U.S. patent application number 13/297662 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-16 for display device, corresponding systems, and methods therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Rachid M. Alameh, Patrick J. Cauwels, Timothy Dickinson, Phillip D. Rasky, Paul R. Steuer. Invention is credited to Rachid M. Alameh, Patrick J. Cauwels, Timothy Dickinson, Phillip D. Rasky, Paul R. Steuer.
Application Number | 20130120106 13/297662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47459086 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130120106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cauwels; Patrick J. ; et
al. |
May 16, 2013 |
DISPLAY DEVICE, CORRESPONDING SYSTEMS, AND METHODS THEREFOR
Abstract
A display system includes a display and a control circuit
operable with the display. The display is configured to provide
visual output having a presentation orientation. When user input is
received, the control circuit can alter the presentation
orientation from an initial orientation in response to user input.
When non-user events or device events are detected, the control
circuit can revert the presentation orientation to the initial
orientation in response to the non-user event or device event.
Where the presentation orientation has a user input configuration
associated therewith, the user input configuration can either be
altered with the presentation orientation or retained in an initial
disposition.
Inventors: |
Cauwels; Patrick J.; (South
Beloit, IL) ; Alameh; Rachid M.; (Crystal Lake,
IL) ; Dickinson; Timothy; (Crystal Lake, IL) ;
Rasky; Phillip D.; (Buffalo Grove, IL) ; Steuer; Paul
R.; (Hawthorn Woods, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cauwels; Patrick J.
Alameh; Rachid M.
Dickinson; Timothy
Rasky; Phillip D.
Steuer; Paul R. |
South Beloit
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake
Buffalo Grove
Hawthorn Woods |
IL
IL
IL
IL
IL |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.
Libertyville
IL
|
Family ID: |
47459086 |
Appl. No.: |
13/297662 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/3.1 ;
361/728 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/7475 20130101;
A61B 5/0531 20130101; A61B 5/01 20130101; A61B 5/0402 20130101;
A61B 5/6898 20130101; A61B 5/4266 20130101; G06F 3/04845 20130101;
G06F 3/0485 20130101; A61B 5/024 20130101; G06F 3/04883 20130101;
G06F 2200/1637 20130101; A61B 5/14532 20130101; A61B 5/681
20130101; G06F 2200/1614 20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/3.1 ;
361/728 |
International
Class: |
G05B 23/02 20060101
G05B023/02; H05K 7/00 20060101 H05K007/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic module, comprising: a housing; a first electronic
module extension, hingedly coupled to a first side of the housing
and extending distally from the first side of the housing; a second
electronic module extension, hingedly coupled to a second side of
the housing different from the first side, and extending distally
from the second side of the housing; and an energy storage device
disposed within one or more of the first electronic module
extension or the second electronic module extension configured to
deliver energy to electronic components disposed only within the
housing.
2. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein each of the first
electronic module extension and the second electronic module
extension is configured to selectively pivot from a closed position
disposed against a major face of the housing to an angularly
displaced open position extending distally outward from the
housing.
3. The electronic module of claim 2, wherein the first electronic
module extension and the second electronic module extension are
coupled to the housing with a biased hinge configured to retain the
first electronic module extension and the second electronic module
extension in one of the angularly displaced open position or the
closed position.
4. The electronic module of claim 2, further comprising retention
devices disposed in one or more of the housing, the first
electronic module extension, or the second electronic module
extension, the retention devices being configured to retain one or
both of the first electronic module extension or the second
electronic module extension in the closed position.
5. The electronic module of claim 2, wherein one or both of the
first electronic module extension or the second electronic module
extension comprises an externally exposed electrical contact.
6. The electronic module of claim 5, wherein the externally exposed
electrical contact his selectively hidden when the one or both of
the first electronic module extension or the second electronic
module extension is pivoted to the closed position.
7. The electronic module of claim 2, wherein the first electronic
module extension and the second electronic module extension are
non-planar.
8. The electronic module of claim 7, wherein the energy storage
device is non-planar.
9. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein the first electronic
module extension and the second electronic module extension each
comprise a battery door enabling selective replacement of the
energy storage device disposed within the first electronic module
extension, the second electronic module extension, or combinations
thereof.
10. The electronic module of claim 9, wherein the energy storage
device comprises a first energy storage device configured to couple
with the first electronic module extension and a second energy
storage device configured to couple with the second electronic
module extension, wherein the electronic components are configured
to be operable when coupled to only one of the first energy storage
device or the second energy storage device.
11. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein one or both of the
first electronic module extension or the second electronic module
extension is coupled to the housing by a detented hinge comprising
a plurality of detent stops configured to hold the one or both of
the first electronic module extension or the second electronic
module extension in one of a plurality of angularly displaced
alignments relative to the housing.
12. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein one or both of the
first electronic module extension or the second electronic module
extension is coupled to the housing by a hinge comprising
electrical contacts configured to couple to an external power
source.
13. The electronic module of claim 1, further comprising a strap
that is selectively detachable from the electronic module.
14. An electronic module, comprising: a housing; a control circuit
disposed within the housing operable to alter an operating mode of
the electronic module to one of a plurality of functional modes;
and an extension detection sensor, operable with the control
circuit and configured to detect an angular position of a first
electronic module extension and a second electronic module
extension hingedly coupled to a first side and a second side of the
housing, each being selectively pivotable to an angularly displaced
position relative to the housing; wherein the control circuit is
configured to select the one of the plurality of functional modes
based upon the angular position detected by the extension detection
sensor.
15. The electronic module of claim 14, wherein the plurality of
functional modes comprise one or more of a desktop mode, a
telephone mode, a wristwatch mode, a health monitoring mode, a
clock mode, a calendar mode, a gaming mode, or a media player
mode.
16. The electronic module of claim 15, further comprising a strap
that is selectively detachable from the electronic module, wherein
the operating mode comprises at least the health monitoring mode
when the electronic module is coupled to the strap.
17. The electronic module of claim 15, wherein each of the first
electronic module extension and the second electronic module
extension is configured to selectively pivot from a closed position
disposed against a major face of the housing to an angularly
displaced open position extending distally outward from the
housing, wherein the operating mode comprises modes other than the
health monitoring mode when one or both of the first electronic
module extension and the second electronic module extension is in
the closed position.
18. The electronic module of claim 14, wherein one or both of the
first electronic module extension and the second electronic module
extension comprises an energy storage device disposed therein
coupled to the control circuit disposed in the housing.
19. A method of selecting an operational mode of an electronic
module, comprising: detecting, with an extension sensor, an angular
position of one or more electronic module extensions pivotally
coupled to a housing and configured for selective movement between
a plurality of angular displaced positions relative to the housing;
correlating, with a control circuit, a detected angular position
with an functional mode of the electronic module; and transitioning
the operational mode of the electronic module to a correlated
functional mode in response to the detecting.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the functional mode comprises
one or more of a desktop mode, a telephone mode, a wristwatch mode,
health monitoring mode, a clock mode, a calendar mode, a gaming
mode, or a media player mode.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to commonly assigned, U.S.
application Ser. No. ______, entitled, "Methods and Devices for
Clothing Detection about a Wearable Electronic Device," Dickinson,
et al., inventors, filed concurrently herewith, Attorney Docket No.
CS38886, and U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled, "Display
Device, Corresponding Systems, and Methods for Orienting Output on
a Display," Dickinson, et al., inventors, filed concurrently
herewith, Attorney Docket No. CS38820, and which are incorporated
by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates generally to user interfaces, and
more particularly to devices, methods, and systems for orienting
information on user interfaces and displays.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, smart phones,
gaming devices, and the like, present information to users on a
display. As these devices have become more sophisticated, so too
have their displays and the information that can be presented on
them. For example, not too long ago a mobile phone included a
rudimentary light emitting diode display capable of only presenting
numbers and letters configured as seven-segment characters. Today,
high resolution liquid crystal and other displays included with
mobile communication devices and smart phones can be capable of
presenting high resolution video.
[0006] The display output is generally oriented so as to be aligned
with the device. Said differently, many electronic devices have an
identifiable top and bottom. Display output is aligned in a
complementary manner, with the top of the display output appearing
towards the identifiable top of the device, and the bottom of the
display output being aligned with the bottom of the device.
[0007] Some devices allow the display output to be rotated. For
example, some devices have a gravity detector that is configured to
rotate the output based on a detected gravitational field. Thus, as
the device is rotated, the "top" of the output always stays above
the bottom of the output.
[0008] While rotating display output based on gravity can be
useful, it fails to provide suitable display output alignment in
all situations. It would be advantageous to have an improved
display device with improved display orientation capabilities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory electronic device
configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory
electronic device with separable components configured in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of one
explanatory electronic device configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of one explanatory
electronic device configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of some internal
components associated with one explanatory electronic device
configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of one explanatory
electronic device configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic block diagram of one
explanatory wearable component suitable for use with an electronic
device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a cut-away view of one explanatory
wearable component suitable for use with an electronic device
configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0017] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate various stages of coupling between an
explanatory wearable component and an explanatory electronic device
configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates one explanatory electronic device having
collapsible components configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates an explanatory wearable component having
been separated from an explanatory electronic device configured in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory
electronic device having a display lens configured as an acoustic
output transducer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 16 illustrates a method for orienting images on a
display of a device in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 17-18 illustrate one method for altering the
presentation orientation of visual output on an explanatory
wearable electronic device by way of a gesture in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates one method of altering the presentation
orientation of visual output on an explanatory wearable electronic
device with either simultaneously altering the orientation of a
user interface or retaining an initial disposition of the user
interface in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0024] FIGS. 20-21 illustrate one method of altering the
presentation orientation of visual output on an explanatory
wearable electronic device in response to user input while
retaining an initial disposition of an associated user interface
relative to device geometry in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0025] FIGS. 22-23 illustrate one method of altering the
presentation orientation of visual output on an explanatory
wearable electronic device in response to user input and reverting
the presentation orientation to an initial orientation in response
to a detected event in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the invention.
[0026] FIGS. 24-25 illustrate one method of altering the
presentation orientation of visual output on an explanatory
wearable electronic device in response to user input while
retaining an initial disposition of an associated user interface
relative to a three-dimensional spatial orientation in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0027] FIGS. 26-27 illustrate one method of altering the
presentation orientation of visual output on an explanatory
wearable electronic device in response to user input and altering a
portion of an initial disposition of an associated user interface
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 28 illustrates one method of altering the presentation
orientation of visual output on an explanatory wearable electronic
device in response to wellness conditions sensed by wellness
sensors in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 29 illustrates a method of altering and reverting
images and other visual output on a display in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic block diagram of one
explanatory electronic device configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 31 illustrates one explanatory method of selecting an
operational mode of an electronic module configured in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0032] FIGS. 32-33 illustrates a detachable electronic module
having planar electronic module extensions and operating in one of
a plurality of predefined modes as a function of the angularly
displaced location of its electronic module extensions in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0033] FIGS. 34-35 illustrates a detachable electronic module
having non-planar electronic module extensions and operating in one
of a plurality of predefined modes as a function of the angularly
displaced location of its electronic module extensions in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 36 illustrates the detachable electronic module of
FIGS. 34 and 35 operating in another of a plurality of predefined
modes as a function of the angularly displaced location of its
electronic module extensions in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0035] FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate another detachable electronic
module having planar electronic module extensions and operating in
one of a plurality of predefined modes as a function of the
angularly displaced location of its electronic module extensions in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0036] FIGS. 39-40 illustrate the detachable electronic module of
FIGS. 37 and 38 operating in another of a plurality of predefined
modes as a function of the angularly displaced location of its
electronic module extensions in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 41 illustrates the detachable electronic module of
FIGS. 37 and 38 operating in yet another of a plurality of
predefined modes as a function of the angularly displaced location
of its electronic module extensions in accordance with embodiments
of the invention.
[0038] FIGS. 42-43 illustrate the detachable electronic module of
FIGS. 37 and 38 operating in still yet another of a plurality of
predefined modes as a function of the angularly displaced location
of its electronic module extensions in accordance with embodiments
of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 44 illustrates a detachable electronic module having
exposed electrical contacts on the electronic module extensions,
where those contact can be hidden and revealed from a front view of
the detachable electronic module based upon the position of the
electronic module extensions.
[0040] FIG. 45 illustrates one explanatory embodiment of a
detachable electronic device having optional mechanical features
configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0041] FIG. 46 illustrates a hyper-extended detachable module
extension state suitable for detaching an electronic device module
from, for example, an active strap in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 47 illustrates a detachable electronic module having
battery replacement doors on the electronic module extensions,
where removable batteries can be replaced by a user in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 48 illustrates operational states of one explanatory
detachable electronic module having battery replacement doors and
user-replaceable batteries configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 49 illustrates operational states of one explanatory
detachable electronic module having user-replaceable electronic
module extensions configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0045] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in
accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that
the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps
and apparatus components related to altering a presentation
orientation of visual indicia on a display in response to user
input and then reverting the presentation orientation to an initial
orientation in response to a device event, which can be a non-user
initiated event. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts
should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions
of code that include one or more executable instructions for
implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process.
Alternate implementations are included, and it will be clear that
functions may be executed out of order from that shown or
discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse
order, depending on the functionality involved. Accordingly, the
apparatus components and method steps have been represented where
appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only
those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the
embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description
herein.
[0047] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention
described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional
processors and unique stored program instructions that control the
one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain
non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of
altering and reverting presentation orientations of data presented
on a display as described herein. The non-processor circuits may
include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio
transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits,
and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted
as steps of a method to perform presentation orientation alteration
and reversion. Alternatively, some or all functions could be
implemented by a state machine that has no stored program
instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of
certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of
course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Thus,
methods and means for these functions have been described herein.
Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding
possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by,
for example, available time, current technology, and economic
considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles
disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such
software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal
experimentation.
[0048] Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail.
Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts
throughout the views. As used in the description herein and
throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings
explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise: the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." Relational
terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be
used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity
or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also,
reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate
components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For
example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A
would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure
A.
[0049] From an electrical perspective, embodiments described below
provide a display system, suitable for integration into an
electronic device, configured to alter a presentation orientation
of visual output. One explanatory electronic device used in the
figures is a wearable device configured as a wristwatch. However,
it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that the display systems, control
circuits, and associated modules used to alter the presentation
orientation could be integrated into any of a number of portable
electronic devices, including mobile telephones, personal digital
assistants, smart phones, palm-top computers, tablet devices,
portable computers, and so forth.
[0050] The display is configured to present visual output having a
presentation orientation. The presentation orientation refers to
how the visual output is oriented relative to either the earth or
the electronic device itself. For example, when the electronic
device is held vertically with its top above its bottom, a
presentation orientation with reference to the earth can be more
useful and appropriate. If the visual output is presented with the
top of the content being nearer the top of the device, the
presentation orientation can be considered to be "right side up."
Similarly, of the visual output is presented with the top of the
content below the bottom of the content, the presentation
orientation can be considered to be "upside down." These references
can be without reference to the device itself. In this example the
reference to the earth can be determined by using sensors that
detect acceleration due to the earth's gravity such as
accelerometers, or with gyroscopes that detect a change in motion
of the device.
[0051] However, when the electronic device is held horizontally,
the effect of gravity on accelerometers in the device remains
relatively constant. In this case an alternative method would need
to be used to detect a reorientation of the device. When the top of
presented content is nearer the first side of the device, a first
presentation orientation is established. When the presented content
is altered such that the top of the content becomes nearer a second
side, a second presentation orientation is established. In this
example, the reference to the earth can be determined with using a
sensor that detects the earth's magnetic field such as an
electronic compass or changes in position and orientation using
methods such as GPS location or gyroscopes. In this example, the
first presentation orientation can remain constant in space even
though the device is translated or rotated.
[0052] Alternatively, the presentation orientation can be
referenced to the electronic device. When the top of presented
content is nearer the first side of the device, a first
presentation orientation is established. When the presented content
is altered such that the top of the content becomes nearer a second
side, a second presentation orientation is established such that
the top of the presented content is always disposed toward the side
of the device that is on "top" in the given orientation. As with
the earth-referenced cases, the device can be held horizontally or
vertically.
[0053] When the display initially presents visual output, it has an
initial presentation orientation. A control circuit that is
operable with the display can then be configured to alter the
presentation orientation in response to user input. For example, if
the display is a touch sensitive display, the user may swipe a
finger or stylus across the display to rotate the display to a
second presentation orientation. For instance, a user may be
holding a tablet-style computer horizontally, with the user's body
located on a first side of the tablet-style computer. A friend may
be standing near the tablet-style computer, with the friend's body
being positioned on a second side of the tablet-style computer
opposite the first side. When the user wants to show a picture
being presented as visual output from the display to the friend
that has a "correct" presentation orientation for the friend, the
user may make a rotating motion along the display to rotate the
picture such that the top of the picture, initially disposed
towards the friend, rotates 180 degrees to be nearer the user. In
response to this user input, the control circuit alters the
presentation orientation from the initial orientation to a second
orientation, which is rotated 180 degrees from the initial
orientation.
[0054] In another embodiment, a user may swipe a touch sensitive
display in the direction of their friend by "drawing" a line
beginning at user's side and ending at friend's side. In another
embodiment, rotation of content can be achieved by tilting device
toward the friend while center of the device is held stationary in
three-dimensional space. This distinguishes the tilting from random
user hand movements, walking, or other motion. As an example, a
user can tilt the device toward a friend who is standing in front
of the user. The upper side of the device, now pointing away from
user, can represent the upper side of the rotated content presented
to the friend.
[0055] In one or more embodiments, the control circuit is then
configured to revert the presentation orientation back to the
initial orientation in response to a non-user event or,
alternatively, a user event such as a second sweep of a finger or
stylus across the display. Non-user input can refer to input other
than intentional display manipulation actions like the finger sweep
described in the preceding paragraph. For example, an incoming
email or text message received via wireless communication would be
one example of non-user input. Similarly, an incoming call is an
example of non-user input as well.
[0056] In some embodiments, non-user input can include passively
detected conditions pertaining to the user. For example, as will be
described below, in one or more embodiments wellness sensors can be
disposed within an electronic device configured with display
alteration capabilities. These wellness sensors can detect
conditions such as pulse, temperature, heartbeat, perspiration, or
other conditions. In such applications, non-user input can be
extended to include sensed wellness conditions such as increased or
abnormal heartbeat, increased or abnormal pulse, or increased
perspiration, increased or decreased temperature, abnormal blood
sugar levels, and the like. When one of these conditions is sensed,
the control circuit can be configured to revert the presentation
orientation back from a user-manipulated orientation to the initial
orientation.
[0057] From a mechanical perspective, in one embodiment a
detachable module of the electronic device includes a first
electronic module extension extending distally from a first side of
a housing of the electronic device. A second electronic module
extension extends distally from a second side of the housing. In
one embodiment, the second side of the housing is disposed opposite
the first side such that the first electronic module extension and
the second electronic module extension extend out of opposite sides
of the housing, or outward from the housing in directions that are
separated radially by 180 degrees.
[0058] In one or more embodiments, both the first electronic module
extension and the second electronic module extension are hingedly
coupled to the housing. The hinged connection can be via a simple
hinge, a biased hinge having a pre-loaded force member, a detented
hinge, or combinations of these. The hinged connection is
configured to allow the first electronic module extension and the
second electronic module extension to selectively pivot to any
number of angularly displaced orientations ranging from a closed
position, where either the electronic module extension is disposed
against a major face of the housing, to an angularly displaced open
position, where the electronic module extension is extending
distally outward from the housing.
[0059] In one or more embodiments, electronic circuitry and
components for the electronic module are disposed exclusively
within the housing with a single exception: an energy storage
device, such as a lithium polymer battery, and accompanying power
delivery circuitry (including energy storage device safety and
charging circuitry) is disposed within one or both electronic
module extensions. In such a configuration, the energy storage
device disposed within the electronic module extension(s) is
coupled through the hinge to the electronic circuitry and
components disposed within the housing, and can accordingly supply
power to the electronic components disposed exclusively within the
housing. While the electronic module extensions contain energy
storage devices, one or more smaller energy storage devices can be
disposed in the housing as well.
[0060] The electronic module extensions can be configured in a
variety of form factors, with each form factor having an aesthetic
component, a functional component, or combinations thereof. For
example, in one embodiment the electronic module extensions can be
configured in a planar configuration so as to form radial
extensions from the housing. The electronic module extensions
containing the energy storage devices can be electrically coupled
in parallel or series. For the series configuration, control
circuitry can be added to selectively switch energy storage devices
in or out of the circuit based upon stored energy state. In another
embodiment, the electronic module extensions can be configured with
a non-planar geometry, such as an arched shape (when viewed in
cross section). Where energy sources are disposed within the
electronic module extensions, the energy sources can be configured
to conform to the form factor of the electronic module extension.
Illustrating by example, where the electronic module extension is
arched, a lithium polymer cell can be formed as an arch so as to be
complementary to the form factor of the electronic module
extension. Such a cell can be constructed on an arched form to
result in the arched cell. Alternatively, a planar lithium polymer
cell can be arched after construction so as to be complementary to
the form factor of the electronic module extension. Compliant
batteries can be used instead to form bendable, compliant
electronic module extensions. For instance, a user with small wrist
might want to bend the compliant battery/electronic module
extension to provide a better fit. Accordingly, the compliant
batteries can be covered with a finish that does not restrict
bending. Alternatively, the compliant batteries can be housed
inside a flexible housing made from flexible material such as
rubber, plastic, or even hard material with embedded features
enabling it to bend, such as via hinged links. While some
explanatory extension module geometries will be shown herein for
illustration, others will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure as well. For
instance, rather than employing arched cells or batteries, the
non-planar geometry can incorporate a series of segmented cell
structures that follow a non-planar extension contour.
[0061] Functional features can be included into the hinge
configuration as well. For example, in one embodiment the hinge is
pre-loaded with a biasing member, such as a spring or elastomer, so
as to bias the electronic module extensions towards the closed
position or vice versa. Where configured to bias the electronic
module extensions towards the closed position, the electronic
module extensions can be used as "clips" to selectively attach the
electronic module to a shirt, backpack, purse, or other article. In
another embodiment, the electronic module extensions can be
configured to couple to a wearer's ear so that the corresponding
electronic module can be used as a hands-free device. In other
embodiments, retention devices--such as magnets--can be disposed in
one or more of the housing, the first electronic module extension,
or the second electronic module extension to retain the electronic
module extensions in the open or closed positions. In yet another
embodiment, detents can be included within the hinge to provide a
motion cessation feature to allow the electronic module extension
to be opened to any of a predetermined number of angularly
displaced orientations relative to the housing.
[0062] From a combined mechanical and electrical perspective, in
one embodiment an operational mode of the electronic module can be
configured by positioning the electronic module extensions in one
or more predefined angularly displaced orientations. As will be
shown below, electronic modules configured in accordance with
embodiments of the invention can operate in a variety of modes.
Such modes include a desktop mode, a telephone mode, a wristwatch
mode, a health monitoring mode, a clock mode, a calendar mode, a
gaming mode, or a media player mode. This list is not exclusive, as
others will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art having the benefit of this disclosure. A user can cause the
electronic module to enter a particular mode, in one embodiment, by
placing the electronic module extensions in a predetermined
alignment. Illustrating by example, when the electronic module is
configured to be worn on the wrist by pivoting the electronic
module extensions to the open position, a control circuit disposed
within the housing may cause the device to enter the health
monitoring mode, a wrist watch mode, or a combination thereof. By
contrast, when one electronic module extension is folded to the
closed position, the control circuit may cause the electronic
device to enter a music player mode. When both electronic module
extensions are pivoted to the closed position, the control circuit
may cause the electronic device to enter the desktop mode or
calendar mode or clock mode, and so forth. These modes are
explanatory only, and are not intended to be limiting.
[0063] Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one
explanatory example of an electronic device 100 suitable for use
with presentation orientation methods and systems described herein.
As noted above, the methods and systems for altering presentation
orientation are well suited for most any portable electronic
device, including mobile communication devices, portable computers,
and the like. For illustration purposes and simplicity of
discussion, the electronic device 100 used in many of the figures
is configured as a wearable electronic device. For example, the
electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 is configured as a wristwatch
having an active strap 102 and a detachable electronic module 101.
This electronic device 100 is useful for discussion purposes
because wearable devices configured in accordance with embodiments
described herein can perform additional functions that traditional
electronic devices cannot. However, it will be clear to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure
that the additional features are optional and can be used in some
applications, while the presentation orientation manipulation
techniques can be applied to simpler, non-wearable devices without
employing all of the advanced features of the illustrative wearable
device.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the detachable electronic module 101 can
be selectively detached from the active strap 102 so as to be used
as a stand alone electronic device. For example, the detachable
electronic module 101 can be configured with cellular communication
capabilities and may be detached from the active strap 102 to be
used more privately as a mobile telephone than if it were coupled
to a wearer's wrist. In other embodiments, the active strap 102 can
optionally be configured with mechanically configurable
characteristics such that it can be used as a configurable stand
when the electronic device 100 is placed on a table. Both the
active strap 102 and the detachable electronic module 101 can be
configured as "active" devices. An active device refers to a device
that includes a power source and hardware. Active devices can
include control circuits or processors as well.
[0065] In one or more embodiments, the detachable electronic module
101 can be detached from the active strap 102 so that it can be
coupled with, or can communicate or interface with, other devices.
For example, where the detachable electronic module 101 includes
wide area network communication capabilities, such as cellular
communication capabilities, the detachable electronic module 101
may be coupled to a folio or docking device to interface with a
tablet-style computer. In this configuration, the detachable
electronic module 101 can be configured to function as a modem or
communication device for the tablet-style computer. In such an
application, a user may leverage the large screen of the
tablet-style computer with the computing functionality of the
detachable electronic module 101, thereby creating device-to-device
experiences for telephony, messaging, or other applications. The
detachable nature of the detachable electronic module 101 serves to
expand the number of experience horizons for the user.
[0066] Turning back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment the detachable
electronic module 101 includes a display 103 configured to provide
visual output having a presentation orientation 104 associated
therewith. For illustration purposes, the presentation orientation
104 is shown as an arrow, which is pointing up. This constitutes a
first presentation orientation. Where the arrow was pointing down,
this would constitute a second presentation orientation, and so
forth. The visual output can be text, pictures, video, audio, or
other content.
[0067] As will be shown in subsequent figures, in one or more
embodiments, the electronic device 100 can be configured with
various combinations of the following features: wide area network
communication capabilities, e.g., cellular or other mobile
communication capabilities; local area network communication
capabilities, e.g., Bluetooth.TM. or other similar communication
capabilities; voice call capabilities including conventional phone
functionality, speaker phone functionality, or private mode
capabilities via a wired or wireless headset; one or more wellness
sensors, such as heart rate sensors, temperature sensors, or sweat
sensors; context sensors, such as accelerometers, global
positioning sensors, microphones, local infrared sensors, local
light sensors, and local touch sensors; and other safety and
security sensors and applications. These features can be integrated
into the detachable electronic module 101, the active strap 102, or
by way of a combination of the two when coupling the detachable
electronic module 101 to the active strap 102 is both an electrical
and mechanical coupling.
[0068] The detachable electronic module 101, in one embodiment, is
equipped with a first electronic module extension 107 and a second
electronic module extension 108. The electronic module extensions
107,108 can be coupled to the housing of the detachable electronic
module 101 by way of hinge. Accordingly, the first electronic
module extension 107 can be hingedly coupled to a first side of the
housing such that it extends distally from the first side of the
housing, while the second electronic module extension 108 can be
hingedly coupled to a second side of the housing that different
from the first side, such that it extends distally from the second
side of the housing. The hinged attachment allows the first
electronic module extension 107 and the second electronic module
extension 108 to selectively pivot from a closed position, where
the electronic module extensions 107,108 are disposed against a
rear, major face of the housing, to an angularly displaced open
position extending distally outward from the housing.
[0069] The illustrative electronic device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2
includes a form factor that is thin, pleasing, functional, and
practical. Exemplary dimensions of some of the components will aid
in understanding the shape and size of one explanatory embodiment.
For instance, the display 103 can be configured with a 1.6 inch
diagonal dimension. The detachable electronic module 101 can have a
length 105 of about 62 millimeters, and a width of about 49
millimeters. (The term "about" is used to refer to dimensions
inclusive of manufacturing and component tolerances. For example, a
measurement of 48.1 or 49.9 millimeters will be about 49
millimeters when the manufacturing tolerances are plus or minus 1
millimeter.) In this illustrative embodiment, the electronic module
extensions 107,108 have a width 109 of about 42 millimeters, and a
length 110 of between 20 and 40 millimeters, depending upon the
application. An illustrative detachable electronic module 101 with
communication capabilities, wellness detectors, and audio
capabilities can be formed with a thickness (into the page) of
about 10 millimeters. The length 111 of the active strap 102 can
vary based upon target wearer's wrist size or application.
