WO2008076025A1

WO2008076025A1 - Electronic apparatus with input interface

Info

Publication number: WO2008076025A1
Application number: PCT/SE2006/050602
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mattias HEMSTRÖM
Original assignee: TerraNet AB
Current assignee: TerraNet AB
Priority date: 2006-12-20
Filing date: 2006-12-20
Publication date: 2008-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2009-06-20

Abstract

An electronic apparatus, comprising an input interface including a first, a second and a third input device; and a graphical output interface for presenting a plurality of menus. The first, the second and the third input device are arranged to at least enable navigation in a first and a second direction between menus of the graphical user interface, selection of selectable items presented in at least one of said menus, and reversion to a first menu from a second menu of the graphical user interface.

Description

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS WITH INPUT INTERFACE

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus comprising a graphical output interface and an input interface for navigation within menus of the graphical output interface.

Description of Related Art An electronic apparatus may comprise a graphical output interface, which includes a display and software for presenting menus on the display. In each menu, selectable items may be presented. To enable a user of the electronic apparatus to navigate within the menus, an input interface, such as a keypad with a plurality of keys and/or a joystick may be provided. To navigate within the menus, a first and a second directional key may be provided. Furthermore, by selecting an item presented in a menu, a certain function may e.g. be initiated. Activation of a selection key may enable the selection of the selectable item. Also, a reversion key may enable reversion to a first menu from a second menu. Consequently, to effectively navigate within the output interface, at least four input devices are needed at the best. Often, additional navigational keys are provided to navigate within the output interface. The more input devices that are provided for the navigation, the more complex the input interface tend to be. Also, each additional input device may add cost, and reduce reliability, which may lead to increased warranty costs . The input interface may be positioned at the same side of the electronic apparatus as a display of the graphical output interface, such as a conventional mobile telephone. With this solution, it is intended that the user should hold the electronic apparatus in one hand, and navigate within the graphical output interface using the fingers of his other hand. Thus, this solution requires two-hand operation, which may be inconvenient in certain situations. Also, the space provided for the input interface may be scarce, wherein each input device may be small in size, which makes each input device difficult to operate .

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an electronic apparatus having an input interface which is easy to use.

According to a first aspect, an electronic apparatus comprises an input interface including a first, a second and a third input device, and a graphical output interface for presenting a plurality of menus. The first, the second and the third input device are arranged to at least enable navigation in a first and a second direction between menus of the graphical user interface, selection of selectable items presented in at least one of said menus, and reversion to a first menu from a second menu of the graphical user interface.

The first, the second, and the third input devices may be positioned at a first half of a housing of the electronic apparatus . The first input device may be positioned at a first surface of a housing of the electronic apparatus, the second input device may be positioned at a second surface, which is opposing the first surface, of the housing, and the third input device may be positioned at a third surface, which is positioned between the first and the second surfaces, of the housing.

The first and second input devices may be arranged to enable selection of a selectable item presented in a menu of the graphical user interface upon substantially simultaneous activation of said first and second input devices .

The third input device may be arranged to enable reversion to the first menu from the second menu upon activation thereof.

At least one of the first, the second, and the third input device may comprise a biometric sensor.

The input interface may consist of the first, the second, and the third input device. Each of the first, the second and the third input device may be a pressure sensitive input device.

The second menu may be a submenu of the first menu.

The electronic apparatus may be a portable or handheld mobile radio communication equipment, a mobile radio terminal, a mobile telephone, a pager, a communicator, an electronic organizer, a smartphone, a media player, a camera, or a positioning apparatus.

Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims . It is an advantage of the invention that the electronic apparatus may be operated using only a first, second and a third input device, which makes the electronic apparatus easy to use.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Ia is a front-view of the electronic apparatus;

Fig. Ib is a side-view of the electronic apparatus;

Fig. Ic is a side-view of the electronic apparatus;

Fig. Id is a top-view of the electronic apparatus; Fig. 2 is block-diagram of the electronic apparatus; and

Fig. 3 is a navigational-diagram illustrating navigation within menus of the graphical output interface.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Figs. la-Id illustrate an electronic apparatus 1 comprising an input interface and a graphical output interface. The electronic apparatus 1 may e.g. be a portable or handheld mobile radio communication equipment, a mobile radio terminal, a mobile telephone, a pager, a communicator, an electronic organizer, a smartphone, a media player, a camera, or a positioning apparatus.

