Abstract: A hand-held communication device, such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant (PDA), comprises a sensor assembly and an auxiliary input interface. The auxiliary input interface is situated along one or more exterior surfaces of the device and is electrically coupled to processing circuitry within the device. The sensor assembly is removably attached to the one or more exterior surfaces of device and provides signals at the multiple outputs in response to tactile inputs from the user. In one embodiment, an assignment procedure assigns tactile inputs from the user to predefined functions of the device and/or one or more software applications installed in the device. During subsequent operation of the device, each of the specific tactile input executes one or more predefined functions.

Abstract: A hand-held communication device, such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant (PDA), comprises a sensor assembly and an auxiliary input interface. The auxiliary input interface is situated along one or more exterior surfaces of the device and is electrically coupled to processing circuitry within the device. The sensor assembly is removably attached to the one or more exterior surfaces of device and provides signals at the multiple outputs in response to tactile inputs from the user. In one embodiment, an assignment procedure assigns tactile inputs from the user to predefined functions of the device and/or one or more software applications installed in the device. During subsequent operation of the device, each of the specific tactile input executes one or more predefined functions.

Abstract: A hand-held communication device (100), such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant (PDA), comprises a sensor assembly (200) and an auxiliary input interface (300). Auxiliary input interface (300) is situated along one or more exterior surfaces (110) of device (100) and is electrically coupled to processing circuitry within device (100). Sensor assembly (200) is removably attached to the one or more exterior surfaces (110) of device (100). Sensor assembly (200) preferably includes multiple pressure sensors for receiving tactile inputs from a user, and multiple outputs for coupling to auxiliary input interface (300). Sensor assembly (200) provides signals at the multiple outputs in response to tactile inputs from the user. In one form, during an assignment procedure, tactile inputs from the user are assigned to predefined functions of the device and/or one or more software applications installed in the device.

Abstract: Thin, flexible antenna arrangements for use in communication devices, such as mobile communications devices, and methods of making and using the antenna arrangements are provided. The methods used to make the antenna arrangements are print-based and provide a simplified procedure, with a reduced number of process steps, the use of fewer materials and the production of less material waste than conventional methods based on etching and die cutting.

Abstract: A hand-held communication device (100), such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant (PDA), comprises a sensor assembly (200) and an auxiliary input interface (300). Auxiliary input interface (300) is situated along one or more exterior surfaces (110) of device (100) and is electrically coupled to processing circuitry within device (100). Sensor assembly (200) is removably attached to the one or more exterior surfaces (110) of device (100). Sensor assembly (200) preferably includes multiple pressure sensors for receiving tactile inputs from a user, and multiple outputs for coupling to auxiliary input interface (300). Sensor assembly (200) provides signals at the multiple outputs in response to tactile inputs from the user. In one form, during an assignment procedure, tactile inputs from the user are assigned to predefined functions of the device and/or one or more software applications installed in the device.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (100, 400) that can include a first electrically conductive structural member (102), a second electrically conductive structural member (104), and at least a first electrical conductor (118) that electrically connects a first portion (120) of the first structural member to the second structural member. A distance between the first portion and a second portion (122) of the first structural member can be selected to present a desired input impedance for an RF signal applied at the second portion of the first structural member. The distance can be approximately one-quarter of a wavelength of the RF signal or an odd multiple of the one-quarter wavelength. In another arrangement, the distance can be approximately one-half of a wavelength of the RF signal or a multiple of the one-half wavelength.