U.S. patent application number 12/247960 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for handheld computer having an adjustable length for selectively exposing a surface component.
Invention is credited to Lawrence Lam, Huy Nguyen.
Application Number | 20090034172 12/247960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29582945 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090034172 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Huy ; et
al. |
February 5, 2009 |
HANDHELD COMPUTER HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE LENGTH FOR SELECTIVELY
EXPOSING A SURFACE COMPONENT
Abstract
A handheld computer is provided having a variable length and
exposable surface component. The component is operable at a
designated length of the handheld computer. A housing of the
handheld computer may be adjusted to that the component is exposed
or enclosed. When exposed, an application associated with the
component may be launched by a processor of the handheld
computer.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Huy; (San Jose,
CA) ; Lam; Lawrence; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHEMWELL MAHAMEDI LLP
4880 STEVENS CREEK BOULEVARD, SUITE 201
SAN JOSE
CA
95129-1034
US
|
Family ID: |
29582945 |
Appl. No.: |
12/247960 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10159572 |
May 31, 2002 |
|
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12247960 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1626 20130101;
G06F 1/1686 20130101; G06F 1/1677 20130101; H04M 2250/52 20130101;
H04M 1/0235 20130101; G06F 2200/1632 20130101; G06F 1/1643
20130101; G06F 1/1624 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.56 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/00 20060101
H05K007/00 |
Claims
1. A handheld computer comprising: a housing having a length that
is adjustable between a minimum length and a maximum length; a
component at least partially disposed on a first surface of the
housing and exposed when a length of the housing is a first length
that is greater than the minimum length; a processor configured to
automatically launch an application associated with the component
in response to the length of the handheld computer being greater
than or equal to the first length, so as to enable the component to
be operable on the handheld computer.
2. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the component is a
lens, and the application launched by the processor is an
application for enabling a user to capture images with the handheld
computer.
3. The handheld computer of claim 2, further comprising an
actuation mechanism that is actuatable by a user to cause the
processor to use the lens to capture an image, the actuation
mechanism being exposed when the length of the housing is the first
length.
4. The handheld computer of claim 3, wherein the actuation
mechanism is on a second surface that is oriented in an opposite
direction from the first surface.
5. The handheld computer of claim 4, further comprising a display
oriented in a same direction as the actuation mechanism.
6. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the housing is telescoping so as to extend between the minimum
length and the maximum length.
7. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a
first segment slideably connected to a second segment to move
between the minimum length and the maximum length.
8. The handheld computer of claim 7, wherein the component is
located on a first interior surface of one of the first segment or
the second segment, and an actuation mechanism for enabling a user
to actuate the component is located on a second interior surface of
the other one of the first segment or the second segment, the first
interior surface and the second interior surface being exposed when
the length of the handheld computer is greater than or equal to the
first length.
9. A handheld computer comprising: a first housing segment; a
second housing segment moveably coupled to the first housing
segment to move between a contracted position and an extended
position relative to the first housing segment; a component at
least partially disposed on one of the first housing segment or the
second housing segment and positioned so as to be exposed and
operable when the second housing segment is moved a distance away
from the contracted position towards the extended position; and a
processor configured to, in response to the second housing segment
being moved the distance away from the contracted position,
automatically select an application associated with the component
from a plurality of applications that are executable on the
handheld computer, and to automatically launch the selected
application.
10. The handheld computer of claim 9, wherein the processor is
configured to operate in cooperation with a lens to capture images,
the lens being disposed on one of the first housing segment or the
second housing component.
11. The handheld computer of claim 10, wherein the processor and
lens are configured to operate in cooperation with the lens to
capture a still image in a digital format.
12. The handheld computer of claim 10, wherein the processor and
lens are configured to operate in cooperation with the lens to
capture a series of images in rapid succession so as to function as
a video recorder.
13. The handheld computer of claim 9, wherein the component
communicates with one or more components of the handheld computer,
including the processor, to record or playback sound.
14. The handheld computer of claim 9, wherein the component is
disposed on one of the first housing segment or the second housing
so as to not be operable when the second housing segment has moved
less than the distance away from the contracted position.
15. The handheld computer of claim 9, further comprising an
actuation mechanism positioned on a surface of the handheld
computer that is exposed when the second segment is moved the
distance, the actuation mechanism enabling user-input for operating
the component.
16. The handheld computer of claim 10, further comprising an
actuation mechanism positioned on a surface of the handheld
computer that is exposed when the second segment is moved the
distance away from the contracted position, the actuation mechanism
enabling a user to actuate the processor and lens to capture an
image at an instant determined by the actuation mechanism being
actuated.
17. A handheld computer comprising: a first housing segment; a
second housing segment moveably coupled to the first housing
segment to move between a contracted position and an extended
position relative to the first housing segment; a touch-sensitive
display provided on a first face of at least one of the first
housing segment and the second housing segment, the first face
being oriented so as to have an intersecting orthogonal axis
extending in a first direction, the display being configured to
receive user-input for use in executing a plurality of applications
and to display output from execution of one or more of the
plurality of applications; a component at least partially disposed
on a second face of at least one of the first housing segment and
the second housing segment, the component being exposed for
operation after the second housing segment is moved a distance away
from the contracted position towards the extended position, the
second face being oriented so as to have an intersecting orthogonal
axis extending in a second direction that is substantially opposite
to the first direction; an actuation mechanism positioned on a
surface of the handheld computer that is exposed when the second
segment is moved the distance relative to the first segment, the
actuation mechanism being actuatable to cause a first user-input
for operating the component to be entered; and a processor
configured to execute the application using the first
user-input.
18. The handheld computer of claim 17, wherein the processor is
configured to launch the first application in response to the
actuation mechanism being actuated.
19. The handheld computer of claim 17, wherein the processor is
configured to launch the first application in response to the
second segment being moved the distance away from the contracted
position, and to subsequently execute the application using the
first input.
20. The handheld computer of claim 17, wherein the processor is
configured to receive input for operating the component through
contact initiated by a user to the display.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/159,572, filed May 31, 2002, and entitled
"Handheld Computer Having An Adjustable Length For Selectively
Exposing A Surface Component," the aforementioned priority
application being hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to handheld computers. In
particular, the present invention relates to a handheld computer
having an adjustable length for selectively exposing a surface
component.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Handheld computers, typically referred to as personal
digital assistants (PDAs), are intended to be mobile devices. In
general, small sizes are desired for handheld computers to enhance
mobility. However, there are constraints to how small a handheld
computer can be for convenience of the user. In particular, certain
characteristics of handheld computers require a minimum amount of
space on the exterior housing of the handheld computer.
[0004] Most handheld computers require a minimum size display. The
minimum display size is set by balancing considerations such as
mobility with the need for the user to view data, such as personal
management information, pictures, and text pages. For some handheld
computers, the size of the display may also need to be large enough
to provide a character input mechanisms for the user. For example,
some handheld computers incorporate character recognition logic as
a primary means for the user to enter character data into the
handheld computer. The displays for the handheld computer may be
made to be contact-sensitive. A portion of the display may be
combined with logic to provide an immediate character recognizer
for recognizing gestures or strokes entered onto a portion of the
display as characters. Other displays may be used to display a
virtual keyboard. The immediate character recognition regions and
virtual keyboards require the displays to be of a minimum size to
support those kinds of character entry.
[0005] The size of the handheld computer typically must also
accommodate mechanical actuators, such as buttons or pivot
switches. These are typically placed on the same surface where the
display is viewable to enable users to coordinate button actions
with what is shown on the display.
[0006] As battery and printed circuit board technology becomes more
advanced, the display size and mechanical actuators are
increasingly becoming the primary factors that determine the size
of the handheld computer. Reducing the length of the handheld
computer requires sacrificing features of the display and/or
buttons.
[0007] Sometimes the functionality from two different devices is
combined into one unit. But combining devices such as handheld
computers with other devices generally leads to a device that is
larger than a device having the functionality of only one device.
Usually, this is because each type of device has a particular set
of hardware features that are exposed on the device. The physical
presence of hardware features for each type of device cannot be
eliminated when two or more different types of devices are
combined.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the invention provide for a handheld computer
having an adjustable length for selectively exposing a surface
component. The length of the handheld computer may be varied
between a minimum length and a maximum length. A surface component
or feature may be disposed on a surface of the handheld computer's
housing such that the component is exposed only when the handheld
computer is of at least a designated length, where the designated
length is greater than the minimum length. When the surface
component is exposed, a processor of the handheld computer
automatically executes instructions associated with the surface
component.
