Abstract: Consonant jamos of the Korean language are grouped according to appearance and each group is associated with a respective key of a reduced keypad. Vowel jamos are specified by the user using a number of keys reserved for vowels and each of which represents a respective category of strokes by which the vowel jamo would normally be written.

Abstract: A new apparatus for reading keyboard-commands of a portable computer comprises a shift register, a keyboard-matrix circuit, a filter, a buffer, an address generator, a mapping device, a comparator, and an output device. The shift register is for outputting a plurality of scan-input signals and a reference signal. The keyboard-matrix circuit is for outputting a scan-output signal according to the scan-input signals. The keyboard-matrix circuit includes a plurality of nodes corresponded to the keyboard buttons, respectively. The filter is for filtering the noise of the scan-output signal. The buffer is for further stabilizing the filter signal. The address generator is for reading the location of the node corresponding to the button being pressed. The mapping device is for outputting a mapping signal corresponding to the button being pressed. The comparator is for outputting a comparing signal, which represents the command corresponded to the pressed button.

Abstract: A front cover for a communication equipment is described which comprises an external pad having a transparent display window placing portion and button placing portions which are projected outwardly from an outer surface of the external pad; a housing which is integrally placed at an inner surface of the external pad and has a transparent display window through hole corresponding to the transparent display window placing portion and button through holes corresponding to the button placing portions; a transparent display window which is integrally placed at the transparent display window placing portion of the external pad; and buttons which are integrally placed at the button placing portions of the external pad. The transparent display window, the housing and the buttons can be molded on the inner surface of the external pad by injecting synthetic resins onto each of placing portions thereof.

Abstract: A device and method wherein, using a keypad such as a standard alphanumeric telephone-style keypad, text entry is improved by employing a key-press combination which indicates which of the multiple characters associated with a key is chosen. The user will push-and-hold a first key, then press a second key; the position within the keypad, such the row number, of the first key indicates which of the characters represented by the second key are chosen. In this way, any standard character can be selected with a two-key combination.

Abstract: A single press method for entering text using a keypad is disclosed. A conventional four-row by three-column 12-key keypad is used to enter all of the letters of the alphabet using single key actuation. Depending on the letter, either a single key or multiple side-by-side keys, such as a pair of side-by-side keys, that can be substantially simultaneously depressed by a user's finger or thumb are used to enter alphabet letters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a transceiver to acquire synchronization to a channel in a TDMA communications system by identifying a known synchronization word in a burst received at the transceiver over the channel are provided. Pursuant to these methods and systems a first uncertainty window and a second uncertainty window are defined within a burst that is received over the channel. The transceiver may search in these uncertainty windows for the known synchronization word, where the first uncertainty window is smaller than the second uncertainty window. The first uncertainty window is first searched for the known synchronization word. It may then be determined if the known synchronization word has been located within the first uncertainty window. If it has not been, the second uncertainty window is then searched for the known synchronization word.

Abstract: A keypad assembly utilizes touch-detecting apparatus such as force sensors or touchpad assemblies for registering key presses. In exemplary embodiments, the keypad assembly is suitable for use in electronic devices such as a mobile telephones, calculators, hand-held computers, or the like, having single piece molded housings wherein the keypad assembly is at least partially encapsulated within the housing.

Abstract: A mobile phone has a display and a keypad which comprises a plurality of keys. Each key has associated with it a plurality of different symbols. The keypad is used to enter symbols in the form of Pinyin strings (25) into the display which are then used to determine a candidate list (26) of Chinese characters which are presented in the display. Symbols are entered into the display by pressing respective keys once or more than one times in rapid succession. Selection of a symbol is only permitted if it corresponds to a valid Pinyin string (25), either in isolation or in combination with one or more symbols entered in a previous selection. Characters chosen from the candidate list are entered into a message (24) in the display.

Abstract: A rotary switch is disclosed. The switch has a rotatable barrel which has an axis of rotation. The switch also has an encoder pattern for sensing rotation of the barrel. The encoder pattern extends in a longitudinal direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the barrel.

