from at least two sets of movement sensors and canceling interference from external forces and undesirable user movements.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 266 words

An active keyboard system configured for ambidextrous use, said active keyboard system comprising: a processor; a memory communicatively connected to the processor; a display communicatively connected to the processor; first input means for inputting data into said system, said first input means including at least one first selector, and a first plurality of keys, one of said at least a first selector being a set of at least one movement sensor configured to sense motion in different dimensions; second input means for inputting data into said system, said second input means including at least one second selector, and a second plurality of keys, one of said at least a second selector being a set of at least one movement sensor configured to sense motion in different dimensions, said second input means being a partial or full duplication of said first input means to configure said active keyboard system for ambidextrous use; and active keyboard system software stored on the memory, said active keyboard system software being configured to dynamically present available choices on the display grouped to effect unambiguous selection of the available choices through use of said input means; said active keyboard system software, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to carry out steps comprising: enabling a user (1), by using one of the at least one first selector and at least one second selector, to select a group of value boxes, and (2), by using the first or second plurality of keys, to select a value contained within one value box from the selected group and inputting the value into the memory.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 266 words

An active keyboard system configured for ambidextrous use, said active keyboard system comprising: a processor; a memory communicatively connected to the processor; a display communicatively connected to the processor; first input means for inputting data into said system, said first input means including at least one first selector, and a first plurality of keys, one of said at least a first selector being a set of at least one movement sensor configured to sense motion in different dimensions; second input means for inputting data into said system, said second input means including at least one second selector, and a second plurality of keys, one of said at least a second selector being a set of at least one movement sensor configured to sense motion in different dimensions, said second input means being a partial or full duplication of said first input means to configure said active keyboard system for ambidextrous use; and active keyboard system software stored on the memory, said active keyboard system software being configured to dynamically present available choices on the display grouped to effect unambiguous selection of the available choices through use of said input means; said active keyboard system software, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to carry out steps comprising: enabling a user (1), by using one of the at least one first selector and at least one second selector, to select a group of value boxes, and (2), by using the first or second plurality of keys, to select a value contained within one value box from the selected group and inputting the value into the memory.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2009-02-20	2009-08-22	2010-02-21	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2013-02-20	2013-08-22	2014-02-21	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2017-02-20	2017-08-22	2018-02-21	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Active keyboard system for handheld electronic devices

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