Handheld electronic device that has a keypad which can be rendered ineffective, and associated method

An improved handheld electronic device is movable among a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. Several different exemplary embodiments are described, some having two members, others having more. In one embodiment, certain features or objects are unavailable in a retracted configuration but are available in a deployed configuration or an overtravel configuration. A method of responding to predetermined events comprises detecting a movement of a handheld electronic device away from a first configuration toward a second configuration without reaching the second configuration.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed and claimed concept relates generally to handheld electronic devices and, more particularly, to a handheld electronic device and method that enable a keypad to be rendered ineffective.

2. Background Information

Numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known. Examples of such handheld electronic devices include, for instance, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like. Many handheld electronic devices also feature wireless communication capability, although many such handheld electronic devices are stand-alone devices that are functional without communication with other devices.

While handheld electronic devices have been generally effective for their intended purposes, such handheld electronic devices have not, however, been without limitation. The portable nature of handheld electronic devices can result in certain shortcomings with handheld electronic devices that typically do not exist with, for example, desktop devices. For instance, the keys of a handheld electronic device can inadvertently be actuated when such a device is carried, for instance, in a pocket or a purse. Similarly, objects such as memory cards and other items that can be carried on or in a handheld electronic device can be lost if the device is dropped. It thus would be desired to provide an improved handheld electronic device and/or method that overcome these and other shortcomings.

DESCRIPTION

An improved handheld electronic device4is indicated generally inFIG. 1and is depicted schematically inFIG. 2. The exemplary handheld electronic device4includes a housing6upon which are disposed an input apparatus8, an output apparatus12, and a processor apparatus16. The input apparatus8is structured to provide input to the processor apparatus16, and the output apparatus12is structured to receive output signals from the processor apparatus16. The output apparatus12comprises a display18that is structured to provide visual output, although other output devices such as speakers, LEDs, tactile output devices, and so forth can be additionally or alternatively used.

As can be seen inFIG. 2, the processor apparatus16comprises a processor36and a memory40. The processor36may be, for instance and without limitation, a microprocessor (μP) that is responsive to inputs from the input apparatus8and that provides output signals to the output apparatus12. The processor36interfaces with the memory40.

The memory40can be said to constitute a machine-readable medium and can be any one or more of a variety of types of internal and/or external storage media such as, without limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM(s), EEPROM(s), FLASH, and the like that provide a storage register for data storage such as in the fashion of an internal storage area of a computer, and can be volatile memory or nonvolatile memory. The memory40has stored therein a number of routines44which are executable on the processor36. As employed herein, the expression “a number of” and variations thereof shall refer broadly to any non-zero quantity, including a quantity of one. The routines44can be in any of a variety of forms such as, without limitation, software, firmware, and the like. The memory40also has stored therein a dictionary and other linguistic data sources that are used by a disambiguation routine44to provide responses to ambiguous text inputs.

As can be understood fromFIG. 1, the input apparatus8includes a keypad24and a multiple-axis input device which, in the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, is a track ball32that will be described in greater detail below. The keypad24comprises a plurality of keys28in the exemplary form of a reduced QWERTY keyboard, meaning that at least some of the keys28each have a plurality of characters assigned thereto, with at least some of the characters being Latin letters arranged generally in a QWERTY arrangement. The keys28and the track ball32all serve as input members that are actuatable to provide input to the processor apparatus16. The keypad24and the track ball32are advantageously disposed adjacent one another on a front face of the housing6. This enables a user to operate the track ball32substantially without moving the user's hands away from the keypad24during a text entry operation or other operation.

One of the keys28is an <ESCAPE> key31which, when actuated, provides to the processor apparatus16an input that undoes the action which resulted from the immediately preceding input and/or moves the user to a logically higher position within a logical menu tree managed by a graphical user interface (GUI) routine44. The function provided by the <ESCAPE> key31can be used at any logical location within any portion of the logical menu tree except, perhaps, at a home screen such as is depicted inFIG. 21. The <ESCAPE> key31is advantageously disposed adjacent the track ball32thereby enabling, for example, an unintended or incorrect input from the track ball32to be quickly undone, i.e., reversed, by an actuation of the adjacent <ESCAPE> key31.

Another of the keys28is a <MENU> key33which, when actuated, provides to the processor apparatus16an input that causes the GUI44to generate and output on the display18a menu such as is depicted inFIG. 9. Such a menu is appropriate to the user's current logical location within the logical menu tree, as will be described in greater detail below.

While in the depicted exemplary embodiment the multiple-axis input device is the track ball32, it is noted that multiple-axis input devices other than the track ball32can be employed without departing from the present concept. For instance, other appropriate multiple-axis input devices could include mechanical devices such as joysticks and the like and/or non-mechanical devices such as touch pads, track pads and the like and/or other devices which detect motion or input in other fashions, such as through the use of optical sensors or piezoelectric crystals.

The track ball32is freely rotatable in all directions with respect to the housing6. A rotation of the track ball32a predetermined rotational distance with respect to the housing6provides an input to the processor apparatus16, and such inputs can be employed by the routines44, for example, as navigational inputs, scrolling inputs, selection inputs, and other inputs.

For instance, and as can be seen inFIG. 1, the track ball32is rotatable about a horizontal axis34A to provide vertical scrolling, navigational, selection, or other inputs. Similarly, the track ball32is rotatable about a vertical axis34B to provide horizontal scrolling, navigational, selection, or other inputs. Since the track ball32is freely rotatable with respect to the housing6, the track ball32is additionally rotatable about any other axis (not expressly depicted herein) that lies within the plane of the page ofFIG. 1or that extends out of the plane of the page ofFIG. 1.

The track ball32can be said to be a multiple-axis input device because it provides scrolling, navigational, selection, and other inputs in a plurality of directions or with respect to a plurality of axes, such as providing inputs in both the vertical and the horizontal directions. It is reiterated that the track ball32is merely one of many multiple-axis input devices that could be employed on the handheld electronic device4. As such, mechanical alternatives to the track ball32, such as a joystick, might have a limited rotation with respect to the housing6, and non-mechanical alternatives might be immovable with respect to the housing6, yet all are capable of providing input in a plurality of directions and/or along a plurality of axes.

The track ball32additionally is translatable toward the housing6, i.e., into the plane of the page ofFIG. 1, to provide additional inputs. The track ball32could be translated in such a fashion by, for example, a user applying an actuating force to the track ball32in a direction toward the housing6, such as by pressing on the track ball32. The inputs that are provided to the processor apparatus16as a result of a translation of the track ball32in the indicated fashion can be employed by the routines44, for example, as selection inputs, delimiter inputs, or other inputs.

