U.S. patent application number 11/611746 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for orientation dependent functionality of an electronic device.
Invention is credited to Shawn R. Gettemy, William Robert Hanson, Yoon Kean Wong.
Application Number | 20070152963 11/611746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21721296 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070152963 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wong; Yoon Kean ; et
al. |
July 5, 2007 |
ORIENTATION DEPENDENT FUNCTIONALITY OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
An electronic device is provided that includes a housing, a
plurality of modules, a sensor and a selection mechanism. The
housing has multiple housing segments, with each segment housing
one of the plurality of modules. The sensor detects an orientation
of the electronic device. The selection mechanism automatically
selects at least one, but nor all, of the plurality of modules to
be active, based on the detected orientation of the electronic
device.
Inventors: |
Wong; Yoon Kean; (Redwood
City, CA) ; Hanson; William Robert; (Mountain View,
CA) ; Gettemy; Shawn R.; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHEMWELL MAHAMEDI LLP
4880 STEVENS CREEK BOULEVARD
SUITE 201
SAN JOSE
CA
95129
US
|
Family ID: |
21721296 |
Appl. No.: |
11/611746 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10006525 |
Nov 30, 2001 |
7159194 |
|
|
11611746 |
Dec 15, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02D 30/70 20200801;
H04W 52/0251 20130101; H04M 1/0254 20130101; H04M 2250/12 20130101;
G06F 1/1626 20130101; G06F 1/1684 20130101; G06F 2200/1637
20130101; H04M 1/72409 20210101; H04M 1/7246 20210101; G06F 1/1632
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/156 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising: a housing having a plurality of
housing segments; a plurality of modules, each module being encased
in one of the housing segments; a sensor to detect an orientation
of the electronic device; and a selection mechanism to
automatically select at least one, but not all, of the plurality of
modules to be active, based on the detected orientation of the
electronic device.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of modules has a set of user-interface features that can be at
least partially controlled by the selection mechanism, and wherein
the selection mechanism enables the set of user-interface features
of the at least one selected module to be operational.
3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a
first housing segment and a second housing segment, the first
housing segment having a first exterior panel that provides a first
set of user-interface features, the second housing segment having a
second exterior panel that provides a second set of user-interface
features, and wherein the selection mechanism selects one of the
first and second set of user-interface features to be
operational.
4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first exterior
panel opposes the second exterior panel.
5. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the sensor determines
whether the first exterior panel or the second exterior panel is
positioned downward.
6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the sensor detects a
direction of gravity.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the sensor is an
accelerometer.
8. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first housing
segment is detachably coupled to the second housing segment.
9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the selection
mechanism is a processor configured to enable each of the modules
individually.
10. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first set of
user-interface features includes a display and a plurality of
actuatable surfaces.
11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the second set of
user-interface features includes a display and a plurality of
actuatable surfaces.
12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the selection
mechanism maintains one or more non-selected modules in an inactive
state in response to the detected orientation.
13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the selection
mechanism detects a new orientation, and selects a different module
in response to the detected new orientation.
14. A method for configuring an electronic device for use, the
method comprising: detecting an orientation of the electronic
device; and selecting a first module from a plurality of modules to
be operational based on the detected orientation of the electronic
device.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein detecting an orientation of the
electronic device includes detecting a direction of gravity.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein detecting an orientation of the
electronic device is automatically in response to activating the
electronic device.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein detecting an orientation of the
electronic device includes detecting a downward facing module, and
selecting one module from a plurality of modules includes selecting
an upward facing module that opposes the downward facing
module.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising maintaining a
non-selected module in a non-active state until a new orientation
is selected.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising detecting a change
in the orientation of the electronic device to a new
orientation.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising selecting a second
module different than the first module in response to detecting a
change in the orientation of the electronic device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/006,525 filed Nov. 30, 2001, entitled
ORIENTATION DEPENDENT FUNCTIONALITY OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE, (Atty.
Docket No. 25216-0869), which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to electronic devices. In
particular, the present invention relates to an electronic device
having functionality dependent on its orientation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable electronics devices tend to combine functionality
with small size. But in order to add functionality, portable
electronic devices tend to have to sacrifice compactness.
Additional functionality typically requires additional
user-interface features. A housing for an electronic device has to
be sufficient in size in order to provide for the additional
user-interface features. The housing may also have to be sufficient
to provide for additional internal components needed for the added
functionality.
