Abstract: A clock generator for a multi-system comprising a TCXO (temperature compensated crystal oscillator) 1 controlled by an AFC (automatic frequency control) circuit 12 and a sub-system operative with a system clock supplied from the main system and including a PLL (phase locked loop) circuit having a phase comparator 5 and a VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) 3 is disclosed. The frequency division ratios of frequency dividers 2, 4 in the PLL circuit is compensated on the basis of the output of the AFC circuit 12 to absorb phase changes due to the AFC circuit 12.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to simply and rapidly adjust a delay time of a delayed clock signal in accordance with a change in frequency of an input clock signal.

Abstract: A hold circuit for holding a digital switch, having an input and an output, at the level of the last driven state substantially independently of the output impedance of a circuit driving the digital switch. The hold circuit includes an inverter having an input connected to the output of the digital switch and having an output, and a variable resistor having a port connected to the output of the inverter and having a port connected to the input of the digital switch.

Abstract: In an LSI design method, a delay adjusting block group including a plurality of buffer circuit blocks which have different delay amounts but which are the same in connection to the external shape and the external size of the block, the input terminal position and the output terminal position, the input terminal capacitance and the driving capability of the output part including the load dependency, is previously prepared and registered into a circuit library. One buffer circuit block selected from the delay adjusting block group is inserted into a signal path in question, and the delay amount of the signal path in question is roughly adjusted by an existing delay amount adjusting method without replacing the selected buffer circuit block, and thereafter, the delay amount of the signal path in question is roughly adjusted by replacing the selected buffer circuit block by another buffer circuit block included in the delay adjusting block group but having a different delay amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a logarithmic amplifier for reading an input current (Iin) or input voltage (Uin) and for giving out an output voltage (Uout), said logarithmic amplifier including a transistor (T1) or diode for generating logarithmic amplification, said transistor (T1) or diode including an inner serial resistance. According to the invention a compensation voltage (UC) is arranged to be subtracted from the output voltage (Uout) to compensate for voltage drop over the inner serial resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates a frequency multiplier circuit and a controlling method thereof, characterised in that it measures a period of a waveform by a fixed frequency timing signal, and that it reproduces said period by approaching a number of prefixed length subperiods as equal as possible to each other so to minimise the reproduction error thanks to the interpretation of said subperiod number in the following manner m=j * 2′.

Abstract: A first analog differential signal V1p and a first analog differential signal V1n are applied to the respectively commonly-connected bases of two sets of differential pairs which are constructed of transistors Q1 to Q4. A commonly-connected collector of Q1 and Q4 is used as an output terminal V0p, whereas a commonly-connected collector of Q2 and Q3 is used as another output terminal V0n. Collectors of Q11 and Q12 are connected to the respective commonly-connected emitters of these differential pairs. Parallel resonant circuits are connected to the respective emitters of Q11 and Q12, and the emitter-to-emitter path is connected by R15. Input circuits 101 and 102 are connected to the respective bases of Q11 and Q12. A second analog differential signal V2p and a second analog differential signal V2n are inputted to these input circuits 101 and 102. The transistors Q12 and Q14 of the input circuits 101 and 102 constitute current mirror circuits in connection with Q11 and Q13.

Abstract: A diode element circuit uses a junction between the base and collector of a vertical type PNP transistor as a diode, and is further designed that a reverse bias voltage is applied between base and emitter of a parasitic PNP transistor in the vertical type PNP transistor, thereby, a diode having a small leakage current and a high break down voltage is realized without necessitating an additional manufacturing process.

Abstract: If single-stage boosting is selected by a mode selection circuit, drive signals (S1, S3) are supplied as in-phase signals, and a switch (SW1) is kept closed by a control signal (S2), thereby controlling first and second charge pumps to boost the power supply voltage at the same timing. If two-stage boosting is selected, drive signals (S1, S3) are supplied as complementary signals, and the switch (SW1) is controlled by a control signal (S2), thereby controlling the first charge pump to boost the power supply voltage and controlling the second charge pump to further boost the boosted voltage. By this operation, even if single-stage boosting is selected, the first and second charge pumps can be used as a single charge pump.

Abstract: A temperature compensation circuit converts a control signal (IG) that has an undesirable temperature coefficient to a temperature compensated control signal (I32) having a desirable temperature coefficient. In one embodiment, four transistors (60, 64, 68, and 72) are configured to convert the control signal (IG) having an undesirable temperature coefficient to the temperature compensated control signal (I32) having the desired temperature coefficient. Additional embodiments use components to refine the temperature compensation process.