The handheld electronic device4can be said to be in the form of a body46having a bottom member48and a top member50. That is, the housing6, the input apparatus8, the output apparatus12, the processor apparatus16, and the like can be said to together form the body46and are thus distributed among the bottom and top members48and50in the depicted exemplary embodiment.

The body46is movable between a retracted configuration, such as is depicted generally inFIG. 1, and a deployed configuration, such as is depicted generally inFIG. 3. The bottom and top members48and50are translatable along a direction of travel between the retracted and deployed configurations. The direction of travel is represented by the axis54, and it is noted that the bottom and top members48and50translate with respect to one another in opposite directions along the axis54when moving between the retracted and deployed configurations. In the retracted configuration, the bottom and top members48and50at least partially abut one another at a parting line52. However, when the body46is moved away from the retracted configuration toward the deployed configuration, the edges of the bottom and top members48and50that had abutted one another at the parting line52are moved away from one another to reveal a retracting portion56which, in the present exemplary embodiment, is a part of the top member50.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, the keypad24is disabled in the retracted configuration and is active in the deployed configuration. As can be understood fromFIGS. 4 and 5, each key28comprises an actuator58and an associated collapsible dome60disposed on a printed circuit board62of the body46. Each actuator is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. In the actuated position, the actuator58engages the associated collapsible dome60and collapses it against the printed circuit board62to electrically connect together at least a pair of contacts on the printed circuit board62to complete a circuit. Each dome60, in combination with the contacts of the printed circuit board62that it can electrically connect together, can be said to comprise a switch that is actuated by the actuator58.

In the deployed configuration depicted generally inFIG. 5, the actuators are each aligned with their associated collapsible domes60along a direction of actuation of the keys28such as is represented by the axis64. As such, an actuation of one of the actuators58in the deployed configuration will result in the completion of a circuit that includes the associated collapsible dome60, with the completion of the circuit being detected as an input to the processor36. However, in the retracted configuration the actuators58are offset from their associated collapsible domes60such that an actuating movement of an actuator58will not result in the associated dome60being engaged, being collapsed, or completing a circuit. That is, the actuators58are offset from their associated domes60by not being aligned therewith along the direction of actuation64. In such a situation the actuators58can be said to be offset generally in the direction of travel54, for example. As such, the keys28in the retracted configuration are disabled.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, such disabling in the retracted configuration is accomplished by disposing the actuators58on the bottom member48and by disposing the domes60on the top member50, i.e., on the printed circuit board62. Thus, since at least one of the bottom and top members48and50moves with respect to the other of the bottom and top members48and50in moving the body46between the retracted and deployed configurations, the actuators58and associated domes60are movable between the offset, i.e., disabled, condition and the aligned, i.e., enabled, condition, respectively. A similar result could occur if, for instance, in the retracted configuration a structure resisted actuating movements of the actuators58and/or collapsing movements of the domes60, for example.

Alternatively, the keys28can be disabled through the use of a routine44executed on the processor36. For example, the keys28might alternatively be arranged to at all times have their actuators aligned with their associated domes, but the resulting inputs to the processor36would be ignored, i.e., not acted upon, if the body46is in the retracted configuration. This could be effected through the use of the aforementioned routine44and an input from a sensor apparatus70that provides an indication whether the handheld electronic device4is in the retracted configuration, the deployed configuration, or neither such configuration.

The exemplary sensor apparatus comprises a pair of Hall Effect sensors72and74and a magnet76. The Hall Effect sensors72and74can be disposed, for example, on the printed circuit board62, and the magnet76can be disposed, for example on a portion of the bottom member48. In the retracted configuration, such as inFIG. 4, the Hall Effect sensor72would be aligned with and would detect the magnet76and would therefore provide an input to the processor36which would be interpreted by routine44running on the processor36as being indicative of the body46being in the retracted configuration. In the deployed configuration, the Hall Effect sensor74would be aligned with the magnet76and would provide to the processor36an input indicative of the body46being in the deployed configuration. Such a system could be implemented in the handheld electronic device4in place of the differential positioning of the actuators58and the domes60without departing from the present concept.

An exemplary flowchart depicted inFIG. 6describes such a method. Processing would begin, as at78, where an input is detected by the processor36. Processing would thereafter continue, as at79, where it would be determined whether or not the handheld electronic device4is in a configuration of potential lockout. For instance, if the body46was in a deployed configuration where the keys28are intended to be active, it would be determined at79that the device is not in a configuration of potential lockout and processing would thus continue, as at80, where the input would be processed by the processor36in accordance with the routine44presently active thereon. Processing could thereafter continue, as at78, where further inputs could be detected.

However, if it is determined, as at79, that the device is in a configuration of potential lockout, such as if the sensor apparatus70provided input to the processor36indicative of the body46being in the retracted configuration, processing would continue, as at82, where it would be determined whether or not the source of the input, i.e., the particular key28that was actuated to provide the input, was intended to be locked out in that particular configuration. That is, it may be possible that certain of the keys28are to remain active in the retracted configuration while others are deactivated.

The status of a particular key28could be determined, for example, by ascertaining whether or not the key28is listed in a lockout table stored in the memory40. Such a lockout table might include a listing of all of the keys28whose input is to be ignored in, say, the retracted configuration. If it is determined, as at82, that the particular source of the input, i.e., the particular key28that was actuated, it is not found in the lockout table, this would indicate that the key28is not intended to be disabled in that particular configuration. Processing would thereafter continue, as at80, where the input would be processed in the ordinary fashion by the active routine44. However, if it is determined, as at82, that the actuated key28is found in the lockout table, processing would continue, as at83, where the input would be ignored. Processing would thereafter continue, as at78, where additional inputs could be detected.

It thus can be seen that the handheld electronic device4can be arranged such that the keys28are incapable of generating an input that can be detected by the processor36, such as by providing the selective alignment or offsetting of the actuators58from their associated domes60, as is indicated generally inFIGS. 4 and 5. Alternatively, the keys28could be arranged to provide inputs that are detectable by the processor36but that are ignored by the routine44that is active on the processor36in a fashion such as is depicted by the flowchart ofFIG. 6. While the latter type of arrangement advantageously avoids the need to mechanically disable the keys28, and rather accomplishes its purpose through the use of software, i.e., a routine44that is being executed on the processor36, such an arrangement nevertheless consumes power by detecting inputs and processing such inputs in accordance with the flowchart ofFIG. 6. On the other hand, the mechanical solution presented generally inFIGS. 4 and 5advantageously does not require the consumption of power in such a fashion.

In either situation, the handheld electronic device4can be arranged such that unintended actuations of the keys28or other input members can be rendered ineffective. The keys28are moved between a deactivated condition and an activated condition by moving the body46between the retracted and deployed configurations, respectively. Such a lockout, either mechanical or electronic, is advantageous since the handheld electronic device4is unlikely to be unintentionally moved from its retracted configuration to its deployed configuration in a situation such as when the handheld electronic device4is being carried in a pocket or a purse. As such, the handheld electronic device4has a keypad24that can be disabled, in whole or in part, in a fashion that is unlikely to be unintentionally altered. This is further advantageous since a user need not worry or even contemplate whether the keypad24is active or is disabled. Rather, the user can simply be aware that the body46is, for example, in the retracted configuration ofFIG. 1, and that the keypad24therefore is, for instance, disabled. That is, any portions of the keypad24that are intended to be disabled in the retracted configuration are incapable of being rendered active while the handheld electronic device4remains in the retracted configuration.

It thus can be seen that a number of operational characteristics of the handheld electronic device4differ between the retracted and deployed configurations. For example, certain of the keys28are disabled, i.e., are non-operational, in the retracted configuration but are active, i.e., operational, in the deployed configuration. Similarly, certain routines44may be unavailable in the retracted configuration whereas they would be available in the deployed configuration, such as a text entry routine44that would be of no use in a retracted configuration if a textual keypad is disabled. However, certain other routines44might be available in all configurations of the handheld electronic device4. For example, a routine44that detects the occurrence of an incoming telephone call or other predetermined event and provides a notification to the user may desirably be active at all times on the handheld electronic device4regardless of the retracted or deployed configuration thereof. In this regard, an improved method in accordance with the disclosed and claimed concept enables the handheld electronic device4to respond in one or more predetermined fashions to predetermined events depending upon configuration.

For example, a user might receive an incoming telephone call but would prefer to ignore the telephone call, i.e., not answer the telephone call, and would also wish to end the outputting of the notification of the incoming telephone call that is provided by the handheld electronic device4. The handheld electronic device4is thus advantageously arranged such that when the handheld electronic device4is, for example, in the retracted configuration and an incoming telephone call is received, the incoming telephone call can be ignored and the notification of the incoming call terminated if the user moves the handheld electronic device4from the retracted configuration slightly toward the deployed configuration and returns it to the retracted configuration without reaching the deployed configuration during the intervening period of time. A similar result can be achieved in other fashions without the handheld electronic device4being required to be returned to the original configuration, i.e., the retracted configuration. For instance, the processor36might determine that movement of the body46from the retracted configuration toward the deployed configuration has ceased without reaching the deployed configuration. By way of further example, the processor36might determine that the body46has failed to reach the deployed configuration within a predetermined period of time after the beginning of movement toward the deployed configuration.

FIG. 7depicts an exemplary flowchart that describes certain aspects of this feature. Processing begins, as at84, where the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected. Processing thereafter continues, as at85, where an indication of the event is output, such as audibly or through the use of lights, vibrations, and the like. Processing thereafter continues, as at86, where the processor36detects movement of the body46from one configuration toward another configuration, such as could be generated by the sensor apparatus70.

It is then determined, as at87, whether the body46has reached the other configuration. If so, the predetermined event is processed in a predetermined fashion, such as in the way an incoming telephone call would be processed, i.e., answered, if upon outputting the indication of the incoming call the body46was moved from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration. Processing would thereafter continue, as at84, where further predetermined events could be detected.

On the other hand, if it is determined, as at87, that the other configuration has not been reached, processing would continue, as at89, where it would be determined whether a return of the body46to the initial configuration has been detected. If so, processing would continue, as at91, where the event could be processed in another predetermined fashion, such as in the way an incoming telephone call would be ignored and an audible indication terminated if the user shifted the body46slightly from the retracted configuration toward the deployed configuration and back to the retracted configuration without reaching the deployed configuration in the meantime. Processing would thereafter continue, as at84, where further predetermined events could be detected.

On the other hand, if a return of the body46to the initial configuration was not detected, as at89, processing would continue, as at92, where it would be determined whether movement toward the other configuration has ceased. If so, processing would continue to91where the predetermined event would be processed in the other predetermined fashion. If not, processing would continue, as at94, where it would be determined whether a predetermined period of time has expired since the predetermined event occurred. If so, processing continues, as at91, where the predetermined event can be processed in the other predetermined fashion. If not, however, processing returns, as at87, where the aforementioned decision tree is repeated in a loop-like fashion until the predetermined event is processed in either the one predetermined fashion, as at88, or in the other predetermined fashion, as at91. After the predetermined event has been processed, processing continues, as at84, where other predetermined events can be detected.

It is also noted that a seal68is provided between the bottom and top members48and50to resist the entry of foreign material such as dust, liquids, and moisture. The seal68can be designed to seal the junction between the bottom and top members48and50at all times or could be designed to perform the sealing operation only when, for example, the body46is in the retracted configuration.

An improved handheld electronic device104in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept is depicted generally inFIGS. 8-12. The handheld electronic device104is similar to the handheld electronic device4except has a different body146. The body146includes a bottom member148having a rear panel147that is a component of a housing106of the handheld electronic device and movably extends within a recess149formed in the rear of a top member150. InFIGS. 8-10the handheld electronic device104is in a deployed configuration, and it can be seen inFIG. 10that in the deployed configuration the rear panel147has slid within the recess149to reveal a camera151and a mirror153, although other components could be provided.FIG. 10Adepicts the handheld electronic device104in a retracted configuration wherein the camera151and mirror153are protected behind the rear panel147within an interior of the handheld electronic device104. The camera151, which has a lens that is intended to collect visible light, and the mirror153, which is intended to reflect visible light, are advantageously protected from dirt, damage, and the like when the handheld electronic device104is in the retracted configuration, although they are exposed and ready for use when the handheld electronic device104is in its deployed configuration.

As can be seen inFIG. 8, the handheld electronic device104has a retracting portion156that is a part of the top member150and that is revealed to the atmosphere when the handheld electronic device104is in the deployed configuration. It can be understood fromFIG. 10Athat, as suggested above, the retracting portion156is retracted and disposed within the interior of the handheld electronic device104when in the retracted configuration.

The retracting portion156includes, in the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, a secondary keypad157having a number of secondary keys159. In the exemplary embodiment the secondary keys159can operate the camera151, for instance, and/or perform other functions. That is, the movement of the handheld electronic device104from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration reveals the camera151, the mirror153which can used in conjunction with the camera151, as well as the secondary keys159which operate the camera151. The handheld electronic device104in the deployed configuration thus provides an operational characteristic, i.e., availability of the camera151, in the deployed configuration but does not make the camera151available in the retracted configuration.

The handheld electronic device104additionally includes a card holder161disposed on the top member150and having an opening163disposed at a lateral surface166of the top member150. The card holder161is arranged to receive a card165through the opening163into the interior of the card holder161. The card165can be any of a variety of objects that are receivable in the holder161and that are removable therefrom in certain circumstances. For instance, the card165could be an SD card or other type of card or other device.

More specifically, the card holder161could be a PUSH-PUSH card holder or other holder that can receive and retain the card165or other object therein when the handheld electronic device104is in the deployed configuration, such as is depicted generally inFIGS. 8-10. However, when the handheld electronic device104is in the retracted configuration, such as is depicted generally inFIG. 10A, a lateral housing portion167of the bottom member148extends across the opening163of the card holder161and therefore resists removal of the card165from the holder161. That is, an interior surface169of the lateral housing portion167is disposed adjacent the opening163to resist removal of the card165in the retracted configuration.

The arrangement depicted inFIGS. 8-10Aadvantageously resists removal of the card165or other object received in the holder161when the handheld electronic device104is in the retracted configuration. Therefore, if the handheld electronic device104in the retracted configuration is dropped, such as by falling out of a pocket or a purse, the card165is resisted from being removed from the holder161, and therefore resisted from being unintentionally lost. In the deployed configuration ofFIGS. 8-10, however, the card165can be readily removed from the card holder161or installed therein in an ordinary fashion.

It is anticipated that the handheld electronic device104typically will be moved between the retracted and deployed configurations during ordinary use of the handheld electronic device104. For instance, the handheld electronic device104may be disposed in the retracted configuration when the handheld electronic device104is being transported or when minimal functionality of the handheld electronic device104is needed. The handheld electronic device104can be disposed in the deployed configuration when additional operational characteristics of the handheld electronic device104are required or when, for instance, access to the card165, i.e., such as for installation or removal, is required. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed and claimed concept, however, the handheld electronic device104is additionally capable of an overtravel configuration, such as is depicted generally inFIGS. 11 and 12. In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, the overtravel configuration is a configuration beyond the deployed configuration. That is, in moving from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, the bottom and top members148and150are moved in a certain direction, i.e., generally away from one another. The handheld electronic device is moved from the deployed configuration to the overtravel configuration by continuing to move the bottom and top members148and150in the same direction, i.e., farther away from one another.

As can be seen inFIGS. 11 and 12, in the overtravel configuration the rear panel147has moved sufficiently within the recess149of the top member150to reveal, for example, a battery171and SIM card173to which the user now has access. That is, the battery171and the SIM card173are objects that can be installed and/or removed from the handheld electronic device104in the overtravel configuration but to which the user does not access when the handheld electronic device104is in the deployed or retracted configurations.

In this regard, it is understood that access to the battery171and/or the SIM card173or other objects is typically unnecessary during ordinary use of the handheld electronic device104, but access to such objects can be provided if needed. In this regard, the handheld electronic device104might be arranged such that movement of the handheld electronic device104past the deployed configuration to the overtravel configuration is resisted through the use of detents that require more force to overcome than the force required to move the handheld electronic device between the retracted and deployed configurations. Additionally or alternatively, movement of the handheld electronic device to the overtravel configuration can be protected in other fashions, such as through the use of a password that might be required to be entered on the handheld electronic device104or a special key that might be applied to the handheld electronic device104or other security measure complied with. As such, the handheld electronic device104can be arranged such that the user does not have access to objects such as the battery171and the SIM card173without the assistance of, for example, a system administrator or other individual.

As can be understood fromFIGS. 9-12, the battery171and the SIM card173are retained within the interior of the handheld electronic device104by the rear panel147. Specifically, in the deployed configuration an interior surface175of the rear panel147is disposed adjacent the battery171and/or the SIM card173and/or their sockets or receptacles when empty. In the retracted configuration, the interior surface175overlies the camera151and mirror153to similarly retain these items within the interior of the handheld electronic device104in the retracted configuration.

An improved handheld electronic device204in accordance with a third embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept is depicted inFIGS. 13 and 14and is depicted in part inFIGS. 15-17. The handheld electronic204is similar to the handheld electronic devices4and104except that it has a body246that is differently arranged. The handheld electronic device204is in its retracted configuration inFIG. 13and is in its deployed configuration inFIG. 14. It can be understood fromFIG. 13that the track ball232protrudes at least partially through an aperture233in the housing206or is at least available therethrough when the handheld electronic device204in its retracted configuration. More specifically, the aperture233lies along a parting line252between a lower portion253of the housing206and an upper portion255of the housing206. The lower portion253is a part of a bottom member248of the body246, and the upper portion255is a part of a top member250of the body246. It thus is understood that the track ball232is operable, at least in a minimal fashion, when the handheld electronic device204is in the retracted configuration.

The handheld electronic device204is further different from the handheld electronic devices4and104since the body246includes, in addition to the bottom and top members248and250, a center member251to which the bottom and top members248and250are movably mounted. In moving from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, the bottom and top members248and250are translated away from one another along a common direction of travel. The bottom and top members248and250are disposed farther from one another in the deployed configuration than when in the retracted configuration.

As can be understood fromFIG. 14, in the deployed configuration the track ball232is more fully revealed, and a plurality of secondary keys259are similarly revealed. The track ball232and the secondary keys259are all disposed on the center member251which serves as a retracting portion of the handheld electronic device204.

As can be understood fromFIGS. 14 and 15, the center member comprises a printed circuit board262, a center portion253of the housing206, and a mechanism255that mechanically extends between the bottom and top members248and250to regulate their movement with respect to the center member. As a general matter, it is understood that a significant portion of the heavier components of the handheld electronic device204are mounted to or are otherwise disposed on the printed circuit board262. If the center member251could be considered to remain stationary and the bottom and top members248and250translating away from one another and from the center member251when moving from the retracted configuration toward the deployed configuration, it can be understood that the center of gravity of the handheld electronic device204remains largely unchanged between the retracted and deployed configurations. That is, by arranging the center member251to carry a significant portion of the weight of the handheld electronic device204and by arranging the bottom and top members248and250to each move away from the center member251in opposite directions therefrom, the center of gravity, and thus the weight distribution, of the handheld electronic device204is consistent between the retracted and deployed configurations.

In this regard, a consistent center of gravity between configurations makes the handheld electronic device204relatively easier to use than if the weight distribution of the handheld electronic device varied significantly between configurations. For instance, a keypad224of the handheld electronic device204might be operable in both the retracted and deployed configurations. The handheld electronic device204in the retracted configuration will have a certain feel in the hands of a user. If in the deployed configuration the weight distribution of the handheld electronic device204were to change in a significant fashion, the feel of the keypad224would similarly change and this would cause a distraction for the user. Advantageously, however, by arranging the handheld electronic device204to maintain a substantially unvarying center of gravity between configurations, needless distraction to the user is avoided and the handheld electronic device204has more of a high quality feel in the hands of a user than if its weight distribution were variable between configurations.

The aforementioned mechanism255mechanically connects together the bottom and top members248and250with one another and with the center member251to further retain a consistent center of gravity and to provide an even further improved feel in the hands of a user. In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, the mechanism255comprises a crank257that is rotatably mounted to the printed circuit board262with a pin259. The printed circuit board262thus serves as a base upon which the crank257is movably disposed. The mechanism255additionally includes a first link261and a second link263that are both connected with the crank257with additional pins259. The first link261additionally is connected to the bottom member248with another pin259, and the second link263is further connected with the top member250with still another pin259.

FIG. 16depicts the mechanism255when the handheld electronic device204is in the deployed configuration. The mechanism255is depicted inFIG. 17when the handheld electronic device204is in the retracted configuration. It can be understood that the handheld electronic device204moving between the retracted and deployed configurations causes a pivoting of the crank257with respect to the printed circuit board262which carries the first and second links261and263therewith. In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, therefore, the bottom and top members248and250move, i.e., translate, at the same velocity with respect to the center member251. It is understood that if different rates of travel were desired, the first and second links261and263could be positioned differently on the crank257. For instance, positioning the first and second links261and263at a different radii from the pivot point of the crank257would alter the velocity and/or the distance traveled by the bottom and top members248and250.

It is understood that other types of mechanisms can be employed without departing from the present concept. For instance, a toothed pinion could be rotatably disposed on the printed circuit board262or other type of base of the center member251, and separate racks of teeth could be mounted to each of the bottom and top members248and250, with the racks and the pinion being operatively engaged. Other types of mechanisms will be apparent. It is understood, however, that in the absence of such a mechanism, the bottom and top members248and250could be free to move with respect to the center member251and not be constrained to move in the fashion mentioned above. Such a situation can exist within the disclosed and claimed concept.

For instance, an alternate connector apparatus305is depicted inFIGS. 18-20. The connector apparatus305could be incorporated into the handheld electronic device204or could likewise be incorporated into the handheld electronic devices4and/or104. The connector apparatus305comprises a first connector307, a second connector309, and a third connector311that are connected with one another in a telescoping arrangement. For example, the first connector307might be formed with an open region313that terminates at a pair of stops315. In the fully retracted configuration the second and third connectors309and311can be telescopingly disposed within the open region313.

The second connector309might be formed with a number of protrusions317that are engageable with the stops315when the connector apparatus305is in a first deployed configuration, such as is depicted generally inFIG. 19. Similarly, the second connector309might include its own open region319within which the third connector311can be disposed and can include its own stops321that engage with a number of protrusions323of the third connector311when the connector apparatus305is in a second deployed configuration, such as is depicted generally inFIG. 20.

Depending upon the arrangement of the connector apparatus305, the first, second, and third connectors307,309, and311can move independently of one another among the retracted configuration, the first deployed configuration, and the second deployed configuration. Alternatively, the connector apparatus305might be arranged such that it moves from the retracted configuration to the first deployed configuration before thereafter moving to the second deployed configuration.

The connector apparatus305could be incorporated into the handheld electronic device204, for example, such as by mounting the bottom member248to the first connector307, mounting the top member250to the third connector311, and by mounting the center member251to the second connector309, although other mounting systems will be apparent. Such an arrangement potentially would permit the bottom and top members248and250to move freely with respect to the center member251and with respect to one another as suggested above, or such movement could be constrained in the other fashion mentioned above wherein the first deployed configuration must be reached before the connector apparatus305can move toward the second deployed configuration.

By way of example, it is noted that the connector apparatus305could be incorporated into the handheld electronic device104in order to provide the retracted, deployed, and overtravel configurations. For instance, the handheld electronic device104could be arranged such that its retracted configuration would be the retracted configuration ofFIG. 18and with the deployed configuration of the handheld electronic device104being the first deployed configuration of the connection apparatus305as is depicted inFIG. 19. Furthermore, the overtravel configuration of the handheld electronic device104could be the second deployed configuration of the connector apparatus305, which is depicted generally inFIG. 20.

The handheld electronic devices4,104, and204each provide various features, and it is expressly noted that the various features of the handheld electronic devices4,104, and204can be combined with one another in unlimited combinations within the scope of the disclosed and claimed concept. As such, the specific embodiments describe herein and their specific combinations of features are not intended to be limiting in any fashion.

An exemplary home screen output that can be visually output on the display of any of the handheld electronic devices4,104, and204is depicted inFIG. 21as including a plurality of icons1062that are selectable by the user for the purpose of, for example, initiating the execution on the processor apparatus16of a routine44that is represented by an icon1062. The track ball is rotatable to provide, for example, navigational inputs among the icons1062. It is noted that while some the following discussion may be expressed in terms of the handheld electronic device4for the sake of simplicity, it is understood that the discussion is equally applicable to the handheld electronic device104and204, for example.

FIG. 21depicts the travel of an indicator1066from the icon1062A, as is indicated in broken lines with the indicator1066A, to the icon1062B, as is indicated in broken lines with the indicator1066B, and onward to the icon1062C, as is indicated by the indicator1066C. It is understood that the indicators1066A,1066B, and1066C are not necessarily intended to be simultaneously depicted on the display18, but rather are intended to together depict a series of situations and to indicate movement of the indicator1066among the icons1062. The particular location of the indicator1066at any given time indicates to a user the particular icon1062, for example, that is the subject of a selection focus of the handheld electronic device4. Whenever an icon1062or other selectable object is the subject of the selection focus, a selection input to the processor apparatus16will result in execution or initiation of the routine44or other function that is represented by the icon1062or other selectable object.

