CA2686166A1 - Handheld electronic device with extended dual-hinged interconnector - Google Patents
Handheld electronic device with extended dual-hinged interconnector Download PDFInfo
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- CA2686166A1 CA2686166A1 CA 2686166 CA2686166A CA2686166A1 CA 2686166 A1 CA2686166 A1 CA 2686166A1 CA 2686166 CA2686166 CA 2686166 CA 2686166 A CA2686166 A CA 2686166A CA 2686166 A1 CA2686166 A1 CA 2686166A1
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- keyboard
- handheld electronic
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Abstract
A clam-shell style handheld electronic device having a dual-hinged interconnector between a display housing and a keyboard housing. The dual-hinged interconnector can be configured to act as a handle when the device is being held-during text entry and to act as a stand when the open device is placed on a substantially flat surface.
Description
HANDAELA ELECTRONIC DEVICE
VVITH
EXTENDED DUAL-HINGED INTERCONNECTOR
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this. patent- document contains material which is subject to (copyright or mask work) protection. The (copyright or mask work) owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patenf disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all (copyright or mask work) rights whatsoever-PRIOR.YTY CLAIM
j00021 This application claims priority' benefit to European patent application EP09150797.0, filed 16 January, 2009, and U.S. application 12/355,387, filed 16 January 2009, both of which applications are fully. incorpoxated by reference herein_ FYELD
-[0003] This disclosure, in a broad sense, is directed towards a clam-shell style handheld electronic device with wireless communication capabilities and towards -the networks within which the device operates. The present disclosure further relates to a clam-shell style handheld electronic electronic device with -an exten.ded dual.-hinged xrrterconnector for pivotally eonneetirng a keyboard housing to a display housing.
1137675v1
VVITH
EXTENDED DUAL-HINGED INTERCONNECTOR
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this. patent- document contains material which is subject to (copyright or mask work) protection. The (copyright or mask work) owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patenf disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all (copyright or mask work) rights whatsoever-PRIOR.YTY CLAIM
j00021 This application claims priority' benefit to European patent application EP09150797.0, filed 16 January, 2009, and U.S. application 12/355,387, filed 16 January 2009, both of which applications are fully. incorpoxated by reference herein_ FYELD
-[0003] This disclosure, in a broad sense, is directed towards a clam-shell style handheld electronic device with wireless communication capabilities and towards -the networks within which the device operates. The present disclosure further relates to a clam-shell style handheld electronic electronic device with -an exten.ded dual.-hinged xrrterconnector for pivotally eonneetirng a keyboard housing to a display housing.
1137675v1
2 BACKC-YtOiJivD 10004] With the proliferation of wireless comrnunication systems, compatible handlield electronic devices. are becoming more prevalent, as well as advanced. Whereas in the -past such handheld electronic devices were typically liinited to either voice transmission (cell phones) or text transmission (pagers and PDAs), today's consumer often demands a multifunctional device capable of performivng both types. of transmissions, including even sending and receiving e-mail. Purthermare, these higher-10. performance devices can also be capable,of sending and receiving other types of data including that which allows:the viewing and use of Internet websites. 'I'hese higher level functionalities necessarily require greater user interaction v,rith the devices through included user interfaces (UIs) which may have originally been designed to accoanmodate making and receiving telephone calls and sending messages over a related Short . Messaging Service (SMS). As might be expected,'suppliers of such mobile electTonic devices and the related service providers are anxious to .meet these customer requirements, but the demands of these more advanced functionalities have in many circumstances rendered the traditional user interfaces unsatisfactory, a situation that has caused designers to have to improve the Uls through which users input inforrxxation and control these sophisticated operations.
(0005] Keyboards. are used on many h.andheld devices, including telephones and mobile electronic devices_ The size of keyboards has been reduced over the yeazs, as newer, smaller devices have becoi-ne popular. Cell phones, for example, are now sized to fit in one's pocket or the palm of the hand. As_the size of the devices lzas decreased, it has become rnore important to utilize the entire -iCeyboard surface as efficxently as 1137675v1
(0005] Keyboards. are used on many h.andheld devices, including telephones and mobile electronic devices_ The size of keyboards has been reduced over the yeazs, as newer, smaller devices have becoi-ne popular. Cell phones, for example, are now sized to fit in one's pocket or the palm of the hand. As_the size of the devices lzas decreased, it has become rnore important to utilize the entire -iCeyboard surface as efficxently as 1137675v1
3 possible. Thus, a need exists for a handheld electronic device which can be operated easily from a device perspective and a data entry perspective.
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1137675v1 , , . .
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1137675v1 , , . .
4 '1iR.IEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VRAWINGS
[00061 Exemplary methods and arrangements conducted and configured according to the advantageous solutions pi-esented herein are ~epicted in the accompanying drawings wherein: ~
[00071, FIG_ 1 illustrates a c]am-shell style handheld electronic device in a closed configuration in a resting orientation;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a clam-shell styte handheld electronic device in an open configuration; 10009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing a clarn-shell style handheld electronic device interacting in a comitauniea#ion network;
{0010] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary QWERTY keyboard layout;
100111 . p'JG. 4B illustrates an exemplary QWERTZ keyboaf'd layout;
[0012] rIG_ 4C illustrates an exemplary AZERTY keyboard layout;
[0013] FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary Dvorak keyboard layout;
[0014] FJG. illustrates a QWERTY keyboard layout paired with a tradita onal-ten-key keyboard;
[0015] FIG. 6 illugrates ten digits comprising the numeraJ s 0-9 arranged in a traditional, JTU Swdard E. 161 numeric telephone keypad layout, including the * and #
keys tlanking the 0 key;
[00161 . FIG_ 7 illustrates a traditional or standard phone key arrangement or layout according to the ITU Standard E. 161 iricluding both numerals and letters;
1137575v1 100171 FYG- 8 illustrates a fi-ont view of a clam-shell style handheld electronic device in a closed configuration;
[00181 FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the clam-shell style handlield electronie device of FIG. 8;
[00061 Exemplary methods and arrangements conducted and configured according to the advantageous solutions pi-esented herein are ~epicted in the accompanying drawings wherein: ~
[00071, FIG_ 1 illustrates a c]am-shell style handheld electronic device in a closed configuration in a resting orientation;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a clam-shell styte handheld electronic device in an open configuration; 10009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing a clarn-shell style handheld electronic device interacting in a comitauniea#ion network;
{0010] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary QWERTY keyboard layout;
100111 . p'JG. 4B illustrates an exemplary QWERTZ keyboaf'd layout;
[0012] rIG_ 4C illustrates an exemplary AZERTY keyboard layout;
[0013] FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary Dvorak keyboard layout;
[0014] FJG. illustrates a QWERTY keyboard layout paired with a tradita onal-ten-key keyboard;
[0015] FIG. 6 illugrates ten digits comprising the numeraJ s 0-9 arranged in a traditional, JTU Swdard E. 161 numeric telephone keypad layout, including the * and #
keys tlanking the 0 key;
[00161 . FIG_ 7 illustrates a traditional or standard phone key arrangement or layout according to the ITU Standard E. 161 iricluding both numerals and letters;
1137575v1 100171 FYG- 8 illustrates a fi-ont view of a clam-shell style handheld electronic device in a closed configuration;
[00181 FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the clam-shell style handlield electronie device of FIG. 8;
5 [0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a right side view of the clarn-shell style handlield electronic device of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. t 1 iilustrates 'a left side view of the clam-shell style handbeld electronic device of FZG.. 8;
[0021] FIG.' 12 illustrates a top plan view of the c1am.-shell style handheld electronic device of FIG. 8;
10022] FIG. 13 illustrates a bottonrn plan view of the clam-shell style handheld electronic device of FIG. 8; , [0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view oI a clam-shell style handheld electxonic device in an opeo configuration; and [0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a right side view of the elazn-shell . style handheld electronic device of FIG. 14 in a resting orientatioza-,, 1137675v1
[0020] FIG. t 1 iilustrates 'a left side view of the clam-shell style handbeld electronic device of FZG.. 8;
[0021] FIG.' 12 illustrates a top plan view of the c1am.-shell style handheld electronic device of FIG. 8;
10022] FIG. 13 illustrates a bottonrn plan view of the clam-shell style handheld electronic device of FIG. 8; , [0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view oI a clam-shell style handheld electxonic device in an opeo configuration; and [0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a right side view of the elazn-shell . style handheld electronic device of FIG. 14 in a resting orientatioza-,, 1137675v1
6 DETAII,ED r1FsCR.IPTYUN
[00251 Exam.ple embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated exarmples are not intended to be a limitation on the present disclosure. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be utilized in other eznbodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain termxxiology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the disclosed subject mattex. Still further, in the drawings, the same a-eference ntimerals are employed for designa,ting the same elements.
