WO2004017188A1

WO2004017188A1 - Small device with improved interface

Info

Publication number: WO2004017188A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/001154
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Dinn
Original assignee: Besdi Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2002-08-14
Filing date: 2002-08-26
Publication date: 2004-02-26
Also published as: AU2002950801A0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a small computing device with an improved interface. The interface including a screen extending lengthwise along the small computing device and first and second rows of keys either side of the screen. The keys are multi-function keys, the function of a particular key at any time being designated by an operating mode of the device.

Description

SMALL DEVICE WITH IMPROVED INTERFACE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a small computing device with an improved interface, and, particularly, but not exclusively, to a mobile communications device, such as a mobile telephone.

Background of the Invention

It is desirable for small computing devices, by which we mean usually portable devices, such as lap-top type computers and smaller, including mobile telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) , cameras and other devices, to be small for convenience.

A problem with making such devices small, is that it allows only a limited size for a user interface. For example, in mobile telephones, a traditional numeric keypad and small display screen are provided. The traditional keypad is difficult to operate in these small devices. Further, the increase in functionality of mobile telephones requires the input of alphabetic characters, which can only be input slowly and with difficulty with present keypads . The small display screens are also unable to provide a view of a great deal of information at any time.

It is known to provide interfaces which utilise "touch screens", particularly for PDA devices. Touch screens are awkward to operate and usually require a stylus for input. Input is in fact often slower than with standard numeric keypads provided on mobile telephones.

The applicant's earlier patent applications, PCT/AU01/01467 and further International application entitled "Improved Device Interface" lodged on 20 August 2002, both describe improved interfaces for small devices such as PDAs and mobile telephones. The disclosure of these documents is incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a small computing device including a housing, a display screen extending lengthwise along a face of the housing, a first plurality of keys positioned adjacent one side of the display screen and a second plurality of keys positioned adjacent the opposite side of the display screen, and a control means arranged to control operation of the device, the device having multiple operating modes where at least a plurality of the keys have different designated functions, whereby the device can provide multiple functions . Preferably, the device includes telecommunications means and is arranged to provide a telecommunications function, preferably a mobile telephone function.

By "small device" is meant portable computer-type size device or smaller, more preferably PDA or mobile telephone size.

Preferably, the control means is arranged to control operation of the device to operate the display means so that the display appears in landscape mode . By "landscape" we mean that the information appearing on the display extends in a direction transverse to the length of the display, eg. a line of standard text will extend along the length of the display.

The control means is preferably arranged to operate the device so that the keys operate as multi-function keys, the function of any particular key at any particular time being indicated by associated indicators on the display.

Preferably, in one operating mode, the control means is arranged to operate the device so that at least a plurality of the keys operate in a scroll mode, to scroll an image or text appearing on the display. Preferably, scroll indicators appear on the display. Preferably, the small device includes a browser means, enabling browsing of "pages" provided by computer software. The pages may include "links" to other pages, and preferably the control means controls the small device so that the links can be actuated by operation of one of keys designated as associated with the links, and wherein the display provides indicators which indicate which key is associated with a link. Preferably, the indicators include lines or arrows or other forms of pointer pointing between the link and the associated key.

In one embodiment the device may have an operating mode which enables it to operate as a remote control, and preferably a multiple function remote control . In this embodiment, the small computing device includes a local communications means, such as short distance radio (such as BLUETOOTH™) , or infrared or WIFI . The control means is preferably arranged to control the small device to operate as a remote control when the local communications means indicates that the device is in the vicinity of an item to be controlled, such as a TV, Stereo, DVD player, air conditioner. The control means is preferably arranged to control the device to present a manual selection of an item to be controlled. Once an item to be controlled is selected, the small computing device controls the display to provide a menu for control of the remote control of the item.

In a further embodiment, a device in accordance with the present invention may operate as a gaming console, either for remote control of another device (eg. a TV or DVD player) or for operation of games operating on the device itself and utilising the device interface. Preferably, in this embodiment, the interface also includes one or more game controls, preferably in the form of direction keys, or "joy stick" controls. The small device may include an electronic mail mode of operation. In this mode, the control means operates a display and keys so that electronic mail addresses and messages may be input and transmitted.

The small device may include a music player mode of operation. In this mode, the control means operates the display so that music may be played, either via the small device or by a music player being remote controlled by the small device. Preferably, the interface is operated by the control means so that types of music may be selected.

The small device may include a radio mode of operation, where the control means operates the interface so that radio station selections may be made.

