Patent Publication Number: US-8982063-B2

Title: Optical naviagation module having a metallic illumination ring

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/712,612, filed on Feb. 25, 2010. 
    
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a navigation module and more specifically to an illuminated navigation module. 
     BACKGROUND 
     With the advent of more robust mobile electronic systems, advancements of handheld communication devices are becoming more prevalent. Handheld communication devices can provide a variety of functions including, for example, telephonic, electronic messaging and other personal information manager (PIM) application functions. Handheld communication devices include mobile stations such as simple cellular telephones, smart telephones, wireless PDAs, wired PDAs, and reduced-sized laptop computers. Due to the flexibility of handheld communication devices, users are becoming more dependent on handheld communication devices and use these devices beyond working hours and in poor lighting conditions. In addition, some users prefer metallic components or metal-like components on the handheld communication devices. In some cases, users will purchase a handheld communication device with a metallic look instead of a similar device without the metallic look. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view of a handheld communication device having a reduced QWERTY keyboard in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  is a front view of a handheld communication device having a full QWERTY keyboard in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram representing a handheld communication device interacting in a communication network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of a navigation module with a chrome-like ring interposed between a navigation pad and an illumination ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view of a navigation module with a chrome-like ring interposed between a navigation pad and an illumination ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3C  is a top view of a navigation module without a navigation pad and with a chrome-like ring surrounded by an illumination ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top view of a navigation module with an illumination ring interposed between a navigation pad and a chrome-like ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of a navigation module with an illumination ring interposed between a navigation pad and a chrome-like ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4C  is a top view of a navigation module without a navigation pad and with an illumination ring surrounded by a chrome-like ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view of a navigation module with a single chrome-like ring surrounding a navigation pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross sectional view of a navigation module with a single chrome-like ring surrounding a navigation pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 5C  is a top view of a navigation module without a navigation pad and with a single chrome-like ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
     In general, described herein is a navigation module or device. The navigation module can be used as part of a user input or user interface device. The navigation module can further be implemented in a portable electronic device, such as a smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop computers, tablet computer, remote control, game controller, Global Positioning System (GPS) device. The navigation module can also be implemented in an electronic device that is not as readily portable, such as a desktop computer, copy machine, desktop telephone, etc. For simplicity, the navigation module will be described in the context of a portable, handheld communication device. Generally speaking, the navigation module is an input device  221  by which a user can point, select, direct a cursor, scroll, pan, hover a cursor over, drag, drop, aim, gesture, or otherwise supply input by controlling movement or operation of actual or virtual components (such as icons, menus, text, links, dialogs and the like) of the electronic device. 
     The navigation module includes a navigation pad, a metallic or metallic-like ring surrounding the navigation pad, an illumination ring surrounding the navigation pad, and a light source. The metallic or metallic-like ring can be any material that is solid metal, including chrome, stainless steel, brass, gold, aluminum, and the like. The metallic or metallic-like ring can also be made of any material that looks like metal, such as various kinds of plastics, ceramics and rubber. In addition, the metallic or metallic-like ring can include one or more materials that are metals, and one or more materials that look like metals. Since a typical ring can look like it is made of the reflective metal chrome, this ring can be referred to herein for simplicity and convenience as a “chrome-like ring.” A chrome-like ring is “chrome-like” in the sense that has the shiny metallic appearance of chrome, although the chrome-like ring need not include any genuine chrome. The chrome-like ring can be constructed of genuine chrome, or be made from a metal that is plated or otherwise coated with chrome, or can include any other materials, and need not include any genuine chrome at all. The surface can be smooth or textured (e.g., bumped, ridged, brushed), for example, and can have a silver finish, gold finish, bronze finish, other metallic finish or any other finish. 
     The light source is optically coupled to at least the illumination ring. In general, two elements are optically coupled when light from one is directed to the other. Optically coupled elements can be, but need not be, mechanically or electrically connected to one another. The illumination ring can be interposed between the chrome-like ring and the navigation pad. With this apparatus, a portion of the navigation module can be illuminated, which can make it easier for a user to use the navigation module in a poorly illuminated environment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , front views of handheld or electronic communication devices  100  having a reduced QWERTY keyboard and a full QWERTY keyboard  232 , respectively. Each key of the keyboard  232  can be associated with at least one indicia representing an alphabetic character, a numeral, or a command (such as a space command, return command, or the like). The plurality of the keys having alphabetic characters are arranged in a standard keyboard layout. This standard keyboard layout can be a QWERTY layout (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), a QZERTY layout, a QWERTZ layout, an AZERTY layout, a Dvorak layout, a Russian keyboard layout, a Chinese keyboard layout, or other similar layout. These standard layouts are provided by way of example and other similar standard layouts are considered within the scope of this disclosure. The keyboard layout can be based on the geographical region in which the handheld device is intended for sale. In some examples, the keyboard can be interchangeable such that the user can switch between layouts. In other examples, the keyboard is a virtual keyboard provided on a touch screen display (not shown). 
     As shown, the exemplary communication devices  100  are communicatively coupled to a wireless network  219  as exemplified in the block diagram of  FIG. 2 . The communication can be one-way or two-way. These figures are exemplary only, and those persons skilled in the art will appreciate that additional elements and modifications can be necessary to make the communication device  100  work in particular network environments. While in the illustrated embodiments, the communication devices  100  are smart phones, however, in other embodiments, the communication devices  100  can be personal digital assistants (PDA), laptop computers, desktop computers, servers, or other communication device capable of sending and receiving electronic messages. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram of a communication device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. As shown, the communication device  100  includes a microprocessor  238  that controls the operation of the communication device  100 . A communication subsystem  211  performs all communication transmission and reception with the wireless network  219 . The microprocessor  238  further can be communicatively coupled with an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem  228  which can be communicatively coupled to the communication device  100 . Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the microprocessor  238  can be communicatively coupled to a serial port (for example, a Universal Serial Bus port)  230  which can allow for communication with other devices or systems via the serial port  230 . A display  222  can be communicatively coupled to microprocessor  238  to allow for displaying of information to an operator of the communication device  100 . When the communication device  100  is equipped with the keyboard  232 , the keyboard can also be communicatively coupled with the microprocessor  238 . The communication device  100  can include a speaker  234 , a microphone,  236 , random access memory (RAM)  226 , and flash memory  224 , all of which can be communicatively coupled to the microprocessor  238 . Other similar components can be provided on the communication device  100  as well and optionally communicatively coupled to the microprocessor  238 . Other communication subsystems  240  and other communication device subsystems  242  are generally indicated as being functionally connected with the microprocessor  238  as well. An example of a communication subsystem  240  is that of a short range communication system such as BLUETOOTH® communication module or a WI-FI® communication module (a communication module in compliance with IEEE 802.11b) and associated circuits and components. Additionally, the microprocessor  238  is able to perform operating system functions and enables execution of programs on the communication device  100 . In some embodiments not all of the above components can be included in the communication device  100 . For example, in at least one embodiment the keyboard  232  is not provided as a separate component and is instead integrated with a touchscreen as described below. 
     The auxiliary I/O subsystem  228  can take the form of a variety of different navigation tools  127  (multi-directional or single-directional) such as an optical navigation module or tool or device  221  as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and shown in more detail in  FIGS. 3A-C ,  4 A-C, and  5 A-C. In other embodiments, a trackball, thumbwheel, a navigation pad, a joystick, touch-sensitive interface, or other I/O interface can be used. The navigation tool  127  can be located on a front surface  170  of the communication device  100  or can be located on any exterior surface of the communication device  100 . Other auxiliary I/O subsystems can include external display devices and externally connected keyboards (not shown). While the above examples have been provided in relation to the auxiliary I/O subsystem  228 , other subsystems capable of providing input or receiving output from the communication device  100  are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, other keys can be placed along the side of the communication device  100  to function as escape keys, volume control keys, scrolling keys, power switches, or user programmable keys, and can likewise be programmed accordingly. 
