U.S. patent application number 12/604146 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for two part multi-function electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to NOKIA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Lutz Cordes, Andrea Finke-Anlauff, Torsten Gunther.
Application Number | 20100103113 12/604146 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36754259 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100103113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Finke-Anlauff; Andrea ; et
al. |
April 29, 2010 |
TWO PART MULTI-FUNCTION ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
An apparatus includes a keyboard, a receptacle for insertion of
a least a part of a communication part, wherein the communication
part includes a touch sensitive display providing the only user
input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part, and
wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part
is not inserted into the receptacle of the apparatus, the
communication part is configured to operate independently of the
apparatus and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the
communication part is inserted into the apparatus such that at
least a portion of the display of the communication part is
exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard
of the apparatus for user input and the display for user
output.
Inventors: |
Finke-Anlauff; Andrea;
(Braunschweig, DE) ; Gunther; Torsten;
(Braunschweig, DE) ; Cordes; Lutz; (Hannover,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Perman & Green, LLP
99 Hawley Lane
Stratford
CT
06614
US
|
Assignee: |
NOKIA CORPORATION
Espoo
FI
|
Family ID: |
36754259 |
Appl. No.: |
12/604146 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11119152 |
Apr 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
12604146 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/0247 20130101;
H04M 1/0214 20130101; H04M 1/72409 20210101; G06F 1/1632 20130101;
H04M 2250/22 20130101; G06F 1/1628 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/169 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/02 20060101
G06F003/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a keyboard; a receptacle for insertion
of a least a part of a communication part; wherein the
communication part comprises a touch sensitive display providing
the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication
part, and wherein in a first mode of operation, when the
communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the
apparatus, the communication part is configured to operate
independently of the apparatus and wherein, in a second mode of
operation, when the communication part is inserted into the
apparatus such that at least a portion of the display of the
communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured
to use the keyboard of the apparatus for user input and the display
for user output.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
configured to detect the insertion of the communication part into
the receptacle of the apparatus and is configured to activate the
keyboard for use with the display when the communication part has
been inserted into the receptacle.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the first mode
of operation, user input is provided by the touch sensitive display
and user output is provided by the touch sensitive display.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the second mode
of operation, the communication part is inserted into the
receptacle and only a portion of the display of the communication
part is visible.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the second mode
of operation, the communication part is inserted into the
receptacle and the whole of the display is visible.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the communication
part is pivotably connected to the apparatus when inserted into the
apparatus.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keyboard is a
full text QWERTY keyboard.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication
part further comprises a controller and wherein the controller is
configured to detect the insertion of the communication part into
the receptacle of the apparatus and, when the insertion has been
detected, to orientate the display so that it is optimally
positioned for use with the keyboard of the apparatus.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication
part is handheld.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication
part is a mobile telephone.
11. A method comprising: detecting an insertion of a communication
part into a receptacle of an apparatus, wherein the communication
part comprises a touch sensitive display providing the only user
input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part; and
activating a keyboard of the apparatus upon detection of the
insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the user
interface enhancement part for use with the display of the
apparatus.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the communication part
is inserted into the receptacle and only a portion of the display
of the communication part is visible.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising adjusting
an active display area of the display to correspond with the
visible portion of the display.
14. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the communication part
is inserted into the receptacle and the whole of the display is
visible.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the communication part
is pivotably connected to the apparatus when inserted into the
apparatus.
16. A method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising orienting
the display, when the insertion has been detected, so that it is
optimally positioned for use with the keyboard of the
apparatus.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the display is
oriented so that its contents are displayed parallel to a row of
keys of the keyboard that extend in a longitudinal direction.
18. A system comprising: a communication part having a touch
sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top
surface of the communication part; and a user interface enhancement
part comprising a keyboard and a receptacle for the at least
partial insertion of the communication part, wherein in a first
mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into
the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part, the
communication part is configured to operate independently of the
user interface enhancement part and wherein, in a second mode of
operation, when the communication part is inserted into the user
interface enhancement part such that at least a portion of the
display of the communication part is exposed, the communication
part is configured to use the keyboard of the user interface
enhancement part for user input and the display for user
output.
19. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the user interface
enhancement part is configured to detect the insertion of the
communication part into the receptacle of the user interface
enhancement part and is configured to activate the keyboard for use
with the display when the communication part has been inserted into
the receptacle.
20. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein, in the first mode of
operation, user input is provided by the touch sensitive display
and user output is provided by the touch sensitive display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, claims priority to
and the benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/119,152, filed on
Apr. 29, 2005, status pending, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The subject matter of this application relates to a
multi-use electronic device. More specifically, this application
describes a unique arrangement of a two part electronic device that
utilizes a touch screen display and separate cover having a full
text keyboard.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of Related Developments
[0005] Mobile telephones and similar communication devices are
rapidly expanding in use and function. Such devices will soon
accommodate many diverse services such as, Internet access,
personal information management, facsimile, imaging, messaging, and
video conferencing, in addition to telephone communication. To
accomplish this there is a need to provide keypads, function
buttons, and displays that are compatible with the more complex
applications to which the mobile device will be adapted. Full
function text keyboards, such as the standard QWERTY typing array
of keys and buttons, are difficult to provide while maintaining the
compact size required in the mobile device. An equally difficult
problem is presented by the need for display screens that can
display the vast amount of different information that will be
accessible by these devices. Such devices on the market today are
cumbersome and often require several devices to obtain the full
array of functions, i.e. personal digital assistant and a mobile
telephone.
[0006] With the introduction of such multi-function electronic
devices, it has become increasingly more difficult to design a user
interface that enables the user to access the many types of
functions and applications available in small hand held devices. It
is a particular challenge to present a simple and efficient means
by which the user can communicate with the device for browsing,
selecting, and operating amidst the wide array of functional
choices. The user interface generally consists of a keypad for
entering data and commands and a display screen for presenting
information relating to operation of the selected function. The
keypad and display are in continuous competition for space on the
device, as it is desirable that each be as large as possible for
ease of use and viewing. This is particularly difficult when it is
advantageous to provide a full function keyboard, for example, a
QWERTY style keyboard.
[0007] It is a purpose of this invention to provide a keyboard
mounted on a cover part to maximize the allotment of space to both
the display and the keyboard.
[0008] It is a purpose of the subject matter of this application to
provide a simple and inexpensive full function mobile
communications device, which can access many services through the
use of a single device. It is another purpose of the subject matter
of this application to combine the personal digital assistant with
a mobile telephone in a practical package of minimum dimensions. It
is also a purpose of the subject matter of this application to
provide a configuration of text keyboard and display that maximizes
the size of both.
SUMMARY
[0009] In one aspect, a disclosed embodiment is directed to an
apparatus. The apparatus includes a keyboard, a receptacle for
insertion of a least a part of a communication part, wherein the
communication part comprises a touch sensitive display providing
the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication
part, and wherein in a first mode of operation, when the
communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the
apparatus, the communication part is configured to operate
independently of the apparatus and wherein, in a second mode of
operation, when the communication part is inserted into the
apparatus such that at least a portion of the display of the
communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured
to use the keyboard of the apparatus for user input and the display
for user output.
[0010] In another aspect, a disclosed embodiment is directed to a
method. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting an
insertion of a communication part into a receptacle of an
apparatus, wherein the communication part includes a touch
sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top
surface of the communication part, and activating a keyboard of the
apparatus upon detection of the insertion of the communication part
into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part for use
with the display of the apparatus.
[0011] In a further aspect, one embodiment is directed to a system.
In one embodiment, the system includes a communication part having
a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism
on a top surface of the communication part, and a user interface
enhancement part including a keyboard and a receptacle for the at
least partial insertion of the communication part, wherein in a
first mode of operation, when the communication part is not
inserted into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement
part, the communication part is configured to operate independently
of the user interface enhancement part and wherein, in a second
mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the
user interface enhancement part such that at least a portion of the
display of the communication part is exposed, the communication
part is configured to use the keyboard of the user interface
enhancement part for user input and the display for user
output.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The multi-function device of this invention is explained in
more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the front of the communication
portion of the multi-functional device of this invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cover portion of the
multi-functional device of this invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the communication portion
and cover portions separated;
[0016] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the communication portion
engaged in the cover portion; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the components of a
multi-functional device according to the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] A multi-functional electronic device 10, for example, a
combination PDA/cellular telephone incorporating the features of
the present invention is illustrated in the figures. Although the
present invention will be described with reference to the
embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the
disclosed subject matter may have many alternate forms. In
addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials
could be used.