Abstract: A radio frequency device may be formed which has high power output and high transistor switching speeds. This may be done by providing thicker gate oxides and a higher supply potential to transistors utilized to form the power amplifier and using thinner gate oxides conventionally associated with high switching speed and advanced process technologies for other applications on the same integrated circuit. Thus, high switching speeds can be achieved with some transistors which utilize a lower supply voltage and high power output can be achieved from other transistors which are coupled to a higher supply voltage. The different types of transistors may be made in the same integrated circuit fabrication process on the same integrated circuit.

Abstract: A glitch filter includes a storage element for storing a current state, which is the output of the filter. An output of the storage element is connected to one input of a state comparator. Another input of the state comparator is connected to an input signal. A programmable clock delay is connected between the state comparator and the storage element. The programmable clock delay may provide a programmed duration independent of the technology used for implementation. The glitch filter is arranged such that the input signal is stored as the new current state in the storage element only if the input signal changes and then remains unchanged for the programmed duration.

Abstract: Input conversion noises of a filter circuit are reduced. The circuit has plural element circuits obtained by dividing the filter circuit so as to include at least one voltage controlled current source, at least one element circuit is an amplification element circuit having an amplifying function for amplifying an input signal to the filter circuit at a set amplification factor. The amplification element circuit has: a loop circuit constructed by plural intra-loop voltage controlled current sources in which mutual conductance values have a predetermined corresponding relation; and a corresponding capacitor connected to a contact in the loop circuit and having a capacitance depending on the corresponding relation so as to set a potential at the contact to a predetermined potential corresponding to the amplification factor, and amplification element circuit has an electric nature which is independent on the amplification factor when seeing from the input side of the filter circuit.

Abstract: An amplified broadband optical signal is produced in a transmission system. An optical signal is divided into a first beam and a second beam. The first beam has a wavelength less than a predetermined wavelength. The second beam has a wavelength greater than the predetermined wavelength. The first beam is directed to a transmission link in the transmission system. The transmission system includes a distributed Raman amplifier. The distributed Raman amplifier operates in the wavelength range less than 1480 nm. The second beam is directed to a second amplifier. The first and second beams are combined. An amplified broadband optical signal is produced.

Abstract: An offset voltage at an output of a differential amplifier is compensated for by a control circuit having a digital setting device. The control circuit has a control device which is controlled by an offset voltage of the differential amplifier and which feeds an offset compensation signal into the differential amplifier. Compared with analog compensation with an external storage capacitor, temporal drift effects do not distort the offset compensation on the differential 10 amplifier. The described principle can be applied, for example, in radio frequency receiver circuits.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active low-pass filter system including a low-pass filter circuit and at least one frequency-rejecting network coupled to the low-pass filter circuit. The frequency-rejecting network is included in a resistive forward signal flow branch of the low-pass filter. The present invention also provides a power amplifier system for driving a load. The power amplifier system includes a pulse width modulation circuit which creates ripple spectra, an error amplifier and modulator circuit, and a demodulation filter connected in series, and a feedback control loop coupled to the pulse modulation circuit and including an active low-pass filter having a feedback demodulation filter and an isolated-integrator frequency-rejecting network.

Abstract: An amplitude frequency characteristic adjustment circuit 106 is provided downstream of and connected to a distortion generation circuit 105. An amplitude difference between low-frequency-side and high-frequency-side distortion voltages is adjusted by the amplitude frequency characteristic adjustment circuit 106, and then their amplitudes and phases are adjusted by a vector adjustment circuit 107. This configuration makes it possible to suppress simultaneously both of low-frequency-side and high-frequency-side distortion voltages of a distortion generated by a wide-band class-AB power amplifier even if they are different in amplitude and phase.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for actuating a power amplifier transistor is described, which is intended to ensure that the power consumption is as low as possible while having a variable output power. Such a circuit is particularly suitable for amplifiers in mobile telephones. In particular, a circuit configuration is described which controls at least two different operating points for at least two different output power ranges. At a first operating point, the quiescent current in the power amplifier transistor is controlled by a first balanced circuit having a temperature-compensating active feedback circuit. At a second operating point, the quiescent current in the power amplifier transistor is controlled by a second balanced circuit, having a second feedback circuit. A third operating range is used in saturation mode, which ensures maximum power efficiency with the maximum output power, although this results in the gain being only partially linear.

