Method of using physical buttons in association with a display to access and execute functions available through associated hardware and software

摘要

Systems and methods are described for using physical buttons on a device in association with a display to display, access, and execute functions available through associated hardware and software. The physical buttons are programmable, and the function of each button is displayed on an associated display when the button is activated using a first type of motion, and the function of the button is performed when the button is activated using a second type of motion. This allows the display to be free of unnecessary icons, tool-tips, menus, text, etc., and to be devoted to actual content unless and until a user decides to perform a function associated with the device containing the display. Increasing the available display space is especially important in the advancing art of electronics, where devices are becoming smaller and smaller, yet consumers are demanding more and more functionality.