Abstract: An electronic device is formed at least partially from a deflectable material that generates an electrical signal in response to contact. The first material is integrated with a display module to provide a shaped feature on the exterior surface of the display module. The shaped feature detects contact with an external object on one or more contact points, where contact with the contact points corresponds to a defined input for a processor of the electronic device.

Abstract: A single-piece top surface display and integrated front cover for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the cover comprises a thin, flexible, transparent layer coupled with a supporting structure. The flexible layer is supported above a display screen which is coupled with pressure activated sensors located under the display screen. The cover is dust-free, waterproof, and has a flat outer surface that is free of any steps or indentations. Users input data by applying pressure on the cover which causes the display screen to deflect and activate the sensors. The pressure exerted on the sensors is triangulated to register the position of the user input. In another embodiment, the cover is transparent, rigid, and directly contacts the pressure activated sensors which are located in front of the display screen or in the housing behind it. When pressure is applied to the cover, the cover deflects and activates the sensors. In both embodiments, an accelerometer identifies valid input events.

Abstract: A handheld computing device featuring interchangeable display units is disclosed. The handheld computing device includes a processing unit and a visual display unit detachable from the processing unit. The processing unit and the detachable visual display unit include communication ports capable of communicating with each other. The processing unit further can receive information representative of the properties of the detachable visual display unit.

Abstract: A handheld computing device featuring interchangeable display units is disclosed. The handheld computing device includes a processing unit and a visual display unit detachable from the processing unit. The processing unit and the detachable visual display unit include communication ports capable of communicating with each other. The processing unit further can receive information representative of the properties of the detachable visual display unit.

Abstract: A handheld computer is provided that includes a first module combined with one or more modules. The first module includes a housing having one or more coupling surfaces, with each coupling surface including a coupling mechanism. A second module is coupleable to the first module. The second module includes a third coupling surface having a second coupling mechanism for mating with the first coupling mechanism. The third coupling surface is positioned on the second module so as to abut at least partially against the second coupling surface when the first coupling mechanism is mated with the second coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable computer system. The removable functional faceplate employs specially located electrical contacts or pads that mate with similarly located electrical contacts mounted on the portable computer system, e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other electronic device. The electrical contacts of the functional faceplate carry signals that are responsive to the pressing of physical buttons which may be placed in any location on the functional faceplate. This allows individual faceplates to be developed that are specialized for a particular purpose, e.g., extended keyboards, adapted for gaming, adapted for music playing, etc. The functional faceplates may have specialized button types that are adapted for a particular use and are also located in custom positions that reflect the particular use employed. When the functional faceplate is removed from the portable computer system, it may have no buttons or it may provide a standard PDA button group.

Abstract: A miniature keyboard for a palm held computer is disclosed. The miniature keyboard includes a plurality of keys for providing input to a hand held computing device. The keyboard includes a platform supporting the plurality of keys. The platform is configured to be sized for use by a single hand and the platforms is selectively foldable to substantially conceal the plurality of keys from view. The keyboard also includes a support structure that couples the platform to the hand held computing device body. The support structure is configured to prevent substantial movement of the platform relative to the hand held computing device body.

Abstract: A single-piece top surface display and integrated front cover for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the cover comprises a thin, flexible, transparent layer coupled with a supporting structure. The flexible layer is supported above a display screen which is coupled with pressure activated sensors located under the display screen. The cover is dust-free, waterproof, and has a flat outer surface that is free of any steps or indentations. Users input data by applying pressure on the cover which causes the display screen to deflect and activate the sensors. The pressure exerted on the sensors is triangulated to register the position of the user input. In another embodiment, the cover is transparent, rigid, and directly contacts the pressure activated sensors which are located in front of the display screen or in the housing behind it. When pressure is applied to the cover, the cover deflects and activates the sensors. In both embodiments, an accelerometer identifies valid input events.

