Abstract:
An interface dial with display. In one embodiment, a user interface is comprised of a display device for displaying images which is situated as part of a mechanical dial device. The display device is located in an inner portion of the mechanical interface dial. A rotatable outer ring can be coupled with and encompasses the inner portion. The rotatable outer ring is for triggering retrieval of images to be displayed in the display device. The icons displayed in the display device portion can change as the outer dial is rotated to allow selection of a displayed function by depressing the display device. The dial also provides four-way navigation having a rocker switch integrated therewith. Resembling a combination lock in one embodiment, the dial can also act as a security device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to portable computer systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide an interface dial with display functionality for a portable computer system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As the continuing advances in technology have enabled the further miniaturization of the components required to build computer systems, new categories of computer systems have been created. One of the newer categories of computer systems developed has been the portable, palmtop, or “handheld” computer system, referred to as a personal digital assistant or PDA. Other examples of a handheld computer system include electronic address books, electronic day planners, electronic schedulers and the like. 
     A handheld computer system is a computer that is small enough to be held in the user&#39;s hand. As a result, handheld computers are readily carried about in a user&#39;s briefcase, purse, and in some instances, in a user&#39;s pocket. By virtue of its size, the handheld computer, being inherently lightweight, is therefore exceptionally portable and convenient. 
     Today&#39;s portable computer systems provide a user interface, with many systems utilizing a stylus or pen to enhance user interaction. In  FIG. 1 , an exemplary portable computer system  2  is shown with a display region  3  for displaying selectable icons representing functions of portable computer system  2 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , portable computer system  2  is shown as having icons viewable within display region  3 . The icons represent shortcuts to executable files of applications, functions, and programs that can be initiated. A user utilizes a stylus, or other appropriate device, to select and activate a desired application by touching the associated icon with the stylus. For example, a user desires to add information to their data book, and as such, touches date book icon  4 . 
     Subsequent to the touching of a selected icon, e.g., data book icon  4 , the associated application or function or program is activated. In this example, a date book application is activated, and a representation of a calendar  5  is generated, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     However, for a user to activate another application or function or program, e.g., using the mail program, the user commonly has to return to the main menu, as seen in  FIG. 4 , to then be able to select and activate the mail program, mail icon  6 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Disadvantageously, this requires a user to cease what they were doing at the time while locating the desired icon. 
     While an interface that mandates switching back and forth between a screen displaying an active application, function, or program, and a display screen to access a desired icon (as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ) may be acceptable to some, others may find this inconvenient and time consuming. Additionally, in those portable computer systems having more functions represented with icons where the total number of icons cannot fit within an available display screen, to access those icons not displayed, a user needs to scroll up or down to find the desired icons. This too may be acceptable to some, but others may find this inconvenient. 
     Thus a need exists for an apparatus that provides an interface for an electronic device that is operable independent of the display screen. Another need exists for an interface for an electronic device that meets the above listed need and which can invoke a function associated with an icon. Still another need exists for an interface for an electronic device that meets the above listed needs and which can easily and readily interact with the function once invoked. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus that provides an interface for an electronic device that is operable independent of the display of the electronic device in which it is implemented. The present invention further provides an interface that is able to viewably display icons representing functions that can be performed by an electronic device. The present invention further provides an interface that can activate the function associated with the icon displayed within the interface. The present invention further provides an interface which can easily and readily provide interaction within the activated function. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures. 
     In one embodiment, a user interface is comprised of a display device for displaying images which is situated as part of a mechanical dial device. The display device is located in an inner portion of the mechanical interface dial. A rotatable outer ring can be coupled with and encompasses the inner portion. The rotatable outer ring is for triggering retrieval of images to be displayed in the display device. The icons displayed in the display device portion can change as the outer dial is rotated to allow selection of a displayed function by depressing the display device. The dial also provides four-way navigation having a rocker switch integrated therewith. Resembling a combination lock in one embodiment, the dial can also act as a security device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary portable electronic device with a display region. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of an exemplary portable electronic device having a plurality of selectable icons, representing available functions of the electronic device, viewable in a display region. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of an exemplary portable electronic device displaying an activated application associated with a selected icon. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an exemplary portable electronic device, analogous to the exemplary portable electronic device of  FIG. 2 , displaying multiple icons prior to selecting an available function. 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged illustration of an interface dial implementable in a portable electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is an enlarged illustration of another interface dial implementable in a portable electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is an illustration of a portable electronic device having a left side disposed interface dial, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is an illustration of a portable electronic device having a right side disposed interface dial, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  is an illustration of a portable electronic device having a top-edge disposed interface dial, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6D  is an illustration of a portable electronic device having a bottom-edge disposed interface dial, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6E  is an illustration of another portable electronic device having a right-edge disposed interface dial, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is an illustration of a portable electronic device, configured with an interface dial with display, being utilized in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is an illustration of a portable electronic device, configured with an interface dial with display, being utilized in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7C  is an illustration of a portable electronic device, configured with an interface dial with display, being utilized in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7D  is an illustration of a portable electronic device, configured with an interface dial with display, being utilized in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7E  is an illustration of a portable electronic device, configured with an interface dial with display, being utilized in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7F  is an illustration of a portable electronic device, configured with an interface dial with display, being utilized in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of components and circuitry of a portable electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment including a portable computer system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a block diagram of a portable computer system connected to other computers and the Internet via a cradle device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of a process of utilizing an interface dial with display in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to providing an interface dial with a display for a portable electronic device. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. To one skilled in the art, the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     The present invention is discussed primarily in the context of a portable electronic device such as a portable computer system, e.g., a handheld computer system or a personal digital assistant. For purposes of the present application, the term “portable computer system” is not intended to be limited solely to conventional handheld or portable computers. Instead, the term “portable computer” or “portable computer system” is also intended to include any mobile electronic device. Such mobile devices include but are not limited to pagers and paging systems, wireless and cellular telephones, electronic address books, wrist-mounted electronic devices, and numerous other mobile devices. As such, for purposes of the present application, the terms “portable computer” and “mobile device” will be considered synonymous and will be used interchangeably. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented with other types of electronic devices, including but not limited to a handheld computer system. 
       FIG. 5A  is an enlarged illustration of an interface dial, e.g., interface dial  150  of  FIGS. 6A-6E  and  FIGS. 7A-7F , in one embodiment of the present invention. Interface dial  150  is adapted to be integrated in a portable electronic device, e.g., portable electronic device  100  of  FIGS. 6A-6E  and  7 A- 7 F. 
     Interface dial  150  is shown having a rotatable outer ring  151 , a multi-way inner portion  152 , and a display device  153  disposed within inner portion  152 . Outer ring  151  is adapted to be rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, as indicated by bi-directional arrow  149 . In one embodiment, the rotation of outer ring  151  causes different icons to be displayed in display  153 . Outer ring  151 , as shown in  FIG. 5A , is configured with a grooved surface  151   a , for reducing user digit slippage. In another embodiment, outer ring  151  can be configured with a roughed surface, similar to non-slip materials found on bathtub floors and diving boards. Rotation of outer ring  151  in either direction causes a change in the information being displayed in display device  153 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5A , interface dial  150  is also shown having an inner multi-way portion  152 , adapted to provide, in one embodiment, 5-way cursor functionality to interface dial  150 . Multi-way portion  152  can be a rocker button. Five-way functionality includes, but is not limited to, directional cursor control. Directional cursor control is, e.g., moving a cursor indicator up, down, left, and right. Five-way functionality also includes cursor selectability, e.g., pressing down on inner multi-way portion  152  thus selecting an image, highlighting data, invoking applications, programs, or functions, similar to mouse clicking and/or stylus contact. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5A , inner multi-way cursor  152  is shown having a display device  153 , centrally disposed therein. Display device  153  provides display functionality to interface dial  150 . In one embodiment, display device  153  is a LCD (liquid crystal display). In another embodiment, display device  153  is an LDD (light emitting diode display). It is noted that alternative display technologies can be implemented as display device  153 , including, but not limited to, TFT (thin film transistor) display, plasma display, and the like. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5A , display device  153  of interface dial  150  can, in one implementation, provide a display for images including, but not limited to, icons representing applications, programs, or functions invokable by a portable electronic device. Display device  153  is coupled with outer ring  151 , such that when outer ring  151  is rotated, alternative icon images are viewably displayed, as will be shown in  FIGS. 7A-7F , following. Display device  153  can reside on a central button that can be depressed and is part of the multi-way  152 . 
