Virtual hard keys on a wireless device

摘要

Embodiments of the claimed invention provide systems and methods whereby the functionality of soft keys on a mobile electronic device may be shifted depending on the orientation of the device. The device detects its orientation and then maps a different function to the appropriate soft keys to ensure that the soft keys retain their functionalities from the end-user's perspective.

主权项

1. A mobile electronic device comprising:
a sensor for detecting an orientation of the device; a display screen defining a fixed plane; a plurality of keys located around a perimeter of the fixed plane; and a processor programmed to:
perform a first function responsive to a user selection of a first soft key when the device is in a first orientation, the first soft key in a first position relative to the fixed plane,receive a communication from the sensor indicating a change in the orientation of the device to a second orientation,responsive to the change in orientation from the first orientation to the second orientation, rotate the fixed plane in a direction and amount opposite the detected change in orientation and assign the first function to a second soft key in the first position relative to the rotated fixed plane, andperform the first function responsive to a user selection of the second soft key when the device is in the second orientation.