WO2000059181A1

WO2000059181A1 - Non-keypad dialing interfaces for handheld radiotelephones

Info

Publication number: WO2000059181A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/002994
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerald Clinton Davis
Original assignee: Ericsson, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-03-30
Filing date: 2000-02-04
Publication date: 2000-10-05
Also published as: CN1149814C; DE10084394T1; CN1345509A; AU3356800A; JP2002540730A

Abstract

Radiotelephone dialing interfaces are provided wherein rotary dials and/or various switches are utilized to display and select alphanumeric characters within a radiotelephone display screen without the need for conventional keypads.

Description

NON-KEYPAD DIALING INTERFACES FOR HANDHELD RADIOTELEPHONES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to radiotelephones and, more particularly, to dialing interfaces for radiotelephones.

Background of the Invention

Telecommunications devices, such as radiotelephones, have become increasingly popular for both personal and commercial use. However, with their increase in popularity, radiotelephones have also been undergoing miniaturization to facilitate storage and portability. Indeed, some contemporary radiotelephone models are only 11-12 centimeters in length.

Unfortunately, as radiotelephones become smaller, less area may be available for keypads that users utilize to operate radiotelephones. Accordingly, keypads have also become smaller, thereby causing the size and spacing of keys within keypads to decrease.

However, for ergonomic reasons, there is a limit below which it may be undesirable to decrease the size and spacing of keys within a keypad. As a result, further miniaturization of radiotelephones may be constrained because of keypad ergonomic concerns . To accommodate radiotelephone miniaturization, it may become necessary to eliminate certain radiotelephone functions because of lack of space for keys to perform the functions. Alternatively, it may be necessary to require certain keys to perform more than one function. Unfortunately, multi-function keys may be somewhat difficult and confusing to users.

Summary of the Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide ergonomic, easy-to-use dialing interfaces for small, handheld radiotelephones. It is another object of the present invention to facilitate radiotelephone miniaturization efforts by providing dialing interfaces for radiotelephones that need not compromise conventional keypad functionality.

These and other objects of the present invention are provided by various non-keypad dialing interfaces for entering alphanumeric characters within a display screen of a radiotelephone. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dialing interface includes a rotary dial that is configured to be rotated about an axis into a plurality of radial positions. A respective alphanumeric character is displayed within a display screen when the rotary dial is moved to each of the respective plurality of radial positions .

In operation, rotary dials according to this aspect of the present invention are used to vary the value of alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen. Once a desired value is displayed on the display screen, a character selection key can be activated by a user to enter the value of the displayed alphanumeric character and to proceed to the next alphanumeric character to the right of the preceding one . Rotary dials according to the present invention can be located on a front portion of a radiotelephone housing. Alternatively, rotary dials according to the present invention can be located on a side portion of a radiotelephone housing. A character selection key can also be located on a side portion of the radiotelephone to facilitate one-handed dialing operations by a user.

According to one embodiment , a rotary dial includes a finger detent that facilitates rotation thereof via movement of a user's finger. An alphanumeric character selection key that is configured to select the alphanumeric character displayed within a display screen is located within the finger detent. Accordingly, a user can rotate the rotary dial to display alphanumeric characters and select displayed alphanumeric characters with the same finger.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a dialing interface for a radiotelephone may include a multi-directional rocker switch that is configured to be manually activated in a plurality of directions. An alphanumeric character can be displayed within a display screen when the multidirectional rocker switch is activated in each of the respective plurality of directions. Various function keys or switches may be provided that, when activated simultaneously with the multi -directional rocker switch, allow additional alphanumeric characters to be displayed within a display screen.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a dialing interface for a radiotelephone may include a pressure-sensitive key that is configured to display and select various alphanumeric characters within a radiotelephone display screen. By increasing applied pressure on the pressure- sensitive key, a user can cause the value of displayed alphanumeric characters to increase. Similarly, by reducing applied pressure on the pressure-sensitive key, a user can cause the value of displayed alphanumeric characters to decrease .

