Abstract: A key module with a multi-layer light guiding structure includes a plurality of keys, light guiding structure and a plurality of light blocks corresponding to the light guiding structure. The light guiding structure includes a plurality of light guiding plates. Each of the light guiding plate includes at least one light guiding strip corresponding to specific keys, which are staggered to each other or corresponding to each other. The light guiding strip is provided with a color layer. An electronic device using the key module individually or selectively lights light emitting elements for each layer of the light guiding plates. Therefore, different lights are emitted from the light guiding strips or a mixed light is produced from the light guiding strips to illuminate the keys. The keys have lights of different color to manifest symbols or alphabets on the keys.

Abstract: A keyboard for a handheld electronic device comprises ten keys arranged in four rows in a DTMF keypad format. Three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 1, 2 and 3 arranged in a first row, three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 4, 5 and 6 arranged in a second row, three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 7, 8 and 9 arranged in a third row, and a tenth key bearing a 0 located in a fourth row. The keys of the first second and third rows also bear letter characters which, either alone or in conjunction with additional letter character-bearing keys in the rows, are positioned relative to the letter characters on adjacent keys so as to form a QWERTY or Dvorak layout.

Abstract: An input method using standard numeric keypad which complies with CCITT standards and comprises a plurality of CCITT standard keys is disclosed. Each CCITT standard key has a corresponding CCITT key value. The method comprises the steps of: reassigning a first CCITT key value with an actuating key value of a first function; checking if the first CCITT key value is input, if “YES” then actuating the first function to reassign every CCITT key value with a new input key value of predetermined function; and, checking if any CCITT key value is input, if “YES” then performing the predetermined function corresponding to that input CCITT key value based on the first function. Therefore, all functions of the input method can be operated by using merely the CCITT standard keys without the need for other non-standard function keys.

Abstract: The innovation supports the ability to map alpha characters entered directly into the dialer application of a smartphone. These alpha characters can be entered via a smartphone keyboard (e.g., QWERTY keyboard) and converted to the appropriate digits as mapped to a conventional telephone keypad. The resultant numerical digits can be used to prompt a network call. Additionally, the innovation can be used during an active call to respond to prompts that traditionally require 12-key mappings. This innovation allows a user to both dial a number directly via a smartphone keyboard, and filter contacts by name, in a non-modal manner.

Abstract: A mobile digital device comprises a ten-key pad being comprised of a key mat 21 on which ten-key buttons 21a-21c with respective projections 21aa-21cc on the under surfaces thereof are laid out and a key circuit board on which respective contacts 22a-22c corresponding to the projections are laid out, an electrostatic capacity sensing pad 30 for sensing an electrostatic capacity change to detect a touched region and having through holes to be inserted the projections corresponding thereto and being provided with between the key mat 21 and the key circuit board 22, and a controller for selecting a function corresponded to a feature of the touched region detected by the electrostatic capacity sensing pad and executing the selected function. Owing to such constructions, a desired function can be selected by way of finger touching to the mobile digital device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an input device, especially for a mobile telephone, a module comprising an input device and a method for the production of an input device and/or a module. An input device is provided, including, a module comprising an input device, a mobile telephone and a production method enabling improved permanent fixing of an input device to an/or inside a housing, whereby at mechanically stable fixing means is arranged between a first plane consisting of at least one cap and a second plane of a flexible carrier connected to the cap, such that the cap and the flexible carrier transmit force in a substantially punctual manner via a plane of a fixing means and the fixing means, in one area of at least one terminal edge, is configured in such a way it can secure the input device in or on a housing.

Abstract: A keypad device having a circuit of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is disclosed. The circuit has n and m numbers of column conductive lines and row conductive lines formed on the print circuit board wherein at least one column or row conductive line is connected to the ground and the others are, respectively, connected to the data input terminals and data output terminals of the keypad encoder. The intersections between the column (row) line which is grounded and the row (column) lines are designed for those keys, which are readily attacked by ESD such as the side keys.

