Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are described herein for input of characters into a mobile device. In one implementation, a user can input representations of character strokes of logographic characters, such as Chinese characters, using a trackpad module. The system can then associate the character strokes with a character the user desires to input based on the received inputs and a series of well-known rules for writing the logographic characters. One implementation of the trackpad includes an optical trackpad comprising a plurality of sub-sections that can be used to determine the direction of movement of an object over the optical trackpad, for example, a finger over the optical trackpad.

Abstract: A light-collecting accessory for an electronic device includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The housing can form an opening adapted to receive the electronic device. A light guide is communicatively coupled to the housing. The light guide can have a first end and a second end. The first end can be communicatively coupled to the outer surface of the housing. The second end can be communicatively coupled to the inner surface of the housing. In the event the electronic device resides in the opening of the housing, light emitted from the electronic device passes from the second end of the light guide to the first end of the light guide.

Abstract: An electronic device having a concealed keyboard includes a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled to the first housing, and a concealment cover coupled to a rear of the first housing. The first housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the first housing. The second housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the second housing. A receiving portion is formed on a rear surface of the first housing and is configured to receive the second housing. When the second housing is in the receiving portion, each respective side of the first housing and the second housing are co-terminal with one another. The concealment cover is exteriorly positioned with respect to the second housing when the second housing is in the receiving portion.

Abstract: Method for avoiding unauthorized images of a proprietor's information from being transmitted outside the proprietor's control. A photographic image captured with a camera incorporated upon the wireless handheld communication device is wirelessly transmitted to a proprietor's server. The image is stored on the server after capture and transmission, preferably while the device is still in the photography-restricted geographical area that is under the control of the proprietor of the server. Once at the server, the photographic image is analyzed to determine whether or not the image is authorized for dissemination outside the proprietor's control. Local storage of the photographic image can be prevented on the device which assures that the transmission and storage of the photographic image on the proprietor's server is exclusive.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implementing a camera restriction on a wireless handheld communication device. As more handheld devices incorporate camera functionalities, organizations and individuals with privacy concerns are more vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure. The camera restriction prevents a user from taking a picture of a subject if the device has not been steadily focused on the subject in question for a predetermined period of time. In short, this process extends the normal camera-taking procedure and thus requires the camera user to take pictures in a conspicuous manner—the rationale being that a camera user would be less likely to take unauthorized pictures if such actions could be easily recognized. The camera restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.

Abstract: A light-collecting accessory for an electronic device includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The housing can form an opening adapted to receive the electronic device. A light guide is communicatively coupled to the housing. The light guide can have a first end and a second end. The first end can be communicatively coupled to the outer surface of the housing. The second end can be communicatively coupled to the inner surface of the housing. In the event the electronic device resides in the opening of the housing, light emitted from the electronic device passes from the second end of the light guide to the first end of the light guide.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implementing a camera restriction on a wireless handheld communication device. As more handheld devices incorporate camera functionalities, organizations and individuals with privacy concerns are more vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure. The camera restriction prevents a user from taking a picture of a subject if the device has not been steadily focused on the subject in question for a predetermined period of time. In short, this process extends the normal camera-taking procedure and thus requires the camera user to take pictures in a conspicuous manner—the rationale being that a camera user would be less likely to take unauthorized pictures if such actions could be easily recognized. The camera restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implementing a camera restriction on a wireless handheld communication device. As more handheld devices incorporate camera functionalities, organizations and individuals with privacy concerns are more vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure. The camera restriction prevents a user from taking a picture of a subject if the device has not been steadily focused on the subject in question for a predetermined period of time. In short, this process extends the normal camera-taking procedure and thus requires the camera user to take pictures in a conspicuous manner—the rationale being that a camera user would be less likely to take unauthorized pictures if such actions could be easily recognized. The camera restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.

Abstract: An electronic device having a concealed keyboard includes a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled to the first housing, and a concealment cover coupled to a rear of the first housing. The first housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the first housing. The second housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the second housing. A receiving portion is formed on a rear surface of the first housing and is configured to receive the second housing. When the second housing is in the receiving portion, each respective side of the first housing and the second housing are co-terminal with one another. The concealment cover is exteriorly positioned with respect to the second housing when the second housing is in the receiving portion.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are described herein for input of characters into a mobile device. In one implementation, a user can input representations of character strokes of logographic characters, such as Chinese characters, using a trackpad module. The system can then associate the character strokes with a character the user desires to input based on the received inputs and a series of well-known rules for writing the logographic characters. One implementation of the trackpad includes an optical trackpad comprising a plurality of sub-sections that can be used to determine the direction of movement of an object over the optical trackpad, for example, a finger over the optical trackpad.