Abstract: In a frequency detection method for adjusting a clock signal frequency to the data rate of a received data signal, the clock signal which is predivided by a factor of 4. The predivided clock signal and the received data signal are each frequency-divided by the same division factor. The frequencies of the two frequency-divided signals are then determined counting processes and are compared by a subtractor. The frequency difference that is determined is then converted into an analog output signal for controlling the clock signal frequency. This method can be applied in the transmission of data.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a temperature compensated oscillator and reduce manufacture cost of this oscillator. Therefore, the temperature compensated oscillator has a frequency comparing circuit for comparing the frequency of an oscillating output signal of an oscillator circuit and the frequency of an external reference frequency signal externally inputted, and also has a sequential comparing register for determining each bit on the basis of results of this comparison. A digital signal from the sequential comparing register is set to an input of a D/A converter for generating a control voltage of a varicap diode. The temperature compensated oscillator performs a self compensating operation for sequentially determining each bit of the sequential comparing register every frequency comparison, and conforming the frequency of the oscillating output signal to that of the external reference frequency signal.

Abstract: The present matching circuit chip has an integrated shape comprising a first transmission line, a second transmission line and a third transmission line, wherein one end of the first transmission line, one end of the second transmission line and one end of the third transmission line are connected to one another, a first filter connection terminal is connected to the other end of the first transmission line, an antenna terminal is connected to the other end of the second transmission line, and a second filter connection terminal is connected to the other end of the third transmission line, whereby the second transmission line converts the characteristic impedances of the first and third transmission lines so that the impedance matching between the antenna terminal and the first filter connection terminal can be attained, and so that the impedance matching between the antenna terminal and the second filter connection terminal can be attained.

Abstract: A left and right hemisphere independently adjustable azimuth antenna with a new method of electrically floating reflector device when used with the cooperating antenna array geometry, yields an modified directed radiated beam which can be actuated by means of a simple mechanical mechanism. The adjustment in the azimuth pattern is accomplished by means of moving the electrically floating reflector device in an arc around a line parallel to the axis of the antenna.

Abstract: The invention describes a tunable filter arrangement with at least two resonators which are coupled to one another and of which at least one is connected to a capacitor with tunable capacitance. The electrical properties of the resonator, and thus the overall filter characteristic, can be changed through a change in the capacitance of the capacitor.

Abstract: A MEM relay includes an actuator, a shorting bar disposed on the actuator, a contact substrate, and a plurality of liquid metal contacts are disposed on the contact substrate such that the plurality of liquid metal contacts are placed in electrical communication when the MEM relay is in a closed state. Further, the MEM relay includes a heater disposed on said contact substrate wherein said heater is in thermal communication with the plurality of liquid metal contacts. The contact substrate can additionally include a plurality of wettable metal contacts disposed on the contact substrate wherein each of the plurality of wettable metal contacts is proximate to each of the plurality of liquid metal contacts and each of the wettable metal contact is in electrical communication with each of the plurality of liquid metal contacts.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive trip mechanism for actuating a circuit breaker operating mechanism to trip a circuit breaker includes a trip lever and a trip bar. The trip lever is rotatable about a first pivot. The trip bar is positioned proximate the trip lever. The trip bar is arranged to rotate about a second pivot in response to a predetermined level of pressurized gas created by separation of the pair of electrical contacts, thereby urging the trip lever to unlatch the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The pressure sensitive trip mechanism provides for very fast tripping of the circuit breaker in the event of a short circuit condition or an overcurrent fault condition within any one on the circuit breaker poles. In a multiple circuit breaker, the present invention provides for protection against single-phasing.

Abstract: A field coil for an electromagnetic rotor comprising multiple windings, each substantially entirely coated with a powder resin having a dielectric strength of at least in the range of 1000-1500 v/mil. A method of manufacturing a field coil for an electromagnetic rotor includes the steps of a) providing a field coil comprising multiple layers of copper bars; b) coating the multiple layers of the field coil with a powder resin having a dielectric strength of at least about 1000-1500 v/mi.; and c) curing the powder resin.