[0004] Devices that combine to distinct functions are usually
larger or more bulky than devices that provide the same functions
individually. For example, hybrid devices exist that are both
personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cellular phones. These
devices tend to be larger than devices that are only cellular
phones or PDAs. Part of the reason why hybrid devices are larger is
that the device's PDA functionality require it to be large enough
to provide user-interface features that include a contact-sensitive
display, a set of buttons and a stylus. The cellular phone
functionality requires sufficient housing space to support a
numeric keypad, and an antenna. The user-interface features of the
PDA and cellular phone functions do not overlap. Consequently, the
housing has to be large enough to provide both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to an embodiment of the invention, an electronic
device is formed from at least two modules. Each module has a
distinct functionality, and includes a set of user-interface
features that are suited for that module's functionality. The
electronic device may have separate exterior panels. Each exterior
panel provides the set of user-interface features for one of the
two modules. The electronic device may be operated so that only one
module, or its set of user-interface features, is active. The other
module(s), or their respective sets of user-interface features, or
maintained or made inactive.
[0006] The selection as to which module is operable is made
automatically by components of the electronic device, based on a
detected orientation of the electronic device. In one embodiment,
the module or set of user-interface features facing the user (or
upward facing) is selected to be operable.
[0007] Other embodiments of the invention include an electronic
device having two or more sets of user-interface features. Each
user-interface feature may be located on a different exterior
panel. One user-interface feature may be selected over another
user-interface feature based on a detected orientation of the
electronic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of
example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals are intended to
refer to similar elements among different figures.
[0009] FIG. 1A is a side view of an electronic device in a first
state, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a side view of an electronic device in a second
state, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a front view of a first module of an electronic
device, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a front view of a second module of an electronic
device, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a method for operating an electronic device from a
low-power state, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a method for operating an electronic device in
multiple orientations, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of a handheld computer detachably
coupled to an accessory device, under an embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating internal components
of a handheld computer for use with an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Embodiments of the invention describe an electronic device
having orientation dependent functionality. In the following
description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the
present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in
block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
present invention.
[0020] Overview
[0021] In an embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing, a
plurality of modules, a sensor, and a selection mechanism. The
housing has a plurality of housing segments, with each housing
segment having one of the modules. The sensor detects an
orientation of the electronic device. The selection mechanism
automatically selects at least one, but not all, of the plurality
of modules to be active. The selection is based on the detected
orientation of the electronic device.
[0022] As used herein, the term "module" means a component having a
combination of logic and one or more user-interface features.
Modules may differ in design, configuration and function. Examples
of modules include components that can be operated as personal
digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, portable global
positioning systems, calculators, modems, digital cameras and other
devices.
[0023] In one embodiment, the sensor detects which one of the
modules is oriented downward, or conversely, which one of the
modules is directed upward. The terms "downward" and "upward" is
intended to be relative to a gravitational force.
[0024] In an embodiment, each module contains a different set of
user-interface features. As used herein, the term "user-interface
feature" includes any component that provides output to a user,
and/or enables users to enter input. Examples of user-interface
features include displays, touch-sensitive displays, extended
digitizers, buttons and contact-sensitive sensors. Digital
user-interface features are input components that appear to operate
in conjunction with a display. Examples of digital user-interface
features include icons, menu items and electronic handwriting
recognizers. Other examples of user-interface features include
speakers and microphones.
[0025] As used herein, the term "inactive" means a state where
user-interface features are not actuatable. An inactive state may
correspond to a low-power state, such as a sleep-mode, where the
device has to be actuated to be fully operational.
[0026] Electronic Device Orientation
[0027] Embodiments of the invention include an electronic device
having multiple modules that are selectively operational based on
an orientation of the electronic device. According to one
embodiment, the electronic device has two modules, and two
identifiable orientations. A sensor or other mechanism detects the
electronic device as being in one of the two orientations.
Components of the electronic device automatically activate one of
the two modules based on the detected orientation.
[0028] For example, the electronic device can be oriented so that
one of the modules is detected to be upward relative to gravity,
and the other is detected to be downward. The module detected to be
upward is either automatically activated, or maintained in an
active state. Concurrently, the module detected to be downward is
either automatically deactivated, or maintained in an inactive
state. In this way, only one of the two modules is active, and that
module is upward facing.