Abstract: In communication units the input and/or output of data is normally performed using keypad input, voice input/output or display output. This limits the input/output of the communication unit. The claimed invention proposes a new way of inputting/outputting of data by providing a communication unit with intra-changeable elements, where the physical properties of the elements are changed by an electrical or a mechanical signal/input and that the elements are used in the user interface of the communication unit to enable flexible input and output of data from the communication unit. The user input and output is thereby including a sensory indication, including a physical and/or visual dimension.

Abstract: A keypad in which output keystrokes are determined both from individual switch activation and from the combined activation of adjacent switches. The keypad has a substrate carrying an array of sense elements arranged to change state in response to keypad operation, a flexible cover disposed above the substrate and having an exposed surface defining an array of independent key regions, with combination key regions defined in interstices between adjacent independent key regions. Snap elements provide tactile feedback. Some versions have a touch-sensitive grid rather than a switch matrix.

Abstract: A transparent mobile handset housing with graphical elements such as alphanumeric characters, icons, and logos positioned directly onto the housing with visibility enhanced through backlighting. The transparent housing is covered with an opaque coating and omitted portions of the opaque coating form a negative image of the graphical elements, or the housing is left transparent and opaque graphical elements are coated onto the housing. A backlighting source from within the housing, such as an array of light emitting diodes or an electroluminescent panel, provides illumination to the housing. In the case of negatively imaged graphical elements, the graphical elements are illuminated. In the case of opaque graphical elements, the surrounding transparent housing is illuminated.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. The first key in the two-key sequence is that key on which the desired letter is displayed. The keys and the letters displayed on the keys are marked in such a way that the markings suggest the second key in the two-key sequence. The letters displayed on the keys have respective markings, such as a color, with each letter on a given key having a unique marking. The keys themselves also have markings that match the markings of the letters. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the two-key sequence are located in the same row. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.

Abstract: A single press method for entering text using a keypad is disclosed. A conventional four-row by three-column 12-key keypad is used to enter all of the letters of the alphabet using single key actuation. Depending on the letter, either a single key or multiple side-by-side keys, such as a pair of side-by-side keys, that can be substantially simultaneously depressed by a user's finger or thumb are used to enter alphabet letters.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to utilize a reinforcing plate formed out of a metal or a hard resin introduced into a key unit in order to overcome the weak point that conventional rubber keypads are too soft and lack shape stability, as a design element of equipment including a key unit into which the plate is incorporated. For example, a part of metal reinforcing plate 4 is positively exposed to a position which can be seen from the outside of key unit 1, and various decorations are applied to the exposed part 7 so as to allow it to function as a decorated component. As a location where the reinforcing plate is exposed, there can be cited a part between each key on the key face or an annular part which encircles a plurality of key clusters. A mode may be considered in which the part of the exposed reinforcing plate 4 surrounds each individual key top 2 like a key frame, so as to substitute a key frame which has been conventionally realized by the equipment casing.

Abstract: In the mobile telephone 1 relating to the present invention, a control section 2 performs control for switching between a non-active state which refuses inputs to an application program, and an active state which permits inputs to an application program. Moreover, the control section 2 performs control for switching the execution state of the application program from the non-active state to the active state, in accordance with instructions from an input section 3. The control section 2 further performs control for switching the execution state of the application program from the non-active state to the active state, in accordance with a function contained in an application program.

Abstract: An instrument, analyzer or item of test equipment for some technical discipline is equipped with a numeric keypad that, in addition to the digits zero through nine and the decimal point, and which instead of carrying all the keys ordinarily needed, has been augmented to carry additional sequences of ordered symbols or legends. The multi-tap and T9Word techniques may be used to enter text strings that may include technical legends and abbreviations. In a system where another row or column of keys has been added, a CMD (‘COMMAND’) key can institute a Symbol Mode where selected keys, including the digit keys exhibit multi-tap or T9Word operation, whereas they ordinarily do not, so as to be able to support rapid numeric entry of arbitrary sequences of digits, including consecutively repeated digits. The Symbol Mode may be automatically entered and exited during the execution of commands or operations that need Symbol Mode input.