100261 As the size of the devices has decreased it has also become more important to maintain the ease with which the user can utilize -the keyboard. Advances in technology have allowed for such reductions of scale that ergonoanic handleability can be of benefit. Additionally, as the size of devices has decreased it has allowed foz; use in more arid more environments. A user can use a device as a telephone, a text entry point and as a web browser, quickly alternatxng. between various modes. Because of these multiple roles for such devices and their prevalence of use, a user can wisb to set a device down and not have a display screeri face or point straight up, but instead will wish to. for the display screen ti.a.substan.tially face the user.
100271 Examples of such handheld devices 300 include mobile stations, cellular telephones, wizeless pexsorial digital. assistants (P>;.?As), two-way paging devices, and others. Various keyboards are used with such devices and can be ternmed a fiall keyboard, a reduced-format keyboard, or phone key pad. In embodiments of a handheld device 300 having a full keyboard, the alphabetic characters- are singly associated with the plurality of pbysieal keys. Thus, in an English-laz-guage keyboard of this configuration, there are at.least 26 keys in the plurality, with one letter per alphabetic key.
1137675v1
[00251 Exam.ple embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated exarmples are not intended to be a limitation on the present disclosure. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be utilized in other eznbodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain termxxiology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the disclosed subject mattex. Still further, in the drawings, the same a-eference ntimerals are employed for designa,ting the same elements.
100261 As the size of the devices has decreased it has also become more important to maintain the ease with which the user can utilize -the keyboard. Advances in technology have allowed for such reductions of scale that ergonoanic handleability can be of benefit. Additionally, as the size of devices has decreased it has allowed foz; use in more arid more environments. A user can use a device as a telephone, a text entry point and as a web browser, quickly alternatxng. between various modes. Because of these multiple roles for such devices and their prevalence of use, a user can wisb to set a device down and not have a display screeri face or point straight up, but instead will wish to. for the display screen ti.a.substan.tially face the user.
100271 Examples of such handheld devices 300 include mobile stations, cellular telephones, wizeless pexsorial digital. assistants (P>;.?As), two-way paging devices, and others. Various keyboards are used with such devices and can be ternmed a fiall keyboard, a reduced-format keyboard, or phone key pad. In embodiments of a handheld device 300 having a full keyboard, the alphabetic characters- are singly associated with the plurality of pbysieal keys. Thus, in an English-laz-guage keyboard of this configuration, there are at.least 26 keys in the plurality, with one letter per alphabetic key.
1137675v1
7 [0028] An example of a clam.-shell style handheld electronic device 300 resting 603 on -a flat surface in a elosed configuration is shown in FIG_ I. An example of -the device 300 in an open configuration 601 within a user's hands is shown in FIG.
2A. An example of the devxce 300 in an open configuration 601 resting on a. surface is shown in FIG. 2B. It is=to be understood that all figures in the present disclosure are exemplary only, and those= persons skilled in the art wi11 appreciate the additional elements and modifications necessary to make the device 300 -work in particular network environments.
[00291. 'The handheld electronic device 300 can be configured to cooperate with a wireless network as illustrated in FIG. 3. It is contemplated that communication by the bandheld electronic device 300 with the wireless network.319 cati be any type of communication that both the wireless network 319 and handheld device 300 are enabled to transm.it, receive and process. In general, these can be classified as voice arid data.
Voice communication is conununicatiorl in which signals for audible sounds are transmitted by the handheld device 300 through the communication network 319.
Data is all other types of commnnica.tion that the handheld device 3b0 is capable of performing within the constraints of the vvireless network 319 as depicted in FIG. 3.
, . . , .
; . .
[00301 , The haindheld electronic device 300 in the.bldck diagram of FIG. 3 includ.es .,, . .
a microprocessor 338 that controls the operation of the device 300- A
commiunication subsystem 311 perfouns all communication transmission and reception with the wireless' network 319. The znicroprocessor 338 fiIIther connects with = an. auxiliary inputloutput (I/O) subsystem 328, a serial port (preferably a Universal Serial Bus port) 330, a display 322, a keybaard 650, a speaker 334, a microphone 336, random access memory (RAM) 326, and flash memory 324. Other communication subsystems 340 and other device subsysterns 342 are generally indicated 'as ! being functionally connected with the microprocessor 338 as'well. An example of a communication subsystem 340 is that of a 1137675v1 g short range comxnunication system such as BLUETOOTHO communication module or a Wi-Fi communieation module (a communication module in compliance witl1 IEEE
802.11b) and associated circuits and cornponents_ AddationaIly, the rnicropzocessor 338 is able to perforn operatiz-g system functi ons _ and can enable -executa on of software applications on the handheld electronic device 300.
100311 In the exemplary configuration of FYU- 3, the flash memory 324 is enabled to provide a storage location for the operating sysiem 357, device programs 358, and data. The operating systexn 357 is generally, configured to *manage other application prograuxs 358 that are also stored in memory 324 and executable on the processor 338.
The operating system 357 -bonors requests for services made by application programs 358 through pr'edefined application program 358 interfaces. More specifically, the operating system - 357 typically determines the order in which multiple applications 358 are executed on the processor 338 and the execution time allotted for each application 358, manages the sharing of memory 324 among multiple applications 358, handles input and output to and firom other device subsystems 342. In addition, users can typically interact directly with the operating system 357 through a user interface, which can iaclude the keyboard 650 and display screen 322. While in an exemplary embodiment the operatan.g system 357 is stored in flash memory 324, the operatirig system 357. in other ernbodiments is stored in read-only memory (1i01v1) or similar storage element (not shown). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the operating system 357, device application 358 or parts thereof can be Ioad0d in RA.1v1326 -or other volatile=memory_ [0032] With further reference to FZG. 3, the flash inernory 324 can contain programs/applications 358 for execution on the handheld device 300 including an. address book 352, a personal information manager (PIM) 354, and the device state 350.
Furthenmore, prograrns 358 and other information 356 including data can be segregated upon storage in the flash memory 324 of the handheld device 300.
1137675v1 (0033] When the electyonic device 300 is enabled for two-way conmnunication within the wireless communication network 319 as depicted in FIG. 3, it can send and receive signals from a n-lobile communication service. Examples of communication 5, systems enabled for two-way communication include, but are not limited to;
the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, the Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service (UMTS) network, the Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) network, the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, High,Speed Packet Access (HSPA) networks, Universal Mobile Teleeommunication Service Time' Division Duplexing (LTMTS-TDD), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) networks, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and other networks that can be used for data and voice, or just. data or voice_ For the systems listed above, the electronic device 300 can require a unique identifier to enable the electrpiuc device 300 to `trfunsmit and receive signals from the communication network 319. Other systems can not require such identifying io.farmation. GPM UMTS, and EDGE use a Subscriber Identity Module ' (SIM) in order to allow corrununication with the communication network 319.
Likewise, most CDMA systems use a lZemovable Identity Module (RUIM) in order to comanunicate with the CDMA network. 1"he-RUIIVI arid S]:1VM card can be used'in multiple different electronic devices 300. The electronic device 300 ean- be able to operate some features without a S.CMIRUIIVI card, but it will not be able to corrununicate with the network 319.
A S1M/ItUT1vI interface 344 located within the electronic device 300 allows for removal or insertion of a SIM/RUIM card (not.shown.). The SI1vM/RUI).VI card features anemory-- .
and holds key confgurations 351, and other inforniation 353 such as identifica.tion and subscriber related information. With a properly enabled electronic device 300, two-way cornmunication between the electronic device 300 and communication network 319 is possible.
1137675v1 .,.
. ~ ' [0034] When equipped for two-ws.y commuzaication, the handheld electronic device 300 also features a communication subsystem 311 as indicated in FIG. *
3. The communication subsystem 311 can modified so that it can support the operational needs . of the handheld- device 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the subsystem 311 includes ' a 5 transmitter 314 and receiver 312 including the associated antenna or antennae 316, 318 as described above, local oscillators (LOs) 313, and a processing module 320 which in the presently. described exemplary embodiment is a digital signal processor (DSP) 320.
