MXPA00007088A - Apparatus and method for prevention of accidental activation of keys in a wireless communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless communication device has one or more predetermined patterns of key operation that are required to perform the function associated with the key. For example, activation of a power key on (114) a wireless communication device may be intentional or inadvertent. The wireless communication device requires activation of the selected key with a predetermined pattern of operation in order to qualify as an intentional act by the user. The predetermined patterns of operation may be varied in accordance with different conditions of the wireless communication device. The predetermined pattern of operation may require continuous activation for a predetermined period of time, multiple activation of the selected key within a predetermined period of time, simultaneous activation of multiple keys, sequential activation of multiple keys, or the like. The wireless communication device may also utilize a display to request confirmation by the user of a selected action.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING THE ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION OF THE KEYS IN AN INAL MBRICO COMMUNICATION DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a communication device. wireless, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for preventing accidental activation of the keys in a wireless communication device. II. Description of the Related Art Wireless communication devices, such as cell phones are widely used as a replacement for conventional telephone systems. Wireless communication devices offer the advantage of being portable and capable of communicating from almost anywhere on earth. Previous wireless communication devices were large and heavy and were not widely used as a replacement for conventional telephones, however, improvements in technology have resulted in the reduction of size and weight while the same time improves the quality and the reliability of wireless communications. The wireless communication devices according to the latest technology are small enough in a user's pocket. The storage of the wireless communication device in those places may result in inadvertent activation of the keys in the wireless communication device. This is particularly problematic with the power key with which inadvertent activation can turn the wireless communication device on or off without the knowledge of the user. Therefore it can be seen that there is a significant need for a wireless communication device and an operating method that prevents wireless activation of the keys in the wireless device. The present invention provides that and other advantages, as will be illustrated in the following description in the accompanying drawings. SUMAR? Q JB l > INVENTION An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for preventing accidental activation of a key in a wireless communication device. The system consists of a housing that contains the circuits operations of the wireless communication device, a plurality of keys operable by the user to control the operation of the wireless communication device and a control circuit to register the activation of a selected one of the plurality of keys The control circuit generates an indicator signal "in response to the activation of the selected key with a first operating model that allows the operation of a function associated with the selected key.The control circuit does not respond to the activation of the selected key. With a second operating model different from the first model, different operation models may be acceptable and correspond to the first operating model of the key, these include the continuous activation of the selected key for a predetermined period of time, the repeated activation of the key selected from a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time, initial activation of the selected key and activation of the selected key in a subsequent period of time The subsequent period of time may be a single point in time, or It can consist of a time window during which the selected key can be star in the active state. In one mode, the key must at least momentarily be in the active state within the required time window. Other operation models corresponding to the first operation model may include sequential activation of a selected key and a second of a plurality of keys within a predetermined period of time. For example, the selected key may be activated initially followed by the activation of a second of the plurality of keys within the predetermined period of time, the initial activation of the selected key and the activation of the selected key in a subsequent period of time. The subsequent period of time may be a single point in time or may consist of a time window during which the selected key must be in the active state. In one mode, the key must at least momentarily be in the active state within the required time window. Other operating models that correspond to the first operating model may include the sequential activation of the selected key and a second of the 1 plurality of keys within a predetermined period of time. For example, the selected key can be activated immediately followed by the activation of a second of the plurality of keys within the predetermined time period. Alternatively, the first operation model may require simultaneous activation of the selected key and a second of the plurality of keys. In another alternative embodiment, the wireless communication device includes a device coupled to the housing for displaying text messages, in this mode the first activation model of either the selected key or a second one of the plurality of keys on the keyboard followed by the presentation of a confirmation request message on the screen. In another alternative embodiment, the wireless communication device includes a cover member surrounding the housing and having open and closed positions. In this embodiment, the first operation model when the cover member is in the open position is different from the first operation model when the cover member is in the closed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a wireless communication device designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention in a closed configuration. Figure IB is a front plan view of a wireless communication device of Figure 1A in an open configuration. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the wireless communication device of Figures 1A and IB. Figure 3 is a timing diagram illustrating a predetermined acceptable pattern of activation of the keys by means of the wireless communication device of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a timing diagram of an alternative acceptable default model of key activation used by the wireless communication device of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a timing diagram of another acceptable alternative default model of key activation used by the wireless communication device of Figure 2, Figure 6 is a timing diagram of another acceptable alternative predetermined pattern of the key activation used by the wireless communication device of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a timing diagram of another acceptable alternative predetermined model of key activation used by the wireless communication device of Fig. 2.. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The compact wireless communication devices often include a protection member on the keyboard to prevent accidental operation of the keys. Accidental activation of the energy key is prevented if this key is also covered by the protection member. However, the disadvantage of covering the power key is that the user must open the wireless communication device to activate the power key, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the power key is advantageously set to provide access to the power key. user on a continuing basis and techniques are provided to prevent accidental activation of the power key. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. ÍA, IB, while a wireless communication device 100 is shown in a closed configuration in Fig. 1A. The wireless communication device 100 includes a housing 102 sized to fit easily in the hand of a user. The housing 102 includes a rotary cover member 104. A battery housing 106 is attached to the cover member 104. A clasp 108 connects the battery housing 106 to the cover member 104 to hold the battery housing fixed in place. . An antenna 112 projects from the upper portion of the housing 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna 112 is fixed, alternatively the antenna 112 can be extended from the housing 102. Also included in the upper portion of the housing 102 is an ignition key 114. The power key 114 is activated to turn the device on and off. of wireless communication. The advantage of placing the power key 114 on the outer portion of the housing 102 is that the wireless communication device 100 can be activated by the user without having to open the cover member 104 or the lower cover member 106.

FIG. IB illustrates the wireless communication device 100 in an open configuration with the cover member 104 in an extended operating position. An electrical switch (not shown) registers the cover position 104 in the open and closed configurations. When the wireless communication device 100 is in an open configuration, a keypad 118 is exposed for operation by the user. The keyboard 118, consists of individually numbered keys 120 corresponding to the keys of a conventional telephone, as well as control keys such as a SEND-send key 122 and an END-end key 124. The keyboard 118 may also include keys of selection 126 to allow the user to select different operational characteristics of the wireless communication device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless communication device 100 also includes a display 130 that is exposed to the user's view when the wireless communication device is found in the open configuration. A speaker 132 and a microphone 134 are the conventional components that allow two-way wireless communication. An articulation member 138 is engaged between the cover member 104 and the housing 102 to allow rotational movement of the cover member. In an exemplary embodiment, the articulation member 138 includes an internal spring element not shown to urge the cover member 104 to the desired position, both in the open configuration and in the closed configuration (see Fig. IA). The additional components of the wireless communication device 100 are illustrated in a functional block diagram of Fig. 2. The wireless communication device 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 150 that controls the operation of the wireless communication device. A memory 152 that can include both read-only memory and edge access memory is used to control the operation of the CPU 150. A portion of the memory 152 may also include a non-volatile edge access memory, as will be further described. further detailed, the CPU 150 executes instructions from the memory 152 to function as a control circuit for sensing the operation of the power key 114, and the board 118 and to detect the operation of the keys in a manner that indicates that the user tries to activate a selected key. A timer 154 is used by the wireless communication device 100 to measure predetermined time periods. The timer 154 may be an internal timer within the CPU 150, or an external timer under CPU control. A transmitter 156 and a receiver 158 allow data transmission and reception, such as audio communications between the wireless communication device 100 from a remote location such as a cell seat controller (not shown). The transmitter 156 and the receiver 158 can be combined in a transceiver 160. The antenna 112 is coupled to the transceiver 160. A battery 162 is located within the battery case 106 (see FIG. 1A) and provides power to the wireless communication device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, components such as the CPU 150, the memory 152, the timer 154, the transmitter 156 and the receiver 158 are disconnected from the battery 162 when the wireless communication device 100 is turned off. Thus no power is consumed by the wireless communication device when it is turned off. In one embodiment, the power is supplied to the CPU 150 and the memory 152 at the start of activation with the power key 114 by the user. The CPU 150 executes instructions stored in the memory-only memory portion 152 to start the CPU. The CPU 150 then executes a series of designated instructions to indicate whether the user is activated the power key 114 in a manner that indicates the user's intent to turn on the wireless communication device 100. The steps taken by the CPU to determine whether the user tries to turn on the wireless communication device, will be discussed in detail below, if the CPU 150 determines that the user intends to turn on the wireless communication device 100, the other parts of the wireless communication device such as the transmitter 156, the receiver 158, the keyboard 118 and the monitor or screen 130, can then be coupled to the battery 162. If the CPU 150 determines that the power key 114 is inadvertently activated, the wireless communication device 100 turns off the CPU 150 and the memory 152. Alternatively, power or energy can be given to all the parts of the wireless communication device 100 with the initial activation of the power key 114. The CPU 150 performs the steps described above to determine whether the user attempts to turn on the wireless communication device, if the CPU 150 determines that the user attempts to turn on the the wireless communication device 100, all parts of the wireless communication device brico are advantageously turned on. However, if the CPU 150 determines that the power key 114 is inadvertently activated, the wireless communication device 100 turns off all the components including the CPU 150 and the memory 152. In another embodiment alternative, the battery can provide power to the device. some parts of the wireless communication device 100 on a continuous basis. For example, the CPU can be placed in a low power or "sleep" mode to bring the power consumption to a minimum from the battery 162. The key 114 serves as input to the CPU 150 to put the CPU in an "awake" mode . When the user initially activates the key 114, the CPU 150 changes from the "sleep" mode to the "awake" mode, and executes the instructions to determine whether the user really intends to turn on the wireless communication device 100. If the CPU 150 determines that the The user intends to turn on the wireless device, the remaining parts of the device 100 can be coupled to the battery 182 in the manner already described. If the CPU 150 determines that the power key 114 is inadvertently activated, the CPU returns to "sleep" mode. The various components of wireless communication device 100 are coupled together by a communication system 166 which may include a power conduit, a control signal conduit, and a status signal conduit, in addition to a data conduit. However, for clarity the different conduits are illustrated in Fig. 2, as conduit system 166. A conventional wireless communication device allows activation of the power key by simply pressing it, however, such operation can lead to the accidental activation of the power key. The present invention is designed to sense the activation by the user of the power key 114, and only responds to the user activation of the power key under a predetermined set of conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the user must activate the power key 114 for a predetermined period of time before the wireless communication device 100 responds to activation of the power key. This is illustrated in Fig. 3, where the wireless communication device 100 detects the initial activation of the power key 114 at a time designated as t0. The wireless communication device 110 continues to control the state of the key 114 until a predetermined time indicated in Fig. 3 has elapsed as tj. If the power key 114 continues to activate for the entire time period between the time to and the time tl t the wireless communication device 100 responds to activation of the power key. In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless communication device 100 may require continuous activation of the key 114 for a period of 3 seconds. The continuous activation of the power key 114 for a period of time from tD to tj_ illustrates a first operation pattern of the key that can not result from an inadvertent touch of wireless communication device 100., and that serves as an indicator really tries to activate the power key 11. A second pattern of operation such as a momentary activation of the key 114 for a time less than the time period of the tD to the tlf is unlikely to be the result of the user's intentional activation, and thus will be ignored by the wireless communication device 100. In the example of the first operation pattern, illustrated in Fig. 3, the wireless device 100 continuously controls the state of the key 114 during the period of time tD to tx. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, the wireless communication device 100 detects the initial activation of the key 114 at time t0 and simply shows the status of the power key again at a time tx rather than continuing to control the status of the power key. The power key 114 has a first logical state when it is in an inactivated position, and a second logical state when activated. If the power key 114 is activated (this is in the second logical state), at time t the wireless communication device 100 will respond to activation by the user of the power key.