The movement of the indicator1066from the icon1062A, as indicated with the indicator1066A, to the icon1062B, as is indicated by the indicator1066B, was accomplished by rotating the track ball32about the vertical axis34B to provide a horizontal navigational input. As mentioned above, a rotation of the track ball32a predetermined rotational distance results in an input to the processor apparatus16. In the present example, the track ball32would have been rotated about the vertical axis34B a rotational distance equal to three times the predetermined rotational distance since the icon62B is disposed three icons1062to the right the icon1062A. Such rotation of the track ball32likely would have been made in a single motion by the user, but this need not necessarily be the case.

Similarly, the movement of the indicator1066from the icon1062B, as indicated by the indicator1066B, to the icon1062C, as is indicated by the indicator1066C, was accomplished by the user rotating the track ball32about the horizontal axis34A to provide a vertical navigational input. In so doing, the track ball32would have been rotated a rotational distance equal to two times the predetermined rotational distance since the icon1062C is disposed two icons1062below the icon1062B. Such rotation of the track ball32likely would have been made in a single motion by the user, but this need not necessarily be the case.

It thus can be seen that the track ball32is rotatable in various directions to provide various navigational and other inputs to the processor apparatus16. Rotational inputs by the track ball32typically are interpreted by whichever routine44is active on the handheld electronic device4as inputs that can be employed by such routine44. For example, the GUI44that is active on the handheld electronic device4inFIG. 21requires vertical and horizontal navigational inputs to move the indicator1066, and thus the selection focus, among the icons1062. If a user rotated the track ball32about an axis oblique to the horizontal axis34A and the vertical axis34B, the GUI44likely would resolve such an oblique rotation of the track ball32into vertical and horizontal components which could then be interpreted by the GUI44as vertical and horizontal navigational movements, respectively. In such a situation, if one of the resolved vertical and horizontal navigational movements is of a greater magnitude than the other, the resolved navigational movement having the greater magnitude would be employed by the GUI44as a navigational input in that direction to move the indicator1066and the selection focus, and the other resolved navigational movement would be ignored by the GUI44, for example.

When the indicator1066is disposed on the icon1062C, as is indicated by the indicator1066C, the selection focus of the handheld electronic device4is on the icon1062C. As such, a translation of the track ball32toward the housing6as described above would provide an input to the processor apparatus16that would be interpreted by the GUI44as a selection input with respect to the icon1062C. In response to such a selection input, the processor apparatus16would, for example, begin to execute a routine44that is represented by the icon1062C. It thus can be understood that the track ball32is rotatable to provide navigational and other inputs in multiple directions, assuming that the routine44that is currently active on the handheld electronic device4can employ such navigational or other inputs in a plurality of directions, and can also be translated to provide a selection input or other input.

As mentioned above,FIG. 22depicts an exemplary menu1035A that would be appropriate if the user's current logical location within the logical menu tree was viewing an email within an email routine44. That is, the menu1035A provides selectable options that would be appropriate for a user given that the user is, for example, viewing an email within an email routine44. In a similar fashion,FIG. 23depicts another exemplary menu1035B that would be depicted if the user's current logical location within the logical menu tree was within a telephone routine44.

Rotational movement inputs from the track ball32could be employed to navigate among, for example, the menus1035A and1035B. For instance, after an actuation of the <MENU> key33and an outputting by the GUI44of a resultant menu, the user could rotate the track ball32to provide scrolling inputs to successively highlight the various selectable options within the menu. Once the desired selectable option is highlighted, i.e., is the subject of the selection focus, the user could translate the track ball32toward the housing6to provide a selection input as to the highlighted selectable option. In this regard, it is noted that the <MENU> key33is advantageously disposed adjacent the track ball32. This enables, for instance, the generation of a menu by an actuation the <MENU> key33, conveniently followed by a rotation the track ball32to highlight a desired selectable option, for instance, followed by a translation of the track ball32toward the housing6to provide a selection input to initiate the operation represented by the highlighted selectable option.

It is further noted that one of the additional inputs that can be provided by a translation of the track ball32is an input that causes the GUI44to output a reduced menu. For instance, a translation of the track ball32toward the housing6could result in the generation and output of a more limited version of a menu than would have been generated if the <MENU> key33had instead been actuated. Such a reduced menu would therefore be appropriate to the user's current logical location within the logical menu tree and would provide those selectable options which the user would have a high likelihood of selecting. Rotational movements of the track ball32could provide scrolling inputs to scroll among the selectable options within the reduced menu1035C, and translation movements of the track ball32could provide selection inputs to initiate whatever function is represented by the selectable option within the reduce menu1035C that is currently highlighted.

By way of example, if instead of actuating the <MENU> key33to generate the menu1035A the user translated the track ball32, the GUI44would generate and output on the display the reduced menu1035C that is depicted generally inFIG. 24. The exemplary reduced menu1035C provides as selectable options a number of the selectable options from the menu1035A that the user would be most likely to select. As such, a user seeking to perform a relatively routine function could, instead of actuating the <MENU> key33to display the full menu1035A, translate the track ball32to generate and output the reduced menu1035C. The user could then conveniently rotate the track ball32to provide scrolling inputs to highlight a desired selectable option, and could then translate the track ball32to provide a selection input which would initiate the function represented by the selectable option in the reduced menu1035C that is currently highlighted.

In the present exemplary embodiment, many of the menus that could be generated as a result of an actuation of the <MENU> key33could instead be generated and output in reduced form as a reduced menu in response to a translation of the track ball32toward the housing6. It is noted, however, that a reduced menu might not be available for each full menu that could be generated from an actuation of the <MENU> key33. Depending upon the user's specific logical location within the logical menu tree, a translation of the track ball32might be interpreted as a selection input rather than an input seeking a reduced menu. For instance, a translation of the track ball32on the home screen depicted inFIG. 1would result in a selection input as to whichever of the icons1062is the subject of the input focus. If the <MENU> key33was actuated on the home screen, the GUI44would output a menu appropriate to the home screen, such as a full menu of all of the functions that are available on the handheld electronic device4, including those that might not be represented by icons1062on the home screen.