[0029] The particular manner in which the orientation is determined
can vary with other embodiments. For example, the downward facing
module may correspond to the module that is selected to be
operational. Other embodiments may provide for the orientation to
be determined from the proximity of the electronic device to
another device, person or reference point. This proximity may
determine which module of the electronic device is to be
active.
[0030] In addition, multiple modules may be provided. In one
embodiment, one detectable orientation exists for each module.
Other embodiments provide for multiple modules to be active based
on one detected orientation. For example, the electronic device may
be a cube. Each face of the cube may have a set of user-interface
features. A detected orientation of the electronic device may
correspond to a face of the cube being in a position, such as
upward facing. The set of user-interface features for that face are
active, but the set of user-interface features for the other faces
may be inactive.
[0031] FIG. 1A is a side view of an electronic device 100 in a
first state, under an embodiment of the invention. The electronic
device 100 includes a first module 110 joined to a second module
120. Only one of the modules 110, 120 is selected to be active,
depending on the orientation detected for the electronic device.
The first module 110 has a first housing segment 115. The second
module 120 has a second housing segment 125. The first and second
modules 110, 120 combine to form one housing.
[0032] In an embodiment, each module 110, 120 performs a different
function. Accordingly, each module has a different set of
user-interface features. FIGS. 2A and 2B provide examples of the
different functions that can be performed with modules of
electronic device 100.
[0033] Point A represents a reference point from where a user would
access the upward facing module. In such an embodiment, the upward
facing module is designated as being active or operational based on
the assumption that the user will want to operate the upward facing
module. The downward facing module is designated to be
inactive.
[0034] In a first state, the identified orientation of the
electronic device 100 is that the first module 110 is upward
facing, and the second module 120 downward facing. Therefore, the
first module 110 is active or operational, and the second module
120 is inactive. Alternatively, in the first state, a set of
user-interface features for first module 110 is operational, and a
set of user-interface features for second module 120 is
non-operational.
[0035] FIG. 1B illustrates electronic device 100 in a second state.
In a second state, the orientation of the electronic device 100 is
that second module 120 is upward facing, and first module 110 is
downward facing. As such, second module 120, and/or its set of
user-interface features are active or operational. The first module
110, and/or its set of user-interface features, is inactive or
non-operational.
[0036] Several advantages are present when one of the modules is
active and the other is inactive. Battery and processing resources
of the electronic device 100 are conserved. Furthermore, the active
module may be operated without affect from the inactive module. For
example, in the first state, a user may grip electronic device 100
to use first module 110. The grip may cause buttons or other
features of second module 120 to be pressed. However, since the
second module 120 is inactive, the inadvertent button presses on
the second module 120 do not interfere with the active use of the
first module 110.
[0037] If the electronic device transitions from the first state
(FIG. 1A) to the second state (FIG. 1B), or from the second state
to the first state, the active module will switch from being active
or operational to being inactive and inoperational. For example,
going from the first state to the second state, first module 110
may go from an operational and active mode to a sleep mode. Second
module 120 goes from a sleep mode to an operational and active
mode.
[0038] Modules For Electronic Device
[0039] FIG. 2A is a frontal view of a PDA module 210, under an
embodiment of the invention. The PDA module 210 may be used to
operate personal management software, including electronic
calendars and address books. The PDA module 210 may correspond to
one of the first or second modules 110, 120. Examples of devices
having functionality that could be included in PDA module 210
include devices that operate PALM OS software, manufactured by PALM
INC., or POCKET PC software manufactured by MICROSOFT INC.
[0040] A PDA housing segment 215 includes an exterior panel 212.
The PDA module may be activated when exterior panel 212 is detected
to be in an upward position. For example, exterior panel 212 of PDA
module 210 may be upward facing in FIGS. 1A and 1B, when the
electronic device 100 is in the first state. The first housing
segment 215 contains internal components for operating the PDA
module 210. Under an example provided by FIG. 2A, internal
components of the PDA module 210 are described with FIG. 8.
[0041] The PDA module 210 provides a set of user-interface features
on exterior panel 212. The set of user-interface features include a
display 222, and a set of buttons 224. Display 222 may be activated
to provide digital user-interface features, such as graphical icons
and buttons. The PDA module may also include a handwriting
recognizer 228. The handwriting recognizer 228 may be either
virtual, so as to occur by activation of display 222, or fixed as a
separate component of display 222.
[0042] Other components of PDA module 210 include a radio-frequency
transmitter 232 or antenna for wireless communications. Other types
of communication ports (not shown) include BlueTooth enabled ports,
or infrared ports.
[0043] If the electronic device 100 is oriented so that PDA module
210 is selected, user-interface features of PDA module 210 are
operational. Display 222 may display content. Contact with display
222 may cause input to be entered. The buttons 224 may be pressed
to cause electronic device 100 to perform predefined actions. The
digital buttons 226 and handwriting recognizer 228 may appear on
display 222, or otherwise be provided on front panel 212 to prompt
the user for input. If the electronic device is oriented so that
the PDA module 210 is not selected, then buttons 224 cannot be
pressed to enter input. Contact with display 222 will also not
enter input. Display 222 may not provide content.
[0044] In an embodiment, when PDA module 210 is not selected (i.e.
oriented to be downward facing), then PDA module 210 is maintained
in a low-power state, where incidental contact with user-interface
features of the module does not cause input to be entered into the
electronic device. The low-power state may also affect internal
components of the electronic device used to operate the PDA module
210. For example, a processor used by the PDA module may be
switched to maintain minimal operations until an interrupt is
received that corresponds to the electronic device changing
orientation.
[0045] FIG. 2B is a frontal view of a phone module 220, for use as
second module 120 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). The phone module 220 may be
operated to make mobile phone calls, or establish wireless network
communications for the electronic device.
[0046] A phone housing segment 225 includes an exterior panel 232.
The set of user-interface features for the phone module 220 include
a display 240, and a button set comprising a plurality of buttons
242. The buttons 242 may form a number pad. The phone module 220
may be activated when the exterior panel 232 is detected to be in
the upward position.
[0047] If the phone module 220 is not selected by the orientation
of the electronic device 100, the set of user-interface features
for the phone module 220 are not operational. This may correspond
to buttons 242 not being actuatable to enter input. Display 240 may
also not display any content. In one embodiment, phone module 220
is maintained in a low power state when not selected. This may
limit some or all internal functions of phone module 220. For
example, when phone module 220 is in the low-power state, a
processor that operates phone module 220 may be operated at a
low-power state where minimal operations are performed.
[0048] When the phone module 220 is selected, the user-interface
features of the phone module are made operational. This may
correspond to display 240 displaying content. The buttons 242 may
be pressed to signal input to the processor, or to make the display
240 display information corresponding to the button press.
[0049] While FIGS. 2A and 2B discuss modules of electronic device
100 as being switched to a low-power state, other embodiments may
provide that only select components of the module or deactivated.
For example, if PDA module 210 is selected to be inactive by the
orientation of the electronic device, then only display 222 and
buttons 224 are made inactive. An internal processor or memory of
the PDA module 210 may be maintained in an active state, and
possibly shared with phone module 220. Still further, the
radio-frequency transmitter 232 may continue to receive wireless
communications.
[0050] Selection Mechanism For Electronic Device
[0051] In one embodiment, the inactive module is placed in a
low-power state, while the other module is made active. In another
embodiment, only certain features of one module are made inactive,
while features of the other module are maintained in an active
state.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a simplistic block diagram of another embodiment
of the invention. An electronic device 300 includes a sensor 310, a
selection mechanism 320, a first module 330, and a second module
340. The sensor 310 detects the orientation of the electronic
device 300. The selection mechanism 320 selects one of the modules
to be operational based on the orientation detected by sensor 310.
The module that is not selected may be switched into or maintained
in a lower-power state. The selected module may be switched into or
maintained in an active state.
[0053] If a change in the orientation of the electronic device 300
is detected, the newly selected module becomes active. The
previously selected module 320 becomes inactive.
[0054] According to an embodiment, sensor 310 is a device that
provides orientation information to the processor or other
selection mechanism 320. In one embodiment, sensor 310 may be an
electromechanical device configured to determine the orientation of
the electronic device 100 from physical properties, such as
balance, weight, gravity, light and/or other environmental factors.
In another embodiment, sensor 310 is a sensor that detects aspects
about the user's contact. Fro example, sensor 310 may detect where
the users fingers are so as to orient the electronic device 100
towards the user's body. In one embodiment, sensor 310 may detect
gravitational forces so as to provide orientation information
regarding which of the two modules is upward facing. For example,
as shown with FIGS. 1A and 1B, the orientation may be designated so
that the upward facing module is the module selected to be
operational. Specific examples of sensor 310 include a gyroscope or
an accelerometer.
