Abstract: An apparatus and method use logical network connections to telephones interconnected by the network to obtain the status of station-specific telephony function information and then to convert the status of station-specific telephony function information to audio information that is presented to the user.

Abstract: In an mobile electronic equipment in which an upper cabinet is openably and closably coupled with a lower cabinet, cutout portions from which a track ball is exposed are formed to the coupling portions of the upper and lower cabinets, and the track ball is interposed between a pair of hinge mechanisms for connecting both the cabinets to each other. With this arrangement, since the track ball is exposed in any of the opened state and the closed state of the mobile electronic equipment, a user can manipulate the track ball in any of the opened state and the closed state. Accordingly, there can be overcome the disadvantageous operability of a conventional folding type mobile electronic equipment, which has a track ball as a pointing device, in that a job for opening the equipment is required to manipulate the track ball.

Abstract: A key arrangement that includes a plurality of keys arranged in a pattern including a first column, a last column, and one or more middle columns. At least one of the middle columns includes a multidirectional navigational key. The first and last columns have keys in each row. A plurality of the keys and the multidirectional navigational input key have alphanumeric indicia. The multidirectional navigational input key may be integrated with the keys in a reduced QWERTY, QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK layout and may additionally be integrated with the keys in a telephony pad numeric layout. A touchpad or rotatable rim may also be disposed about the multidirectional navigational input key.

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: A mobile telecommunications system has a handset and a headset for connection to the handset. The handset includes an RF transceiver for transmitting an outgoing call and receiving an incoming call, and a processor coupled to the RF transceiver that provides audio signals on a first audio path to an audio transducer in the handset and on a second audio path for an audio transducer in the headsets. The headset and handset include respective button switches arranged that the operation has the effect both of initiating and/or accepting a call, and of routing audio signals to the respective first or second audio paths. Embodiments are described including a separate switch for toggling the audio paths, and automatic sensors for detecting use of the headset or handset.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily storing phone numbers and short messages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing including electronics operable to receive an input and display a sequence of no more than seventeen characters in response to the input. The electronics include at least two electronic displays operable to display the sequence of no more than seventeen characters and a keypad operable to receive the sequence of no more than seventeen characters. The keypad includes twenty-six alphabetic keys, each alphabetic key representing a letter of the alphabet ranging from A to Z and ten numeric keys, each numeric key representing a single number ranging from zero (0) to nine (9). A clear key operable to clear the last character of the sequence of no more than seventeen characters and a processor is operably coupled to the at least two electronic displays and the keypad to convert the input into an alphanumeric character to be displayed by at least one of the two electronic displays.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device and a method of enhancing character input in an electronic device comprising a set of keys. The method comprises associating a group of characters with at least one key; detecting repeated presses of a key; detecting whether the key has been touched continuously during the repeated presses of the key; and interpreting the characters corresponding to the key presses in the group of characters associated with the key on the basis of the detections.

Abstract: A mobile radio communication apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge part that foldably connects the second housing to the first housing, a one touch opening mechanism that is provided to the hinge part, and automatically opens the second housing from a folded state to an angle between 160° and 170° relative to the first housing in a non-stop motion, a damper mechanism that is provided to the hinge part and brakes an opening action of the second housing by the one touch opening mechanism, the damper mechanism including a damper having a rotational shaft that generates a braking power and a damper bush having a fixed shaft connected to the rotational shaft, and a flexible printed circuit that is twisted around the rotational or fixed shaft of the damper mechanism, and electrically connects the first and second housings to each other.

Abstract: An input apparatus uses a wheel for input operations of a mobile phone. The input apparatus employs a wheel and two function keys for facilitating the input operations, such as number dialing, short-message editing and menu selecting, for user. The input apparatus according to the present invention is advantageously used for compact mobile phone.

Abstract: A portable communication apparatus includes arrow keys for moving a highlight bar to select one of a plurality of information items displayed on screen and an Enter key for executing a selected information item. The arrow keys and the Enter key are disposed close to each other within one area on the housing.

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: A portable communication apparatus includes arrow keys for moving a highlight bar to select one of a plurality of information items displayed on screen and an Enter key for executing a selected information item. The arrow keys and the Enter key are disposed close to each other within one area on the housing.

Abstract: A space-efficient ergonomic telephony keypad is described which comprises three separate groups of four buttons collectively capable of performing twelve distinct electronic switch operations. Each button is formed for tactile operation. Each group has the four buttons positioned about equally around an imaginary central axis. And, each group of four buttons is positionally rotated about 45 degrees relative to the positioning of an adjacent group of four buttons.