[0070] Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a schematic
block diagram of various components and modules suitable for
inclusion in the detachable electronic module 101. It will be clear
to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure that the components and modules can be used in different
combinations, with some components and modules included and others
omitted. For altering the presentation orientation (104) of visual
output presented on the display 103, the components of the display
system can include a control circuit 301 and the display 103. The
other components or modules can be included or excluded based upon
need or application.
[0071] A control circuit 301 is coupled to the display 103. The
control circuit 301 can be operable with a memory 302. The control
circuit 301, which may be any of one or more microprocessors,
programmable logic, application specific integrated circuit device,
or other similar device, is capable of executing program
instructions and methods described herein. The program instructions
and methods may be stored either on-board in the control circuit
301, or in the memory 302, or in other computer readable media
coupled to the control circuit 301. The control circuit 301 can be
configured to operate the various functions of the detachable
electronic module 101, and also to execute software or firmware
applications and modules that can be stored in a computer readable
medium, such as memory 302. The control circuit 301 executes this
software or firmware, in part, to provide device functionality. The
memory 302 may include either or both static and dynamic memory
components, may be used for storing both embedded code and user
data. One suitable example for control circuit 301 is the MSM7630
processor manufactured by Qualcomm, Inc. The control circuit 301
may operate one or more operating systems, such as the Android.TM.
mobile operating system offered by Google, Inc. In one embodiment,
the memory 302 comprises an 8-gigabyte embedded multi-media card
(eMMC).
[0072] The control circuit 301, which in one embodiment is disposed
in the central housing of the detachable electronic module 101 and
not within either the first electronic module extension 107 or the
second electronic module extension 108, can be configured to alter
an operating mode of the electronic module to one of a plurality of
functional modes. As noted above, these functional modes can
include a desktop mode, a telephone mode, a wristwatch mode, a
health monitoring mode, a clock mode, a calendar mode, a gaming
mode, or a media player mode. As will be described below, the
control circuit 301 in one embodiment selects an operational mode
from these functional modes by detecting an angularly displaced
orientation of the first electronic module extension 107, the
second electronic module extension 108, or combinations
thereof.
[0073] The display 103 is configured to provide visual output,
images, or other visible indicia to a user. In one embodiment, the
display 103 comprises a 1.6 inch organic light emitting diode
(OLED) device. In one embodiment, the display 103 comprises a touch
sensor 312 to form touch sensitive display configured to receive
user input across the surface of the display 103. The display 103
can also be configured with a force sensor 310. Where configured
with both a touch sensor 312 and force sensor 310, the control
circuit 301 can determine not only where the user contacts the
display 103, but also how much force the user employs in contacting
the display 103. Where configured with a force sensor 310 but no
touch sensitive capabilities, the display 103 can be used as a
large "push button" or input control for the detachable electronic
module 101. In one embodiment, explained in more detail below with
reference to FIG. 15, the outer lens of the display 103 can be
configured with piezoelectric sensors 315 or other actuators to be
used as both an input device and an acoustic transducer.
[0074] The touch sensor 312 can include a capacitive touch sensor,
an infrared touch sensor, or another touch-sensitive technology.
Capacitive touch-sensitive devices include a plurality of
capacitive sensors, e.g., electrodes, which are disposed along a
substrate. Each capacitive sensor is configured, in conjunction
with associated control circuitry, e.g., control circuit 301 or
another display specific control circuit, to detect an object in
close proximity with--or touching--the surface of the display 103
or the housing of the detachable electronic module 101 by
establishing electric field lines between pairs of capacitive
sensors and then detecting perturbations of those field lines. The
electric field lines can be established in accordance with a
periodic waveform, such as a square wave, sine wave, triangle wave,
or other periodic waveform that is emitted by one sensor and
detected by another. The capacitive sensors can be formed, for
example, by disposing indium tin oxide patterned as electrodes on
the substrate. Indium tin oxide is useful for such systems because
it is transparent and conductive. Further, it is capable of being
deposited in thin layers by way of a printing process. The
capacitive sensors may also be deposited on the substrate by
electron beam evaporation, physical vapor deposition, or other
various sputter deposition techniques. For example, commonly
assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/679,228, entitled
"Adaptable User Interface and Mechanism for a Portable Electronic
Device," filed Feb. 27, 2007, which is incorporated herein by
reference, describes a touch sensitive display employing a
capacitive sensor.
[0075] The force sensor 310 can take various forms. For example, in
one embodiment, the force sensor 310 comprises resistive switches
or a force switch array configured to detect contact with either
the display 103 or the housing of the detachable electronic module
101. An "array" as used herein refers to a set of at least one
switch. The array of resistive switches can function as a
force-sensing layer, in that when contact is made with either the
surface of the display 103 or the housing of the detachable
electronic module 101, changes in impedance of any of the switches
may be detected. The array of switches may be any of resistance
sensing switches, membrane switches, force-sensing switches such as
piezoelectric switches, or other equivalent types of technology. In
another embodiment, the force sensor 310 can be capacitive. One
example of a capacitive force sensor is described in commonly
assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/181,923, filed Jul.
29, 2008, published as US Published Patent Application No.
US-2010-0024573-A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. In
yet another embodiment, piezoelectric sensors 315 can be configured
to sense force as well. For example, where coupled with the lens of
the display 103, the piezoelectric sensors 315 can be configured to
detect an amount of displacement of the lens to determine force.
The piezoelectric sensors 315 can also be configured to determine
force of contact against the housing of the detachable electronic
module 101 rather than the display 103.
[0076] A mobile communication circuit 303 can be included to
provide wide area communication capabilities. Where included, the
mobile communication circuit 303 is operable with the control
circuit 301, and is used to facilitate electronic communication
with various networks, such as cellular networks, data networks, or
the Internet. Note that it is possible to combine the control
circuit 301, the memory 302, and the mobile communication circuit
303 into a single device or into devices having fewer parts while
retaining the functionality of the constituent parts.
[0077] The mobile communication circuit 303, which may be one of a
receiver or transmitter, and may alternatively be a transceiver,
operates in conjunction with the control circuit 301 to
electronically communicate through a communication network. For
example, in one embodiment, the mobile communication circuit 303
can configured to communicate through a traditional cellular
network, such as a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network or
Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) network. Other
examples of networks with which the communication circuit may
communicate include Push-to-Talk (PTT) networks, proprietary
networks, dual band CDMA networks, or Dual Band Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks, and direct communication
networks. The mobile communication circuit 303 can be configured to
provide messaging functionality to the detachable electronic module
101. In one or more embodiments, the detachable electronic module
can communicate with one or more social networking applications
through the mobile communication circuit 303 as well. News feeds
and other data can be received through the mobile communication
circuit 303. Moreover, context and location sensitive notifications
can be sent and received via the mobile communication circuit
303.
[0078] A battery 304 or other energy source can be included to
provide power for the various components of the detachable
electronic module 101. While a battery 304 is shown in FIG. 3, it
will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that other energy storage deices can be
used instead of the battery 304, including a fuel container or an
electrochemical capacitor. The battery 304 can include a lithium
ion cell or a nickel metal hydride cell, such cells having
reasonably large energy capacity, wide operating temperature range,
large number of charging cycles, and long useful life. The battery
304 may also include overvoltage and overcurrent protection and
charging circuitry. In one embodiment, the detachable electronic
module 101 includes two batteries, with a battery being stored in
each of the electronic module extensions 107,108. In one
embodiment, the battery 304 is configured as an 800 mAh lithium
polymer cell.
[0079] In one or more embodiments, the battery 304 disposed within
the first electronic module extension 107, the second electronic
module extension 108, or combinations thereof, and not within the
central housing of the detachable electronic module 101. In such a
configuration, the battery 304 is configured to deliver energy to
electronic components, e.g., the control circuit 301, memory 302,
display 103, etc., each of which is disposed only within the
central housing of the detachable electronic module 101.
[0080] One or more microphones 305 can be included to receive voice
input, voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone
can be included. Optionally, two or more microphones can be
included for selective beam steering. For example a first
microphone can be located on a first side 330 of the detachable
electronic module 101 for receiving audio input from a first
direction 332. Similarly, a second microphone can be placed on a
second side 331 of the detachable electronic module 101 for
receiving audio input from a second direction 333. As will be
described below, an infrared sensor 314, light sensor 306, or other
sensor can detect a direction in which a user is located. The
control circuit 301 can then select between the first microphone
and the second microphone to beam steer audio reception toward the
user. Alternatively, the control circuit 301 processes and combines
the signals from two or more microphones to perform beam steering.
The one or more microphones 305 can be used for voice commands When
altering the presentation orientation of information presented on
the display, the one or more microphones 305 can be configured to
be responsive to the control circuit 301. Accordingly, the control
circuit 301 can switch between microphones upon altering the
presentation orientation in response to the user input.
[0081] A light sensor 306 is configured to detect changes in
optical intensity, color, light, or shadow in the near vicinity of
the detachable electronic module 101. For example, the light sensor
306 can be configured as an image sensing device that captures
successive images about the device and compares luminous intensity,
color, or other spatial variations between images to detect motion
or the presence of an object near the detachable electronic module
101. Such sensors can be useful in determining at which side of the
detachable electronic module 101 a user is standing. An infrared
sensor 314 can be used in conjunction with, or in place of, the
light sensor 306. The infrared sensor 314 can be configured to
operate in a similar manner, but on the basis of infrared radiation
rather than visible light. The light sensor 306 and/or infrared
sensor 314 can be used for gesture commands, as will be described
with reference to subsequent figures.
[0082] A near field communication circuit 307 can be included for
communication with local area networks. Examples of suitable near
field communication circuits include Bluetooth communication
circuits, IEEE 801.11 communication circuits, infrared
communication circuits, magnetic field modulation circuits, and
Wi-Fi circuits.
[0083] A global positioning system device 308 can be included for
determining where the detachable electronic module 101 is located.
(Note that the global positioning system device 308 can also be
used to determine the spatial orientation of the detachable
electronic module 101 in three-dimensional space by determining the
change in position of the device relative to the earth.) The global
positioning system device 308 is configured for communicating with
a constellation of earth orbiting satellites or a network of
terrestrial base stations to determine an approximate location.
Examples of satellite positioning systems suitable for use with
embodiments of the present invention include, among others, the
Navigation System with Time and Range (NAVSTAR) Global Positioning
Systems (GPS) in the United States of America, the Global Orbiting
Navigation System (GLONASS) in Russia, and other similar satellite
positioning systems. The satellite positioning systems based
location fixes of the global positioning system device 308
autonomously or with assistance from terrestrial base stations, for
example with assistance from a cellular communication network or
other ground based network, or as part of a Differential Global
Positioning System (DGPS), as is well known by those having
ordinary skill in the art. While a global positioning system device
308 is one example of a location determination module, it will be
clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of
this disclosure that other location determination devices, such as
electronic compasses or gyroscopes, could be used as well.
[0084] A user interface 309 can be included. As noted above, in one
embodiment, the display 103 is configured as a touch sensitive
display, and accordingly functions as a user interface in and of
itself. However, some applications will be better served with
additional user interface components as well. The user interface
309, where included, can be operable with the control circuit 301
to deliver information to, and receive information from, a user.
The user interface 309 can include a keypad 335, navigation
devices, joysticks, rocker switches, slider pads, buttons, or other
controls, and optionally a voice or touch command interface. These
various components can be integrated together.
[0085] In one or more embodiments, the lens of the display 103 can
be configured as a lens transducer 311 to deliver audio output to a
user. While this will be described in more detail with reference to
FIG. 15 below, piezoelectric transducers can be operably disposed
with a lens of the display 103. Actuation of the piezoelectric
transducers can cause the lens of the display 103 to vibrate,
thereby emitting acoustic output. An example of a piezo-driven lens
speaker is described in commonly assigned, pending U.S. Ser. No.
12/967,208, filed ______, entitled "______," which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0086] An accelerometer 313 can be included to detect motion of the
detachable electronic module 101. The accelerometer 313 can also be
used to determine the spatial orientation of the detachable
electronic module 101 in three-dimensional space by detecting a
gravitational direction. In addition to, or instead of, the
accelerometer 313, an electronic compass can be included to detect
the spatial orientation of the detachable electronic module 101
relative to the earth's magnetic field. Similarly, one or more
gyroscopes can be included to detect rotational motion of the
detachable electronic module 101. The gyroscope can be used to
determine the spatial rotation of the detachable electronic module
101 in three-dimensional space.
[0087] Where the detachable electronic module 101 is configured as
a wellness device, or is capable of operating in a health
monitoring mode or physical safety device, one or more wellness
sensors 334 can be included as well. Examples of wellness sensors
are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/396,621, filed Mar. 24, 2003, published as US Published Patent
Application No. 2004/0015058, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0088] For example, a heart monitor 316 can be configured to employ
EKG or other sensors to monitor a user's heart rate. The heart
monitor 316 can include electrodes configured to determine action
potentials from the skin of a user. A temperature monitor 317 can
be configured to monitor the temperature of a user. A pulse monitor
318 can be configured to monitor the user's pulse. The pulse
monitor 318 lends itself to the wristwatch configuration of the
electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 because the wrist serves as an
advantageous location from which to measure a person's pulse.
[0089] A moisture detector 319 can be configured to detect the
amount of moisture present on a person's skin. The moisture
detector 319 can be realized in the form of an impedance sensor
that measures impedance between electrodes. As moisture can be due
to external conditions, e.g., rain, or user conditions,
perspiration, the moisture detector 319 can function in tandem with
ISFETS configured to measure pH or amounts of NaOH in the moisture
or a galvanic sensor 320 to determine not only the amount of
moisture, but whether the moisture is due to external factors,
perspiration, or combinations thereof.
[0090] The medical history of a user, as well as the determinations
made by the various wellness sensors 334, can be stored in a
medical profile 321. Periodic updates can be made to the medical
profile 321 as well. The medical profile 321 can be a module
operable with the control circuit 301. Such modules can be
configured as sets of instructions stored in the memory 302 that
are usable by the control circuit 301 to execute the various
wellness monitoring functions of the detachable electronic module
101. Alternatively, the modules could be configured in hardware,
such as through programmable logic. The wellness sensors 334 shown
in FIG. 3 are illustrative only. Embodiments of the present
invention may use various combinations of wellness sensors 334,
including subsets of the wellness sensors 334 shown in FIG. 3.
Further, other modules may be added to further increase device
functionality. The wellness sensors 334 can be used to provide the
user with a sensor-based health and wellness data assessment. The
wellness sensors 334 can be used in conjunction with the medical
profile 321 to provide context sensitive recommendations on the
display 103.
[0091] Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is a cut-away
view of the detachable electronic module 101 illustrating how some
of the components of FIG. 3 may be disposed within the housing of
the detachable electronic module 101. The battery (304) in the
embodiment of FIG. 4 comprises a first cell 407 disposed in a first
electronic module extension 107 and a second cell 408 disposed in a
second electronic module extension 108. All other electrical
components, such as the control circuit 301, are disposed within a
central housing of the detachable electronic module 101, with the
exception of any conductors or connectors, safety circuits, or
charging circuits used or required to deliver energy from the first
cell 407 and second cell 408 to the electronic components disposed
within the central housing. In this illustrative embodiment, the
first cell 407 and second cell 408 each comprise 400 mAh lithium
cells. Where the detachable electronic module 101 is configured for
communication with both wide area networks, e.g., cellular
networks, and local area networks, e.g., WiFi networks, both the
first cell 407 and the second cell 408 can be included. However, in
some embodiments where only local area network communication or no
communication capability is included, one of the first cell 407 or
second cell 408 may be omitted. As noted above, the first cell 407
and second cell 408 can be coupled in parallel to provide higher
peak pulse currents. Alternatively, the first cell 407 and the
second cell 408 can be coupled in series when there is no high
current demand. One or more switches can be used to selectively
alter the coupling of the first cell 407 and second cell 408 in the
series/parallel configurations.
[0092] The mobile communication circuit 303 is disposed at a first
end of the detachable electronic module 101. The near field
communication circuit 307 can be disposed on a side of the
detachable electronic module 101 opposite the mobile communication
circuit 303. The global positioning system device (308), where
included, can also be disposed on a side opposite the mobile
communication circuit 303. In this illustrative embodiment, the
global positioning system device (308) is displaced from the near
field communication circuit 307 to avoid interference. The light
sensor 306 and/or infrared sensor 314 can be disposed on a side of
the device.
[0093] The microphones (305) in this embodiment comprise a first
microphone 405 disposed on a first side of the detachable
electronic module 101 and a second microphone 406 disposed on a
second side of the detachable electronic module 101 that is
opposite the first side. As noted above, multiple microphones can
be included to receive voice input, voice commands, and other audio
input. In this embodiment, the first microphone 405 and second
microphone 406 can be used for selective beam steering. The
infrared sensor 314, light sensor 306, or other sensor can detect a
directional position of a user. The control circuit 301 can then
select between the first microphone 405 and the second microphone
406 to beam steer audio reception toward the user.
[0094] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, illustrated therein are
additional internal components associated with one explanatory
detachable electronic module 101 configured in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an
exploded view, while FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view.
[0095] The detachable electronic module 101 includes a housing 501
configured to carry internal components. This illustrative housing
501 is curved and contoured so as to form a a wearable housing, in
that it can be coupled to either a passive or active strap and worn
about a wrist, arm, or leg. Alternatively, it could be coupled
about a waist as well. In one embodiment, the housing 501 and a
cover layer 502 of the display assembly bound the internal
components. An optional mechanical upper housing 503 can also be
used to retain the cover layer 502 within the housing 501. (The
optional mechanical upper housing 503 is not shown in FIG. 6.)
[0096] The cover layer 502 can be a substrate manufactured from
thin plastic film, sheet plastic, or reinforced glass. The cover
layer 502 serves as a fascia member for the detachable electronic
module 101. A "fascia" is a covering or housing, which may or may
not be detachable, for an electronic device like the detachable
electronic module 101 of FIGS. 5 and 6. To provide ornamentation,
text, graphics, and other visual indicators, the cover layer 502,
in one embodiment, includes printing disposed on the rear face.
Selective printing on the cover layer 502 may be desirable, for
instance, around the perimeter of the cover layer 502 to cover
electrical traces connecting internal components. Printing may be
desired on the front face of the cover layer 502 for various
reasons as well. For example, a subtle textural printing or overlay
printing may be desirable to provide a translucent matte finish
atop the detachable electronic module 101. Such a finish is useful
to prevent cosmetic blemishing from sharp objects or fingerprints.
By printing only on the rear face, the front face can remain smooth
and glossy. The cover layer 502 may also include an ultra-violet
barrier as well. Such a barrier is useful both in improving the
visibility of the display module 504 and in protecting internal
components of the detachable electronic module 101. As noted above,
the cover layer 502 can include a plurality of indium tin oxide or
other electrodes, which function as a capacitive sensor, to covert
the display to a touch-sensitive display.
[0097] Beneath the cover layer 502 is the display module 504, which
in this case is an OLED display module. The display module 504 is
configured to provide visual output having a presentation
orientation through the cover layer 502 to the user.
[0098] As noted above, in one or more embodiments, the display
(103) or cover layer 502 can be can be used as a user input and as
a transducer for acoustic output. In some embodiments, the cover
layer 502, display module 504, or combinations thereof will be
moveable relative to the housing 501. In some embodiments, an
acoustic roll of compliant material 505 can be disposed between the
cover layer 502 and the housing 501. The inclusion of the acoustic
roll facilitates small movement of the cover layer 502, display
module 504, or combinations thereof relative to the housing 501. A
design gap 605 can be included between the cover layer 502 and the
housing 501 for insertion of the acoustic roll of compliant
material 505 and to facilitate travel of the cover layer 502
relative to the housing 501. In embodiments that have an exposed
display (103) with no cover layer 502, the display (103) can be
attached to the acoustic roll of compliant material 505 in place of
the cover layer 502. In these embodiments, the movable display
module would serve the as the user input and transducer for
acoustic output.
[0099] A circuit carrier 506 can then include the control circuit
(301) and other electronic circuitry components and modules. In one
embodiment, the circuit carrier 506 comprises a printed circuit
board manufactured from FR-4 fiberglass. In another embodiment, the
circuit carrier 506 comprises a flexible substrate disposed about
flexible conductors, which is known in the art as a "flex" circuit.
The circuit carrier 506 can include components disposed on the top
and bottom sides. Alternatively, the circuit carrier 506 can have
components disposed on a single side to conserve cost. The circuit
carrier 506 can comprise one or more substrates that are coupled
together with electrical conductors, wires, or other flex
circuits.
[0100] Where the cover layer 502 is used in conjunction with
piezoelectric devices 507, a piezo frame 508 can be used as a
mechanical support extending from the piezoelectric devices 507 and
the cover layer 502. When the piezoelectric devices 507 are
actuated, the piezo frame 508 transfers force to the cover layer
502 to make it move in response to the forces generated by the
piezoelectric devices 507. Alternatively, when a user engages the
cover layer 502 to use it as a control input, user exerted force is
transferred through the piezo frame 508 to the piezoelectric
devices 507, which function as an input sensor in this mode.
[0101] The piezoelectric devices 507 can be configured as disks or
pills as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the piezoelectric devices
507 can be configured as bendable elements bonded to the piezo
frame 508. In the case where piezoelectric disks are couple to the
piezo frame 508, one portion of the piezoelectric disks can be
coupled to the piezo frame 508 while another portion of the
piezoelectric disks is coupled to the housing 501 or another
portion of detachable electronic module 101 that is more massive
than the cover layer 502. Alternatively the piezoelectric disks can
be disposed between the cover layer 502 and the piezo frame 508,
reversing the order of the components, but still providing the same
effective functionality. This latter embodiment serves as an
effective mechanical grounding for the piezoelectric system. In an
embodiment where the piezoelectric devices 507 are bendable
elements bonded to the piezo frame 508, the bendable elements can
be bonded only to the piezo frame 508, with the frame being coupled
to both the cover layer 502 and the housing 501.
[0102] Turning to FIG. 7 illustrated therein are components that
can be included in the active strap 102. Note that in many
embodiments, the detachable electronic module (101) can be coupled
to passive straps or attachments to form a wearable electronic
device. In one or more embodiments, functionality can be increased
by providing an active strap 102 that also includes a power source
and hardware components. The components shown in FIG. 7 provide an
illustration of components that can be included with the active
strap 102. However, as with the modules shown in FIG. 3, the active
strap 102 can include subsets of the modules, with only those
modules being included as required by a particular application.
[0103] The active strap 102 can include its own control circuit
701. The control circuit 701 can be operable with a memory 702. The
control circuit 701, which may be any of one or more
microprocessors, programmable logic, application specific
integrated circuit device, or other similar device, is capable of
executing program instructions associated with the functions of the
active strap 102. The program instructions and methods may be
stored either on-board in the control circuit 701, or in the memory
702, or in other computer readable media coupled to the control
circuit 701.
[0104] The active strap 102 can include a display 703. In one
embodiment, the display 703 comprises one or more flexible display
devices. Since the active strap 102 can be configured as a
wristband for a wristwatch-type wearable device, flexible displays
disposed on the active strap 102 can "wrap" around the wearer's
wrist without compromising operational performance. While the
display 703 can include non-flexible displays as well, the
inclusion of flexible display devices not only increases comfort
for the wearer but also allows the display 703 to be larger as
well. The display 703 can be configured to be touch sensitive also,
thereby allowing the display 703 to be used as a control input. The
display is configured to provide visual output, images, or other
visible indicia to a user. The display 703 can also be configured
with a force sensor. Where configured with both, the control
circuit 701 can determine not only where the user contacts the
display 703, but also how much force the user employs in contacting
the display 703. Where configured with a force sensor only, the
display 703 can be used as a large "push button" or input
control.
[0105] A battery 704 or other energy source can be included to
provide power for the various components of the active strap 102.
In one or more embodiments, the battery 704 is selectively
detachable from the active strap 102. Charging circuitry 705 can be
included in the active strap 102 as well. The charging circuitry
705 can include overvoltage and overcurrent protection. In one
embodiment, the battery 704 is configured as a flexible lithium
polymer cell.
[0106] One or more microphones 706 can be included to receive voice
input, voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone
can be included. Optionally, two or more microphones can be
included for selective beam steering. As with the detachable
electronic module (101) described above, a first microphone can be
located on a first side of the active strap 102 for receiving audio
input from a first direction, while a second microphone can be
placed on a second side of the active strap 102 for receiving audio
input from a second direction. In response to a sensor, perhaps
located in the detachable electronic module (101), a user location
direction can be determined. The control circuit 701 can then
select between the first microphone and the second microphone to
beam steer audio reception toward the user. Alternatively, the
control circuit 701 can employ a weighted combination of the
microphones to beam steer audio reception toward the user.
[0107] A near field communication circuit 707 can be included for
communication with local area networks. A global positioning system
device 708 can be included for determining location information.
One or more audio output devices 709 can be included to deliver
audio output to a user. Piezoelectric devices 710 can be configured
to both receive input from the user and deliver haptic feedback to
the user.
[0108] Where desired, one or more wellness sensors 711 can be
included as well. As described above, the wellness sensors 711 can
include a heart monitor, moisture detector, temperature monitor,
pulse monitor, galvanic devices, and so forth.
[0109] Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is a cut-away
view of the active strap 102 that demonstrates illustrative
locations of some of the components shown in FIG. 7. In this
illustrative embodiment, the display (703) comprises a first
display 803 disposed on a first side of the active strap 102 and a
second display 804 disposed on a second side of the active strap
102. The first display 803 and the second display 804 are flexible
displays, and cover substantial portions of the outer surface of
the upper face of the active strap 102. Disposition of the displays
in this arrangement lends itself to interesting applications. For
example, when used with a light sensor (306) of a detachable
electronic module (101) coupled to the active strap, the displays
can present a color that is complementary to the colors worn by the
user, thereby transforming the active strap 102 into a fashion
accessory. Alternatively, the displays can present data, images,
video, or other indicia to the user.
[0110] The battery 704 in this illustrative embodiment has been
disposed beneath an attachment bay 801. The attachment bay 801 is
configured for attachment to other electronic devices, one example
being the detachable electronic module (101) of FIG. 4. Where
included, the near field communication circuit 707 can be disposed
within the attachment bay 801 as well. Alternatively, the near
field communication circuit 707 can be disposed in the outer
portions of the active strap 102.
[0111] Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is another
embodiment of an electronic device 900 configured in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. The electronic device
900 is configured as a wearable device. A detachable electronic
module 901 is coupled to an active strap 902 to form a wrist
wearable device. The illustrative electronic device 900 of FIG. 9
includes a mobile communication circuit (303), a touch sensitive
display 903, wellness sensors (334), a near field communication
circuit (307), a global positioning system device (308), an
infrared sensor (314), twin microphones configured for selective
beam steering, and a cover layer configured with piezoelectric
sensors (315) so as to function as an acoustic transducer and input
control device. Accordingly, the electronic device 900 can function
in a telephone mode to not only serve as a personal communication
device akin to a mobile telephone, but can also function in a
health monitoring mode to also serve as a personal safety and
security device capable of detecting falls, user accidents, user
drowsiness, user sleep and sleep patterns. Moreover, the electronic
device 900 is capable of sending and receiving emergency alert
communication messages, as well as delivering alert notifications
to the user. In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 900
can be configured to communicate with social networks to provide
automatic wellness and other updates to friends or family. The
wearable electronic device 900 functions as a wearable wireless
communication device that is compact and includes wellness sensing
capabilities. The electronic device 900 has an efficient, compact
design with a simple user interface configured for efficient
operation with one hand (which is advantageous when the electronic
device 900 is worn on the wrist).
[0112] In addition to the touch sensitive input of the touch
sensitive display 903, the electronic device 900 is further
equipped with an accelerometer (313) that can detect movement.
Accordingly, when the electronic device 900 is worn on a wrist, the
user can make gesture commands by moving the arm in predefined
motions. Additionally, the user can deliver voice commands to the
electronic device 900 via the twin microphones.
[0113] The user interface of the electronic device 900 is specially
designed for a small screen. It included an intuitive touch
interface. When the piezoelectric sensors (315) in conjunction with
the cover layer of the touch sensitive display 903 are utilized as
a touch interface, special functions can be realized. For example,
the cover layer can be pressed for a short time, e.g., less than
two seconds, to power on and off the electronic device 900.
Alternatively, the cover layer can be pressed for a long time,
e.g., more than two seconds, to perform a special function, such as
transmission of an emergency message.
[0114] When the touch sensitive display 903 is configured as a
touch sensitive display, control input can be entered in some
embodiments with a single swiping action across the surface of the
touch sensitive display 903. When operating in conjunction with the
piezoelectric sensors (315), the touch sensitive display 903 can
deliver intelligent alerts, acoustics, and haptic feed back in
addition to visual output. In one or more embodiments, the touch
sensitive display 903 is configured to alter magnification of the
visual output for special applications. For instance, the touch
sensitive display 903 can alter the magnification of a keypad
during mobile communication dialing operations.
[0115] Using the near field communication circuit (307), the
electronic device 900 can communicate with other electronic devices
to provide "device to device" connectivity. For example, the
electronic device 900 can link to a tablet-style computer to permit
viewing of the visual output of the touch sensitive display 903 on
a larger screen. The electronic device 900 can further serve as a
communication portal for the tablet style computer, providing
telephony functionality, messaging functionality, and notification
functionality for the tablet-style computer.
[0116] As the electronic device 900 is configured with a small form
factor in a wearable configuration, it provides advantages over
prior art devices. For example, with prior art devices, a user
employing a tablet-style computer frequently had to carry a mobile
telephone to provide communication capability for the tablet-style
computer. The wearable nature of the electronic device 900
alleviates the need to carry a large communication device for
device-to-device connectivity with portable computers or tablet
style computers. Moreover, the wearable nature of the electronic
device 900 is compact and simple for a user to carry.
[0117] The inclusion of wellness sensors (334) provides
advantageous applications in the area of wellness and health. For
example, the medical profile (321) permits a user to store a
medical history or wellness profile in the electronic device 900.
Applications operable on the electronic device 900 can then draw on
this information to provide wellness applications that are
specifically tailored to the wearer. Additionally, sensors like the
heart monitor (316), pulse monitor (318), and temperature monitor
(317) can continually monitor vital signals of the user while the
electronic device 900 is worn. By maintaining a record of this
monitoring in the medical profile (321), the electronic device can
provide a wellness assessment by analyzing the data. Sleep can be
detected based upon pulse and temperature. Additionally, high-risk
situations can be detected from elevated pulse, heartbeat, and
excessive perspiration.
[0118] Applications operable on the electronic device 900 can
provide timely wellness and health reminders, such as when a user
should ingest medicine or when the user should exercise. Further,
wellness outcomes, such as the results of an exercise session, can
be presented on the touch sensitive display 903. The wellness
sensors (334) can be configured to monitor vital signals only upon
predetermined criteria. For example, when the moisture detector
(319) detects moisture, the wellness sensors (334) may presume the
user is exercising and actuate vital sign monitoring. The wellness
sensors (334) can be configured to make wellness recommendations
based upon location, history, and/or activity. The wellness sensors
(334) can be configured to provide early warnings that anticipate
health events based upon data detected using onboard sensors. The
wellness sensors (334) can be configured to automatically journal
daily physical and wellness activity. The wellness sensors (334)
can be configured to provide real time updates to trusted family
members, friends, or medical service providers.
[0119] The wellness sensors (334) can be configured to
automatically deliver messages to third parties, e.g., doctors,
family members, or friends, when abnormal wellness conditions are
detected. As noted above, in one or more embodiments, a user can
send such a message by pressing the cover layer of the touch
sensitive display 903 for a predetermined time. The wellness
sensors (334) can be configured to detect falls, auto accidents,
extended lack of motion of a wearer, or sleep. This will be
described in more detail with reference to FIG. 24 below. In one
embodiment, the wellness sensors (334) can be configured to provide
awakening alerts to the user when drowsiness or sleep is
detected.
[0120] Turning now to FIG. 10, the detachable nature of the
detachable electronic module 901 from the active strap 902 is
shown. As will be described below with reference to FIG. 42, in one
embodiment the detachable electronic module 901 can be detached
from the active strap 902 by "hyper pivoting" the electronic module
extensions 1007,1008 relative to the housing of the detachable
electronic module 901 away from the active strap 902.
[0121] In this illustrative embodiment, the electronic module
extensions 1007,1008 are non-planar, in that they are curved in
cross section. This geometric configuration provides a wearable
configuration for the detachable electronic module 901 in that the
non-planar geometries of the electronic module extensions 1007,1008
are complementary to the shape of a wearer's arm. Where this is the
case, energy storage devices disposed within the electronic module
extensions 1007,1008 can be non-planar as well.
[0122] In FIG. 10, the detachable electronic module 901 has been
released from the attachment bay 1001, thus converting it to a
stand-alone device that can be used individually by the user or
docked for use with other devices. In addition to providing
wearable capabilities for the overall electronic device 900, the
active strap 902 can be used for a stand. Since it is an active
device with hardware and a power source, the active strap 902 can
remain on the wrist to monitor wellness or other conditions while
the detachable electronic module 901 is not connected. Upon
reconnection, the detachable electronic module 901 can retrieve
such monitored data and process it or communicate it as directed by
a particular application.
[0123] Turning now to FIG. 11, the detachable electronic module 901
has been rotated to reveal electrical couplings 1101,1102,1103,1104
that allow the detachable electronic module 901 and the active
strap 902 to work in tandem. In this illustrative embodiment, the
attachment bay 1001 includes electrical couplings 1101,1102 that
mate with complementary electrical couplings 1103,1104 disposed on
the electronic module extensions 1007,1008. The location of these
electrical couplings 1101,1102,1103,1104 is illustrative only.
Other electrical coupling embodiments will be described below.
[0124] Turning to FIG. 12, the detachable electronic module 901 is
shown by itself with one example of visual output 1201 being
presented on the touch sensitive display 903. The visual output
1201 in this embodiment is a telephone dialer, as the detachable
electronic module 901 is operating in a telephone mode. As noted
above, in one or more embodiments, the control circuit (301) of the
detachable electronic module 901 can be configured to alter one of
a color, a resolution, a scaling, an operating mode, or a
magnification of the visual output 1201. For example, one or more
of these characteristics can be altered when the control circuit
(301) alters altering the presentation orientation of the visual
output 1201 in response to the user input.
[0125] This can be understood with a simple use case. Presume that
a user is wearing the detachable electronic module 901 on his
wrist. A friend asks the user to dial a local restaurant. The
friend knows the number, but the user does not. Rather than the
friend having to say the number to the user, the user may simply
make a gesture, such as a swipe of his arm towards the friend. This
gesture, sensed by the accelerometer (313) is a user input. Upon
detecting this user input, a presentation module operable with the
display can alter a presentation orientation of visual output 1201
from an initial orientation, shown in FIG. 12, to a second
orientation, which may be rotated a predetermined rotation amount,
e.g., 180 degrees from the initial orientation. The friend can then
dial the number using the telephone dialer shown in FIG. 12. When
the mobile communication circuit (303) makes a connection with the
restaurant, this represents an event occurring in the absence of
further user input. Accordingly, the presentation module can revert
the presentation orientation to the initial orientation, thus
indicating to the user that a call has been established. In
addition, the presentation module may present a prompt 1202 on the
touch sensitive display 903 when the call was connected.
[0126] Now suppose that both the friend and user need to speak with
the restaurant. In one embodiment, the user may employ gestures to
make the communication more efficient. For example, during the
call, when it is the friend's turn to speak, the user may make the
same arm gesture of swiping his arm towards the friend. In one
embodiment, two speakers 1203,1204 are provided, each having a
differently oriented acoustic output cone. The two speakers
1203,1204 thus form a directable audio output. When the user makes
the gesture, the control circuit (301) can further to redirect
output audio in addition to altering the presentation orientation.
The same can occur with multiple microphones. The control circuit
(301) can switch between audio input devices upon altering the
presentation orientation in response to the user input.
[0127] Turning to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is an optional
mechanical feature associated with one detachable electronic module
1301 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic module extensions
1307,1308 are coupled to the detachable electronic module 1301 with
folding hinges and have been folded 1302,1303 about the rear side
of the detachable electronic module 1301. This position is referred
to a "closed" position because the electronic module extensions
1307,1308 are disposed against a major face, i.e., the back
surface, of the housing of the detachable electronic module 1301.
This collapsible feature allows the detachable electronic module
1301 to become a more compact device when being used in the absence
of a passive or active strap. Additionally, as will be described in
more detail below, the collapsible feature can allow a user to
alter the operational modes of the detachable electronic module
1301 by moving, i.e., pivoting or rotating, the electronic module
extensions 1307,1308 relative to the central housing of the
detachable electronic module 1301.
[0128] In this illustrative embodiment, each electronic module
extension 1307,1308 is equipped with pivoting power and ground
contacts so that power from the cells disposed within the
electronic module extensions 1307,1308 is delivered to the control
circuit and other components in the detachable electronic module
1301 regardless of their radial orientation relative to the
detachable electronic module 1301. In this illustrative embodiment,
the detachable electronic module 1301 has a thickness 1309 of
between twenty and thirty millimeters.
[0129] While the electronic module extensions 1307,1308 are shown
completely folded in FIG. 13, it should be noted that the folding
hinges can be configured to be resistive so as to be pivotable to
any number of rotational orientations as desired by a user. For
example, each electronic module extension 1307,1308 can be rotated
halfway so as to serve as a stand when the detachable electronic
module 1301 is placed on its side. In one or more embodiments, the
electronic module extensions 1307,1308 are coupled to the central
housing of the detachable electronic module with a detented hinge
that provides pseudo mechanical stops so that the electronic module
extensions 1307,1308 can be easily stopped at a variety of
pre-defined angularly displaced orientations relative to the
central housing of the detachable electronic module 1301. In such
an embodiment, the detented hinge comprises a plurality of detent
stops configured to hold the one or both of the first electronic
module extension 1307 or the second electronic module extension
1308 in one of a plurality of angularly displaced alignments
relative to the housing.
[0130] Turning to FIG. 14, illustrated therein are the detachable
electronic module 1301 of FIG. 13 and an electronic device 1400
placed on a table 1410. FIG. 14 illustrates a few of the many
options for using the electronic devices configured in accordance
with embodiments of the invention when not being worn. The
electronic module extensions 1307,1308 have been folded about
detachable electronic module 1301. The detachable electronic module
1301 has then been placed face up, with each electronic module
extension 1307,1308 serving as a stand. This configuration can be
useful, for example, when multiple people are using the detachable
electronic module 1301 as a speakerphone during a group call.
Further, the active strap to which the detachable electronic module
1301 was coupled can remain on the wrist performing wellness
monitoring. With electronic device 1400, the active strap 1402 has
been straightened from its wearable configuration to serve as a
stand. This configuration can be useful, for example, when using
the electronic device 1400 as an alarm clock.
[0131] Turning now to FIG. 15, a detachable electronic device 1501
having piezoelectric devices 1515 configured work with the cover
layer 1502 of the display to provide input and output capabilities.
Piezo frame elements 1516 function as mechanical couplers between
the cover layer 1502 and the piezoelectric devices 1515. The
control circuit disposed within the detachable electronic device
1501 is operable with the piezoelectric devices 1515. The control
circuit can actuate the piezoelectric devices 1515 to employ them
as output devices. Alternatively, when forces act upon the piezo
frame elements 1516, those forces are transferred to the
piezoelectric devices 1515, thereby delivering signals to the
control circuit. Accordingly, the piezoelectric devices 1515 can be
used as either input or output devices.
[0132] The inclusion of the piezoelectric devices 1515 provides
many advantageous functions to the detachable electronic device
1501. As noted above, when the cover layer 1502 is touched or
pressed by a user, the cover layer 1502 becomes an input control
device for receiving user input. The piezoelectric devices 1515 can
sense this input and deliver a corresponding signal to the control
circuit. By using multiple piezoelectric devices 1515 that are
spread out within the detachable electronic device 1501, the
signals can be read individually to determine an approximate
location along the cover layer 1502 contacted by the user. In this
manner, the cover layer 1502 can be used as a navigation device by
defining, for example, a "left edge press" with a different
function from a "right edge press," and so forth.
[0133] The cover layer 1502 can also be used as an output. In one
or more embodiments, the control circuit actuates the piezoelectric
devices 1515 in accordance with an audio signal to use the cover
layer 1502 as an audio transducer. Accordingly, the cover layer
becomes a loudspeaker through which audio output can be delivered
to a user. In some embodiments, the control circuit can actuate the
piezoelectric devices 1515 in accordance with pulse functions to
deliver haptic feedback to the user as well.
[0134] Turning now to FIG. 16, illustrated therein is a method,
suitable for an electronic device, for orienting images on a
display in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention. As shown at step 1601, a display 1663 of an electronic
device 1661 is configured to provide visual output 1664 having a
presentation orientation associated therewith. As step 1601 is the
initial step in the method, the presentation orientation of the
visual output 1664 is the initial orientation.
[0135] At step 1602, user input is received by an interface element
of the electronic device 1661. The user input can take a variety of
forms. For instance, in one embodiment the user input comprises
audio input. In another embodiment, the user input comprises touch
input along the display 1663. In another embodiment, the user input
comprises actuation of an input control device, such as a button,
joystick, slider switch, rocker switch, or other device, that is
operable with a control circuit disposed within the electronic
device 1661. In another embodiment, the user input comprises a
sensed gesture, such as movement of a body part to which the
electronic device is connected, which may be sensed by an
accelerometer or gyroscope. In another embodiment, the user input
comprises a light-sensed user action or an infrared-sensed user
action, such as movement of the user's body, hands, or limbs away
from the electronic device 1661.
[0136] In response to the user input, the control circuit coupled
to the display can be configured to alter 1665 the presentation
orientation from the initial orientation. As shown in illustrative
step 1602, the alteration comprises a rotation of the presentation
orientation in the clockwise direction. Note that it is not
necessary to rotate or move the display 1663 to change the
presentation orientation. For instance, the display 1663 can remain
stationary in three-dimensional space while the presentation
orientation of the visual output 1664 rotates or otherwise changes
with reference to the physical orientation of the display 1663.
Note also that the amount of alteration can depend upon the
configuration of the electronic device 1661, the user input, or a
combination of the two. For example, in one embodiment, the control
circuit can be configured to alter 1665 the presentation
orientation in an amount proportional to the user input. Where the
user input comprises a finger sweep across a surface of the
electronic device 1661 or the display 1663, the control circuit may
alter 1665 the presentation in a proportional amount and in a
corresponding direction. However, other alteration schemes are
possible as well. For instance, when a cover layer of the display
1663 is configured as an input control device, the control circuit
may be configured to alter 1665 the presentation orientation by a
predetermined rotation amount when the input control device is
actuated. A press of the cover layer may result in, for example, a
90-degree, 180, degree, or other amount of rotation. Predetermined
rotation amounts can be associated with other user inputs as well,
including gestures. Repeated presses of the cover layer may result
in additional rotation of the predetermined amount, for example,
one press of the cover layer resulting in a 90-degree rotation,
with a second press resulting in an additional 90-degree rotation
for a total of 180 degrees, and so forth.
[0137] In addition to rotation, the control circuit can be
configured to perform other alterations in response to user input
as well. The control circuit can be configured to alter one of a
color, a resolution, a scaling, or a magnification of the visual
output upon altering the presentation orientation in response to
the user input. Other alterations will be obvious to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0138] At step 1603, a non-user event occurs. Non-user events are
events that occur in the absence of user input to user interface
devices. Non-user events can take a variety of forms. Non-user
events can be user defined as well. Examples of non-user events
include incoming telephone calls, an incoming text message, an
incoming multimedia message, a low battery warning, expiration of a
timer, or a calendar alarm event. Where the electronic device 1661
includes wellness sensors, the non-user input event comprises a
detected user wellness condition sensed by the user wellness
sensors. Detected wellness events are non-user events because they
do not result from manipulation of user interface devices, but
rather from signals sensed from user monitoring devices, e.g., the
wellness sensors (334) described above with reference to FIG.
3.
[0139] When the non-user event occurs, the control circuit is
configured to revert 1666 the presentation orientation back to the
initial orientation. This not only returns the presentation
orientation to one that is generally most readily accessible by the
user, but also serves as a notification that the non-user event has
occurred. The control circuit can optionally take additional steps
as well, such as presenting a prompt 1667 on the display after
reverting the presentation orientation to the initial
orientation.
[0140] Turning now to FIGS. 17-18, the method described with
reference to FIG. 16 will be illustratively described. Starting at
step 1701, a user 1770 has a wearable electronic device 1761
strapped to his wrist. The display 1763 of the wearable electronic
device 1761 presents visual output 1764 with a presentation
orientation that is an initial orientation.
[0141] At step 1702, the user makes a gesture 1771, which in this
illustration is a sweeping motion of his hand 1772. A motion
detector disposed in the wearable electronic device 1761, which may
be an accelerometer or gyroscope, senses the motion caused by this
gesture 1771 and delivers a signal corresponding thereto to a
control circuit. Upon receiving the user input, the control circuit
alters the presentation orientation from the initial orientation to
a second presentation orientation 1773. In this illustration, the
second presentation orientation is a predetermined rotation amount
of 180 degrees, thus causing the visual output 1764 to "flip"
upside down on the display 1763.
[0142] At step 1801, an event occurring in absence of further user
input occurs. In this illustration, the event is an incoming
telephone call 1880. Upon detecting this non-user event, the
control circuit reverts 1881 the presentation orientation of the
visual output on the display to the initial orientation. The
initial orientation is shown in step 1802. Note that this has
transpired without additional gestures by the user. However, in
this illustrative embodiment, the same would be true if there had
been gestures, because the control circuit is configured to revert
the presentation orientation of the visual output on the display to
an initial orientation independent o fuser input when a non-user
event is detected.
[0143] Turning now to FIG. 19, illustrated therein is another
method for orienting visual output 1964 on the display 1963 of an
electronic device 1961 in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the invention. In FIG. 19, the visual output 1964 has associated
therewith a user input configuration. The user input configuration
1994 comprises actuation targets or other user controls that, when
actuated, provide user input to the electronic device 1961. For
instance, where the display 1963 is a touch sensitive display, the
user input configuration 1994 forms a user interface with which a
user may control the operation and functionality of the electronic
device 1961. The user input configuration 1994 can include visual
or non-visual user actuation targets present on the display 1963 of
the electronic device 1961. Alternatively, the user input
configuration can be a configuration of a morphing or otherwise
configurable keypad, e.g., smart keys, or user interaction device
disposed along a surface of the electronic device 1961.
[0144] Illustrating by example, the telephone dialer shown in FIG.
12 would have a user input configuration associated therewith
because touching any of the dialers in the telephone dialer would
correspond to user entry of a telephone number to be dialed. In
another example, presume that the electronic device 1961 included
three configurable buttons on its left side. In one mode of
operation, actuation of the top button results in the visual output
1964 scrolling up, while actuation of the bottom button results in
the visual output 1964 scrolling down. Actuation of the center
button causes a soft user actuation target on the display 1963
highlighted in the visual output 1964 to be executed. The user
input configuration 1994 associated with the visual output 1964
would be the configuration of the configurable buttons.
[0145] At step 1901, a control circuit of the electronic device
1961 presents the visual output 1964 on the display 1963 in an
initial orientation. The user input configuration 1994 is presented
in an initial disposition as well. The initial disposition of the
user input configuration 1994 is oriented the same as the
presentation orientation of the visual output 1964.
[0146] At step 1902, user input is received. As described above,
the control circuit alters 1965 the presentation orientation of the
visual output 1964 in response to the user input. The control
circuit can then take one of a variety of options with the user
input configuration 1994 depending upon the application running on
the electronic device 1961, how the user has defined the control
settings of the electronic device 1961, user preferences, or other
factors.
[0147] In a first embodiment, shown to the left of the electronic
device 1961 in step 1902, the control circuit is configured to
alter 1967 the initial disposition of the user input configuration
1994 in response to the user input. In one embodiment, the control
circuit is configured to alter 1967 the initial disposition of the
user input configuration 1994 proportionally with the alteration of
the presentation orientation of the visual output 1964. However,
the initial disposition of the user input configuration 1994 could
be altered in amounts different from the visual output 1964 as
well.
[0148] In a second embodiment, shown to the right of the electronic
device 1961 in step 1902, the control circuit is configured to
retain the user input configuration 1994 in the initial disposition
when the presentation orientation is altered in response to the
user input. This second embodiment is advantageous when, for
example, a user is showing pictures to a colleague on the display
1963. The user may wish to flip the picture, i.e., flip the visual
output 1964 over so that the colleague can see it. However, the
user may wish to retain the user input configuration 1994 so as not
to have to scroll backwards. If the presentation of pictures has
associated therewith a user input configuration 1994 that causes
leftward scrolling when the left side of the display 1963 is
pressed, and rightward scrolling when the right side of the display
1963 is pressed, without the ability to retain the user input
configuration 1994 when altering the presentation orientation, the
user would have to press left to scroll right and vice versa. The
ability to retain the initial disposition of the user input
configuration 1994 allows the user to retain the intuitive,
properly oriented scrolling control while simultaneously flipping a
picture associated with that control around so as to be visible to
a friend.
[0149] Turning to FIGS. 20-21, the method of FIG. 19 will be
graphically described. Starting at step 2001, a user 2070 has a
wearable electronic device 2061 strapped to his wrist. The display
2063 of the wearable electronic device 2061 presents visual output
2064, which in this case is a picture that the user 2070 wishes to
show to a friend who is facing him. The visual output 2064 is
presented with presentation orientation that is an initial
orientation. In this example, the bottom of the picture is towards
the user 2070.
[0150] The visual output 2064 also has associated therewith a user
interface 2094. As the visual output 2064 is being presented in a
photo-displaying application, the application is configured such
that certain finger gestures cause certain actions to occur. For
simplicity of discussion, presume that touching a left side of the
display 2063 scrolls to a previous picture, while touching a right
side of the display 2063 scrolls to a subsequent picture. As shown
at step 2001, the initial disposition of the user interface 2094 is
oriented with the initial orientation of the visual output
2064.
[0151] At step 2002, the user 2070 delivers user input to the
wearable electronic device 2061. The user input in this example is
a swirling motion made with a finger on the display 2063. This
causes the presentation orientation of the visual output to be
altered 2065. However, to preserve a common navigation control
scheme, the initial disposition of the user interface 2094 is
retained. Thus, the user can still touch a left side of the display
2063 to scroll to a previous picture, while touching a right side
of the display 2063 will scroll to a subsequent picture.
[0152] At step 2101, a non-user event occurs. In this illustration,
the non-user event is an incoming telephone call 2180. Upon
detecting this non-user event, the control circuit reverts 2081 the
presentation orientation of the visual output on the display to the
initial orientation. The initial orientation is shown in step 2102.
Since the user interface 2094 was retained in step 2002 above, it
does not need to be altered.
[0153] Turning now to FIGS. 22-23, illustrated therein is another
use case that can occur using electronic devices configured in
accordance with embodiments of the invention. At step 2201, a first
user 2220 and a second user 2221 are engaged in a conference call,
with a detachable electronic module 2200 in a folded configuration
being used as the communication device. Initially, the first user
2220 is speaking. Accordingly, the visual output 2263 is oriented
towards the first user 2220. The detachable electronic module 2200
of this illustration includes a plurality of audio input devices,
with one audio input device 2222 being disposed such that its audio
receive cone is directed towards the first user 2220. The second
audio input device 2223 is disposed such that its audio receive
cone is oriented towards the second user 2221. Similarly, the
detachable electronic module 2200 also includes a directable audio
output comprising a first speaker 2224 directed to the first user
2220 and a second speaker 2225 directed towards the second user
2221.
[0154] While the first user 2220 is speaking, not only is the
visual output 2263 oriented toward the first user 2220, but so too
are the audio input and the audio output. In step 2201, the first
user 2220 finishes speaking and wishes to let the second user 2221
speak. Accordingly, the first user 2220 provides user input by
gesturing with a hand 2226. This gesture is detected by an infrared
sensor of the detachable electronic module 2200.
[0155] In response to detecting the user input, the control circuit
is configured to alter 2227 the presentation orientation of the
visual output 2263 so that the visual output 2263 is oriented
towards the second user 2221. The control circuit of this example
further is operable to switch between audio input devices 2222,2223
upon altering the presentation orientation in response to the user
input. In one embodiment, the switching results in the first audio
input device 2222 being turned off and the second audio input
device 2223 being turned on. Further, the control circuit is
operable to redirect output audio upon altering the presentation
orientation in response to the user input. This can include
increasing the volume of the second speaker 2225 while reducing the
volume of the first speaker 2224. The result of these alterations
is shown in step 2202.
[0156] At step 2301, the second user 2221 is finished talking and
leaves the room. With reference to the first user 2220, this
constitutes a non-user event because it occurs in the absence of
user input from the first user 2220. The infrared sensor of the
detachable electronic module 2200 detects the second user 2221
leaving. Accordingly, the control circuit reverts 2327 the
presentation orientation of the visual output 2263 back to the
first user 2220. Simultaneously, the control circuit of this
example switches between audio input devices to direct the audio
input back to the first user 2220. Further, the control circuit
redirects output audio upon altering the presentation orientation
back to the first user 2220. Since the second user 2221 is no
longer in the vicinity of the detachable electronic module 2200, as
detected by the infrared sensor, the second speaker 2225 can be
turned off. The result of these alterations is shown in step
2302.
[0157] The above discussion not withstanding, FIGS. 22 and 23 can
be used to illustrate yet another use case that can occur using
electronic devices configured in accordance with embodiments of the
invention. At step 2201, a first user 2220 and a second user 2221
are engaged in the viewing of content on the detachable electronic
module 2200 such as pictures. In this case the first user 2220 is
showing the second user 2221 the pictures but controlling the
slideshow via voice recognition. Accordingly, the visual output
2263 is oriented towards the first user 2220. The detachable
electronic module 2200 of this illustration includes a plurality of
audio input devices, with one audio input device 2222 being
disposed such that its audio receive cone is directed towards the
first user 2220. The second audio input device 2223 is disposed
such that its audio receive cone is oriented towards the second
user 2221.
[0158] While the first user 2220 is manipulating the detachable
electronic module 2200 to find the appropriate content to show the
second user 2221, not only is the visual output 2263 oriented
toward the first user 2220, but so too is the audio input. In step
2201, the first user 2220 finds the content and wishes to show it
to the second user 2221. Accordingly, the first user 2220 provides
user input by gesturing with a hand 2226. This gesture is detected
by an infrared sensor of the detachable electronic module 2200.
[0159] In response to detecting the user input, the control circuit
is configured to alter 2227 the presentation orientation of the
visual output 2263 so that the visual output 2263 is oriented
towards the second user 2221. The control circuit of this example
remains audio input device 2222 upon altering the presentation
orientation in response to the user input. The result of these
alterations is shown in step 2202. The result of these alterations
allow the second user 2221 to view the images in the correct
orientation, while allowing the first user 2220 to control the
manipulation of the images via voice commands using the audio input
device 2222.
[0160] As in the earlier example the presentation orientation can
revert back to the first user due to a non-user event such as the
second user 2221 leaving. Alternatively, the first user can
manually revert the presentation orientation back in his direction
by the use of a gesture or voice command
[0161] Turning now to FIGS. 24-25, illustrated therein is another
method of orienting images on the display of an electronic device
2461 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
Recall from the discussion of FIGS. 19-21 that in one or more
embodiments, the control circuit of the electronic device 2461 can
be configured to alter the presentation orientation of the visual
output 2464 in response to user input while retaining the user
interface component 2494 in an initial disposition. The user
interface component 2494 is held while the presentation orientation
of the visual output 2464 is altered. One of ordinary skill in the
art with the benefit of this disclosure will recognize that the
retention of the initial disposition of the user interface
component 2494 can be with respect to various reference points. For
example, the initial disposition can be with reference to the
display 2463, the housing of the electronic device 2461, an edge of
the display 2463, or other physical element of the electronic
device 2461. In such an embodiment, when the electronic device 2461
is moved in three-dimensional space 2400, represented in FIG. 24 by
three axes, the user interface component 2494 will remain
constantly aligned with, for instance, an edge or corner of the
display. This embodiment was illustrated in FIG. 20, where the user
interface (2094) was retained in an initial disposition fixed
relative to the physical orientation of the display (2063).
[0162] In another embodiment, the retention of the initial
disposition of the user interface component 2494 can be with
reference to its initial bearing in three-dimensional space 2400.
Said differently, where the initial disposition of the user
interface component 2494 is represented in three-dimensional space
2400 with a bearing along the x-axis 2450, the y-axis 2451, and the
z-axis 2452 in three-dimensional space 2400, these bearings can be
held while the visual output 2464 is altered. It is this latter
embodiment that is shown in FIGS. 24-25.
[0163] Starting at step 2401, a user 2470 has an electronic device
2461 strapped to his wrist. The display 2463 of the electronic
device 2461 presents visual output 2464 with a presentation
orientation that is an initial orientation. The visual output 2464
is presented with presentation orientation that is an initial
orientation. In this example, the bottom of the visual output 2464
is towards the body of the user 2470. The visual output 2464 also
has associated therewith a user interface component 2494. The user
interface component 2494 could comprise a plurality of user
actuation targets, a data entry surface, such as one that can be
written on with a stylus or other device, a configuration of
physical keys, soft keys, or combinations thereof, a preferred
voice input direction, or other user input devices. As shown at
step 2401, the initial disposition of the user interface component
2494 is oriented with the initial orientation of the visual output
2464.
[0164] At step 2402, the user makes a gesture 2471, which in this
illustration is a sweeping motion of his hand 2472. A motion
detector disposed in the electronic device 2461, which may be an
accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, or other device, senses the
motion caused by this gesture 2471 and delivers a signal
corresponding thereto to a control circuit. Upon receiving the user
input, the control circuit alters the presentation orientation from
the initial orientation to a second presentation orientation. In
this illustration, the second presentation orientation is a
predetermined rotation amount of 180 degrees, thus causing the
visual output 2464 to "flip" upside down on the display 2463.
[0165] To preserve a common navigation control scheme, the initial
disposition of the user interface component 2494 is retained. In
this illustrative embodiment, the user interface component 2494 is
retained in an initial disposition with a bearing fixed relative to
the initial disposition's orientation in three-dimensional space
2400. Thus, despite the fact that the user's arm has rotated by 90
degrees, the user 2470 still has the user interface component 2494
facing him. Thus, if writing letters on the display 2463 with a
stylus, the user could write them "right-side up" rather than
having to write them in an odd orientation.
[0166] At step 2501, the user 2470 makes another gesture 2571 in
the opposite direction. Upon detecting this gesture 2571, the
control circuit reverts 2581 the presentation orientation of the
visual output 2464 on the display 2463 to the initial orientation.
The initial orientation is shown in step 2502. However, the initial
disposition of the user interface component 2494 is retained with a
bearing in three-dimensional space 2400 as shown in both steps
2501,2502.
[0167] Turning now to FIGS. 26-27, illustrated therein is a method
for altering a portion 2655 of the user interface component 2694
when altering the presentation orientation of visual output 2664 on
the display 2663 of an electronic device 2661 in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the invention. To this point, when user
interface elements have been altered or retained, the examples have
shown the entire user interface being altered or retained as a
unit. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure that portions of the
user interface can be altered while other portions are retained. As
noted in the discussion above, the retained portions can be
retained in an orientation fixed relative to the electronic device
2661 or bearings fixed in three-dimensional space (2400). In the
illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 26-27, a portion 2655 of the user
interface component 2694 will be altered proportionally with the
visual output 2664, while other portions are retained in an initial
disposition fixed relative to both the electronic device 2661 and
three-dimensional space due to the fact that the orientation of the
electronic device 2661 remains unchanged.
[0168] Starting at step 2601, a user 2670 has a wearable electronic
device 2661 strapped to his wrist. The display 2663 of the wearable
electronic device 2661 presents visual output 2664, which in this
case is a picture that the user 2670 wishes to show to a friend.
The visual output 2664 is presented with presentation orientation
that is an initial orientation. In this example, the bottom of the
picture is towards the body of the user 2670.
[0169] The visual output 2664 also has associated therewith a user
interface component 2694. As shown at step 2601, the initial
disposition of the user interface component 2694 is oriented with
the initial orientation of the visual output 2664.
[0170] At step 2602, the user 2670 delivers user input to the
wearable electronic device 2661 by pressing a physical key disposed
on the wearable electronic device 2661. In this illustrative
embodiment, actuation of the physical key causes the control
circuit to alter the presentation orientation by a predetermined
rotation amount, which is 90 degrees in this example. A portion
2655 of the user interface component 2694 is altered proportionally
with the presentation orientation of the visual output 2664.
Another portion of the user interface component 2694 is retained in
its initial disposition. The same happens again at step 2701, when
the user actuates the physical key again, thus rotating both the
portion 2655 of the user interface component 2694 and the
presentation orientation by another 90 degrees, while retaining the
remainder of the user interface component 2694 in its initial
disposition.
[0171] At step 2702, a non-user event occurs. In this illustration,
the non-user event is an incoming telephone call 2780. Upon
detecting this non-user event, the control circuit reverts the
presentation orientation of the visual output 2664 and the portion
2655 of the user interface component 2694 to the initial
orientation.
[0172] With regards to this explanatory embodiment, portions of the
user interface that remain in their initial disposition and
portions that are reoriented can be different modes of a user
interface. For example, a preferred voice input direction can
remain in its initial disposition, while touch navigation inputs
are reoriented with the presentation orientation. Alternatively
gesture input can remain in its initial disposition while touch
navigation input is reoriented with the presentation
orientation.
[0173] Turning now to FIG. 28, illustrated therein is another use
case demonstrating how wellness sensors disposed within an
electronic device can be used not only to revert the presentation
orientation, audio input, audio output, or combinations thereof,
but also to perform other features as well.
[0174] As shown in FIG. 28, a store patron 2820 has passed out due
to the stress of seeing a robbery in place. A robber 2821 is
holding a clerk 2822 at gunpoint. The stress of this event has
simply caused the store patron 2820 to faint. However, the store
patron 2820 is fortunate enough to be wearing a wearable electronic
device 2800 configured in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. This wearable electronic device 2800 is equipped with
wellness sensors. The wellness sensors have sensed very abnormal
vital signals from the store patron 2820. For example, his heart
rate may have spiked through the roof only to fall upon fainting.
Further, his temperature may have experienced variations as well.
Perspiration may be present. More importantly, the wellness sensors
are capable of detecting that the store patron 2820 has fallen and
is now motionless after exhibiting the abnormal vital signs.
[0175] In the scenario of FIG. 28, the store patron 2820 cannot
speak due to having fainted. However, the wearable electronic
device 2800 is configured to transmit emergency alerts upon
detecting that the store patron 2820 has experienced unusual
physical conditions, has fallen, and is motionless. The wearable
electronic device 2800 pulls location information from the global
positioning sensor. The electronic device then sends an emergency
communication message 2823 to the appropriate emergency services
personnel through an emergency services call number, such as 911 or
SOS. The emergency services call number will depend upon what
regional authorities use as an appropriate emergency services call
number. The emergency communication message 2823 is then sent to
the emergency services center 2824. This transmission can be
through any of a variety of methods, including short message
services, multimedia message services, instant messaging, messaging
over session interrupt protocol, and so forth. Emergency personnel
2825 can then be dispatched to render assistance.
[0176] Turning now to FIG. 29, illustrated therein is a method 2900
of orienting images in accordance with embodiments of the invention
shown in flow-chart form. Most of the steps of FIG. 29 have been
described in detail above, and as such, will be mentioned only
briefly here.
[0177] At step 2901, the method 2900 receives user input. As noted
above, the user input can comprise one of audio input, touch input
on the display, actuation of an input control device operable with
the control circuit, a sensed gesture, a light-sensed user action,
an ultrasonic-sensed user action, or an infrared-sensed user
action. Other examples of user input will be obvious to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0178] At step 2902, a presentation module operable with a display
is configured to alter a presentation orientation of visual output
from an initial orientation in response to receiving user input.
This alteration can include rotating the visual output. Optionally,
the alteration can include altering one of a color, a resolution, a
scaling, or a magnification of the visual output, or combinations
thereof. At step 2903, the presentation module can optionally
maintain an initial disposition of a user input configuration
associated with the visual output on a user interface.
[0179] At decision 2904, device events or non-user events are
detected. Examples of these include an incoming telephone call, an
incoming text message, an incoming multimedia message, a low
battery warning, or a calendar alarm event. Device events can also
include wellness factors of the user sensed by wellness detectors.
When a device event or a non-user event occurs, the presentation
module can revert the presentation orientation of the visual output
on the display to an initial orientation at step 2905. Until the
device event or non-user event occurs, the presentation module can
retain the user-defined orientation at 2906 until additional user
input requiring redirection of the visual output is received.
[0180] Turning now to FIG. 30, illustrated therein is a detachable
electronic module 3001 having a control circuit 3003 disposed
within a central housing 3002 of the detachable electronic module
3001. The central housing 3002 is the portion of the detachable
electronic module 3001 that is disposed between the first
electronic module extension 3007 and the second electronic module
extension 3008, which are hingedly coupled to a first side 3004 and
a second side 3005 of the central housing 3002. The first
electronic module extension 3007 and the second electronic module
extension 3008 extending distally from the opposite first side 3004
and second side 3005 of the central housing 3002, and are
configured to be selectively pivotable about the central housing
3002.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 30, each electronic module extension
3007,3008 includes only a power source 3113 (and corresponding
safety and/or charging components) and an electronic coupling
structure 3114 through which energy can be delivered to and from
the power source 3113. In one embodiment, the electronic coupling
structure 3114 is integrated with the hinges 3010,3011, For
example, the hinges 3010,3011 can comprise electrical contacts
configured to couple to an external power source to the power
sources 3113 disposed within the electronic module extensions
3007,3008.
[0182] In one embodiment, the power source 3113 comprises a
rechargeable battery. All other electronics associated with the
operating modes of the detachable electronic module 3001, e.g., the
control circuit 3003 and memory 3115, are disposed within the
central housing 3002. The power source 3113 is thus configured to
deliver energy to electronic components disposed only within the
central housing 3002.
[0183] The hinges 3010,3011 can include a variety of features. For
example, in one embodiment the hinges 3010,3011 are pre-loaded with
a biasing element 3116 such as a spring. Pre-loading with a biased
hinge can be used, for example, to retain the first electronic
module extension 3007 and the second electronic module extension
3008 in one of the angularly displaced open position or the closed
position.
[0184] In another embodiment, the hinges 3010,3011 are detented
with detenting elements 3117. For example, a detented hinge having
a plurality of detent stops can be configured to hold one or both
of the first electronic module extension 3007 or the second
electronic module extension 3008 in one of a plurality of angularly
displaced alignments relative to the central housing 3002.
[0185] The control circuit 3003 in this embodiment is operable to
alter an operating mode of the detachable electronic module 3001 to
one of a plurality of functional modes depending upon the angularly
displaced orientation of the electronic module extensions 3007,3008
relative to the central housing 3002. The operable modes can be any
of the following: a desktop mode, a telephone mode, a wristwatch
mode, health monitoring mode, a clock mode, a calendar mode, a
gaming mode, a On-Star.TM. physical safety mode, an ON mode, an OFF
mode, a security device mode, a baby monitor mode, a headset type
mode, a scale function mode, or a media player mode. An example of
a desktop mode may include features found in a desktop, palmtop, or
tablet computer, such as a speaker phone, web browser, gaming
applications, WiFi communication capabilities, and so forth. A
telephone mode may include wide area network communication
capabilities such that the detachable electronic module 3001 can
function as a cellular phone. A wristwatch mode may include
displaying the time, date, and calendar events. A clock mode may
simply present the time on the display. A calendar mode may simply
present calendar events on the display. A gaming mode may present
gaming indicia and/or controls on the display. A media player mode
may play music or videos on the display. A On-Star.TM. mode may
monitor sudden gravitational force changes, such as a person
falling. A security device mode may trigger audio monitoring and
alerts. A scale mode my enable scale function when device is placed
stationary flat on a tabletop. These modes are explanatory only, as
others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having
the benefit of this disclosure.
[0186] An extension detection sensor 3009 is configured to detect
an angularly displaced location of one or both of the first
electronic module extension 3007 or the second electronic module
extension 3008. For example, in one embodiment the hinges 3010,3011
are equipped with electrical sensors capable of determining a
rotational amount of each hinge 3010,3011. The extension detection
sensor 3009 can then correlate the amount of rotation with an
estimated angularly displaced orientation. In an alternate
embodiment, where the hinges 3010,3011 are detented, the extension
sensor can detect with electrical switching in which detented a
electronic module extension stop is resting, and thus determine the
angularly displaced orientation.
[0187] Once the angularly displaced orientation of one or both of
the first electronic module extension 3007 or the second electronic
module extension 3008 is known, a mode selector 3112, operable with
the control circuit 3003, can select one of the plurality of
functional modes based upon the angular position detected by the
extension detection sensor 3009. This will be illustrated in
subsequent use cases.
[0188] The mode selector 3112 and extension detection sensor 3009
can be configured as executable instructions stored in the memory
3115. A flow chart of an illustrative method suitable for altering
the operating modes of the detachable electronic module 3001 is
shown in FIG. 31.
[0189] Turning now to FIG. 31, the method 3100 begins at step 3100
where the extension detection sensor (3009) detects an angular
position of one or more electronic module extensions (3007,3008)
that pivotally coupled to a central housing (3002) and configured
for selective movement between a plurality of angular displaced
positions relative to the central housing (3002). At step 3102, the
control circuit (3003) or extension detection sensor (3009) can
correlate a detected angular position with a functional mode of the
detachable electronic module (3001). At step 3103, the control
circuit (3003) can transition the operational mode of the
detachable electronic module (3001) to a correlated functional mode
in response to the detecting the angular position of the electronic
module extensions (3007,3008).
[0190] The extension detection sensor (3009) can continue to
monitor the angular positions of the electronic module extensions
(3007,3008). Where there is a change, detected at decision 3104,
the method 3100 can repeat, resulting in the control circuit (3003)
again transitioning the operational mode of the detachable
electronic module (3001) to another correlated functional mode in
response to the detecting the angular position of the electronic
module extensions (3007,3008). Turning now to FIGS. 32-44,
illustrated therein will be several use cases demonstrating how the
operational mode of various detachable electronic modules can be
altered by changing the angularly displaced orientations of the
electronic module extensions relative to the central housing.
[0191] Beginning with FIGS. 32-33, illustrated therein is a
detachable electronic module 3200 having substantially planar
electronic module extensions 3307,3308. In FIGS. 32-33, the
electronic module extensions 3307,3308 have been rotated to a
closed position. In the closed position, the electronic module
extensions 3307,3308 are disposed against a major face 3301
disposed on the rear side of the central housing 3302.
[0192] As previously described, the control circuit disposed within
the central housing 3302 can be configured to alter the operating
mode of the detachable electronic module 3200 to one of a plurality
of functional modes as a function of the position of the electronic
module extensions 3307,3308. In the embodiment of FIGS. 32-33, the
electronic module extensions 3307,3308 are substantially planar. By
pivoting the electronic module extensions 3307,3308 to the closed
position, a user may want to place the detachable electronic module
3300 in a desktop mode, speakerphone mode, or gaming mode. In one
embodiment, the control circuit is user programmable to function in
a predefined, user-selected mode when the electronic module
extensions 3307,3308 are in the closed position.
[0193] FIGS. 34-35 illustrate a similar detachable electronic
module 3400 having electronic module extensions 3507,3508 in the
closed position as well. In FIGS. 34-35, the electronic module
extensions 3507,3508 are non-planar and have a curved cross
section. Accordingly, when the electronic module extensions
3507,3508 are in the closed position, only a portion 3509,3510 of
the electronic module extensions 3507,3508 touches the rear face
3511 of the housing 3502. One advantage of non-planar electronic
module extensions 3507,3508 is that objects can be disposed within
the voids between the electronic module extensions 3507,3508 and
the rear face 3511. For example, in the closed position shown in
FIGS. 34-35, the electronic module extensions 3507,3508 can be used
as "clips" to hold the detachable electronic module 3400 onto a
purse strap, a backpack strap, and so forth.
[0194] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 34-35, since the
control circuit is configured to select the one of the plurality of
functional modes based upon the angular position of the electronic
module extensions 3507,3508. Thus, the detachable electronic module
3400 of FIGS. 34-35 is operating in a first operating mode.
[0195] By contrast, in FIG. 36, the electronic module extensions
3507,3508 have been pivoted about the central housing 3502 to an
angularly displaced open position extending distally outward from
the housing 3502. Accordingly, the control circuit changes the
operational mode to another mode that is different from that
occurring in FIGS. 34-35. Illustrating by example, the operational
mode in FIGS. 34-35 may have been a clock mode, while the
operational mode in FIG. 36 is a health monitoring mode, and so
forth.
[0196] Turning to FIGS. 37-43, illustrated therein is another
detachable electronic module 3700 configured in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the invention. In FIGS. 37-43, three
different operational modes are shown. Each operational mode is a
function of the radial alignment of the electronic module
extensions 3807,3808 relative to the central housing 3702 of the
detachable electronic module 3700. Each operating mode is selected
from a plurality of predetermined operating modes of which the
detachable electronic module 370 is capable of executing. A first
mode is shown in FIGS. 37-38, while a second is shown in FIGS.
39-40. A third mode is shown in FIG. 41, while a fourth mode is
shown in FIGS. 42-43. FIGS. 42-43 also depict how external
electrical contacts 4201 can be hidden and revealed, or protected
and exposed, as a function of the angularly displaced orientation
of the electronic module extensions 3807,3808.
[0197] In FIGS. 37-38, the electronic module extensions 3807,3808
are in the closed position, with each electronic module extensions
3807,3808 being folded completely about its respective hinge device
3703,3704 to a displaced location against the back of the central
housing 3702. The control circuit disposed within the central
housing 3702 detects this and configures the detachable electronic
module 3700 to operate in a first operational mode. The first
operational mode may comprise a multimedia player mode where a
video is presented on the display.
[0198] By contrast, in FIGS. 39-40, each electronic module
extension 3807,3808 is placed in a partially open angular
displacement relative to the central housing 3702. Accordingly, the
control circuit disposed within the central housing 3702 detects
this and configures the detachable electronic module 3700 to
operate in a second operational mode. The second operational mode
may comprise a clock mode where the time of day is presented on the
display to simulate a desk clock appearance.
[0199] FIG. 41 illustrates the electronic module extensions
3807,3808 being in the open position. Accordingly, the control
circuit disposed within the central housing 3702 detects this and
configures the detachable electronic module 3700 to operate in a
third operational mode. The third operational mode may comprise a
health monitoring mode because the electronic module extensions
3807,3808 are open and can be coupled to a strap for wearing on a
wrist. When a strap that is selectively detachable from the
detachable electronic module 3700 is attached, in one embodiment
the control circuit actuates the health monitoring mode. In one
embodiment, the control circuit is configured to convert the
operating mode to modes other than the health monitoring mode when
one or both of the first electronic module extension 3807 and the
second electronic module extension 3808 is in the closed position,
as shown in FIGS. 37-38.
[0200] FIGS. 42-43 illustrate a first electronic module extension
3807 being in the open position, while the second electronic module
extension 3808 is in the closed position. Accordingly, the control
circuit disposed within the central housing 3702 detects this and
configures the detachable electronic module 3700 to operate in a
fourth operational mode. The fourth operational mode may comprise a
clock mode where the time of day is presented on the display to
simulate a desk clock appearance.
[0201] The electronic module extensions 3807,3808 of FIGS. 37-42
are configured with a different form factor as well. The form
factor of FIGS. 37-42 includes both aesthetic elements and
functional benefits. As shown in FIG. 38, the electronic module
extensions 3807,3808 are configured with asymmetric geometries such
that they nest when placed in the closed position. This asymmetric
contour having two side elements 3801,3802 and a non-orthogonal,
inclined third surface 3803 offer a unique aesthetic
appearance.
[0202] At the same time, the electronic module extensions 3807,3808
also have functional elements that are different from previously
disclosed embodiments. For example, each electronic module
extension 3807,3808 has an aperture 3804,3805 that can be used for
attaching the detachable electronic module 3700 to various devices,
including shirts, jackets, purses, backpacks, and the like.
[0203] FIGS. 42-43 illustrate another feature that the foldable
electronic module extensions 3807,3808 offer. As shown in FIG. 42,
the bottom side of the electronic module extensions 3807,3808
includes an externally exposed electrical contact 4201. While in on
embodiment external charging contacts are disposed at the hinge
devices 3703,3704, in some applications it can be advantageous to
place the charging contacts on major faces of the electronic module
extensions 3807,3808. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 42.
[0204] Where there is one or more externally exposed electrical
contact 4201 on a major face of the electronic module extensions
3807,3808, closing the electronic module extensions 3807,3808
covers and protects the externally exposed electrical contact 4201.
Said differently, the externally exposed electrical contact 4201
his hidden when the one or both of the first electronic module
extension 3807 or the second electronic module extension 3808 is in
the closed position, but is revealed when the electronic module
extensions 3807,3808 are in the open position.
[0205] FIG. 44 shows an alternate detachable electronic module 4400
having externally exposed electrical contacts 4401,4402 disposed on
the electronic module extensions 4407,4408. In the embodiment of
FIG. 4, the externally exposed electrical contacts 4401,4402 are
disposed on outer major faces of the electronic module extensions
4407,4408. Accordingly, when the electronic module extensions
4407,4408 are in the closed position, the externally exposed
electrical contacts 4401,4402 are concealed from view with
reference to a viewer looking at the front of the detachable
electronic module 4400. At the same time, the externally exposed
electrical contacts 4401,4402 are still exposed. This configuration
allows the externally exposed electrical contacts 4401,4402 to be
rotated out of sight, while still being accessible. Accordingly,
the detachable electronic module 4400 can be coupled to an external
power source, e.g., placed in a charger or other device, while the
electronic module extensions 4407,4408 are in the closed
position.
[0206] FIG. 45 illustrates additional mechanical features that can
be incorporated into a detachable electronic module 4500 configured
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As
mentioned above, in one embodiment the first electronic module
extension 4507 and the second electronic module extension 4508 are
coupled to the housing with a biased hinge 4501 configured to bias
the first electronic module extension 4507 and/or the second
electronic module extension 4508 towards one of the angularly
displaced open position or the closed position. Such a biased hinge
4501 is shown in FIG. 45. Specifically, the biased hinge 4501 has a
spring, which serves as a tensioning element that is configured to
bias the first electronic module extension 4507 and/or the second
electronic module extension 4508 towards one of the angularly
displaced open position or the closed position.
[0207] As also described above, in one embodiment one or both of
the first electronic module extension 4507 or the second electronic
module extension 4508 is coupled to the housing by a detented hinge
4502 comprising a plurality of detent stops 4503,4504 configured to
hold the one or both of the first electronic module extension 4507
or the second electronic module extension 4508 in one of a
plurality of angularly displaced alignments relative to the housing
4505. The detented hinge 4502 is illustrated in FIG. 45.
[0208] In one or more embodiments, the detachable electronic module
4500 includes retention devices 4510,4511,4512,4513 configured to
retain one or both of the first electronic module extension 4507 or
the second electronic module extension 4508 in the closed position.
The retention devices 4510,4511,4512,4513 can be disposed in one or
more of the housing 4505, the first electronic module extension
4507, or the second electronic module extension 4508. In the
illustrative embodiment of FIG. 45, the retention devices
4510,4511,4512,4513 comprise magnets, and are disposed in the
electronic module extensions 4507,4508 and the housing 4505. Other
suitable retention devices suitable for use with embodiments of the
invention include snaps, shaped detents, spring latches, and so
forth.
[0209] As discussed above, the detachable electronic module 4500,
in one embodiment, can be selectively coupled to a strap. The strap
can be active or passive. It is contemplated that a user will want
to attach or detach the detachable electronic module 4500 from the
strap while the strap is on the wrist, which means that the
attachment or detachment will occur with only one hand. To
accomplish this, as shown in FIG. 46, in one embodiment the
electronic module extensions 4507,4508 are configured to
"hyperextend" 4601 to facilitate detachment from a strap.
Hyperextension is the angular displacement of the electronic module
extensions 4507,4508 past the open position, as shown in FIG. 46.
In one embodiment, the detachable electronic module 4500 configured
for hyperextension is equipped with biased hinges such that the
hyperextension is opposed by a tensioning device. Accordingly, in
one embodiment, when hyperextended, the tensioning device will
cause the electronic module extensions 4507,4508 to move back
towards either the open position or the closed position with a
closing force 4602.
[0210] Turning to FIG. 47, illustrated therein is yet another
detachable electronic module 4700 having electronic module
extensions 4707,4708 configured in accordance with embodiments of
the invention. In FIG. 47, each electronic module extension
4707,4708 has an electronic module extension battery door
4770,4771. A user may open each electronic module extension battery
door 4770,4771 to selectively replace the batteries 4772,4773 as
needed. In one embodiment, the batteries 4772,4773 are rechargeable
batteries. Accordingly, a user can remove the batteries 4772,4773,
couple them to a charger, and charge them for subsequent use. (As
noted above, in other embodiments, the user may couple the entire
detachable electronic module to a charger without the need of
removing any battery.) In another embodiment, the batteries
4772,4773 are primary batteries configured for single use. As shown
in FIG. 47, each battery 4772,4773 of this embodiment has a
geometric shape that is complementary to the geometric shapes of
the electronic module extension 4707,4708.
[0211] The electronic module extension battery doors 4770,4771,
where included, offer a couple of advantageous features to a user.
First and foremost, a user may simply replace the batteries
4772,4773 rather than having to couple the entire detachable
electronic module 4700 to a charger. Accordingly, a user can swap
batteries 4772,4773 and continue using the device, rather than
having to discontinue use and wait for a predetermined charging
time to recharge the batteries.
[0212] As second advantageous feature is shown in FIG. 48. FIG. 48
illustrates four operational modes of the detachable electronic
module 4700 of FIG. 47. In view 4801, each electronic module
extension 4707,4708 has a battery (4773,4773) disposed therein.
Accordingly, the detachable electronic module 4700 is powered
ON.
[0213] In one or more embodiments, the detachable electronic module
4700 can be powered by a single battery. Thus, a user can "hot
swap" one of the batteries without powering down the device. For
example, in view 4802, one of the batteries 4773 has been removed
from its corresponding electronic module extension 4708. The
detachable electronic module 4700 is still powered ON because the
other battery (4772) is still disposed within its corresponding
electronic module extension 4707, and is powering the detachable
electronic module 4700.
[0214] Similarly, in view 4803, the other battery 4772 has been
removed from its corresponding electronic module extension 4707.
The detachable electronic module 4700 is still powered ON because
the other battery (4773) is still disposed within its corresponding
electronic module extension 4708, and is powering the detachable
electronic module 4700. Only when both batteries 4772,4773 are
removed, as shown in view 4804, is the detachable electronic module
4700 powered OFF. The ability to hot-swap batteries is especially
advantageous in operational modes such as the health monitoring
mode, because a user can selectively replace each battery without
powering the device down, and thus without stopping the health
monitoring features of the detachable electronic module 4700.
[0215] While battery doors are one option for providing a
user-replaceable battery feature, in another embodiment, the
electronic module extensions have self-contained batteries. Rather
than opening a battery door to replace a battery, the user simply
detaches one or both electronic module extensions. Such an
embodiment is shown in FIG. 49. As with the battery doors,
detachable electronic module extensions allow batteries to be hot
swapped without powering down the detachable electronic module.
[0216] FIG. 49 illustrates four operational modes of the detachable
electronic module 4900 having detachable electronic module
extensions 4907,4908. In view 4901, each detachable electronic
module extension 4907,4908 has a battery disposed therein. Each
detachable electronic module extension 4907,4908 is coupled to the
detachable electronic module 4900. Accordingly, the detachable
electronic module 4900 is powered ON.
[0217] As was the case in FIG. 48, in the explanatory embodiment of
FIG. 49, a single battery can power the detachable electronic
module 4900. Thus, a user can hot swap one of the batteries by
detaching the corresponding electronic module extension without
powering down the detachable electronic module 4900. For example,
in view 4902, one of the detachable electronic module extensions
4908 has been removed from the detachable electronic module 4900.
The detachable electronic module 4900 is still powered ON because
the other detachable electronic module extension 4907 and its
corresponding battery are still attached and powering the
detachable electronic module 4900.
[0218] Similarly, in view 4903, the other detachable electronic
module extension 4907 has been removed from the detachable
electronic module 4900. However, the detachable electronic module
4900 is still powered ON because the other detachable electronic
module extension 4908, with its corresponding integrated battery,
is still attached to the detachable electronic module 4900 and is
still powering the detachable electronic module 4900. Only when
both detachable electronic module extensions 4907,4908 are removed,
as shown in view 4904, is the detachable electronic module 4900
powered OFF.
[0219] As shown and described above, methods and apparatuses
configured in accordance with embodiments of the invention provide
user input devices for altering the presentation orientation of
visual output on a display. When non-user events are detected, the
presentation orientation can revert to an initial orientation. In
the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present
invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in
the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention as
set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of
the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that
the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes,
variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention as defined by the following claims. For
example, predetermined rotation amount described above occurred at
180-degree intervals. However, other arrangements could be used,
such as rotation by 90-degree intervals in response to user
actuation of hardware elements. Accordingly, the specification and
figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of present invention. The benefits,
advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may
cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more
pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all the claims.
* * * * *