The small device in one embodiment may include a local communications means to enable it to interface with vending devices, to control operation of vending devices to vend goods. In this mode, the control means operates the interface to enable interaction with the vending device .

The small device may include a camera mode of operation, in this operating mode the control means is arranged to operate the interface so that a camera can be operated and pictures taken.

Preferably, the control means is arranged to operate the interface so that in one operating mode the interface presents a display which includes a list of menus of device functions . Preferably, the menus are selectable by the user as a list of "favourites", each menu being associated with one of the keys .

In one embodiment, the display screen is a touch sensitive screen whereby operation of the screen results in input to the device. In this embodiment, the keys are mounted adjacent the screen and include a pad or projection which, when a key is actuated, touches the touch screen, the control means operating the touch screen so that at least in one mode of operation when the pad or projection of a key touches the touch screen input of information into the device occurs.

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of keys are standard keys which do not interact with the screen. In this embodiment, the screen may not be a touch screen. Preferably, the display screen extends the majority of the length of the face of the housing.

In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides a small computing device, including a housing and display screen extending lengthwise along a face of the housing, control means arranged to control operation of the small computing device, a first plurality of keys adjacent one side of the display screen and a second plurality of keys adjacent the other side of display screen, the device being arranged to operate as a remote control .

Preferably, the control means is arranged to operate the device so that the keys operate as multi-function keys . Preferably, a function of a key at any time is indicated by a label appearing on the display screen.

Preferably, the control means is arranged to operate the device as a multi-function remote control, which is arranged to remotely operate a plurality of devices . Preferably, the device includes a local telecommunications means enabling it to communicate with devices to be controlled.

Preferably, the device is arranged to remotely operate vending devices . In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention provides a small computing device, comprising a housing having a face mounting a display screen extending lengthwise along the face, a first plurality of keys adjacent one side of the display screen and a second plurality of keys adjacent the opposite side of the display screen for input to the device, and control means for controlling operation of the device, the device further including first direction keys or a joystick at one of the bottom or top of the face for input in an operating mode when the control means is controlling operation of games .

A further set of direction keys or joystick maybe provided on the opposite side of the screen from the first set of direction keys or joystick.

In accordance, with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a small computing device, comprising a housing having, a face mounting a display screen, a plurality of keys for input into the device, and control means for controlling operation of the device, the control means controlling the device in an operating mode where the display provides a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface including buttons to be operated to provide input into the device, at least one of the plurality of keys being associated with one of the buttons, whereby operation of one of the plurality of the keys results in operation of the associated button. Preferably, the display also includes indicator means indicating which of the plurality of keys are associated with which of the buttons.

Preferably, the indicators include pointers pointing between the associated button and key. This arrangement has the advantages of a graphical user interface, without requiring a cursor and mouse type arrangement. Instead, a plurality of keys are provided, which at any particular time can be associated with a plurality of buttons appearing on the graphical user interface, indicators designating which keys are associated with which buttons .

Preferably, the keys extend in first and second rows adjacent opposite sides of the display screen, and the display screen preferably extends lengthwise along the face of the housing.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a small computing device, comprising a housing having a face mounting a touch sensitive screen and a plurality of keys mounted adjacent the touch sensitive screen, each key being arranged to physically interact with the touch sensitive screen, and control means for controlling operation of the device such that when the key physically interacts with the screen input into the device occurs via the touch sensitive screen.

Preferably, each key is arranged to physically interact with the touch sensitive screen by including a pad or projection which is arranged to come into contact with the screen on actuation of the key.

Preferably, the keys extend in first and second rows adjacent opposite sides of the display screen.

This arrangement has the advantage that input into a touch sensitive screen is improved by way of being able to input via operation of keys, as opposed to as in conventional touch sensitive screens, utilising a single stylus .

The control means is preferably arranged to control the device so that labels are provided on the screen indicating function of a particular key at any time. Preferably, each key may be associated with multiple functions via the touch screen.

In one embodiment, the keys may be provided mounted to an add-on panel, in the form of a slide-on cover, for example, which can be slid on to a device having a touch sensitive screen for operation of the touch sensitive screen. With such an add-on and software conventional PDA's may utilise the key arrangement as described to avoid the disadvantages of conventional operation of a touch sensitive screen.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a small computing device including a housing, a display screen extending lengthwise along the face of the housing, a first plurality of keys positioned adjacent one side of the display screen, and a control means arranged to control operation of the device, the device having multiple operating modes where at least a plurality of the keys have different designated functions, whereby the device can provide multiple functions.

This aspect of the invention provides a device which includes a row of keys down one side only of the device. For example, the keys may be positioned on the face of the device by the side of the screen or on the side of the device adjacent the screen. Such a device can include all functions of embodiments described above in relation to the preceding aspects of the invention, but using keys down one side of the device only.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figures la to f are various views of a small computing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of components of the device of figure 1;

Figures 3 to 16 are "screen shots" illustrating various modes of operation of the device of figure 1;

Figures 17 and 18 are screen shots illustrating a "landscape" mode of operation of the display of the device of figure 1;

Figure 19 and 20 are screen shots of the device of figure 1 showing a "browser" mode of operation;

Figure 21 is a front view of a small computing device in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 22 is a front view of a device in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 23 is a cross section on line X-X of figure 22.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates a small computing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in this example being about the size of a standard mobile telephone, and in this embodiment being a "multiple function" device which is arranged to be able to operate in a plurality of different modes of operation. The device of this embodiment employs an advantageous interface, comprising generally a plurality of buttons and a display screen (the interface will be described in more detail later) which operate together to enable the implementation of the multiple modes of functionality in a convenient manner for the user.

In more detail, and with reference to figure 1 (which shows a front view, figure la, a rear view, figure Id, a side view from one side, figure lb, a side view from the other side, figure lc, a bottom view, figure le and a top view, figure If) . The device comprises a housing 1 which has a front face 2 mounting the user interface comprising a display screen 3 which extends lengthwise along the front face (in this embodiment the display screen extends for the majority of the length of the front face, but it need not do so) , a first row 4 of a plurality of keys 6 extending along one side of the screen 3 and a second row 5 of a plurality of keys 6 extending along the other side of the screen. The face also mounts "yes" 7 and "no" 8 keys, and direction keys 9, 10, 11, and 12. The housing 1 also mounts an aerial 13, which may be used to implement communications. It also includes a back cover 14 which may be removable in a known manner in order to access internal components.

Each of the keys 6 is arranged to provide multiple functions, and the function of any one key 6 at any time may be designated by labels appearing on the display screen 3.

Referring to figure 2, which is a schematic block diagram of circuitry 80 mounted in the housing 1 of the device, operation of the device is controlled by a control means in the form of processing means 81, which may include an on-board or off-board memory and a processor (s) arranged to control operation of the device . The processing means 81 may in fact include multiple processors eg. SIM card, DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and conventional processor for controlling other operations of the device such as the interface operation. The control means may incorporate any form of processor or arrangement of processors which can implement the functionality of the device to be described in the following description. The device also includes a microphone 83 and microphone input 82 into the processor 81. Voice output via the processor 81 is via an amplifier 82 and loud speaker 83. An area 15 is provided on the face of the housing 1 (figure 1) for the loud speaker 83 to transmit sound. An area 16 on the base of the housing 1 is provided for recharging of power supply or other adaptors . Note that the device 1 has a power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery (not shown) . A radio transceiver 84 is provided for telecommunications reception and transmission via an antenna 85. The radio transceiver 84 may enable mobile telephone communications, messaging services (such as SMS) and electronic mail. The device also includes a further transceiver 88 and antenna 89 for close range communications (such as BLUETOOTH™, for example) . A display driver 86 is arranged to drive the display 3 and a keypad sensor 87 is arranged to receive input from the rows 4 and 5 of keys 6.

Note that the hardware of the device could vary from that schematically illustrated and described in relation to figure 2. Any appropriate hardware may be utilised to implement the functionality of the interface and the multiple functions of the device described below. It will be appreciated that much functionality can be implemented by way of appropriate software running on the hardware. This embodiment of the present invention is implemented as a "hybrid" device which includes telecommunications functions as well as functionality not normally seen in a conventional mobile telephone, such as functionality associated with a PDA, eg. e-mail, calendar, calculator, address book, world time, alarm clock and others as will become apparent from the following description. The multiple functions are advantageously implemented utilising the advantageous interface of the device of the present invention.

The applicant's earlier patent applications referenced above illustrate a way in which an interface similar to the one described in relation to figure 1, may be used to implement text entry if the processing means is appropriately programmed. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate alternative methods of text entry which may be implemented with the device of this embodiment . Note that with the screen shots of figures 4 through 16, only a minimum of reference numerals have been used for clarity. These screen shots include the same components as described in relation to figure la ie. keys 6, direction keys 9, 10, 11 and 12, "yes" 7 and "no" 8 keys and a display screen 3 and these reference numerals have not been repeated in these drawings . What reference labels are included in figures 3 through 16 are there merely to point out the functionality illustrated.

Referring to figure 4, a screen shot is illustrated showing how text entry can be entered using the text entry mode described in the applicant's earliest referenced patent application, PCT/AU01/01467. In this mode, four of the keys, A, B, C, D, enable selection of a group of letters from the Arabic alphabet. Pressing of key A selects group "a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h" which then appear adjacent the rest of the keys so that selection of one of these other keys then selects that letter for entry into the device. Text that is entered into the device appears in the screen area 20. Figure 5 illustrates an alternative screen in which the four other keys in each of the rows of keys are associated with the T9™ style text entry which is used on conventional mobile telephones . Also in the mode of operation of figure 5 text that is entered is displayed on the lower area 21 of the screen 3.

In both modes of text entry of figures 4 and 5, a text entry means is utilised to predict parts of words or ends of words that may be selected if the predictions are correct. This is best illustrated in figure 5. Button f if actuated would select the prediction "en" to complete the word presently being on the display button. Button g would choose "tion" to complete the word and button h would select "t" to continue the word. Any form of predictive text entry may be utilised. The form of predictive text entry described in the applicant's earlier patent application on 20 August 2002 may be implemented. Further, in the mode of operation illustrated in figure 5, actuation of key I will select "more" options. One of these options will be numerals, in which case ten of the keys will become associated with the numerals 0 to 9 respectively, for entry of numerals. Punctuation may also be a menu to be selected, and any other menu may be selected with other functionality. In this embodiment, menus may be selected via the keys 6 and a plurality of menus may be illustrated at any one time. This is unlike the case with conventional mobile telephones, for example, which generally only have the ability to access one menu item at a time.

Note that the device may also function in a mode where text entry is input by the standard multi-tap process, as used with conventional mobile telephones. The device of this embodiment has an electronic mail function. Figure 3 is a screen shot illustrating one form of display for entry of an electronic mail. Keys J and K are associated with "address book" icons 30 and 31 appearing on the display screen. Operation of key J or K brings up the address book operation to enable entry of an e-mail address to the person to be sent the e-mail and the person to be copied the e-mail (if required) , respectively. Operation of keys L, M & N respectively enable text entry of the e-mail addresses and e-mail "subject". Operation of key 0 then implements a mode which enables text to be entered for the e-mail message (text entry may be by way of the modes of either figure 4 or figure 5) .

In a music player mode (figure 6) , each of the keys is associated with operation of music player functions. As illustrated in figure 6, keys P and Q are "back" and "forward" within a music collection, keys R and S operate as volume control. Keys T & U operate as "balance" control. Other keys enable selection of "artists" (key V) , "album" (key W) , "era" (key X) , "genre" (key Y) , "play lists" (key Z) . Operation of any one of keys V to Z results in the device changing the display to give a list of selectable items which fall within the menu selected. For example, actuation of key V selects the "artist" menu and the user will then be presented on the display with a list of artists, each artist being associated with one of the keys, so that an artist may be selected. Direction keys may be operated to scroll through the list of artists .

Key AA selects "more" which may result in the display displaying more menus for selection. Figure 7 illustrates operation of the device as in a "radio" function for operation of a radio. Keys AB, AC, AD, AE, AF, AG, respectively, enable selections of radio stations. Keys AH and AI select "FM" and "stereo" respectively. Keys AJ and AK operate a "scan" function and keys AL and AM operate a volume function.

Figure 8 illustrates a camera mode of operation of the device. The device may be provided with a camera lens (not shown) on the rear of the device. It will also be provided with a CCD on which the camera lens can be focused in order for images to be recorded in memory. In figure 8, keys AN and AO operate a "zoom" function enabling the lens to be zoomed. Key AP enables input of a "caption" and operation of key AP would then switch the device to the text entry mode so that the caption can be entered. Key AQ operates a "flash" mode. Operation of the camera to take a picture is implemented by operation of the "yes" key 7.

The image 31 to be taken by the camera appears on the upper part of the display screen. In this mode of operation, the unlabelled keys have no associated function. Figure 9 illustrates a dedicated mode of operation of the device, as a mobile telephone. This dedicated mode of operation is intended for use by a child. As described in the applicant's International patent application filed on 20 August 2002, a device such as this may be "locked" in one mode of operation. In the mode of operation illustrated at figure 9, keys AR, AS, AT, AU, AV, AW, are associated with instructions to carry out dedicated operations. Keys AT, AU, AV and AW are associated with respective telephone numbers for "Mum", "Dad", "school", "emergency". Operation of any one of these keys will cause the device to contact the number of the entity indicated on the display. Keys AR and AS enable "answer" and "hang up" functions . No other keys would be needed for operation of the device in this mode. For younger children, it may be advantageous to use icons or images instead of text for labels, such as photos of the Mother and Father next to the buttons, or a flashing police light for the emergency button.