Abstract: A cellular telephone designed specifically to be visually appealing and practical for the elderly and those with reduced dexterity. Although the keypad buttons on the cellular telephone are approximately 260 square millimeters and have large spaces between adjacent keys to reduce instances of pressing the wrong button and to optimize visibility of the character digits on the key, the entire cellular telephone is approximately three inches wide, is lightweight and folds into a compact space, and can be held in one hand by an elderly individual. A large display is present. At least three jumbo integer keys are present on each portion of the foldable interactive surface. Unnecessary technological function keys are eliminated. Pressing the “HELP” key on the reverse side of the telephone body calls a medical or rescue service and displays medical information on the display.

Abstract: A foldable mobile terminal is capable of carrying out more highly complicated key input such as key input for operating a certain function even in a state in which a housing is closed. This foldable mobile terminal includes a first housing and a second housing connected to each other to be supported so that they can freely be opened/closed. This foldable mobile terminal includes an external display part that can be viewed in a closed state on the first housing or the second housing and a side face key on a side face of the first housing or the second housing. When a soft key icon is displayed on the external display part, the side key is used as a soft key corresponding to the soft key icon.

Abstract: According to the present invention, methods, data structures, and computer-readable media for processing input to a telephone having an interactive user interlace are disclosed. A telephone user inputs commands through buttons and keys on an interactive user interface. A selection made from a menu on the telephone is detected. The menu can be a collection of options, features or commands corresponding to physical context-sensitive soft keys or a line keys. A message based on the menu selection is created and passed to a menu processing object. If a soft key is pressed, the menu processing object is a soft key processing object. An event based on the menu selection is also created. It is then determined which mode from the numerous modes available on the phone is presently active or has focus. Once the active mode that presently has focus is determined, an appropriate menu label set and segment display is displayed on the display monitor.

Abstract: Folding wireless communication devices (100, 700) comprise first parts (102, 1002) that are rotatably coupled to second parts (104, 1104). The first parts (102, 1002) can be moved from first positions in which the first parts (102, 1002) overlie the second parts (104, 1104) to second positions in which the first parts (102, 1002) extend upward away from the second parts (104, 1104). The first parts (102, 1002) comprise one or more buttons (302, 304, 306, 308 1010, 1012), e.g., a pair of directional buttons, such as “UP” and “DOWN” control buttons (302, 304, 1010, 1012). Hardware and/or software is used to change the function of the buttons (302, 304, 306, 308 1010, 1012) depending on the position of the first parts (102, 1002).

Abstract: A panel has been provided to a wireless device that turns off all RF capability of the wireless device (including, but not limited to notifications, wireless web clipping, instant messaging, email sending/receiving, phone calls, etc.). The panel is brought up on a screen of the wireless device by pressing a programmed hard button for more than 1 second. Once the RF capability has been turned off, if the user attempts to access a program or other device that requires the RF capabilities, a notification is displayed that identifies the RF capabilities as being disabled and prompts the user whether to continue. If the user continues, the RF device is automatically enabled, otherwise the RF device remains disabled.

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 group specific communication assembly such as a telephone assembly which is operative to appeal to anyone or all of specific groups of individuals such as, but not limited to, children, teenagers, the elderly, the visually challenged or hearing impaired, the chronically ill, etc. A programmable control assembly includes a plurality of control members which are structured for selective operation of the telephone assembly, such that activation of at least some of said plurality of control members comprise dialing buttons selectively operable by a user to define a limited access operation. At least some of said plurality of control members being disposed in cooperative relation to corresponding ones of a plurality of windows to at least partially define a predetermined display which may be configured to represent facial characteristics applicable to a younger group of users.

Abstract: A mobile communication device comprises a housing having a keypad assembly including one or more arrangements of keys for keying information into the mobile communication device. The keypad assembly may rotate within the housing either about an axis generally perpendicular to the face of the keypad assembly or about an axis generally parallel to the face of the keypad assembly for presenting different arrangements of keys to the user of the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A mobile phone of the present invention has a structure in which a second case is provided with a sub-display unit and an LED for indicating an incoming call, both of which can be watched even in a state where the mobile phone is folded. The sub-display unit is provided on a back surface opposite to a main surface on which a main display unit is provided. Moreover, the mobile phone of the present invention is provided with a sub-operation unit on a side surface of a first case. The sub-operation unit is provided with a first operation key, a second operation key, and a third operation key. Correspondingly to these keys, a short cut function is registered in a storage unit for setting a useful function (for example, a ring tone, an LED for indicating an incoming call, or the like) for a case in which a change is made in a state where the mobile phone is folded.

