US 8115731

US Patent 8115731, titled "Method of operating a handheld device for directional input," was issued on February 14, 2012, from an application filed on December 16, 2005 (Application number US11/240,501). The sole inventor listed is Marcelo Varanda. The original assignee was Research in Motion Ltd, and the current assignee is Malikie Innovations Ltd.

Abstract:
The patent describes a directional input device for use in a handheld device that provides input to a user interface element in response to the handheld device's inclination. This input device is designed to be embedded within the device, allowing for directional control without consuming screen space on the device's face.

Independent Claim Overview:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a handheld computing device that includes a display, an internal directional input device, and a second directional input device. The internal directional input device generates a signal corresponding to the device's orientation (its inclination). The second directional input device provides a signal indicating a magnitude of displacement. A processor in the device receives and processes both signals. A memory subsystem stores an operating system that, when executed, displays a graphical user interface with a graphical element. The operating system uses the processed signals to move this graphical element on the display by the specified amount of displacement, either substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the device's orientation.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, the patent's metadata indicates ongoing litigation related to the patent family. Specifically, a PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) case, IPR2026-00004, was filed and is noted as a "Settlement". Additionally, a US case was filed in the Washington Western District Court. There is no authoritative information found in the search results regarding specific CAFC dockets for US patent 8115731 for the year 2026. However, the existing litigation records from the PTAB and District Court suggest potential for or related appeal activity at the CAFC.