[0009] In one embodiment, a handheld computer automatically
launches an application for operating the handheld computer as a
digital camera in response to detecting that a lens on an exposable
surface of the housing is exposed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a handheld computer having an
adjustable length, under an embodiment of the invention, under an
embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a back view of a handheld computer such as shown
in FIG. 1, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a handheld computer such as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of a handheld computer such as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of a housing for a handheld computer
in a contracted position, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of housing for a handheld computer in
an extended position, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a handheld computer
along lines D-D of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a handheld computer
along lines E-E of FIG. 5.
[0019] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate rail components on segments of a
housing for the handheld computer, under an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a method for operating a handheld
computer in conjunction with exposing a lens on a surface of the
handheld computer.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an isometric front view of a user gripping a
handheld computer in an orientation common for use in PDA type
devices, under an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration for enabling a user to
alter the grip on a handheld computer for capturing images.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a handheld computer, under an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Embodiments of the invention describe a handheld computer
having an adjustable length for selectively exposing a surface
component. 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.
A. OVERVIEW
[0025] Embodiments of the invention include a handheld computer
having a housing that can be adjusted in length. The housing may be
adjusted to expose a component that is suited for a particular
function on the handheld computer. When the housing is adjusted to
expose the component, a processor of the handheld computer may
automatically launch an application for operating that
component.
[0026] According to one embodiment, the housing is segmented into
two slideably connected segments. For example, one segment may
provide a front face for the handheld computer, and another segment
may provide a back face for the handheld computer. The two segments
may slide relative to one another to enable the length of the
handheld computer to be adjusted.
[0027] In another embodiment, the housing segments may also be
telescoping. The term "telescoping" in the context of the housing
for the handheld computer implies that the housing has one portion
having a perimeter that is less than another portion. The portion
with the smaller perimeter can slide within the portion with the
larger perimeter.
[0028] According to a variation of an embodiment, an actuation
mechanism may be positioned on a surface of the handheld computer
to actuate the processor into performing a function when the
application is launched. The actuation mechanism may be positioned
on a surface that is opposite in orientation to the component. In
one embodiment, the component may be positioned on a back side of
the handheld computer, and the actuation mechanism may be
positioned on a front side of the handheld computer. Both the
actuation mechanism and the component may be exposed when the
handheld computer is extended to the first length.
[0029] Embodiments of the invention provide a handheld computer
having a first segment, and a second segment moveably coupled to
the first segment so as to be moveable between a contracted
position and an extended position. A component is disposed at least
partially on one of the first segment or the second segment. The
component is positioned so to be exposed and operable when the
second segment is moved a distance away from the contracted
position towards the extended position. The handheld computer
includes a processor that is configured to automatically select an
application associated with the component from a plurality of
applications operable on the handheld computer in response to the
second segment being moved the distance. The processor then
automatically launches the application associated with the
component when the second segment is moved the distance.
B. HANDHELD COMPUTER WITH ADJUSTABLE LENGTH AND EXPOSABLE
COMPONENT
[0030] FIGS. 1-5 are different views of a handheld computer having
an adjustable length for exposing a surface component. As will be
described, a length of the handheld computer is adjustable to
expose a component for operation in conjunction with an application
that can be executed by the handheld computer. For purpose of
description, embodiments of the invention are described with the
exposable component being a lens for use in capturing images. Other
types of components that may be disposed on an exposable surface of
the adjustable handheld computer are contemplated and described
elsewhere in the application.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of a handheld computer having an
adjustable length, under an embodiment of the invention. A handheld
computer 100 has an adjustable length housing 105 that can extend
between a contracted position and an extended position. The arrow
line A-A illustrates the motion of housing 105. A length of housing
105 is minimum when it is in the contracted position, and maximum
when it is in the extended position. The housing 105 may be formed
from a first segment 110 slideably connected to a second segment
120 to move between the contracted and extended position. In one
embodiment, first segment 110 provides a front face 112 for
handheld computer 100 when housing 105 is in the contracted
position, and second segment 120 provides a back face 122 (FIG. 2)
for handheld computer 100 when the housing 105 is in the contracted
position.
[0032] In an embodiment, front face 112 provided on first segment
110 includes a display 118 and one or more keys 116 for operating
handheld computer 100. The display 118 may be contact-sensitive. A
handwriting recognition area 119 may be provided on a lower portion
of display 118 to enable alphanumeric entry. Alternatively, a
keyboard or keypad, mechanical or digital in nature, may be
provided somewhere on front face 112 to enable alphanumeric
entry.
