Abstract: A molded component assembly includes a printed circuit board with a first face and an oppositely facing second face. Multiple light emitting diodes are mounted on a first portion of the first face. Multiple electronics components are mounted on a second portion of the first face. A light guide of a light translucent polymeric material has a contact surface, multiple light outlets, and multiple light emitting diode receiving pockets defining recesses in the contact surface, each sized to receive one of the light emitting diodes when the contact surface directly contacts the first portion of the first face, with visible light from the light emitting diodes transmitted through the light guide to the light outlets. A first polymeric material is molded over a portion of the second portion of the first face encapsulating the electronics components and contacting a portion of the light guide.

Abstract: A method of operating a captioned telephone call in which an assisted user is connected by a captioned telephone device that is connected both by a first line to a remote user and a second line to a relay providing captioning for a conversation, the method comprising the steps of: when a start of an incoming call is detected by the captioned telephone device on the first line, the captioned telephone device automatically calling the relay on the second line to initiate captioning service set up; the captioned telephone device passing spoken words received on the first line to the second line; and the relay then providing text captions of the spoken words back to the captioned telephone device on the second line.

Abstract: A mobile computing device may be configured to run more than one operating system. Each operating system may require one or more specialized buttons to perform or enable various functions. The layout, shape, and function corresponding the buttons for each operating system may be unique. Adapting the buttons for a particular operating system may be accomplished by using soft buttons displayed as part of the graphical user interface. Here, however, valuable display area must be dedicated to the buttons. Another adaptation approach requires reconfiguring the hardware. Both approaches have drawbacks. In the invention disclosed, two sets of hardware buttons are incorporated in the same touch panel. Enabling a button is based on the choice of operating system. Enabled buttons are visible and operable while not enabled buttons or not visible and not operable. In this way, the hardware buttons in the mobile computing device may be reconfigured without using display area and without requiring hardware disassembly.

Abstract: A mechanism and accompanying method adapted for use with a user interface for manipulating complex data strings. In an example embodiment, the method includes providing a dialog box that includes a first user option to input data pertaining to a complex data string; using data input pertaining to the complex data string to selectively verify that portions of the complex data string represent valid portions; providing a first user option via the dialog box to employ data input pertaining to the complex data string as one or more search criteria to selectively perform a search of preexisting complex data strings; and providing search results in response thereto, wherein the search results are displayed within the dialog box. In a specific embodiment, the method further includes providing a mechanism via the dialog box to trigger creation of a complex data string that a user has specified via the dialog box when search results for the complex data string to be created do not include a match.

Abstract: A housing assembly for a mobile device includes a cover formed from optically transmissive material, and opaque material formed over a portion of the cover. The opaque material is arranged to define a display portion which is optically transmissive. The housing assembly further includes a frame sized to receive the cover, and a first housing structured to couple with the frame, such that the cover, the frame, and the first housing are structured to define an enclosure sized to contain electrical components for the mobile device.

Abstract: A formula bar is used for receiving user input for entry/editing of formulas using touch input and/or a Soft Input Panel (SIP) designed for formula input. In response to a user initiating entry of a formula, a list of formulas is displayed based on the user's input. A formula may be selected and displayed within the formula bar with a parameter highlighted. The user may then enter the value for the parameter (e.g. a single value, a range, another formula, and the like) using touch input and/or SIP input. As the user enters the value for each parameter, the next parameter for the formula is automatically highlighted. The formula may be validated to determine if the parameters for the formula have been entered correctly. Tips may also be displayed in/near the display of the formula bar to provide assistance to the user entering the formula.

Abstract: A telecommunication device includes a casing, smart phone components disposed within the casing, two opposed flexible wrist grips having upper and lower surfaces, and a flexible screen disposed on the lower surfaces of the casing and the opposed flexible wrist grips and in communication with the smart phone components.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing an audio and visual presentation in a multi-modal browser. A form is transmitted over a network having at least one field requiring user supplied information to a multi-modal browser. Blank fields within the form are filled in by user who provides either verbal or tactile interaction, or a combination of verbal and tactile interaction. The browser moves to the next field requiring user provided input. Finally, the form exits after the user has supplied input for all required fields. The method also provides a synchronized verbal and visual presentation by said browser by having the headings for the fields to be filled out and typing in what the user says.

