Abstract: In a small-size mobile terminal, an optical sensor for reading an optical image of a finger that is kept in contact therewith is installed below an LCD for displaying information. The optical sensor is provided with a light source for emitting a predetermined light beam toward a sensor window, a lens for converging light reflected by the finger that is in contact with the sensor window and an image sensor for detecting the converged light. A CPU shifts a pointer based upon the movement of the finger detected by the optical sensor. Thus, it is possible to obtain a pointing device that is superior in the operability, miniaturizes the device, and is resistive to dusts.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device. A switching device is constructed by including a wheel and two switches. The switching device has not only a rotary shaft of the wheel but also another rotary shaft. The rotary shaft of the wheel is provided with a rotary encoder. As shown by an arrow, by rotating the wheel about the rotary shaft with a finger or the like, a predetermined item is selected. By inclining the wheel about the another rotary shaft as shown by an arrow, the switches can be turned on/off. With the configuration, the switching operation can be performed with reliability.

Abstract: A mobile telephone stores unrewritable identification data for identifying its own hardware. When a user enters an answer to a questionnaire into a mobile telephone, the mobile telephone reads out the identification data, and sends the identification data and response data to a server. A method of mediating questionnairing includes the steps of prestoring a name and an address of the user corresponding to the identification data, sending a questionnaire to the mobile telephone, retrieving the name and address of the user based on the identification data received from the mobile telephone, and sending the name and address of the user and response data to a computer of a requester of the questionnairing.

Abstract: In a small-size mobile terminal, an optical sensor for reading an optical image of a finger that is kept in contact therewith is installed below an LCD for displaying information. The optical sensor is provided with a light source for emitting a predetermined light beam toward a sensor window, a lens for converging light reflected by the finger that is in contact with the sensor window and an image sensor for detecting the converged light. A CPU shifts a pointer based upon the movement of the finger detected by the optical sensor. Thus, it is possible to obtain a pointing device that is superior in the operability, miniaturizes the device, and is resistive to dusts.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device. A switching device is constructed by including a wheel and two switches. The switching device has not only a rotary shaft of the wheel but also another rotary shaft. The rotary shaft of the wheel is provided with a rotary encoder. As shown by an arrow, by rotating the wheel about the rotary shaft with a finger or the like, a predetermined item is selected. By inclining the wheel about the another rotary shaft as shown by an arrow, the switches can be turned on/off. With the configuration, the switching operation can be performed with reliability.

Abstract: A mobile telephone stores unrewritable identification data for identifying its own hardware. A user enters order data specifying an article selected by the user for purchase into the mobile telephone. The mobile telephone reads out the identification information, and sends the identification data and the order data. An online shopping method includes the steps of preparing a name and an address of the user of the mobile telephone corresponding to the identification information, reading out the name and address of the user of the mobile telephone based on the identification data when the identification data and the order data are received from the mobile telephone, and sending the order data and the user's name and address to a computer of an online shopping dealer.

Abstract: The screen of a display such as a liquid crystal display can be divided into an input data display region comprised of at least one line, in which characters selected by a user are displayed, and a software keyboard display region comprised of three lines, in which a software keyboard is displayed. A dot pattern showing a boundary between the input data display region and the software keyboard display region is also provided. A blank dot pattern is further provided between any two adjacent rows of keys or characters on the on-screen software keyboard so that the three rows of keys or characters on the on-screen software keyboard are spaced. The user can select a character displayed in the software keyboard display region by using a cursor key and an OK key.