     As can be appreciated from  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the communication device  100  comprises the lighted display  222  located above the keyboard  232  constituting a user input and suitable for accommodating textual input to the communication device  100 . The front face  170  of the communication device  100  has a navigation row  70 . As shown, the communication device  100  is of unibody construction, also known as a “candy-bar” design. In alternate embodiments, the communication device  100  can be a “clamshell” or a “slider” or other non-unitary-body design. 
     As described above, the communication device  100  can include the auxiliary input  228  that acts as a cursor navigation tool  127  and which can be also exteriorly located upon the front face  170  of the communication device  100 . Its front face location allows the tool to be easily actuated by a thumb or a finger, like the keys of the keyboard  232 . An embodiment provides the navigation tool  127  in the form of a navigation module  221  having an optical sensor or laser sensor, a capacitive sensor, or both, which can be utilized to instruct two-dimensional or three-dimensional screen cursor movement in substantially any direction, as well as act as an actuator when the optical navigation module  221  is depressed like a button. The placement of the navigation tool  127  can be above the keyboard  232  and below the display screen  222 ; here, it can avoid interference during keyboarding and does not block the operator&#39;s view of the display screen  222  during use, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the communication device  100  can be configured or capable of sending and receiving messages. In one or more embodiments, the communication device  100  can only send messages or can only receive messages. In one or more embodiments, the communication device  100  can send and receive messages. The communication device  100  includes a body  171  which can, in some embodiments, be configured to be held in one hand by an operator of the communication device  100  during text entry. The display  222  is included which is located on the front face  170  of the body  171  and upon which information is displayed to the operator during text entry. The communication device  100  can also be configured to send and receive voice communications such as mobile telephone calls. The communication device  100  can also include a camera (not shown) to allow the user to take electronic photographs which can be referred to as photos or pictures. 
     Furthermore, the communication device  100  is equipped with components to enable operation of various programs, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In an exemplary embodiment, the flash memory  224  is enabled to provide a storage location for the operating system  257 , device programs  258 , and data. The operating system  257  is generally configured to manage other programs  258  that are also stored in memory  224  and executable on the microprocessor  238 . The operating system  257  honors requests for services made by programs  258  through predefined program  258  interfaces. More specifically, the operating system  257  typically determines the order in which multiple programs  258  are executed on the microprocessor  238  and the execution time allotted for each program  258 , manages the sharing of memory  224  among multiple programs  258 , handles input and output to and from other device subsystems  242 , and so on. In addition, operators can typically interact directly with the operating system  257  through a user interface usually including the keyboard  232  and display screen  222 . While in an exemplary embodiment the operating system  257  is stored in flash memory  224 , the operating system  257  in other embodiments is stored in read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the operating system  257 , device program  258  or parts thereof can be loaded in RAM  226  or other volatile memory. 
     When the communication device  100  is enabled for two-way communication within the wireless communication network  219 , it can send and receive signals from a mobile communication service. Examples of communication systems enabled for two-way communication include, but are not limited to, the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, the Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service (UMTS) network, the Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) network, the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service Time Division Duplexing (UMTS-TDD), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) networks, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and other networks that can be used for data and voice, or just data or voice. For the systems listed above, the communication device  100  can require a unique identifier to enable the communication device  100  to transmit and receive signals from the communication network  219 . Other systems cannot require such identifying information. GPRS, UMTS, and EDGE use a smart card such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in order to allow communication with the communication network  219 . Likewise, most CDMA systems use a Removable Identity Module (RUIM) in order to communicate with the CDMA network. A smart card can be used in multiple different communication devices  100 . The communication device  100  can be able to operate some features without a smart card, but it will not be able to communicate with the network  219 . A smart card interface  244  located within the communication device  100  allows for removal or insertion of a smart card (not shown). The smart card features memory and holds key configurations  251 , and other information  253  such as identification and subscriber related information. With a properly enabled communication device  100 , two-way communication between the communication device  100  and communication network  219  is possible. 