Abstract: A piece of data to be sent by mail is selected from data displayed on the back surface liquid crystal in the state of the portable telephone being folded. The selected data is sent with a button operating. Upon completion of the mail sending, the mail sending ends with a button operation. Similarly, mail is received in the same manner in the state of the portable telephone being folded.

Abstract: An input element for a telephone for inputting data having two rotary functions in respectively opposite directions, and which also has two key functions which are independent of the rotary functions, the key functions being triggered by a movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rotary movement. In addition, the input element preferably being coupled to a display with menu items or numbers being arranged essentially on a circle.

Abstract: A mobile phone includes a housing, a circuit board, a side button and a battery. The circuit board is installed in the housing. The side button is installed on the housing in a slidable manner. The battery is installed on the housing for supplying power to the mobile phone and an elastic member is coupled between the housing and the side button. The circuit board includes a control circuit for controlling the operation of the mobile phone. When the side button is triggered, the control circuit produces a control signal. The side button includes an engaging hook for engaging with a recess of the battery so as to fix the battery on the housing.

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 handset is disclosed which comprises a display 3 and a scroll key 9 for scrolling data on the display. The scroll key has two portions which lie on a line oblique to the horizontal. When depressed these portions effect different scrolling actions.

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 waterproof structure for an electronic apparatus of the present invention includes keybuttons positioned such that their ends appear via holes formed in the casing of the apparatus. A circuit board is loaded with switches configured to selectively open or close when the keybuttons associated therewith are operated. A sheet member is formed of an elastic material and intervenes between the keybuttons and the circuit board. The sheet member includes, at least in its peripheral portion thereof, a seal portion for preventing water or similar liquid from entering the apparatus and reaching the surface of the circuit board. When the sheet member is pressed between the casing and the circuit board, the seal portion is at least partly pressed against the inside surface of the casing while being subject to a bending load.

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 hand held mobile telephone (1) is disclosed comprising a front face (3) having a longitudinal extension greater than a lateral extension and having a plurality of openings therein, and a multiplicity of keys (7–13) each having an upper surface bounded by side walls. Each key (7–13) protrudes from one of the plurality of openings to provide its upper surface for tactile actuation by a user and a plurality of said multiplicity of keys are arranged along a common first axis, in the longitudinal direction. Further, at least one of said plurality of keys has a vertex, in the boundary of its upper surface, aligned on said first axis.

Abstract: A portable radio telephone set provided with a display section includes a rotary selector which rotates to select various functions. A menu displayed on the display section is selected by the rotary selector during a non-conversation time, and the sound volume can be adjusted during the conversation time. The adjusting operation can be performed from both the front and the rear sides of the telephone set. The rotary selector and button keys are arranged within the operation range of the thumb, and ordinary dial functions performed by operating these rotary selector and button keys are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile telephone capable of establishing connection to the Internet or the like only by operating a side key with a simplified connecting operation and reduced time required for connection. A portable telephone as a mobile telephone includes an Internet connecting function, a telephone function, other various functions, a side key provided for a side face of the body to execute a specific function, a display provided for an operation face, and a memory storing information including telephone numbers and URLs. When the side key is depressed long, a controller displays the URLs read from the memory in a list format onto the display and establishes connection to one URL selected from the list by the side key.

Abstract: A manual input video game controller to be used with various video game machines for the purpose of controlling a game displayed upon a video monitor. The manual input video controller would include a plurality of digital action buttons along with a separate combination button allowing various combination maneuvers to be programmed into the video game controller in real time. The use of this combination button along with one of the input controllers would allow a particular stored combination of maneuvers to be implemented, without the loss of function of any of the digital action buttons.

Abstract: A folding mobile communication device has a storage unit for storing at least one piece of call-destination information, each piece of call-destination information specifying a possible destination of a telephone call; a first display unit for displaying one piece of call-destination information in a position on a main body of the communication device that is exposed when the main body is in a folded state; and a call initiation unit for initiating, following the main body being put into an unfolded state, a telephone call to the destination specified by the piece of call-destination information being displayed.

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: A portable communication device is disclosed comprising a front face (3) having a plurality of openings therein, and an array (6) of keys. Each key has a switch actuator, a switching element, and coupling means. The switch actuator has an upper surface bounded by side walls, and the switch actuator of each key of the array (6) protrudes from one of the plurality of openings to provide its upper surface for tactile actuation by a user and is physically discrete from the others. The coupling means couples the tactile actuation of the upper surface by a user to the switching element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellular phone having a card connector composed of a first slot for inserting a first IC card and a second slot for inserting a second IC card. The second slot is disposed above said first slot so that the inserting direction of said first IC card and the inserting direction of said second IC card are mutually in vertical relation.

