Abstract: An electronic device with a force sensing key (200) has a switch (280), a first force sensing region (290) for acquiring a first force value, a second force sensing region (290) for acquiring a second force value, and a processor for determining a selected function for the key (200) based upon the first force value and the second force value when the switch (280) is activated. The first force sensing pad (290) and the second force sensing pad (290) use a partially resistive material (250) that exhibits a force-to-voltage response value. By forming the switch (280) as a dome (225) switch, the force sensing key (200) provides crisp tactile feedback to a user. The force sensing key (200) can be configured for a variety of applications and user preferences by varying the architecture of the actuator (270).

Abstract: A writing stylus (100) having a motion sensor (204) for sensing the movement of at least one end 110 of the stylus relative to an adjacent surface is described. The stylus has an elongated housing (104) and a cap (102). The motion sensor generates signals corresponding to the relative motion of the surface to the sensor. The cap is removeably carried on at least one portion of the housing which also has the motion sensor. The cap comprises a light passage (118) adapted to allow the motion sensor to sense the translation of the surface adjacent to the cap, through the cap. In a first input mode the motion sensor is used for sensing manual hand writing motion. In a second mode, when the cap is carried on the housing and is placed over at least the motion sensor, the motion sensor senses the motion of a surface adjacent to the cap such as a users finger. In this mode, the stylus functions a multiple axis input device such as a thumbwheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizing a mobile communication device including a housing, an earpiece coupled to the housing, a keypad coupled to the housing, and an array sensor coupled to the housing. The array sensor is distributed across a significant portion of a face of the housing to allow the detection of various conductive profiles in close proximity to the housing. A portion of the array sensor may be positioned underneath the keypad. The mobile communication device can sense a change in a field across the array sensor and adjust a parameter of operation of the mobile communication device based on the change in the field across the array sensor in response to a conductive profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for application control in an electronic device. The electronic device can include a housing including a housing face, a display coupled to the housing face, the display having a first display side and a second display side opposite the first display side, a navigational speaker coupled to the housing face on the first display side, and a public speaker. The navigational speaker can include a first speaker and a multidirectional input device coupled to the first speaker. The electronic device can also include a microphone coupled to the housing face on the second display side.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizing a portable device including an array sensor and a replaceable housing. The apparatus can include a main housing, a first replaceable housing configured to be coupled to the main housing, an array sensor coupled to the main housing, a sensing module coupled to the array sensor, the sensing module being configured to sense a change in a field across the array sensor using a predefined conductive pattern, and an adjustment module coupled to the array sensor, the adjustment module being configured to adjust a parameter of operation of the mobile communication device in response to the sensing module sensing the change in the field using the predefined conductive pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizing a mobile communication device including an array sensor. The apparatus can include a first housing, a second housing, and an array sensor. The apparatus may further include a controller coupled to the array sensor. The controller may include a field change sensing module configured to sense a change in a field across the array sensor and a parameter of operation adjustment module configured to adjust a parameter of operation of the apparatus based on a position of the second housing. The method can include the steps of sensing a position of the second housing and adjusting a sensitivity of the array sensor based on the position of the second housing.

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.

Abstract: A rotating user interface for a portable electronic device (FIG. 2, through FIG. 5 et sequence) includes a circular portion that rotates relative to a housing portion. Rotation of the rotating user interface controls motion on a display such as a steering wheel for a gaming mode of the device. A moveable user interface includes a plurality of keys (206, 208) arranged and constructed to be configured in one of a first configuration (FIG. 2) and a second configuration (FIG. 3); and a controller 102, coupled to the plurality of keys, operable to detect when the plurality of keys are in the first configuration or second configuration and correspondingly to control the device to perform a first function or second function corresponding to the detected configuration.

Abstract: An adaptable user interface and method thereof for a subscriber device (FIG. 1, FIG. 2 et sequence) includes a plurality of keys (205, 207) arranged and constructed to be configured in one of a first configuration (FIG. 2) and a second configuration (FIG. 3); and a controller 105, coupled to the plurality of keys, operable to: detect when the plurality of keys are in the first configuration or second configuration and if so, control the subscriber device to perform a first function or second function corresponding to the detected configuration.

Abstract: A speakerphone accessory (100) is provided for use with a portable telephone (102). The speakerphone accessory (100) has a high-level speaker assembly (222) that includes a transducer (500) coupled to first and second resonators (502, 504). The first and second resonators (502, 504) are designed so that the first resonator (502) is most efficient at a high frequency while the second resonator (504) has maximum response at a low frequency. The frequency ranges produced by the first and second resonators (502, 504) overlap to reproduce frequencies between the high and low frequencies. The high-level speaker assembly (222), therefore, provides an acoustic bandpass having improved response when compared to the response of the transducer (500) alone.