Radiotelephone dialing interfaces according to the various embodiments of the present invention generally require less space than conventional radiotelephone keypads. Accordingly, radiotelephone miniaturization efforts can be accommodated by the various dialing interfaces of the present invention without sacrificing conventional keypad functionality.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a conventional arrangement of electronic components for enabling a radiotelephone to transmit and receive telecommunications signals. Fig. 2A illustrates a radiotelephone having a dialing interface according to a first embodiment of the present invention wherein a rotary dial for selecting alphanumeric characters is positioned on a front portion of a radiotelephone housing.

Fig. 2B is a side elevation view of the rotary dial illustrated in Fig. 2A taken along lines 2B-2B.

Fig. 3 illustrates a radiotelephone having a dialing interface according to a second embodiment of the present invention wherein a rotary dial for selecting alphanumeric characters is positioned on a side portion of a radiotelephone housing.

Fig. 4 illustrates a radiotelephone having a dialing interface according to a third embodiment of the present invention wherein a multi -directional rocker switch for selecting alphanumeric characters is positioned on a front portion of a radiotelephone housing. Fig. 5 illustrates a radiotelephone having a dialing interface according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention wherein two multi-directional rocker switches for selecting alphanumeric characters are positioned on a front portion of a radiotelephone housing.

Fig. 6 illustrates a radiotelephone having a dialing interface according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention wherein a multi-directional rocker switch for selecting alphanumeric characters is positioned on a side portion of a radiotelephone housing. Fig. 7 illustrates a radiotelephone having a dialing interface according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention wherein a multi-directional rocker switch for selecting alphanumeric characters is positioned on a front portion of a radiotelephone housing.

Fig. 8 illustrates a radiotelephone having a dialing interface according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention wherein a switch for selecting alphanumeric characters is positioned on a front portion of a radiotelephone housing.

Fig. 9 illustrates a radiotelephone having a dialing interface according to a eighth embodiment of the present invention wherein a pressure-sensitive switch for selecting alphanumeric characters is positioned on a front portion of a radiotelephone housing.

Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. A conventional arrangement of electronic components that enable a radiotelephone to transmit and receive telecommunications signals is shown schematically in Fig. 1, and is understood by those skilled in the art of radiotelephone communications. An antenna 10 for receiving and transmitting wireless telecommunications signals is electrically connected to a radio-frequency transceiver 11 that is further electrically connected to a controller 12, such as a microprocessor. The controller 12 is electrically connected to a speaker 13 that transmits a remote signal from the controller 12 to a user of a radiotelephone. The controller 12 is also electrically connected to a microphone 14 that receives a voice signal from a user and transmits the voice signal through the controller 12 and transceiver 11 to a remote device. The controller 12 is electrically connected to a keypad 15 and display 16 that facilitate radiotelephone operation. Referring now to Fig. 2A, a radiotelephone 20 having a dialing interface 21 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The radiotelephone 20 includes a housing 22 that is configured to enclose a transceiver (not shown) that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals. A display screen 16 is located on a front portion 22a of the housing 22 and is configured to display a sequence of user-selected alphanumeric characters that represents a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver (or another command to be executed by the radiotelephone 20) . A rotary dial 24 is located on the housing front portion 22a and is configured to be rotated about an axis into a plurality of radial positions. Preferably, the rotary dial 24 can be rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise directions as indicated by arrows 25a and 25b, respectively. A respective, alphanumeric character 26 is displayed within the display screen 16 when the rotary dial 24 is moved to each of the respective plurality of radial positions. The rotary dial 24 may be configured to make multiple revolutions in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary dial 24 includes a finger detent 27 that facilitates rotation of the rotary dial 24 via movement of a user's finger.

As illustrated in Fig. 2B, a key 28 ( e . g. , a pushbutton) is located within the finger detent 27 that allows a user to select an alphanumeric character displayed within the display screen. Accordingly, a user's finger can be used to rotate the rotary dial 24 to display alphanumeric characters 26 and to select displayed alphanumeric characters 26.

Preferably, the rotary dial 24 has "home" position and is subjected to a biasing force such that, when a user rotates the rotary dial 24 either in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, the rotary dial 24 returns to the "home" position. Also, it is preferred that the rotary dial 24 have a tactile feel that is perceptible and/or audible to a user as the rotary dial 24 is moved to each of the radial positions . In operation, the rotary dial 24 is used to vary the value of alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 16. Preferably, clockwise rotation (arrow 25a) increments displayed alphanumeric characters 26 upwardly ( e . g. , from 2 to 3) . Preferably, counter-clockwise rotation (arrow 25b) decrements displayed alphanumeric characters 26 downwardly ( e . g. , from 5 to 4) . Once a desired value is displayed on the display screen 16, the key 28 is activated by a user to enter the value of the displayed alphanumeric character 26 and to proceed to the next alphanumeric character to the right of the preceding one.