Abstract: An electronic device has circuitry mounted within an electronic device housing. The electronic device housing may have housing walls such as metal sidewalls. Openings are formed in an electronic device housing wall to accommodate buttons. A button may have a switch with a switch housing mounted to the housing wall. A movable button member that extends from the switch housing may protrude through a housing opening. Switch terminals are coupled to signal lines on structures such as flexible printed circuits. The switch terminals may be formed from portions of elongated switch leads supported by support structure that are mounted to the housing wall or may be formed on an inner surface of the switch housing. Support structures may be molded into engagement with features on a housing wall or may be mounted to a housing wall using a fastener such as a screw.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for detecting ambient audio, generating audio data based on the ambient audio, generating a first audio fingerprint based on the audio data, providing the first audio fingerprint to a fingerprint comparison engine, the fingerprint comparison engine providing a comparison between the first audio fingerprint and a second audio fingerprint, and receiving a proximity signal based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: The innovation supports the ability to map alpha characters entered directly into the dialer application of a smartphone. These alpha characters can be entered via a smartphone keyboard (e.g., QWERTY keyboard) and converted to the appropriate digits as mapped to a conventional telephone keypad. The resultant numerical digits can be used to prompt a network call. Additionally, the innovation can be used during an active call to respond to prompts that traditionally require 12-key mappings. This innovation allows a user to both dial a number directly via a smartphone keyboard, and filter contacts by name, in a non-modal manner.

Abstract: In a rotation input device, a planetary carrier, connected to an operation knob, rotatably supports a planetary gear which meshes with an outer teeth row provided for a sun gear, to which an output shaft is secured, and also meshes with an inner teeth row provided for an outer gear. A plunger provided for the sun gear is in elastic contact with a recess cam provided for the outer gear. A solenoid unit prevents rotation of the outer gear in accordance with an output of a magnetic sensor which faces a magnet provided for the output shaft.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys each of which is associated with indicia corresponding to at least one of alphabetic characters, numbers, or commands. The keys of the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than 26 and greater than nine. No more than two alphabetic characters are associated with each of the keys associated with alphabetic characters. At least one of the keys associated with alphabetic characters is associated with two alphabetic characters and at least one number. The numbers are arranged and displayed in the format of a phone keypad and the letters are arranged and displayed in a keyboard layout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: A dual-tone generating telecommunication device comprising a frequency generating element that produces at least 9 individual tones, each having a distinct frequency between 300 Hz and 3,000 Hz, and at least 17 dial buttons, with each dial button representing at least one distinct character, and where each character directs the frequency generating element to produce a distinct dual tone, with each distinct dual tone being generated by the combination of two different individual tones.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes multiple key switches, a scan memory that temporarily stores a result obtained by scanning keyboard as scan data, a confirmed data memory that stores a confirmed key input, a first determination mechanism that determines whether the scan data stored in the scan memory indicates that multiple keys on a single scan line are on, a readout mechanism that reads out a data of a scan line immediately preceding the scan line that is currently scanned from the data memory, a second determination mechanism that compares the data stored in the scan memory with the readout data from the readout mechanism and determines whether a single detection line includes two keys that are on, and a key confirmation mechanism that determines a current sneak when the second mechanism detects that the single scan line includes two key switches that are on and confirms the key input.

Abstract: A handheld device includes a plurality of input members, a first set of which each have a Roman character assigned thereto, a least some of which have a first non-Roman, second non-Roman character, and third non-Roman characters assigned thereto. The device is switchable between first and second modes. In the first mode, each Roman character may be input in response to actuation of the input member to which it is assigned, and in the second mode, each first non-Roman character may be input in response to a first type of actuation of the input member to which it is assigned, each second non-Roman character may input in response to a second type of actuation of the input member to which it is assigned, and each third non-Roman character may be input in response to a third type of actuation of the input member to which it is assigned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals.

Abstract: A data entry system using a number of different input signals provided by interacting with input means such as keys wherein to at least some of the different input signals a number of symbols including substantially all of the letters of the alphabet of one language are distributively assigned such that at least two of the letters are ambiguously assigned to at least one of the some input signals.

Abstract: A dual-tone generating telecommunication device comprising a frequency generating element that produces at least 9 individual tones, each having a distinct frequency between 300 Hz and 3,000 Hz, and at least 17 dial buttons, with each dial button representing at least one distinct character, and where each character directs the frequency generating element to produce a distinct dual tone, with each distinct dual tone being generated by the combination of two different individual tones.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display keypad structure utilizes a whole piece of electrophoretic display film to show a plurality of figures for keys. The electrophoretic display film is disposed on a printed circuit board having a patterned electrode and sealed by a sealant or a sealing material applied to entire periphery of the electrophoretic display film for preventing humidity or pollution, thereby to display excellent figures and be made relatively easily. The figures displayed may be changed by selecting a desired mode, and users may accordingly easily choose desired figures for pressing the keys.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: A jack detection circuit includes a transition circuit and an AD converter. The transition circuit linearizes analog signals sent from a switching circuit. The AD converter converts the linearized analog signals to digital output signals thereby decreasing the complexity of signal recognition.

Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone area telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.

Abstract: Telephone test sets include a telephone test set housing and at least one lead that extends away from the telephone test set housing. The lead is configured to be coupled to a telephone line. A light source, a data port and/or a display are integrated with the telephone test set housing. The light source is configured to project light away from the telephone test set to illuminate an area adjacent the telephone test set. The data port is configured to receive a data jack operatively associated with a communications device. The display is configured to display identification information associated with the telephone line. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus, method, and medium for expanding the number of input channels, more particularly, an apparatus and method for expanding the number of input channels, which can expand the number of input channels using a limited number of input code values. The apparatus includes a first input unit, a second input unit, and a control unit. The first input unit has a plurality of buttons arranged therein, the buttons each being assigned a predetermined input code value. The second input unit is formed on one side of the first input unit and has a plurality of buttons arranged therein, the buttons each being assigned a predetermined input code value and each being formed to be adjacent to neighboring buttons of the first input unit. The control unit performs predetermined functions depending on a combination of buttons manipulated in the first input unit and the second input unit.

Abstract: To provide alphanumeric data, such as a PIN code, to a smart card (2) a terminal (1) is used which is capable of communicating with the smart card. The terminal comprises a keypad (4) for entering the alphanumeric data and an associated keypad matrix (5) for producing key signals, which the keypad matrix (5) is scanned for any pressed keys using a scanning sequence so as to produce key signals. To securely enter the data without the risk of the terminal intercepting them it is proposed that said scanning sequence is determined by the smart card (2). In this way, the terminal has no knowledge of the actual keys pressed and the secrecy of the alphanumeric data is ensured.

Abstract: A light guide sheet and a movable contact element using the sheet are inexpensive and provide adequate illumination. In the light guide sheet, light-transmissive upper conductive layers, reflective layers, and lower conductive layers are laminated in this order in predetermined positions on the bottom surface of a light-transmissive, film-like cover sheet. The reflective layers have reverse particles dispersed therein, whose top and bottom surfaces are reversed between light color and dark color.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys each of which is associated with indicia corresponding to at least one of alphabetic characters, numbers, or commands. The keys of the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than 26 and greater than nine. No more than two alphabetic characters are associated with each of the keys associated with alphabetic characters. At least one of the keys associated with alphabetic characters is associated with two alphabetic characters and at least one number. The numbers are arranged and displayed in the format of a phone keypad and the letters are arranged and displayed in a keyboard layout.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive input device has an exposed, continuous surface defining a planar area, and a grid of sense elements coextensive with the area of the exposed surface and responsive to engagement of the exposed surface by an operator to establish a position of said engagement of the exposed surface. The exposed surface varies in elevation across its planar area to form a series of tactile features. The exposed, continuous surface is affixed to the grid of sense elements. An electronic circuit is configured to interpret large-scale capacitance variations of the grid as an intended input from the operator in a region identified by the capacitance variation, and to interpret small-scale capacitance variations of the grid as a position of engagement of the exposed surface by the operator.

Abstract: A method of configuring a telephone, comprising configuring a plurality of self-labeling Role Keys to represent respective user roles, and configuring a plurality of self-labeling Role Associated Keys associated with respective ones of the self-labeling Role Keys such that upon user selection of one of the self-labeling Role Keys representing a predetermined user role, the plurality of self-labeling Role Associated Keys are presented to the user for invoking respective features associated with the selected user role.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a method and technique for operating a computing device. An interface is displayed for enabling the computing device to control a voicemail system. The interface includes one or more display objects, wherein each display object is selectable by a user to enter a command input assigned to that display object. A selection is detected of any one of the one or more display objects, and the command input assigned to the display object is identified. A signal tone is generated corresponding to the command input. The signal input may be transmitted across a network to the voicemail system to communicate a command to the voicemail system.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a button-pressed state in a mobile device comprising a switch unit formed by combining rotary switches in a switch unit and a controller connected to the rotary switches within the switch unit, for sensing a switching operation according to a connected state between contact points of the rotary switches. The controller senses the connected state between the contact points of the rotary switches through an input/output port, and recognizes a rotating direction, an operation order, and a number of rotations of the rotary switches on the basis of the connected state. The controller determines if the switching operation is intended or not so that a desired operation corresponding to the switching operation is performed only if the operation is intended to thereby save battery power by minimizing performing unintended operation.

