KR100850336B1 - Foldable cellular phone device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable cellular telephone having a cellular telephone component and provided with an earpiece, said foldable cellular telephone comprising a first housing element having a first side and a second side and a third side and a fourth side. The genie comprises a housing having a second housing element; A first user interface is installed on the first housing element and can be accessed from the first face; A second user interface is installed on the second housing element and can be accessed from the third side; The first housing element and the second housing element are connected together by a swivel hinge such that the first housing element and the second housing element are in a first closed position about a first axis of the swivel hinge ( can rotate between a closed position and a first open position; In the first closed position, such that the first face and the third face are contiguously adjacent to each other to include the first user interface and the second user interface between the first housing element and the second housing element, The first housing element and the second housing element are folded together; In the first open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are disposed 90 degrees and 180 degrees in the first closed position about the first axis such that the first face and the third face are disposed opposite. The first housing element and the second housing element are folded open by being moved at an angle between the angles; A first rotational position of the first housing element about a second axis of the swivel hinge in which the first housing element is perpendicular to the first axis as defined in relation to the second housing element And the swivel hinge further connects the first housing element and the second housing element to rotate between a second rotation; In the first open position and the first closed position, the first housing element is in the first rotational position; The clamshell cellular telephone further comprises a second open position and a second closed position, wherein the first housing element is in the second rotational position in the second open position and the second closed position; In the second open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are disposed 90 degrees and 180 degrees in the first closed position about the first axis such that the second face and the third face are disposed opposite. The first housing element and the second housing element are folded open by being moved at an angle between the angles; And in the second closed position, the first housing element and the second housing element are folded together such that the second face and the third face coincide adjacent to each other such that the first user interface is the clamshell cellular telephone. It can be accessed from outside of. The earpiece is disposed in the second housing element, in which the sound outlet of the earpiece is located on the third side, a sound hole is provided in the first housing element, In a second closed position the soundhole is arranged such that the soundhole is opposite the sound outlet of the earpiece of the second housing element such that an audio signal generated by the earpiece is used to replace the first housing element. To be transmitted through.

Description

Foldable cellular phone device

The present invention relates to foldable electronic devices known as foldable palmtop computers and foldable cellular telephones. In particular, the present invention relates to "multi-hinge" clamshell telephony multifunction devices such as "lap / palm tops" that can be converted to "tablet-PC". More particularly, the invention relates to clamshell devices having a cover element that can be turned over, such as clamshell devices known as clamshell cellular telephones. More specifically, the present invention relates to a flipover clamshell cellular game phone having a touch screen display and a game input interface. The invention also relates to clamshell type game telephones. The invention also relates to a new method of installing loudspeakers and earpieces in such electronic telephones.

Existing portable game devices are known as practically available portable game devices having a display and a game input interface. Known game devices may have a general brick shape, with the display and input interfaces located on one side of the cuboid game device. Enhanced versions of known game devices are also provided with "shoulder keys" on the "top side" to provide additional input operability. Indeed, there are also clamshell game devices available. In clamshell configurations of game devices, it is common to use a clamshell display element that can be closed or opened on a body input element provided with a game input interface, such as joysticks, joypads and action keys.

Existing multi-foldable communication devices are known, for example, in US Patent No. 6,549,789 entitled "foldable electronic device with an adaptable user interface" filed April 28, 2000 and assigned to Motorola Inc. Known devices and cellular telephones must be open for telephone operation. In telephones, a microphone is typically installed in the body of the device and an earpiece is typically installed in an upper cover element. In the case of an incoming phone call, the mobile phone must be extended to its open position and the microphone and earpiece are placed on opposite sides as in the case of a conventional handset. Currently, it is not possible to receive incoming telephone calls by a clamshell phone in a closed position. The phone of US Pat. No. 6,549,789 is a clamshell phone that can only be used for telephone calls while the display is open.

All the above approaches with respect to flip phones and game devices have something in common in that they are not suitable for use by mobile terminals such as game enabled mobile phones. Indeed, clamshell telephones are not available that require the ability to accept incoming telephone calls in various closed configurations.

The earpiece should be on top of the device. If the earpiece is placed in a flip-type display unit, the earpiece is flipped from one side to the other, depending on the mode or position of the "flip-swivel" display. For the solution, the earpiece requires two sound outlets, in addition to the display unit. Not only does a microphone need to be placed on the display, it also needs to maintain the required distance from the earpiece. In this case the audio signals must be rerouted through the hinges to the microphone and earpiece, resulting in a separate cabling and insulation risk.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have a cellular telephone gaming device that can provide improved gaming experience and sufficient telephone operation. Existing designs regarding clamshell phones and portable gaming devices cannot provide a suitable telephone game solution. This is because clamshell devices are not suitable for any kind of telephone operation. As is known by Nokia communicator devices, existing solutions for clamshell type telephones generally require a telephone interface located at the "backside" of the display element. Devices of this kind can only be used in the closed position for telephone operation.