Alphanumeric characters 26 are entered into the display screen 16 in this manner until the desired number to be dialed (or other command to be executed by the radiotelephone 20) is completed. At this point, a call initiation or "send" key 29, located on the front portion 22a of the housing 22, can be activated by a user to initiate the call (or to execute another command) . Call "send" keys and the function performed thereby are well understood by those skilled in the art of radiotelephones and need not be described further herein.

A call termination or "end" key 30 (e.g., a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 22a of the housing 22, can be activated by a user to terminate a call between the radiotelephone 20 and another communications device. A display clearing or "clear" key 31 ( e . g. , a pushbutton), located on the front portion 22a of the housing 22, can be activated by a user to remove alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 16. Call "end" and "clear" keys and the functions performed thereby are well understood by those skilled in the art of radiotelephones and need not be described further herein.

Referring now to Fig. 3, a radiotelephone 120 having a dialing interface 121 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The radiotelephone 120 includes a housing 122 that is configured to enclose a transceiver (not shown) that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals. A display screen 116 is located on a front portion 122a of the housing 122 and is configured to display a sequence of user-selected alphanumeric characters 26 that represents a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver (or that represents another command to be executed by the radiotelephone 120) .

A rotary dial 124 is located on a side portion 122b of the housing 122 as illustrated. The rotary dial 124 is configured to be rotated about an axis into a plurality of radial positions. Preferably, the rotary dial 124 can be rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise directions as indicated by arrows 125a and 125b, respectively. A respective alphanumeric character 26 is displayed within the display screen 116 when the rotary dial 124 is moved to each of the respective plurality of radial positions. In the illustrated embodiment, a key 128 (e.g., a pushbutton) for selecting an alphanumeric character displayed within the display screen 116 via the rotary dial 124 is located on a side portion 122c of the housing 122.

Preferably, the rotary dial 124 has a "home" position and is spring-loaded such that when a user rotates the rotary dial 124 either in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction (arrows 125a, 125b, respectively) , the rotary dial 124 returns to the "home" position. Also, it is preferred that the rotary dial have a tactile feel that is perceptible and/or audible to a user as the rotary dial 124 is moved to each of the radial positions.

In operation, the rotary dial 124 is used to vary the value of alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 116. Preferably, clockwise rotation (arrov; 125a) increments displayed alphanumeric characters 26 upwardly ( e . g. , from 2 to 3 ) . Preferably, counter-clockwise rotation (arrow 125b) decrements displayed alphanumeric characters 26 downwardly ( e . g. , from 5 to 4) . Once a desired value is displayed on the display screen 116, the key 128 is activated by a user to enter the value of the displayed alphanumeric character 26 and to proceed to the next alphanumeric character to the right of the preceding one.

Alphanumeric characters 26 are entered into the display screen 116 in this manner until the desired number to be dialed (or other command to be executed by the radiotelephone 120) is completed. At this point, a call initiation or "send" key 129 { e . g. , a pushbutton), located on the front portion 122a of the housing 122, can be activated by a user to initiate the call (or to execute another command) .

A call termination or "end" key 130 ( e . g. , a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 122a of the housing 122, can be activated by a user to terminate • a call between the radiotelephone 120 and another communications device. A display clearing or "clear" key 131 ( e . g. , a pushbutton), located on the front portion 122a of the housing 122, can be activated by a user to remove alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 116.

Referring now to Fig. 4, a radiotelephone 220 having a dialing interface 221 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The radiotelephone 220 includes a housing 222 that is configured to enclose a transceiver (not shown) that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals. A display screen 216 is located on a front portion 222a of the housing 222 and is configured to display a sequence of user-selected alphanumeric characters 26 that represent a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver (or that represent another command to be executed by the radiotelephone 220) .

