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Patent 2541554 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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  • At the time of issue of the patent (grant).
(12) Patent: (11) CA 2541554
(54) English Title: A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING A CURRENCY SYMBOL FOR A HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE
(54) French Title: UNE METHODE ET UN SYSTEME POUR LA SELECTION D'UN SYMBOLE MONETAIRE POUR UN DISPOSITIF ELECTRONIQUE A MAIN
Status: Granted
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • G06F 3/023 (2006.01)
  • G06F 3/14 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • GRIFFIN, JASON (Canada)
  • FUX, VADIM (Canada)
  • BOCKING, ANDREW (Canada)
  • MAJOR, HARRY (Canada)
  • ZINN, RONALD SCOTTE (Canada)
  • SCOTT, SHERRYL LEE LORRAINE (Canada)
(73) Owners :
  • RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED (Canada)
(71) Applicants :
  • RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED (Canada)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2013-01-08
(22) Filed Date: 2006-03-31
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2007-09-30
Examination requested: 2006-03-31
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data: None

Abstracts

English Abstract

A method for selecting a symbol for presentation on a display of a handheld electronic device, comprising: receiving a signal from a key on the handheld electronic device actuated by a user to select a default symbol, the default symbol being one of a plurality of symbols available through actuation of the key; if the actuation of the key is an initial actuation of the key, presenting the plurality of symbols on the display and receiving a signal to select the default symbol from among the plurality of symbols; and, presenting the default symbol on the display.


French Abstract

Une méthode de sélection d'un symbole pour présentation sur l'affichage d'un dispositif électronique portatif, comprenant : la réception d'un signal provenant d'une touche sur le dispositif électronique portatif actionné par un utilisateur pour sélectionner un symbole par défaut, le symbole par défaut étant l'un d'une pluralité de symboles disponible par l'actionnement de la touche ; si l'actionnement de la touche est un actionnement initial de la touche, la présentation de la pluralité de symboles sur l'affichage et la réception d'un signal pour sélectionner le symbole par défaut parmi la pluralité de symboles ; et, la présentation du symbole par défaut sur l'affichage.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



21
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for selecting a symbol for presentation on a
display of a handheld electronic device, comprising:
receiving a first signal from a key on the handheld
electronic device actuated by a user to select a default
symbol to present on the display, the default symbol
being one of a plurality of symbols available through
actuation of the key and being assigned to the key upon
an initial actuation of the key;
if the actuation of the key is the initial actuation of
the key, presenting the plurality of symbols on the
display and receiving a second signal to select the
default symbol from among the plurality of symbols and
assign the default symbol to the key; and,
presenting the default symbol on the display.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the symbol is a currency
symbol and the key is a currency key.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the symbol is a parenthesis
and the key is a parenthesis key.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the symbol is a formatting
option and the key is a formatting option key.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the presenting of the
default symbol further comprises inserting the default symbol
into a text message presented on the display.

6. The method of claim 5 and further comprising determining
from a characteristic of the text message whether the default
symbol is appropriate and if the default symbol is not


22
appropriate selecting another symbol from among the plurality
of symbols for inserting into the text message.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the characteristic is a
language of the text message.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein the characteristic is a use
of one or more of the plurality of symbols in a message to
which the text message is a reply.

9. The method of claim 1 and further comprising determining
from a characteristic of the handheld electronic device whether
the default symbol is appropriate and if the default symbol is
not appropriate selecting another symbol from among the
plurality of symbols as the default symbol.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the characteristic is a
location of the handheld electronic device.

11. The method of claim 6 wherein the characteristic is a
context of the text message.

12. The method of claim 1 and further comprising presenting
the plurality of symbols on the display and receiving a third
signal to select the default symbol from among the plurality of
symbols.