100351 If the handheld electronic device 300 is enabled as described above, or the 10 cornmunication network 319 as shown in FIG. 3 does not require such enablement, the two-way communication enabled handheld device 300 is able to both transmit and receive information from the communication network 319. The transfer of eonnmunication can be to and fzor,a the handbeld device 300. In order to com.municate with the communxcation x-etwork 319, the handheld device 300 in the presently described exemplary embodimeftt is equipped with azi integral or internal a$tenna 318.
for transmitting signals to the communication network 319. Likewise the handheld electronic device 300 in the presently described exemplary embodiment can be equipped with another antenna 316 for receiving communication, from the communication network 319. - These antennae 316, 318 in another exern.plary embodiznent can be combined into a singie antenna (not shown). As one skilled in the axt would appreciate, the antenna or antennae 316, 318 in another exnbodiment could be externally mounted on the handheld device 300.
[0036] Additionally, some applications, such as shown in F'IG_ 3, which can depend on data transfer data include email, address book entries and calendars. For each such application, synchronization with home-based versions on the applications can be critical for either or both of their long term and short term utility. As an example, emails are often time sensitive, so substantially real time synchronization is highly desira.ble_ 1137675v1 ~
Address book entries, on the 'other hand, ean be usually updated less*
frequently without inconvenience. Therefore, the utility of the handheld de'viee 300 can be enhanced when connectable within a communication system, *and particularly when connectable on a wireless basis in a network 319 in which voice, text messaging, and other data transfer are accomrnodated. The auxiliary I/0 subsystem 328 of FIG. 3 ean take.the form of a variety of different navigation tools- (multi-directional or sing) e-directional) such as a navigation tool 327 with trackball - assembly 321 as illustrated in the exemplary embodirnent sllawn in FIG. 2, or a thumbwhEel; a navigation pad, a joystick, or the like (not shown). As will be developed more fully-below, these navigation tools are located on the front surface of the handheld device 300 when in an open coz>tiguration 601 but can alsQ be located on any exterior surface of the handheld device 300. Other 4uxiliary I/0 subsystems can include external display devices and externally connected keyboards (not shown). 'GVhile the above examples have been provided in relation to the auxiliary IIO subsystem 328, other subsystems capable of providing input or receiving output from the handheld device 3.00 are considered within the scope of this disclosure.
C00371 The handheld electronic dm'ce 300 as described above can be the clam-shell device 300 as illustrated in FTGS. 1-2,. and 8-15. TIG. I shows the clam-shell style h.andheld device 300 is. in a closed eonfi.guration 600 in a resting orientation 603 and several features of the depicted embodiment are present. For example, a microphone hole 860 is visible on the keyboard housing 90. Visible on the back of the display housing 95 are a display screen 854, a camera 851 and flash 852. -A,lso - visible is one -of the programmable buttons 105 on the keyboard housing 90 and volume control buttons alongside. One can also see two of the hinge-end covers 90 which cover the ends of one or more spring asserzablies 750 that run through the inter,connector 80 and into the display housing 9:5 and keyboard housing 90, 1137675v1 [0038] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the clann--shell style handheld electronic device 300 in -an open configuration 601 being held in the hands of a usex, ready for thumb activation of the keyboard 650. FIG. 2B shows an-embod'unent of the handheld electronic device 300 in- a resting con.f'iguration 603 ozi a flat surface. In FIG. 2B the receiver 895 is above the display screen 322 on the display housing 95. Beside the receiver 895 is a light emitting diode 896, and beneath is a display screen 322 on the interior side of the display screen housing 320. Beneath the -display screen 322 is a navigational tool 327, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a trackball assembly 321- The trackbail assembly 321 is, located on the intexior of the dual-hinged 10 interconnectar 80. Note in FIG. 2B that the trackball assembly 321 can be predominan.tly housed wi.thin the dual-hinged intetconnector 80 and that a portion of the trackball assernbly 321 is exposed at the interior surface 70 of said dual-hinged intercon,nector 80 in the open configarat,ion 601 of the device 300. Beneath this "navigation row" 70 is a keyboard 650. The keyboard 650 rests on the interior side ot'the keyboard housing 640.
Those . skilled in the art will appreciate that the keyboard 650 could comprise various alplaanumeric keys 630 having any of the layouts shown by FIGS. 4-7, or others. FIG- 213'shows volume control keys 100, for contYolling speaker voluzn.e; and a user programxinable button 105 are visible on the outer left side of the keyboard housing 90.
Additionally, other keys can be placed along the side af the handheld device 300 to function as escape keys, volume control keys 100, scrolling keys, power switches, or user programmable keys 105, 120, and can likewise be programmed accordingly. In the open - configuration 601 shown, the an.gle- Al between the display housing 95 and the keyboard housing 90 is adjustable at the interior side of the dual^hinged intercozmeetor 80.
[0039] While the alphanumeric inpirt keys in FIGS. 2A and 2B indicia, they could be arranged aceording to standard layouts as -in FIG. 4 which shows the. four possible keyboard 650 configurations, the QWERTY 44a, the QWERTZ 44b, the AZERTY 44c and the DVORAK 44d, or as in FIG. 5 which illustrates a QWERTY keyboard layout 1137675v7 paired with a traditional ten-key keypad. The keys 630 could also have layouts like those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the last of which is ITU compjiant. The International Telecommunications Union ("ITL7") has established phone standards for the azrangement of alphanumeric keys, entitled "Arrangement of Digits, Letters, and Symbols on Telephones and Other Devices That Can Be Used for Gaining Access tv' a Telephone Network." This standard is also known as ANSI TI.703-1995/1999 and ISO/IEC
2A. An example of the devxce 300 in an open configuration 601 resting on a. surface is shown in FIG. 2B. It is=to be understood that all figures in the present disclosure are exemplary only, and those= persons skilled in the art wi11 appreciate the additional elements and modifications necessary to make the device 300 -work in particular network environments.
[00291. 'The handheld electronic device 300 can be configured to cooperate with a wireless network as illustrated in FIG. 3. It is contemplated that communication by the bandheld electronic device 300 with the wireless network.319 cati be any type of communication that both the wireless network 319 and handheld device 300 are enabled to transm.it, receive and process. In general, these can be classified as voice arid data.
Voice communication is conununicatiorl in which signals for audible sounds are transmitted by the handheld device 300 through the communication network 319.
Data is all other types of commnnica.tion that the handheld device 3b0 is capable of performing within the constraints of the vvireless network 319 as depicted in FIG. 3.
, . . , .
; . .
[00301 , The haindheld electronic device 300 in the.bldck diagram of FIG. 3 includ.es .,, . .
a microprocessor 338 that controls the operation of the device 300- A
commiunication subsystem 311 perfouns all communication transmission and reception with the wireless' network 319. The znicroprocessor 338 fiIIther connects with = an. auxiliary inputloutput (I/O) subsystem 328, a serial port (preferably a Universal Serial Bus port) 330, a display 322, a keybaard 650, a speaker 334, a microphone 336, random access memory (RAM) 326, and flash memory 324. Other communication subsystems 340 and other device subsysterns 342 are generally indicated 'as ! being functionally connected with the microprocessor 338 as'well. An example of a communication subsystem 340 is that of a 1137675v1 g short range comxnunication system such as BLUETOOTHO communication module or a Wi-Fi communieation module (a communication module in compliance witl1 IEEE
802.11b) and associated circuits and cornponents_ AddationaIly, the rnicropzocessor 338 is able to perforn operatiz-g system functi ons _ and can enable -executa on of software applications on the handheld electronic device 300.
100311 In the exemplary configuration of FYU- 3, the flash memory 324 is enabled to provide a storage location for the operating sysiem 357, device programs 358, and data. The operating systexn 357 is generally, configured to *manage other application prograuxs 358 that are also stored in memory 324 and executable on the processor 338.
The operating system 357 -bonors requests for services made by application programs 358 through pr'edefined application program 358 interfaces. More specifically, the operating system - 357 typically determines the order in which multiple applications 358 are executed on the processor 338 and the execution time allotted for each application 358, manages the sharing of memory 324 among multiple applications 358, handles input and output to and firom other device subsystems 342. In addition, users can typically interact directly with the operating system 357 through a user interface, which can iaclude the keyboard 650 and display screen 322. While in an exemplary embodiment the operatan.g system 357 is stored in flash memory 324, the operatirig system 357. in other ernbodiments is stored in read-only memory (1i01v1) or similar storage element (not shown). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the operating system 357, device application 358 or parts thereof can be Ioad0d in RA.1v1326 -or other volatile=memory_ [0032] With further reference to FZG. 3, the flash inernory 324 can contain programs/applications 358 for execution on the handheld device 300 including an. address book 352, a personal information manager (PIM) 354, and the device state 350.
