GB2395085A

GB2395085A - Foldable communication handset having a display visible in both open and closed configurations

Info

Publication number: GB2395085A
Application number: GB0225680A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David James Bennetts; Richard Verney
Original assignee: Agere Systems Ltd
Current assignee: LSI Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2002-11-04
Filing date: 2002-11-04
Publication date: 2004-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-04
Also published as: JP2004159327A; GB0225680D0; JP2010035196A; GB2395085B

Abstract

A portable communication apparatus 2 having two members 6, 8 with a user display 18 on a first surface 20 of the first member 6 and a keypad 14 on a first surface 22 of the second member 8. Hinge elements 10, 12 allow rotatable movement of the members 6, 8 so that the handset 2 may be in an open position (fig.1), a first closed position (fig.2) in which the first surfaces 20, 22 of the members 6, 8 are closed toward each other, or a second closed position (fig.3) in which the second surfaces 24, 26 of the members 6, 8 are closed toward each other. In the first closed position (fig.2), the user would be unable to see the display 18. In the second closed position (fig.3) the display 18 is accessible to the user and could identify an incoming call.

Description

1 2395085

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS I

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to portable electronic apparatus, particularly communication apparatus comprising two foldable parts. The 5 invention is particularly but not exclusively concerned with portable communication devices such as mobile telephones and personal data assistants. Background to the Invention

Mobile telephone handsets utilising folding covers are well-known. In such 10 devices, when the telephone is on standby or switched off, a folding cover is closed back over the main body of the phone. In use, such as when making a call, the cover is opened.

Some of such handsets are simply provided with a folding cover, which simply provides a microphone for the user to speak into. The folding cover 15 is small in size relative to the main body of the handset.

Other such handsets are provided with two parts each of which include functional elements of the phone, and which are substantially similar in size. One part may house a keypad for the phone, and the other part may house a display for the phone. The two parts may be folded over when the 20 phone is not in use or on standby. Typically the two parts of such a handset may completely cover the functional surfaces of' the handset, that is the user display and the keypad, when closed. Such handsets may be described as 'clamshell' handsets.

A particular advantage of such handsets is that when the handset is 25 closed, it is physically much smaller and therefore less bulky to carry.

A disadvantage with such an apparatus is that the large display is not useable when the phone is closed, the display being an expensive component of the phone. The user may wish to see the user display when the device is in its closed position, for example if the device is remaining

( on standby. However in order to enable the display to be visible, it would not be possible to fold the phone closed to such a small size.

A solution has been proposed for this problem by providing a handset with two displays. A normal display is provided for when the handset is open. A 5 second display is provided for when the handset is closed, and the first display is not accessible. Due to structural constraints, the second display is usually smaller than the first. Typically, the two displays may be provided on opposite sides of the folding or closing part of the handset.

A disadvantage with such a solution is that the provision of a second 10 display increases the material costs of the handset. In addition the provision of twin displays requires technical development resources.

Furthermore, the use of a more complex design may lead to increased reliability problems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus IS which addresses one or more of the above-stated problems.

Summarv of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic communication apparatus including a user-interface having two active modes of operation, the apparatus including: first and second 20 members each having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the user interface being provided at the first surface of the first member; and connecting means for movably connecting the first and second members such that in a first active mode of operation of the user-interface the first and second members are positioned apart in an open position, and in a 25 second active mode of operation of the user-interface the first and second members are positioned together in a first closed position such that the second surface of the first member is closed toward one surface of the other member.

Preferably, in a third mode of operation of the user-interface the first and 30 second interfaces are positioned together in a second closed position such

( that the first surface of the first member is closed toward one surface of I the other member such that the user interface is inaccessible. In the third mode of operation of the user-interface is preferably inactive.

The user-interface is preferably a display. The apparatus is preferably 5 provided with a single display. As such, a single display is used with the apparatus in the open configuration and in the first closed configuration.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a portable electronic communication apparatus including first and second members each having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a user interface 1() being provided at the first surface of the first member; and connecting means for movably connecting the first and second members such that in a first closed position the first surface of the first member is closed toward a surface of the second member, and in a closed position the second surface of the first member is closed toward a surface of the second member.

15 In a still further aspect, the present invention pr ovides a portable electronic communication apparatus including: first and second members each having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a first user interface being provided at the first surface of the first member and a second user interface being provided at the first surface of the first or 20 second member; and connecting means for movably connecting the first and second members such that in a first closed position the second surfaces of the members are closed toward each other.

Thus, the invention provided for a handset in which the user display is provided on the outside when the handset is folded. One display can thus 25 be utilised in both folded and unfolded configurations. The cost of material and technical development resources can thus be eliminated As there are less components to fail, reliability is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is described herein by way of reference to the examples 30 shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

( Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary communication device in accordance with the present invention in an example normal mode of operation; Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary communication device in accordance with the present invention in an example switch-off mode of operation; 5 Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary communication device in accordance with the present invention in an example standby mode of operation; and Figure 4 illustrates the movements of an exemplary mobile device between various open and closed positions.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

lO The invention is described herein by way of reference to a particular non limiting example. The invention is not, however, limited to such an example.