     If the communication device  100  is enabled as described above or the communication network  219  does not require such enablement, the two-way communication enabled communication device  100  is able to both transmit and receive information from the communication network  219 . The transfer of communication can be from the communication device  100  or to the communication device  100 . In order to communicate with the communication network  219 , the communication device  100  in the presently described exemplary embodiment is equipped with an integral or internal antenna  218  for transmitting signals to the communication network  219 . Likewise the communication device  100  in the presently described exemplary embodiment is equipped with another antenna  216  for receiving communication from the communication network  219 . These antennae ( 216 ,  218 ) in another exemplary embodiment are combined into a single antenna (not shown). As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the antenna or antennae ( 216 ,  218 ) in another embodiment are externally mounted on the communication device  100 . 
     When equipped for two-way communication, the communication device  100  features the communication subsystem  211 . As is understood in the art, this communication subsystem  211  is modified so that it can support the operational needs of the communication device  100 . The subsystem  211  includes a transmitter  214  and receiver  212  including the associated antenna or antennae ( 216 ,  218 ) as described above, local oscillators (LOs)  213 , and a processing module  220 , which in the presently described exemplary embodiment is a digital signal processor (DSP)  220 . 
     It is contemplated that communication by the communication device  100  with the wireless network  219  can be any type of communication that both the wireless network  219  and communication device  100  are enabled to transmit, receive and process. In general, these can be classified as voice and data. Voice communication generally refers to communication in which signals for audible sounds are transmitted by the communication device  100  through the communication network  219 . Data generally refers to all other types of communication that the communication device  100  is capable of performing within the constraints of the wireless network  219 . 
     The keyboard  232  can include a plurality of keys that can be of a physical nature such as actuable buttons, or they can be of a software nature, typically constituted by virtual representations of physical keys on the display screen  222  (referred to herein as “virtual keys”). It is also contemplated that the user input can be provided as a combination of the two types of keys. Each key of the plurality of keys has at least one actuable action which can be the input of a character, a command or a function. In this context, “characters” are contemplated to exemplarily include alphabetic letters, language symbols, numbers, punctuation, insignias, icons, pictures, and even a blank space. 
     In the case of virtual keys, the indicia for the respective keys are shown on the display screen  222 , which in one embodiment is enabled by touching the display screen  222 , for example, with a stylus, finger, or other pointer, to generate the character or activate the indicated command or function. Some examples of display screens  222  capable of detecting a touch include resistive, capacitive, projected capacitive, infrared and surface acoustic wave (SAW) touchscreens. 
     Physical and virtual keys can be combined in many different ways as appreciated by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, physical and virtual keys are combined such that the plurality of enabled keys for a particular program or feature of the communication device  100  is shown on the display screen  222  in the same configuration as the physical keys. Using this configuration, the operator can select the appropriate physical key corresponding to what is shown on the display screen  222 . Thus, the desired character, command or function is obtained by depressing the physical key corresponding to the character, command or function displayed at a corresponding position on the display screen  222 , rather than touching the display screen  222 . 
     While the above description generally describes the systems and components associated with a handheld communication device, the communication device  100  could be another communication device such as a PDA, a laptop computer, desktop computer, a server, or other communication device. In those embodiments, different components of the above system might be omitted in order to provide the desired communication device  100 . Additionally, other components not described above can be required to allow the communication device  100  to function in a desired fashion. The above description provides only general components and additional components can be required to enable the system to function. These systems and components would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A ,  4 A, and  5 A, top views of the navigation module  221  in accordance with exemplary embodiments are illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the navigation module  221  can have a ring  304  interposed between an illumination ring  302  and a navigation pad  306 . As previously discussed, ring  304  can be referred to as a “chrome-like” ring  304 , in that it can have various cosmetic qualities (such as a reflective or shiny surface, or the simulation of a shiny surface) associated with chrome. Ring  304  can also have one or more physical qualities associated with chrome (such as resistance to corrosion, hardness, robustness, rigidity or resistance to denting) that can be associated with chrome. Ring  304  can also have one or more qualities that are not ordinarily associated with chrome, such as being made of a non-conductive material or materials (construction from such materials can assist in reducing electric static discharge (ESD)). One potential advantage of the ring  304  being chrome-like is that it can be distinct in appearance from proximate structures, and its cosmetic qualities can be enhanced by illumination. Further, chrome-like ring  304  can have, but need not have, a unitary structure. In other words, in some embodiments, ring  304  can be an actual one-piece ring, and in other embodiments, ring  304  can be composed of one or more separate structures or segments, which can give the appearance of being ring-like. 
     The illumination ring  302  surrounds the chrome-like ring  304  which surrounds the navigation pad  306 . In general, the navigation pad  306  represents the surface with which the user interacts (e.g., by pointing, pressing, tapping or sliding) to perform navigation. As will be discussed below, one or more sensors can detect this interaction. As shown in  FIG. 4A , the navigation module  221  can have an illumination ring  302  interposed between a chrome-like ring  304  and the navigation pad  306 . The chrome-like ring  304  surrounds the illumination ring  302  which surrounds the navigation pad  306 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the optical navigation module  221  can have a chrome-like ring  304  which surrounds the navigation pad  306 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  4 A, and  5 A, the illumination ring  302 , chrome-like ring  304 , and navigation pad  306  can be substantially square with rounded corners. In one or more other embodiments, the illumination ring  302 , chrome-like ring  304  or both rings  302 ,  304  can be different shapes (e.g. rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, elliptical, etc). 
     The illumination ring  302  can be made of a translucent material or materials (such as, but not limited to plastic) which can allow light to pass through the illumination ring  302 . The chrome-like ring  304  can be made using an opaque material or materials which can reduce or prevent light from passing through or the ring  304  can be made using a translucent material or materials which can allow light to pass through. The illumination ring  302  can be made of a non-conductive material or materials that can assist in reducing ESD. 
     The illumination ring  302 , chrome-like ring  304 , or both rings  302 ,  304  can be made of non-conductive vacuum metallization (NCVM). In at least one embodiment, other methods or materials can be used to create the illumination ring  302 , chrome-like ring  304 , or both rings  302 ,  304 . NCVM can assist in reducing ESD. NCVM is manufactured by at least Dynatec Corporation of Richmond Hill, Ontario. NCVM can provide a metal film or thin metal film over a resin surface. The metal film can provide a metal-like look (e.g., texture, finish or both). The metal-like look can provide a chrome-like look. A handheld communication device  100  having a metal-like look is desirable by some users. The thin metal film can be coated with an ultra violet (UV) coating to provide a surface hardness and adhesion comparable to plating. 
     The NCVM can be done using two different processes: general disposition and discontinuous deposition. Using the general deposition process, metal can be splattered onto the resin surface using vaporized metal (such as, but not limited to, tin) rods to provide metal deposits which can allow light to pass through small gaps in the metal deposits. The discontinuous deposition process provides a thicker, more consistent metal layer which can reduce or prevent light from passing through the metal deposits. The discontinuous deposition process can prevent radio inference and does not require any measures against electrostatic. Using NCVM for the illumination ring  302 , chrome-like ring  304 , or both rings  302 ,  304 , can allow light to pass through one or both rings  302 ,  304 . Thus, the chrome-like ring  304  can reduce or prevent light from passing through in one or more embodiments or can allow light to pass through in one or more embodiments. For embodiments in which the chrome-like ring  304  allows light to pass through, the light can pass through the chrome-like ring  304  from the bottom out, e.g., when the chrome-like ring  304  is backlit. Allowing light to pass through one or both rings  302 ,  304  can provide illumination to the navigation pad  306  which can assist a user using the handheld electronic device  100  in poor lighting conditions. 
     In at least one embodiment, the illumination ring  302  and chrome-like ring  304  can be one ring, e.g., a chrome-like ring  304  that can be illuminated, with approximately the same amount of metal deposition throughout (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5A ) or with different amounts of metal deposition (as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 4A ) with one of the rings, e.g., the illumination ring  302 , having one amount of metal deposition and the other ring, e.g., the chrome-like ring  304 , having a different amount of metal deposition. In other embodiments, the illumination ring  302  and chrome-like ring  304  can be made using non-NCVM materials. For example, the illumination ring  302  can be made using a translucent material and the chrome-like ring  304  can be made using an opaque material. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3B ,  4 B, and  5 B, cross sectional views of the navigation module  221  in accordance with exemplary embodiments are shown. Specifically,  FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view of the navigation module  221  with the chrome-like ring  304  interposed between the illumination ring  302  and the navigation pad  306 .  FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the optical navigation module  221  with the illumination ring  302  interposed between the chrome-like ring  304  and the navigation pad  306 .  FIG. 5B  is a cross section view of yet another embodiment of the optical navigation module  221  with the chrome-like ring  304  surrounding the navigation pad  306 . As shown in  FIGS. 3B ,  4 B, and  5 B, the optical navigation module  221  can include the navigation pad  306  having a top (or first) surface  308  and a bottom (or second) surface  310 . 
     The navigation module  221  can include an optical or laser sensor  312 , a capacitive sensor  314 , or both. The optical or laser sensor  312  and capacitive sensor  314  can be positioned below the bottom surface  310  of the navigation pad  306  (such that the sensors  312 ,  314  can be concealed from a user by the navigation pad  306 ). The optical or laser sensor  312  can be configured to detect movement of an object in the X axis, Y axis or both when the object is in contact with the top surface  308  of the navigation pad  306 . In other words, if the top surface  308  of the navigation pad  306  is substantially in the X-Y plane (with the Z axis being orthogonal to the X-Y plane), one or more sensors  312  can detect the position and/or change in position along the X axis and/or Y axis (that is, in the X and/or Y directions) of an object such as a finger, thumb, stylus or any other object physically touching or applying pressure against the navigation pad  306 . A lens (or aperture)  316  can be proximate to or physically coupled to the optical or laser sensor  312 . The lens  316 —which in some embodiments can be affect light optically such as by refraction, focusing, or magnification—can improve the field of view of the optical sensor or laser sensor  312 . The lens  316  can be matched to the navigation pad  306  to improve the field of view for the optical or laser sensor  312  to include the entire top surface  308  of the navigation pad  306 , e.g., to detect an object (not shown) in contact with a part of the top surface  308  of the navigation pad  306 . In one or more embodiments, the lens  316  can be an aperture lid. The aperture lid can be non-reflective and can block ambient light. The aperture lid can be made of black polycarbonate plastic or any other material capable of blocking ambient light. In other embodiments, other optical or laser sensors  312  and lenses  316  can be used.  FIGS. 3C ,  4 C, and  5 C show top views of the optical navigation module  221 , without the navigation pad  306 , in order to show relative positioning of the optical or laser sensor  312  and capacitive sensor  314  in these exemplary embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the optical or laser sensor  312  and capacitive sensor  314  can be positioned differently. 