23
13. A system for selecting a symbol for presentation on a
display of a handheld electronic device, the system comprising:
a processor coupled to the display and to a key on a
keypad of the handheld electronic device; and,
firmware modules or the like executed by the processor,
the firmware modules including:
a firmware module for receiving a first signal from the
key actuated by a user to select a default symbol to
present on the display, the default symbol being one of a
plurality of symbols available through actuation of the
key and being assigned to the key upon an initial
actuation of the key;
a firmware module for, if the actuation of the key is the
initial actuation of the key, presenting the plurality of
symbols on the display and receiving a second signal to
select the default symbol from among the plurality of
symbols and assign the default symbol to the key; and,
a firmware module for presenting the default symbol on
the display.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the symbol is a currency
symbol and the key is a currency key.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein the symbol is a parenthesis
and the key is a parenthesis key.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein the symbol is a formatting
option and the key is a formatting option key.


24
17. The system of claim 13 wherein the firmware module for
presenting of the default symbol further comprises a firmware
module for inserting the default symbol into a text message
presented on the display.

18. The system of claim 17 and further comprising a firmware
module for determining from a characteristic of the text
message whether the default symbol is appropriate and if the
default symbol is not appropriate selecting another symbol from
among the plurality of symbols for inserting into the text
message.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the characteristic is a
language of the text message.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein the characteristic is a use
of one or more of the plurality of symbols in a message to
which the text message is a reply.

21. The system of claim 13 and further comprising a firmware
module for determining from a characteristic of the handheld
electronic device whether the default symbol is appropriate and
if the default symbol is not appropriate selecting another
symbol from among the plurality of symbols as the default
symbol.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the characteristic is a
location of the handheld electronic device.


25
23. The system of claim 18 wherein the characteristic is a
context of the text message.

24. The system of claim 13 and further comprising a firmware
module for presenting the plurality of symbols on the display
and receiving a third signal to select the default symbol from
among the plurality of symbols.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02541554 2006-03-31
1

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING A CURRENCY SYMBOL
FOR A HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

.5 [0001] This application relates to the field of handheld
electronic devices, and more specifically, to a method and
system for enabling input on a handheld electronic device.
BACKGROUND

[0002]Numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known.
Examples of such handheld electronic devices include, for
instance, personal data assistants ("PDAs"), handheld
computers, two-way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like.
Many handheld electronic devices also feature wireless
communication capability, although many such handheld
electronic devices are stand-alone devices that are functional
without communication with other devices.

[0003]Such handheld electronic devices are generally intended
to be portable, and thus are of a relatively compact
configuration in which keys and other input structures often
perform multiple functions under certain circumstances or may
otherwise have multiple aspects or features assigned thereto.
With advances in technology, handheld electronic devices are
built to have progressively smaller form factors yet have
progressively greater numbers of applications and features
resident thereon. As a practical matter, the keys of a keypad
can only be reduced to a certain small size before the keys
become relatively unusable. In order to enable text entry,
however, a keypad must be capable of entering all twenty-six


CA 02541554 2006-03-31

2
letters of the Latin alphabet, for instance, as well as
appropriate punctuation and other symbols.

[0004] One way of providing numerous letters in a small space
has been to provide a "reduced keyboard" in which multiple
letters, symbols, and/or digits, and the like, are assigned to

any given key. For example, a touch-tone telephone includes a
reduced keypad by providing twelve keys, of which ten have
digits thereon, and of these ten keys eight have Latin letters
assigned thereto. For instance, one of the keys includes the

digit "2" as well as the letters "A", "B", and "C". Other
known reduced keyboards have included other arrangements of
keys, letters, symbols, digits, and the like.

[0005] In order to enable a user to make use of the multiple
letters, digits, and the like on any given key, numerous
keystroke interpretation systems have been provided. For
instance, a "multi-tap" system allows a user to substantially
unambiguously specify a particular character on a key by
pressing the same key a number of times equivalent to the
position of the desired character on the key. For example, on
the aforementioned telephone key that includes the letters
"ABC", and the user desires to specify the letter "C", the
user will press the key three times. While such multi-tap
systems have been generally effective for their intended
purposes, they nevertheless can require a relatively large

number of key inputs compared with the number of characters
that ultimately are output.

[0006]Another exemplary keystroke interpretation system would
include key chording, of which various types exist. For


CA 02541554 2006-03-31

3
instance, a particular character can be entered by pressing
two keys in succession or by pressing and holding a first key
while pressing a second key. Still another exemplary keystroke
interpretation system would be a "press-and-hold / press-and-

release" interpretation function in which a given key provides
a first result if the key is pressed and immediately released,
and provides a second result if the key is pressed and held
for a short period of time. While such systems have likewise
been generally effective for their intended purposes, such
systems also have their own unique drawbacks.

