Abstract: The present invention encompasses an electronic device that comprising two housings connected via a hinge. The two housing are capable of rotating about one and another. The two housing may be rotated to place the electronic device in an open or closed position. Electronic device further comprises at least two scroll dials, allowing the user to operate various functions in either the closed position or the open position. A display is provided that automatically adjust orientation to allow the user to view the information provided on the display in either open or closed position. The electronic device also provides for adjusting the audio functionalities based on the position of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of branding a wireless device, and a wireless device, are provided. The wireless device includes a housing having at least a first wall. The first wall includes a keypad area including a plurality of keypads. A logo is provided in a design of the keypads. The logo is provided by at least one of stenciling, embossing, silk screening, coloring, painting, texturing, indenting, or applying at least one sticker in the keypad area around one or more keypads; coloring or painting one or more keypads; or a combination of any of the foregoing.

Abstract: A foldable and portable mobile communication terminal is formed as a two-folded type in which a lower-side body unit and upper-side unit are coupled openably and closably by a two-shaft hinge mechanism. The two-shaft hinge mechanism includes a first hinge unit that allows the upper-side body unit to rotate with respect to the lower-side body unit up to the open state defining a predetermined talking position, and a second hinge unit that allows the first hinge unit to rotate in a direction different from the aforementioned rotational direction of the first hinge unit. The first and second hinge units are coupled so that the rotational center axes thereof orthogonally intersect each other.

Abstract: Telephone apparatus comprises a telephone and a remote controller separate therefrom. The telephone has a built-in keypad and an internal operating circuit including a control circuit connected with the keypad for accepting keying signals therefrom to process a telephone call. The remote controller includes a built-in keypad for generating keying signals and an internal signal transmitter for transmitting said keying signals in a wireless format. There is a signal receiver located internally of the telephone and connected to the control circuit for receiving said wireless keying signals from the signal transmitter and relaying the same to the control circuit for processing a telephone call. The remote keypad represents a second keypad for convenience.

Abstract: A method for indicating status on a programmed communication device wherein each of one or more backlights is associated with a respective key of a plurality of keys. Status information to be communicated to a user of the communication device is then generated, and one or more backlights are illuminated according to a pattern corresponding to the status information. Thus, a visual graphical display is not necessary, cost is reduced, volume is conserved, and reliability is increased.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable and compact multifunction cellular phone that can include both a cellular phone function and a large number of other functions and is integrally provided with a function for enjoying games, music, images, data, and the like. The multifunction cellular phone is characterized in that a left side operation board, a display, and a right side operation board are layered and mounted on a hinge section so as to open and close freely, respectively, display sections of at least numerals, characters, symbols, and the like applicable to a cellular phone are arranged on the left or the right operation board and display sections of numerals, characters, symbols, operations buttons, and the like for operating other functions are arranged on the operation board on the other side, and the display is rotatable and/or movable in order to handle the cellular phone and the other functions or display screens are formed on front and rear surfaces of the display, respectively.

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: The invention relates to a wireless communication device (1) comprising at least a display (2) for presenting information which display comprise at least a first edge (2a) and a second edge (2b), wherein information is arranged to be displayed between the first (2a) and second edges (2b) of the display. The wireless communication device (1) further comprises keys (3) for performing key functions having at least keys (10) for selecting a phone number; a housing (6) comprising at least a first end (6d) a second end (6e), and a front panel (6a) located between the first end (6d) and the second end (6e); and a cover part (7) arranged to be movable between a first limit position and a second limit position, in which first limit position the keys (3) for performing key functions are at least partly covered by the cover part (7), and in which second limit position at least part of the keys (3) for performing key functions are not covered by the cover part (7).

Abstract: A handset is disclosed which comprises a display 3 and a scroll key 9 for scrolling data on the display. The scroll key has two portions which lie on a line oblique to the horizontal. When depressed these portions effect different scrolling actions.

Abstract: An electronic device that has a lower portion that unfolds to reveal an extendable keyboard. When the keyboard is folded closed, a number pad is visible and the device looks similar to a traditional portable or cellular telephone. The device can be used as a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone or as the handset of a traditional wire line telephone. The fold-out keyboard of the electronic device can be used for easy entry of text data while a communication channel is active. The device includes two way messaging and Internet browsing capabilities.