[0033] The handheld computer 100 may be configured to operate as a
PDA or similar device. Accordingly, handheld computer 100 may be
used to execute personal information management (PIM) applications,
including calendar applications for maintaining appointments,
address book applications for maintaining contact information,
to-do applications to maintain lists, and memo applications to
allow entries of memos. Other applications that may be used by a
PDA type device include word processing applications, graphic
applications for jotting illustrations, and spreadsheets. A PDA
type device is any device that operates such applications, or that
is able to receive alphanumeric input. A typical operating system
that may be operated by handheld computer 100 includes PALM OS
(manufactured by PALM INC.) and POCKET PC (manufactured by
MICROSOFT CORP.).
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates handheld computer 100 when housing 105 is
in the extended position. The first segment 110 is moved a
differential length dl from a bottom edge 121 of second segment 120
to expose an interior side 125 to second segment 120. An actuation
mechanism 124 is provided on the interior side 125. In this way,
the actuation mechanism 124 is exposed only when housing 105 is in
the extended position. The actuation mechanism 124 may correspond
to a pressable button or similar mechanism that acts as a
shutter-bug for the handheld computer 100 when it is used as an
image capturing device.
[0035] In the contracted position, first segment 110 would overlay
second segment 120, so that the differential length dl would not be
present. A bottom edge 111 of first segment 110 would align with
the bottom edge 121 of second segment 120. The interior surface 125
of second segment 120 would not be viewable, and actuation
mechanism 124 would not be accessible.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a back view of the handheld computer shown in FIG.
1. As shown by FIG. 2, an exposable component is disposed on
housing 105 to enable handheld computer 100 to perform additional
functions that require use of the component.
[0037] The second segment 120 provides the back face 122 for
handheld computer 100. One or more apertures 132 for connecting to
accessory devices are provided on back face 122. A connector 136
may be provided on the back bottom edge of second segment 120 to
enable handheld computer 100 to electrically connect with other
accessory devices, such as keyboards, travel chargers and modems.
In the extended position, a top edge 108 of first segment 110 is
vertically separated from a top edge 128 of second segment 120 by a
length dl. When in the extended position, an interior surface 115
of first segment 110 is exposed. A lens 135 is provided on the
interior surface 115. The lens 135 may be formed into an opening on
the surface of handheld computer 100, and include one or more light
focusing elements that focus an image on a plurality of light
detecting sensors. Circuitry may signal data representing captured
images to a processor of handheld computer 100. The lens 135 is
exposed in the extended position, the lens 135 can be operated in
conjunction with a camera application to enable handheld computer
100 to digitally capture images.
[0038] In the contracted position, a top edge 108 of first segment
110 would align with the top edge 128 of second segment 120. The
interior surface 115 of first segment 110 would be overlaid by
second segment 120 when in the contracted position. As a result,
the lens 135 would be hidden and not operable with handheld
computer 100.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of handheld computer 100, under an
embodiment of the invention. The first segment 110 and second
segment 120 may slide into and out of the paper in order to adjust
the length of housing 105. The connector 136 may correspond to a
serial port, provided on second segment 120.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a top view of handheld computer 100, under an
embodiment of the invention. As shown, first segment 110 may be
thicker than second segment 120 towards the top region. A top
surface 142 of first segment 110 may provide an infrared port 144,
a stylus opening 146 and a jack 148, as well as other features. A
top surface 152 of second segment 120 may be a thin shell.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a side view of housing 105 in a contracted
position. In the contracted position, the handheld computer 100 may
appear to be formed of a single segment when viewed from the side.
The second segment 120 may include sidewalls 158 that extend upward
to encompass side regions of first segment 110. Line B indicates a
position of lens 135. Line C indicates a position of actuation
mechanism 124.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a side view of housing 105 in an extended
position. An extended thickness 155 of first segment 110 my
protrude from sidewalls 158 of second segment 120. The location of
lens 135 (FIG. 2), indicates by line B, is changed so as to expose
the lens. Similarly, the position of the actuation mechanism has
also changed.
C. HOUSING CONSTRUCTION
[0043] Embodiments of the invention provide for a handheld computer
that is configured to include a first housing segment that is
moveably or slideably coupled to a second housing segment. The
first and second housing segments are moveable relative to one
another so that a housing of the handheld computer can be adjusted
to a first length corresponding to the first and second housing
segment being moved to a contracted position, and a second length
greater than the first length corresponding to the first and second
housing segment being moved to an extended position.