     In another implementation, display device  153  of interface dial  150  can display images of alphanumeric characters, so that interface dial  150  can be used in conjunction with security measures, e.g., password protection, implemented in a portable electronic device. For example, with a password protection feature activated, a user can enter the password by rotating outer dial  151  to the appropriate character, and then selecting the character utilizing the cursor selectability functionality. In this way, outer ring  151  can be used much like a combination lock or security device. 
     In yet another implementation, with display device&#39;s  153  alphanumeric display functionality, interface dial  150  can be utilized as a data input device. For example, a user can rotate outer dial  151  to view and select alphabetic and numeric characters for entering test based data, somewhat akin to using a keyboard or software representation of a keyboard or other text input device. Data can be selected by depressing the multi-way  152 . 
     It is noted that categorizing and ordering of the icons and alphanumeric characters that are to be displayed within display device  153  are user definable. A user who utilizes certain functions more frequently can sequentially order the icons representing those functions, thereby reducing the amount of rotation needed to retrieve an appropriate icon. Thus, individual users can customize their interaction with the portable computer system. 
       FIG. 5B  is an illustration of an interface dial  150 , e.g., interface dial  155  shown having an alternatively sized display device  154 , in another example of the present invention. Interface dial  155  and display device  154  of  FIG. 5B  are functionally analogous to interface dial  150  and display device  153  of  FIG. 5A . Interface dial  155  is shown having a display device  154  which is disposed within inner multi-way portion  152 . In this example, display device  154  has a display region greater in size than display device  150  of  FIG. 5A . Shown in display device  154  of interface dial  155  is an icon representing an address book function, such as the icon shown in interface dial  150  of  FIG. 7B . By virtue of the larger display region, display device  154  is able to display larger icons. 
       FIG. 6A  is an illustration of a portable computer system  100   a  configured with an interface dial  150 , in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, referring collectively to  FIGS. 6A-6E , it is noted that interface dial  155  of  FIG. 5B  can be analogously implemented. Portable computer system  100   a  has a display screen  105  integrated therein. Portable computer system  100   a  also has a plurality of programmable/dedicated buttons  98 . Portable computer system  100   a  also has a dual action button  99  for directing upward and downward movement within display screen  105 . In this example, interface dial  150  is disposed upon the left side of portable computer system  100   a . This configuration is well suited for users that write right-handed. A right-handed user can use a stylus with their right hand while using holding portable computer system  100   a  with their left hand and using interface dial  150  with their thumb of their left hand. 
       FIG. 6B  is an illustration of another portable computer system  100   b , analogous to portable computer system  100   a  of  FIG. 6A . In this example, interface dial  150 , analogous to interface dial  150  of  FIG. 5A  is disposed on the right side of portable computer system  100   b . This configuration is well suited for users that write left-handed. A left-handed user can use a stylus with their left hand while holding portable computer system  100   b  with their right hand and using interface dial  150  with their thumb of their right hand. 
       FIG. 6C  is an illustration of another portable computer system  100   c , analogous to portable computer system  100   a  of  FIG. 6A . In this example, interface dial  150 , analogous to interface dial  150  of  FIG. 5A , is disposed on the top portion of portable electronic device  100   c . As such, this configuration is well suited for either right-handed or left-handed users. 
       FIG. 6D  is an illustration of another portable computer system  100   d , nearly analogous to portable computer system  100   a  of  FIG. 6A . In this example, interface dial  150 , analogous to interface dial  150  of  FIG. 5A  is disposed on the bottom portion of portable computer system  100   d . It is noted that interface dial  150  has replaced dual action button  99 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C . It is further noted that in another embodiment, interface dial  150  and dual action button  99  can both be disposed upon the bottom of portable computer system  100 . In another embodiment, interface dial  150  can be disposed upon the bottom of portable computer system  100   d  with both dual-action button  99  and programmable/dedicated buttons  98  removed. If only interface dial  150  is present on portable computer system  100   d , a size increase in display screen  105  can be realized. Further, by disposing interface dial  150  toward the bottom, this configuration is also well suited for right-handed or left-handed users. 
     It is noted that although interface dial  150  is shown, in one example, within the contour of portable computer system  100 , as seen in  FIGS. 6A-6D , in another example, interface dial can be disposed such that it extends beyond the physical contour of a portable computer system  100   e , as shown in  FIG. 6E . 
     Dial locations to  FIGS. 6A-6E  are exemplary only and it is noted that interface dial  150  can be disposed nearly anywhere upon portable computer system  100 . 
       FIGS. 7A-7F  shows a portable computer system  100  configured with an interface dial  150  disposed on the right side thereof, analogous to portable computer system  100   b  of  FIG. 6B . Alternatively, interface dial  155  of  FIG. 5B  can be so implemented.  FIG. 7A , a user is operating their portable computer system  100   b  and is editing their preferences, shown in display screen  105 , and during editing decides that once finished, they want to check their date book. Advantageously, while editing their preferences with their left hand, the user is able to rotate outer ring  151  of interface dial  150  to display the icon for the date book function, as seen in enlarged display device  153 . Subsequent to completion of the editing of their preferences, the user presses down on display device  153 , clicking the under button to cause the function, date book, to be activated, shown in  FIG. 7B . 
     Sequentially, in  FIG. 7B , function data book, a calendar in this example, is then shown in display screen  105 . As the user checks and edits their calendar, the user decides that they will next want to edit their address book. Advantageously, while editing the calendar, the user is able to rotate outer ring  151  of interface dial  150  to display the icon for the address book function, as seen in enlarged display device  153 . Subsequent to completion of the editing of their calendar in the data book function, the user presses down on display device  153  clicking the under button to cause the function, address book, to be activated, shown in  FIG. 7C . 
     Sequentially, in  FIG. 7C , function address book is then shown in display screen  105 . In this example, the user desired to complete the editing regarding an automobile club to which they now belong. In this instance, the user utilizes the multi-way function incorporated in the inner portion  152  of interface dial  150 . By pressing on the sides of inner portion  152 , the user can control the movement of a selection indicator to select the automobile club. In this case, interface dial  150  is used as a cursor navigator using display screen  105 . Once highlighted, the user presses down on display device  153  and retrieves the information regarding the automobile club, as seen in  FIG. 7D . 
     Sequentially, in  FIG. 7D , the address information regarding the automobile club is shown in display screen  105 . The user desires, for example, to insert the automobile club&#39;s toll free number. Interface dial  150  can be used as a text input device. By pressing twice on display device  153 , alphanumeric characters are now displayed in display device  153 . The user rotates outer ring  151  to display the first number, an eight, as shown in enlarged display device image  153 - a , then presses down on display device  153  to enter the number. The user then rotates outer ring  151  again to display a zero, as shown in enlarged display device image  153 - b , and presses down a first time to enter the first zero and a second time to enter the second zero, now shown in  FIG. 7E . 
     Sequentially, in  FIG. 7E , the user has decided to utilize digitizer  106  to enter the remainder of the toll free number. The user then presses down twice to activate the display of function icons in display device  153 . Advantageously, while utilizing digitizer  106  with their left hand, the user can now rotate outer ring  151  with their right hand thumb, to display a desired function. In this example, the user desires to edit their password for protecting their data, and accordingly needs to access the function, security, as displayed in enlarged display device  153 . As the user completes digitizer input of the phone number, the user presses down on display device  153  and activates the function, security, as shown, in  FIG. 7F . 
