Method for Integrating an Imager and Flash into a Keypad on a Portable Device
First Claim
1. A keypad assembly comprising:
- a keypad, said keypad having of a plurality of key caps;
a light-blocking barrier;
an image capture device; and
a backlight for the keypad.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved mobile electronic device 100 with a unique thin and cost-effective form and design can have a large display 170 and a large full qwerty keypad 138. The keypad can have a camera 156 and flash 154 with a light barrier 158. A clear moldprint keypad can be used with graphics 148 on the backside of the keypad. The keypad can be positioned over a series of switches 162 or domes. The keypad 138 can further be recessed below the rim 136 of the housing 134 of the base so that the keypad will not contact a table or desk and be inadvertently activated if the keypad is placed face down. The moldprint keypad can be used to minimize wear of the graphics 148 and can have a specific textured pattern over the flash which can act as a lens to maximize light.
39 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A keypad assembly comprising:
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a keypad, said keypad having of a plurality of key caps; a light-blocking barrier; an image capture device; and a backlight for the keypad. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A mobile electronic device comprising:
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a base; a flip pivotably connected to said base, said flip being pivotable from a closed position, to a partially open position and to a fully open position and vise versa; said base and said flip each having an outward surface and an inward surface; a base assembly comprising a housing with a rim providing the outward surface of said base, a keypad on the outward surface of said base, backlighting below said keypad, said keypad being selected from the group consisting of a qwerty keypad, capacitive keypad, keyboard, alpha numeric keys, and a base touch screen, and said keypad facing downwardly when said flip is in said partially open position; a display on the outward surface of said flip, said display being selected from the group consisting of a touchscreen display, liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and other display technology, said display being positioned opposite said keypad when said flip is in a closed position, said display facing upwardly with and in proximity to said keypad when said flip in a fully open position, and said display being positioned at an angle of inclination when said flip is in a partially open position; and said keypad comprises an image-capture device providing an imager. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20)
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18. A mobile electronic device comprising:
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a base; a flip pivotally connected to said base, said flip being pivotable from a closed position, to a partially open position and to a fully open position and vise versa; said base and said flip each having an outward surface and an inward surface; a base assembly comprising a housing with a rim providing the outward surface of said base, a keypad on the outward surface of said base, and backlighting below said keypad, said keypad being selected from the group consisting of a qwerty keypad, capacitive keypad, keyboard, alpha numeric keys, and a base touch screen, and said keypad facing downwardly when said flip is in said partially open position; a display on the outward surface of said flip, said display being selected from the group consisting of a touchscreen display, liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and other display, said display being positioned opposite said keypad when said flip is in a closed position, said display facing upwardly with and in proximity to said keypad when said flip in a fully open position, and said display being positioned at an angle of inclination when said flip is in a partially open position; said keypad comprises a recessed keypad positioned below the maximum elevation or height of the rim of the housing so that when the keypad assembly is placed on a surface of a table, desk, or shelf, the rim engages the surface, but the recessed keypad is substantially prevented from touching or otherwise engaging the surface; said mobile electronic device is selected from the group of consisting of a flip phone, portable networking device, internet communications device, clamshell device, radio telephone, cellular phone, mobile phone, smart phone, portable gaming device, personal digital assistant, wireless e-mail device, two-way pager, handheld electronic device, and combinations thereof; and said mobile electronic device is of a compact size for readily fitting in a shirt pocket, pants pocket, suit pocket, and/or purse. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification