Abstract: Systems and methods are described for utilizing acceleration event signatures. One method for utilizing acceleration event signatures in an electronic device comprises receiving, by the electronic device, one or more acceleration events. The method further comprises determining whether the received one or more acceleration events correspond to one or more predefined signature definitions and invoking one or more functions based on the one or more acceleration events.

Abstract: A system and method are described for automatically executing an application program in a mobile phone (or other electronic device) upon coupling of the mobile phone to a charging unit. The system and method operate to communicate a unique charging unit identification to the mobile phone and, in response, have the mobile phone execute a particular application program (or other command or mode of operation) that is associated with the particular charging unit.

Abstract: A method is described for unlocking a mobile device. The method comprises reorienting, by the mobile device, a pre-defined grid displayed by the mobile device for unlocking the mobile device. The method further comprises displacing the pre-defined grid by an offset and receiving, by the mobile device, a gesture from a user for attempting to unlock the mobile device according to the grid. Based on the gesture for attempting to unlock the mobile device, a verification interface is displayed. The mobile device is unlocked in response to the user successfully tracing the verification pattern.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a stylus and a housing. An opening may be formed in the housing for inserting and storing the stylus. A function button may be mounted in the housing. The stylus may be adapted to operate the function button when in a stored position inserted within the opening in response to a user applying a predetermined pressure to the stylus.

Abstract: A combination telephony and game device comprises a telephony modem for communicating with remote devices over a telephony network; and an application processor operatively connected to said telephony modem. The application processor is configured to execute a game application to play a game; receive a telephony event notification from said telephony modem while the game is being played; and represent, while the game is being played, the telephony event in a virtual reality environment provided by the game application.

Abstract: A touch interface for a hand held device having a selection tool is described herein. The selection tool allows a large group of selectable items to be displayed in a relatively small space on a touchscreen display, and appears as an element of a graphical user interface on the touchscreen display. The selection tool comprises a plurality of overlapping bands that are disposed at an angle relative to one another and that rotate about a common central area. Each band includes a subset of selectable items in a larger group of selectable items. A user makes a selection selecting a band containing a desired item as a top-most band and selecting the desired item. The selected item may comprise, for example, an icon representing an application, a file or folder, a menu item, or a character from a large character set.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a stylus and a housing. An opening may be formed in the housing for inserting and storing the stylus. A function button may be mounted in the housing. The stylus may be adapted to operate the function button when in a stored position inserted within the opening in response to a user applying a predetermined pressure to the stylus.

Abstract: A wireless adaptor for a portable electronic device enables the electronic device to communicate over wireless networks with remote devices. The wireless adapter includes a communication circuit configured to communicate data with a remote device over a wireless network. The wireless adaptor may further include a battery and a power control circuit operatively connected to the battery and the communication circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide at least supplemental power from the battery to the communication circuit.

Abstract: A logic circuit for generating a control voltage includes a ramp DAC and a main DAC. When the control voltage is needed, such as when an associated crystal oscillator is being “turned on,” an input reference voltage is supplied to both the ramp DAC and the main DAC. The ramp DAC generates an output based on the input reference voltage and L supplied control bits for a (preferably short) ramp time period. The output from the ramp DAC is fed to a filter circuit that includes a capacitor to charge the capacitor and the control voltage is generated at least in part from the ramp DAC output as filtered by the capacitor. When the ramp period ends, the state of the input reference voltage is changed and the output from the main DAC, based on the changed input reference voltage and N control bits, is input to the filter.