Abstract: The present invention is an information entry system comprising a touch panel monitor screen, wherein the touch panel monitor screen displays keys for information entry, which are arranged circularly in order and the keys are rotationally shifted by a random number of key units around the center of the circular arrangement without changing the order when a user touches a predetermined option key before or after the information entry. This system also has a central processing unit and a program storage unit including an Information entry Screen Generator, a Random Number Generator, a Key Moving Unit, and a PIN Information output unit. This information entry device prevents a PIN or any other information entry from being stolen by someone who glances at the finger movement, since the entire series of the entry keys are rotated before or after the PIN entry.

Abstract: A keypad (1200) includes a plurality of keys (1202) and a plurality of key dividers (1204-1210) wherein each of the key dividers includes a plurality of raised guide portions (1212-1214) and at least one tactile cue portion (1214) that is interposed between the plurality of raised guide portions (1212-1214). In one example, the keypad (1200) is a bell keypad and is made up of an elastomeric substrate (44) that includes the key dividers (1212-1214), a keypad dome array (48) that supports the silicone substrate (44) and a keypad sheet (36), such as a top sheet of a front assembly, having keypad indicia thereon and slots operatively sized to receive the plurality of key dividers.

Abstract: As a marking laser beam, a laser beam of wavelength 532 nm obtained by extracting by extracting second higher harmonic of the Nd:YAG laser or a laser beam of wavelength 355 nm obtained by extracting third higher harmonic of the Nd:YAG laser is used on a metal film formed on a plastic key top of a mobile telephone or the like, so that the metal film portion subjected to the beam is completely removed or only the surface portion of the metal film subjected to the beam is removed, thereby forming a planar set of very small concave points. Thus, it is possible to obtain a key unit having a metal film on which a character or symbol is directly marked.

Abstract: A keyboard detects press or release of keys based on laser output which is changed by speckle-modulated self-mixing. Unique targets are attached to keys. As a target is moved into and/or out of the path of a laser, speckling causes light to shine back into the laser's emitting cavity. Variations in laser output are analyzed to identify the key moved and the direction of movement.

Abstract: A self-lighting type push-button input device according to the presently disclosed subject matter can include a button base portion formed of a transparent material. Holes can be formed in predetermined positions of the button base portion, and spring portions can be formed integrally with the holes by molding transparent silicone rubber with a light diffusing agent incorporated therein. The button base portion serves as a light conducting portion, and the spring portions can uniformly diffuse the light distributed thereto by the light conducting portion, whereby lighting can be effected by a reduced number of light sources, effecting a reduction of size and cost.

Abstract: A key structure assembly is provided for a mobile computing device. The key structure assembly includes a keycap having at least a first segment and a second segment. A first actuation member extends inward into the housing from the first segment of the keycap, and a second actuation member extends inward from the second segment of the key cap. A substrate including a plurality of electrical connects, including a first electrical contact aligned underneath the first actuation member, and a second electrical contact aligned underneath the second actuation member. The keycap is moveable inward to direct either the first actuation member into contact with the first electrical contact, or the second actuation member into contact with the second electrical contact. One or more sections of material are positioned above the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

Abstract: User can input characters and numerals without mode transition on a keypad using Part-Whole Selection (PWSM). Moreover, by allocating characters having higher use frequency to lattice elements on each button in the Order of Proximity to Base Lattice Element (OPBLE), input efficiency of the PWSM is maximized, and the number of times a button is pressed in the Base Repeat Selection Method (BRSM) is minimized. Applying Control Processing Method can simplify character arrangement on a keypad. For languages such as Korean, Hindi, Myanmar and the other languages in which consonants and vowels alternately come after each other, representative consonants and vowels are uniformly assigned to buttons on a keypad, thereby minimizing ambiguity when the RSM is used in input operation. Finally, representative consonants having phonetic values are allocated to Base Lattice Elements (BLEs) on each button, so that they can be used for memorizing or naming telephone numbers and a variety of codes.

Abstract: A telephone has a key pad with ten number keys arranged to dial the digits from 0 to 9 inclusive, each of these number keys being marked with a visual indicator denoting the digit which the number key is arranged to dial. The 1 and 9 number keys are provided with tactile indicators, distinguishable from one another by touch, so that a user can dial 911 by touch under conditions, such as in thick smoke or during a power failure, when the visual indicators on the keys are not readily distinguishable. The tactile indicators do not substantially obscure the visual indicators on the keys bearing the tactile indicators. An existing telephone may be retrofitted with the tactile indicators by providing two auxiliary members which can be secured to the 1 and 9 number keys, preferably with adhesive. Additional tactile indicators distinguishable by touch may be provided on other keys needed to dial 911 on cordless or cellular telephones, such as the on and send keys on such telephones.