Figure 9 illustrates one way in which a diary function of the device may appear on the interface. The display illustrates a list of times 32 and diary events 33. Keys AX, AY, AZ,_.BA, BB, BC are associated with scroll functions which enable the diary list to be scrolled through. AX enables a scroll to the top of the page, AY enables a scroll to the next screen and AZ enables a single line scroll. BA, BB and BC have equivalent functions in the opposite direction. Keys BD, BE, BF, BG, BH, BI select the time of the calendar indicated next to the particular key so that an entry can be viewed, amended or updated (using the text entry mode) . The "yes" 7 and "no" 8 keys are actuated to select different calender display modes eg. "weekly" and "monthly" .

Figure 11 illustrates a calculator operating mode. Keys BJ, BK, BL, BO, BP, BQ input various mathematical operations, as indicated. Key BR implements a "memory" function and key BN is a "clear" key. Key BS selects numerics. On operation of key BS, the screen switches to the screen where each of ten of the keys is associated with a numeral for input .

Key BN selects a "more" menu which then causes the device to switch to a screen offering more options eg. "scientific" calculator options.

Input calculations and results 34 are displayed in the top portion of the screen.

Figure 12 illustrates one remote control function of the device. In this mode of operation, the device operates as a remote control for a television and video or DVD. Keys BO and BQ operate a "channel" up and down function. Keys BP and BR operate a "volume" up and down function. Keys BS, BX, BY and BT operate "pause", "play", "rewind", "fast forward" functions of a VCR. Keys BU and BZ operate "forward" and "back" functions of a DVD. Key CA operates a "channel number" function and operation of key BV switches the device to provide more options .

Figure 13 illustrates a user "favourites" page which may be implemented by the device of the present invention.

The device may be arranged so the user may set up their own favourites menu. The favourites menu given in the figure 13 example includes a menu which enables the following key functions . Operation of key CB causes the device to call "home" (eg. the user's home telephone number) . Key CH calls the "office" . Key CC causes the device to send a SMS or e- mail message to a designated destination indicating that the user is "on their way". Key CI returns the last call. Key CJ, CK, CD select radio stations and music. Key CE selects the "snake" game. Key CF reports to the user his location at the moment (via triangulation with mobile based stations or via GPS - the device may include a GPS function) . Key CL connects the user to his latest "stops". Key CN diverts incoming calls. Key CG is an emergency key which when actuated automatically alerts an emergency authority.

This favourites page is an illustration of the type of favourites pages which may be provided by the device . It is not limited to the functions illustrated, but any user designated function may be selected to be part of the favourites page.

Referring to Figure 14, this shows one example of an interface that may be presented to the user when the device is in a mobile telephone function and when a call is incoming. Incoming call information 35 is displayed in the upper area of the screen. The keys CN, CO, CP, CQ enable the user to divert the incoming call to a desired location. In this case the "office", "home", "voice mail", "text mail" destinations. For example, on operation of key CN, the incoming call from Andrew Davis will be diverted to the users office phone eg. office land line. Further options may be provided for diversion by the device .

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate operation of the device remotely interacting with a vending device. In Figure 15, a vending device selection menu appears on the display. This includes lists 36 of goods which can be selected by the keys adjacent the list labels. The control means controls the device to interact with a vending device that the user is proximate, using a local telecommunications medium such as BLUETOOTH™. The user makes their selection with actuation of the appropriate keys . The total amount selected is displayed (reference numeral 37) , and then the user can actuate the selection by actuating the "YES" key. Figure 16 gives the screen illustrating that the purchase has been accepted and the goods ordered will now be delivered and can be collected from the vending machine. Figure 17 and 18 illustrate operation of the device so the control means operates the display to appear in landscape mode. Figure 17 illustrates a text display 39 in landscape mode and Figure 18 illustrates a photograph 40 displayed in landscape mode. The display in landscape mode makes best use of the long screen and enables greater information to be displayed for such a relatively small device.

In Figure 17, a scroll bar 41 is provided on the display and operation of keys CR and CS respectively, scroll the text up and down. An equivalent scroll bar 41 is also provided on Figure 18 and also a horizontal scroll bar 42, operated by keys CT and CU respectively.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an operating mode where the keys 6 interact in a novel manner with a graphical user interface appearing on the display. In this embodiment, the control means includes a browser which is arranged, via the telecommunications means, to browse the Internet. The pages being scrolled may include "hyperlinks" as illustrated and indicated by reference numbers, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46. Operation of links on such a small device as a mobile telephone is difficult as it does not include a pointer device such as a mouse and cursor. Conventionally operation would be way of a touch screen interface and a pointer device. This is the typical graphical interface operation utilised by a PDA.