[0055] In an embodiment, selection mechanism 320 is a processor
that receives orientation information from sensor 310. The
processor executes instructions to determine the orientation of the
electronic device 300 based on the orientation information. The
processor may also execute instructions to activate and/or
deactivate one of the modules 330, 340 based on the orientation
determined from the sensor's orientation information. In an
embodiment such as shown by FIG. 3, the instructions executed by
the processor would be to switch or maintain one of the modules
into a low-power state while switching or maintaining the other
module in the active state.
[0056] FIG. 4 is simplistic block diagram of an embodiment of the
invention. An electronic device 400 includes a sensor 410, a
selection mechanism 420, a first set of user-interface features 430
on a first panel, and a second set of user-interface features 440
on a second panel. The sensor 410 detects the orientation of the
electronic device 400.
[0057] According to embodiment such as shown with FIG. 4, selection
mechanism 420 deactivates or otherwise incapacitates some or all of
the user-interface features on one of the modules, while enabling
or otherwise maintaining the user-interface features of the other
modules as operational. The selection mechanism 420 elects which
set of user-interface features to activate in response to the
detected orientation.
[0058] In an embodiment, selection mechanism 420 selects one of the
two sets of user-interface features based on orientation
information received from sensor 410. For example, if the module
containing the first set of user-interface features 430 is detected
to be upward facing, then the first set of user-interface features
430 are made to be active by the selection mechanism 420.
Concurrently, the second set of user-interface features 440 is
selected to be inactive.
[0059] The modules providing each of the first and second sets of
user-interface features 430 and 440 may share components or have
internal components that are concurrently active regardless of the
orientation of the electronic device. One set of user-interface
features may be disabled because of the electronic device's
orientation, but internal components of the electronic device 400
may be maintained operation in order to operate the active
user-interface features.
[0060] An embodiment such as shown with FIG. 4 makes it possible
for electronic device 400 to share a component such as a processor
amongst two modules. The selection of one module over the other
module would inactivate buttons or other user-interface features on
one module, but the processor would remain active regardless of the
orientation of the electronic device.
[0061] In this way, a user may operate an electronic device without
concern for making contact with the other set of user-interface
features by accident. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may
share components more readily between modules.
[0062] For example, with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, PDA module
210 and phone module 220 may share components that include a
processor, a memory, a battery, and an analog-digital converter.
Shared components may be used to operate the active module or set
of user-interface features.
[0063] Method For Selecting A Module Based On Device
Orientation
[0064] FIGS. 5 and 6 describe embodiments where an electronic
device is operated based on its detected orientation. Reference to
numerals of other figures in this section is intended to illustrate
exemplary components for practicing embodiments detailed in FIGS. 5
and 6. Reference to numerals in FIGS. 1A and 1B are made for
illustrative purposes only.
[0065] FIG. 5 is a method for operating electronic device 100 (FIG.
1) beginning from when the orientation of the device is irrelevant.
This may correspond to the electronic device 100 being off, in
sleep-mode, or other low-power state. This may also correspond to
the electronic device being in a mode where it is operational, but
not orientation dependent.
[0066] In step 510, the electronic device 100 is switched to a
state where the orientation is relevant. The electronic device 100
may be powered on, or switched from one operational mode into
another operational mode that is orientation dependent.
[0067] Step 520 provides that the orientation of the electronic
device 100 is detected. This may correspond to identifying which
housing segments 115, 125 have exterior panels that are facing
upward, and/or facing downward.
[0068] Step 530 provides that a selection is made for one of the
two (or more) modules. The selection is dependent on the
orientation detected for the electronic device 100. For example,
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate selections made based on which module
110, 120 is upward facing.
[0069] In step 540, the selected module is sent an activation
signal. In one embodiment, the selection may also (or in the
alternative) be made by sending the non-selected module an
inactivation signal. The activation signal may switch one of the
two modules into an operational power state. The deactivation
signal may cause one of the modules to be switched into or
maintained in a low-power state.
[0070] In other embodiments, the activation or deactivation signals
cause user-interface features of the selected or non-selected
module 110, 120 to be activated or deactivated. For example, the
non-selected module may be sent a deactivation signal that
deactivates the user-interface features of that module.
