Patent ID: 6256020
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: G06F,H04M

Abstract:
A method of operating a user console, which manipulates data in a device or system and manipulates data in a data processing system, the console including a keyboard with a plurality of display keys, each display key including a switch and a display element and being configured to be assigned a function and a display, the method comprising the steps:a) assigning a portion of the plurality of display keys to a first software application;b) assigning functions and displays to the display keys assigned to the first software application;c) assigning at least a portion of the plurality of display keys not assigned to the first software application to at least a second software application;d) assigning functions and displays to the display keys assigned to the at least second software application;e) detecting an event and correlating the event to one of the first software application or at least a second software application; andf) reassigning the functions and displays of at least a portion of the display keys.