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: A mobile telephone includes a body, a display, and a keypad. The keypad has a plurality of individual numeral keys assigned to individual numerals and may be rotated with respect to the body. In this way it is possible for the presentation of information on the display to remain in a fixed orientation with respect to a user while the body is rotated about the display so that the mobile telephone can be converted from right-handed to left-handed use or the display can be moved from a first orientation to a second orientation.

Abstract: A keypad module for use with an electronic device has a first side with a first set of keys and a second side having a second set of keys, so that one set of keys at a time can be exposed for the user. The keypad module is movable relative to the electronic device between a first position at which the first set of keys are exposed to the user and a second position at which the second set of keys are exposed to the user.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a device and a method for selecting text from an electronic memory using a numeric telephone keyboard. To this end, a digital telephone keyboard has at least one pressure sensor sensing the pressure exerted on one or more keys, control electronics processing an input via key confirmation and text display. The pressure exerted on the keys of the digital telephone keyboard is detected and measured for every key by a pressure sensor. The respective pressure value is transmitted to and processed by control electronics. The measured pressure value is shown on a display for every key. The pressure value exerted is changed for the key pressed, if necessary, and once the correct pressure value is reached and shown on the display, the pressure value for every pressed key and information on the selected key are transmitted for further processing of the measured values.

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 personal digital assistant (PDA)/telephone combination device comprising a base, a screen coupled to the base, and a keypad hingably mounted to the base. The keypad provides a partial view of the screen in a lowered position and a full view of the screen in a raised position. The keypad comprises a window that provides the partial view of the screen when the keypad is in a lowered position. A cover hingably mounts to the base wherein the keypad is located between the cover and the base. The cover rotates between an open position and a closed position. The screen displays telephone information when the keypad is in a lowered position. Control buttons coupled to the base are covered when the cover is in the closed position and uncovered when the cover is in an open position. In an additional embodiment, control buttons coupled to the base are uncovered when the cover is in both the closed position and the open position.

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: The mounting portion formed on the cover (1) is provided with a fitting boss (8) in a fitting recess (7). On the other hand, the mounting portion formed on the key sheet (3) is provided with fitting recess (10) in the fitting boss (9). The key sheet (3) is constructed in such a manner that the packaged component (11) is placed between the key sheet (3) and the printed substrate (12).

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 personal digital assistant/telephone device comprising a base, a screen coupled to the base, and a keypad hingably mounted to the base. The keypad provides a partial view of the screen in a lowered position and a full view of the screen in a raised position. The keypad further comprises a window that provides a partial view of the screen when the keypad is in a lowered position. A cover hingably mounts to the base and the keypad is located between the cover and the base. The cover rotates between an open position and a closed position. The screen displays telephone information when the keypad is in a lowered position. Control buttons coupled to the base are covered when the cover is in the closed position and uncovered when the cover is in an open position. In an additional embodiment, control buttons coupled to the base are uncovered when the cover is in both the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A handheld computer is disclosed. The handheld computer includes a housing, computing electronics supported by the housing, and a display supported by the housing and electrically coupled to the computing electronics. The handheld computer includes a switch supported by the housing and electrically coupled to the computing electronics. A microphone aperture is disposed in the switch. A rocker switch is also disclosed. The rocker switch is configured to be used in a handheld computer. The rocker switch includes a first button portion associated with a first button direction and a second button portion associated with a second button direction. The rocker switch includes a microphone aperture disposed in the rocker switch.

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 keypad used for dialing telephone numbers to establish a communications link is also used to display game moves. Once the communications link is established between two or more parties, their terminals are placed in a game mode which activates inband signal detection and player identification circuitry located within the terminals. Multi-colored indicators (e.g., LEDs) and player identification displays (e.g., LCDs) at each terminal are activated, their color being dependent upon the source of received instructions. Player identification indicators are incorporated into a touch-tone keypad located on each of the terminals. Each key of the keypad has two or more color-coded indicators incorporated within, each color representing a particular player's move. Thus, the touch-tone keys represent a game board and/or game accessory when the terminal is placed in a game mode.