Abstract: A keypad apparatus includes a printed circuit (110) configured for a keypad. Dome actuators (108) are placed on top of the printed circuit. A backlight (106) with apertures (103) is placed over the dome actuators such that the dome actuators rest entirely within their associated apertures. This assembly is covered with a retainer (104) placed on top of the backlight to form a flat-profile keypad that can be used on an exterior of a phone housing (112). The retainer can be labeled to define the key functions, or a preferred replaceable key label (102) can be placed over the retainer. This provides an integral assembly with key labels that are easily customized.

Abstract: A method for indicating status on a programmed communication device wherein each of one or more backlights is associated with a respective key of a plurality of keys. Status information to be communicated to a user of the communication device is then generated, and one or more backlights are illuminated according to a pattern corresponding to the status information. Thus, a visual graphical display is not necessary, cost is reduced, volume is conserved, and reliability is increased.

Abstract: A keypad assembly utilizes touch-detecting apparatus such as force sensors or touchpad assemblies for registering key presses. In exemplary embodiments, the keypad assembly is suitable for use in electronic devices such as a mobile telephones, calculators, hand-held computers, or the like, having single piece molded housings wherein the keypad assembly is at least partially encapsulated within the housing.

Abstract: An electronic device that has a lower portion that unfolds to reveal an extendable keyboard. When the keyboard is folded closed, a number pad is visible and the device looks similar to a traditional portable or cellular telephone. The device can be used as a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone or as the handset of a traditional wire line telephone. The fold-out keyboard of the electronic device can be used for easy entry of text data while a communication channel is active. The device includes two way messaging and Internet browsing capabilities.

Abstract: A communication terminal having a user interface, and comprising a controller unit controlling said user interface, a first and a second operation key whose operation is controlled by the controller unit, and a display. The communication terminal being capable of assuming a plurality of states in which the groups of predetermined operations that may be performed by pressing said operation key are defined by the controller unit in said plurality of states. The first operation key is dedicated by the controller unit to perform one operation from said group of operations as a default function in dependence of the state assumed by the communication terminal, and the display has a first area solely dedicated for displaying the present operation performed when pressing said first operation key. The second operation key being dedicated by the controller unit to give access to said group of operations being available in the state assumed by the communication terminal.

Abstract: An electronic radiotelephone comprising: a first housing; a second housing releasably attachable to the first housing to meet with the first housing around the periphery of the radiotelephone; and retaining means comprising a cover, for holding the electronic components of the radiotelephone to the first housing when the second housing is released from attachment with the first housing.

Abstract: A portable device which includes a body, a cover and a key. The cover has a closed position for at least partially covering the body, and the key is accessible when the cover is in this position. When the cover is in this an open position, the key has no function, whereas when the cover is in the closed position, the functionality of the key changes depending upon the state of the device. One such function is the muting of an audible indicator provided by a speaker or the like of the device. This may occur, for example, if the key is actuated when the device is a phone and has received an incoming call or if it has an alarm.

Abstract: A community dialing circuit apparatus for IP phone and POTS phone is provided. The apparatus includes an IP phone system, a POTS phone system, an insulation system connected between the IP phone system and the POTS system, and a keypad connected to the IP phone system and the POTS system for inputting the phone number. When the city power is on and a phone number having a format of the IP phone number is inputted, the POTS phone is disabled and the IP phone is activated. When the city power is on and a phone number having a first format of the POTS phone number is inputted, the POTS phone is activated and the IP phone is disabled. When the city power is off and a phone number having a second format of the POTS phone number is inputted, the IP phone is turned off and the POTS phone is activated.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for assigning the values or functions to be represented by the keys of a keypad in a mobile communication device, the keys are capable of representing different values or functions based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. A detector is used to detect the occurrence of the event. Depending on whether the event is detected, the keys are assigned to represent a different set of values or functions.

