GB2435988A

GB2435988A - Rotating bezel / dial input system for telephone handsets

Info

Publication number: GB2435988A
Application number: GB0604861A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gareth Evans
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-10
Filing date: 2006-03-10
Publication date: 2007-09-12
Also published as: GB0604861D0

Abstract

Invention GE040306 entitled the ROTA REVOLUTION is a mobile phone and/or landline telephone communications device incorporating a single handed thumb operated rotating bezel/dial input system. A unique feature of this device is the complete lack of a now traditional telephone number pad. To compensate for this an on screen selection display and an active display zone is compartmentalised on the LCD screen in a small, modern, stylish and compact design. The handset can be of the fixed LCD screen variety or a flip-top or half flip-top design. With the flip-top or half flip-top handset, the opening mechanism (and the 'power on' function) can be controlled by pressing the lid or the rotating bezel/dial which will release the lid in a controlled damped motion and the bezel/dial can rise slightly proud of the surface with a separate damped motion.

Description

Mobile telephone and landline (including cordless) telephone handsets

incorporating a one handed thumb operated rotating bezel/dial input system.

DESCRIPTiON

Communication device incorporating a one handed thumb operated rotating bezel/dial input system. This UK application will he followed by an international patent application as advised by the UK patent office.

FIELD OF TUE INVENTION

This invention uses the latest mobile and telephone technology and eliminates the need for the traditional numbered keypad and replaces it with a one handed thumb operated rotating bezel/dial selection device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Telephone handsets and mobile phones have become increasingly complex yet have retained a mechanical number pad with (two handed) index finger operation or the increasingly popular (one handed) thumb operation which seems to have evolved partly from the use of computer games controllers and quicker/'cooler' texting. The larger screened hand held computers require the use of a pen' and therefore two hands for function selection.

DETAIL OF INVENTION

My invention makes use of the naturally rotating human thumb joint to scan and select different mobile and telephone functions as they appear on the LCD screen. The absence of a number pad allows for a slightly larger differentially zoned LCD screen and smaller handsets with a choice oI'Iixed screen, flip top and half flip top designs. The LCD screen will require zones for differential functions including mode selection banks. Modes can be highlighted on this part of the [Cl) screen for call number selection, text letter groupings, phone book memorized numbers, etc. The rotating plane can be used to scroll through options which can then be selected into the active LCD screen zone. Once a number, text sentence, memorized number. etc has been entered it can then be confirmed/activated and the selected number called or the chosen text sent.

Flip top designs could feature a non slip rubberized coating, a damped flip' motion triggered by pressing the rotating bezel/dial which could also smoothly rise proud of the surface and supply the on/off function. The rotating bezel/dial can have an amplified range of motion similar to a laptop computer button mouse controller' and/or a constantly rotating function similar to modern stereo/car stereo volume/tuning selection knobs. My invention represents a combination of the latest mobile and telephone technology and functions with a cost effective and user friendly handset. The title for my invention is the ROTA REVOLUTION mobile phone/landline telephone.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. I is a representation of' a landline telephone or fixed screen mobile phone with the single handed thumb operated rotating bezel/dial. Other peripheral huttons' can satisfy stand alone Functions such as power on. call end, operational modes/categories, camera operation. etc. Fig. 2 represents a handset with a multi functional rotating and tilting bezel/dial with additional function selection in the vertical plane.

Fig. 3 shows a variation of a single handed hip top mobile phone with a press to click open and power on synchronized and damped action.

Fig. 4 represents a half'hiip top phone as per fig. 3 with a multi function damped rising bezel/dial and a neat hush hitting design in the closed position.

Claims

CLAIMS: I. An electronic telecommunications device comprising a

revolutionary mechanical input system which is completely devoid of the conventional and universally acknowledged numbered and lettered keypad.

2. l'he input system fir the electronic device as in claim I is designed fir one handed operation arid incorporates all current functions of the latest mobile telephone and landline (including cordless) telephone systems. Size is similar to current models on the market with potential to minimise further within functional limitations of current technology and the dexterity of the human hand, due to the absence of a numbered keypad and the possibility of a larger LCD screen.

3. The handset user system for the electronic device as iii claim 2 involves a similar mode/menu selection button as fiund in all current mobile and telephone systems.

All modes/menus can be accessed on the LCD screen.

4. Ihe handset user system as in claim I incorporates an in-mode highlighted choice function by way of rotating bezel/dial. Fhc chosen number/text letter/stored phone number/photograph/previous caller etc. is highlighted on the LC[) screen.

The size of the LCD screen will need to accommodate current and additional functions.

5. The handset user system as in claim 4 allows the rotating bezel/dial highlighted choice to he selected/confirmed by a separate button similar to current telephone models.

6. The LCD screen can be fixed in place on the front/top of the handset relërred to in claim I with the on/off function satisfied by pressing the rotating bezel/dial.

7. The LCE) screen of the handset as in claim I can be of a flip-top design or a half flip-top' design with the rotating bezel/dial satisfying the on/oft function as well as the flip top release function which will he mechanically damped as it opens.

On the rotating bezel model the bezel itself can be level with the handset surface to become slightly proud of the surface when activated in a separate damped movement. The rotating betel/dial can he pressed in the vertical plane to satisfy OflC of the functions as explained in claim 3 or claim 5.