Abstract: A keypad with a key top (6) according to the present invention is a keypad with a key top (6) manufactured by bonding a keypad (1) made of a thermoplastic elastomer to a key top (5) made of a thermoplastic resin and being molded as a separate member from the keypad (1) with an adhesive (3) made from a reaction curing resin that swells when contacted with an organic solvent. A keypad with a key top (6) can be easily separated into a separate keypad (1) and a separate key top (5) by making this adhesive that bonds the keypad with the key top (6) swell when contacted with an organic solvent. Therefore, this keypad with the key top (6) is excellent in recyclability.

Abstract: A communication terminal having a user interface, and comprising a controller unit controlling said user interface, a first and a second operation key whose operation is controlled by the controller unit, and a display. The communication terminal being capable of assuming a plurality of states in which the groups of predetermined operations that may be performed by pressing said operation key are defined by the controller unit in said plurality of states. The first operation key is dedicated by the controller unit to perform one operation from said group of operations as a default function in dependence of the state assumed by the communication terminal, and the display has a first area solely dedicated for displaying the present operation performed when pressing said first operation key. The second operation key being dedicated by the controller unit to give access to said group of operations being available in the state assumed by the communication terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable communication apparatus, including a body, a first portion and a second portion. The body has a first end and a second end. The first portion is pivotally connected to the first end and the second portion is pivotally connected to the second end. The body further has a surface. The first portion covers a portion of the surface while the first potion is in a first position. The second portion covers a portion of the surface while the second potion is in a second position. The body has a display apparatus. The first portion has a receiver. The second portion has a plurality of keypads.

Abstract: A telephone device for transmission of optical signals comprising two optically conductive bodies movably layered and flexibly arranged on top of one another as to form a bus system, such that an optical signal input at one interface can be coupled at any other interface regardless of the position thereof. Accordingly, a faultless transmission of optical signals is assured to a great extent. Furthermore, since components of a telephone set using this flexible bus systems are no loner in electrical contact, the wear problems associated with electrical contacts are eliminated.

Abstract: A handheld palm-type device senses that it is being held in a human hand, but not any specific human hand. It can sense whether it is held in any human hand. A handheld palm-type device with keys for data entry and apparatus for preventing inadvertent striking of the keys when the palm-type device is not handheld that comprises the combination of an implementation on the device for sensing a bi-stable physical condition having an on state when the device is handheld and an off state when not handheld and apparatus responsive to the sensing means for locking the data entry keys when the off state is sensed. The device has a housing with a surface for engaging the palm of a user's hand so that the sensor means are at the surface that interfaces with the palm of the hand. The bi-stable electrical condition sensed may be temperature, electrical capacitance or resistance at the palm-device interface.

Abstract: A waterproof structure for an electronic apparatus of the present invention includes keybuttons positioned such that their ends appear via holes formed in the casing of the apparatus. A circuit board is loaded with switches configured to selectively open or close when the keybuttons associated therewith are operated. A sheet member is formed of an elastic material and intervenes between the keybuttons and the circuit board. The sheet member includes, at least in its peripheral portion thereof, a seal portion for preventing water or similar liquid from entering the apparatus and reaching the surface of the circuit board. When the sheet member is pressed between the casing and the circuit board, the seal portion is at least partly pressed against the inside surface of the casing while being subject to a bending load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for simultaneously indicating on each of a plurality of communication terminals, instructions transmitted by each terminal and the identity of the respective terminals that transmitted the instructions. Such a feature can be used to indicate the moves of parties playing a game over a telephone line. Once a communications link is established between two or more parties, their terminals are placed in a game mode which activates inband signal detection and player identification circuitry located within the terminals. Multi-colored indicators and player identification displays at each terminal are activated, their color being dependent upon the source of received instructions. In one embodiment, player identification indicators may be incorporated into a touch tone keypad located on the terminals. The keypad's touch tone keys are modified such that each key has two or more color coded indicators incorporated within, each color representing a particular player's move.

Abstract: A keypad is configured for use with a portable unit having a display unit positioned in a first viewing orientation, such that the keypad's viewing orientation is rotably adjustable in cooperation with the orientation of the display, when the display unit is positioned in a second viewing orientation.

