GB2434274A

GB2434274A - Portable device with operating mode dependent upon form-factor

Info

Publication number: GB2434274A
Application number: GB0526495A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tim Bass
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2005-12-29
Filing date: 2005-12-29
Publication date: 2007-07-18
Also published as: GB0526495D0

Abstract

A portable device incorporates body parts with at least a display 105 and a keypad 200 mechanically articulated such that by means of translational 115 and rotational 110 motions of the constituent components of the device with respect to each other, the form-factor of the device may be changed, each form-factor corresponding to a specific mode of operation of the device. The device may switch modes by detecting the relative positions of its body parts. The device may be a wireless communication device such as a mobile telephone and may incorporate a camera in a rotatable mounting. It may also have orientation sensors to detect tilt of the device and may be able to receive connections from external devices and adjust its mode of operation accordingly.

Description

HAND-PORTABLE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hand-portable device and the operation thereof. The invention is applicable to, but not limited to, improving a performance and usability of a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone.

Background of the Invention

Complex portable electronic devices, such as wireless communication devices, have evolved to a point at which they are capable of performing a wide variety of useful functions, above and beyond that of simple voice communication. A wide variety of devices are available on the market today each of which performs a limited range of functions and is optimised for those functions.

A good example is the jPODTM from Apple ComputersTM for example, which is first and foremost a music player with additional, yet limited, display functionality.

The integration of multiple functions within a single device requires that the device be optimised for many different modes of operation. This presents the device designer with a number of problems, not least the issue of incorporating all of the user interfaces required by these functions, and of doing so in an ergonomically_

acceptable manner.

A number of base-types of mobile communication devices are available on the market, such as the candy-bar phone, exemplified by the Nokia 3300 series, in which the phone's display is located above the phone's standard T9 keypad. The keypad provides a number of keys, such as 0- 9, 4, * and a few menu scrolling keys.

Further, clam-type portable phones exist, such as the Motorola flip phone. For normal phone use, it is preferred that there is sufficient distance between a microphone and a speaker in a mobile phone to enable the microphone to be substantially located adjacent a user's mouth and the speaker(s) to be located substantially adjacent a user's ear. The flip-phone or clam-shell' concept allows this mode of operation. In this manner, less background noise enters the microphone and less background noise is heard by the user, i.e. for the same speaker output level, a higher proportion of enunciated sound is heard in the user's ear due to the vicinity of the speaker. Again, the phone's display is located above the phones keypad, which is a standard T9 keypad providing a number of keys, such as 0-9, #, * and a number of menu scrolling keys.

Dual-function portable phones also exist, such as the 6800 telephone from Nokia. In a first mode of operation, the Nokia 6800 phone operates as a standard candy-bar' phone, where the phone's display is located above the phone's keypad, which is a standard T9 keypad providing a number of keys, such as 0-9, #, * and a number of menu scrolling keys. In a second mode of operation, the phone operates with a qwerty' keyboard, which is enabled by flipping over the keypad portion to reveal two distinct and separated keyboard parts. This product is advertised as a 2-in-i product that offers easier text input and quick access to text-based applications.

The Samsung E800 incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows a candy-bar type phone with standard display with a T9 type keypad to be extended in length, thereby revealing a secondary keypad. The phone display and T9 keypad slide with the top section of the phone.

These systems have clear disadvantages inasmuch as the standard configuration remains in both cases. A candy-bar type phone with combined T9-type keypad and display, results in a limited data input mechanism and small display. In the "extended" or "opened" state, both phones provide only the added benefit of better acoustic reception, i.e. a standard "phone" feature. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism of the clam-type phone is known to be a mechanically weak point, making it difficult for such a design to satisfy the stringent mobile phone drop-test' requirements.

Thus, a need exists for a multi-function hand portable device, such as a wireless communication device with ergonomics optimised for multiple uses, which is at the same time capable of alleviating at least one ore more of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior-art.

Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hand-portable device, as claimed in Claim 1.