The input interface may be used to navigate within the graphical output interface. The input interface comprises a first input device 11, a second input device 12, and a third input device 13.

The graphical output interface may comprise a display 20, and a controller 21 (Fig. 2), such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) . A memory 22 may store software code portions, e.g. for menus to be presented on the display 20.

At least one of the menus may comprise a selectable item for a function of the electronic apparatus 1. By selecting the selectable item, the function may be initiated. Alternatively, the selectable item is an answer, such as a "yes" or "no", to a question presented within a menu .

In one embodiment, it is possible to navigate within the menus using only the first, the second and the third input devices 11, 12, 13. Consequently, the electronic apparatus 1 may be operated using only the first, the second and the third input devices 11, 12, 13.

In one embodiment, the input interface consists of only the first, the second and the third input devices 11, 12, 13.

In another embodiment, the input interface comprises additional input devices . The additional input devices may be used for specific functions, such as volume control.

The input devices 11, 12, 13 may be pressure sensitive input devices, such as press buttons.

Alternatively, the input devices may be touch sensitive input devices .

In one embodiment, at least one of the input devices

11, 12, 13 comprises a biometric sensor. This is an advantage, as it may be controlled that the user is authorized to select a certain function by comparing the fingerprint of the user to at least one fingerprint stored in the memory 22. The control may be carried out by controller 21. The graphical user interface may comprise a plurality of menus and/or submenus. Each menu may comprise one or several levels. Furthermore, each menu may comprise one or several selectable items, which the user may select to e.g. initiate a certain function, make a choice or answer a question.

The first, the second and the third input devices 11,

12, 13 are arranged to enable navigation in a first and a second direction between menus of the graphical user interface. Also, the first, the second and the third input devices 11, 12, 13 are arranged to enable selection of selectable items presented in at least one of said menus . Furthermore, the first, the second and the third input devices 11, 12, 13 are arranged to enable reversion to a first menu from a second menu of the graphical user interface. The second menu may be a submenu of the first menu. Any combination of the first, the second and the third input devices 11, 12, 13 may be used to enable said functions, i.e. two input devices, e.g. input device 11 and 12, may enable navigation in a first and a second direction; two input devices, e.g. input device 11 and 12, may enable selection of selectable items; and a single input device, e.g. input device 13, may enable the reversion to a first from a second menu.

The first, the second, and the third input devices 11, 12, 13 may be positioned at a first half of a housing 23 of the electronic apparatus. The first half may be the upper half of the electronic apparatus 1, when said apparatus 1 is hold for use in the palm of a user. Positioning the input devices 11, 12, 13 at the first half of the electronic apparatus 1 has the advantage that it enables the user to hold the electronic apparatus 1 in a steady one-hand grip. In another embodiment, the input devices 11, 12, 13 are positioned at least partly within the second half of the housing 23. The display 20 may be positioned at the first half of the housing of the electronic apparatus 1.

The first input device 11 may be positioned at a first surface of the housing 23 of the electronic apparatus 1. The second input device 12 may be positioned at a second surface, which is opposing the first surface, of the housing 23. The first and the second input devices 11, 12 may be positioned at an end portion of the first and the second surface, respectively. The end portion may be a top portion when the electronic apparatus 1 is hold in the palm of a user.

The third input device 13 may be positioned at a third surface, which is positioned between the first and the second surface, of the housing 23. The third input device 13 may be positioned anywhere at the third surface, e.g. at the center or at any of the ends of the third surface .

By arranging the first, the second and the third input device 11, 12, 13 on the first, the second and the third surface, respectively, a grip for one-hand operation may be enabled.

The first, second, and third surface may be surfaces, which are different from a surface at which the display 20 is positioned. Thus, the display will not be covered by the hand of the user when the electronic apparatus 1 is operated.

