Abstract: A rotary switch is disclosed. The switch has a rotatable barrel which has an axis of rotation. The switch also has an encoder pattern for sensing rotation of the barrel. The encoder pattern extends in a longitudinal direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a keypad (25) for an electronic device including a plurality of fingers (26,27,28) having a splayed open configuration and a plurality of keys (31) on each finger (26,27,28). The fingers (26,27,28) are moved into a closed configuration when the keypad 25 is installed in said electronic device such that a key (31) on at least one finger (26,27,28) is positioned in close proximity or is contiguous to a key (31) on an adjacent finger (26,27,28).

Abstract: In order to be able to convert a fully functional telephone, in particular a mobile telephone, into a “child's telephone” without requiring a large degree of expenditure, it is provided that, if appropriate in addition to further keys, just one of more keys for dialing a telephone number are accessible on the telephone, which further keys cause a stored telephone number to be dialed when they are activated.

Abstract: A switch comprises a seat, a key body, a first elastomer, a second elastomer, and a cover with an elastic portion thereon. When the key body is pushed by an applied force, an electric signal is generated for being outputted for controlling switching and various of selection functions. A neck portion of the key body has a concave portion, a plurality of convex portions are formed on the concave portion. When the key body is pushed by an applied force, the selection of icons or switching of the window can be executed. The convex point slides on the convex portions so as to generate voices; thereby, the use feeling that the switch is pressed.

Abstract: A portable telephone includes a multi-function key-switch unit in which a key top is operated in a plurality of directions. The multi-function key-switch unit comprises a stick switch which comprises a switch body and a stick projecting from the switch body, and the approximately cylindrical key top which is attached to the stick. The key top has a stopper portion provided on the bottom surface thereof, the stopper portion coming into contact with the switch body when the key top is operated to more than a predetermined degree so as to prevent the key top from inclining more than a predetermined angle.

Abstract: In a housing comprising an upper case and a lower case are stored a whip antenna, a built-in antenna, a receiver for outputting a voice, a display part for indicating characters and marks, a back side key to be operated during the call, a flexible substrate comprising a diaphragm switch, a printed board, and a shield case for shielding a receiving circuit part and a radio circuit part. In the case the user would like to keep the content of the conversation during the call, the back side key can be operated by a finger. Accordingly, the diaphragm switch is turned on so as to drive a recording mechanism.

Abstract: A computer having automatic answering state displaying and processing functions includes an automatic answering setting unit for outputting an automatic answering guide message, preset by a user, for when a telephone call from the outside is received through a modem, portion for storing a predetermined received message from the outside according to the automatic answering guide message, portion for displaying that there is the received message in response to a display signal, a telephone button for generating an answering confirmation signal when the user notices the display portion and presses the telephone button, a microcomputer for generating the display signal to control the display portion, if there is the received message, and detecting the answering confirmation signal generated from the telephone button, and an automatic answering processing unit for informing the microcomputer that the received message is stored in the storage portion and informing the user of the received message from the storage p

Abstract: A full range of alphanumeric characters is obtained with two different modes upon a twelve key telephone keypad. Numerics are obtained with single keystrokes in one mode and English alphabetics obtained with single and paired keystrokes in another mode. Memory is provided in which a plurality of telephone numbers can be stored, organized, identified and retrieved by a combination of alphanumeric characters including names and abbreviations. A visual display facilitates storing and retrieval of any telephone number. Alphanumeric messages can be transmitted to, and received from, other remote telephonic devices. Any language is encompassed and use of two languages on one keypad is facilitated. Characters in one language such as English are obtained as above in one mode and characters of another language possessing considerably more characters, e.g.

Abstract: Mobile telephony station with a speaker phone function including a front panel having a plurality of menu selecting keys for selecting menu, an LCD panel for displaying various information and messages, a mike for putting in a transmission speech, and a first speaker for presenting a received speech, a flip hinged on the front panel for protecting the LCD panel, a sensor switch on the front panel for sensing opening/closing of the flip, and a second speaker for selectively presenting a received speech, together with the first speaker, depending on a switching state of the sensor switch, to carry out the speaker phone function, thereby permitting to select the speaker phone function automatically at opening a flip, in a setting mode, or by using a toggle switch.

Abstract: A portable radio communication apparatus which allows reduction in power consumption is disclosed. An input device has a special key and a plurality of general keys. A microprocessor changes an operation mode from a power-saving mode to a normal operation mode when receiving an interrupt signal. A controller connected to the special key outputs the interrupt signal to the microprocessor when one of the general keys is operated. When the special key is operated, the controller controls a backlit LCD without outputting the interrupt signal such that the LCD is backlighted and predetermined information is displayed on the LCD.

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: A voice interface structure for a cellular phone that permits two-way operation or can be provided at where opposite to the keypad of the cellular phone, wherein, both of the voice interface and control keypad are arranged in two-ways or facing away from each other so that when the keypad control and operation. as well as the use of the voice interface, the case of the cellular phone is used as a screen to reduce the electromagnetic wave the head of the user is exposed to without compromising the convenience of key entering and executing of transmission and receiving.

Abstract: There is provided a cellular phone including (a) a display, (b) a key pad arrangement, (c) a lighting device which lights at least one of the display and the key pad arrangement, (d) a touch sensor which is turned on upon making contact with a user and transmits a first signal, and turned off upon making no contact with a user and transmits a second signal, and (e) a controller which turns the lighting device on upon receiving the second signal from the touch sensor, and turns the lighting device off upon receiving the first signal from the touch sensor. The cellular phone can reduce electric power consumption, because the lighting device does not consume electric power while the cellular phone is in use, enabling a use of a smaller-sized cell.

Abstract: A keypad system for a compact electronic machine featuring word processing capability has five keys located on the side walls of electronic machine in order to allow quick and easy entry of alpha numerical information with single hand. Alpha numeric characters are assigned to combinations of electrically-on status and electrically-off status of five keys suitably according to finger movement, usage frequency, and mnemonic manner in order to achieve fast entry speed. The unique location of keys also allows for a relatively large display or mouse ball on the front or bottom surface.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a housing 4, a display for entering and displaying data, the display being disposed in the housing and having a touch sensitive surface 6, and a cover 8 and 28. The cover is coupled to the housing 4 in a movable manner and movable between an open position and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, at least a portion of the touch sensitive surface 6 is covered by the cover. The device includes a sensor for sensing whether the cover is in the closed position. The sensor comprises a member 12 and 22 on the cover and a corresponding activation area 66 and 68 of the touch sensitive surface. The member and the corresponding activation area of the touch sensitive surface are in contact when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device, which device (1) comprises at least one housing part (2, 3); at least one control means (7) arranged in the housing part (2,3) and comprising at least one normal position (A3) from which the control means (7) is arranged to be deflected by means of first movements to control the device (1), and which control means (7) is arranged to be moved in a directional transfer (T1, T3) to at least one auxiliary position (A1, A2) from which auxiliary position (A1, A2) the control means (7) is arranged to be restored (T2, T4) to said normal position (A3); and control equipment (12-20) placed in connection with the control means (7) to control the device (1). The invention is characterized in that to control the device (1), the control means (7) is arranged to be deflected from said at least one auxiliary position (A1, A2) by means of second movements, which second movements substantially correspond to the first movements.

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: This invention relates to a communication terminal device. In order to realize a communication terminal device which improves the operational efficiency and the usability remarkably comparing to a conventional one, an operation key is designed to be rotated, pushed, and slid, and the movement direction or the movement amount of the cursor can be changed when the operation key is slid, so that the cursor can reach at a desired item quickly. As a result, the rotating amount to reach at a desired item can be reduced comparing to a conventional one. Therefore, a communication terminal device which improves the operational efficiency and the usability remarkably comparing to the conventional one can be realized.

Abstract: A portable communications device which includes: a housing 4, a display for entering and displaying data, the display being disposed in the housing and having a touch sensitive screen, radio circuitry for receiving and processing communication channel data and a processor for controlling operation of the device. When a voice communication channel is established, the processor is operable to disable at least a portion of the touch sensitive screen.

Abstract: A telephone keypad, which is capable of communicating the dot symbol. A button in the central area of the keypad has raised dots on its surface. Said button represents the “dot” symbol and communicates said symbol when it is pressed by user.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (10) is provided for maintaining acceptable acoustic coupling, increasing display and data input device capability and increasing antenna performance to encourage further miniaturization and weight reduction thereof. Two moveable housing portions (12) and (14) are moveable between a closed (18) and an open (20) housing position and matively engage to provide an expandable housing while aligning earpiece (26) and microphone (28) transducers on a center as (30) of the device (10). Paging and radiotelephone functions of the device are configured responsive to the position of the housing portion (12). The housing portion has a lens for viewing a display (46) thereunder and keycaps for actuating a keypad (54) thereunder when the housing portion (12) is in the closed housing position (18). An antenna (56) is extendable beyond the moveable housing portion (12).

Abstract: A button (13) for navigating among a plurality of functions shown on a display screen (10) of an electronic device (1) including a support (9) adapted to receive a coupling member (11) including a moving component (11a), the button being shaped so that, when it is fitted to the device, it can be dynamically coupled to the moving component (11a) and including coupling means for coupling it to guide means provided on the electronic device to confer on the button the degrees of freedom necessary for the moving component of the connecting member to function.

Abstract: An absence reception information device for informing the user of a folding portable cellular phone about occurrence of a call during the user's absence is proposed. A folding portable cellular phone generally has a body, a cover section which is rotatably attached to the body, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying necessary information. The LCD is usually provided on the inner side of the body or the cover section and can not be seen by the user when the cover section is closed. The absence reception information device comprises an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) which is placed on the folding portable cellular phone so as to be seen by the user when the cover section is closed, and an open/close detection circuit. The open/close detection circuit detects whether the cover section is opened or closed.

