Nokia Corporation

Nokia Technologies Oy

Pekka Juhana Pihlaja

Jari Nousiainen

Pentti Ahlgren

Mikko Antero Nurmi

Anton Fahlgren

Matti Ryynänen

Turo Keski-Jaskari

Caroline Elizabeth Millar

Hutch Hutchison

Arto Lammintaus

Chee Wong

Kimmo Isbjornssund

Jonathan Heath

Turo Keski-Jakari

Jani Mäenpää

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device is configured to provide a tactile cue associated with a feature. The electronic device is also configured to identify one or more user actuations. After identifying one or more user actuations, the electronic device is configured to execute the feature.

Method and apparatus for executing a feature using a tactile cue

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for controlling display operations in an electronic device. The electronic device provides an input mode, in which a first function is associated with a hovering input and a second function is associated with a touch input to an input surface. A three-dimensional virtual user interface item is displayed, and in response to detecting an input object within a guard range in relation to the input surface, the virtual user interface item is adapted to alert the user to avoid unintentionally touching the input surface.

Apparatus and method for proximity based input

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for facilitating data entry into an electronic device via a touchscreen. As a user places his or her finger on the touchscreen, a cursor may be displayed at a location relative to other items displayed on the touchscreen that is proximate the physical location where the user touched the touchscreen. Because the cursor is likely now obscured by the user's finger, the items displayed on the touchscreen, including the cursor, may then be shifted or scrolled so that the cursor is offset from the physical location where the user touched the touchscreen. At the same time, the items displayed on the touchscreen may be magnified in order to further facilitate data entry. At this point, the user may shift or tilt his or her finger in order to achieve the desired cursor placement.

Method, apparatus and computer program product for facilitating data entry via a touchscreen

The invention relates to mobile communication and gaming terminals with a housing that is provided with a pair of pivoting wings that allow the terminals to be used in different configurations of the wings relative to the housing.

Mobile communication and/or gaming terminal

When the user depresses a freely rotating input device, it engages a spring-cantering mechanism and enables the user to move the pointer quickly with a velocity control pointing method. The spring-centering provides the user haptic feedback of the pointer speed. When the pointer is near the target, the user can switch rapidly to the more accurate position control pointing method of the freely rotating mode by letting the input device back to the up-position.

Dual mode input device

Present invention enables to illuminate an artwork or alphanumerics of related key(s) of an electrical device from above with illumination module situated in the vicinity of the artwork or alphanumerics. Present invention also enables the use of opaque material in the keys or in the keypad.

Illuminating of an electrical device

A method is disclosed that includes transmitting from an emitter a pulse of an energy beam. The beam creates a field with a varying gradient, where the gradient has a direction substantially transverse to a propagation direction of the beam. One or more detectors receive a portion of the field. For a respective one of the one or more detectors, a value is determined corresponding to an illumination level of the portion of the field received by the detector, wherein the value of the field is indicative of relative position between the detector and the emitter. A transmitter includes an emitter adapted to transmit an energy beam, the beam creating a field with a varying gradient. The gradient has a direction substantially transverse to a propagation direction of the beam. The transmitter further includes control circuitry adapted to cause the emitter to transmit the energy beam for a first duration.

Transmitter, receiver, and system with relative position detecting functionality between transmitters and receivers

Control signals for a process displaying graphical objects in a display are generated with a first control surface, a second control surface and detector means. The first control surface is available for manipulation with a thumb of one hand on one side of a hand-held electronic device. The second control surface is adapted for manipulation with another finger of the same hand. It is located on a different side of the hand-held electronic device. The detector means jointly detect how the first and second control surfaces are manipulated, and convey information about detected manipulation of the first and second control surfaces further to generation of the control signals.

Control and a control arrangement

A form factor for a portable device is disclosed. A first face of the portable device may house a display screen and three linear input devices (e.g., touch-sensitive strips), one on each of three sides of the display screen, for providing user input. On a second, opposite face of the portable device, is a planar input device (e.g., a touchpad) for providing user input. There may also be a microphone and speaker on the second face of the portable device, with the speaker placed behind the planar input device. Sound output by the speaker passes through holes in the planar input device. In one embodiment, the planar input device is used for scrolling content displayed on the display screen, one of the linear input devices is used for zooming in and out, and the other two linear input devices are used for identifying a location on the display screen. In another embodiment, the planar input device is used to identify a location on the display screen, and two of the linear input devices are used for scrolling.

Form factor for portable device

The invention relates to a mobile device, which comprises a first housing and a second housing, which housings are arranged movable in relation to each other to at least a first and a second position; the first housing comprising a primary display for displaying information and arranged to be visible for a user at least in the first position; the device further comprising a passive image steering element that is adapted to steer at least a part of the view of said primary display to become visible for the user as a secondary display in the second position. This invention also relates to a image steering module, a method in a mobile device and a computer program for controlling a user interface of a device.

Sub-display of a mobile device

A joystick has a dome facing a flat position sensitive detector for use an electronic device. The dome is elastically mounted so that the apex of the dome rests on the detector. As the joystick is deflected, the dome and the detector roll against each other such that the apex of the dome moves to a different location of the detector surface. The joystick can be depressed to cause the dome to buckle in order to select a function of the electronic device. When the joystick is depressed, the contact area between the dome and the detector increases abruptly. After the dome is buckled, the user can exert an uneven pressure to the joystick to allow the electronic device to carry out another function.

Multi-functional touch actuator in electronic devices

The specification and drawings present a new method and apparatus for a touch actuation in an electronic device using a general purpose input board. The input board comprises of a grating of conductors running in one direction (y-lines). Between these conductors there are contacts connected to a grating running in the perpendicular direction a layer below (x-lines). The grating layers are separated by an insulating layer. Various known methods can be used to read the position of, e.g., a conductive actuator touching the input board. The input board can be used as a configurable UI board under a keymat. The input devices on the keymat can be a key, a joystick, a touchpad top membrane, etc. Also, the actuators can be made force-sensitive by detecting a contact surface area. In addition, all components of the general purpose input board can be made of materials substantially transparent to light.

General purpose input board for a touch actuation

This invention describes a method for a touch actuation in an electronic device using a general purpose input board. The input board comprises of a grating of conductors running in one direction (y-lines). Between these conductors there are contacts connected to a grating running in the perpendicular direction a layer below (x-lines). The grating layers are separated by an insulating layer. The input board can be manufactured using a wide variety of technologies, e.g., printable resistive, conductive and insulating materials. Various known methods can be used to read the position of any conductive actuator touching the input board. The input board can be used as a configurable UI board under a keymat. The input devices on the keymat can be a key, a joystick, a touchpad top membrane, etc. and their configurations and positions can be freely varied on switchcovers. In addition, the actuators can be made force-sensitive by detecting a contact surface area.

A key has a varying response depending on the manner of depression. The key comprises at least a base and a switching element arranged curved relative to one another. Between the switching element and the base is a contact area where the switching element touches the base. When the switching element is depressed towards the base, the edge of the contact area between the switching element and the base moves along the surface of the base. The response of the switch is determined by observing the location of the edge of said contact area relative to the base.

A top structure for a keypad, comprising a number of key caps. The structure comprises a solid flexible layer, which is placed above the key caps or directly on them, and arranged to yield when the key is felt. The material, properties and thickness of the flexible layer are selected so that the key cap can be perceived by a sensation of touch and found under the layer, when the key is felt. The flexible layer is, for example, of a textile or textile-imitating material. The top structure can be utilized in a keypad component, in an electronic device, particularly a mobile phone, and in clothing provided with a keypad.

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Hevonpää, Finland

Pekka Juhana Pihlaja