Abstract: A VoIP ready computer system includes a housing having an integrated audio communications device holder adapted to receive an audio communications device. The housing includes a portion adapted to contain processing circuitry operable to execute programs and a storage device coupled to the processing circuitry. The storage device stores a VoIP program and other general purpose programs for execution by the processing circuitry. An audio communications device is removably positioned in the audio communications device holder and is coupled to the processing circuitry. The audio communications device is operable to communicate audio signals during execution of the VoIP program.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. The first key in the two-key sequence is that key on which the desired letter is displayed. The keys and the letters displayed on the keys are marked in such a way that the markings suggest the second key in the two-key sequence. The letters displayed on the keys have respective markings, such as a color, with each letter on a given key having a unique marking. The keys themselves also have markings that match the markings of the letters. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the two-key sequence are located in the same row. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: A mobile terminal apparatus requests a character be displayed which is assigned to a first key upon being pushed, and if operated continuously for a time span that exceeds a predetermined time, requests a next character be displayed which is assigned to the first key instead of the character assigned to the first key and currently being displayed, if the time span exceeds the predetermined time and the character assigned to the first key and currently being displayed is a special character that has another variation, changes the character to a character of the another variation, and, when the time span exceeds the predetermined time and the character assigned to the first key and currently being displayed is not a special character, requests a new character be displayed right next to the character which is currently being displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: A method for inputting characters on a terminal, which includes displaying virtual character sets on a display screen of the terminal, in which each of the virtual character sets includes a plurality of virtual characters corresponding to physical keys included on a keypad of the terminal. The method also includes selecting a particular virtual character set among the displayed virtual character sets, and selecting a particular virtual character from the selected virtual character set.

Abstract: An input apparatus of a mobile terminal and its display method are disclosed. The input apparatus of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment includes a keypad having a plurality of keys and generating key signals corresponding to a selection of the keys; a plurality of light emitting elements positioned at the plurality of keys, respectively, for illuminating the keys; a key sensor for sensing the key signals from the keypad; a storage unit for storing the key signals; and a controller for displaying, on the keypad, information corresponding to the key signals by selectively controlling the plurality of light emitting elements based on the key signals.

Abstract: A method of mapping a traditional touchtone telephone keypad on a handheld electronic device having a disambiguation function, and an associated apparatus comprises outputting a representation of a remapped character layout and generating a disambiguated interpretation of an input.

Abstract: Dialing methods for use in a device having a keypad. The keypad comprises a plurality of dual-purpose keys and non-numerical-purpose keys. The dual-purpose key has different input definitions in a letter mode and a number mode, and the non-numerical-purpose key does not have a numerical input definition. First, at least one keystrokes are received, and an input sequence corresponding to the keystrokes is generated. If any one of the keystrokes corresponds to one of the non-numerical-purpose keys, at least one address record conforming to a letter input definition of the input sequence in the letter mode is retrieved from an address book for dialing accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals.

Abstract: This invention encompasses the utilization of all of the 16 DTMF tone signals on telephone devices and their use for additional adjunct feature controls over IP networks that offer a plethora of new options from telephone devices. Calls on the PSTN only require the 0-9 digits to be used to complete a call following the North American Numbering Plan and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards. Conventional telephones electronically have the standard electronics for all 16 DTMF tone signals, but only 12 are utilized on conventional telephones by the typical 4 row and 3 column keypad matrix arrangement. In other words, 25% of the 16 DTMF tones are not being utilized in the public telephone networks. This invention lays the claims surrounding a 100% utilization methodology and possible expansion thereof when communicating to an IP network.

Abstract: A dynamic database reordering system provides a linguistics database that contains words that are ordered according to a linguistics model that dictates the order in which words are presented to a user. While a user enters keystrokes on a keypad of a communications device is pressing keys, the invention predicts the words, letters, numbers, or word stubs that the user is trying to enter. The invention reorders the linguistics model order based on the user's usage of the system by tracking the user's word selections. Once a word has been selected as a result of a next key selection (the nexted word), a frequency value is applied to the selected word and the word ordered first by the linguistics model in the linguistics database for that key sequence. The frequency value of the nexted word will become greater than the frequency value of the first displayed word upon repeated nexting to the same word.

Abstract: A telephone comprises a first body part with a first keypad and a second keypad located on opposite sides of the first body part, and a second body part having a display. As the first body part is swiveled to bring the second keypad to the front of the phone the processing circuitry may switch over to only accept input from the keypad that has been brought up. This input is used to control the applications currently running.

Abstract: A method and device for improved character input are described, wherein the method employs a keypad 100 comprising keys 102 able to display secondary characters 106 in addition to primary characters 104. The keypad has a default display state. A first key selection causes the keypad 100 to display secondary characters 106 associated with the first key on other keys 102, whereupon a second key selection causes the displayed character to be input, following which the keypad reverts to displaying the default state. Further secondary characters 200 may also be displayed after a first key selection. The method is particularly useful for handheld devices such as mobile radio telephones or handheld computers adapted to implement the method of the invention.