Abstract: A keypad that produces a voltage level indicative of a key pressed and a touch panel that produces a voltage level indicative of a location on the touch panel that has been pressed are both coupled to the input of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). A processor, coupled to the output of the ADC, reads the ADC output.

Abstract: A detection circuit that detects the open and close state of a flip cover of a communications device. The detection circuit includes a resistive network and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). When the flip cover is in the closed position, the circuit detects a unique resistive value through a set of contacts. This voltage level is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal via the ADC for input into a microprocessor. When the flip cover is in the open position, the contacts are broken, thus, disabling the detection of the unique resistive value. The resulting voltage level is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal via the ADC for input into a microprocessor. Software, programmed within the microprocessor, enables the communications device to operate in the appropriate mode according to the detection of the open/close state of the flip cover.

Abstract: A flip cover and hinge operate as a rotary switch to select the mode of operation of a communications device. Multiple contacts are located on the sides of the inner surface of the flip cover and a single contact is located on each side of the body of the communications device. Each contact located on the sides of the inner surface of the flip cover represents a different mode of operation for the communications device. As the flip cover rotates from a closure position to its final position as a stand, the mode of operation of the communications device changes as the contact from the body of the communications device connects with one of the contacts on the flip cover. Three modes of operation are presently implemented: the KEYPAD mode, the SMARTPHONE mode, and the SPEAKERPHONE mode.