Abstract: A miniature keyboard for a palm held computer is disclosed. The miniature keyboard includes a plurality of keys for providing input to a hand held computing device. The keyboard includes a platform supporting the plurality of keys. The platform is configured to be sized for use by a single hand and the platforms is selectively foldable to substantially conceal the plurality of keys from view. The keyboard also includes a support structure that couples the platform to the hand held computing device body. The support structure is configured to prevent substantial movement of the platform relative to the hand held computing device body. A handheld electronic communications device is disclosed. The handheld electronic communications device comprises a housing supporting communication electronics and a display. The housing has a periphery. A first platform is integrated into the housing and supports a first set of keys. The first set of keys is a subset of a full set of alphabetic keys.

Abstract: A handheld data processing device having three functional components assembled in a sliding configuration. A processor module is mechanically coupled to two sliding covers. The processor module houses circuits for performing the functions of data processing and may also include a display and input/output functionality. The two sliding covers provide protection for the processor module and may include input/output transducers such as a keypad, speaker or microphone. Embodiments of the handheld data processing device include a handheld computer, wireless telephone and handheld video display. Used as a telephone, the sliders may house a speaker and a microphone.

Abstract: A computing device housing is provided having a front face and a back face. Each of the front face and the back face extend lengthwise in a first axial direction and widthwise in a second axial direction. A peripheral recess is formed in the front face to extend along at least one of a lengthwise perimeter portion or a widthwise perimeter portion.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a central first switch with a concave surface, a plurality of second switches adjacent to and surrounding the central switch in an elliptical or circular shape, where the second switches form a convex surface, and a plurality of third switches adjacent to the second switches in an outer side of the elliptical or circular shape of the second switches, where the third switches include activation areas with concave surfaces and with flat surfaces outside the activation areas. The third switches can include two switches, one of which is located at one end and the other one of which is located at the opposite end of the elliptical or circular shape of the second switches. The non-planar surfaces of the switch assembly enable one to easily feel the locations of the switches and to get tactile feedback when the finger moved to another switch area.

Abstract: A handheld data processing device having three functional components assembled in a sliding configuration. A processor module is mechanically coupled to two sliding covers. The processor module houses circuits for performing the functions of data processing and may also include a display and input/output functionality. The two sliding covers provide protection for the processor module and may include input/output transducers such as a keypad, speaker or microphone. Embodiments of the handheld data processing device include a handheld computer, wireless telephone and handheld video display. Used as a telephone, the sliders may house a speaker and a microphone.

Abstract: A miniature keyboard for a palm held computer is disclosed. The miniature keyboard includes a plurality of keys for providing input to a hand held computing device. The keyboard includes a platform supporting the plurality of keys. The platform is configured to be sized for use by a single hand and the platforms is selectively foldable to substantially conceal the plurality of keys from view. The keyboard also includes a support structure that couples the platform to the hand held computing device body. The support structure is configured to prevent substantial movement of the platform relative to the hand held computing device body. A handheld electronic communications device is disclosed. The handheld electronic communications device comprises a housing supporting communication electronics and a display. The housing has a periphery. A first platform is integrated into the housing and supports a first set of keys. The first set of keys is a subset of a full set of alphabetic keys.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a stylus for use with a touch screen having a digitizer, the stylus being configured to fit comfortably in the hand of the user and comprises: an elastic segment; an operating end tapered to a point coupled to the elastic segment; a second end cap coupled to the elastic segment and a plurality of mid-segments coupled to the elastic segment. In one embodiment the stylus comprises four different parts including a tip, an end cap, mid-segments and an elastic member. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a simple spring is used to attach the tip, the end cap and the mid-segments. The stylus can be locked into place while in use or can be bent to conform to the geometry of the portable electronic device. The result is a bi-stable stylus sized to conform to a user's hand that can be stored on smaller dimensioned portable electronic devices. Additionally, the cost of manufacturing such a stylus is reduced because the variety of parts is minimal.