Abstract: A community dialing circuit apparatus for IP phone and POTS phone is provided. The apparatus includes an IP phone system, a POTS phone system, an insulation system connected between the IP phone system and the POTS system, and a keypad connected to the IP phone system and the POTS system for inputting the phone number. When the city power is on and a phone number having a format of the IP phone number is inputted, the POTS phone is disabled and the IP phone is activated. When the city power is on and a phone number having a first format of the POTS phone number is inputted, the POTS phone is activated and the IP phone is disabled. When the city power is off and a phone number having a second format of the POTS phone number is inputted, the IP phone is turned off and the POTS phone is activated.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for assigning the values or functions to be represented by the keys of a keypad in a mobile communication device, the keys are capable of representing different values or functions based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. A detector is used to detect the occurrence of the event. Depending on whether the event is detected, the keys are assigned to represent a different set of values or functions.

Abstract: A pointing device may be directly soldered to a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, a bottom substrate defines a sensing region with a plurality of interdigitated conductive trace regions. Each trace region includes interdigitated common and sense traces. At least one via passes through the bottom substrate for each trace. Each via supports a conductive path from one trace to at least one lead element. Each lead element is solderable to a printed circuit board. A flexible substrate is constructed from a heat resistant polymer. The flexible substrate has a resistive layer deposited on a bottom side. A raised pedestal is formed on the bottom substrate top face around at least a portion of the sensing region. The pedestal separates the interdigitated conductive traces from the flexible substrate resistive layer. A button on a keypad membrane may be used to depress the flexible substrate onto the trace region.

Abstract: A computer keyboard provides for one or more of processing, interfacing, input/output control with respect to the computer and/or one or more devices coupled to the keyboard, and/or for control of one or more devices coupled to the keyboard. The keyboard comprises at least one processor, and may also include one or more busses and/or other devices, that, individually in cooperation, perform such functions. In one embodiment, the processor receives telephony signals from the computer and provides telephony signals to the computer, performing the processing necessary to support telephony functions such as conversion of audio signals. Audio signals from computer sound cards and other audio signal sources may be mixed with telephony signals in keyboards according to the invention. Displays and associated input devices incorporated by the keyboard are provided to control telephony and other keyboard processor functions.

Abstract: Radiotelephone terminal with dual-sided keypad apparatus. A radiotelephone terminal includes a hinged flip cover with keypad apparatus that enables the receipt of tactile input on both sides of the flip. The keypad apparatus may be a single keypad that is dual-sided, and thus can receive input on either side, or the flip may be assembled with two keypads installed back-to-back within the flip. The keypads may be either of, or a combination of, non-contacting keypads or contacting keypads, and may include buttons and/or gesture areas.

Abstract: Disclosed are a detachable keypad and a mobile phone with the detachable keypad. The detachable keypad includes an earphone-microphone jack, a key array, and a DTMF generator. When a key is pressed while an earphone plug is inserted into the earphone-microphone jack, a DTMF signal corresponding to the pressed key is transmitted to a microphone of a mobile phone through an earphone-microphone speaker. In the mobile phone, an earphone-microphone speaker fixing portion fixes an earphone-microphone speaker at a position suitable for a microphone to receive sound from the earphone-microphone speaker. An audio/DTMF separator separates a signal received at the microphone into an audio signal and a DTMF signal. A controller analyzes the DTMF signal and performs an operation according to the analysis result.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (MS) has a user interface (DPL1) that is protected by a motorized slide (SL1). The device has a first slide (SL1) which is moveable between positions in which it protects and exposes the user interface (DPL1). The slide is driven by an epicyclical gear which is, in turn, driven by an electrical motor. The epicyclical gear gears down a rotational speed provided by the motor into a rotational speed that is suitable for driving the slide.