[0019] The multi-functional device 10 of this invention is
constructed in two parts, an independently operable communications
part 1 and a cover part 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Communications part 1 encloses the components of the device in
various known configurations to provide a wide variety of functions
and applications. These components include, for example a
microprocessor, mobile telephone transceiver, PDA, display driver
firmware, memory and other processor components depending on the
features offered to the user. In the preferred embodiment these
features include a mobile telephone, a PDA, and a camera. The
communications part 1 is constructed with a touch screen display 3
and interface keys and buttons 4 for operation of the camera
feature, power on/off, and other basic functions. The touch
sensitive screen 3 may be configured to provide the user interface
for the PDA and telephone features.
[0020] The cover part 2 is constructed with a base 5 having a
receptacle 6 for receiving the communications part 1. As shown in
FIG. 3, cover part 2 has a flip up lid 7 pivotally connected to the
base by hinges 8, adjacent to the receptacle 6. The lid 7 is
moveable between a position in which the lid extends at least
partially over the receptacle and an open position in which the lid
7 rests on a flat deck 9 at the rear of the cover 2. The receptacle
6 includes an opening 20 that allows insertion of communication
part 1 independent of the position of the lid 7. A full text
keyboard 11 is mounted on the inside face 12 of lid 7 relative to
the cover position. The keyboard 11 is accessible in the fully
opened position of the lid 7 and is securely supported by deck
9.
[0021] Since the operational components of the multi-function
device 10 are contained in the communications part 1, an electrical
connection is provided when the communication part 1 is engaged in
cover part 2. This enables the keyboard 11 to be fully
operationally in conjunction with touch screen display 3.
[0022] In an alternate embodiment, communication part 2 is
engagable in the cover position in two operational positions, one,
a fully inserted position, as shown in FIG. 4, or a pivoted
position, as shown in phantom in FIG. 4. In the fully inserted
position, the display screen 3 may not be fully visible and the
display portion is therefore limited to a certain extent. In the
pivoted position (see phantom lines 13), the touch screen display
may be tilted upward to provide an ergonomic orientation, for
example at angle .theta. of 100.degree. to 170.degree.. In this
position, the display 3 is fully exposed and can be configured to
provide a full display for keyboard 11. In this manner the space
allotment for the keyboard and display in a multi-functional device
is maximized within the limits of the device without compromising
the functioning of either component.
[0023] In an alternate embodiment of this invention, a window 14
may be constructed in rear deck 9 to provide visible access to a
portion of display screen 3. The display 3 may be configured to
provide a display interface for a camera or cellular phone feature,
thereby enabling these features to be used without removing part 1
from the cover part 2.
[0024] In operation, as shown in FIG. 5, the multifunction
communication terminal 10 of FIGS. 1-4, comprises a system of
components that are operatively interconnected through main
controller 15 to provide the combined functions of a camera 16, PDA
17, and mobile telephone 18. Main control processor 15 is supported
by a memory 19 and processes data and commands from mobile
telephone module 18, camera module 16, and PDA module 17, and other
user interface components. The primary user interface of the device
10 includes touch sensitive display 3 and function keys and buttons
4. The display 3 has an associated driver 21. Touch sensitive
display screen 3 is operable to support data input for PDA
functions, for example in association with keyboard 11, and a data
or image display mode to support other functions. Browser key and
soft keys 4 provide a secondary user interface as needed.
Controller 15 provides the operating function of the PDA 17 and
coordinates the operation of the keyboard 11 with the display
screen 3.
[0025] Display driver 21 is operatively associated with display
screen 3 to cause the displayed data to be oriented longitudinally
on the display screen 3, in parallel with the keyboard 11.
Insertion of communication part 1 in cover part 2 prompts
controller 15 to activate the keyboard 11 and cause display driver
21 to orient the displayed data accordingly. The size of the
display area would also be coordinated according to the available
space for the different engagement positions, i.e. full insertion,
or pivotal, of communication part 1 in the cover part 2. In
addition, the display area would be configured to conform with the
area of display 3 exposed by window 14, when the communication part
1 is fully inserted and the lid 7 is closed.
[0026] It should be understood that the above description is only
illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art with out
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the subject matter of
the present application is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variances which fall with the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *