Abstract: This invention provides a handset (10) and a method of operating a handset. The handset includes a user interface that contains a data entry device (20) and a visual display device (14), a camera (16) and a controller (12) coupled to the visual display device and to the camera. The controller operates under the control of a stored program (22A) for displaying to a user an image representative of at least a portion of an environment of the user as seen through the camera during a time that the user is interacting with the user interface. The controller may further operate under control of the stored program to process images generated by the camera to detect a potential for a collision with an object that is present in the environment of the user, and to warn the user of the potential for a collision.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to operate a touch screen user interface. The method includes forming a stroke that encloses an area that contains at least a portion of at least one displayed object; and selecting the at least one displayed object. Forming the stroke may further include extending the stroke to a functional object, and activating the functional object with the at least one selected displayed object. If the stroke does not define an area that is totally enclosed by the stroke, the method may further include automatically continuing the stroke such that the area is totally enclosed by the stroke. In this case the stroke may be automatically continued by drawing a line that connects a stroke starting point to a stroke ending point, and by adding touch screen coordinates covered by the line to a list of touch screen coordinates that describe the stroke.