Abstract: A keyboard which may be utilized in either an expanded or contracted state. The keyboard is comprised of an expandable and compressible housing which supports a plurality of elastic belts. Keyswitch assemblies are fastened to the elastic belt. When the keyboard housing is expanded, the elastic belts are stretched, and the distance between the keys is increased. The keytops can be of variable size so that upon expansion, they increase in size. The keytops can also rotate upon expansion to increase the striking surface of the keytop.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a keypad (25) for an electronic device including a plurality of fingers (26,27,28) having a splayed open configuration and a plurality of keys (31) on each finger (26,27,28). The fingers (26,27,28) are moved into a closed configuration when the keypad 25 is installed in said electronic device such that a key (31) on at least one finger (26,27,28) is positioned in close proximity or is contiguous to a key (31) on an adjacent finger (26,27,28).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering characters with a reduced number of key presses. The sequence of one or more previously entered characters is used to select a character assignment matrix. The order of characters in the assignment matrix is determined by the probability that the letter will be the next in the sequence, with more likely characters being presented first. Repeated key presses are used to access characters with lower probability.

Abstract: Disclosed present invention is a shortened dialing device and phone combined a frame. More particularly, the present invention relates to the shortened dialing device and phone combined a frame which can be used to make a phone call in such a manner that sensors for shortened dialing are attached to specific positions in a picture of a frame such that a calling party applies pressure to or touches his or her finger to one of the specific positions, a calling signal corresponding to a predefined telephone number is transmitted in a wired or wireless manner through a shortened dialing device or phone operative to the sensors.

Abstract: Telephone terminal, in particular a mobile telephone having a housing and having a first input device for controlling all the implemented functions and for entering the digits of telephone numbers, having a second input device which is held in a snap-on module, can be fitted to the housing and, when in the fitted state, at least partially covers the first input device, for speed-dialing input for at least one predetermined telephone number.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing key functions in a mobile telecommunication terminal, and particularly a method of enhancing key functions in a key input section by having at least one or more separate keys. The method according to the invention includes the steps of confirming the kind of a special functional key, if inputted, waiting for an input of the key in the key input section if the inputted special functional key is a key for performing a separate function corresponding to the key in the key input section, and performing a function of the table corresponding to the key of the key input section, if inputted.

Abstract: In order to be able to convert a fully functional telephone, in particular a mobile telephone, into a “child's telephone” without requiring a large degree of expenditure, it is provided that, if appropriate in addition to further keys, just one of more keys for dialing a telephone number are accessible on the telephone, which further keys cause a stored telephone number to be dialed when they are activated.

Abstract: A key signal scanning apparatus of a complex telephone comprises: a keypad having plural row ports, plural column ports, and plural keys for generating a key signal in accordance with pressing of a key by a user; a main microprocessor which operates by externally supplied power for supplying a timing signal to the row ports of the keypad by using row output ports, for receiving the key signal from the column ports of the keypad by using column input ports, for detecting a key pressed by the user by scanning the received key signal, and for outputting a dialing signal corresponding to the scanned key; a sub microprocessor which operates when power is not supplied from an external source for outputting a dialing signal generated according to the key signal inputted from the row ports and the column ports of the keypad; a first separator circuit for cutting off current flow to the row output ports of the main microprocessor from the row ports of the sub microprocessor; and a second separator circuit for cutting

Abstract: A switch comprises a seat, a key body, a first elastomer, a second elastomer, and a cover with an elastic portion thereon. When the key body is pushed by an applied force, an electric signal is generated for being outputted for controlling switching and various of selection functions. A neck portion of the key body has a concave portion, a plurality of convex portions are formed on the concave portion. When the key body is pushed by an applied force, the selection of icons or switching of the window can be executed. The convex point slides on the convex portions so as to generate voices; thereby, the use feeling that the switch is pressed.

Abstract: A key arrangement for a telephone including a common plane in which all of the keys are arranged, the plane having a radial focal point and a peripheral area about the focal point. A set of twelve independently manually actuable keys are arranged in the plane with each key having an upper contact surface. Ten of the keys are arranged radially on the peripheral area of the plane about the focal point of the plane along a path defining a closed curve. Two keys are located at opposite sides of the radial focal point. Each key also has means for tactily indicating its position with respect to the other keys including the cross sectional shape of the upper contact surface of each key having a slope indicating the radial location from the central axis of the key arrangement.