Abstract: The exit light from the illuminating part illuminates each key button as a spot light. Hence, leak of light to the surrounding is prevented. As a result, the visual recognition is extremely improved, and easy-to-read type data can be displayed. A telephone terminal device includes a circuit board, and a plurality of key buttons disposed at the upper side of the circuit board. The circuit board has a through-hole, and the through-hole is positioned immediately beneath at least one key button of the plurality of key buttons, and each key button is illuminated by the light passing the through-hole.

Abstract: An information terminal made up of a first housing 2 having a display section 5 and a second housing 3 having an input/display section 11 and can be made very small when said first housing 2 and said second housing 3 are folded relative to each other. An enhanced degree of operability in terms of inputting characters and displaying a large volume of data is provided.

Abstract: A mobile phone with a changeable keypad. The mobile phone has a connecter disposed on a main board mounted on a frame assembly and a keypad having a second PCB with a plurality of keys. The keypad is movably disposed on the frame assembly through a groove. The second PCB of the keypad is detachably connected to the main board through the connecter, such as a spring-type connecter or an FPC.

Abstract: A key input device comprises a dome sheet 7 provided over a base plate 5 and having a plurality of dome portions, and a plurality of manual keys disposed above the dome sheet 7 for depressing the respective dome portions. Each of the dome portions is elastically restorably inverted by being depressed by the corresponding manual key to close contacts. The dome sheet 7 has a flat sheet portion 70 formed around the dome portions and comprising an inner region 74 extending inwardly of dome portions 72 to be selectively depressed by a seesaw key 15, and an outer region 73 extending outwardly of the dome portion 72. A spacer sheet 6 is interposed between the base plate 5 and the dome sheet 7 to thereby position the inner region 74 of the flat sheet portion 70 of the dome sheet 7 at a lower level than the outer region 73. Accordingly, key contacts can be reliably closed by the seesaw key 15.

Abstract: A keypad arrangement for an electronic device comprises a keypad comprising activatable keys. It comprises also input signal means (801, 802, 901, 1001, 1601) for bringing an electric input signal to the keypad, and signal conversion means (703, 705, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 818, 1208, 1206) for responding to a key activation by selectively converting the input signal into an electric output signal the value of which depends on the activated key. Additionally there are output signal detection means (902, 903, 904, 1002, 1602) for detecting the value of the electric output signal. The arrangement comprises a first electromagnetic coupling (706, 708, 709, 710, 803) between the input signal means and the signal conversion means, and a second electromagnetic coupling (707, 711, 804) between the signal conversion means and the output signal detection means.

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: A key input device including a dome sheet provided over a base plate and having a plurality of dome portions, and a plurality of manual keys disposed above the dome sheet. Each of the dome portions is elastically restorably inverted by being depressed by the corresponding manual key to close contacts. The plurality of the manual keys described include a seesaw key with a pivotal pin, and the dome sheet has a flat sheet portion formed around the dome portions and includes an inner region extending inwardly of dome portions to be selectively depressed by a seesaw key, and an outer region extending outwardly of the dome portion. A spacer sheet is interposed between the base plate and the dome sheet to thereby position the inner region of the flat sheet portion of the dome sheet at a lower level than the outer region. The seesaw key pivotally moves about the contact portion of the pivotal pin and the inner region, whereby one of the dome portions is depressed.

Abstract: At least two key switches corresponding to one or more keys, for example on the side of the radiotelephone device or on the standard keypad of the radiotelephone device, can be used to dial a phone number, therefore, eliminating the need to use the entire standard keypad. One key switch is used to increment a candidate number and a one key switch is used to decrement the candidate number. The sound file corresponding to the candidate number scrolled is output through the speaker of the radiotelephone device. One key switch is used to select the candidate number and store the number as a digit of a phone number. The digit is stored within the call register. Once the entire phone number is selected and stored, a key switch is actuated to dial the entire phone number.

Abstract: A handset having a keypad structure for inputting information is described. The keypad structure includes a keypad assembly having a plurality of keys being interconnected by a foil, the plurality of keys being provided with activation pins, a keypad base part having a switching device that is activated by an associated activation pin when a respective key is depressed, and a support device arranged in between the keypad assembly and the keypad base part supporting the foil of the keypad in between the keys.