     The capacitive sensor  314  can be configured to detect movement of an object (not shown) above the top surface  308  of the navigation pad  306  in the Z axis when the object is within a given or set range of the top surface  308  (which can be, but in some circumstances need not be, in contact with top surface  308 ) of the navigation pad  306 . The capacitive sensor  314  can use a magnetic field to detect an object above the top surface  308  of the navigation pad  306 . In at least one embodiment, the capacitive sensor  314  can be a single electrode connected to a capacitive sensor. The given or set range is dependent on the capacitive sensor. In one exemplary embodiment, the range is less than five millimeters (5 mm) in the Z axis (that is, the object detected is in the range of about 5 mm or less above the top surface  308 ). In at least one embodiment, the capacitive sensor can detect movement in the X axis and Y axis. The optical or laser sensor  312  and capacitive sensor  314  can be communicatively coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB)  318 . In at least one embodiment, the PCB  318  is part of the navigation tool  127 . The PCB  318  can be sized to fit within the navigation tool  127 . The PCB  318  can be communicatively coupled to the microprocessor  238 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the optical sensor  312  can be an ADNS-5700 optical sensor and a lens  316  can be an ADNS-5100 round lens, ADNS-5100-001 trim lens, or the ADNS-5100-002 truncated round lens by Avago Technology of San Jose, Calif. In at least one embodiment, the laser sensor  312  can be a CYONSFN2051-LBXC laser sensor by Cypress Semiconductor Corporation of San Jose, Calif. In at least one embodiment, the capacitive sensor  314  can be a single electrode connected to a capacitive sensor. In at least one embodiment, the capacitive sensor  314  can be an AD7147 IC by Analog Devices of Norwood, Mass. In other embodiments, other optical sensors  312 , laser sensors  312 , or other capacitive sensors  314  can be used. Each sensor  312 ,  314  can include a microprocessor (not shown), e.g., a microprocessor associated with the optical or laser sensor  312 , or capacitive sensor  314 . The microprocessor associated with the optical or laser sensor  312  or capacitive sensor  314  can be communicatively coupled to or on the PCB  318 . 
     To illuminate the illumination ring  302 , chrome-like ring  304 , or both rings  302 ,  304 , one or more rings  302 ,  304  can be optically coupled to at least one light source  322 . The light source  322  can be a light emitting diode (LED), including but not limited to a white LED, a colored LED, a multi-colored LED, or any other suitable lighting source that can produce light. When the light source  322  is lit, the light can travel through the illumination ring  302  to provide illumination to the navigation pad  306 . If the chrome-like ring  304  is translucent, the light can travel through the chrome-like ring  304  to assist in illuminating the navigation pad  306 . In at least one embodiment, one or more light pipes  320  can be optically coupled to the at least one light source  322  and to the illumination ring  302 , chrome-like ring  304 , or both rings  302 ,  304 . In some embodiments, the light pipes  320  guide light originating from the light source  322  to at least a portion of the navigation pad  306  to illuminate the portion of the navigation pad. In at least one embodiment, the one or more light pipes  320  can be part of the illumination ring  302  or chrome-like ring  304  (not shown). As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 4B , at least two light pipes  320  can be optically coupled to a corresponding light source  322  at one end of the light pipe  320  and to the illumination ring  302  at the other end of the light pipe  320 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , at least two light pipes  320  can be optically coupled to a corresponding light source  322  at one end and to the chrome-like ring  304  at the other end of the light pipe  320 . 
     Each light source  322  can be communicatively coupled to the microprocessor  238 , to the microprocessor associated with the one or more sensors  312 ,  314 , or to both. The microprocessor  238 , the microprocessor associated with the one or more sensors  312 ,  314 , or both can control the one or more light sources  322 . The handheld communication device  100  can include a light sensor (not shown) coupled to the microprocessor  238  to determine when to activate (e.g., turn on) the one or more lighting sources  322 . For example, if the light sensor determines that there is a low light level (e.g., the light level is below a predetermined value), the microprocessor  238 , the microprocessor associated with the one or more sensors  312 ,  314 , or both, can activate the one or more light sources  322  to provide illumination. The microprocessor  238 , the microprocessor associated with the one or more sensors  312 ,  314 , or both, can be coupled with an illumination feature for the keyboard  232 , which can illuminate when the one or more light sources  322  illuminate the navigation tool  221 . 
     The optical or laser sensor  312 , the capacitor sensor  314 , or both can cause the handheld electronic device  100  to exit from a sleep mode. Sleep mode can be a low power mode in which the display  222  dims and non-essential functions are inactivated. For example, if the device is in sleep mode, if the user places his finger on or near the navigation tool  221 , the optical or laser sensor  312 , the capacitor sensor  314 , or both, can detect the finger of the user and can cause the handheld electronic device  100  to exit the sleep mode and become fully operational. When the finger of the user moves away from the navigational tool  221 , e.g., out of the range of the optical or laser sensor  312 , the capacitor sensor  314 , or both, the handheld electronic device  100  can return to the sleep mode or wait a predetermined period of time and then return to the sleep mode if the finger of the user is not detected. 