In particular the invention is described herein by way of reference to an example of a mobile telephone handset. The invention may be equally 15 applied, however, to other communication devices, such as a personal data assistant (PDA).

Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an exemplary mobile telephone handset in which the present invention may be advantageously utilised, generally designated by reference numeral 2.

20 The exemplary handset is comprised of two members, generally designated by reference numerals 6 and 8. In the described embodiment, each member 6 and 8 comprises a housing for electronic circuitry.

The member 8 comprises a housing for the user input of the device, specifically the keypad generally designated by reference numeral 14. The 25 keypad 14 includes a set of keys, such as key 16. The keypad 14 is used by the user to input information, as is well-known in the art. The keypad 14 is provided at a first surface 22 of the member 8.

The member 6 comprises a housing for the user display, specifically the LCD (liquid crystal display) generally designated by reference numeral 18.

( The display 18 is used to display information to the user, as is wellknown j in the art. The display is provided at a first surface 20 of the member 6.

Each of the housings 6 and 8 may contain electronics for the operation of the handset 2. Such electronics is outside the scope of the present 5 invention. l The member 6 is provided with a hinge element 10, and the member 8 provided with a corresponding hinge element 12. The hinge elements 10 and 12 are joined by a connecting means 4, such that each of the members 6 and 8 is rotateable. The axis generally designated in Figure l by lO reference numeral 28 represents, in general, a nominal axis about which the members 6 and 8 rotate. A specific implementation of the connection of the members 6 and 8 is described further herein below with reference to Figure 4. In general, the members 6 and 8 are considered to be movably connected. 15 As shown in Figure 1, each of the first surfaces 20 and 22 of the first and second members 6,X is provided with a user interface. Each of the first and second members additionally has a respective second surface 24 and 26, the second surface of each member 6,8 being opposite the respective first surface. The first and second surfaces are generally rectangular, and are 20 the dominant surfaces of the members 6,8.

In Figure 1, the handset is shown in the 'open' position, with the first and second members 6,8 rotated about the general axis 28 in opposite directions such that they generally extend away from each other. Although in Figure 1 it is shown that surfaces of the two members 6,8 appear to be 25 generally in the same plane, forming an angle of 180 , in practice the members may be positioned to such that there is an angle of less than 180'3 there between.

The 'open' position of Figure 1 corresponds to that known in the art for fold-over' handsets. In the position of Figure 1, the handset is ready for 30 use, with both the keypad and the display being accessible to the user. It

should be noted that preferably each one of the members 6,8 respectively I houses the microphone and speaker for the handset, at distant ends from the connecting means 4. Thus, for example, the earpiece for the handset may be provided at the first surface of the member 6, at the end distant 5 from the connecting means A, and the microphone of the handset may be provided at the first surface of the member 8, at the end distant from the connecting means 4.

In Figure 1, the two members 6 and 8 are shown to be of substantially similar size and shape. The invention, however, is not limited to such an l O arrangement. The invention applies to any arrangement where two members are arranged to 'fold' with respect to each other, regardless of the relative size or shape of the members.

Figure 1 also shows that one member houses the keypad and the other the display. The invention is not limited to such an arrangement. The 15 invention may equally apply, for example, to a scenario where the keypad 14 and the display 18 are both provided at the first surface 22 of the housing 6, and the housing 8 is simply a flip-cover.

However the invention is advantageously applicable to arrangements where the display 18 would ordinarily be covered in the 'closed' position, 2(:) and Figure 1 represents a typical construction of such an arrangement.

With the mobile phone apparatus arranged in the configuration of Figure 1, the phone is usually in an active mode of operation, with the phone being available for making and receiving calls, for example. The display 18 is in an active mode of operation. The display displays information such as US incoming call number, number dialled, network status etc. Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated the handset 2 of Figure 1 in a first closed position. In the first closed position, the first and second members are closed toward each other such that the respective first surfaces close toward each other. Thus, referring to Figure 1, the members 30 6, 8 are closed in the direction indicated in Figure 1 by arrow 30.

As a result, the first surfaces 20 and 22 face each other. As shown in Figure 2, there is preferably a gap 36 will depend upon the manufacturing precision of the handset, and particularly the connecting means 4 and cooperating hinge elements 10, 12. Ideally, there will be no gap. Each of 5 the surfaces 20 and 22 may be provided with a lip around the surface thereof, which lips may engage when the first surfaces are brought together. The display 18 and keypad 14 may be recessed in the respective members 6,8, such that the surfaces close together when they are brought together. lO In the closed position as shown in Figure 2, neither the display nor the keypad of the handset is accessible. Whilst the phone may be adapted to be on standby in such a closed position, the user would not, for example, be able to see the display to identify an incoming call. In most handset designs, opening the handset would automatically answer the call.

15 The closed position of Figure 2 may also represent the phone being switched off and non-operational. Thus in the configuration of Figure 2 the phone apparatus may be switched off and inactive. As the display 18 is not visible or accessible, then it is preferably in an inactive, or switched-

off, state.

20 Thus, as shown in I'igurc 2, the handset is designed to fold along the axis 28 to reduce its dimensions when not in active use. The axis 28 forms a centre-line in the example shown. However it is not required that the fold be along a centre-line.

The arrangement of Figure 2 represents a conventional arrangement for 25 'folding-over' a mobile telephone handset, and such arrangements are known in the art.

Referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated the handset 2 of Figure 1 in a second closed position, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the second closed position, the first and second 30 members are closed toward each other such that the respective second

( surfaces close toward each other. Thus, referring to Figure 1, the members 6, 8 are closed in the direction indicated in Figure 1 by arrow 34.

As a result, the second surfaces 24 and 26 face each other. As shown in Figure 3, there is a gap 38 which depends upon the manufacturing 5 precision of the handset. As discussed above with reference to gap 36, ideally, there will be no gap. Each of the surfaces 24 and 2; may be provided with a lip around the surface thereof; which lips may engage when the first surfaces are brought together. The surfaces may simply close together when they are brought together.

10 In the second closed position as shown in Figure 3, the display 18 at the first surface 20 of the member 6 is accessible to the user. As such, the display 18 is available for use by the user. With the phone apparatus configured in the second closed position as shown in Figure 3, the display 18 has a second mode of active operation. In this mode, the display may l 5 display information associated with a standby state of the phone. In addition, although not shown in Figure 3, the keypad 14 at the first surface of the member 8 is accessible to the user.

The handset may be adapted to be on standby in such a closed position, and the user would, for example, be able to see the display to identify an 20 incoming call.

The second closed position of Figure 3 may also represent the phone being switched off, and non-operational.

Thus, as shown in Figures, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention the handset is further adapted to fold such that 25 the display is on the outside when folded.

The provision of a handset adapted as illustrated in Figure 3 has a number of advantages. The display size is maximised, since the display when the handset is in the second closed position is the same display as in the open position. The use of a single display reduces the number of 30 components in the handset, and hence the volume and mass of the

( handset. The minimising of materials provides for environmental savings.

The provision of the second closed position also offers an elegant functional design, with the option to change the appearance of the phone in standby or switch-off mode between the first or second closed positions.

5 Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus having at least the two conf'igur ations generally illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, with a user interface, preferably a display, for use in a first, closed, configuration of the apparatus and in a second, open, configuration of the apparatus. As such the user interface has two active modes of operation.

10 In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the handset is further adapted to provide both the first and second closed positions. As I such, the apparatus has a third, closed, configuration in which the user interface s not provided for use. As such the user interface has a further inactive mode of operation.

15 Thus, advantageously, when the access to the display is not needed, whether in standby mode, switched off mode or <-otherwise, the handset can be placed in the first closed position to protect the display from damage.

Similarly, the keypad can be protected from exposure.

Thus the user can, f'or example, choose between a normal operating mode 20 with the handset in the open position, a closed position offering access to the display, and a closed position providing protection to the display and any surface components.

However, the invention is not limited to the handset being adapted to provide the first and second closed positions. The invention may 25 advantageously be utilized by just providing the closed position in which the user interface is accessible.

As discussed hereinabove, the apparatus adapted in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention has several possible modes, depending on its configuration, i.e. whether it is open, closed with the 30 display accessible, or closed with the display inaccessible. In each of the

( closed configurations of the handset, a range of possible operational modes may exist. T-lowever where the handset is in the closed position, with the display inaccessible, the user will not be able to see what the current mode of operation of the handset is.

5 In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the pr esent invention, a user may determine a preferred configuration for the handset for each closed configuration, which configuration is automatically selected when the handset is placed in the respective closed configuration.

As such, in this embodiment the handset can automatically detect whether 10 it is open, closed in the first position (folded inwards) or closed in the I second position (folded outwards). Responsive to detecting such state, the handset automatically enters a predetermined operating state. Whilst the operating states are preferably chosen by the user, they may be permanently set by the manufacturer, or set to an initial default by the 1 5 manufacturer.

An example of the various operating states is given hereafter. In the open position, the handset is fully available to make or answer a call. In the second closed position (folded outwards) the display is visible, and the phone is in standby awaiting incoming calls. The display may additionally 20 be sued in the normal way to identify incoming calls, and use passive features of the phone such as the clock. The keypad is preferably deactivated, to prevent accidental activation. In the first closed position, the handset is switched off, and the display and all surface components are protected.