Abstract: A full range of alphanumeric characters is obtained with two different modes upon a twelve key telephone keypad. Numerics are obtained with single keystrokes in one mode and English alphabetics obtained with single and paired keystrokes in another mode. Memory is provided in which a plurality of telephone numbers can be stored, organized, identified and retrieved by a combination of alphanumeric characters including names and abbreviations. A visual display facilitates storing and retrieval of any telephone number. Alphanumeric messages can be transmitted to, and received from, other remote telephonic devices. Any language is encompassed and use of two languages on one keypad is facilitated. Characters in one language such as English are obtained as above in one mode and characters of another language possessing considerably more characters, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method of keypad entries on a numeric keypad as letters of a Latin alphabet. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of receiving at least one key entry within a fixed time period, the key entry corresponding to a letter character and being an association of a projection of the letter character on the keypad; and translating said key entry to a text character. The method may include receiving at least a first key entry and a second key entry wherein said first key entry represents a first point in a character, and said second key represents a second point in the character, the first and second points being chosen to represent points on a projection of the character on the keypad.

Abstract: A know which covers a top end of a pointing stick used in a stick switch of a portable electronic device, such as a portable telephone has a top concave surface projected from a skirt and opposite to a cavity to be attached to a pointing stick. On the top surface of the knob, grooves are formed in directions to be tilted along orthogonal lines. The concave top surface can make the projection contact to the fingertip of the finger closely.

Abstract: A user interface for a text entry device, comprising: a display having a first display section and a second display section, and a keypad including a set of text entry keys each having a set of characters associated therewith. The set of characters associated with each of the text entry keys being displayed in the second display section. A predictive character editor engine with associated directories is adapted to receive a string of input strokes and to output a list of matching word candidates in response thereto. A controller receives inputs from a set of text entry keys, and generates said string of input strokes for the predictive character editor. The controller presents in said first display section at least one of said matching word candidates from the predictive character editor for selection by the user.

Abstract: A keypad module for use with an electronic device has a first side with a first set of keys and a second side having a second set of keys, so that one set of keys at a time can be exposed for the user. The keypad module is movable relative to the electronic device between a first position at which the first set of keys are exposed to the user and a second position at which the second set of keys are exposed to the user.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a device and a method for selecting text from an electronic memory using a numeric telephone keyboard. To this end, a digital telephone keyboard has at least one pressure sensor sensing the pressure exerted on one or more keys, control electronics processing an input via key confirmation and text display. The pressure exerted on the keys of the digital telephone keyboard is detected and measured for every key by a pressure sensor. The respective pressure value is transmitted to and processed by control electronics. The measured pressure value is shown on a display for every key. The pressure value exerted is changed for the key pressed, if necessary, and once the correct pressure value is reached and shown on the display, the pressure value for every pressed key and information on the selected key are transmitted for further processing of the measured values.

Abstract: A telephone set comprises a help key, a telephone service key to initiate a telephone service, and a logic circuit. The logic circuit detects a simultaneous actuation of the help key and the telephone service key, and in response thereto, retrieves help information specific to the telephone service.

Abstract: A character input device which allows the user to input characters in a virtual qwerty arrangement on a mobile information device or a palm-sized information terminal. A mobile telephone or the like having a ten-key board is equipped with an inclination sensor or an angular velocity sensor for allocating the same arrangement of the qwerty type keyboard, divided into a left, a central and a right section, to the ten-key board of the mobile telephone depending on whether the mobile telephone is inclined to the left or to the right, or at a normal position. For a personal computer user or the like who has already memorized actually or latently the qwerty arrangement, actions for moving the mobile telephone to the left or right or horizontally have special meanings. Such physical motions causes the user to retrieve the image of the qwerty type keyboard so that they can rapidly input characters.