FIG. 25depicts a quantity of text that is output on the display18, such as during a text entry operation or during a text editing operation, for example. The indicator1066is depicted inFIG. 25as being initially over the letter “L”, as is indicated with the indicator1066D, and having been moved horizontally to the letter “I”, as is indicated by the indicator1066E, and thereafter vertically moved to the letter “W”, as is indicated by the indicator1066F. In a fashion similar to that inFIG. 21, the cursor1066was moved among the letters “L”, “I”, and “W” through the use of horizontal and vertical navigational inputs resulting from rotations of the track ball32. In the example ofFIG. 25, however, each rotation of the track ball32the predetermined rotational distance would move the indicator1066to the next adjacent letter. As such, in moving the indicator1066between the letters “L” and “I,” the user would have rotated the track ball32about the vertical axis1034B a rotational distance equal to nine times the predetermined rotational distance, for example, since “I” is disposed nine letters to the right of “L”.

FIG. 26depicts an output1064on the display18during, for example, a text entry operation that employs the disambiguation routine44. The output1064can be said to comprise a text component1068and a variant component1072. The variant component1072comprises a default portion1076and a variant portion1080.FIG. 26depicts the indicator1066G on the variant1080“HAV”, such as would result from a rotation of the track ball32about the horizontal axis34A to provide a downward vertical scrolling input. In this regard, it is understood that a rotation of the track ball32a distance equal to the predetermined rotational distance would have moved the indicator1066from a position (not expressly depicted herein) disposed on the default portion1076to the position disposed on the first variant1080, as is depicted inFIG. 26. Since such a rotation of the track ball32resulted in the first variant1080“HAV” being highlighted with the indicator1066G, the text component1068likewise includes the text “HAV”.

FIG. 27depict an alternative output1064A having an alternative variant component1072A having a default portion1076A and a variant portion1080A. The variant component1072A is horizontally arranged, meaning that the default portion1076A and the variants1080A are disposed horizontally adjacent one another and can be sequentially selected by the user through the use of horizontal scrolling inputs, such as by the user rotating the track ball32the predetermined rotational distance about the vertical axis34B. This is to be contrasted with the variant component1072ofFIG. 26wherein the default portion1076and the variants1080are vertically arranged, and which can be sequentially selected by the user through the user of vertical scrolling inputs with the track ball32.

In this regard, it can be understood that the track ball32can provide both the vertical scrolling inputs employed in conjunction with the output1064as well as the horizontal scrolling inputs employed in conjunction with the output1064A. For instance, the disambiguation routine44potentially could allow the user to customize the operation thereof by electing between the vertically arranged variant component1072and the horizontally arranged variant component1072A. The track ball32can provide scrolling inputs in the vertical direction and/or the horizontal direction, as needed, and thus is operable to provide appropriate scrolling inputs regardless of whether the user chooses the variant component1072or the variant component1072A. That is, the track ball32can be rotated about the horizontal axis34A to provide the vertical scrolling inputs employed in conjunction with the variant component1072, and also can be rotated about the vertical axis34B to provide the horizontal scrolling inputs that are employed in conjunction with the variant component1064A. The track ball32thus could provide appropriate navigational, strolling, selection, and other inputs depending upon the needs of the routine44active at any time on the handheld electronic device4. The track ball32enables such navigational, strolling, selection, and other inputs to be intuitively generated by the user through rotations of the track ball32in directions appropriate to the active routine44, such as might be indicated on the display18.

It can further be seen fromFIG. 27that the variant component1072A additionally includes a value1081that is indicative of the language into which the disambiguation routine44will interpret ambiguous text input. In the example depicted inFIG. 27, the language is English.

As can be seen inFIG. 28, the value1081can be selected by the user to cause the displaying of a list1083of alternative values1085. The alternative values1085are indicative of selectable alternative languages into which the disambiguation routine44can interpret ambiguous input. A selection of the value1081would have been achieved, for example, by the user providing horizontal scrolling inputs with the track ball32to cause (not expressly depicted herein) the indicator1066to be disposed over the value1081, and by thereafter translating the track ball32toward the housing6to provide a selection input.

The alternative values1085in the list1083are vertically arranged with respect to one another and with respect to the value1081. As such, a vertical scrolling input with the track ball32can result in a vertical movement of the indicator1066I to a position on one of the alternative values1085which, in the present example, is the alternative value1085“FR”, which is representative of the French language. The alternative value1085“FR” could become selected by the user in any of a variety of fashions, such as by actuating the track ball32again, by continuing to enter text, or in other fashions. It thus can be understood fromFIG. 27andFIG. 28that the track ball32can be rotated to provide horizontal scrolling inputs and, when appropriate, to additionally provide vertical scrolling inputs and, when appropriate, to additionally provide selection inputs, for example.

FIG. 29depicts another exemplary output on the display18such as might be employed by a data entry routine44. The exemplary output ofFIG. 29comprises a plurality of input fields1087with corresponding descriptions. A cursor1084D, when disposed within one of the input fields1087, indicates to the user that an input focus of the handheld electronic device4is on that input field1087. That is, data such as text, numbers, symbols, and the like, will be entered into whichever input field1087is active, i.e., is the subject of the input focus. It is understood that the handheld electronic device4might perform other operations or take other actions depending upon which input field1087is the subject of the input focus.

Navigational inputs from the track ball32advantageously enable the cursor1084D, and thus the input focus, to be switched, i.e., shifted, among the various input fields1087. For example, the input fields1087could include the input fields1087A,1087B, and1087C.FIG. 29depicts the cursor1084D as being disposed in the input field1087C, indicating that the input field1087C is the subject of the input focus of the handheld electronic device4. It is understood that the cursor1084D, and thus the input focus, can be shifted from the input field1087C to the input field1087A, which is disposed adjacent and vertically above the input field1087C, by providing a vertical scrolling input in the upward direction with the track ball32. That is, the track ball32would be rotated the predetermined rotational distance about the horizontal axis34. Similarly, the cursor1084D, and thus the input focus, can be shifted from the input field1087A to the input field1087B, which is disposed adjacent and to the right of the input field1087A, by providing a horizontal scrolling input to the right with the track ball32. That is, such a horizontal scrolling input could be provided by rotating the track ball the predetermined rotational distance about the vertical axis34B. It thus can be seen that the track ball32is rotatable in a plurality of directions about a plurality axes to provide navigational, scrolling, and other inputs in a plurality of directions among a plurality of input fields1087. Other types of inputs and/or inputs in other applications will be apparent.

An improved handheld electronic device2004in accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept is depicted generally inFIG. 30andFIG. 31. The handheld electronic device2004includes a housing2006upon which are disposed an input apparatus2008, an output apparatus2012, and a processor apparatus2016. The processor apparatus2016comprises a processor2036a memory2040having stored therein a number of routines2044. All of the operations that can be performed on or with the handheld electronic device4can be performed on or with the handheld electronic device2004. As such, the features of the handheld electronic device2004that are common with the handheld electronic device4, and this would comprise essentially all of the features of the handheld electronic device4, will generally not be repeated.

As a general matter, the handheld electronic device2004is substantially identical in arrangement and function to the handheld electronic device4, except that the handheld electronic device2004includes a touch screen display2055that provides a non-mechanical multiple-axis input device2032instead of the track ball32. The non-mechanical multiple-axis input device2032can be said to be in the form of a virtual track ball2032.

As is generally understood, the touch screen display2055includes a liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, with each substrate including an electrode. The electrodes form a grid which defines the aperture size of the pixels. When a charge is applied to the electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer become aligned generally perpendicular to the two substrates. A display input/output subassembly2053of the output apparatus2012controls the location of the charge applied to the electrodes thereby enabling the formation of images on the touch screen display2055.

Additionally, the touch screen display2055comprises a sensor assembly2057which comprises an output device2059and a plurality of detectors2061. The detectors2061are shown schematically and are typically too small to be seen by the naked eye. Each detector2061is in electrical communication with the output device2059and creates an output signal when actuated. The detectors2061are disposed in a pattern, discussed below, and are structured to detect an external object immediately adjacent to, or touching, the touch screen display2055. The external object is typically a stylus or a user's finger (not shown). The output device2059and/or the processor2016are structured to receive the detector signals and convert the signals to data representing the location of the external object relative to the touch screen display2055. As such, while the sensor assembly2057is physically a component of the touch screen display2055, it is nevertheless considered to be a logical component of the input apparatus2008since it provides input to the processor apparatus.

The detectors2061are typically capacitive detectors, optical detectors, resistive detectors, or mechanical detectors such as strain gauge or charged grid, although other technologies may be employed without departing from the present concept. Typically, capacitive detectors are structured to detect a change in capacitance caused by the electrical field of the external object or a change in capacitance caused by the compression of the capacitive detector. Optical detectors are structured to detect a reflection of light, e.g., light created by the touch screen display2055. Mechanical detectors include a charged grid with columns that would be disposed on one side of the touch screen display2055and a corresponding grid without columns would be disposed at another location on the touch screen display2055. In such an arrangement, when the touch screen display2055is compressed, i.e. as a result of being touched by the user, the columns at the area of compression contact the opposing grid thereby completing a circuit.

Capacitive detectors may be disposed upon either substrate and, although small, require space. Thus, and any pixel that is disposed adjacent a detector2061will have a reduced size, or aperture, to accommodate the adjacent detector2061.

The detectors2061are disposed in a pattern, and at least some of the detectors2061preferably are arranged in lines that form a grid. A first portion of the detectors2061are disposed on a first area2081of the touch screen display2055, and a second portion of the detectors2061are disposed on a second area2083of the touch screen display2055. As can be seen fromFIG. 30, the first area2081essentially is every region of the touch screen display2005other than the second area2083.

The first portion of the detectors2061disposed on the first area2081of the touch screen display2055are disposed in a relatively sparse pattern in order to minimize the visual interference that is caused by the presence of the detectors2061adjacent the pixels. Preferably, the spacing of the detectors2061on the first area2081is between about 1.0 mm and 10.0 mm between the detectors2061, and more preferably about 3.0 mm between the detectors2061.

The second portion of the detectors2061are disposed in a relatively dense pattern on the second area2083of the touch screen display2055and are structured to support the function of the virtual track ball2032. The image quality in the second area2083of the touch screen display2055is adversely affected due to the dense spacing of the detectors2061there. However, the second area2083is a relatively small area compared to the entire touch screen display2055. Preferably, the density of the detectors2061in the second area2083is between about 0.05 mm and 3.0 mm between the detectors, and more preferably about 0.1 mm between the detectors2061. Further, because the pixels in the second area2083are dedicated for the virtual track ball2032, it is acceptable to have a reduced pixel density with larger pixels. Since the pixel size would be very large, the aspect ratio would be significantly higher than that of pixels that are not disposed adjacent a detector2061. The pixels in the second area2083likely would be special function pixels, such as pixels that would both depict the virtual track ball2032and that would light up the second area2083to highlight the virtual track ball2032.

The processor apparatus is structured to create images and define the boundaries of selectable portions of the images on the touch screen display2055. For example, the processor apparatus will create the images of selectable icons or other objects on specific portions of the touch screen display2055. The processor apparatus is further structured to relate specific detectors2061to the specific portions of the touch screen display2055. Thus, when the processor apparatus detects the actuation of a specific detector2061adjacent to a specific image, e.g. a selectable icon, the processor apparatus will initiate the function or routine related to that icon, e.g. opening a calendar program.

Similarly, the processor apparatus is structured to employ specific detectors2061to support the function of the virtual track ball2032in the second area2083of the touch screen display2055. Thus, actuations of one or more of the detectors2061that support the virtual track ball2032will be interpreted by the processor apparatus as being inputs from the virtual track ball2032. For instance, an actuation of a sequential plurality of detectors2061extending along a particular direction on the touch screen display2055in the second area2083might be interpreted as a navigational input, a scrolling input, a selection input, and/or another input in the particular direction. Since the user can freely move a finger, for instance, in any direction on the touch screen display2055, the virtual track ball2032is a multiple-axis input device. Other inputs, such as a non-moving actuation of one or more detectors2061in the central region of the virtual track ball2032could be interpreted by the processor apparatus as an actuation input of the virtual track ball2032, such as would be generated by an actuation of the track ball32of the handheld electronic device1004in a direction toward the housing1006thereof. It can be understood that other types of actuations of the detectors2061in the second area2083can be interpreted as various other inputs without departing from the disclosed and claimed concept.

The handheld electronic device2004thus comprises a multiple-axis input device2032that is non-mechanical but that still provides the same functional features and advantages as, say, the track ball32of the handheld electronic device4. It is understood that the virtual track ball2032is but one example of the many types of multiple-axis input devices that could be employed on the handheld electronic device2004.