Abstract: A transformer is provided along with a combination of bridging tap-changers to provide a wide range of selectable output voltages in discrete, relatively small voltage steps where the highest voltage is more than double the lowest output voltage. Relatively inexpensive, off-the-shelf, bridging tap-changers are utilized in conjunction with transformer winding schemes to provide a low winding loss ratio.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coil assembly for an electromagnetic apparatus has a bobbin, a coil formed of an electrical wire wound a spool of the bobbin, a thermal protection device including a pair of lead wires, a first and a second lead wire, extending from thereof. A securing member having a groove-shaped cross-section is securely disposed on a first end surface of the bobbin. The securing member extends on the first end surface and crosses at a right angle to the radial axis of the spool, such that the thermal protection device is inserted into a groove of the securing member. A height of a first side wall of the securing member, which is positioned radially outward on the first end surface, is lower than a height of a second side wall of the securing member, which is positioned radially inward on the first end surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonreciprocal circuit device which allows the relationship between the input and the output to be reversed using the identical terminal layout on a mounting substrate, only by preparing for a single type of nonreciprocal circuit device, and also provides a communication apparatus using this nonreciprocal circuit device. In this reciprocal circuit device, a plurality of centeral conductors are disposed on a ferrite on which DC magnetic field is to be applied, in a state of intersecting one another, matching capacitors are each connected between the ports of the centeral conductors and grounds, and a terminating resistor is connected between a predetermined port and a ground. In a resin case 7, input/output terminals which are conductively connected to the respective ports are disposed at substantially rotation-symmetrical positions with respect to the center of the bottom surface of the resin case.

Abstract: When logging in a server via an information network, high security is ensured without using a password. When a terminal 2 accesses a server 3, a random key is sent from the server 3. An operator inputs a fingerprint from an individual identification input device, and the terminal 2 collates the fingerprint information with registered fingerprint information previously registered. If a match is obtained, the terminal 2 generates a log-in packet, and transmits the log-in packet to the server 3. If a match is not obtained, the log-in processing is suspended. The server 3 resolves the received log-in packet, takes out the registered fingerprint information, fingerprint information, and a user code, and collates the registered fingerprint information with fingerprint information. If a match is obtained, the server 3 collates the transmitted user code with a user code previously stored in the server 3. If a match is not obtained, the log-in processing is suspended.

Abstract: In a transponder application comprising at least one transponder and at least one interrogating reader, this reader has at least two receiving units so disposed, for instance at different distances, relatively to the transponder, that signals from the same are received at different levels by the receiving units. By combination, e.g. by subtraction, of the received signals, disturbing signals received at practically the same level are eliminated while the difference of useful transponder signals is available. This substantially improves system performance in transponder applications and allows to increase the operating distance between reader and transponder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables interchangeability of radio frequency (RF) tags. A tag programmer may include a capability for communicating using a plurality of protocols. The tag programmer may further include a capability for communicating using a plurality of frequencies. Compatibility with a second type for RF tag may be accomplished via a plug-in module. The tag programmer may include an integral print engine. RF tags may be adapted to communication at 2 or more frequencies.

Abstract: An alarm assembly is provided alerting the operator through one of a visual, audible, or tactile signal, the occurrence of a specified event. The alarm assembly includes a locking mechanism coupled to a substrate which has a natural frequency. The locking mechanism is maintained in a condition which inhibits the natural frequency of the substrate unless commanded to do so by an electronic circuit which includes sensors for monitoring one or more specific criterion. The locking mechanism is preferably a non-Newtonian flow fluid locking mechanism which uses a magneto-rheological fluid to dynamically adjust the locking strength of the locking mechanism as well as the natural frequency of the substrate based upon user inputs and dynamic events. The alarm assembly can be dynamically “tuned” in and out of the natural frequency of the substrate so the substrate vibrates, produces an audible noise, or generates a current upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.

Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, wireless communication systems, and methods of indicating operation. According to a first aspect, a radio frequency identification device includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive wireless signals including spurious signals; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to output an indication signal to indicate reception of the spurious signals within the communication circuitry. Another aspect provides a method of indicating operation of a radio frequency identification device including providing a radio frequency identification device including communication circuitry and indication circuitry; receiving wireless signals including spurious signals using the communication circuitry; and emitting human perceptible signals using the indication circuitry to indicate the receiving spurious signals.

Abstract: A position locating system includes one or more target monitoring devices that are configured to monitor and display the position of one or more selected target devices, which may include one or more selected target monitoring devices. The target monitoring devices and target devices communicate through a wireless communication network with a data processing system, such as a data center, that receives and stores geographic position data and other data transmitted from the target devices, and also preferably from the target monitoring devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object in a pool of liquid has at least one transmitting transducer for generating one of a sonic, ultrasonic and electromagnetic signal into the pool of liquid from a side of the pool of liquid and such that the signal is conveyed through the entire volume of the pool of liquid; at least one receiving transducer for receiving an echo of the signal transmitted by the transmitting transducer; and a circuit coupled to the transmitting and receiving transducers for providing an electrical signal to the transmitting transducer to generate the signal and for receiving an electrical signal from the receiving transducer indicative of the echo, the circuit including a processor for processing the signal indicative of the echo to determine if an object is present in the pool of liquid.

Abstract: This invention provides a particle size distribution measuring apparatus, which has a function of informing an operator of a procedure of validation work of the particle size distribution measuring apparatus. A storage medium which records validation data providing a procedure of validation work for the particle size distribution measuring apparatus and a control unit which has a validation help function which successively reads a validation procedure from the validation data and controls the particle size distribution measuring apparatus according to a measuring procedure without any operation by an operator in the validation procedure while teaching the operator a work procedure requiring an operation by the operator.

Abstract: The inventive method and system permits diagnosing the type of fault condition associated with powering an electrical load that has a high side driver portion and a low side driver portion. Selectively powering the driver portions in different combinations and sampling a plurality of associated diagnostic feedback signals associated with each of the driver portions permits diagnosing the type of fault present. In one example, three different powering combinations and three different diagnostic feedback signals are used. This example permits diagnosing one of seven different possible fault conditions.

Abstract: The present invention introduces systems, as well as methods of operating such systems, within a position locator device for evaluating movement of a body relative to an environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a sensor and a processor. The sensor, which is associable with the body, is operable to repeatedly sense accelerative phenomena of the body. The processor, which is associated with the sensor, is operable to process the sensed accelerative phenomena as a function of at least one accelerative event characteristic. The system, and, more particularly, the processor generates state indicia relative the environment, and determines whether the evaluated body movement is within environmental tolerance. In a preferred embodiment, the processor communicates various state indicia to a monitoring controller, preferably using at least one of a wired network and a wireless network. The monitoring controller cooperates with the processor to remotely monitor the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for indicating a broken shear pin on a snow blower head cutter drum in a rotary snow blower. At least one shear pin connects the snow blower head cutter drum to a drive shaft on the snow blower. The indicator system utilizes a proximity sensor which is mounted on the drive box of the vehicle and focused on at least one target on the snow blower head cutter drum. As the snow blower head cutter drum rotates, the proximity sensor detects the passage of the target and resets a timer. When the shear pin breaks, the cutter drum stops rotating. Because the proximity sensor does not detect the target, the timer is not reset. When the elapsed time equals or exceeds a predetermined amount, an electrical impulse is transmitted, activating the broken shear pin indicator.

Abstract: A method and system for the storage and retrieval of media in an automated storage library having media storage cells each housing a single media includes a robotic mechanism. The robotic mechanism is operable to move through the storage library to access the media in the media storage cells. A vibration sensor is associated with the robotic mechanism for generating a vibration signal indicative of vibration of the robotic mechanism. A controller is operable with the vibration sensor for processing the vibration signal to determine if the vibration of the robotic mechanism is abnormal. In the event that the vibration is abnormal, the controller generates a warning signal to warn the operator of the storage library of a possible problem prior to actual failure of the robotic mechanism. The controller is also operable to associated the vibration of the robotic mechanism with particular storage library locations to warn the operator of possible problem locations of the storage library.

Abstract: A multi-sensor alignment testing device for aligning or testing a sensor in a paper processing apparatus. The device comprises a housing, a power supply section, and a signal selector section connected to the housing. The signal selector section is connectable to a power supply section and the sensor. The indicator section is connected to the signal selector section and the sensor.

Abstract: The chair tilt alarm 10 comprises a power supply 12 in electrical communication with an on-off switch 14, a tilt sensor 16, and an warning device 18. The warning device 18 will be activated when the chair 20 is tilted beyond a predetermined angular position 22. As the chair returns toward its righted position, the alarm will deactivate. The chair tilt alarm 10 can be shut off manually or remotely. The chair tilt alarm (10) is also equipped with data storage and transmission modules for reporting of chair tilting at a base station. The chair tilt alarm (10) is also equipped with a counter-balance system to correct the chair to an acceptable position.