Abstract: A portable radio communication apparatus which allows reduction in power consumption is disclosed. An input device has a special key and a plurality of general keys. A microprocessor changes an operation mode from a power-saving mode to a normal operation mode when receiving an interrupt signal. A controller connected to the special key outputs the interrupt signal to the microprocessor when one of the general keys is operated. When the special key is operated, the controller controls a backlit LCD without outputting the interrupt signal such that the LCD is backlighted and predetermined information is displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: A telephone comprising interface means (4, 1, 3, 12, 40) fit to allow the transmission and reception of signals corresponding to vocal and alphanumeric messages, at least a unit (5) for controlling and processing said signals and said interfaces and means (9, 10, 10A, 10B) for making said alphanumeric received messages, intelligible for blind people, whereas these interfaces are provided with members (40) for allowing blind people to transmit said alphanumeric messages.

Abstract: A call transmitter for the input of control commands, in particular for an elevator installation, has at least one carrier element that can be selectively received in an opening in either end face of a call transmitter housing. The housing has an inner positioning element preventing movement of the carrier element between the openings. The housing can be installed in an aperture in a front plate such that either the first end face and the carrier element are flush with the outer surface of the front plate, or a radially outwardly extending flange at the second end face abuts the outer surface with the flange and the carrier element projecting.

Abstract: A keypad is provided for optimal viewing from an off-axis vantage point, i.e., that is not perpendicular to the plane of the keypad, for a device such as a wireless phone clipped upside-down to a user's belt or a remote control pointed at a controlled device. At least a triad of keys have numerical or other visible indicia on a planar, or slightly convex or concave surface that is oblique to the plane. The keypad can be operated conveniently without having to shift viewpoint or move the device.

Abstract: A layout for a keypad is provided that has a highly regular arrangement of alphabetic characters for ease of use thereof and a highly efficient distribution of the characters to minimize the instances where multiple words are formed from a given sequence of key inputs. The keypad layout is for the Chinese phonetic Bopomofo alphabet. The keypad layout utilizes a top-down approach to provide the desired regularity so that commonly known sets of the characters appear in an assigned column therefor but not in other columns. Further, the character groups have their sets distributed amongst the key columns in a balanced fashion to minimize ambiguity in character input. Where a separate navigation key is not available, an alternative nine-key layout utilizing the above principles is disclosed.

Abstract: A keypad device for a mobile telephone or other device utilizing a keypad or keyboard is comprised of a flexible substrate and a keypad cover. The flexible substrate includes a plurality of keys affixed to the surface as well as a plurality first conductive strips associated with each key. The keypad cover is attached to the flexible substrate. The keypad cover typically includes holes that permit the plurality of keys to protrude through the keypad cover. In addition, the keypad cover further includes a plurality of second conductive strips that selectively contact a corresponding first conductive strip on the flexible substrate. The plurality of first conductive strips is coupled to ground and the plurality of second conductive strips is coupled to logic circuitry. Or, in another embodiment, both sets of conductive strips are coupled with the logic circuitry. The default position of the keypad device has each of the first conductive strips in contact with each of the corresponding second conductive strips.

Abstract: The exit light from the illuminating part illuminates each key button as a spot light. Hence, leak of light to the surrounding is prevented. As a result, the visual recognition is extremely improved, and easy-to-read type data can be displayed. A telephone terminal device includes a circuit board, and a plurality of key buttons disposed at the upper side of the circuit board. The circuit board has a through-hole, and the through-hole is positioned immediately beneath at least one key button of the plurality of key buttons, and each key button is illuminated by the light passing the through-hole.

Abstract: A method for arranging 37 Mandarin Phonetic Symbols (MPS) on a keypad includes arranging the 37 symbols onto 12 keys of the keypad. With this particular arrangement, a maximum number of combinations of MPS generated by pressing three keys on the keypad is reduced from 48 to 16, making input of Chinese characters considerably faster and more convenient.

Abstract: On a communication device, letters A to Z are assigned to data entry keys of a data entry keypad (330), and the letters assigned to each of the data entry keys are advantageously arranged in accordance with the frequency of occurrence of the letters in use. Numeric digits are assigned to the data entry keys in the conventional way. A controller (410) detects activation of each data entry key on the keypad (330) by a user, and also detects the number of times the data entry key is activated. The controller (410) then accesses a key map (415) in memory to determine the letter or numeric digit selected by the user. From the assignment of the letters to the data entry keys and the corresponding mapping (415) in the memory, the letters having a higher probability of occurrence are selected by a single activation of the data entry keys and, letters with a lower probability of occurrence are selected by activating the data entry keys two or more times.

Abstract: There is provided a character input method and input device which make it possible to carry out input of characters and/or symbols easily and quickly while viewing a display panel. In the method of input of characters and/or symbols, the characters are classified into at most n of small groups consisting of at most n of characters, respectively and the respective small groups are assigned to at most n of small group selection switches. When one of the small group selection switches is turned on, at most n of characters and/or symbols in the small group which are assigned to the selection switches are displayed in the arrangement corresponding to the character decision switches. Then the character and/or symbol are input by turning on the character decision switch corresponding to the character to be selected.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard system for the Japanese language which uses word-level disambiguation of entered keystroke sequences, and which enables the user to select the desired interpretation of an ambiguous input key sequence as kana, and then select the desired textual interpretation associated with the selected kana interpretation. The system uses a highly compressed database format which has several advantages in terms of reduced size and minimal processing requirements during operation. Also disclosed is a reduced keyboard system which uses sequences of two keystrokes to specify each syllable, including the syllables with palatalized vowels that are written with two kana each. Input sequences of keystrokes are interpreted as ordered pairs of keystrokes which select a character according to its position in a two-dimensional matrix. The first keystroke of each ordered pair specifies the row of the matrix in which the desired character appears, and the second keystroke of each pair specifies the column.

Abstract: A key input device comprises a dome sheet 7 provided over a base plate 5 and having a plurality of dome portions, and a plurality of manual keys disposed above the dome sheet 7 for depressing the respective dome portions. Each of the dome portions is elastically restorably inverted by being depressed by the corresponding manual key to close contacts. The dome sheet 7 has a flat sheet portion 70 formed around the dome portions and comprising an inner region 74 extending inwardly of dome portions 72 to be selectively depressed by a seesaw key 15, and an outer region 73 extending outwardly of the dome portion 72. A spacer sheet 6 is interposed between the base plate 5 and the dome sheet 7 to thereby position the inner region 74 of the flat sheet portion 70 of the dome sheet 7 at a lower level than the outer region 73. Accordingly, key contacts can be reliably closed by the seesaw key 15.

Abstract: There is provided a cellular phone including (a) a display, (b) a key pad arrangement, (c) a lighting device which lights at least one of the display and the key pad arrangement, (d) a touch sensor which is turned on upon making contact with a user and transmits a first signal, and turned off upon making no contact with a user and transmits a second signal, and (e) a controller which turns the lighting device on upon receiving the second signal from the touch sensor, and turns the lighting device off upon receiving the first signal from the touch sensor. The cellular phone can reduce electric power consumption, because the lighting device does not consume electric power while the cellular phone is in use, enabling a use of a smaller-sized cell.

Abstract: A keypad system for a compact electronic machine featuring word processing capability has five keys located on the side walls of electronic machine in order to allow quick and easy entry of alpha numerical information with single hand. Alpha numeric characters are assigned to combinations of electrically-on status and electrically-off status of five keys suitably according to finger movement, usage frequency, and mnemonic manner in order to achieve fast entry speed. The unique location of keys also allows for a relatively large display or mouse ball on the front or bottom surface.

Abstract: A key input device including a dome sheet provided over a base plate and having a plurality of dome portions, and a plurality of manual keys disposed above the dome sheet. Each of the dome portions is elastically restorably inverted by being depressed by the corresponding manual key to close contacts. The plurality of the manual keys described include a seesaw key with a pivotal pin, and the dome sheet has a flat sheet portion formed around the dome portions and includes an inner region extending inwardly of dome portions to be selectively depressed by a seesaw key, and an outer region extending outwardly of the dome portion. A spacer sheet is interposed between the base plate and the dome sheet to thereby position the inner region of the flat sheet portion of the dome sheet at a lower level than the outer region. The seesaw key pivotally moves about the contact portion of the pivotal pin and the inner region, whereby one of the dome portions is depressed.

