Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a high-resolution display (101) and a charged pigment display (103). The charged pigment display (103), which in one embodiment is an electrophoretic display, defines a user interaction region (106) and is configured, in conjunction with a controller (107), to present user actuation targets and information in the user interaction region. The information and user actuation targets may correspond to an operational mode of the device. The electronic device (100) may operate in control states, information states, and hybrid information/control states. Hyperlinks, brand information, and other data may be presented in the user interaction region (106).

Abstract: A multimodal device (100) includes a segmented optical shutter (204) that functions as a morphing user interface along the front surface (105) of the multimodal device (100). The morphing user interface is configured to present one of a plurality of mode-based actuators by selectively opening and closing segments (601,602,603,604) of the segmented optical shutter (204). Each set of mode-based actuators serves as a set of user actuation targets, or keys, for the multimodal device (100). In addition to the mode-based actuators, a brand mark (107,605,606) is presented, perhaps in a keypad region (106), that corresponds to hardware, software, or services that are operational on the multimodal device (100).

Abstract: A multimodal electronic device (100) includes a shutter enabled dynamic keypad for presenting one of a plurality of keypad configurations to a user. Each keypad configuration, which is presented by an optical shutter (204) that opens or closes windows or shutters that are geometrically configured as alphanumeric or device keys or symbols. Each keypad configuration, in one embodiment, is limited to those needed for the particular mode of operation of the device (100). The optical shutter (204) is a low-resolution display that presents user actuation targets to a user in a low-resolution key area. As each mode of the device changes, the corresponding keypad configuration presented changes accordingly.

Abstract: A multimodal electronic device (100) includes a shutter enabled dynamic keypad for presenting one of a plurality of keypad configurations to a user. Each keypad configuration, which is presented by an optical shutter (204) that opens or closes windows or shutters that are geometrically configured as alphanumeric or device keys or symbols. Each keypad configuration, in one embodiment, is limited to those needed for the particular mode of operation of the device (100). The optical shutter (204) is a low-resolution display that presents user actuation targets to a user in a low-resolution key area. As each mode of the device changes, the corresponding keypad configuration presented changes accordingly.

Abstract: A novel paging technology allows a group of subscribers to share and take advantage of bargain, promotion, and special pricing information that may otherwise be difficult to obtain or only useful for a very limited time. A service provider collects and stores such information. The information is then compared to a profile for each subscriber detailing what type of information that subscriber is interested in receiving. Information matching the interest profile of each subscriber this then transmitted to that subscriber's pager. Each subscriber's pager may include an input device, such as a virtual keyboard, so that each subscriber can submit information to the system to be shared with other subscribers.

Abstract: A pager and paging system are adapted to provide music enthusiasts with information regarding musical events which is otherwise generally available. A subscriber of the musical information service provides the service provider with an interest profile detailing the subscriber's musical interests. The service provider compiles information regarding musical events, compares the compiled information to the profile, and transmits information matching the profile to the subscriber's pager. In a two-way paging system, the information may not be transmitted until a request is sent to the system. The system may also determine the pager's general location and provide information relevant to that locale.

Abstract: A pager allows the input and transmission of a virtual unlimited range of messages. The pager comprises a character display control knob which controls the sequential display of alphabetic and numeric characters on a display. By rotating the knob, the displayed character advances or retreats through the appropriate alphabetic or numeric sequence. When the character is displayed that the pager user wishes to include in a message to be transmitted, the pager user presses a selection key. The process is repeated until the message is completed. The pager may then transmit the message to a paging system by radio transmission to a base station or by emitting a series of sounds in which the message is encoded. In the case of emitted sounds, the sounds are conveyed along an open phone line to the paging system where they are decoded.

Abstract: A virtual dialer allows a wireless telephone unit to dispense with a numeric keypad, thereby allowing additional room for an enhanced display without sacrificing the compactness of the unit. The virtual dialer includes a short joystick and an image of a telephone numeric keypad displayed on a display. The joystick is used to move a cursor around on the image of the numeric keypad. The joystick or a selection button is pressed when the cursor highlights the image of the numeric key representing the digit to be entered. In this way, a phone number to be called is dialled without the presence of an actual numeric keypad.

Abstract: A wireless telephone unit of the present invention has an improved shuttle for more ergonomically and efficiently entering input to the telephone unit. The shuttle, acting as a rotary encoder, controls the scrolling of material across a display of the wireless telephone unit. The shuttle is located on the face of the wireless telephone unit so as to be operated by the thumb of a user without regard to whether the telephone unit is held in the right or left hand of the user. The shuttle further comprises a detent mechanism such that increments of rotation of the shuttle passed the detent mechanism are perceptible to the user and are correlated to an amount of material scrolled across the display. The shuttle is also displacable along its access of rotation to input parameter information to the wireless telephone unit. The telephone unit's keypad may be hidden in the unit when not in use.

Abstract: A novel device combines the functions of a pager unit and a personal electronic device such as a radio tuner, a cassette tape player, or a compact disc player. Upon receipt of a transmission, the pager unit interrupts the audio signal of the personal electronic device with an alert signal which is heard through the headphones of the personal electronic device. The user can then view the received transmission. Alternatively, if the transmission is an audio or voice mail transmission, the transmission may be heard through the headphones following the alert signal.

Abstract: An extension provided on a wireless telephone unit allows the unit to be compact while still providing an enhanced display, a keyboard, and a data input device. The keyboard is disposed on the extension which is slidable between a retracted and an extended position. When in the retracted position, the extension covers the data input device and most of the display. A single line of text remains uncovered for use when the extension is retracted. In the extended position, the extension uncovers a large display and data input device for use by the user.

Abstract: A pager and two-way paging system may be provided which allow the pager user to send a request for television and/or radio programming information. The system compiles television and/or radio programming information which will be of interest to the user, based on a profile of the user's interests filed with the service provider. In a one-way paging system, the service provider makes periodic transmissions of timely programming information of interest to the pager user. In a two-way paging system, the service provider transmits the compiled information when a request is received from the user. The user may also select a program from the information transmitted and instruct the service provider to purchase the program, if pay-per-view, of have the program recorded by the user's VCR.

Abstract: A novel paging technology allows a group of subscribers to share and take advantage of nightlife information. A service provider collects and stores such information. The information is then compared to a profile for each subscriber detailing what type of information that subscriber is interested in receiving. Information may further be screened for that relevant to an particular area where the subscriber's pager is determined to be. Information matching the interest profile and/or location of each subscriber is then transmitted to that subscriber's pager. Each subscriber's pager may include an input device, such as a virtual keyboard, so that each subscriber can submit information to the system to be shared with other subscribers.