[0007]Another keystroke interpretation system that has been
employed is a software-based text disambiguation function. In
such a system, a user typically presses keys to which one or
more characters have been assigned, actuating each key one

time for each desired letter, and the disambiguation software
attempts to predict the intended input. Numerous such systems
have been proposed, and while many have been generally
effective for their intended purposes, shortcomings still
exist.

[0008]One such shortcoming arises when the handheld electronic
device has a "keyboard" in which multiple currency symbols are
assigned to a given key. For example, the dollar symbol ("$"),
the euro symbol ("Ã"), and pound symbol ("~") might be
assigned to a single key. When such a key is depressed, the

handheld electronic device will typically prefer the dollar
symbol as the user's first input selection as opposed to the
euro or pound symbols. There are instances, however, when a
user would prefer having the euro or pound symbol appear as
the first selection rather than the dollar symbol.


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4

[0009]A need therefore exists for an improved method and system
for enabling input of currency symbols on a handheld
electronic device. Accordingly, a solution that addresses, at
least in part, the above and other shortcomings is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Features and advantages of the embodiments of the present
application will become apparent from the following detailed
description, taken in combination with the appended drawings,
in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a top view of a handheld electronic device in
accordance with an embodiment of the application;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the handheld
electronic device of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a screen capture illustrating an initial
default currency symbol dialog box in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a screen capture illustrating a settings menu
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a screen capture illustrating a change option
dialog box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a screen capture illustrating default currency
symbol dialog box in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;


CA 02541554 2006-03-31

[0017] FIG. 7 is a screen capture illustrating a changes made
dialog box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
and,

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating operations of modules
5 within the memory of a handheld electronic device for
selecting a symbol for presentation on a display of the
handheld electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment
of the application.

[0019]It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings,
like features are identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In the following description, details are set forth to
provide an understanding of the application. In some
instances, certain software, circuits, structures and
techniques have not been described or shown in detail in order
not to obscure the application. Embodiments of the present
application may be implemented in any computer programming
language provided that the operating system of the data
processing system provides the facilities that may support the
requirements of the application. Any limitations presented
would be a result of a particular type of operating system or
computer programming language and would not be a limitation of
the present application.

[0021]According to one embodiment, there is provided a method
for selecting a symbol for presentation on a display of a
handheld electronic device, comprising: receiving a signal
from a key on the handheld electronic device actuated by a


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6
user to select a default symbol, the default symbol being one
of a plurality of symbols available through actuation of the
key; if the actuation of the key is an initial actuation of
the key, presenting the plurality of symbols on the display
and receiving a signal to select the default symbol from among
the plurality of symbols; and, presenting the default symbol
on the display.

[0022]In the above method, the symbol may be a currency symbol
and the key may be a currency key. The symbol may be a
parenthesis and the key may be a parenthesis key. The symbol

may be a formatting option and the key may be a formatting
option key. The presenting of the default symbol may further
include inserting the default symbol into a text message
presented on the display. The method may further include
determining from a characteristic of the text message whether
the default symbol is appropriate and if the default symbol is
not appropriate selecting another symbol from among the
plurality of symbols for inserting into the text message. The
characteristic may be a language of the text message. The
characteristic may be a use of one or more of the plurality of
symbols in a message to which the text message is a reply. The
characteristic may be a context of the text message. The
method may further include determining from a characteristic
of the handheld electronic device whether the default symbol
is appropriate and if the default symbol is not appropriate
selecting another symbol from among the plurality of symbols
as the default symbol. The characteristic may be a location of
the handheld electronic device. And, the method may further
include presenting the plurality of symbols on the display and


CA 02541554 2006-03-31
7

receiving a signal to select the default symbol from among the
plurality of symbols.

[0023]In accordance with further aspects of the present
application there are provided apparatus such as a handheld
electronic device, methods for adapting the device, as well as

articles of manufacture such as a computer readable medium
having program instructions recorded therein for practising
the method of the application.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a top view of a handheld electronic device 100
in accordance with an embodiment of the application. And, FIG.
2 is a block diagram illustrating the handheld electronic
device 100 of FIG. 1. The exemplary handheld electronic device
100 includes a housing 4 in which is disposed a processing
system 200 that includes an input apparatus 6, an output

apparatus 8, a processor 10, a memory 12, and one or more
modules 64. The processor 10 may be, for instance, and without
limitation, a microprocessor ("pP") and is responsive to
inputs from the input apparatus 6 and provides output signals
to the output apparatus 8. The processor 10 also interfaces
with the memory 12.

[0025] The handheld electronic device 100 may be a two-way
communication device having voice and/or advanced data
communication capabilities, including the capability to
communicate with other computer systems. Depending on the

functionality provided by the device 100, it may be referred
to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular
telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless
Internet appliance, a data communication device (with or


CA 02541554 2006-03-31
8

without telephony capabilities), a Wi-Fi device, or a wireless
local area network ("WLAN") device.

[0026] As can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 2, the input
apparatus 6 includes a keypad 14 and a thumbwheel 16. The
keypad 14 is in the exemplary form of a QWERTY keyboard
including a plurality of keys 18 that serve as input members.
It is noted, however, that the keypad 14 may be of other
configurations, such as an AZERTY keyboard, a reduced QWERTY
keyboard, or other keyboard arrangement, whether presently
known or unknown, and either reduced or not reduced.

[0027]The system architecture of the handheld electronic device
100 advantageously is organized to be operable independent of
the specific layout of the keypad 14. Accordingly, the system
architecture of the handheld electronic device 100 can be

employed in conjunction with virtually any keypad layout
without requiring any meaningful change in the system
architecture. It is further noted that certain of the features
set forth herein are usable on either or both of a reduced
keyboard and a non-reduced keyboard.

[0028] The keys 18 are located on a front face 20 of the housing
4, and the thumbwheel 16 is located at a side 22 of the
housing 4. In addition to the keys 18, the thumbwheel 16 can
serve as another input member since the thumbwheel 16 is
capable of being rotated, as indicated by arrow 24, and

depressed generally toward the housing 4, as indicated by
arrow 26. Rotation of the thumbwheel 16 provides selection
inputs to the processor 10, while depression of the thumbwheel
16 provides another selection input to the processor 10.


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9
[0029]Among the keys 18 of the keypad 14 is a currency key 28.
The currently key 28 additionally and advantageously includes
a graphic 32 disposed thereon. The graphic 32 may be that of
the dollar symbol ("$").

[0030] As can further be seen in FIG. 1, many of the keys 18
include a one or more character, number, etc., disposed
thereon. In the exemplary depiction of the keypad 14, many of
the keys 18 include two characters, such as including a first
character 38 and a second character 40 assigned thereto.

Accordingly, when a key 18 having a first and a second
character 38, 40 is depressed or actuated the input of that
particular key can either be the first or second character 38,
40. In general, for a key 18 having first and second
characters 38, 40 assigned thereto, the first (or lower)
character 38 is entered by actuating the key 18 directly while
the second (or upper) character 40 is entered by actuating the
"ALT" key 30 followed by the key 18. Furthermore, punctuations
may also be assigned to one or more keys 18 on the keypad 14.
For example, the key 18 on which the letter "B" is disposed
also includes the exclamation point ("!"). It should also be
noted, however, that in other embodiments of the keypad 14 the
actuation of the ALT key 30 prior to entering a linguistic
element or punctuation key might not be necessary.

[0031]The output apparatus 8 includes a display 42 upon which
can be provided an output 44. An exemplary output 44 is
depicted on the display 42 in FIG. 1. The exemplary output 44
is a text message 44 that includes one or more characters or
symbols 48. The text message 44 may be an email message and
may be composed by a user using the various keys 18 on the


CA 02541554 2006-03-31

keypad 14. The display 42 also includes a cursor 62 that
depicts generally where the next output (e.g., character,
symbol, etc.) will be displayed.

[0032]The memory 12 is depicted schematically in FIG. 2. The
5 memory 12 can be any of a variety of types of internal and/or
external storage media such as, without limitation, RAM, ROM,
EPROM(s), EEPROM(s), and the like that provide a storage
register for data storage such as in the fashion of an
internal storage area of a computer, and can be volatile
10 memory or non-volatile memory. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the
memory 12 is in electronic communication with the processor
10. The memory 12 additionally includes a number of modules
depicted generally with the numeral 64 for the processing of
data. The modules 64 can be in any of a variety of forms such

as, without limitation, software, firmware, and the like. As
will be explained in greater detail below, the one or more
modules 64 may be executed to perform the method of the
present application as well as other functions that are
utilized by the handheld electronic device 100. Additionally,
the memory 12 can also store a variety of databases such as,
without limitation, a language database.

[0033]Thus, the handheld electronic device 100 includes
computer executable programmed instructions for directing the
device 100 to implement the embodiments of the present
application. The programmed instructions may be embodied in
one or more modules 64 resident in the memory 12 of the device
100. Alternatively, the programmed instructions may be
embodied on a computer readable medium (such as a CD disk or
floppy disk) which may be used for transporting the programmed


CA 02541554 2006-03-31
11

instructions to the memory 12 of the device 100.
Alternatively, the programmed instructions may be embedded in
a computer-readable signal or signal-bearing medium that is
uploaded to a network by a vendor or supplier of the

programmed instructions, and this signal or signal-bearing
medium may be downloaded through an interface to the device
100 from the network by end users or potential buyers.
[0034]In operation, when a user is composing a text message 44

(or note, memo, task, document, spreadsheet, text entry, etc.)
using the handheld electronic device 100 and wishes to enter a
currency symbol (e.g., the dollar symbol "$") 48 into the text
message 44, the user would press the currency key 28. If the
currency key 28 has been used before, a default currency

symbol (e.g., "$") is then inserted into the text message 44.
The currency key 28 may not have been used before if the
device 100 is a new or newly activated device 100.

[0035]If the currency key 28 has not been used before, the user
is provided with the opportunity to set the default currency
symbol. To this end, upon first pressing the currency key 28,
an initial default currency symbol dialog box 300 is presented
to the user on the display 42 as shown in FIG. 3. The initial
default currency symbol dialog box 300 includes a list 310 of
currency symbols 311, 312 from which the user may select a

default currency symbol. The user may choose a default
currency symbol (e.g., the dollar symbol "$" 311) from the
list 310 by scrolling through the list using the thumbwheel 16
to hi-light the desired symbol 311 which may then be selected
by clicking the thumbwheel 16. After the default currency


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12
symbol (e.g., 311) has been thus set, each time the
currency key 28 is pressed, the default currency symbol (e.g.,
"$" 311) will be inserted into the test message 44. The
default currency symbol setting will be saved in the memory
12, 64 of the device 100.

(0036] Subsequently, if the user wants to change the default
currency symbol from, for example, the dollar symbol "$" 311
to the pound symbol "~" 312, the user may do so through a
settings menu 400 which the user may choose to have presented
on the display 42. The settings menu 400 is shown in FIG. 4.
The settings menu 400 has a currency key menu item 410 and a
currency key default symbol setting indication 420. In FIG. 4,
the currency key default symbol setting indication 420
indicates that the currency key default symbol is currently
the dollar symbol ("$").

[0037] By selecting the currency key default symbol setting
indication 420, the user is presented with a change option
dialog box 500 as shown in FIG. 5. The change option dialog
box 500 includes a list 510 of functions 511, 512, 513 for
changing default settings. The list of functions 510 may
include a change option function 511 for changing a default
setting, a save function 512 for saving changes to one or more
default settings, and a close function 513 for exiting from
the change option dialog box 500.

[0038]Upon selecting the change option function 511 from the
change option dialog box 500, a default currency symbol dialog
box 600 is presented to the user on the display 42 as shown in
FIG. 6. Similar to the initial default currency symbol dialog


CA 02541554 2006-03-31
13

box 300, the default currency symbol dialog box 600 includes a
list 610 of currency symbols 311, 312, 313 from which the user
may select a default currency symbol.

[0039]If the user selects a new default currency symbol (e.g.,
the pound symbol "f." 312), upon attempting to exit the
settings menu 400 the user is prompted to save or discard the
change to the default currency symbol setting 420 through a
changes made dialog box 700 as shown in FIG. 7. The changes
made dialog box 700 includes a list 710 of functions 711, 712,

713 for confirming default setting changes. The list of
functions 710 may include a save function 711 for saving
changes to one or more default settings, a discard function
712 for abandoning changes to one or more default settings,
and a cancel function 713 for returning to the settings menu
400.

[0040]According to one embodiment, the default currency symbol
(e.g., "$" 311) may be preset by the manufacturer or supplier
of the handheld electronic device 100.

[0041]According to one embodiment, upon pressing the currency
key 28 while composing a text message 44, a currency symbol
dialog box similar to the default currency symbol dialog box
600 of FIG. 6 may be presented on the display 42 allowing the
user to select a currency symbol (e.g., "$" 311) from among
the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$" 311, "~" 312, "Ã" 313)

included in the dialog box 600. The current default currency
symbol (e.g., "$" 311) may be highlighted in the dialog box
600. Upon selecting a desired currency symbol (e.g., "$" 311)


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14
from the dialog box 600, that symbol will be inserted into the
text message 44.

[0042] According to one embodiment, if after inserting the
default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) into a text message 44 and
pressing a backspace key (not shown) on the keypad 14, a

currency symbol dialog box similar to the default currency
symbol dialog box 600 may be presented on the display 42
allowing the user to select another currency symbol (e.g., "~"
312) from among the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$" 311,
312, "Ã" 313) for this particular entry. The current currency
symbol default setting 420 (e.g., "$" 311) would not be
changed by this operation.

[0043]Thus, according to the present application there is
provided a currency key 28 on the keypad 14 of a handheld
electronic device 100. This key 28 allows for the entry of
dollar ("$"), euro ("Ã"), pound yen ("Y"), etc.,
symbols. The user is able to set the default currency symbol
via a currency key option 410 in "Screen/Keyboard" options
menu 400. If a default currency symbol is not set, the user is
presented with a choice box or dialog 300 for the first time
the currency key 28 is pressed and the symbol selected there
will be set as the default symbol.

[0044] According to one embodiment, prior to inserting the
default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) into a text message 44
presented on the display 42, modules 64 within the memory 12

of a handheld electronic device 100 may determine from a
characteristic of the text message 44 whether the default
symbol (e.g., "$" 311) is appropriate for inserting in the


CA 02541554 2006-03-31

text message 44. If the default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) is not
appropriate, then the modules 64 may select another symbol
(e.g., "~" 312) from among the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$"
311, "~" 312, "Ã" 313) and this other symbol (e.g., "~" 312)

5 may be inserted into the text message 44 (and/or set as the
default symbol). The characteristic may be the language (e.g.,
English, French, German) in which the text message 44 is
composed. For example, if the composition language was German
or French, the euro symbol "Ã" may be inserted into the text
10 message 44 rather than the dollar symbol "$" as the euro is
the denomination of currency used in Germany and France.
Alternatively, the characteristic may be a use of one or more
of the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$" 311, "~" 312, "Ã" 313)
in an original message to which the text message 44 is a

15 reply. For example, the original message may discuss a
transaction involving an amount denominated in pounds "~". As
such, rather than inserting the dollar symbol "$" in a
response 44 to the original message, the pound symbol "~" may
be inserted. Alternatively, the characteristic may relate to
the context or content of text message 44 into which the
default symbol (e.g., 'N$" 311) is to be inserted. For example,
if a sentence in the text message 44 includes the words
"Germany" and "France", then the euro symbol "Ã" may be
inserted into the text message 44 rather than the dollar
symbol "$".

[0045]According to another embodiment, prior to inserting the
default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) into a text message 44
presented on the display 42, modules 64 within the memory 12
of a handheld electronic device 100 may determine from a


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16
characteristic of the handheld electronic device 100 whether
the default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) is appropriate for
inserting in the text message 44. If the default symbol (e.g.,
"$" 311) is not appropriate, then the modules 64 may select

another symbol (e.g., "~" 312) from among the plurality of
symbols (e.g., "$" 311, "~" 312, "C" 313) and this other
symbol (e.g., "~" 312) may be inserted into the text message
44 (and/or set as the default symbol). The characteristic may
be a location (e.g., Canada, the United States, England,

France, Germany) of the handheld electronic device 100. This
location may be determined from a geographical positioning
system ("GPS") receiver optionally included in the handheld
electronic device 100. Alternatively, the location may be
determined from a wireless or wired network in which the
handheld electronic device 100 may be currently operating.
[0046]According to one embodiment, ordering of or highlighting
within the list 310, 610 of currency symbols 311, 312, 313
presented in the initial default currency symbol dialog box
300 and in the default currency symbol dialog box 600 is based
on a characteristic of the handheld electronic device 100 such
as the device's location. For example, if the device 100 were
located in England, the list of currency symbols 310, 610 may
begin with the pound "~" symbol 312 or that symbol may be
highlighted within the list. On the other hand, if the device
100 were located in the United States, the list of currency
symbols 310, 610 may begin with the dollar "$" symbol 311 or
that symbol may be highlighted within the list. According to
one embodiment, the remaining symbols in the list 310, 610 may
be ordered based on the relative size (e.g., land area, gross


CA 02541554 2006-03-31
17

domestic product, trade balance, etc.) of the country or
region to which they pertain. According to one embodiment, the
remaining symbols in the list 310, 610 may be ordered based on
the relative separation (e.g., distance in miles, economic
development, political affiliation, etc.) that the country or
region to which they pertain is from the country or region to
which the first symbol in the list pertains.

[0047]According to one embodiment, rather than currency symbols
and a currency key, the method of the present application may
be applied to parenthesis symbols (e.g., ( ), [], {}) and a

parenthesis key (or keys) . According to another embodiment,
the method of the present may be applied to formatting options
(e.g., underline, bold, italic) and a formatting option key
(or keys).

[0048]The above described method may be summarized with the aid
of a flowchart. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating operations
800 of modules 64 within the memory 12 of a handheld
electronic device 100 for selecting a symbol for presentation
on a display 42 of the handheld electronic device 100, in
accordance with an embodiment of the application.

[0049]At step 801, the operations 800 start.

[0050]At step 802, a signal is received from a key (e.g., 28)
on the handheld electronic device 100 actuated by a user to
select a default symbol (e.g., "$" 311), the default symbol
being one of a plurality of symbols (e.g., "$" 311, "~" 312,
"Ã" 313) available through actuation of the key 28.


CA 02541554 2006-03-31
18

[0051]At step 803, if the actuation of the key 28 is an initial
actuation of the key, the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$" 311,
"f," 312, "Ã" 313) is presented 300, 310 on the display 42 and
a signal is received to select the default symbol (e.g., "$"
311) from among the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$" 311, "~"
312, "Ã" 313).

[0052]At step 804, the default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) is
presented on the display 42.

[0053] At step 805, the operations 800 end.

[0054]In the above method, the symbol may be a currency symbol
(e.g., "$" 311) and the key may be a currency key 28. The
symbol may be a parenthesis (e.g., ( ), [], {}) and the key
may be a parenthesis key. The symbol may be a formatting
option (e.g., underline, bold, italic) and the key may be a
formatting option key. The presenting of the default symbol
may further include inserting the default symbol (e.g., "$"
311) into a text message 44 presented on the display 42. The
method may further include determining from a characteristic
of the text message 44 whether the default symbol (e.g., "$"
311) is appropriate and if the default symbol (e.g., "$" 311)
is not appropriate selecting another symbol (e.g., "~" 312)
from among the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$" 311, "~" 312,
"Ã" 313) for inserting into the text message 44. The
characteristic may be a language (e.g., English, French,
German) of the text message 44. The characteristic may be a
use of one or more of the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$" 311,
312, "Ã" 313) in a message to which the text message 44 is

a reply. The characteristic may be a context of the text


CA 02541554 2006-03-31

19
message 44. The method may further include determining from a
characteristic of the handheld electronic device 100 whether
the default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) is appropriate and if the
default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) is not appropriate selecting

another symbol (e.g., "~" 312) from among the plurality of
symbols (e.g., "$" 311, "~" 312, "Ã" 313) as the default
symbol. The characteristic may be a location (e.g., Canada,
the United States, England, France, Germany) of the handheld
electronic device 100. And, the method may further include

presenting (e.g., 600) the plurality of symbols (e.g., "$"
311, "~" 312, "Ã" 313) on the display and 42 receiving a
signal to select the default symbol (e.g., "$" 311) from among
the plurality of symbols.