Abstract: A key arrangement for a telephone includes a common plane in which all of the keys are arranged, the plane having a radial focal point and a peripheral area about the focal point. A set of at least ten independently manually actuable keys are arranged in the plane with each key having an upper contact surface. Eight of the keys are arranged radially on the peripheral area of the plane about the focal point of the plane along a path defining a closed curve. Two keys are located at opposite sides of the radial focal point. Each key also has means for tactily indicating its position with respect to the other keys. The tactile indicating means can be in the form of the cross sectional shape of the upper contact surface of each key having a major axis and a minor axis. Another tactile indicating means may be a slope on the contact surface of each key either indicating the radial location or the location from the central axis of the key arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile telephone, comprising an elongate body (10) fitted with a keypad (18) for information input, a display screen (20), and a flap (30) mounted displaceably between a covering position, in which it lies along the body (10) above the keypad (18), and an unfurled position away from the keypad (18). The mobile telephone comprises means for the selective displaying on the same screen (20), of a digital clock and of an analogue clock and means for switching between the displaying of the digital clock and the displaying of the analogue clock as a function of the position of the flap.

Abstract: A car phone can be run from the battery of a vehicle in which it is mounted or from its own battery. If the vehicle ignition switch is turned off during communication, interrupting the supply of electric power from the vehicle battery, communication can continue because the internal power supply is automatically switched in. The phone has a speaker capable of emitting a key-click sound. A setting device sets the volume of the key-click sound. A controller is operative when communication is not in progress for adjusting the key-click sound to the volume set by the setting device. The controller is operative when communication is in progress for adjusting the key-click sound to a volume set by the setting device if the volume set by the setting device is equal to or less than a predetermined volume and for adjusting the key-click sound to the predetermined volume if the volume set by the setting device is greater than the predetermined volume.

Abstract: A wireless telephone unit of the present invention has an improved shuttle for more ergonomically and efficiently entering input to the telephone unit. The shuttle, acting as a rotary encoder, controls the scrolling of material across a display of the wireless telephone unit. The shuttle is located on the face of the wireless telephone unit so as to be operated by the thumb of a user without regard to whether the telephone unit is held in the right or left hand of the user. The shuttle further comprises a detent mechanism such that increments of rotation of the shuttle passed the detent mechanism are perceptible to the user and are correlated to an amount of material scrolled across the display. The shuttle is also displacable along its access of rotation to input parameter information to the wireless telephone unit. The telephone unit's keypad may be hidden in the unit when not in use.

Abstract: A communication device (100) operates in first and second modes of operation including a dispatch mode of operation and a telephone mode of operation. The device (100) includes a main body (124) having a top surface (126) and a cover (102). The cover 102 selectively moves between at least a first position wherein at least a portion of the top surface (126) is covered to provide for selective operation in the dispatch mode and at least a second position wherein the top surface (126) is exposed to provide for selective operation is the telephone mode of operation. The cover (102) includes a see through section (108) covering at least a portion of the display section (114) when the cover (102) is in the first position in order to protect the display section (114) and simultaneously provide access thereto. The cover (102) also include through access keys (106) which provide access to the keypad (116) even when the cover (102) is closed.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for allowing a user to selectively disable all or a portion of the manual controls, e.g., the keypad and/or other buttons (including switches, keys, on-hook button, and/or other buttons) of customer premises equipment. The customer premises equipment includes a button disabling module which allows subsequent control signals relating to the particular keys or buttons which have been disabled to be essentially ignored. Thus, for instance, if an on-hook button is inadvertently depressed while the on-hook button has been disabled by the button disabling module, the telephone line interface of the telephone will not signal the termination of the telephone call to the central office. The manual controls of the customer premises equipment can be disabled by the user in any of a number of different ways.

Abstract: A portable radio telephone set provided with a display section includes a rotary selector which turns 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: A portable terminal comprises a LCD display screen (2) located on a control surface of a case for displaying thereon information according to the communication mode; a main soft key (3) located below the LCD display screen (2) with which can be rotated in a direction towards or away from the display screen as well as can be pressed; and first auxiliary soft key (4A) and second auxiliary soft key (4B) located on the two sides of the main soft key (3) which can be pressed. In this portable terminal, for each communication mode, function having the highest frequency of use is allocated to the main soft key (3) mode and functions having the next highest frequency of use are allocated to the first auxiliary soft key (4A) and second auxiliary soft key (4B).

Abstract: A portable communication device has an apparatus housing with a movable element attached thereto and a sensor for detecting a position of the movable element in relation to the apparatus housing. The communication device also has an electrodynamic device having a magnet. The sensor is arranged to detect the magnetic field originating from the magnet in the electrodynamic device and to provide an output which is relative to the apparatus housing. A device is provided, in the movable element, for conducting the magnetic field from the electrodynamic device to the sensor.