Abstract: An electronic device includes a base and a touch-sensitive display connected to the base and movable relative thereto. The touch-sensitive display includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input device for detecting touches on the display device. The electronic device also includes a switch actuator disposed between the touch-sensitive display and the base, switches disposed between the touch-sensitive display and the base and moveable relative to the switch actuator from a first position in which only one of the switches is located for actuation by the switch actuator, and a second position in which two of the switches are located for actuation by the switch actuator, and operational components including a processor connected to the display device and the touch-sensitive input device for controlling operation of the display device and the touch-sensitive input device.

Abstract: A hand held mobile device capable of executing a software application includes a top body portion; a bottom body portion; a hinge portion connecting the top and bottom body portions and permitting movement of the top and bottom body portions between a closed position and an open position. A first screen is provided on the top body portion and is accessible in the open position, and a second screen is slidable on the bottom body portion to reveal a keyboard when the top and bottom body portions are in the open position and the second screen is in an extended position. Preferably, at least one of the screens functions as a touch screen based on at least one function of the software application and whether the second screen is extended to reveal the keyboard.

Abstract: A handheld communication device having a reconfigurable keyfield and a display screen upon which characters are displayed. A plurality of actuable input keys makeup the keyfield, and each has at least one character associated therewith and an engageable top surface for actuation. A microprocessor is configured to receive data indicative of an actuated input key and to output data indicative of an associated character determined to correspond to the indicated input key. At least one of the plurality of actuable input keys is mounted to the handheld communication device by an adjustable interconnection configurable between at least first and second operating orientations. In the first operating orientation, the engageable top surface of the at least one input key faces a first direction and in the second operating orientation the engageable top surface of the at least one input key faces a second direction.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including a processor provided in a housing, the processor for switching the portable electronic device from a normal operating mode to a device lock mode and a first input device and a second input device provided in the housing. Actuation of the first input device within a maximum delay of actuation of the second input device enables the device lock mode.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base and a touch screen display connected to the base and movable relative thereto. The touch screen display includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device. The electronic device includes a feedback mechanism including a switch moveable relative to the base for actuating in response to application of a force to the touch-sensitive input surface causing movement of the touch screen display. Operational components are connected to the touch screen display for operation of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base, a touch screen display, a pair of switches and operational components. The touch screen display is connected to the base, movable relative thereto and includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device. A pair of switches disposed between the base and the touch screen display and configured such that one of the switches is actuated in response to application of a force anywhere on the touch-sensitive input surface of the touch screen display and both of the switches are actuated in response to application of more than one force on the touch-sensitive input surface of the touch screen display. The operational components include a controller connected to the touch-sensitive input surface and a processor connected to the controller and the display.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for providing backlight to a display in an electronic device. The device comprises: a housing; an ambient light collector; a backlight panel; a shutter; and a photodetector. The ambient light collector has: a body having the first end and a second end, which is located within the housing. The body receives ambient light from around the electronic device and transmits it to the second end. The body is shaped to direct the ambient light from the first end towards the second end and has a turn in it between the first and second ends. In the body, each conduit has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being connected to the second end of the body, and each conduit extending downward and away from the second end.

Abstract: A handheld communication device configurable between a telephone mode and an email mode is described. The handheld communication device has a body with a front face at which a user input is located. The user input includes an appearance-adaptable keypad configurable between a telephone keypad when the device is in the telephone mode, and a text entry keypad when the device is in the email mode. The telephone keypad includes a plurality of alphanumeric input keys. The telephone keypad is arranged in a standard telephone keypad layout when the device is in the telephone mode. The text entry keypad includes a plurality of alphabetic input keys. The text entry keypad is arranged in a standard text entry keyboard layout when the device is in the email mode.

Abstract: A key activation system for use in an electronic device is provided. The system comprises an activation mechanism associated with a key in the system, a first feedback system and a second feedback system. The activation mechanism is associated with the key activation system and provides a first feedback sense when the activation mechanism has triggered the first activation condition. The second feedback system provides a second feedback sense indicating when the key triggers the second activation condition. In the system, the second feedback system operates independently from the activation mechanism and the first activation condition is triggered before the second activation condition when the activation mechanism is initially engaged. An activation mechanism may be centrally located for a set of keys.