In the device of this embodiment, however, the keys 6 are utilised. The control means controls the device such that a key 6 is designated for operation of a particular link. For example in Figure 19, the keys CV, CW and CX are designated for operating links 44, 43 and 42, respectively. That is, actuation of any of these keys will cause the device to actuate the associated link. Indicators are provided which indicate which link is associated with each key. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicators are pointers 47, 48, 49, appearing on the display, which point between the link and its associated key. Note that any type of indicator could be used. In an alternative embodiment, there are no indicators, but the keys are designated in a particular order to an associated link. For example, the top link in the display may be designated to be operated by the top right hand key, the second link by the next top right hand key, etc.

Designation of a link and associated key is dynamic as the display changes. For example, in Figure 20 the interface has been scrolled to the right so that further hyperlinks 45 and 46 appear. Key CX is now associated with link 46 and key CY is associated with link 45. Keys CV and CW are associated with links 42 and 43 respectively.

Figure 19 and Figure 20 show a graphical user interface which includes hyperlinks. Any typographical user interface including any type of "button" that operates a function on the graphical user interface may be operated using this embodiment of the device. The control means determines which buttons are to be associated with which keys so that the user can operate the buttons via operation of the keys .

This interface essentially enables operation of a graphical user interface without requiring an awkward pointing device, such as a stylus touch screen arrangement, or a mouse and cursor arrangement.

Figure 21 illustrates a further embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. The device may include components similar to those illustrated and described in relation to Figure 2. The embodiment of Figure 21 is particularly suited for playing games via the interface. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components as the previous embodiment and no further description of those components will be given here. In this embodiment a "joystick" 100 is provided at the bottom of the display screen 3. The joystick 100 facilitates operation of games which may be played on the device. The joystick includes direction arrows 101, 102, 103 and 104 which operate in a similar manner to conventional joysticks.

The device of this embodiment may also have the functionality described above in relation to the first embodiment, in addition to game playing functionality utilising the joystick 100.

Figures 22 and 23 illustrate a further embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. The device is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1 in most respects except that housing 110 mounts a touch screen 111 as the display screen and the buttons 112 in rows 113 , 114 operate by touching the touch screen 111. The internal componetry of the embodiment of Figure 22 is similar to the internal componentry which is disclosed in Figure 2 , apart from the fact that the keypad sensor 87 is not required, as key 112 input is via the touch screen 111. The touch screen inputs to the control means 81. A joystick type direction key 115 is provided, and also programmable keys 116, 117, 140, 141 (two of which may be programmed as "yes" and "no" keys) .

Touch screen 111 may operate as a conventional touch screen i.e. if it is touched in various areas controlled by software it will implement desired functions.

In this embodiment, however, the buttons 112 are arranged to interact with the touch screen. Operation of the touch screen can therefore be controlled by operation of the keys 112. Labels appearing underneath or adjacent keys, in a similar way to illustrated in the preceding embodiment, can be "active" labels in the sense that if they are touched then the touch screen causes implementation of the label function. Utilising this arrangement, all functionality of the embodiment described above may be implemented, but utilising the touch screen, instead of "hard wired" keys . This may also allow more room for circuitry within the housing 114 and thus enable a smaller housing. Physical interaction of the keys with the touch screen may be in any convenient matter . In this embodiment, the keys 112 are mounted on a hinge 118 to the housing 114. The biasing means 119 normally bias's each key 112 in an "upper" or "off" position. When the key 112 is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing means 119, it can be moved about the hinge 118 in the direction of arrow Z (Figure 23) so that a projection 120 on the underside of the key 112 touches the touch screen 11.

All the functionality described in relation to the first embodiment may be implemented by using a touch screen and key arrangement as described in the embodiment of Figures 22 and 23.

The touch screen and key arrangement described in relation to the embodiment of figure 22 and figure 23 is not limited to applications with small computing devices of the form described, but may be used with any type of small computing device having a touch screen interface and, indeed, may even be utilised in a large computing device having a touch screen eg. a PC, ATM or other arrangement with a touch screen. An array of keys arranged to physically interact with the touch screen, and mounted adjacent the touch screen, may be useful in a number of applications to avoid or addition to the usual stylus or finger operation. For example, touch screens are often utilised in "kiosks" for providing information to the public. A key arrangement such as that disclosed in figures 22 and 23 may be useful for kiosks.

The key may physically interact with the touch screen in a number of ways, and the invention is not limited to the mechanical arrangement described in relation to the embodiment of figures 22 and 23.

As an alternative to the keys being mounted in position on the device, they may be provided in a separate cover arrangement mountable to a device with a touch screen. For example, a slide-on cover mounting buttons which, when the cover is in place, can physically interact with the screen, could be used to adapt touch screen devices to operate with keys, together with appropriate software controlling the device to operate with the keys. Such an arrangement may be used to convert a standard touch sensitive screen type PDA for use with keys in accordance with the present invention.

As well as the applications of the small device discussed above, the device may implement any applications which are able to be implemented by hardware/software on a device like this, for example PDA-type applications. The device may be programmable with new applications.

Other applications include the provision of a world time clock which shows different times around the world. An alarm clock (a large letter display may be provided in landscape mode) . A GPS function which enables the device to provide location information.

A "photo album" function. The device includes storage means for storing images which can be accessed via the interface . The above embodiments are multi-function devices, ie. they have a plurality of different functions . A device in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention may be a dedicated function device dedicated to one or more of the applications discussed above, or other applications. For example, the device may have a mobile telephone function only.

The device may include some but not all of the applications discussed above.

The device is suited to providing many different functions because of the versatility of the interface.

Because the keys are not "hard coded", and their functions can be designated depending upon the hardware/software included in the device. The device has the further advantage of not requiring a pointing device such as a cursor and mouse arrangement or stylus .

In the above described embodiment, the screen generally extends the majority of the length of the front face of the device. Note that the screen need not be this long .

In the above described embodiments, keys are provided on either side of the screen, on the front face of the device. Alternatively, they may be provided on the sides of the device.

In an alternative embodiment, the keys may provided on one side of the screen only. For example, 8 to 12 keys provided on one side of the screen only, either on the side of the device or the face of the device adjacent the screen. This may make for a slightly longer device, but such a device could still be used to implement the functionality described above.

In the above described embodiments, words and signs have been used on the screen to indicate functionality. Please note that icons could also be used.

In the above described embodiments, there are only a single row of keys either side of the screen. Note that there may be more than one row either side of the screen, or the keys may be staggered within the row, to save space.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A small computing device including a housing, a display screen extending lengthwise along a face of the housing, a first plurality of keys positioned adjacent one side of the display screen and a second plurality of keys positioned adjacent the opposite side of the display screen, and a control means arranged to control operation of the device, the device having multiple operating modes where at least a plurality of the keys have different designated functions, whereby the device can provide multiple functions.

2. A small computing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first plurality of keys comprises between 2 and 16 keys and the second plurality of keys comprises between 2 and 16 keys.

3. A small computing device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the first plurality of keys comprises between 4 and 10 keys and the second plurality of keys comprises between 4 and 10 keys.

4. A small computing device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the first plurality of keys comprises between 6 and 8 keys and the second plurality of keys comprises between 6 and 8 keys .

5. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, which does not include a standard numeric keypad.

6. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, including telecommunications circuitry and being arranged to provide a telecommunications function.

7. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the control means being arranged to control operation of the device to operate the display means so that the display appears in landscape mode.

8. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control means is arranged to control operation of the device so that the function of any one of the keys is indicated by, associated indicators appearing on the display.

9. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding device, wherein the control means is arranged to operate the device in one operating mode where the plurality of keys operate to scroll the display, and scroll bars appear on the display.

10. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control means is arranged to control the device in one operating mode to provide a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface including at least one "button" for providing graphical user interface functionality, the control means operating the device so that the button is associated with one of the keys, whereby actuation of the key actuates the associated button.

11. A small computing device in accordance with claim 10, wherein the control means is arranged to control the display to provide an indicator indicating which key is associated with the button.

12. A small computing device in accordance with claim 11, wherein the indicators include a graphic pointing between the button and associated key.

13. A small computing device in accordance with claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the control means is arranged to allocate associated keys and buttons dynamically, whereby if the graphical user interface is scrolled, associations between buttons on the graphical user interface and keys may change as the interface changes.

14. A small computing device in accordance with any one of claim 10 to 13 , the device including a browser for browsing computer software pages, wherein the buttons include links from a page being browsed to another page.

15. A small computing device in accordance with claim 14, further including means enabling remote communication with a computer network, such as the Internet, whereby the browser may browse the computer network.

16. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the control means being arranged to control the device to operate as a remote control, the device including communications means for communicating with a device to be remotely controlled, the control means operating the device in an operating mode to produce a display of a menu for remote control of the device to be remotely controlled, the menu including functions which may be operated by operation of the keys .

17. A small computing device in accordance with claim 16, wherein a control means is arranged to control the device to operate as a remote control for a plurality of different devices .

18. A device in accordance with claim 17, wherein the communications means is a local area communications means , and wherein the control means is arranged to control the device to alert the user when the user is in range of a device to be remotely controlled.

19. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control means is arranged to control the device to interface with a vending machine, to enable a user to order goods to be vended by operation of the small computing device.

20. A small computing device in accordance with claim 19, wherein the control means is arranged to control the device to provide a display of a menu of items to be selected from the vending machine, the menu being associated with the keys, whereby operation of the keys results in selection of an item.

21. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the control means being arranged to operate the device as a gaming console, for operation of games, the device further including direction keys or a joystick for controlling operation of the game.

22. A small computing device in accordance with claim 21, the control means operating the device to remotely control a game on a device being remotely controlled.

23. A small computing device in accordance with claim 21, the game being operated on a small computing device utilising the display and keys .

24. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the control means being arranged to control the device in an electronic mail operating mode, the device including an electronic mail communications means whereby operation of the keys may implement inputting of e-mail addresses, inputting of e- mail messages and sending of messages .

25. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the control means being arranged to control the device in a music player mode of operation, whereby the keys may be operated to select and play music on the device or by a device being remotely controlled by the device .

26. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the control means being arranged to operate the device in a radio mode of operation, where the control means operates the interface so that radio station selections may be made.

27. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the device including a camera lens and means for recording an image, the control means being arranged to operate the interface so that pictures may be taken and recorded.

28. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the control means being arranged to operate the device so that the display displays a list of "favourites" of menu options of functions of the device, wherein the favourites are selectable by the user.

29. A small computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second row of keys include a key and associated contact mounted within the housing for input to the control means when the key is actuated.

30. A small computing device in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the display screen is a touch sensitive screen and operation of the touch sensitive screen results in input to the control means, and wherein the first and second plurality of keys are arranged to physically interact with the touch sensitive screen, whereby actuation of a key results in input via the touch sensitive screen.

31. A small computing device in accordance with claim 30, wherein each of the keys includes a pad or projection, which when a key is actuated, touches the touch screen.

32. A small computing device in accordance with claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the keys are mounted on a separate cover arrangement which is attachable to the small computing device so that the keys can physically interact with the touch sensitive screen.

33. A computer program, being arranged, when loaded onto a small computing device including a housing, a display screen extending lengthwise along the face of the housing, a first plurality of keys positioned adjacent one side of the display screen and a second plurality of keys positioned adjacent the opposite side of the display screen, and a control means arranged to control operation of the device, the program being arranged to control the small computing device to implement a small computing device in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. A computer readable medium including a computer program in accordance with claim 33.

35. A computer program arranged to be loaded onto the device of any one of claims 1 to 31, in order to implement a function on the device.

36. A computer readable medium providing a computer program in accordance with claim 35.

37. A small computing device, including a housing and display screen extending lengthwise along a face of the housing, control means arranged to control operation of the small computing device, a first plurality of keys adjacent one side of the display screen and a second plurality of keys adjacent the other side of display screen, the device being arranged to operate as a remote control .

38. A small computing device, comprising a housing having a face mounting a display screen extending lengthwise along the face, a first plurality of keys adjacent one side of the display screen and a second plurality of keys adjacent the opposite side of the display screen for input to the device, and control means for controlling operation of the device, the device further including first direction keys or a joystick at one of the bottom or top of the face for input in an operating mode when the control means is controlling operation of games.

39. A small computing device, comprising a housing having a face mounting a display screen, a plurality of keys for input into the device, and control means for controlling operation of the device, the control means controlling the device in an operating mode where the display provides a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface including buttons to be operated to provide input into the device, at least one of the plurality of keys being associated with one of the buttons, whereby operation of one of the plurality of the keys results in operation of the associated button.

40. A small computing device, comprising a housing having a face mounting a touch sensitive screen and a plurality of keys mounted adjacent the touch sensitive screen, each key being arranged to physically interact with the touch sensitive screen, and control means for controlling operation of the device such that when the key physically interacts with the screen input into the device occurs via the touch sensitive screen.

41. A small computing device including a housing, a display screen extending lengthwise along the face of the housing, a first plurality of keys positioned adjacent one side of the display screen, and a control means arranged to control operation of the device, the device having multiple operating modes where at least a plurality of the keys have different designated functions, whereby the device can provide multiple functions .