[0044] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a rail construction for enabling
first segment 110 of handheld computer 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1-4)
to slideably couple to second segment 120. FIG. 7 is a
cross-sectional view of handheld computer 100 along lines D-D of
FIG. 6. In the portion viewed, only second segment 120 is occupying
the cross-section, since the handheld computer 100 is in the
extended position. The portion of second segment 120 shown may
correspond to a shell 166 that protects the interior surface 115
(FIG. 2) of first segment 110 when housing 105 is in the contracted
position. A first rail 167 and second rail 168 may be formed or
otherwise integrated into the shell 166. The first rail 167 and
second rail 168 may be formed on an interior side to the portion of
second segment 120 corresponding to sidewalls 158. The rails 167,
168 are configured to slideably receive corresponding rail members
177, 178 from first segment 110.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of handheld computer 100
along lines E-E of FIG. 5. In the portion viewed, first segment 110
and second segment 120 are occupying the same cross-section, as
handheld computer 100 is in the contracted position. A thickness
172 of first segment 110 occupies a volume defined by shell 166.
The first segment 110 may be provided with rail members 177, 178
(see FIG. 8) that slideably engage rails 167, 168.
[0046] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate rail components on segments of a
housing for the handheld computer, under an embodiment of the
invention. In FIG. 9A, one shape for rail 167 is provided on second
segment 120. A symmetric shape may be provided for the other rail
member. In FIG. 9B, a rail member 177 configured to be received and
slide along rail 167 is shown. The rail member 177 may be provided
on side edges of first segment 110. Rail member 178 may have the
symmetric shape to be received and slide along rail 168 of second
segment 120.
[0047] An extended position between first segment 110 and second
segment 120 may be formed by using biasing mechanisms or stops that
interfere with the forward and/or reverse travel of rail members
177, 178 within corresponding rails 167, 168. For example, rail
members 177, 178 may be laterally spring-loaded and contractable in
the direction of the bias to enable the rail members 177, 178 to
travel the lengths provided by rails 167, 168. The contraction of
rail members 177, 178 may be accomplished by partially exposing the
rail members so that users can contract the rail members inward.
The length of the rail members 177, 178 may be a small portion of
the overall length provided by corresponding rails 16, 167 so that
the rail members can be easily pushed within corresponding rails
167, 168.
[0048] Several other mechanisms may be used to enable such a
housing construction. For example, U.S. application Ser. No.
09/932,213, entitled HANDHELD COMPUTER HAVING MOVEABLE SEGMENTS
THAT CAN BE ADJUSTED TO AFFECT A SIZE OF THE HANDHELD COMPUTER,
filed Aug. 17, 2001, and naming William Webb et al. as inventors,
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, illustrates
another way in which a handheld computer may be constructed to have
moveable housing segments. In an embodiment, the two housing
segments that form the handheld computer may telescope with respect
to one another.
[0049] Another technique for providing a housing for a handheld
computer having moveable segments is U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/006,537, entitled INTEGRATED HANDHELD DATA PROCESSING DEVICE
HAVING A SLIDING FORM FACTOR, filed Nov. 30, 2001, and naming Huy
Nguyen and Lawrence Lam as inventors, the aforementioned patent
application being hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
D. METHOD FOR OPERATING HANDHELD COMPUTER WITH EXPOSABLE
COMPONENT
[0050] FIG. 10 is a method for operating a handheld computer in
conjunction with exposing a lens on a surface of the handheld
computer. Reference to numerals of FIG. 1 is intended for
illustration only.
[0051] In step 310, lens 135 is detected as being exposed. This may
be accomplished when second segment 120 is extended from first
segment 110 a length sufficient to expose the lens 135. Several
mechanisms may be used to accomplish this step. In one embodiment,
a switch (not shown) or other mechanism may be activated by the
relative positions of first segment 110 and second segment 120
being extended to a certain position.
[0052] Step 320 provides that detection of the lens 135 being
exposed is signaled to the processor. In one embodiment, an
interrupt is signaled to the processor upon activation of the
switch or other mechanism corresponding to when lens 135 is
exposed.
[0053] In step 330, the processor automatically executes one or
more instructions in order to prepare handheld computer 100 for use
of lens 135. These instructions are previously associated with lens
135. The instructions may be part of an application or program
previously associated with the lens 135. In one embodiment, a
camera application or program is automatically launched upon
detection that lens 135 is exposed.
[0054] In step 340, the processor detects actuation of actuation
mechanism 124. For example, a user may press the actuation
mechanism 124 when first segment 110 and second segment 120 are in
the extended position so as to expose the actuation mechanism on
interior surface 115. This step may be independent of step 330. For
example, an application launched in step 330 may be operated on
handheld computer 100 independently of the actuation mechanism 124
being actuated. The actuation of the actuation mechanism 124 may be
one form of entering input when the application associated with the
exposed surface component is launched.
[0055] In step 350, actuation of actuation mechanism 124 may signal
to the processor to cause one or more pre-assigned functions to be
performed. These functions may be part of the application or
program executed in step 340. For example, if a cameral application
is launched upon detection of lens 135 being exposed, actuation of
actuation mechanism 124 may signal the processor to capture an
image using lens 135 and the camera application.
[0056] While reference is made to components of FIG. 1 in the
description of FIG. 10, a method such as described by FIG. 10 may
be used with other embodiments of the invention. For example, some
other type of exposable component other than lens 135 may be
employed on an exposable surface of housing 105. The use of an
actuation mechanism 124 to cause the processor to execute functions
associated with use of handheld computer 100 is also optional.
E. USE OF HANDHELD COMPUTER AS CAMERA
[0057] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate use of handheld computer 100 from
a PDA type device to a camera. FIG. 11 is an isometric front view
of a user gripping the handheld computer 100 in an orientation
common for use in PDA type devices. From this orientation, the user
can push first segment 110 upward while maintaining second segment
120 in a fixed position. This exposes lens 135 (see FIG. 1).
[0058] FIG. 12 illustrates the user altering the grip on handheld
computer 100 to use the handheld computer as a camera. The handheld
computer 100 can be gripped sideways, or alternatively maintained
in the orientation shown in FIG. 11. Once the lens 135 is exposed,
the handheld computer 100 may be actuated to digitally capture and
store images.
F. HARDWARE DIAGRAM OF HANDHELD COMPUTER
[0059] FIG. 13 is a block diagram for a handheld computer 400,
under an embodiment of the invention. The handheld computer 400 may
correspond to an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 1, where a
housing of the handheld computer has moveable segments and an
exposable surface feature.
[0060] In an embodiment, handheld computer 400 includes a processor
440 coupled to a first memory 444 (non-volatile) and a second
memory 446 (volatile). The processor 440 is coupled to a display
driver 422. The processor 440 combines with display driver 422 to
process and signal data for presentation on a display assembly 420.
The display assembly 420 may include a screen and a digitizer.
[0061] An analog-digital (AD) converter 432 is coupled to processor
440. One or more channels 433 from A/D converter 432 maybe used to
convert analog input provided by the digitizer, or by another
analog input mechanism.
[0062] The handheld computer 400 may include one or more expansion
ports for coupling to accessory devices, such as cradles, modems,
memory units, re-chargers and other devices. Examples of expansion
ports include serial ports, Universal serial Bus (USB) ports,
CompactFlash slots and infra-red ports. In an embodiment shown, a
first expansion port 402 enables one or more types of expansion
modules to be connected to processor 440. The handheld computer 400
may also include other expansion ports for other accessory
devices.
[0063] A set of hardware components 450 may be coupled to processor
440. The set of hardware components 450 may include a surface
feature such as described by FIGS. 1-2. The set of hardware
components, for example, may include a lens, along with internal
components to transmit data representing captured images to
processor 440. Other components that may be included in addition to
or as alternatives for the setoff hardware components 450 may
include, for example, the following: microphones, speakers, data
ports (infrared and radio-frequency), light pointers, and
receivers.
G. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0064] While embodiments described herein primarily describe the
exposable component of the handheld computer as being a lens, other
embodiments may employ other hardware components and surface
features. Exposure of these other components and surface features
may cause handheld computer to execute instructions previously
associated with that component or feature.
[0065] Examples of hardware components and surface features that
may be used under different embodiments of the invention include
microphones, speakers, wireless communication ports (such as
infrared ports), and laser pointers. Each of these components may
be associated with a set of instructions, a program or an
application. When the components are exposed, the associated
instructions, application or program are executed.
[0066] While several embodiments described herein provide for a
processor of the handheld computer to automatically execute a set
of instructions (such as in an application or program) in response
to detecting that the component is exposed, other embodiments may
rely on manual input to cause the processor to execute such
instructions or launch such applications or programs. For example,
the processor may execute the set of instructions or application
only in response to actuation of actuation mechanism 124 (FIG. 1)
or other button on one of the housing surfaces. But the actuation
mechanism may be enabled only when the associated component is
exposed.
H. CONCLUSION
[0067] 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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