[0071] FIG. 6 is a method for operating an electronic device in
multiple orientations, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0072] In step 610, an initial orientation of the electronic device
100 is detected. The initial orientation may correspond to
immediately after the electronic device 100 is powered on, or
alternately to when the electronic device is switched into an
orientation dependent mode. For example, one of the modules may
correspond to a handheld computer, such as a PALM type electronic
organizer. Another of the modules may correspond to an accessory
device for the handheld computer. The accessory device may be
detachably coupled to the handheld computer. When the handheld
computer is operated by itself, its orientation does not matter. It
is only when the accessory device is coupled to the handheld
computer that the combined devices can be used according to their
detected orientation. In this example, the handheld computer enters
a mode where its detected orientation matters after it is attached
to the accessory device.
[0073] In step 620, a selection is made for one of the modules
based on the orientation that is initially detected. In the example
of the handheld computer and the accessory device, the selection
may be made based on whether the front panel of the handheld
computer or the back panel of the accessory device is facing
upwards.
[0074] Step 630 provides that an activation signal is sent to the
selected module. Other embodiments may provide a deactivation
signal that is sent to the non-selected module. The deactivation
signal may be sent in conjunction with or as an alternative to the
activation signal. In either case, one module is active, and the
other module is inactive.
[0075] In step 640, a determination is made as to whether a new
orientation is detected for the electronic device 100.
[0076] If in step 640 the determination is that the new orientation
is detected, then steps 620 and 630 are repeated using the new
detected orientation in stead of the previous orientation.
[0077] If in step 640 the determination is that no new orientation
is detected, then step 650 provides that the inactivity of the
non-selected module is maintained. No change to the non-selected
module is made. In one embodiment, this step may correspond to the
user-interface features of the non-elected module being maintained
in a disabled state. In another embodiment, this step may
correspond to the entire non-selected module being maintained
inactive, or in a low-power state.
[0078] Step 660 provides that the selected module is maintained in
an active state. This may correspond to the selected module being
fully operational and active.
[0079] In step 670, a determination is made as to whether the
electronic device 100 is to be maintained in an orientation
dependent mode. For example, the electronic device may be switched
off. Alternatively, the electronic device may be switched into a
mode where it can be operated without affects from its orientation.
For example, where two modules are detachably coupled to one
another, this may also correspond to one module being decoupled
from the other module.
[0080] If the determination is that the mode for selecting the
orientation is switched on, then the method is repeated, starting
with step 640. Else, the method is done in step 680.
[0081] Housing Configuration For PDA And Accessory Device
[0082] FIG. 7 is a side view of a handheld computer and accessory
device forming an electronic device, under an embodiment of the
invention. According to an embodiment, handheld computer 705
(typically referred to as a "PDA") is detachably coupled to an
accessory device 710 to form an electronic device 700. A sensor 720
device may be incorporated into the handheld computer 710 and/or
accessory device in order to detect the orientation of the
electronic device. A coupling mechanism 730 detachably couples the
accessory device 710 to the handheld computer 705. A front panel
702 of the handheld computer 705 and a back panel 712 of the
accessory device 710 form the exterior panels of the combined
devices. The coupling mechanism 730 may, for example, comprise a
spring-loaded connector mechanism that can be biased to couple two
device together, and to release two devices from one another.
[0083] The term "detachably coupled" means one device can be
connected to or detached from the other device using a coupling
mechanism that can be operated by a user without need for a tool.
For example, the user may press one or more buttons, or move a
lever in order to detach one device from the other. Detachably
connected does not mean use of fasteners that require tools, such
as screws.
[0084] In one application, if handheld computer 705 is detected to
be upward, then handheld computer 705 has active user-interface
features (such as buttons and display) on exterior panel 702. If
the handheld computer 705 is detected to be downward facing, then
accessory device 710 has active user-interface features on exterior
panel 712. In the latter orientation, handheld computer 705 (or its
user-interface features) may be inactive. Likewise, when the
accessory device is detected to be downward, the accessory device
710 or its set of user-interface features my be designated as
inactive.
[0085] For example, one module may comprise a handheld computer,
such as a PALM ORGANIZER manufactured by Palm, Inc. Another module
may comprise an accessory device for that handheld computer.
Examples of accessory devices for handheld computers include phone
modules, modems, wireless receivers, and global positioning
systems.
[0086] Examples of detachable coupling mechanisms for connecting
handheld computers and accessory devices are provided in the
following issued patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference. Other examples of detachable coupling mechanisms and
arrangements between handheld computers and accessory devices are
provided in the following patent applications, all of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0087] Hardware Components
[0088] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware
implementation for use with an embodiment where an electronic
device that is formed by the combination of a handheld computer 800
and an accessory device 880. The accessory device 880 may
detachably couple to the handheld computer 800, in a manner
described with FIG. 7.