Abstract: A data entry system comprising a group of data symbols comprising at least one of alphabetical symbols, numeric symbols, and commands (128–136), divided into subgroups. Each subgroup is associated with at least a portion of the user's finger (102–120). The system also comprises a keypad (126) defining a plurality of keys, wherein each key contains at least one of the symbols. At least one finger recognition system (100) is configured to recognize the portion of the finger when it touches a key, and to select the subgroup symbols associated with that portion of the finger interacting with that key.

Abstract: A system and method is directed to filtering an entry associated with a Far East language character. A potential keystroke is determined for each entry in a database, contact list, text file, and the like. In one embodiment, the entry is a Unicode associated with the Far East language character. An index is determined from the Unicode based in part on the Far East language character. The index is employed to determine the potential keystroke associated with the Far East language character. If the potential keystroke approximately matches a received keystroke, the entry associated with the Far East language character is selected. In one embodiment, the Far East language character associated with the selected entry is provided to a display device. The Far East language character may include a Korean, Japanese, and Chinese language character.

Abstract: Layouts for keypads are provided that have an improved combination of a regular of intuitive arrangement of alphabetic symbols of a language defined by letter characters of the Roman alphabet and an efficient distribution of the symbols to minimize input ambiguities. More particularly, the symbols are for the Pinyin alphabet which includes two main symbol groups thereof for forming Pinyin syllables. The various layouts employ a columnar-based arrangement for the symbols of the initial group. The symbols for the final group are parsed down to basic characters and are distributed in a row-based arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed are a wide keypad and a wide keypad mounting structure in a portable terminal. In the wide keypad, a plurality of key tops are arranged in tight contact in a matrix of rows and columns. A key film has a plurality of upper protrusions in contact with the bottom surfaces of the key tops, a plurality of lower protrusions as contact points spaced from metal domes, and recesses between the upper protrusions. A key frame is inserted into the recesses of the key film and has at least one spacer extended upward for providing space in which the key tops move up and down between the upper casing frame and the key film.

Abstract: In response to key operation, a portable terminal lights up an LCD unit, and also lights up keys only when it is dark around the portable phone by measuring external brightness.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an internet facsimile apparatus used by plural users, capable of reading out an electronic mail to each user by a simple operation. The internet facsimile apparatus includes, in an operation portion, a function key such as a mail transmission key, a mail confirmation key, a mail print key and a communication table key, a user key in correspondence to which personal data such as a mail address is registered, and an opposite side key, and processings can be carried out by performing a key entry in a combination of the keys. For example, when the mail print key, together with the user key, is pressed, an electronic mail reaching a mail address registered in correspondence to the user key is read out and image data is printed.

Abstract: A keypad backlighting apparatus includes an electroluminescence layer for lighting an input device of an electronic apparatus. The input device may be a keypad and the electronic apparatus may be a mobile communications terminal. The terminal includes an upper case having a plurality of button holes formed in a predetermined pattern, electroluminescence (EL) keypad on a lower surface of the upper case and having buttons exposed through the button holes. A printed circuit board (PCB) installed adjacent the EL keypad includes a backlight driving circuit for supplying power to the EL keypad. A lower case of the terminal is coupled to the upper case and supports the EL keypad and the PCB.

Abstract: A raised corral fence which surrounds a telephone number keypad using its sides with undercut openings and its corners to guide the fingers of the visually impaired to the desired number key.

Abstract: A radiophone, arranged to assume a plurality of states, that includes a user interface provided with a display, a keypad, and control means. The keypad is arranged to enter the plurality of states, which changes the plurality of states. The keypad includes a first group of keys and a second group of keys that includes two soft keys with multiple functionality for handling access to a menu structure, and a scroll key to scroll between a group of items in a menu of said menu structure. The control means is arranged to control the display of an action, from said group of actions, as a default function, and to detect a state change event, which will change the state of the radiophone and redefine the functionality of the two soft keys in response to the preceding state and the nature of the detected state change event.