Further aspects and advantageous features of the present invention are as described in the appended Claims.

A hand-portable communication device according to the teachings of the current invention is described, incorporating at least a display function, a keypad function and a programmable digital controller function, the device being mechanically articulated such that by means of translational and rotational motions, the arrangement of the constituent components of the device with respect to each other, the form-factor of the device, may be changed, each arrangement or form-factor corresponding to a specific mode of operation of the device. In this way, it is possible to incorporate multiple disparate functions within one physical device, to optimise the form factor of the device for each of these functions and still retain a compact and ergonomic design.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the mode of operation of the device is automatically activated and initialised according to the current form factor of the device. Thus, once the user has selected the desired form-factor, the phone will detect the probable required operating mode and adjust its interfaces accordingly. For example, the phone will configure itself to operate in a standard telephone mode when a "flipped" or open "clam-shell" form-factor has been selected.

A hand-portable, preferably wireless communication, device according to the teachings of the present invention is advantageously constructed from two sections, the sections being connected by means of a hinge mechanism capable of translational and rotational motion. Furthermore, the two sections are electrically connected such that control and information signals may be passed between them. A two-section device, such as that herein described, offers maximum flexibility for minimum complexity. A first section houses, at a minimum, the keypad function, while the second section houses the display and/or other data entry mechanisms.

The provision of electrical connectivity between the sections via flexible PCB, wire or wireless means, allows the device to be reconfigured mechanically and yet to remain fully operational at all times.

In a yet further advantageous embodiment, the first and/or second section of the device incorporates a camera function, where the lens of the camera is mounted within a rotatable or otherwise movable mount. This innovative feature allows the camera to be swivelled or otherwise positioned independent of the position of the body of the phone. Thus, the phone can remain stationary, sitting on a table for example, while the camera is moved to select specific objects as required. This feature can be used to great effect in a video-conferencing setting for

example.

The ability to connect external devices via electrical interfaces integrated into a device is yet a further advantageous characteristic of the present invention. it is thus possible to further extend the functionality of the device without compromising its ergonomics. it would thus be possible to attach a pair of speakers in order to improve the music reproduction capabilities of the device. In a further advantageous embodiment, the firmware of the device is configured such that particular form-factors or physical configurations of the device are associated with specific operating modes. The operating mode of the device is automatically selected to correspond to the current mechanical configuration or form-factor. Thus, the user need not waste time selecting specific modes of operation, as the device is capable of self-initialisjng.

In a yet further advantageous embodiment, the digital controller function of a device according to the teachings of the present invention is capable of detecting the presence of, and preferably identifying the type of external device, or peripheral, connected via its electrical interfaces. The digital-controller function then adjusts the mode of operation of the wireless communication device dependent upon the form-factor and the connected peripherals.

In order to allow the accurate sensing and detection of actual form-factor, and/or required operating mode, a device according to the current invention incorporates further sensor and detector means, said means being interfaced to the digital controller function for the purpose of sensing/detecting the relative positions and/or orientation of the two sections of the device. In a further advantageous embodiment, the device incorporates sensors that allow its absolute orientation to be ascertained by the digital controller. Thus, it is possible, by analysis of the state of the various sensors and detectors integrated into the device, to further improve the accuracy of the process by which the active mode of operation is selected.

A device according to the teachings of the current invention can, advantageously, support at least the following modes of operation: i. Candy-bar hand held; ii. Desk-top; iii. Flip hand held; iv. Flip desk-top; v. Modes (i)-(iv) with activated touch screen functionality.

vi. Modes (i)-(iv) with activated camera functionality.

vii. Modes (i)-(iv) with activated camera and touch screen functionality.

Thus all major types of phone and PDA can be emulated both physically, by adjustment of the form-factor, and in firmware, by automatic or manual selection of the appropriate mode of operation.

The teachings of the current invention are advantageously embodied in a portable electronic device with at least one display, one user data entry mechanism such as a keypad and a digital controller function. The device, constructed of two parts connected by a novel hinge mechanism, allows a wide range of operating modes due to its inventive mechanical construction and the interaction between mechanical structure and firmware.

Advantageously, the teachings of the current invention can be used to significantly increase the flexibility and utility of a wireless communication device, while at the same time optimising its overall form-factor.

In this manner, the aforementioned limitations associated with sliding mechanisms and flip-type mechanisms are resolved. This has been achieved by the innovative integration of a translational/rotational hinge and a range of sensors/detectors within a wireless communications device, the resulting novel device being a compact and innovative synthesis of multiple devices, functions and form-factors.

The teachings of the current invention are applicable to any portable electronic communication device that includes a data entry mechanism such as a keypad and a display, and which is required to perform multiple functions, such as those of a telephone and a PDA.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1. illustrates a wireless communication device adapted in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention in closed mode; FIG. 2 illustrates a wireless communication device adapted in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention in candy-bar mode; FIG. 3 illustrates a wireless communication device adapted in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention in touch-screen mode; FIG. 4 illustrates a wireless communication device adapted in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention in desk-top mode; FIG. 5 illustrates a wireless communication device adapted in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention in flip-phone mode;

Description of Preferred Embodiments

The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in terms of a mobile telephone. However, it will be appreciated that the inventive concept is not limited to a mobile phone and may be embodied in any other type of portable electronic device such as a PDA, calculator, pocket PC, etc. FIG. 1 shows a mobile phone 150 according to the teachings of the current invention, the phone being configured in a closed' candy-bar' mode with a small display 115 visible on the outer upper surface 105 of the device. This is the smallest or minimum form-factor offered by the device and when in this configuration, and switched on, the device is in general in stand-by mode.

In this mode the device 150 may ring to alert the user of an incoming call, and may further display any incoming short messaging service messages (SMSs), or the telephone number of the caller on the small display 115.

This is thus the default or start-up arrangement for the device 150. It is possible to activate other operating modes within this form-factor, such as for example an MP3TMp layer or radio, as these modes do not in general require a large display area 120 or a keypad data-input device. In this minimum configuration or form-factor, -10 -the telephony function of the device may, by default, be de-actjvated, as may the camera function, 140.

Referring now to the arrangement of the device shown in FIG. 5, which is that of a typical flip-phone. This geometry is optimised for telephony and for data entry via the keypad 200. In order to transition to this form factor from the closed position of FIG. 1, it is necessary only to rotate the top section 105 of the phone with respect to the bottom section 100 around the rotational hinge 110. One or more rotation sensors within the hinge, whose signal output(s) are detected by the digital controller function (not shown), detect the rotation of the top section 105. The digital controller function then selects the correct or most likely operating mode for this form factor. The user may wish to override the default selections of the device 150, and configure his/her particular combinations of operating-mode/form-factor. In this case the operating mode is typically that of a flip-phone, with the large display showing a default screen of perhaps an address or telephone book. The phone is therefore configured in "telephony" mode with the microphone and speaker activated.

Further rotation of the top section 105 results in the candy-bar telephone mode of FIG. 2. The digital controller, as before, detects this mode by sensing the state of various position and rotation sensors within the body of the phone 150 and preferably initialises the device accordingly. In this mode the device may be used for telephony, or may be used in a first configuration of desk-top mode as a PDA. A second configuration of desk top mode is illustrated in FIG. 4. The touch screen -11 -function is thus now active, as is the keypad and any PDA software functionality of the device such as planners or calendars. The locking mechanisms integrated into the hinge/slider 115, 125 hold the device 150 in this position to provide rigidity in the case where the device is being used as a hand-held and not a desk-top device.

It is envisioned that the hinge 125 may, for example, slide on guides across the housing section 100, such that the hinge 125 opens along an axis transverse to the slide guides. The guides may be implemented using projecting rails positioned at 115, or alternatively, slots positioned at 115. Additionally, signalling between the sections 100 and 105 can be effected using an electrical connector, such as a flex strip, or an optical coupling implemented with emitters and detectors (not shown) in each housing section.