[0089] In an embodiment, handheld computer 800 includes a processor
810 connected to a first memory 815 (non-volatile) and to a second
memory 820 (volatile). A display driver 830 connects to processor
810. The display driver 830 and processor 810 combine to output
content onto a display 840. Display 840 may be contact-sensitive.
An analog-digital converter 850 is connected to processor 810. The
analog-digital converter 850 may convert contact with display 840
into input. The analog-digital converter 850 may have multiple
channels 852, including one for interpreting contact with display
840. A power source 855, such as a battery, may provide power to
all of the components of the handheld computer 800. The power
source 855 may also be used to power the accessory device 880. A
set of buttons 860 or other actuatable surfaces may operate off
processor 810.
[0090] The accessory device 880 may connect to processor 810 via
expansion port 802. In one embodiment, accessory device 880 has a
set of user-interface features 885 that can be operated from an
exterior panel of the accessory device. Examples of user-interface
features include a set of buttons or actuatable surfaces, or a
display. The accessory device 880 may also include logic 890 that
incorporates some functionality. The logic 890 may perform specific
tasks in combination with processor 810 or other components of
handheld computer 800.
[0091] An orientation sensor 845 may be located on handheld
computer 800. The orientation sensor 845 may be connected to
processor 810. The orientation sensor 845 detects the orientation
of the handheld computer 800, and signals orientation information
to processor 810. The processor 810 is configured to select either
handheld computer 800 or accessory device 880 as being active. The
active device will have full use of its component. The device not
selected will have limited or no use of its component.
[0092] For example, if the orientation information causes processor
810 to select handheld computer 800 to be active, then all
facilities of accessory device 880 may be switched off. If the
orientation information causes processor 810 to select accessory
device 880 to be active, then display 840 and/or the set of buttons
860 may be disabled. Other components of handheld computer 800 may
be needed when handheld computer 800 is inactive, such as processor
810 or power source 850.
[0093] As an alternative, the logic 890 may operate independently
of components in handheld computer 800. In one embodiment, logic
890 may be a combination of circuitry, processor and/or memory for
performing accessorial functions in combination with handheld
computer 800.
[0094] For example, accessory device 880 may be a wireless
communication device that uses internal components of handheld
computer 800 to make wireless, radio-frequency communications. For
some uses, the wireless communications provided by the accessory
device 880 may utilize processor 810 or memory components 815 and
820. The accessory device 880 may for example, be a mobile phone
that uses components of handheld computer 800 to record verbal
messages made on the accessory device 880.
[0095] Alternative Embodiments
[0096] Many embodiments described herein detail electronic device
100 as having only two modules, where one module is selected to be
active or have more active features. Other embodiments may provide
more modules. Furthermore, more than one module may be made active
or inactive.
[0097] While embodiments described with FIGS. 3 and 4 describe a
selection mechanism that also implement the selection, other
embodiments may decouple the selection mechanism from the component
that actually implements the selection. For example, in one
embodiment, a processor may receive orientation information from
the sensor, and based on the determined orientation, make a
selection to activate the display of one of the two modules. A
display driver may then activate a display on the selected module,
and inactivate the display on the non-selected module.
[0098] Embodiments described with FIG. 5 detail the electronic
device as powering up so as to select one or the other of two
modules. It is also possible for the electronic device to be
operated in a mode where both modules are operational concurrently.
The user at some point may elect to make the electronic device
operate one module over the other based on the overall orientation
of the electronic device.
[0099] Embodiments described with FIG. 7 illustrate a handheld
computer detachably coupled to an accessory device. Other
embodiments may provide for one handheld computer having two sets
of user-interface features or functionality. One set
of-user-interface features may appear on one exterior panel of the
handheld computer. Another set of user-interface features may
appear on another exterior panel of the handheld computer. The
sensor detects the orientation to select one set of user-interface
features over another set of user-interface features.
[0100] While embodiments described herein contemplate a processor
as a selection mechanism, other embodiments may use other types of
components. For example, the selection mechanism may be a simple
switch, such as on a multiplexer. Other embodiments provide for a
display driver to be used as the selection mechanism. The actual
selection of one of the modules to be active may be made by either
an intelligent component, such as a processor, or by a device such
as a switch that is activated by orientation information.
[0101] Conclusion
[0102] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will,
however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be
made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of
the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
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