Abstract: Layouts for keypads are provided that have an improved combination of a regular of intuitive arrangement of alphabetic symbols of a language defined by letter characters of the Roman alphabet and an efficient distribution of the symbols to minimize input ambiguities. More particularly, the symbols are for the Pinyin alphabet which includes two main symbol groups thereof for forming Pinyin syllables. The various layouts employ a columnar-based arrangement for the symbols of the initial group. The symbols for the final group are parsed down to basic characters and are distributed in a row-based arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed are a wide keypad and a wide keypad mounting structure in a portable terminal. In the wide keypad, a plurality of key tops are arranged in tight contact in a matrix of rows and columns. A key film has a plurality of upper protrusions in contact with the bottom surfaces of the key tops, a plurality of lower protrusions as contact points spaced from metal domes, and recesses between the upper protrusions. A key frame is inserted into the recesses of the key film and has at least one spacer extended upward for providing space in which the key tops move up and down between the upper casing frame and the key film.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an internet facsimile apparatus used by plural users, capable of reading out an electronic mail to each user by a simple operation. The internet facsimile apparatus includes, in an operation portion, a function key such as a mail transmission key, a mail confirmation key, a mail print key and a communication table key, a user key in correspondence to which personal data such as a mail address is registered, and an opposite side key, and processings can be carried out by performing a key entry in a combination of the keys. For example, when the mail print key, together with the user key, is pressed, an electronic mail reaching a mail address registered in correspondence to the user key is read out and image data is printed.

Abstract: A raised corral fence which surrounds a telephone number keypad using its sides with undercut openings and its corners to guide the fingers of the visually impaired to the desired number key.

Abstract: A keypad for entering a complete set of alphanumeric characters (including symbols) into telephonic equipment comprises a housing containing a telephone set compatible array of manually operated actuator elements, each actuator element selectably coding for four or more alphanumeric characters upon a single actuation of the element. The manually operated actuator elements each comprises a push button assembly and a switch assembly. The switch assembly further comprises two or three switches. In a two-way switch assembly, the push button assembly is manually operable to selectably close either switch individually and both switches together. In a three-way switch, the push button assembly is manually operable to selectably close any one of the three switches individually.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to protect the information entry such as a PIN from theft by observation of the finger movement based on the conventional fixed arrangement of entry keys. The present invention is an information entry device including: keys for information entry; a circular support base on which the keys are mounted concentrically and arranged circularly in order, the support base being rotatable around the center of the circular arrangement for enabling a user to rotate the entire series of the mounted keys without changing their order around the center of the circular arrangement before or after the information entry; and an information discriminator for identifying the respective information of selected keys. This information entry device prevents a PIN or any other information entry from being stolen by someone who glances at the finger movement, since the entire series of the entry keys are rotated before or after the PIN entry.

Abstract: An improved cell phone arrangement has a centrally located orientation key, for referencing a location tactilely via the user's thumb, and the dialing keys arranged in a substantially circular arrangement around the orientation key, in an array having a relatively large diameter but within range of motion of the thumb. The keys are shaped and spaced for tactile reference, i.e., for dialing without the need to look at the keyboard after becoming familiar with it. Cardinal compass-points can be marked by distinct keys, which extend radially outwardly from the central reference point and are of different shape and feel from the dialing keys. The phone housing has finger ridges on one or both sides, and optionally a distinct ridge or bump on the back of the housing, for repeatable positioning of the hand.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a keypad assembly with supplementary buttons and method for operating the same. The keypad assembly with supplementary buttons is in a small-sized mobile communication terminal including input buttons for representing a plurality of characters and a plurality of function buttons. The keypad assembly has at least one mode switching button, at least one selection-indication button, and a control unit. The mode switching button is formed on a side of the terminal for switching an input mode for inputting different characters. The selection-indication button is formed on a side of the terminal for selecting and indicating one of a plurality of characters assigned to each input button.

Abstract: There is provided a portable communication device for minimizing the SAR of electromagnetic waves. In the portable communication device, a slim upper housing has an FBC on which a keypad is mounted, a lower housing is vertically spaced from the slim upper housing by a predetermined distance and includes a PCB assembly, and a middle housing is positioned between the slim upper housing and the lower housing, spatially isolated from the lower housing by a separation plate to minimize the adverse effects of electromagnetic waves generated from the PCB assembly, and has a slot opened from the front end to hold an object in the lengthwise direction. A sliding battery pack is insertable to and detachable from the middle housing in the lengthwise direction.