In another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the wireless communication device 100 detects the initial activation of the power key 114 at time tD instead of continuing the state of the power key 114, the wireless communication device 100. shows the status of the power key for a window time following the detection of the initial activation of the power key at time t0. The time window is designated in Fig. 5, by the references t2 and t3, the beginning of the time window occurs at a predetermined time t2 after the initial activation of the power key 100 at the time to and ends at a predetermined time t3 after the initial activation of the power key. If the power key 114 is activated at the initial time tD and is in the active state at any time during the window time at time t2, and the t3 the device 100 responds to the activation of the power key. In an exemplary embodiment, the window time is approximately 200 milliseconds with the start of the time window indicated by the time t2, occurring approximately 3 seconds after the initial activation of the power switch 114 at time tD. Numerous alternative techniques can be used to detect the user's attempt to actually activate the power key 114. For example, the wireless device 100 can control the state of the key 114 and detect multiple activations of the power key within a period of time predetermined. This is illustrated in Fig. 6, where the initial activation of the power key 114 is detected at time t0. According to this embodiment of the invention, the user must activate the power key 114 a plurality of times between the initial activation at time tD and a predetermined time indicated in Fig. 6, as time t4, in the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the user must activate the power key 114 three times within the predetermined time period between the time to and the time t4, which can be via example of a time period of 3 seconds. The various techniques described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate techniques used to determine whether the user really wants to activate the power key 114. The wireless communication device performs that task upon detecting the operation of the key. power in one of the predetermined patterns that have been described. Alternatively, other user operation patterns of the power key 114 can be used successfully with the wireless communication device 100, in addition, combinations of the different user operation patterns can be successfully used with the wireless communication device 100. For example, CPU 150 can be programmed to recognize multiple different patterns of activity as acceptable. Continuous activation of the power key 114 for a predetermined period of time (for example 3 seconds) or activation of the power key multiple times within the predetermined period of time can be recognized by the CPU 150 as corresponding to an acceptable pattern of the operation by the user of the power key. Therefore, the operation of the user of the power key in any combination of acceptable modes of activity can be used by the wireless communication device 100. In the exemplary embodiment of the wireless communication device 100 illustrated in Figs. ÍA and IB, the power key 114 is located in the upper portion of the case 102 and is thus continuously exposed for easy activation by the user. The various operation patterns described and illustrated in Figs. 3 to 6, may be used when the wireless communication device 100 is in the closed configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A. However, a first altered pattern of operation can be used with the wireless communication device 100, in the open configuration illustrated in FIG. IB. The electrical switch not shown coupled to the member 138 is used to sense whether the wireless communication device 100 is in an open or closed configuration. The altered operation patterns of the power key 114 reflect the fact that the user is actively using the wireless communication device 100 in the open communication and possibly attempts to activate the power key 114. For example, a momentary activation of the Power key 114 at the time as illustrated in Fig. 7, can be used as the first operation pattern when the wireless communication device 100 is in the open configuration. Alternatively, the communication pattern illustrated in Fig. 3 which requires continuous activation from the time of initial activation at time tD to time x may be used but with the time period altered to reflect the fact that the communication device Wireless is in the open configuration. For example, the period of time from time t0 to time t? it may be 3 seconds, when the device 100 is in the closed configuration (see Fig. IA), while the period of time from the time t0 to the ti may be only one second, when the wireless communication device is in the open configuration (see Fig. IB). Similarly, the wireless communication device 100 can display the state of the power key 114 at a predetermined time tl after the initial activation at time t, or by using the time window of time t2, at time t3, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, but with time periods altered to reflect that the wireless communication device is in the open configuration. The wireless communication device 100 may also use the first operation pattern for the power key 114, to turn on the wireless communication device 100 and a first altered operation pattern to turn off the wireless communication device. For example, if the wireless communication device 100 is in the open configuration (see Fig. IB) only a momentary activation of the power key 114 may be required to turn on the wireless communication device 100 as illustrated in Fig. 7. However, a continuous activation of the key 114 for a period of time, as illustrated in FIG. 3, may be required to turn off the wireless communication device 100. The wireless communication device 100 illustrated in FIG. only the power key 114 in the closed configuration. However, alternative embodiments of the wireless communication device 100 may be employed in which other keys such as selection keys 126 (see Fig. IB) may also be exposed. The first predetermined pattern of operation, may require activation of more than one key, such as the power key 114, and one of the selection keys 126. Various operating patterns corresponding to the first accepted pattern of operation, may include simultaneous activation of the power key 114 and one of the selection keys 126 or the sequential activation of the key 114 and the selection key 126 within a predetermined period of time. The wireless communication device 100 may also generate a signal requiring additional activation of one or more keyboard keys 118 (see Fig. IB and Fig. 2) to perform the desired function. For example, the wireless communication device 100 may use a signal on the display 130 in response to an initial momentary activation of the power key 114 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The display 130 may be programmed to display a signal requiring that the user activates the power key 114, or a specified one of the selection keys 126 to confirm that one wants to turn off the wireless communication device 100. The first operation pattern may require that the activation of the power key 114 or the selection key 126 is made in response to the signal that occurs for a predetermined time after presenting the signal.

Other first acceptable patterns of operation depend on the position of the cover member 104, for example, assuming that the wireless communication device 100 is on and is in the open configuration (see Fig. IB) the momentary activation of the power key 114 The closing of the cover member 104 within a predetermined period of time then serves as an indication that the user attempts to turn off the wireless communication device. Similarly, assuming that the wireless communication device 100 is turned off and in the closed configuration (see Fig. 1A), the momentary activation of the power key 114 is followed by the opening of the cover member 104 within a period of predetermined time, serves as an indication that the user attempts to turn on the wireless communication device. Thus, several different patterns of operation of the various keys of the device 100 serve as satisfactory indicators of the user's intent to perform a particular function. Although the above examples are directed to the use of the power key 114, it is clear that the principles of the present invention can equally apply to the activation of other keys. For example, additions or delays to pre-stored speed dialing numbers within memory 104 (see Fig. 2) may require activation of keys with a predetermined pattern of operation, such as simultaneous activation of the keys, activation of keys sequentially or similarly. Similarly, the principles of the present invention can be applied to a wireless communication device having all the keys exposed continuously, where the keys can be inadvertently activated. It should be understood that although various embodiments and advantages of the present invention have been established in the foregoing description, the foregoing presentation is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail remaining within the broad principles of the invention. For example, a combination of different operation patterns can serve as satisfactory indicators of the user's intent to perform a particular function, in addition different operating patterns can only be valid in certain functional states of the wireless communication device 100, for example, certain patterns of operation. operation and combinations of operation patterns can be used when the wireless communication device is initially turned on, after completing a call, one or more operation patterns, can be used to turn off the wireless communication device. Thus, multiple patterns of operation, combinations of operation patterns, and state-dependent operation patterns can be used by the wireless communication device 100, therefore the present invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims (40)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the invention as above, it is claimed as a novelty contained in the following: REVIVAL I CATIONS l.- Wireless communication device characterized in that it comprises: a box of a suitable size to be stopped in a hand of an user; a wireless communication circuit inside the box for transmitting wireless communications to a remote location of the wireless communication device and for receiving wireless communications from a remote location of the wireless communication device; an antenna coupled to the box for transmitting radio signals generated by the wireless communication circuit and for detecting wireless transmissions from a remote location of the wireless communication device; a keyboard coupled to the case and having a plurality of keys operable by the user to control the operation of the wireless communication device; a cover member attached to the box and having open and closed positions, the cover member hides the keyboard when in a closed position to prevent accidental activation thereof, the cover member exposes the keyboard when in an open position to allow the activation thereof; a supply of power or energy within the box and selectively activated to provide power to the wireless communication device; a power control mounted in the box and continuously exposed to allow activation by the user to turn the wireless communication device on and off; and a power control circuit for sensing the activation of the power control and for generating an indicator signal in response to the activation of the power control with a first operating pattern, the power control circuit does not respond to an activation of the control of power with a second operation pattern different from the first, the indicator signal allows the operation of the power supply.
2. 2. Wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation pattern when the cover member is in the open position, is different from the first operation pattern when the cover member is in the closed position.
3. 3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires a continuous activation of the power control for a predetermined period of time.
4. 4. The wireless communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that the predetermined period of time when the cover member is in the open position, is different from the predetermined time period when the cover member is in the closed position. .
5. 5. - The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires activation of the power control a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time.
6. 6. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power control has a first state when it is activated and a second state when it is not activated and the first operation pattern requires the initial activation of the control. power and requires that the power control be in the first state a predetermined time following the initial activation.
7. 7. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power control has a first state when activated and a second state when it is not activated and the first operation pattern requires the initial activation of the power control and it requires that the power control be in the first state between a predetermined first time after the initial activation and a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time.
8. 8. - The wireless communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires that the power control be at least momentarily in the first state between the first time redeterming following the initial activation and the second predetermined time following the first predetermined time.
9. 9. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires the sequential activation of the power control and a selected one of a plurality of keys on the keyboard within a predetermined period of time.
10. 10. The wireless communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires the sequential activation of the power control followed by the activation of a selected key of a plurality of keys on the keyboard within a predetermined time period.
11. 11. - The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires the simultaneous activation of the power control and a selected key of a plurality of keys on the keyboard.
12. 12. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a presentation coupled to the box to present message texts and wherein the first operation pattern requires activation of the power control and activation of a key. selected from a plurality of keys on the keyboard following the presentation of a confirmation request message in the presentation or screen.
13. 13. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the power control circuit responds to the activation of the power control with a plurality of first operating patterns, the power control circuit generates a signal indicator in response to the activation of the power control with any of the plurality of first operating patterns.
14. 14. - The wireless communication device according to claim 1 characterized in that it has a plurality of operational states wherein the power control circuit responds to the activation of the power control with a first operation pattern corresponding to each of the plurality of operational states, the power control circuit generates the indicating signal in response to the activation of the power control with the first operation pattern corresponding to the operational state of the wireless communication device.
15. 15. A system for preventing accidental activation of a key in a wireless communication device, the system is characterized in that it comprises: a box containing the operational circuitry of the wireless communication device; a plurality of keys operable by the user to control the operation of the wireless communication device; and a control circuit for sensing the activation of a selected key of the plurality of keys and for generating an indicating signal in response to the activation of the selected key with a first operating pattern, the control circuit does not respond to the activation of the selected key with a second operation pattern different from the first pattern, the indicator signal allows the operation of a function associated with the selected key.
16. 16. - The system according to the claim 15, characterized in that it includes a cover member, attached to the box and having open and closed positions, wherein the first operation pattern when the cover member is in the open position is different from the first operation pattern when the member is Cover is in the closed position.
17. 17. - The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires the continuous activation of the selected key for a certain period of time.
18. 18. - The system of claim 15 characterized in that, the first operation pattern requires activation of a selected key a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time.
19. 19. The system of claim 15 characterized in that the selected key has a first state when activated and a second state when not activated and the first operation pattern requires the initial activation of the selected key and requires that the selected key be in the first state a predetermined time after the initial activation.