Abstract: A keypad for entering a complete set of alphanumeric characters (including symbols) into telephonic equipment comprises a housing containing a telephone set compatible array of manually operated actuator elements, each actuator element selectably coding for four or more alphanumeric characters upon a single actuation of the element. The manually operated actuator elements each comprises a push button assembly and a switch assembly. The switch assembly further comprises two or three switches. In a two-way switch assembly, the push button assembly is manually operable to selectably close either switch individually and both switches together. In a three-way switch, the push button assembly is manually operable to selectably close any one of the three switches individually.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to protect the information entry such as a PIN from theft by observation of the finger movement based on the conventional fixed arrangement of entry keys. The present invention is an information entry device including: keys for information entry; a circular support base on which the keys are mounted concentrically and arranged circularly in order, the support base being rotatable around the center of the circular arrangement for enabling a user to rotate the entire series of the mounted keys without changing their order around the center of the circular arrangement before or after the information entry; and an information discriminator for identifying the respective information of selected keys. This information entry device prevents a PIN or any other information entry from being stolen by someone who glances at the finger movement, since the entire series of the entry keys are rotated before or after the PIN entry.

Abstract: A folding portable cellular phone includes a first box member and a second box member. The first box member includes: an upper case having a window for a display unit; an upper substrate on which electric parts are mounted; an upper hinge frame; and an upper cover on which these components are mounted. The second box member includes: a lower cover in which key holes are formed to provide a key console unit; a lower substrate including a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) on which electric parts are mounted; a lower hinge frame; and a lower case on which these components are mounted.

Abstract: A keypad device for a mobile telephone or other device utilizing a keypad or keyboard is comprised of a flexible substrate and a keypad cover. The flexible substrate includes a plurality of keys affixed to the surface as well as a plurality first conductive strips associated with each key. The keypad cover is attached to the flexible substrate. The keypad cover typically includes holes that permit the plurality of keys to protrude through the keypad cover. In addition, the keypad cover further includes a plurality of second conductive strips that selectively contact a corresponding first conductive strip on the flexible substrate. The plurality of first conductive strips is coupled to ground and the plurality of second conductive strips is coupled to logic circuitry. Or, in another embodiment, both sets of conductive strips are coupled with the logic circuitry. The default position of the keypad device has each of the first conductive strips in contact with each of the corresponding second conductive strips.

Abstract: A programmatic organisation method, or concept, for augmented use of a standardized keyboard, capable of detecting depression/touching of single keys as well as simultaneously depressed/touched combinations of keys. According to the invention, simultaneous depression/touching of two or more adjacently or non-adjacently located keys of said keyboard is decoded as a predetermined character, symbol, note, action etc., whereby the input capability of the keyboard is considerably enhanced. Advantageously are predetermined functions, e.g. a “shift” (“CAP”) or num lock function by predetermined single keys or predetermined key combinations, i.e. the input capability can thus be enhanced even further, each such function resulting in a new and independent input capability The keyboard may advantageously be a conventional numerical 3×4 keyboard.

Abstract: Three independent dialing buttons (10, 20 and 30) have rhombic shapes. Independent switching elements (S1)-(S4) are provided on four corners of the rear surface of each dialing button. Dial numbers (1-9 and 0) and symbols (# and *), grouped four each as (1, 2, 3 and 4), (5, 6, 7 and 8) and (9, 0, # and *), are marked on the respective four corners of the front surfaces of the three dialing buttons which are arranged longitudinally on an operation surface (50). By this construction, the visibility and recognizability of numbers, etc. can be improved and, further, dialing of numbers can be accurately made.

Abstract: A method and device for improved character input are described, wherein the method employs a keypad 100 comprising keys 102 able to display secondary characters 106 in addition to primary characters 104. The keypad has a default display state. A first key selection causes the keypad 100 to display secondary characters 106 associated with the first key on other keys 102, whereupon a second key selection causes the displayed character to be input, following which the keypad reverts to displaying the default state. Further secondary characters 200 may also be displayed after a first key selection. The method is particularly useful for handheld devices such as mobile radio telephones or handheld computers adapted to implement the method of the invention.

Abstract: A method of changing an alphabetic character to a variant character when entering information or messages in a mobile phone or a game console or the like. The variant character can be a diacritical variation or a tonal variation of the alphabetic character. After an alphabetic character is entered and displayed on a display device, the star key in the keypad can be used to replace the displayed alphabetic character with a desired one of the variants.