Method and apparatus for keypad representation in a mobile communication device
AssigneeTelefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
InventorsJan Swerup, Leif Nilsson, Bo Lindell
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims26
A method of assigning functions to be represented by the keys of a keypad on a cover lid of a mobile communication device, the method comprising:
- detecting whether the cover lid is in a first position or a second position;
- assigning a first set of functions to be represented by the keys when the cover lid is detected in the first position;
- and
- assigning a second set of functions to be represented by the keys when the cover lid is detected in the second position.
A mobile communication device having a keypad and keys mounted on a cover lid, comprising:
- a memory unit configured to store a first set of functions and a second set of functions to be represented by the keys;
- a detector unit capable of detecting a movement of the cover lid from a first position to a second position;
- and
- a control unit connected to the memory unit and the detector unit, the control unit configured to assign the first set of functions to the keys when the cover lid is detected in the first position, and to assign the second set of functions to the keys when the cover lid is detected in the second position.
A keypad for a mobile communication device, comprising:
- a plurality of mechanical keys mounted on the keypad and capable of performing a first set of functions and a second set of functions;
- the plurality of mechanical keys configured to perform the first set of functions when a predetermined event has not occurred;
- and
- the plurality of mechanical keys configured to perform the second set of functions when the predetermined event has occurred.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.