Furthenmore, prograrns 358 and other information 356 including data can be segregated upon storage in the flash memory 324 of the handheld device 300.
1137675v1 (0033] When the electyonic device 300 is enabled for two-way conmnunication within the wireless communication network 319 as depicted in FIG. 3, it can send and receive signals from a n-lobile communication service. Examples of communication 5, systems enabled for two-way communication include, but are not limited to;
the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, the Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service (UMTS) network, the Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) network, the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, High,Speed Packet Access (HSPA) networks, Universal Mobile Teleeommunication Service Time' Division Duplexing (LTMTS-TDD), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) networks, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and other networks that can be used for data and voice, or just. data or voice_ For the systems listed above, the electronic device 300 can require a unique identifier to enable the electrpiuc device 300 to `trfunsmit and receive signals from the communication network 319. Other systems can not require such identifying io.farmation. GPM UMTS, and EDGE use a Subscriber Identity Module ' (SIM) in order to allow corrununication with the communication network 319.
Likewise, most CDMA systems use a lZemovable Identity Module (RUIM) in order to comanunicate with the CDMA network. 1"he-RUIIVI arid S]:1VM card can be used'in multiple different electronic devices 300. The electronic device 300 ean- be able to operate some features without a S.CMIRUIIVI card, but it will not be able to corrununicate with the network 319.
A S1M/ItUT1vI interface 344 located within the electronic device 300 allows for removal or insertion of a SIM/RUIM card (not.shown.). The SI1vM/RUI).VI card features anemory-- .
and holds key confgurations 351, and other inforniation 353 such as identifica.tion and subscriber related information. With a properly enabled electronic device 300, two-way cornmunication between the electronic device 300 and communication network 319 is possible.
1137675v1 .,.
. ~ ' [0034] When equipped for two-ws.y commuzaication, the handheld electronic device 300 also features a communication subsystem 311 as indicated in FIG. *
3. The communication subsystem 311 can modified so that it can support the operational needs . of the handheld- device 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the subsystem 311 includes ' a 5 transmitter 314 and receiver 312 including the associated antenna or antennae 316, 318 as described above, local oscillators (LOs) 313, and a processing module 320 which in the presently. described exemplary embodiment is a digital signal processor (DSP) 320.
100351 If the handheld electronic device 300 is enabled as described above, or the 10 cornmunication network 319 as shown in FIG. 3 does not require such enablement, the two-way communication enabled handheld device 300 is able to both transmit and receive information from the communication network 319. The transfer of eonnmunication can be to and fzor,a the handbeld device 300. In order to com.municate with the communxcation x-etwork 319, the handheld device 300 in the presently described exemplary embodimeftt is equipped with azi integral or internal a$tenna 318.
for transmitting signals to the communication network 319. Likewise the handheld electronic device 300 in the presently described exemplary embodiment can be equipped with another antenna 316 for receiving communication, from the communication network 319. - These antennae 316, 318 in another exern.plary embodiznent can be combined into a singie antenna (not shown). As one skilled in the axt would appreciate, the antenna or antennae 316, 318 in another exnbodiment could be externally mounted on the handheld device 300.
[0036] Additionally, some applications, such as shown in F'IG_ 3, which can depend on data transfer data include email, address book entries and calendars. For each such application, synchronization with home-based versions on the applications can be critical for either or both of their long term and short term utility. As an example, emails are often time sensitive, so substantially real time synchronization is highly desira.ble_ 1137675v1 ~
Address book entries, on the 'other hand, ean be usually updated less*
frequently without inconvenience. Therefore, the utility of the handheld de'viee 300 can be enhanced when connectable within a communication system, *and particularly when connectable on a wireless basis in a network 319 in which voice, text messaging, and other data transfer are accomrnodated. The auxiliary I/0 subsystem 328 of FIG. 3 ean take.the form of a variety of different navigation tools- (multi-directional or sing) e-directional) such as a navigation tool 327 with trackball - assembly 321 as illustrated in the exemplary embodirnent sllawn in FIG. 2, or a thumbwhEel; a navigation pad, a joystick, or the like (not shown). As will be developed more fully-below, these navigation tools are located on the front surface of the handheld device 300 when in an open coz>tiguration 601 but can alsQ be located on any exterior surface of the handheld device 300. Other 4uxiliary I/0 subsystems can include external display devices and externally connected keyboards (not shown). 'GVhile the above examples have been provided in relation to the auxiliary IIO subsystem 328, other subsystems capable of providing input or receiving output from the handheld device 3.00 are considered within the scope of this disclosure.
C00371 The handheld electronic dm'ce 300 as described above can be the clam-shell device 300 as illustrated in FTGS. 1-2,. and 8-15. TIG. I shows the clam-shell style h.andheld device 300 is. in a closed eonfi.guration 600 in a resting orientation 603 and several features of the depicted embodiment are present. For example, a microphone hole 860 is visible on the keyboard housing 90. Visible on the back of the display housing 95 are a display screen 854, a camera 851 and flash 852. -A,lso - visible is one -of the programmable buttons 105 on the keyboard housing 90 and volume control buttons alongside. One can also see two of the hinge-end covers 90 which cover the ends of one or more spring asserzablies 750 that run through the inter,connector 80 and into the display housing 9:5 and keyboard housing 90, 1137675v1 [0038] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the clann--shell style handheld electronic device 300 in -an open configuration 601 being held in the hands of a usex, ready for thumb activation of the keyboard 650. FIG. 2B shows an-embod'unent of the handheld electronic device 300 in- a resting con.f'iguration 603 ozi a flat surface. In FIG. 2B the receiver 895 is above the display screen 322 on the display housing 95. Beside the receiver 895 is a light emitting diode 896, and beneath is a display screen 322 on the interior side of the display screen housing 320. Beneath the -display screen 322 is a navigational tool 327, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a trackball assembly 321- The trackbail assembly 321 is, located on the intexior of the dual-hinged 10 interconnectar 80. Note in FIG. 2B that the trackball assembly 321 can be predominan.tly housed wi.thin the dual-hinged intetconnector 80 and that a portion of the trackball assernbly 321 is exposed at the interior surface 70 of said dual-hinged intercon,nector 80 in the open configarat,ion 601 of the device 300. Beneath this "navigation row" 70 is a keyboard 650. The keyboard 650 rests on the interior side ot'the keyboard housing 640.
Those . skilled in the art will appreciate that the keyboard 650 could comprise various alplaanumeric keys 630 having any of the layouts shown by FIGS. 4-7, or others. FIG- 213'shows volume control keys 100, for contYolling speaker voluzn.e; and a user programxinable button 105 are visible on the outer left side of the keyboard housing 90.
Additionally, other keys can be placed along the side af the handheld device 300 to function as escape keys, volume control keys 100, scrolling keys, power switches, or user programmable keys 105, 120, and can likewise be programmed accordingly. In the open - configuration 601 shown, the an.gle- Al between the display housing 95 and the keyboard housing 90 is adjustable at the interior side of the dual^hinged intercozmeetor 80.
[0039] While the alphanumeric inpirt keys in FIGS. 2A and 2B indicia, they could be arranged aceording to standard layouts as -in FIG. 4 which shows the. four possible keyboard 650 configurations, the QWERTY 44a, the QWERTZ 44b, the AZERTY 44c and the DVORAK 44d, or as in FIG. 5 which illustrates a QWERTY keyboard layout 1137675v7 paired with a traditional ten-key keypad. The keys 630 could also have layouts like those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the last of which is ITU compjiant. The International Telecommunications Union ("ITL7") has established phone standards for the azrangement of alphanumeric keys, entitled "Arrangement of Digits, Letters, and Symbols on Telephones and Other Devices That Can Be Used for Gaining Access tv' a Telephone Network." This standard is also known as ANSI TI.703-1995/1999 and ISO/IEC
8, 1994. FIG. 6 illustrates a keypad comprising the nuxnerais 0-9 arranged in a traditional, ITU Standard E.161 numeric telephone keypad layout, including the * and- #
keys flanking the 0 key. FIG. 7 illustrates a traditional or standard phone key ar.rangem.ent or layout according to the ITU -Standard E.161. Again, the keyboard 650, as shown in FIG.