Abstract: A system for identifying smart appliances in a given family of home automation. The system includes an inductive transceiver connected to an address register of an appliance and a portable inductive data holder also having an address register. The portable data holder is designed to be placed near one appliance having a transmitter so that the identification information of the first appliance may be inductively received into the address register of the portable device. When a new smart appliance is brought home and it is desired to incorporate the new appliance into the existing home automation system, the portable device is then held near the new device so that the address stored in the portable device's address registered is inductively transmitted to the address register in the new appliance. The portable device acts like a “syringe” which “injects” the identification code of the first appliance into the second appliance.

Abstract: There is provided a system for remotely monitoring coin-operated machines. Data from the machines is collected and transmitted by the machine to a remote server. In alternate embodiments, several machines may be interconnected via a LAN to a local CPU which transmits data to the remote server, typically using the internet. The combination of one or more remote machines and the central monitoring site form a Virtual Private Network (VPN). An optional feature allows for e-mail or other type of alert messages to be sent from the remote server in response to the identification of one or more predetermined events for which a customer should immediately be notified. Browse and query tools working against a database of machine information are provided so that authorized customers or other interested parties may view data for individual or groups of coin-operated machines by means of a web page accessed via the internet.

Abstract: A data acquisition and transmitting unit samples the signal indicating the apparatus state quantity from a sensor provided on an apparatus, converts the signal into absolute-time-tagged monitoring data S(t), stores the data S(t), and transmits the data S(t) to a network. A digital protection and control unit takes in the quantity data E about the system of the apparatus and the operating state data P about the apparatus, converts these data into absolute-time-tagged data E(t) and operating state data P(t), stores these converted data, and transmits these data E(t) and P(t) to the network. A data display unit receives the data S(t), E(t), and P(t) from the data acquisition and transmitting unit and digital protective and control unit via the network and displays the state of the apparatus on the basis of the data S(t), E(t), and P(t).

Abstract: This invention provides a remote monitoring system for air conditioners installed respectively in a plurality of buildings for concentrically monitoring the operating state of the air conditioners from a distance. The system comprises data collectors 3 installed in the respective buildings, and a remote monitor 4 connected to the data collectors 3 of all the buildings via a communication network. Each of the data collectors 3 collects state data representing the operating state of the air conditioner installed in each building and transmits the collected state data to the remote monitor 4. The remote monitor 4 receives the state data collected by each data collector 3, diagnoses the operating state of the air conditioner installed in each building based on the received state data, and outputs the result of diagnosis. In this way, the air conditioners can be optimally adjusted within a short period of time.

Abstract: In a map display device, a surface storing unit stores surface information which defines a curved surface having a form that depends on positions of portions of a map which are to be enlarged and/or contracted. A mapping unit maps the map onto the curved surface defined by the surface information. A projecting/displaying unit projects the mapped map onto a flat virtual screen, and displays the projected image. Here, by defining the curved surface so that each part of the curved surface forms an intended angle with a line of sight in the projection, the image is displayed with desired portions enlarged and/or contracted, while maintaining connections of roads. The same effect can also be achieved by projecting the map onto a virtual screen having the form of the curved surface.

Abstract: A character input device which allows the user to input characters in a virtual qwerty arrangement on a mobile information device or a palm-sized information terminal. A mobile telephone or the like having a ten-key board is equipped with an inclination sensor or an angular velocity sensor for allocating the same arrangement of the qwerty type keyboard, divided into a left, a central and a right section, to the ten-key board of the mobile telephone depending on whether the mobile telephone is inclined to the left or to the right, or at a normal position. For a personal computer user or the like who has already memorized actually or latently the qwerty arrangement, actions for moving the mobile telephone to the left or right or horizontally have special meanings. Such physical motions causes the user to retrieve the image of the qwerty type keyboard so that they can rapidly input characters.

Abstract: A keypad for a portable electronic device comprises a number of pressable keys (402). Associated with each key, there are switching means (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 801, 1106) for realizing a switching function as a response to the key being pressed. Additionally there are illumination means (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201, 1302) for illuminating at least a part of the keypad. The illumination means (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201, 1302) comprise light sources (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201) such as semiconductor light-emitting devices made of layered foil structures. At least one of said light sources (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201) is located in the immediate vicinity of the switching means (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 801, 1106) associated with at least one key.