Abstract: A method and apparatus for scrolling a display includes detecting contact relative to a touch pad having a plurality of regions which individually correspond to a plurality of different scrolling directions, and determining which region of the plurality of regions the contact is detected. If the contact is maintained for a first threshold time period, the method further includes scrolling an associated display in a direction corresponding to the previously determined region. Alternatively, scrolling a display includes receiving input responsive to contact relative to a plurality of regions of a touch pad, in which each of the plurality of regions individually correspond to a plurality of different scrolling directions, and scrolling an associated display in a direction corresponding to a scrolling direction associated with a last-contacted region of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: A touch key assembly includes a cover having at least one touch key which is identified by an optically transmissive region of the cover. The cover is also shaped to define a push key opening. The assembly also includes a touch pad structured to operatively couple to the cover such that the touch pad is positioned relative to the touch key. A push key is positioned within the push key opening of the cover. The touch key assembly may be implemented in a portable electronic device, such as a mobile terminal or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a first body structured to slideably engage a second body to permit opening and closing of the mobile terminal by relative sliding motion between the first body and the second body. The first body includes a plurality of distinct optically transmissive regions. A display is positioned relative to the first body at one of the distinct optically transmissive regions, and a keypad is positioned relative to the second body. The mobile terminal also includes a selection key for operatively coupling to an underlying touch pad, such that the selection key is identified by one of the distinct optically transmissive regions of the first body. The mobile terminal further includes back-lighted directional keys for operatively coupling to the underlying touch pad.

Abstract: A touch key assembly is structured to operate with a cover having at least one touch key, which is defined by an optically transmissive region of the cover. A touch pad is coupled to the cover and is shaped to define at least one aperture which forms a light guide that is associated with the touch key. A light source is positioned relative to the bottom side of the touch pad, and is further positioned relative to the light guide to provide light to the touch key. The assembly may also include an optical waveguide positioned relative to the bottom side of the touch pad, the optical waveguide being structured to transmit light. A reflection element operatively associated with the bottom side of the optical waveguide may be used to enhance refection of the light. The touch key assembly may be implemented in a portable electronic device, such as a mobile terminal or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a first body structured to slideably engage a second body to permit opening and closing of the mobile terminal by relative sliding motion between the first body and the second body. The first body includes a plurality of distinct optically transmissive regions. A display is positioned relative to the first body at one of the distinct optically transmissive regions, and a keypad is positioned relative to the second body. The mobile terminal also includes a selection key for operatively coupling to an underlying touch pad, such that the selection key is identified by one of the distinct optically transmissive regions of the first body. The mobile terminal further includes back-lighted directional keys for operatively coupling to the underlying touch pad.

Abstract: A touch key assembly includes a cover having at least one touch key which is identified by an optically transmissive region of the cover. The cover is also shaped to define a push key opening. The assembly also includes a touch pad structured to operatively couple to the cover such that the touch pad is positioned relative to the touch key. A push key is positioned within the push key opening of the cover. The touch key assembly may be implemented in a portable electronic device, such as a mobile terminal or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scrolling a display includes detecting contact relative to a touch pad having a plurality of regions which individually correspond to a plurality of different scrolling directions, and determining which region of the plurality of regions the contact is detected. If the contact is maintained for a first threshold time period, the method further includes scrolling an associated display in a direction corresponding to the previously determined region. Alternatively, scrolling a display includes receiving input responsive to contact relative to a plurality of regions of a touch pad, in which each of the plurality of regions individually correspond to a plurality of different scrolling directions, and scrolling an associated display in a direction corresponding to a scrolling direction associated with a last-contacted region of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: A touch key assembly is structured to operate with a cover having at least one touch key, which is defined by an optically transmissive region of the cover. A touch pad is coupled to the cover and is shaped to define at least one aperture which forms a light guide that is associated with the touch key. A light source is positioned relative to the bottom side of the touch pad, and is further positioned relative to the light guide to provide light to the touch key. The assembly may also include an optical waveguide positioned relative to the bottom side of the touch pad, the optical waveguide being structured to transmit light. A reflection element operatively associated with the bottom side of the optical waveguide may be used to enhance refection of the light. The touch key assembly may be implemented in a portable electronic device, such as a mobile terminal or a personal digital assistant (PDA).