20. 20. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that, the selected key has a first state when activated and a second state when not activated and the first operation pattern requires the initial activation of the selected key and requires that the key selected in the first state between a predetermined first time following the initial activation and a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time.
21. 21. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires that the selected key be at least momentarily in the first state between the first predetermined time following the initial activation and the second predetermined time following the first time. default
22. 22. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that, the first operation pattern requires sequential activation of the selected key and a second key of the plurality of keys within a predetermined period of time.
23. 23.- The system according to the claim 22, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires sequential activation of the selected key followed by activation of a second key of the plurality of keys within a predetermined period of time.
24. 24. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires the simultaneous activation of the selected key and of a second key of the plurality of keys.
25. 25. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that it includes a presentation or screen coupled to the box to present message texts and wherein the first operation pattern requires activation of the selected key and activation of a second one. key of the plurality of keys on the board followed by the presentation of a confirmation request message on the screen.
26. 26.- The wireless communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that the control circuit responds to the activation of the selected key with a plurality of first operating patterns, the control circuit generates the indicating signal in response to the activation of the selected key with any of the plurality of first operating patterns.
27. 27. The wireless communication device according to claim 15, having a plurality of operational states characterized in that the control circuit responds to the activation of the selected key with a first operation pattern corresponding to each of the plurality of the operational states, the control circuit generating the indicating signal in response to the activation of the selected key with the first operation pattern corresponding to the functional state of the wireless communication device.
28. 28. A method for preventing the accidental activation of a key selected from a plurality of keys in a wireless communication device, a method characterized by the steps of: sensing the activation of a selected key of a plurality; generating an indicator signal in response to the activation of the selected key with a first operation pattern and not responding to the activation of the selected key with a second operation pattern different from the first pattern; and allowing the operation of a function associated with the selected key if the indicator signal is generated.
29. 29. Method according to claim 28, for use with a wireless communication device including a cover member having open and closed positions characterized in that the first operation pattern when the cover member is in the open position is different of the first operation pattern when the cover member is in the closed position.
30. 30. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires the continuous activation of the selected key for a predetermined period of time.
31. 31.- The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, the first operation pattern requires the activation of the selected key a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time.
32. 32. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, the selected key has a first state when it is activated and a second state when it is not activated and the first operation pattern requires the initial activation of the selected key and requires that the selected key is in the first state at a predetermined time after the initial activation.
33. 33.- The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, the selected key has a first state when activated and a second state when not activated, and the first operation pattern requires the initial activation of the selected key and requires that the selected key is in the first state between a predetermined first time after the initial activation and a second predetermined time subsequent to the first predetermined time.
34. 34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, the first operation pattern requires that the selected key be at least momentarily in the first state between the first predetermined time after the initial activation and the second predetermined time after the first predetermined time.
35. 35.- The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, the first operation pattern requires activation in sequence. of the selected key and a second key of the plurality of keys within a predetermined time period.
36. 36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that, the first operation pattern requires the sequential activation of the selected keys followed by the activation of a second key of the plurality of keys within the predetermined time period.
37. 37.- The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the first operation pattern requires the simultaneous activation of the selected key and a second key of the plurality of the keys.
38. 38.- The method according to the claim 28, for use with a wireless communication device having a screen for displaying message texts and characterized in that, the first operation pattern requires activation of the selected key and activation of a second of the plurality of keys on the keyboard by following the presentation of a confirmation request message on the screen. The method according to claim 28, characterized by the step of generating the indicating signal in response to the activation of the selected key with a plurality of first operating patterns and generating the indicating signal in response to the activation of the key selected with any of the plurality of the first operating patterns. The method according to claim 28, for use with a wireless communication device having a plurality of operational states, characterized in that, the step of generating the indicating signal responds to the activation of the selected key with a first pattern of operation corresponding to each of the - plurality of operational states and generates the indicator signal in response to the activation of the selected key with the first operation pattern corresponding to the "operational state of the wireless communication device.