[0055]In addition to the currencies and currency symbols (e.g.,
$, ~, Ã, Y) mentioned above, the method is also applicable to
other currencies and currency symbols (e.g., Dinar, RMB,
Rubee, etc.).

[0056] The above described method is generally performed by a
handheld electronic device 100. However, according to an
alternate embodiment, the method can be performed by any data
processing system including, for example, a personal computer
and a laptop computer.

[0057]While embodiments of this application are primarily
discussed as a method, a person of ordinary skill in the art
will understand that the apparatus discussed above with
reference to a handheld electronic device 100, may be
programmed to enable the practice of the method of these
embodiments. Moreover, an article of manufacture for use with


CA 02541554 2006-03-31

a handheld electronic device 100, such as a pre-recorded
storage device or other similar computer readable medium
including program instructions recorded thereon, may direct
the device 100 to facilitate the practice of the method of

5 these embodiments. It is understood that such apparatus and
articles of manufacture also come within the scope of the
application.

[0058] The embodiments of the application described above are
intended to be exemplary only. Those skilled in this art will
10 understand that various modifications of detail may be made to
these embodiments, all of which come within the scope of the
application.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2013-01-08
(22) Filed 2006-03-31
Examination Requested 2006-03-31
(41) Open to Public Inspection 2007-09-30
(45) Issued 2013-01-08

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

Last Payment of $473.65 was received on 2023-03-24


 Upcoming maintenance fee amounts

Description Date Amount
Next Payment if small entity fee 2024-04-02 $253.00
Next Payment if standard fee 2024-04-02 $624.00

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Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Request for Examination $800.00 2006-03-31
Application Fee $400.00 2006-03-31
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2006-05-17
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2008-03-31 $100.00 2008-01-24
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2009-03-31 $100.00 2009-03-10
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2010-03-31 $100.00 2010-03-04
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2011-03-31 $200.00 2011-03-11
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2012-04-02 $200.00 2012-03-22
Final Fee $300.00 2012-10-22
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 7 2013-04-02 $200.00 2013-03-05
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2014-03-31 $200.00 2014-02-14
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 9 2015-03-31 $200.00 2015-03-30
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 10 2016-03-31 $250.00 2016-03-29
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 11 2017-03-31 $250.00 2017-03-27
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 12 2018-04-03 $250.00 2018-03-26
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 13 2019-04-01 $250.00 2019-03-22
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 14 2020-03-31 $250.00 2020-04-01
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 15 2021-03-31 $459.00 2021-03-26
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 16 2022-03-31 $458.08 2022-03-25
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 17 2023-03-31 $473.65 2023-03-24
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
Past Owners on Record
BOCKING, ANDREW
FUX, VADIM
GRIFFIN, JASON
MAJOR, HARRY
SCOTT, SHERRYL LEE LORRAINE
ZINN, RONALD SCOTTE
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2006-03-31 1 16
Description 2006-03-31 20 774
Claims 2006-03-31 5 123
Cover Page 2007-09-26 1 31
Claims 2009-12-16 5 126
Drawings 2009-12-16 8 234
Representative Drawing 2010-12-01 1 13
Cover Page 2012-12-12 2 47
Drawings 2006-03-31 8 867
Correspondence 2006-05-04 1 28
Assignment 2006-03-31 4 122
Assignment 2006-05-17 6 193
Fees 2008-01-24 1 26
Fees 2010-03-04 1 39
Fees 2009-03-10 1 37
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-09-01 4 169
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-12-16 20 627
Prosecution-Amendment 2010-12-15 4 158
Fees 2011-03-11 1 37
Prosecution-Amendment 2011-05-26 6 233
Correspondence 2012-10-22 1 52
Correspondence 2012-02-21 3 93
Correspondence 2012-02-24 1 15
Correspondence 2012-02-24 1 16