2A and FIG. 2B for example, can be fnrther provided with each of such layouts.
. , .
[0040] One of the important aspects of the handheld eaectronic device 300 to which this disclosure is directed is its size. While some users will grasp the handheld device .15 300 in both hands when-entering text as in FIG. 2A, it is also possible for users to cradle the handheld device 300 in one hand in such a Manner that iuaput and control over the handbeld device 300 can be effected using the thumb of the same hand in which the handbeld device 300 is held. I-lowever, it is appreciated that additional control can be effected by using both hands: As a handheld device 300 that is easy to grasp and desirably pocketable, the size of the handheld device 300 must be kept commensurately small. Of the device's dimensioms, .li.m.iting its width is itnportant for the. puzpose of assuring cradleability in a user's hand. -[0041] However, some users can find it difficult to operate because of the reduced ' size. The dual-hinged interconnector 80 gives an increase in -surface area and a protruding surface to grasp as well. The extended nature of the dual-hinged interconnector 80 allows the clam-shell style handheld electronic device 300 to be held between the fingers of both bands. Tk-Lis, the interconnector can act as a handle of sorts.
1137675v1 Mo-reover, this configuxation enhances stability and hence makes thumb activation of the keys on keyboard housing 640-[0042] 'Additionally, the small size of the handheld device 300 can be a drawback in that there is limited exterior surface area for the inclusion of user input and device output features. This is especially true for the "prime mal estate" on the face of the keyboard housing .640 of the handbeld device 300 in the - open configuration Furthermore, as shown in-the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the display screen 322 is located above a keyboard 650 that is utilized for data entry into the han.dheldd device 300 by the user, and above a navigation tool '3Z7 which is located on the interior surface of the dual-hinged interconnector. If the screen 322 is provided below the keyboard 650, a-problem occurs. in that viewing- the screen 322 is inhibited when the user-is inputting data using the keyboard 650. "fberefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the display screen 322 is above the navigation row 70 and keyboard 650, thereby solving the problem by a.ssuiing that the hands and fingers do nat block the view of the screen 322 during data.entry periods. This property is enhanced by the fact that the angle between the interior surface of the keyboard housing -640 and -the intercomiector 80, and the angle between the interconnector 80 and the display face 320 can each'take separate values, and thus more positional options exist for thc usex.
[0043) Another positional option for the user is to set the device down 300 temporarily, as in FIG. 2B (and also FIG. 15). -If the user places the device on-$ flat-- -=
surface a user can derive a benefit fromn being able to view the display screeri 322 without having to lift the device 300 by hand. As can be seen from FIG_ 2B, the dual-hinged interconnector 80 can act as a stand which props up the display housing 95.
Because they are connected via hinges, the angle Al between the display housing 95 and the keyboard housing 90, the angle Az between the back of the interconneotor 81 and the display housing, and the aingle A3 between the interconnector 80 and the keyboard housing 90 are 1137675v1 all adjustable. This adjustability, coupled with the stand action of the iztterconnectox, 80 rneans that a user will be able to adjust the display screen 322 for ma.in.tenance of visual contact while the device 300 is in a resting orientation 303.
5 C0044] FIG. 8 shows the front of an embodiment of the clam-shell style handheld electronic device 300 in a closed configuration. In a closed coniiguration 600 a display screen 322 and a-keyboard 650 can be'wholly or paitially coverecL The device 300 can L
be equipped. with an external mirror (not shown), a camera 851, a flash 852 for use in conjunction therewith, as well as-a light emitting diode 853: Those skilled in the art will 10 appreciate that these items could have different positions and still coxne within 'tliis disclosure. In the embodiment shown FIG. 8 the dual-hinged interconnector 80 has alength L3 wl#h is.greater than at least twenty percent of the length of the display housing Ll. This allows for the interconnector 80 to act as both a stand and a handle as set forth previously.
C00451 FIG. 9 shows the rear or back of an embodiment of the device 300 in a closed configuration 600. A first side 81 of the dual-hinged inter.connector 80 is shown in a mutually accommodating relationship with the keyboard housing 90. Two charge contacts 807 are shown towards the lower portion of keyboard housing 90. The keyboard housing 90 can be seen to have a substantially.square profile 800. As will be appreciated-by those in the art, while a particular rectangular shape is shown for the handheld electronic device 300, others are possible while still fa1l'vng. within-the present disclosare.
In the embodiment shown, the dual-hinged interconnector 80 has a length L3 greater than at least twenty percent of a'length L1 of the longer of the ' display housing 95 and the keyboard housings 90, and the lengthwise- longitudinal axes of each of the display housing 95 awd the keyboard housings 90 and dual-hinged intcrcomector 80 are shown oriented substantially parallel, one to the others. Howevcr, those skilled in the art will 1137675vi appreciate that the dual-hinged iuiterconnector 86 or the display housing 95 or keyboard housing 90 could be constaacted in various proportions within this disclosure.
[0046] A closed configuration 600 from the right side is also shown FIG. 10.
Although it is corupact, the device 3001ias multiple input and output faculties, even *hen in the closed configuration 600. For example, a programmable key 120, a universal serial bus port 874 and a headset jack 875 are shown on the exterior of the device 300 on the display housing. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the programmable keys of the device 105, 120 can be prograrnmed to have multiple functions, allowing the keys to activate a camera, act as an alternate xnute button, a function cancel button, among other th.ings. In at least one example as illustrated In FIG. 10, some portion of the keyboard 650 can be seen between the keyboard housing 90 and display housing 95. In anothex -possible embodiment the device 300 could be so configured so as to completely conceal the keyboard 650 . wheD viewed from the same side as in FICr_ 10 while still coming 15. within this disclosure. Also, the dual-hinged interconnector 80 can be seen between and above the hinge-end covers 900 in the illustrated.exsunple. In the embodiment pictured in.
FIG. 10, the thickness of the*interconnectar TT is equal to the combined thickness of the display housing 95 and the keyboard housing 90. The connectors could be located on the sides of the interconnector 80 closest to the housings 95, 90 and paraIlel to the lengthwise axis, or on the sides which are closest to the housings 95, 90 but perpendicular to said , axis.
[0047] The other side view of the device 300 in a closed configuration 600 is shown in FIG. 11. Even though the embodiment- is streamli.ned and compact, multiple input and output options exist. For example, in the embodinient of FIG. _1 i, the volum.e -buttons or keys 100 in the keyboard housing 90 are situated next to a user-progfarnm,able key 105. The volume buttons or keys can be configured so as to adjust the speaker (not shown) voluine when -the device 300 is used a telephone or to adjust the volume of the 1137675v1 audio output associated with other fanetionalities. FIG: 11 shows the dual-hitiged intez-connector 80 between and above two hinge-end covers 900. As will be described further herein, still other input and output options can be provided on the exterior of the device 300. Again, as will be appreciated by those in the art; while a particular shape is shown, others are possible while still falling within the present disclosure, for example handheld electronic device 300 might be more or less oblong when closed 600, the sides could be fashioiied to be soxnewhat arcuate, thus giving the device a near oval shape.
[0048] The top of an embodiment of the device 300 in a closed configuration is depicted in FIG. -12-, A mute/suspend key 880 is shown on the left side of the exterior of the =dual-hinged interconnector 80 and a speaker phone button 890 is on th.e right.
Such locations are examples only, and other possibilities exist within the, present disclosure. Also; other keys or buttons can be located on the dual-liinged interconnector 80 which can take various shapes. Withiii the dual-hinged interconnector resides a sprin.g 15= assembly (not shown) which runs through interconnector 80 to the hinge-encl covers 900.
[00491Both FIGS_ 12 and 13 show, an embodxment wherein the dual-hinged interconnector 80 is of a width Wy which is substantially equal to the width of the display housing Wxl and the width of the keyboard housing W. Other embodiments having.
different' widths are possible witbin this disclosure. For example, the widths mentioned could range between six and nine centimeters. ' Malcing the handheld electronic device 300'wider than nine inches would probably be undesirable due to a loss in convenionce of storage---it would Dot fit in the average pocket or hand.
[0050] The compact nature of the device 300, which is at least in part made possible by the dual-hinged interconnector 80, is shown in FIG. 13_ The thinness of the device 300 can ' be seen in FIG. 13 insofar as the thickness of the ciual-hinged interconnector TT in FIG. 12 is the same as the sum of the thickness of the keyboard 1137675v1 housing T2 and the display housing T3; ,these thicknesses being measured in a direction substantially perpendicular the lengthwise axis of the display housing Lxl and the lengthwise axis of the keyboard housing LY'2 when the device 300 . is in a resti-ng orientation 603 while closed 600. It is conteinplated that the desired value for the total thickness TT of-the device will fall in a range of about one to two centimeters (though other values are of course possible within this disclosure).
[0051] FIG. 14 shows the device 300 in an open configuration 601. As set forth above, maintenance of a viswl line of sight with the display screen 322 can be desirable ] 0 when the user places the device 300 -on a flat surface such as a desk or table. As discussed previously, 'a dual-hinged interconnector 80 containing a spring assembly (not shown.) as disclosed which will bias the interior sux'face of the display housing 320 at a suitable angle Al with the intexrior surface of the keyboaid liousing 640_ As shown in FTG. 14, the interior face of the keyboard housing '64b includes a keyboard 650 with a .15 plurality of keys that can be of a physical nature such as aetuable buttons, or they can be of a software nature, typically constituted by virtual representations of physical keys on a display. screen 322 (referred to herein as "virtual keys"). In this iDstance the physical keyboard illustrated could be replaced with a second display cpnfi.gured -for touch engagerrient. It is also. contemplated that the user input can be provided as a combination 20 of the two types of keys. Each key of the plurality of keys has at least one actuable action which can be the input of 'a character, a command or a, function. In this context, "characters" are contemplated to exerrrplarily include - alphabetic letters, language - -symbols, numbers, punctuation, iuisignias, icons, pictures, and even a blank space. Input coxnmands and functions can include such things as delete, backspace, moving a cursor 25 up, down, left or right, initiating au arithmetic function or command, initiating a command or function specific to an applica.tion program or feature in use;
initiatWg a command or fimction programmed by the user and other such commands and fuactiozxs that are well known to those persons skilled in the art. Specific keys or other types of 9137675v1 .19 input devices can be used to navigate through the various applications and features .
thereof. Further, depending on the program/appl.ication 358 or feature in use, specific keys can be enabled or disabled. ' [0052] In the case of physical keys of the type shown in FIG. 14, all or a portion of the plurality of keys can have one.or more ind'zcia representing character(s), command(s), andlor- functions(s) dispiayed at their top surface and/or on the face of the area adjacent the respective key_ In the ulstance where the iYidicia of a key's finlction is provid4 adjacent the key, the indicia can be printed on the device cover beside the key, or in the instance of keys located adjacent the -display screen 322. Additionally, indicia for the key can be temporarily shown nearby the key on 'the display screen 322. As will be appreciated by those in the art,, physical and virtual keys oan be combined in many different ways. In one emliodixnent, physical and virtual keys could be combined such that the plurality of enabled keys for a particular application or feature of the handheld electronic device 300 is shown on the display screen 322 in tbe same configuration as the physical keys. Using this configuration, the ustr cau,select the appropriate physical key corresponding to what is shown on the display screen 322. Thus, the desired character, comznand or function is obtained by depressing the physical key corresponding to the character, command or fimction displayed at a corresponding position on the display screen 312, rather than'touchi.ng the display screen 322.
[0053] As made clear previously, the clam-shell style handheld e]ectronic -device = ----300 is configured to send and receive voice communications sucla as mobile telephone call and the functionality of the device can be afforded to the operator through designated keys_ For example, two call keys 660, 670 can be provided below the navigation row 70 (so-called because it includes the navigation tool 327) as shown in FYG_ 14 which can facilitate telephone usage. One of the two call keys is a call initiation key 660, and the other is a call termi.nation key 670. The navigation row 70 also includes another pair of.
1137675v1 keys 606, 608 that are located irrunediately adjacent to the navigation too1327, with one flanking key on either side of the navigation tool 327- The flanking keys 606, 608 can, for instance, constitute the menu keys 652, which include a menu call-up key 606 and an escape or back key 608. The menu call-up key 606 is used to bring up a menu on the 5 display screen 322 and the escape key 608 is used to return to the previous sczeen or previous inenu selection. The functions of the call keys and the menu keys can, of course, be provided by buttons that are located elsewhere on the handheld device 300, with different functions assigned to the flanking keys 606,'608.
10 [0054) As shown in FIG. 14, both the keyboard housing 90 and display housing 95 can have an accommodation spaee 620 recessed into each housizag that receives at least a portion of the trackball assembly 321 when the device 300 is in a closed configuration 600. . In this configuration, the dual-hinged interconflector provides a mounting platfozm for the trackball assembly 321 and the lCeyboard housing 90 and display housing 15 accommodate for a protruding trackball assembly 321 with the accommodation space 620 in the respective housWg. In other embodiments, the accomm:odation space 620 might be provided only.on the keyboard bousing 90 or only on the display housing 95.
[0055] FIG. 15 illustrates a rigbt side view of a clam-shell style handheld electronic 20 device 300 in an open configuration 601. Twd hinge covers 900. as well as a head set jack 875, universal serial bus port 874 and user programtnable key 120 are visible. Also visible in the example of FIG. 15 is the top of a.trackball assembly -321: ..
Tlxe interior surface of the keyboaxd-housing 640 can be seen to be oriented at an obtuse angle Al to interior surface of the display housing 320: The dual-hinged interconnector 80 can be configured such that the obtuse angle measures approxirrmately 165 degrees.
Alternately, ' the dual-hinged intercoz-nector 80 could be set up for a 150 degree angle between the display 320 and the keyboard 650. The lengthwise longitudinal axis of the dual-hinged intercannector 80 is shown oriu~nted at an obtuse angle A.2, A3 to the lengthwise 1137675v1 longitudinal axis of the display and keyboard housings 95, 90 in the open configuration of the device 600.
[00561 As described above, those skilled i.n the art will recognize that other angle coeigurations are possible vlvwithin the scope of the present disclosure.
[0057) It will be un,derstood that the i'oregoimg description is that of cert ain embodiments and that van ous changes and modifications can be made tliereto without depaTting from the scope oflthis disclosure.
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1137675v1
keys flanking the 0 key. FIG. 7 illustrates a traditional or standard phone key ar.rangem.ent or layout according to the ITU -Standard E.161. Again, the keyboard 650, as shown in FIG.
2A and FIG. 2B for example, can be fnrther provided with each of such layouts.
. , .
[0040] One of the important aspects of the handheld eaectronic device 300 to which this disclosure is directed is its size. While some users will grasp the handheld device .15 300 in both hands when-entering text as in FIG. 2A, it is also possible for users to cradle the handheld device 300 in one hand in such a Manner that iuaput and control over the handbeld device 300 can be effected using the thumb of the same hand in which the handbeld device 300 is held. I-lowever, it is appreciated that additional control can be effected by using both hands: As a handheld device 300 that is easy to grasp and desirably pocketable, the size of the handheld device 300 must be kept commensurately small. Of the device's dimensioms, .li.m.iting its width is itnportant for the. puzpose of assuring cradleability in a user's hand. -[0041] However, some users can find it difficult to operate because of the reduced ' size. The dual-hinged interconnector 80 gives an increase in -surface area and a protruding surface to grasp as well. The extended nature of the dual-hinged interconnector 80 allows the clam-shell style handheld electronic device 300 to be held between the fingers of both bands. Tk-Lis, the interconnector can act as a handle of sorts.
1137675v1 Mo-reover, this configuxation enhances stability and hence makes thumb activation of the keys on keyboard housing 640-[0042] 'Additionally, the small size of the handheld device 300 can be a drawback in that there is limited exterior surface area for the inclusion of user input and device output features. This is especially true for the "prime mal estate" on the face of the keyboard housing .640 of the handbeld device 300 in the - open configuration Furthermore, as shown in-the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the display screen 322 is located above a keyboard 650 that is utilized for data entry into the han.dheldd device 300 by the user, and above a navigation tool '3Z7 which is located on the interior surface of the dual-hinged interconnector. If the screen 322 is provided below the keyboard 650, a-problem occurs. in that viewing- the screen 322 is inhibited when the user-is inputting data using the keyboard 650. "fberefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the display screen 322 is above the navigation row 70 and keyboard 650, thereby solving the problem by a.ssuiing that the hands and fingers do nat block the view of the screen 322 during data.entry periods. This property is enhanced by the fact that the angle between the interior surface of the keyboard housing -640 and -the intercomiector 80, and the angle between the interconnector 80 and the display face 320 can each'take separate values, and thus more positional options exist for thc usex.
[0043) Another positional option for the user is to set the device down 300 temporarily, as in FIG. 2B (and also FIG. 15). -If the user places the device on-$ flat-- -=
surface a user can derive a benefit fromn being able to view the display screeri 322 without having to lift the device 300 by hand. As can be seen from FIG_ 2B, the dual-hinged interconnector 80 can act as a stand which props up the display housing 95.
Because they are connected via hinges, the angle Al between the display housing 95 and the keyboard housing 90, the angle Az between the back of the interconneotor 81 and the display housing, and the aingle A3 between the interconnector 80 and the keyboard housing 90 are 1137675v1 all adjustable. This adjustability, coupled with the stand action of the iztterconnectox, 80 rneans that a user will be able to adjust the display screen 322 for ma.in.tenance of visual contact while the device 300 is in a resting orientation 303.
5 C0044] FIG. 8 shows the front of an embodiment of the clam-shell style handheld electronic device 300 in a closed configuration. In a closed coniiguration 600 a display screen 322 and a-keyboard 650 can be'wholly or paitially coverecL The device 300 can L
be equipped. with an external mirror (not shown), a camera 851, a flash 852 for use in conjunction therewith, as well as-a light emitting diode 853: Those skilled in the art will 10 appreciate that these items could have different positions and still coxne within 'tliis disclosure. In the embodiment shown FIG. 8 the dual-hinged interconnector 80 has alength L3 wl#h is.greater than at least twenty percent of the length of the display housing Ll. This allows for the interconnector 80 to act as both a stand and a handle as set forth previously.
C00451 FIG. 9 shows the rear or back of an embodiment of the device 300 in a closed configuration 600. A first side 81 of the dual-hinged inter.connector 80 is shown in a mutually accommodating relationship with the keyboard housing 90. Two charge contacts 807 are shown towards the lower portion of keyboard housing 90. The keyboard housing 90 can be seen to have a substantially.square profile 800. As will be appreciated-by those in the art, while a particular rectangular shape is shown for the handheld electronic device 300, others are possible while still fa1l'vng. within-the present disclosare.
In the embodiment shown, the dual-hinged interconnector 80 has a length L3 greater than at least twenty percent of a'length L1 of the longer of the ' display housing 95 and the keyboard housings 90, and the lengthwise- longitudinal axes of each of the display housing 95 awd the keyboard housings 90 and dual-hinged intcrcomector 80 are shown oriented substantially parallel, one to the others. Howevcr, those skilled in the art will 1137675vi appreciate that the dual-hinged iuiterconnector 86 or the display housing 95 or keyboard housing 90 could be constaacted in various proportions within this disclosure.
[0046] A closed configuration 600 from the right side is also shown FIG. 10.
Although it is corupact, the device 3001ias multiple input and output faculties, even *hen in the closed configuration 600. For example, a programmable key 120, a universal serial bus port 874 and a headset jack 875 are shown on the exterior of the device 300 on the display housing. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the programmable keys of the device 105, 120 can be prograrnmed to have multiple functions, allowing the keys to activate a camera, act as an alternate xnute button, a function cancel button, among other th.ings. In at least one example as illustrated In FIG. 10, some portion of the keyboard 650 can be seen between the keyboard housing 90 and display housing 95. In anothex -possible embodiment the device 300 could be so configured so as to completely conceal the keyboard 650 . wheD viewed from the same side as in FICr_ 10 while still coming 15. within this disclosure. Also, the dual-hinged interconnector 80 can be seen between and above the hinge-end covers 900 in the illustrated.exsunple. In the embodiment pictured in.
FIG. 10, the thickness of the*interconnectar TT is equal to the combined thickness of the display housing 95 and the keyboard housing 90. The connectors could be located on the sides of the interconnector 80 closest to the housings 95, 90 and paraIlel to the lengthwise axis, or on the sides which are closest to the housings 95, 90 but perpendicular to said , axis.
[0047] The other side view of the device 300 in a closed configuration 600 is shown in FIG. 11. Even though the embodiment- is streamli.ned and compact, multiple input and output options exist. For example, in the embodinient of FIG. _1 i, the volum.e -buttons or keys 100 in the keyboard housing 90 are situated next to a user-progfarnm,able key 105. The volume buttons or keys can be configured so as to adjust the speaker (not shown) voluine when -the device 300 is used a telephone or to adjust the volume of the 1137675v1 audio output associated with other fanetionalities. FIG: 11 shows the dual-hitiged intez-connector 80 between and above two hinge-end covers 900. As will be described further herein, still other input and output options can be provided on the exterior of the device 300. Again, as will be appreciated by those in the art; while a particular shape is shown, others are possible while still falling within the present disclosure, for example handheld electronic device 300 might be more or less oblong when closed 600, the sides could be fashioiied to be soxnewhat arcuate, thus giving the device a near oval shape.
[0048] The top of an embodiment of the device 300 in a closed configuration is depicted in FIG. -12-, A mute/suspend key 880 is shown on the left side of the exterior of the =dual-hinged interconnector 80 and a speaker phone button 890 is on th.e right.
Such locations are examples only, and other possibilities exist within the, present disclosure. Also; other keys or buttons can be located on the dual-liinged interconnector 80 which can take various shapes. Withiii the dual-hinged interconnector resides a sprin.g 15= assembly (not shown) which runs through interconnector 80 to the hinge-encl covers 900.
[00491Both FIGS_ 12 and 13 show, an embodxment wherein the dual-hinged interconnector 80 is of a width Wy which is substantially equal to the width of the display housing Wxl and the width of the keyboard housing W. Other embodiments having.
different' widths are possible witbin this disclosure. For example, the widths mentioned could range between six and nine centimeters. ' Malcing the handheld electronic device 300'wider than nine inches would probably be undesirable due to a loss in convenionce of storage---it would Dot fit in the average pocket or hand.
[0050] The compact nature of the device 300, which is at least in part made possible by the dual-hinged interconnector 80, is shown in FIG. 13_ The thinness of the device 300 can ' be seen in FIG. 13 insofar as the thickness of the ciual-hinged interconnector TT in FIG. 12 is the same as the sum of the thickness of the keyboard 1137675v1 housing T2 and the display housing T3; ,these thicknesses being measured in a direction substantially perpendicular the lengthwise axis of the display housing Lxl and the lengthwise axis of the keyboard housing LY'2 when the device 300 . is in a resti-ng orientation 603 while closed 600. It is conteinplated that the desired value for the total thickness TT of-the device will fall in a range of about one to two centimeters (though other values are of course possible within this disclosure).
[0051] FIG. 14 shows the device 300 in an open configuration 601. As set forth above, maintenance of a viswl line of sight with the display screen 322 can be desirable ] 0 when the user places the device 300 -on a flat surface such as a desk or table. As discussed previously, 'a dual-hinged interconnector 80 containing a spring assembly (not shown.) as disclosed which will bias the interior sux'face of the display housing 320 at a suitable angle Al with the intexrior surface of the keyboaid liousing 640_ As shown in FTG. 14, the interior face of the keyboard housing '64b includes a keyboard 650 with a .15 plurality of keys that can be of a physical nature such as aetuable buttons, or they can be of a software nature, typically constituted by virtual representations of physical keys on a display. screen 322 (referred to herein as "virtual keys"). In this iDstance the physical keyboard illustrated could be replaced with a second display cpnfi.gured -for touch engagerrient. It is also. contemplated that the user input can be provided as a combination 20 of the two types of keys. Each key of the plurality of keys has at least one actuable action which can be the input of 'a character, a command or a, function. In this context, "characters" are contemplated to exerrrplarily include - alphabetic letters, language - -symbols, numbers, punctuation, iuisignias, icons, pictures, and even a blank space. Input coxnmands and functions can include such things as delete, backspace, moving a cursor 25 up, down, left or right, initiating au arithmetic function or command, initiating a command or function specific to an applica.tion program or feature in use;
initiatWg a command or fimction programmed by the user and other such commands and fuactiozxs that are well known to those persons skilled in the art. Specific keys or other types of 9137675v1 .19 input devices can be used to navigate through the various applications and features .
thereof. Further, depending on the program/appl.ication 358 or feature in use, specific keys can be enabled or disabled. ' [0052] In the case of physical keys of the type shown in FIG. 14, all or a portion of the plurality of keys can have one.or more ind'zcia representing character(s), command(s), andlor- functions(s) dispiayed at their top surface and/or on the face of the area adjacent the respective key_ In the ulstance where the iYidicia of a key's finlction is provid4 adjacent the key, the indicia can be printed on the device cover beside the key, or in the instance of keys located adjacent the -display screen 322. Additionally, indicia for the key can be temporarily shown nearby the key on 'the display screen 322. As will be appreciated by those in the art,, physical and virtual keys oan be combined in many different ways. In one emliodixnent, physical and virtual keys could be combined such that the plurality of enabled keys for a particular application or feature of the handheld electronic device 300 is shown on the display screen 322 in tbe same configuration as the physical keys. Using this configuration, the ustr cau,select the appropriate physical key corresponding to what is shown on the display screen 322. Thus, the desired character, comznand or function is obtained by depressing the physical key corresponding to the character, command or fimction displayed at a corresponding position on the display screen 312, rather than'touchi.ng the display screen 322.