A multi-directional rocker switch 224 is located on a front portion 222a of the housing 222, as illustrated. The multi-directional rocker switch 224 is configured to be manually actuated by a user in each of a plurality of directions, 225a, 225b, 225c, 225d, respectively. A unique alphanumeric character is displayed within the^' display screen and selected when the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in each of the respective plurality of directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the alphanumeric character 0 is is displayed within the display screen 216 when the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in the direction 225a. The alphanumeric character 3 is is displayed within the display screen 216 when the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in the direction 225b. The alphanumeric character 6 is is displayed within the display screen 216 when the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in the direction 225c. The alphanumeric character 9 is is displayed within the display screen 216 when the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in the direction 225d.

To display additional alphanumeric characters within the display screen 216, first and second function keys 226 and 227 are configured to be actuated simultaneously with the multi-directional rocker switch 224. For example, when the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in direction 225a simultaneously with actuation of the first function key 226, the alphanumeric character 1 is displayed within the display screen 216. When the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in direction 225b simultaneously with actuation of the first function key 226, the alphanumeric character 4 is displayed within the display screen 216. When the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in direction 225c simultaneously with actuation of the first function key 226, the alphanumeric character 7 is displayed within the display screen 216. When the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in direction 225d simultaneously with actuation of the first function key 226, the alphanumeric character * is displayed within the display screen 216.

Similarly, when the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in direction 225a simultaneously with actuation of the second function key 227, the alphanumeric character 2 is displayed within the display screen 216. When the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in direction 225b simultaneously with actuation of the second function key 227, the alphanumeric character 5 is displayed within the display screen 216. When the multi-directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in direction 225c simultaneously with actuation of the second function key 227, the alphanumeric character 8 is displayed within the display screen 216. When the multi -directional rocker switch 224 is actuated in direction 225d simultaneously with actuation of the second function key 227, the alphanumeric character # is displayed within the display screen 216.

However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated selection sequence of alphanumeric characters 26. Alphanumeric characters may be selected in various sequences, without limitation.

In operation, alphanumeric characters 26 are entered into the display screen 216 in the above- described manner until the desired number to be dialed (or other command to be executed by the radiotelephone 220) is completed. At this point, a call initiation or "send" key 229 (e.g., a pushbutton), located on the front portion 222a of the housing 222, can be activated by a user to initiate the call (or to execute another command). A call termination or "end" key 230 ( e . g. , a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 222a of the housing 222, can be activated by a user to terminate a call between the radiotelephone 220 and another communications device. A display clearing or "clear" key 231 (e.g., a pushbutton), located on the front portion 222a of the housing 222, can be activated by a user to remove alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 216. The clear key 231 may also be configured to display a previously selected alphanumeric character 26 within the display screen 216 or to change a value of an alphanumeric character 26 within the display screen 216.

Referring now to Fig. 5, a radiotelephone 320 having a dialing interface 321 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated dialing interface 321 is similar to the dialing interface 221 of the third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, with the exception that a second multi-directional rocker switch 328 replaces the first and second function keys 226, 227 of Fig. 4.

A first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is configured to be manually actuated by a user in each of a plurality of directions, 325a, 325b, 325c, 325d, respectively. A unique alphanumeric character is sequentially displayed within the display screen 316 and selected when the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in each of the respective plurality of directions 325a, 325b, 325c, 325d. The second multi -directional rocker switch

328, when actuated by a user in direction 329a, serves the same function as the first function key 226 of the embodiment of Fig. 4. Similarly, the second multidirectional rocker switch 328, when actuated by a user in direction 329b, serves the same function as the first function key 226 of the embodiment of Fig. 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the alphanumeric character 0 is displayed within the display screen 316 when the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in the direction 325a. The alphanumeric character 3 is displayed within the display screen 316 when the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in the direction 325b. The alphanumeric character 6 is displayed within the display screen 316 when the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in the direction 325c. The alphanumeric character 9 is displayed within the display screen 316 when the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in the direction 325d.

To display additional alphanumeric characters within the display screen 316, the second multidirectional rocker switch 328 is configured to be actuated simultaneously with the first multidirectional rocker switch 324. For example, when the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in direction 325a simultaneously with actuation of the second multi-directional rocker switch 328 in direction 329a, the alphanumeric character 1 is displayed within the display screen 316. When the first multidirectional rocker switch 324 is actuated in direction 325b simultaneously with actuation of the second multidirectional rocker switch 328 in direction 329a, the alphanumeric character 4 is displayed within the display screen 316. When the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in direction 325c simultaneously with actuation of the second multi- directional rocker switch 328 in direction 329a, the alphanumeric character 7 is displayed within the display screen 316. When the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in direction 325d simultaneously with actuation of the second multi- directional rocker switch 328 in direction 329a, the alphanumeric character * is displayed within the display screen 316.

Similarly, when the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in direction 325a simultaneously with actuation of the second multidirectional rocker switch 328 in direction 329b, the alphanumeric character 2 is displayed within the display screen 316. When the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in direction 325b simultaneously with actuation of the second multidirectional rocker switch 328 in direction 329b, the alphanumeric character 5 is displayed within the display screen 316. When the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in direction 325c simultaneously with actuation of the second multidirectional rocker switch 328 in direction 329b, the alphanumeric character 8 is displayed within the display screen 316. When the first multi-directional rocker switch 324 is actuated in direction 325d simultaneously with actuation of the second multidirectional rocker switch 328 in direction 329b, the alphanumeric character # is displayed within the display screen 316.

In operation, alphanumeric characters ^'26 are entered into the display screen 316 in the above- described manner until the desired number to be dialed (or other command to be executed by the radiotelephone 320) is completed. At this point, a call initiation or "send" key 329 ( e . g. , a pushbutton), located on the front portion 322a of the housing 322, can be activated by a user to initiate the call (or to execute another command) . A call termination or "end" key 330 ( e . g. , a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 322a of the housing 322, can be activated by a user to terminate a call between the radiotelephone 320 and another communications device. A display clearing or "clear" key 331 ( e . g. , a pushbutton), located on the front portion 322a of the housing 322, can be activated by a user to remove alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 316, preferably one alphanumeric character at a time.

Referring now to Fig. 6, a radiotelephone 420 having a dialing interface 421 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The radiotelephone 420 includes a housing 422 that is configured to enclose a transceiver (not shown) that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications

-IS signals. A display screen 416 is located on a front portion 422a of the housing 422 and is configured to display a sequence of user-selected alphanumeric characters 26 that represents a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver (or that represents another command to be executed by the radiotelephone 420) .

The illustrated dialing interface 421 is configured for single-handed operation by a user holding the radiotelephone 420. A multi-directional rocker switch 424 is located on a side portion 422b of the housing 422, as illustrated. The multi-directional rocker switch 424 is configured to be manually actuated by a user in first and second directions 425a, 425b, respectively. A key 428 (e.g., a pushbutton) for selecting an alphanumeric character 26 displayed within the display screen 416 is located on a top side portion 422c of the housing 422 as illustrated. Accordingly, if the illustrated radiotelephone 420 is held in the left hand of a user, the multi-directional rocker switch 424 can be actuated by the user's thumb and the key 428 can be actuated by the user's forefinger (or other finger) .

In operation, the multi-directional rocker switch 424 is used to vary the value of alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 416. Preferably, actuation in direction 425a increments displayed alphanumeric characters 26 upwardly (e.g., from 2 to 3) . Preferably, actuation in direction 425a decrements displayed alphanumeric characters 26 downwardly ( e . g. , from 5 to 4) . Once a desired value is displayed on the display screen 416, the key 428 is activated by a user to enter the value of the displayed alphanumeric character 26 and to proceed to the next alphanumeric character to the right of the preceding one. Alphanumeric characters 26 are entered into the display screen 416 in this manner until the desired number to be dialed (or other command to be executed by the radiotelephone 420) is completed. At this point, a call initiation or "send" key 429 (e.g., a pushbutton), located on the front portion 422a of the housing 422, can be activated by a user to initiate the call (or to execute another command) .

A call termination or "end" key 430 ( e . g. , a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 422a of the housing 422, can be activated by a user to terminate a call between the radiotelephone 420 and another communications device. A display clearing or "clear" key 431 ( e . g. , a pushbutton), located on the front portion 422a of the housing 422, can be activated by a user to remove alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 416.

Referring now to Fig. 7, a radiotelephone 520 having a dialing interface 521 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The radiotelephone 520 includes a housing 522 that is configured to enclose a transceiver (not shown) that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals. A display screen 516 is located on a front portion 522a of the housing 522 and is configured to display a sequence of user- selected alphanumeric characters 26 that represent a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver (or that represent another command to be executed by the radiotelephone 520) . A multi-directional rocker switch 524 is located on the front portion 522a of the housing 522, as illustrated. The multi-directional rocker switch 524 is configured to be manually actuated by a user in first and second directions 525a, 525b, respectively. Preferably, actuation in direction 525a increments displayed alphanumeric characters 26 upwardly ( e . g. , from 2 to 3) . Preferably, actuation in direction 525b decrements displayed alphanumeric characters 26 downwardly ( e . g. , from 5 to 4) .

In operation, the multi-directional rocker switch 524 is used to vary the value of alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 516. Once a user actuates the multi-directional rocker switch 524 in either the first or second directions 525a, 525b, the alphanumeric character selection process begins. Once the multi-directional rocker switch 524 is released, the displayed alphanumeric character is entered and the selection process proceeds to the next alphanumeric character to the right of the preceding one .

Alphanumeric characters 26 are entered into the display screen 516 in the above-described manner until the desired number to be dialed (or other command to be executed by the radiotelephone 520) is completed. At this point, a call initiation or "send" key 529 ( e . g. , a pushbutton), located on the front portion 522a of the housing 522, can be activated by a user to initiate the call (or to execute another command) .

A call termination or "end" key 530 ( e . g . , a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 522a of the housing 522, can be activated by a user to terminate a call between the radiotelephone 520 and another communications device. A display clearing or "clear" key 531 (e.g., a pushbutton), located on the front portion 522a of the housing 522, can be activated by a user to remove alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 516.

Referring now to Fig. 8, a radiotelephone 620 having a dialing interface 621 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The radiotelephone 620 includes a housing 622 that is configured to enclose a transceiver (not shown) that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals. A display screen 616 is located on a front portion 622a of the housing 622 and is configured to display a sequence of user-selected alphanumeric characters 26 that represents a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver (or that represents another command to be executed by the radiotelephone 620) .

An alphanumeric character selection key 624 ( e . g. , a pushbutton) for selecting and displaying alphanumeric characters within the display screen 616 is located on the front portion 622a of the housing 622 as illustrated. According to one aspect of this embodiment, a user activates the alphanumeric character selection key 624 to select codes used for alphanumeric character entry. Exemplary codes include Morse code and Gray or Reflected Binary codes. Gray or Reflected

Binary codes are described in "Reference Data for Radio Engineers", 6^th Edition, pp. 40-4 and 40-5, Howard W. Sams & Co . , Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference, and need not be described further herein. According to another aspect of this embodiment, a user enters alphanumeric characters 26 within the display screen 616 by pressing the alphanumeric character selection key 624 to scroll through a set of alphanumeric characters 26. When a user stops activating the alphanumeric character selection key 624 by removing his or her finger therefrom, the displayed alphanumeric character is selected. Alphanumeric characters 26 are entered into the display screen 616 in the above-described manner until the desired number to be dialed (or other command to be executed by the radiotelephone 620) is completed. At this point, a call initiation or "send" key 629 ( e . g . , a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 622a of the housing 622, can be activated by a user to initiate the call (or to execute another command) . A call termination or "end" key 630 ( e . g . , a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 622a of the housing 622, can be activated by a user to terminate a call between the radiotelephone 620 and another communications device. A display clearing or "clear" key 631 (e.g., a pushbutton), located on the front portion 622a of the housing 622, can be activated by a user to remove alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 616.

Referring now to Fig. 9, a radiotelephone 720 having a dialing interface 721 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The radiotelephone 720 includes a housing 722 that is configured to enclose a transceiver (not shown) that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals. A display screen 716 is located on a front portion 722a of the housing 722 and is configured to display a sequence of user-selected alphanumeric characters 26 that represent a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver (or that represent another command to be executed by the radiotelephone 720) . A pressure-sensitive key 724 is located on a front portion 722a of the housing 722 and is configured to display and select various alphanumeric characters 26 within the display screen 716. Preferably, increasing applied pressure on the key 724 causes the value of the displayed alphanumeric characters to increase (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3,..., *, #) . Similarly, reducing applied pressure on the key 724 causes the value of the displayed alphanumeric characters to decrease (e.g., #, *, 9, 8, 7 ,..., 1) . According to another aspect of the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 9, the pressure-sensitive key 724 can be configured such that the value of displayed alphanumeric characters increments (and decrements) at a predefined rate.

A key 728 (e.g., a pushbutton) for selecting an alphanumeric character 26 displayed within the display screen 716 is located on the front portion 722a of the housing 722 as illustrated. When the desired alphanumeric character 26 is displayed within the display screen 716, the user can activate the selection key 728 to enter the value of the displayed alphanumeric character 26 and to proceed to the next alphanumeric character to the right of the preceding one .

Alphanumeric characters 26 are entered into the display screen 716 in this manner until the desired number to be dialed (or other command to be executed by the radiotelephone 720) is completed. At this point, a call initiation or "send" key 729 ( e . g. , a pushbutton), located on the front portion 722a of the housing 722, can be activated by a user to initiate the call (or to execute another command) .

A call termination or "end" key 730 ( e . g . , a pushbutton) , located on the front portion 422a of the housing 722, can be activated by a user to terminate a call between the radiotelephone 720 and another communications device. A display clearing or "clear" key 731 (e.g., a pushbutton), located on the front portion 722a of the housing 722, can be activated by a user to remove alphanumeric characters 26 displayed within the display screen 716. It is understood that the various keys and switches described above with respect to the various embodiments may be located in various positions and locations on a radiotelephone housing and are not limited to the illustrated positions and locations. The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof . Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A radiotelephone comprising: a housing configured to enclose a transceiver that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals, wherein the housing includes a front portion; a display screen located on the housing front portion and configured to display a sequence of user selected alphanumeric characters that represent a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver; a rotary dial located on the housing front portion and configured to be rotated about an axis into a plurality of radial positions, wherein a respective alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the rotary dial is in each of the respective plurality of radial positions, wherein the rotary dial includes a finger detent that facilitates rotation of the rotary dial via movement of a user finger; and a key located on the housing for selecting an alphanumeric character displayed within the display screen via the rotary dial.

2. A radiotelephone according to Claim 1 wherein the key is located within the finger detent.

3. A radiotelephone according to Claim 1 wherein the rotary dial has a first radial position and further comprising means for returning the rotary dial to the first radial position after the rotary dial is moved to a second radial position by a user.

4. A radiotelephone according to Claim 1 further comprising a radiotelephone call initiation key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to initiate dialing, via the transceiver, of a sequence of alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

5. A radiotelephone according to Claim 1 further comprising a radiotelephone call termination key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to terminate radiotelephone communications.

6. A radiotelephone according to Claim 1 further comprising a display clearing key located on the housing, wherein the display clearing key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the display clearing key is configured to remove alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

7. A radiotelephone comprising: a housing configured to enclose a transceiver that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals; a display screen located on the housing and configured to display a sequence of user selected alphanumeric characters that represent a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver; a rotary dial located on the housing and configured to be rotated about an axis into a plurality of radial positions, wherein a respective alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the rotary dial is in each of the respective plurality of radial positions; and a key for selecting an alphanumeric character displayed within the display screen via the rotary dial.

8. A radiotelephone according to Claim 7 wherein the rotary dial has a first radial position and further comprising means for returning the rotary dial to the first radial position after the rotary dial is moved to a second radial position by a user.

9. A radiotelephone according to Claim 7 further comprising a radiotelephone call initiation key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to initiate dialing, via the transceiver, of a sequence of alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

10. A radiotelephone according to Claim 7 further comprising a radiotelephone call termination key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to terminate radiotelephone communications.

11. A radiotelephone according to Claim 7 further comprising a display clearing key located on the housing, wherein the display clearing key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the display clearing key is configured to remove alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

12. A radiotelephone according to Claim 7 wherein the housing includes a front portion and a side portion and wherein the display screen is located on the housing front portion and the a rotary dial is located on the housing side portion.

13. A radiotelephone according to Claim 7 wherein the display screen and the a rotary dial are located on the housing front portion and the key is located on the side portion.

14. A radiotelephone comprising: a housing configured to enclose a transceiver that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals; a display screen located on the housing and configured to display a sequence of user selected alphanumeric characters that represent a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver; and a first multi-directional rocker switch located on the housing, wherein the first multidirectional rocker switch is configured to be manually actuated by a user in each of a plurality of directions, and wherein a respective, unique alphanumeric character is sequentially displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in each of the respective plurality of directions .

15. A radiotelephone according to Claim 14 wherein the first multi-directional rocker switch is configured to be manually actuated by a user in first and second directions, and wherein a first alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in the first direction and wherein a second alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in the second direction.

16. A radiotelephone according to Claim 15 further comprising: a first function key located on the housing and configured to be manually actuated by a user; wherein a third alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in the first direction simultaneously with actuation of the first function key; and wherein a fourth alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in the second direction simultaneously with actuation of the first function key.

17. A radiotelephone according to Claim 16 further comprising: a second function key located on the housing and configured to be manually actuated by a user; wherein a fifth alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in the first direction simultaneously with actuation of the second function key; and wherein a sixth alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in the second direction simultaneously with actuation of the second function key.

18. A radiotelephone according to Claim 14 wherein the first multi-directional rocker switch is configured to be manually actuated by a user in first and second directions and further comprising: a second multi-directional rocker switch located on the housing, wherein the second multidirectional rocker switch is configured to be manually actuated by a user in respective third and fourth directions; wherein a first alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in the first direction simultaneously with actuation of the second multi-directional rocker switch in the third direction; and wherein a second alphanumeric character is displayed within the display screen when the first multi-directional rocker switch is actuated in the second direction simultaneously with actuation of the second multi-directional rocker switch in the fourth direction.

19. A radiotelephone according to Claim 14 further comprising a radiotelephone call initiation key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to initiate dialing, via the transceiver, of a sequence of alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

20. A radiotelephone according to Claim 14 further comprising a radiotelephone call termination key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to terminate radiotelephone communications.

21. A radiotelephone according to Claim 14 further comprising a display clearing key located on the housing, wherein the display clearing key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the display clearing key is configured to remove alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

22. A radiotelephone comprising: a housing configured to enclose a transceiver that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals; a display screen located on the housing and configured to display a sequence of user selected alphanumeric characters that represent a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver; a switch configured to display each__of a plurality of alphanumeric characters within the display screen when actuated by a user; and a key for selecting an alphanumeric character displayed within the display screen via the switch.

23. A radiotelephone according to Claim 22 further comprising a radiotelephone call initiation key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to initiate dialing, via the transceiver, of a sequence of alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

24. A radiotelephone according to Claim 22 further comprising a radiotelephone call termination key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to terminate radiotelephone communications.

25. A radiotelephone according to Claim 22 further comprising a display clearing key located on the housing, wherein the display clearing key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the display clearing key is configured to remove alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

26. A radiotelephone according to Claim 22 wherein the housing includes a front portion and wherein the display screen and button are located on the housing front portion.

27. A radiotelephone comprising: a housing configured to enclose a transceiver that transmits and receives radiotelephone communications signals; a display screen located on the housing and configured to display a sequence of user selected alphanumeric characters that represent a radiotelephone number to be dialed by the transceiver; a pressure-sensitive switch configured to display a respective, unique alphanumeric character within the display screen based on a respective pressure exerted on the pressure-sensitive switch by a user; and a key for selecting an alphanumeric character displayed within the display screen via the pressure- sensitive switch.

28. A radiotelephone according to Claim 27 further comprising a radiotelephone call initiation key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call initiation key is configured to initiate dialing, via the transceiver, of a sequence of alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

29. A radiotelephone according to Claim 27 further comprising a radiotelephone call termination key located on the housing, wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the radiotelephone call termination key is configured to terminate radiotelephone communications.

30. A radiotelephone according to Claim 27 further comprising a display clearing key located on the housing, wherein the display clearing key is configured to be manually actuated by a user, and wherein the display clearing key is configured to remove alphanumeric characters displayed within the display screen.

31. A radiotelephone according to Claim 27 wherein the housing includes a front portion and wherein the display screen and pressure-sensitive button are located on the housing front portion.