Abstract: A portable phone includes dial keys (2) including at least one specific key and unspecific keys, and a processing unit (3). The processing unit determines whether one of the dial keys which is operated in a first mode is one of the unspecific dial keys, and changes an operation mode from the first mode to a second mode when the operated dial key is one of the unspecific dial keys. The portable phone further includes a display unit (5). In a telephone number searching operation mode as the second mode, the processing unit reads out a list of data associated with destination phone numbers from a storage unit (4) and controls the display unit to display as a non-dialing operation. Also, the processing unit controls the display unit to selectively scroll the list of data in one of upward and downward directions in response to an operation of one of the unspecific dial keys.

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, and are not the Braille equivalents of these visual 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.

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: An improved cell phone arrangement has a centrally located orientation key, for referencing a location tactilely via the user's thumb, and the dialing keys arranged in a substantially circular arrangement around the orientation key, in an array having a relatively large diameter but within range of motion of the thumb. The keys are shaped and spaced for tactile reference, i.e., for dialing without the need to look at the keyboard after becoming familiar with it. Cardinal compass-points can be marked by distinct keys, which extend radially outwardly from the central reference point and are of different shape and feel from the dialing keys. The phone housing has finger ridges on one or both sides, and optionally a distinct ridge or bump on the back of the housing, for repeatable positioning of the hand.

Abstract: An apparatus for interactive communications is provided that includes an interactive element, which includes a plurality of keys. One or more of the keys are operable to trigger an audible message to be communicated to an end-user when the end-user depresses and holds a selected one of the keys. The audible message provides descriptive information associated with the selected key.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a keypad assembly with supplementary buttons and method for operating the same. The keypad assembly with supplementary buttons is in a small-sized mobile communication terminal including input buttons for representing a plurality of characters and a plurality of function buttons. The keypad assembly has at least one mode switching button, at least one selection-indication button, and a control unit. The mode switching button is formed on a side of the terminal for switching an input mode for inputting different characters. The selection-indication button is formed on a side of the terminal for selecting and indicating one of a plurality of characters assigned to each input button.

Abstract: A character inputting method for a handy phone or similar terminal unit uses a first and a second button capable of being pressed or shifted independently of each other. The user of the terminal unit operates the first button and/or second button to scroll characters appearing on a display either in the forward direction or in the backward direction, selects desired one of the characters, and fixes it. When the user presses the two buttons at the same time, the existing one of the vertical and horizontal scroll directions is replaced with the other direction. The user selects the desired character by the forward or backward scroll and then shifts the first or the second button to fix the character. A device for practicing the character inputting method is also disclosed.

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 key input device is provided for inputting digits/letters/characters/symbols by a keypad and a character input method for the key input device. In the key input device, a mode key is pressed to select one of a plurality of key matrixes for a corresponding mode, which is displayed on a display. A first directional key is used for inter-cell movement in the displayed key matrix and a second directional key is used to select an intended digit/letter/character/symbol within a cell. In the character input method, a mode with a unique key matrix is set by pressing a mode key. An intended cell is moved to within the key matrix by pressing a first directional key. An intended digit/letter/character/symbol is selected in the cell by pressing a second directional key. The selected digit/letter/character/symbol is displayed on a display.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and mobile terminal which permits at least one mobile terminal function to be activated and selected using at least one soft key during an inactive and locked mode of a mobile terminal keypad. A mobile terminal in accordance with the invention includes a controller (18); a keypad (2) comprising a plurality of keys (7, 8a, 8b, 10), including at least one soft key coupled to the controller, the keypad being under control of the controller and having an active mode during which key inputs from the keys activate mobile terminal functions and the inactive mode during which a first type of key input from the at least one soft key to the controller does not activate the mobile terminal functions; and wherein during the inactive mode, the controller is responsive to a second type of key input from at least one soft key which activates at least one mobile terminal function without return to the active mode.

Abstract: A power control apparatus in a foldable portable radio terminal which includes a main body, a sub-body, a key-pad including a power key on the main body, an external function key which can be key-input by a user even if the sub-body is shut on the main body is disclosed. The power control apparatus includes a first switch, a second switch, and a control unit for controlling the first and second switch according to powered-on/off state of the terminal. One end of each of the first and second switch is connected in common at a first node connected to the external function key and the other end of the first switch is connected to a first input end of the control unit, and the other end of the second switch and the power key are connected in common via a second node connected to a second input end of the control unit.