The first surface may be substantially parallel with the second surface. Alternatively, the first and the second surfaces are arranged with an angle between their respective areas of extension. In a right-hand grip, the thumb may be used for activating the first input device 11, the middle finger may be used for activating the second input device 12, and the index finger may be used for activating the third input device 13. Arranging the first, the second and the third input devices 11, 12, 13 on the first, second and the third surfaces, respectively, has the advantage that it enables a steady one-hand grip as well the possibility to conveniently use all three input devices without moving any finger or the grip. This may be useful in any situation. However, in demanding situations, such as a shaking and/or dark environment, or if gloves are required, it is an advantage if stable one-hand operation is provided. The one-hand operation makes the electronic apparatus easy to use. The first and the second input devices 11, 12 may be arranged to enable selection of a selectable item presented in a menu of the graphical user interface upon substantially simultaneous activation of said first and second input devices 11, 12. If the first and the second input devices 11, 12 are both activated within a predetermined time period, a signal may be generated. The signal may indicate a selection of a selectable item within the menu currently presented within the display 20. The signal may be generated by closing a circuit when the first and the second input devices 11, 12 are activated. The predetermined time period may e.g. be in the range of 0-0.5 seconds. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the predetermined time periods is different, such as 0-1 second, which may be tested and evaluated for each implementation. If the first and the second input devices are not activated substantially simultaneously, activation of each of them are interpreted as activation of each of them in sequence for directional navigation.

The third input device 13 may be arranged to enable reversion to a first menu from a second menu upon activation of the third input device 13. The third input device 13 may close a circuit when it is activated, which generates a signal that is detectable by the controller 21. The second menu may currently be presented within the display 20 when it is desired to revert to the first menu. The third input device 13 may also be used for canceling selected items and functions .

Fig. 3 illustrates navigation within menus and submenus of the graphical output interface. Activation of the input devices 11, 12, 13 in Fig. 3 is illustrated with black arrows. The electronic apparatus may comprise a key lock, which may be unlocked by activating any of the input devices 11, 12, 13 or any combination thereof. When the key lock is enabled and/or the communication apparatus is in a stand-by mode, a first picture (Picture 1) may be displayed. The first picture may e.g. be an operator name, a screen-saver, an image, or a just blank screen. When the key lock has been disabled, a second picture (Picture 2) may be displayed. The second picture may comprise a question whether it is desired to disable the key-lock. The question may be answered by activating the first and the second input devices 11, 12 substantially simultaneously. A menu mode or a first level of menus (Level 1) , wherein a plurality of menus may be displayed, may be entered by activating the first and the second input devices 11, 12 substantially simultaneously when the second picture is displayed. In the menu mode, a plurality of menus, such as menu A, menu B, and menu C, may be displayed one at the time. The menus of level 1 may be menus that are not interrelated. Initially, menu A may be displayed. Menu B may be displayed by activating the first input device 11 when menu A is displayed. Alternatively, menu B may be displayed by activating the second input device 12 when menu C is displayed. Menu C may be displayed by activating the second input device 12 when menu A is displayed.

Alternatively, menu C may be displayed by activating the first input device 11 when menu B is displayed. Thus, navigation in any direction may be made within the same level of menus. For example, menu A may be a voice communication menu, menu B may be a text communication menu, and menu C may be a settings menu.

A second level of menus (Level 2), or submenus of any of the menus of the first level, may be entered by substantially simultaneously activating the first and the second input devices 11, 12 when a menu of level 1, which has associated sub-menus in level 2, is presented. The menus of the second level may be interrelated. For example, each menu of level 2 may be a submenu to a menu of level 1. The interrelated menus of level 2 may form a set of submenus. Thus a plurality of sets of submenus may be provided. The menus of each set of submenus may be interrelated and be associated with a specific menu of level 1. Within each menu of the second level of menus, a plurality of selectable items may be presented on the display. One item may be presented in a single menu. The item may e.g. be a selectable function. Function 1 may be presented within menu A, level 2. Function 2 may be presented in menu A, level 2. Function 3 may be presented in menu A, level 2, etc. Any number of functions and menus may be provided. Navigation between the functions is enabled by activation of the first and/or the second input devices 11, 12. The menu presenting function 2 may be displayed by activating the first input device 11 when menu A, level 2, function 1 is displayed. Alternatively, the menu presenting function 2 may be displayed by activating the second input device 12 when menu A, level 2, function 3 is displayed. The menu presenting function 3 may be displayed by activating the second input device 12 when menu A, level 2, function 1 is displayed. Alternatively, the menu presenting function 3 may be displayed by activating the first input device 11 when menu A, level 2, function 2 is displayed. Each function may be selected by activating the first and the second input devices 11, 12 substantially simultaneously. Consequently, it is possible to navigate in opposite directions within the menus and between different levels of menus within the graphical output interface. For example, the menus of the second level may be menus for voice communication, wherein function 1 may be a call function, function 2 may be a call list function, and function 3 may be a phone book function.

To revert to a first menu from a second menu, the third output device 13 may be activated. The first menu may be a menu of the first level (Level 1) . The second menu may be a menu within the second level (Level 2) . Alternatively, the first and the second menus are within the same level. The first menu may be the menu that was displayed prior to displaying of the second menu, which is currently displayed when the third input device 13 is activated.

The menus of the first level (Level 1) and/or the menus of the second level (Level 2) may be arranged in a loop. Thus, irrespective of the direction in which navigation between menus is made, it is possible to revert to an initial or previous menu by navigation in any direction. It is an advantage of the invention that the number of input devices necessary to navigate within the graphical output interface is limited. Thus, the electronic apparatus 1 has a simple design and reduced complexity, which makes it easy to use. Also, with reduced number of input devices, the production cost may be reduced. Fewer input devices may also improve reliability and reduce warranty costs. Furthermore, if it is desired to provide a small electronic apparatus, the number of input devices may be a crucial factor. The less number of input devices the smaller the electronic apparatus 1 may be made.

At least portions of the invention may be embedded in a computer program product, which enables implementation of a method for navigating between menus of the graphical interface, and functions described herein. The invention may be carried out when the computer program product is loaded and run in a system having computer capabilities, such as controller 21. Computer program, software program, program product, or software, in the present context mean any expression, in any programming language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having a processing capability to perform a particular function directly or after conversion to another language, code or notation.

The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above described are equally possible within the scope of the invention. The different features of the invention may be combined in other combinations than those described. The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims .

Claims

1. An electronic apparatus (1), comprising an input interface consists of a first, a second and a third input device (11, 12, 13); and a graphical output interface for presenting a plurality of menus; wherein the first, the second and the third input devices (11, 12, 13) are arranged to at least enable navigation in a first and a second direction between menus of the graphical user interface, selection of selectable items presented in at least one of said menus, and reversion to a first menu from a second menu of the graphical user interface; and wherein the first input device (11) is positioned at a first surface of a housing of the electronic apparatus, the second input device (12) is positioned at a second surface, which is opposing the first surface, of the housing, and the third input device (13) is positioned at a third surface, which is positioned between the first and the second surface, of the housing (23) for enabling a steady one-hand grip as well as the possibility to conveniently use all three input devices without changing the grip.

2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first, the second, and the third input devices

(11, 12, 13) are positioned at a first half of a housing (23) of the electronic apparatus (1) .

3. The electronic apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first and second input devices (11, 12) are arranged to enable selection of a selectable item presented in a menu of the graphical user interface upon substantially simultaneous activation of said first and second input devices .

4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the third input device (13) is arranged to enable reversion to the first menu from the second menu upon activation thereof.

5. The electronic apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the first, the second, and the third input device (11, 12, 13) comprise a biometric sensor.

6. The electronic apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein each of the first, the second and the third input device (11, 12, 13) is a pressure sensitive input device.

7. The electronic apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the second menu is a submenu of the first menu.

8. The electronic apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the electronic apparatus is a portable or handheld mobile radio communication equipment, a mobile radio terminal, a mobile telephone, a pager, a communicator, an electronic organizer, a smartphone, a media player, a camera, or a positioning apparatus.