     In one or more embodiments, a navigation module  221  for a handheld electronic device  100  can include a navigation pad  306  surrounded by an illumination ring  302  and a chrome-like ring  304 . The illumination ring  302  can be interposed between the navigation pad  306  and the chrome-like ring  304  or the chrome-like ring  304  can be interposed between the navigation pad  306  and the illumination ring  302 . The illumination ring  302 , which surrounds the navigation pad  306 , can illuminate thus providing guidance to the location of the navigation pad  306 . The illumination ring  302  can also provide sufficient light to allow a user to see the navigation pad  306 . The illumination ring  302  and chrome-like ring  304  can be one ring or two rings. In one embodiment, the illumination ring  302  and chrome-like ring  304  can be one ring with an illumination part and a chrome-like part. The chrome-like ring  304  can also provide illumination when the chrome-like ring  304  is made of a translucent material (or includes openings or translucent or transparent portions to enable passage of light) and is coupled to a light source  322 . Thus, the chrome-like ring  304  can have a chrome appearance when it is not illuminated, e.g., when light is not needed, and can provide illumination when light is need. The chrome-like ring  304  can provide a chrome look. In one or more embodiments, the chrome-like ring  304  can have another metal looking finish. The chrome-like ring  304  can provide a chrome-like finish which can cause a person to buy the handheld communication device  100  over another handheld communication device  100  which does not have the chrome like finish due to the chrome-like finish. 
     In some example embodiments, the illumination ring  302  may not entirely surround the navigation pad  306 . The illumination ring  302  can surround only a portion of the navigation pad  306  (e.g., resembling a “C” rather than an “O,” or resembling one or more segments arrayed around the periphery of the navigation pad; in general, illumination ring  302  can “surround” at least a portion of the navigation pad  306  if one or more segments are arrayed around more than fifty percent of the perimeter of the navigation pad  306 ). Similarly, in some example embodiments, the chrome-like ring  304  may not entirely surround the navigation pad  306 . The chrome-like ring  304  can surround only a portion of the navigation pad  306 . 
     Implementation of one or more embodiments can realize one or more advantages, some of which have been mentioned already. Some embodiments are versatile and can be implemented in a variety of devices, in a variety of sizes, in a variety of shapes, and in a in a variety of configurations. That various embodiments can be compact and can be beneficial for handheld portable electronic devices, in which considerations of size and weight may take on importance. Various embodiments can supply aesthetic qualities, such as by adding distinctiveness and attractiveness to a device, along with functional qualities, such as by adding good visibility and visual feedback for use under some conditions of ambient lighting. In a dimly lit environment, for example the illumination can aid a user in finding and activating the navigation device. Some embodiments, by having distinctive hardness or texture or finish, for example, can also aid a user by offering tactile feedback. 
     Further, some embodiments can support deployment of more than one navigation modules. Each module can receive illumination from its own light source, or multiple modules can receive illumination from a single light source (e.g., via branching light pipes). In addition, the concepts described herein can be applied to some types of navigation modules that use sensors other than or in addition to those specifically mentioned herein, especially in embodiments in which it illumination and a reflective structure can be useful in a poorly illuminated environment. 
     Exemplary embodiments have been described hereinabove regarding the implementation of an illumination feature for a navigation tool for handheld communication devices. As indicated above, although the exemplary embodiments have been described as having a chrome-like ring  304 , other metal and metal-like rings (such as plastic rings that may or may not resemble metal rings) can be used. For example, a silver-like ring or gold-like ring can be used to provide a metal-like look, e.g., texture, finish or both. Many of these embodiments offer a gleam in the presence of illumination, which can aid in the navigation module being more easily perceived in a poorly lit environment. Various modifications to and departures from the disclosed embodiments will occur to those having skill in the art. The subject matter that is intended to be within the spirit of this disclosure is set forth in the following claims.