Abstract: A handset having a keypad structure for inputting information is described. The keypad structure includes a keypad assembly having a plurality of keys being interconnected by a foil, the plurality of keys being provided with activation pins, a keypad base part having a switching device that is activated by an associated activation pin when a respective key is depressed, and a support device arranged in between the keypad assembly and the keypad base part supporting the foil of the keypad in between the keys.

Abstract: In place of a conventional n×m sense line/drive line matrix for keyboard key detection, discrimination between keyboard keys is carried out with one or more current divider or voltage divider circuits, with the result that the number of necessary IC pin connections may be reduced. The keyboard key switches are arranged into one or more current divider or voltage divider circuits. In a current divider embodiment, the key switches of each circuit are arranged in parallel with each other at respective points along a resistive switch line extending from Vcc to ground. When closed by key depression, the switches provide shortened paths from Vcc to ground, thus resulting in a current division effect. A voltage along the line is input to an A/D converter of a micro-controller which performs keyboard key discrimination.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device, which device (1) comprises at least one housing part (2, 3); at least one control means (7) arranged in the housing part (2,3) and comprising at least one normal position (A3) from which the control means (7) is arranged to be deflected by means of first movements to control the device (1), and which control means (7) is arranged to be moved in a directional transfer (T1, T3) to at least one auxiliary position (A1, A2) from which auxiliary position (A1, A2) the control means (7) is arranged to be restored (T2, T4) to said normal position (A3); and control equipment (12-20) placed in connection with the control means (7) to control the device (1). The invention is characterized in that to control the device (1), the control means (7) is arranged to be deflected from said at least one auxiliary position (A1, A2) by means of second movements, which second movements substantially correspond to the first movements.

Abstract: A mobile phone housing top of the present invention comprises a main body and a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall and a right wall depending from the main body. The main body comprises a speaker section, a display section, and a keypad section including a function key section and a data key section. The data key section comprises a plurality of oblique recesses and a number of data key receiving openings respectively defined in the oblique recesses. The data key receiving openings are aligned with the oblique recesses while at the same time being arranged in a matrix which is conventional for mobile phone data keys. A protrusion is formed between adjacent oblique recesses.

Abstract: A portable telephone having a ten-key pad that allows input of a plurality of kinds of characters is disclosed. Each of the keys of the ten-key pad has a plurality of contact points having a corresponding position with respect to the key, at least one of the contact points being selected depending on which position of the key is pressed, another position of the key being determined by pressing all of the contact points simultaneously. Each key preferably has five positions. A table correlates each position of the key and an individual character of a selected type of characters. Input of an individual character depends on a pressed position of the key correlated by the table to a pressed key of the ten-key pad.

Abstract: A character data entry method using a set of key groups where the keys are located densely is disclosed, comprising the steps of: (a) selecting one or no key in each key group touching some or no keys in each key group; (b) checking the selected character that is determined with the combination of the selected keys from each key group; (c) searching the desired character changing the selected keys by sliding the touching fingers; and (d) enter the desired character by getting one of the touching fingers off the keys.

Abstract: A full range of alphanumeric characters is obtained with two different modes upon a twelve key telephone keypad. Numerics are obtained with single keystrokes in one mode and English alphabetics obtained with single and paired keystrokes in another mode. Memory is provided in which a plurality of telephone numbers can be stored, organized, identified and retrieved by a combination of alphanumeric characters including names and abbreviations. A visual display facilitates storing and retrieval of any telephone number. Alphanumeric messages can be transmitted to, and received from, other remote telephonic devices. Any language is encompassed and use of two languages on one keypad is facilitated. Characters in one language such as English are obtained as above in one mode and characters of another language possessing considerably more characters, e.g.

Abstract: A thin film keypad includes a retainer sheet and a plurality of keycaps molded onto keycap attachment regions on the retainer sheet such that the keys are mechanically secured to the retainer sheet. The retainer sheet is made of a thin film material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, and each keycap attachment region includes at least a hole and/or at least one retainer anchor portion. The keycaps are molded from a plastic material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, ABS or a polycarbonate/ABS blend. The thin film material is placed in a molding tool and the plastic material is injected into a keycap mold cavity such that the plastic material flows through the holes and/or around the retainer anchor portions, thereby anchoring the keycaps to the retainer sheet.