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: Three independent dialing buttons (10, 20 and 30) have rhombic shapes. Independent switching elements (S1)-(S4) are provided on four corners of the rear surface of each dialing button. Dial numbers (1-9 and 0) and symbols (# and *), grouped four each as (1, 2, 3 and 4), (5, 6, 7 and 8) and (9, 0, # and *), are marked on the respective four corners of the front surfaces of the three dialing buttons which are arranged longitudinally on an operation surface (50). By this construction, the visibility and recognizability of numbers, etc. can be improved and, further, dialing of numbers can be accurately made.

Abstract: A key input device is provided for inputting digits/letters/characters/symbols by a keypad and a character input method for the key input device. In the key input device, a mode key is pressed to select one of a plurality of key matrixes for a corresponding mode, which is displayed on a display. A first directional key is used for inter-cell movement in the displayed key matrix and a second directional key is used to select an intended digit/letter/character/symbol within a cell. In the character input method, a mode with a unique key matrix is set by pressing a mode key. An intended cell is moved to within the key matrix by pressing a first directional key. An intended digit/letter/character/symbol is selected in the cell by pressing a second directional key. The selected digit/letter/character/symbol is displayed on a display.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and mobile terminal which permits at least one mobile terminal function to be activated and selected using at least one soft key during an inactive and locked mode of a mobile terminal keypad. A mobile terminal in accordance with the invention includes a controller (18); a keypad (2) comprising a plurality of keys (7, 8a, 8b, 10), including at least one soft key coupled to the controller, the keypad being under control of the controller and having an active mode during which key inputs from the keys activate mobile terminal functions and the inactive mode during which a first type of key input from the at least one soft key to the controller does not activate the mobile terminal functions; and wherein during the inactive mode, the controller is responsive to a second type of key input from at least one soft key which activates at least one mobile terminal function without return to the active mode.

Abstract: A portable electronic equipment is capable of preventing warpage of an internal substrate accommodated therein due to pressing operations of button keys to thereby improve the mechanical strength thereof and contribute a downsizing thereof. To this end, a stopper 14 is provided on a front case 1 for limiting the amount of depression of each button key 8. The stopper 14 has a shape to support an entire outer periphery of a flange 15 of each button key or a shape to support an outer periphery of a flange 15 of each button key radially in a plurality of directions. Also, key seats 19 for the button keys are connected with each other in a bridge-shaped configuration, or formed separately or independently from each other. In addition, the front cover is provided with a case cover for preventing the button keys from popping out therefrom.

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 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: 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: A portable telephone, equipped with an opening/closing cover, which houses an operating part. An operating panel is mounted to a main casing in a manner enabling movement between a position at the front face side and a position at the inner side of the main casing, and a compression spring, which urges this operating panel in the direction of the position at the front face side of the main casing is equipped. When the opening/closing cover is at the closed position, the operating panel is positioned at the position at the inner side of the main casing, and when the opening/closing cover is opened, the operating panel is moved to the position at the front face side by the compression spring so that it is positioned at a position at which the operating surface is substantially flush with the back face of the opening/closing cover that is positioned at the opened position.

Abstract: A cellular telephone with a changeable key arrangement has a housing, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a processor. The housing has a plurality of keys arranged in a first manner. The first circuit board is a rigid printed circuit board having a first connector on an upper side of the first circuit board. The second circuit board is installed above the first circuit board and below the plurality of keys. The second circuit board has a plurality of key switches arranged in the first manner for interacting with the plurality of keys to generate corresponding key-pressing signals, and a second connector detachably connected with the first connector for transmitting the key-pressing signals. The second circuit board is changeable so that keys arranged with different patterns can be installed onto the housing.

Abstract: A dual function mobile station is constructed with first input and first display, which are used in the first functional mode, and second input and second display that are used in the second functional mode. The orientation of the mobile station in the second mode of operation is transverse to the orientation of the mobile station in the first mode of operation.

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: 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 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 wireless communication device 100 including a first end 104 and a second end 106, a display 108 positioned adjacent to the first end 104 and a keypad 120 positioned adjacent to the second end 106. The wireless communications device further includes a receptacle 128 positioned adjacent to the numerical keypad 120 and a keyless input device 102 installable within the receptacle. The keyless input device 102 is postponable and may includes a graphical message.