[0053] As made clear previously, the clam-shell style handheld e]ectronic -device = ----300 is configured to send and receive voice communications sucla as mobile telephone call and the functionality of the device can be afforded to the operator through designated keys_ For example, two call keys 660, 670 can be provided below the navigation row 70 (so-called because it includes the navigation tool 327) as shown in FYG_ 14 which can facilitate telephone usage. One of the two call keys is a call initiation key 660, and the other is a call termi.nation key 670. The navigation row 70 also includes another pair of.
1137675v1 keys 606, 608 that are located irrunediately adjacent to the navigation too1327, with one flanking key on either side of the navigation tool 327- The flanking keys 606, 608 can, for instance, constitute the menu keys 652, which include a menu call-up key 606 and an escape or back key 608. The menu call-up key 606 is used to bring up a menu on the 5 display screen 322 and the escape key 608 is used to return to the previous sczeen or previous inenu selection. The functions of the call keys and the menu keys can, of course, be provided by buttons that are located elsewhere on the handheld device 300, with different functions assigned to the flanking keys 606,'608.
10 [0054) As shown in FIG. 14, both the keyboard housing 90 and display housing 95 can have an accommodation spaee 620 recessed into each housizag that receives at least a portion of the trackball assembly 321 when the device 300 is in a closed configuration 600. . In this configuration, the dual-hinged interconflector provides a mounting platfozm for the trackball assembly 321 and the lCeyboard housing 90 and display housing 15 accommodate for a protruding trackball assembly 321 with the accommodation space 620 in the respective housWg. In other embodiments, the accomm:odation space 620 might be provided only.on the keyboard bousing 90 or only on the display housing 95.
[0055] FIG. 15 illustrates a rigbt side view of a clam-shell style handheld electronic 20 device 300 in an open configuration 601. Twd hinge covers 900. as well as a head set jack 875, universal serial bus port 874 and user programtnable key 120 are visible. Also visible in the example of FIG. 15 is the top of a.trackball assembly -321: ..
Tlxe interior surface of the keyboaxd-housing 640 can be seen to be oriented at an obtuse angle Al to interior surface of the display housing 320: The dual-hinged interconnector 80 can be configured such that the obtuse angle measures approxirrmately 165 degrees.
Alternately, ' the dual-hinged intercoz-nector 80 could be set up for a 150 degree angle between the display 320 and the keyboard 650. The lengthwise longitudinal axis of the dual-hinged intercannector 80 is shown oriu~nted at an obtuse angle A.2, A3 to the lengthwise 1137675v1 longitudinal axis of the display and keyboard housings 95, 90 in the open configuration of the device 600.
[00561 As described above, those skilled i.n the art will recognize that other angle coeigurations are possible vlvwithin the scope of the present disclosure.
[0057) It will be un,derstood that the i'oregoimg description is that of cert ain embodiments and that van ous changes and modifications can be made tliereto without depaTting from the scope oflthis disclosure.
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1137675v1
Claims (10)
1. A clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300) transitionable between open and closed configurations (601, 600), said device (300) comprising:
a display housing (95) pivotally coupled by a dual-hinged interconnector (80) to a keyboard housing (90), said display housing (95) having a display screen (322) located at an interior surface (320) thereof facing a keyboard (650) on an interior surface (640) of said keyboard housing (90) in the closed configuration of the device (600);
said dual-hinged interconnector (80) having a thickness (T T) substantially equal to a combined thickness of said display and keyboard housings (95, 90) in the closed configuration of the device (600); and said dual-hinged interconnector (80) having a length (L3) greater than at least twenty percent of a length (L1) of the longer of said display and keyboard housings (95, 90) and wherein lengthwise longitudinal axes of each of said display and keyboard housings (95, 90) and said dual-hinged interconnector (80) are oriented substantially parallel, one to the others, in the closed configuration of the device (600).
a display housing (95) pivotally coupled by a dual-hinged interconnector (80) to a keyboard housing (90), said display housing (95) having a display screen (322) located at an interior surface (320) thereof facing a keyboard (650) on an interior surface (640) of said keyboard housing (90) in the closed configuration of the device (600);
said dual-hinged interconnector (80) having a thickness (T T) substantially equal to a combined thickness of said display and keyboard housings (95, 90) in the closed configuration of the device (600); and said dual-hinged interconnector (80) having a length (L3) greater than at least twenty percent of a length (L1) of the longer of said display and keyboard housings (95, 90) and wherein lengthwise longitudinal axes of each of said display and keyboard housings (95, 90) and said dual-hinged interconnector (80) are oriented substantially parallel, one to the others, in the closed configuration of the device (600).
2. The clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300) as recited in claim 1, wherein said display and keyboard housings (95, 90) are oriented at an obtuse angle (A1) to one another in the open configuration (601) and the lengthwise longitudinal axis of said dual-hinged interconnector (80) is oriented at an obtuse angle (A2, A3) to the lengthwise longitudinal axis of at least one of said display and keyboard housings (95, 90) in the open configuration of the device (600).
3. The clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300)as recited in claim 2, wherein the lengthwise longitudinal axis of said dual-hinged interconnector (80) is oriented at an obtuse angle (A2, A3) to both of the lengthwise longitudinal axes of said display and keyboard housings (L X1, L X2) in the open configuration of the device (600).
4. The clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300) as recited in claim 3, wherein said dual-hinged interconnector (80) has a width (W Y) substantially equal to a width of each of said display and keyboard housings (V X1, W X2), said widths measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to said lengthwise axes (L X1, L X2) in the closed configuration of the device (600).
5. The clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300) as recited in claim 4, wherein said thicknesses (T T) are measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to said lengthwise axes (L X1, L X2) in the closed configuration of the device (600).
6. The clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300) as recited in claim 5, wherein said thicknesses (T T) are measured in a substantially vertical direction in a resting orientation of the device (603) in the closed configuration (600).
7. The claim-shell style handheld electronic device (300) as recited in claim 4, wherein said lengthwise longitudinal axes (L X1, L X2) extend in a substantially horizontal direction in a resting orientation of the device (603) in the closed configuration (600).
8. The clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300) as recited in claim 3, wherein said widths (W X1, W X2) are measured in a substantially horizontal direction in a resting orientation of the device (603) in the closed configuration (600).
9. The clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300)as recited in claim 1, wherein said dual-hinged interconnector (80) has a navigation tool (327) located at an interior surface thereof in the closed configuration of the device (600).
10. The clam-shell style handheld electronic device (300) as recited in claim 9, wherein said navigation device (300) is a trackball assembly (321) comprising a trackball, said trackball assembly (321) being predominantly housed within said dual-hinged interconnector (80) and a portion of said trackball being exposed at the interior surface of said dual-hinged interconnector (82) in the open configuration of the device (601).
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US12/355,387 | 2009-01-16 | ||
| EP09150797.0A EP2081365B1 (en) | 2008-01-18 | 2009-01-16 | Handheld electronic device with extended dual-hinged interconnector |
| EP09150797.0 | 2009-01-16 | ||
| US12/355,387 US8489157B2 (en) | 2008-01-18 | 2009-01-16 | Handheld electronic device with extended dual-hinged interconnector |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2686166A1 true CA2686166A1 (en) | 2010-07-16 |
| CA2686166C CA2686166C (en) | 2016-02-23 |
Family
ID=42352637
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2686166A Active CA2686166C (en) | 2009-01-16 | 2009-11-20 | Handheld electronic device with extended dual-hinged interconnector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2686166C (en) |
-
2009
- 2009-11-20 CA CA2686166A patent/CA2686166C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2686166C (en) | 2016-02-23 |
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