25 Referring to Figure 4, an example implementation of the connecting means for connecting the members 6,8 is given. Referring to Figure 4, each of the members 6,8 is provided at one end thereof with a pivoting means 50,52 respectively. The pivoting means 50,52 are preferably pins. Each of the pins 50 and 52 are connected at distal ends thereof to the connecting 30 means 4. In this embodiment, the connecting means 4 comprises two

( parts, each comprising a flat portion for connecting the ends of the pivoting means at the same sides of the members 6,8, and preferably further interconnected by rigid means (not shown).

The specific implementation of the means for connecting the two members 5 6,8 is outside the scope of the present invention. The skilled person will appreciate various means for implementing such a connection. The arrangement of Figure is an exemplary arrangement merely for illustrative purposes.

It is envisaged that alternative means for interconnecting the members 6, 8 may be provided. For example one or other of the members may be individually rotatable, such that with the apparatus in the open position one member is swivelled round such that either surface of that member may be closed against one surface of the other member.

Figure 4(a) shows the apparatus in an open configuration, with the user 15 interface, such as display 18, in a first active mode of operation. Figure 4(c) shows the apparatus in a first closed configuration, with the user interface, such as display 18, in a second active mode of operation. Figure 4(b) shows the apparatus in a second closed configuration, with the user interface, such as display 18, in an inactive mode of operation.

20 The invention has been described herein by way of reference to particular examples. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention need not be limited to such examples. Various modifications and adaptations to the described examples, without departing from the principles of the present invention, will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A portable electronic communication apparatus including a user interface having two active modes of operation, the apparatus including: first and second members each having a first surface and an S opposite second surface, the user interface being provided at the first surface of the first member; and connecting means for movably connecting the first and second members such that in a first active mode of operation of the user-interface the first and second members are positioned apart in an open position, and in a second active mode of 10 operation of the userinterface the first and second members are positioned together in a first closed position such that the second surface of the first member is closed toward one surface of the other member.

2. A portable electronic communication apparatus according to claim 1 15 wherein in a third mode of operation of the user-interface the first and second interfaces are positioned together in a second closed position such that the first surface of the first member is closed toward one surface of the other member such that the user interface is inaccessible. 20

3. A portable electronic communication device according to claim 1 wherein in the third mode of operation of the user-interface is inactive.

4. A portable electronic communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the user-interface is a display.

5. A portable electronic communication device according to claim 1 25 wherein the apparatus is provided with a single display.

6. A portable electronic. communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein there is provided a further user interface at the first surface of the second member.

7. A portable electronic communication apparatus according to claim 6 30 wherein the further user-interface is a keypad.

(

S. A portable electronic communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the connecting means rotatably connects the first and second members.

9. A portable electronic communication apparatus according to claim 8 5 wherein each of the first and second members is provided with a pivoting means at one end thereof, the connecting means being adapted to connect said pivoting means.

10.A portable electronic communication device according to claim 9 wherein said pivoting means is a pin.

10

11.A portable electronic communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the first and second surfaces of the first and second members are generally rectangular.

12.A portable electronic communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the first and second members comprise first and 15 second housings.

13. A portable electronic communication device according to claim 12 wherein the first and second housings house electronic circuitry.

14.A portable electronic communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the configuration of the apparatus determines a 2() mode of operation of the apparatus.

15.A portable electronic communication apparatus according to claim 14 wherein with the first and second members in the open position or in the first closed position the apparatus is switched on.

16.A portable electronic communication apparatus according to claim 15 25 wherein with the first and second members in the open position the apparatus is fully operational.

17.A portable electronic communication apparatus according to claim 16 wherein with the first and second members in the first closed position the apparatus is on standby.

18.A portable electronic communication according to any on of claims 15 to 17 wherein the display is active to display the status or operation of the apparatus.

l9.A portable electronic communication apparatus according to claim 14 5 when dependent on any one of claims 2 to 13 wherein with the first and second members in the second closed position the apparatus is switched off.

20.A portable electronic communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the apparatus is a mobile telephone.

10

21.A portable electronic communication apparatus including first and I second members each having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a user interface being provided at the first surface of the first member; and connecting means for movably connecting the first and second members such that in a first closed position the first surface of 15 the first member is closed toward a surface of the second member, and in a closed position the second surface of the first member is closed toward a surface of the second member.

22. A portable electronic communication apparatus including: first and second members each having a first surface and an opposite second 20 surface, a first user interface being provided at the first surface of the first member and a second user interface being provided at the first surface of the first or second member; and connecting means for movably connecting the first and second members such that in a first closed position the second surfaces of the members are closed toward 25 each other.

23.An electronic device substantially as described herein.

24.An electronic device substantially as described herein with reference to or as shown in any one of the accompanying Figures.