Abstract: A mobile telephone includes a body, a display, and a keypad. The keypad has a plurality of individual numeral keys assigned to individual numerals and may be rotated with respect to the body. In this way it is possible for the presentation of information on the display to remain in a fixed orientation with respect to a user while the body is rotated about the display so that the mobile telephone can be converted from right-handed to left-handed use or the display can be moved from a first orientation to a second orientation.

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 portable telephone having a ten-key pad that allows input of a plurality of kinds of characters is disclosed. Each of the keys of the ten-key pad has a plurality of contact points having a corresponding position with respect to the key, at least one of the contact points being selected depending on which position of the key is pressed, another position of the key being determined by pressing all of the contact points simultaneously. Each key preferably has five positions. A table correlates each position of the key and an individual character of a selected type of characters. Input of an individual character depends on a pressed position of the key correlated by the table to a pressed key of the ten-key pad.

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 portable telephone having a ten-key pad that allows input of a plurality of kinds of characters is disclosed. Each of keys of the ten-key pad has a plurality of contact points, at least one of which is selected depending on which position of the key is pressed. A table is provided for each of the kinds of characters. The table contains correspondence between each position of the key and an individual character of a selected type of characters. Input of an individual character of the selected type of characters is controlled depending on a pressed position of the key by referring to the table such that an individual character of the selected type of characters is determined depending on a combination of a pressed key of the ten-key pad and a pressed position of the pressed key. Each key of the ten-key pad preferably has five positions, one of which selecting all the contact points of the key.

Abstract: A wrist-mounted telephone device for attaching to a wearer's wrist. The device comprises a bracelet configured to be attached to a wearer's wrist. The bracelet is configured to support a cellular phone mechanism accommodated in a housing and a battery power source coupled to the housing. The device also comprises a keypad attached to the bracelet and coupled to the cellular phone mechanism so as to provide signals thereto. The keypad has a plurality of adjustable sections, which close to a size which is smaller than the size of the keypad when in the open position. Advantageously, a first section of the keypad is attached to the bracelet and a second section of the keypad is pivotably attached to the first section so as to conceal the buttons on each of the first and second sections when the second section is pivoted relative to the first section into a closed position.

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: A microbrowser in a mobile telephone or other hand-held mobile device generates a Graphical User Interface (GUI) having features that make the device more user-friendly. In one mode, the GUI includes a softkey indicator indicating a corresponding softkey action and an input field for receiving a user-input character string, such as a telephone number. In response to typing in the input field, a softkey action previously associated with the input field, such as a dial action, is automatically selected, and the softkey indicator is automatically changed to indicate the selected action. In another mode, the GUI displays an input field and a menu listing performable actions. In response to a user input representing a single action by the user and designating one of the performable actions, the designated action is selected and the input field is activated, enabling the user to input characters associated with the designated action.

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 water-proof structure of a key sheet periphery portion of a portable terminal device. The device includes an upper cover having a rib with a substantially convex cross-section provided around an operating portion, a printed board for receiving an operation input from the operating portion, and a key sheet provided between the upper cover and the printed board, having a rib with a substantially convex cross-section provided contacting with the printed board with a center shared with the rib with the substantially convex cross-section provided in the upper cover. The key sheet is provided with input buttons (key top) constituting the operating portion.

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: A button for efficiently displaying indicia on a hand-held device. A button constructed according to a first embodiment includes a main section and an integral extension having indicia positioned thereon. A second embodiment includes a main body section having at least one end containing indicia. Both embodiments provide for the user to actuate the button while still maintaining visible contact with the indicia. The present invention may also include an active character position within the button in which indicia is cycled through by actuating the button. The value of the indicia displayed in the active character position may then be input by an enter function.

Abstract: A keypad with a key top (6) according to the present invention is a keypad with a key top (6) manufactured by bonding a keypad (1) made of a thermoplastic elastomer to a key top (5) made of a thermoplastic resin and being molded as a separate member from the keypad (1) with an adhesive (3) made from a reaction curing resin that swells when contacted with an organic solvent. A keypad with a key top (6) can be easily separated into a separate keypad (1) and a separate key top (5) by making this adhesive that bonds the keypad with the key top (6) swell when contacted with an organic solvent. Therefore, this keypad with the key top (6) is excellent in recyclability.