FIG. 2 shows an external hardware function/peripheral device 205 connected via an electrical interface 210 of the device 150 via a cable 215. The cable may be replaced by a wireless connection such as Blue_toothlM, but the result is the same, i.e. the addition of further functionality to the device 150. The external device 205 may be a microphone, a camera or other I/O device, the connection of which is detected by the digital controller function of the device 150, and causes the functionality of the device 150 to be adjusted accordingly. it envisaged that a firmware driver may be loaded/downloaded and/or that further software modules may be activated to support the operation of the operation of the external device 205.

-12 -Starting from the configuration of FIG. 2, the configuration of FIG.3 is achieved most easily by sliding the top section of the device along the lower section until the top section 105 lies substantially on top of the bottom section 100. In this configuration the large display 120 is prominent and the device is probably being used as a second configuration of a desk-top or hand-held FDA.

Notably, in the second configuration of the desk top, an acute angle exists between the two sections of the device. Advantageously, this provides a more rigid structure. Furthermore, if the large display is configured as a touch-sensitive screen, easier data entry is facilitated at an angle more suitable to a user.

It may be that the camera function is activated in this mode, this being preferably linked to the state of a further mechanical device such as a lens cover for example. In camera' mode the image displayed on the display 120 will be whatever the real-time camera image happens to be. The device 150 may also be provided with multiple cameras or optical inputs 140, 220 to provide maximum flexibility. In PDA mode, the touch screen will be activated and a mechanical locking device, integrated into the slider mechanism 115, 125 and/or the body of the device 100, 105, will lock the two sections together thus providing stability.

FIG. 4 shows the device 150 in this second configuration of a desk-top mode. Starting from the form-factor of FIG. 3 this position can be reached by rotating 130 the top section 105 of the device away from the bottom section 100. It can also be reached starting from the form- -13 -factor of FIG. 5 by sliding 135 the top section 105 along the full length of the bottom section 100. The user can then rotate 130 the top section 105 to achieve the best viewing angle for the display 120.

In the mode of FIG. 4 the device is probably acting as a PDA with a touch screen. A mechanical locking device, incorporated into the rotational hinge 110, allows the hinge to be locked in position, thus allowing pressure to be applied to the display 120 without causing further rotation of the hinge 110. In this mode the user preferably uses a plastic input device (or other suitable implement) such as a pen' to write on the screen or select items from a menu. This mode is also suitable for video conferencing or video telephony, with the user's image being detected by an integrated camera 140,220 or an external device 205, and transmitted wirelessly. The display 120 would then display the picture of the user's interlocutor. This form-factor provides hands-free operation, thus allowing the user to hold a telephone conversation (video conference) while using, say, a keyboard to make notes on a PC, or to write or perform some other activity. The user may of course override the default operating mode of the device and select any of the available modes at any time.

The device 150 is thus a Multi-orientation/multi_function device which comprises the following primary operational modes: (i) Phone, operating as a flip-type phone, primarily for audio communication. In this mode, the phone ensures that the required length/distance between microphone and speakers is maintained in order to provide -14 better acoustics, thereby picking up speech via the microphone and better enunciating the speech via a speaker into a user's ear. This configuration also

reduces the effect of background noise.

(ii) Phone operates as a desk-top device as shown in FIG's 4 and 5. In this mode, the display portion 120, which projects away from the surface (desk) at say 45 degrees, as shown in FIG. 4, may be configured as a touch screen. This configuration facilitates better gaming applications, for example. Alternatively, a pen-based application can be used in this mode, whereby character recognition is employed when a user writes on a suitable user interface projecting away from the supporting surface. This mode is particularly beneficial when an application requires stability and/or ease of viewing.

(iii) Phone operates in a candy-bar' configuration as shown in FIG. 2, for ease of storage and/or ease of text-input.

The above modes of operation are primarily provided by a sliding/rotating mechanism that enables a combination of flip and sliding movements to re-configure the orientation of the device. The multiple orientations of the mobile phone support respectively voice communication, hands-free voice communication, desk-top use, gaming or touch-sensitive screen applications.

A preferred feature of the phone is to provide a rotatable camera 140, 220 in the main body 100, 105, of the phone that rotates so as to be perpendicular to the plane of the portable phone when configured as a candy-bar' phone. The rotatable camera may be configured in -15 -the portion of the phone that protrudes from the desk in a desk-top mode of FIG. 4, so that the camera can be aligned to the user. In a flip-type operation of FIG. 5, when the phone is primarily used for audio communication, the camera is disabled. For camera use when a user is nervous or unsteady (due to say age) the desk-top option for the camera to rotate to view a speaker is particularly advantageous.

Notably, the flip operation enables two distinct display functions 120, 115 to be employed, one on either side of the see-through display while the sliding mechanism 115, allows the phone to flip 130 at either end of the main body.

Thus, a hand-portable, preferably wireless communication device has been described that supports multiple modes of operation and allows its form factor to be optimised for each of these modes, where the aforementioned disadvantages with prior art arrangements have been substantially alleviated.

Claims

-16 -Claims 1. Hand-portable device (150) incorporating at least a

display function (120) a keypad function (200) and a programmable digital controller function, characterised in that, the device (150) is mechanically articulated such that by means of translational (135) and rotational (130) motions of the constituent components of the device with respect to each other, the form-factor of the device may be changed, respective form-factors corresponding to a specific mode of operation of the device.

2. Device (150) according to Claim 1 further characterised in that, the operating mode of the device is automatically activated and initialised according to the current form factor of a device.

3. Device (150) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 further characterised in that, the device (150) is constructed from at least two sections (100, 105), the at least two sections being connected by means of a hinge mechanism (125) capable of translational (135) and rotational (130) motion, said sections being electrically connected such that control and information signals are passed there between.

4. Device (150) according to Claim 3 further characterised in that a first section of the device (100) incorporates at least the keypad function (200) while a second section (105) of the device incorporates at least the display (120) function.

- VLiII -17 - 5. Device (150) according to Claim 4 further characterjsed in that, a first (100) and/or second (105) section of the device (150) incorporates a camera function (140, 220), the lens of the camera (140,220) being mounted within a rotatable or otherwise movable mount.

6. Device (150) according to any of the previous Claims further characterised in that said device (150) incorporates electrical interface (210) that allows a connection of an external hardware device (205) 7. Device (150) according to Claim 6 further characterised in that the digital controller function is capable of detecting a presence of, and/or identifying a type of, external device (205) connected via said interfaces (210), and of adjusting a mode of operation of the hand portable device (150) accordingly.

8. Device (150) according to any of the previous Claims further characterjsed in that, said device (150) incorporates sensor and detector function, said function being interfaced to the digital controller function for the purpose of sensing and/or detecting a relative position of the two sections (100, 105) of the device.

9. Device (150) according to any of the previous Claims further characterised in that the device incorporates one or more orientation sensor(s), said one or more sensor(s) being interfaced to the digital controller function, and arranged to sense on orientation of the device (150) -18 - 10. Device (150) according to Claim 9 further characterised in that, the digital controller selects an operating mode of the device (150) according to a state of one or more sensor(s) and/or detector(s) 11. Device (150) according to any of the previous Claims further characterised in that, a plurality of the following modes of operation are supported: i. Candy-bar hand held mobile phone; ii. Desk-top; iii. Flip hand held; iv. Flip desk-top; v. Modes (i)-(iv) with activated touch-screen function.

vi. Modes (i)-(iv) with activated camera function.

vii. Modes (i)-(iv) with activated camera and touch screen function.

12. Device (150) according to any of the previous Claims further characterjsed in that it is a wireless communication device.

13. A wireless communications device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated by, one or more of FIG.1 to FIG.5 of the accompanying drawings.