     Sequentially, in  FIG. 7F , the user presses down twice to activate the alphanumeric character display, so as to be able to enter a password, e.g., pol4icy. The use rotates outer dial  151  to display a ‘p’, the first letter of the password, and once displayed, presses on display device  153  to enter the ‘p.’ The user would then rotate outer dial  151  to display an ‘o’, and so on, and so forth. 
       FIG. 8  is a functional block diagram of components and circuitry in a computer system  800 , e.g., a portable computer system  100   a - e  of  FIGS. 6A-6E , and  FIGS. 7A-7F . Computer system  800  includes an address/data bus  810  for communicating information, a central processor  801  coupled with the bus for processing information and instructions, a volatile memory  802  (e.g., random access memory, RAM) coupled with the bus  810  for storing information and instructions for the central processor  801  and a non-volatile memory  803  (e.g., read only memory, ROM) coupled with the bus  810  for storing static information and instructions for the processor  801 . Computer system  100  also includes an optional data storage device  804  coupled with the bus  810  for storing information and instructions. Device  804  can be removable. Computer system  800  also contains display screen  105  coupled to the bus  810  for displaying information to the computer user. 
     With reference still to  FIG. 8 , computer system  800  also includes a signal transceiver device  808 , which is coupled to bus  810  for providing a physical communication link between computer system  100 , and a network environment (e.g., network environments  950  and  951  of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , respectively). As such, signal transmitter/receiver device  808  enables central processor unit  801  to communicate wirelessly with other electronic systems coupled to the network. It should be appreciated that within the present embodiment, signal transmitter/receiver device  808  provides the functionality to transmit and receive information over a wireless communication interface. It should be further appreciated that the present embodiment of signal transceiver device  808  is well suited to be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, signal transceiver device  808  could be implemented as a modem. 
     In one embodiment, computer system  800  includes a communication circuit  809  coupled to bus  810 . Communication circuit  809  includes an optional digital signal processor (DSP)  820  for processing data to be transmitted or data that are received via signal transmitter/receiver device  808 . Alternatively, processor  801  can perform some or all of the functions performed by DSP  820 . 
     Also included in computer system  800  of  FIG. 8  is an optional alphanumeric input device  106  that in one implementation is a handwriting recognition pad (“digitizer”) for receiving input. Alphanumeric input device  806  can communicate information and command selections to processor  801 . Computer system  800  also includes an optional cursor control or directing device (on-screen cursor control  807 ) coupled to bus  810  for communicating user input information and command selections to processor  801 . In one implementation, on-screen cursor control device  807  is capable of registering a position on display screen  105  where the stylus makes contact. Display screen  105  is suitable for generating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to the user. 
       FIG. 8  also has an interface dial  150 , e.g., interface dial  150  of  FIG. 5A , coupled to bus  810 , for enabling enhanced user interaction with computer system  800 . Alternatively, interface dial  155  of  FIG. 5B  can be analogously coupled to bus  810 . 
       FIG. 9A  is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment  950  including a portable computer system  100 , e.g., portable computer system  100   b  of FIGS.  6 B and  7 A- 7 F, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, portable computer system  100  has the ability to transmit and receive data and information over a wireless communication interface (e.g., a radio interface). 
     Base station  932  can be both a transmitter and receiver base station, which can be implemented by coupling it into an existing public telephone network  934 . Implemented in this manner, base station  932  enables portable computer system  100  to communicate with a server computer system  936 , which is coupled by wire to the existing public telephone network  934 . Furthermore, server computer system  936  is coupled to the Internet  952 , thereby enabling portable computer system  100  to communicate with the Internet  952 . When communicating with a Web site over Internet  952 , protocols such as CTP (Compact Transport Protocol), WAP (Wireless Markup Protocol), and markup languages such as CML (Compact Markup Language), WML (Wireless Markup Language) which includes HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language), and XML (Extensible Markup Language) can be used by portable computer system  100  in the present embodiment. 
     It should be appreciated that one of the functions of server  936  is to perform operations over the Internet  952  on behalf of portable computer system  100 . For example, proxy server  936  has a particular Internet address and acts as a proxy device for portable computer system  100  over the Internet  952 . 
     It should be further appreciated that other embodiments of a communications network may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, a wireless connection may be made from portable computer system  100  directly to the Internet  952 . 
     The data and information which are communicated between base station  932  and portable computer system  100  are the same type of information and data that can conventionally be transferred and received over a public telephone wire network system. Additionally, in  FIG. 9A , the existing telephone network could also be a packet-based network, utilized by some conventional portable computer systems. However, a wireless communication interface is utilized to communicate data and information between portable computer system  100  and base station  932 . Furthermore, nearly any wireless network can support the functionality to be disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates another embodiment of a system  951  that can be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present invention. System  951  comprises a host computer system which can either be a desktop unit  102 , or, alternatively, can be a laptop system  101 , as shown. Optionally, one or more host computer systems can be used within system  951 . Host computer systems  101  and  102  are shown connected to a communication bus  954 , which in one embodiment can be a serial communication bus, but could be of any of a number of well known designs, e.g., a parallel bus, Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN), etc. Optionally, bus  954  can provide communication with the Internet  952  using a number of well-known protocols. 
     Importantly, bus  954  is also coupled to a cradle  960  for receiving and initiating communication with portable computer system  100   b  of  FIG. 6B  and  FIGS. 7A-7F . Cradle  960  provides an electrical and mechanical communication interface between bus  954  (and anything coupled to bus  954 ) and the computer system  100   b  for two-way communications. Portable computer system  100   b  may instead be coupled to host computer systems  956  and  958  via a wireless (radio) connection. Computer system  100   b  also contains a wireless infrared communication mechanism  964  for sending and receiving information from other devices. Additionally, in  FIG. 9B , the existing telephone network could also be a packet-based network, utilized by some conventional portable computer systems. 
     With reference to both  FIGS. 9A and 9B , it is appreciated that portable computer system  100   b  can be used in a network environment combining elements of networks  950  and  951 . That is, portable computer system  100   b  can include both a wireless infrared communication mechanism and a signal (e.g., radio) receiver/transmitter device. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart  1000  of steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention for utilizing an interface dial with display, e.g., interface dial  150  of  FIG. 5   a , in a portable electronic device, such as portable computer system  100 . Alternatively, flowchart  1000  can be analogously performed utilizing interface  155  of  FIG. 5B . Flowchart  1000  includes processes of the present invention which, in one embodiment, are carried out by processors and electrical components under the control of computer readable and computer executable instructions. The computer readable and computer executable instructions reside, for example, in data storage features such as computer usable volatile memory (RAM)  802  and/or computer usable non-volatile memory (ROM)  803  and/or data storage device  804  integrated within portable electronic device  100 . However, the computer readable and computer executable instructions may reside in any type of computer readable medium. Although specific steps are disclosed in flowchart  1000 , such steps are exemplary. That is, the present invention is well suited to performing various other steps or variations of the steps recited in  FIG. 10 . Within the present embodiment, it should be appreciated that the steps of flowchart  1000  may be performed by software, by hardware or by any combination of software and hardware. 
     In step  1002  of  FIG. 10 , an interface dial, e.g., interface dial  150  of  FIG. 5A , has an icon displayed in display device  153 . The icon represents a link to an executable file of a function operable in portable computer system  100 . 
     In step  1004  of  FIG. 10 , in response to a rotation, either clockwise or counter-clockwise, received on outer ring  151 , an alternative icon is displayed in display device  153 , as shown in  FIG. 7A . 
     In step  1006  of  FIG. 10 , the function associated with the displayed icon is activated in response to receiving an invoking command upon interface dial  150 . In one embodiment, the invoking command can be a pressing down of display device  153 . 
     In step  1008  of  FIG. 10 , cursor navigation is performed by the interface of a user with the multi-way rocker switch integrated with the interface dial. 
     In conclusion, by providing an interface dial with display for a portable computer system, embodiments of the present invention enable a user to consider and anticipate their subsequent function needs concurrent with an invoked function. Advantageously, this can increase user efficiency. Additionally, the multi-way functionality incorporated therein enables a user to easily and readily interact with an invoked function, and this can increase user satisfaction. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.