Abstract: A method for inputting a plurality of characters in a wireless portable terminal of the type having a memory for storing a plurality of characters and a plurality of indices associated with each one of the plurality of characters, comprising the steps of: determining if a mode for inputting a character is selected; displaying at least one character along with at least one index associated thereto in response to the selection of the character-input mode; determining if the key data corresponding to the index is inputted; and, displaying and storing the associated character corresponding to the index when the key data corresponding to the index is inputted.

Abstract: A cluster key arrangement may be mechanically configured or electronically configured. The cluster key arrangement may include twelve cluster keys configured in an arrangement of three columns by four rows, such as conventionally found on standard telephones. The cluster key arrangement may also be configured for use or cellular/mobile telephones, television remote controls, other handheld data entry devices, automotive controls, desktop/wall-mounted/cordless telephones, combination telephone recorders, Personal Digital Assistants, and other electronic devices. The mechanically or electronically configured cluster, keys provide a user with the ability to select one of a plurality of key elements representing numbers, letters, symbols, functions, etc., in a mutually exclusive manner.

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: An improved alphabet entry method is provided in which several particular keys are added to provide favorable operability when a sentence is entered with selection of an entry word candidate from a plurality of possible letter strings based on typing through a search of a word dictionary. Each of some of data keys (132 to 139) is assigned a plurality of letters of the alphabet, and each of some of the other data keys (131, 141) and some of control keys (117, 119, 120, and 122) is assigned only one of particular letters (A, S, U, E, I, and O) of the plurality of letters assigned to the some of the data keys simultaneously with the assignment to the some keys. Since an operator performs entry with the keys assigned only the particular letters to determine some letters in a letter string to be entered, candidates for a word are narrowed down to allow efficient word entry.

Abstract: A cluster key arrangement may be mechanically configured or electronically configured. The cluster key arrangement may include twelve cluster keys configured in an arrangement of three columns by four rows, such as conventionally found on standard telephones. The cluster key arrangement may also be configured for use on cellular/mobile telephones, television remote controls, other handheld data entry devices, automotive controls, desktop/wall-mounted/cordless telephones, combination telephone recorders, Personal Digital Assistants, and other electronic devices. The mechanically or electronically configured cluster keys provide a user with the ability to select one of a plurality of key elements representing numbers, letters, symbols, functions, etc., in a mutually exclusive manner.

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 personal digital assistant/telephone device comprising a base, a screen coupled to the base, and a keypad hingably mounted to the base. The keypad provides a partial view of the screen in a lowered position and a full view of the screen in a raised position. The keypad further comprises a window that provides a partial view of the screen when the keypad is in a lowered position. A cover hingably mounts to the base and the keypad is located between the cover and the base. The cover rotates between an open position and a closed position. The screen displays telephone information when the keypad is in a lowered position. Control buttons coupled to the base are covered when the cover is in the closed position and uncovered when the cover is in an open position. In an additional embodiment, control buttons coupled to the base are uncovered when the cover is in both the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A secrecy cover for a key pad having a 3×4 matrix of pressure operated depressible keys provides a five-sided casement defining a medial cavity to fit over a matrix of keys of the touch tone key pad to secret entry of one or more sequences of up to three sequential digits of a multidigit number entered into the key pads. The casement face provides at least two lineally arrayed unmarked operator keys that are depressible in predetermined sequence to move one of at least two elongate operator bars of operating mechanism carried within the casement chamber. Each operator bar carries a key depressor movable thereon between at least two alternative positions to depress one potentially depressible key pad key aligned beneath the operator bar. The key depressors are digitally movable by an operator to predetermined positions over a key pad key before placement of the secrecy cover on a key pad.

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 toothpaste extractor or dispenser having a pneumatic pump connected to a syringe assembly that injects compressed air inside a toothpaste tube thereby urging the phase out through a nozzle positioned above a carrier assembly where the user's toothbrush is engaged. The user's force pushing the carrier in actuates, through a linking assembly, the pneumatic pump. All of these elements are mounted within a housing assembly.