Thus, the user is allowed to enter through a device that is normally closed in both closed positions of the "flip-swivel" cover electronics and a device that "flipped" in the closed position. It is a good idea to have a solution that will allow you to receive phone calls.

flip-PDA(Personal Digital Assistant)이다. 이러한 장치들은 모두 게임 기능 또는 PDA 기능 중 어느 한쪽을 제공하지만, 어떠한 종류의 전화기 동작도 제공할 수 없다.Other flip or swivel housing electronics are, for example, Nintendo game boy advance SP or Sony, for example.

flip-PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). These devices all provide either gaming or PDA functionality, but cannot provide any kind of telephone operation.

It is also desirable to provide a special earpiece solution for an electronic gaming device in which a mobile phone is integrated, the device having a large display with a touch pad, the display unit in several ways:

A PDA mode, in which the display is external and the unit is closed,

A "laptop" or "game" mode, the laptop or game mode in which the display is inside and the unit is folded open;

A protected mode, which can be used in a protected mode where the display is internal (not visible) and the unit is closed.

It is desirable to improve the concept of a mobile terminal that supports enhanced game functionality and mobile phone functionality.

For example, there is a need for a mobile terminal that provides a user interface for gaming, including joysticks, large displays, and other gaming functions, on the other hand, the terminal must generally support a telephone function that requires at least an ITU-T keypad. do. The problem is to design a terminal having the above functions, which supports all such various applications.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a foldable cellular telephone having a cellular telephone component with an earpiece. The clamshell cellular telephone is provided with a housing having a first element and a second element connected or articulated via a flip-swivel hinge. The first housing element has a first face and a second face. The second housing element has a third side and a fourth side. A first user interface is mounted within the first housing element and accessible from the first face. A second user interface is mounted within the second housing element and can be accessed from the third side. The first housing element and the second housing element are connected by a swivel hinge such that the first housing element and the second housing element are in a first closed position and first about a first axis of the swivel hinge. 1 Rotate between open positions.

In the first closed position, the first face and the third face coincide with one another to include the first user interface and the second user interface between the first housing element and the second housing element. The first housing element and the second housing element are folded together.

In the first open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are disposed 90 degrees and 180 degrees in the first closed position about the first axis such that the first face and the third face are disposed opposite. The first housing element and the second housing element are folded and open by being moved at an angle between the angles. In the first open position, the first user interface and the second user interface are arranged facing each other like the inner side of the open book covers.

The swivel hinge also connects the first housing element and the second housing element such that the first housing element can rotate about a second axis of the swivel hinge perpendicular to the first axis. The first housing element can be rotated with respect to the second housing element between a first rotational position and a second rotational position.

The first housing element is in the first rotational position in the first open position and the first closed position.

The clamshell cellular telephone further comprises a second open position and a second closed position, in which the first housing element is in the second rotational position in the first open position and the first closed position.

In the second open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are moved at an angle at an angle of between 90 and 180 degrees from the first closed position about a first axis, thereby providing the first housing element and The second housing element is folded open and the second side and the third side are arranged oppositely. In the second open position, the first user interface and the second user interface face in the same direction of rotation with respect to the first axis of the swivel hinge.

In the second closed position, the first housing element and the second housing element are folded together until the second side and the third side are adjacent to coincide with each other, such that the first user interface and the second user The interface will be accessible from outside the clamshell cellular telephone.

The apparatus of the present invention further comprises an earpiece installed as said second housing element (as an earpiece with an earpiece loudspeaker). The earpiece is provided with a sound outlet located on the third side.

The first housing element is provided with a soundhole, which is mounted so as to be opposite the earpiece of the second housing element in the second closed position. The sound hole is arranged such that an audio signal generated by the earpiece passes through the sound hole and the first housing element.

Note that the earpiece (or the acoustic output of the earpiece loudspeaker) is in the third side of the second housing element within the area covered by the first housing element when the device is in the closed position. Is installed.

The present invention provides a foldable cellular telephone, which includes a display in which the display unit (ie, the first user interface) can be used in various ways as a large display with a touch pad. The device can be used, for example, in PDA mode, game mode, and protected mode, in which the display is externally located and / or facing when the unit is closed, in which the display is internal. And the unit is folded open, and in the protection mode the display is located inside (invisible) and the unit is closed. One independent claim claims a method of using earpieces in a body element by passing or passing acoustic signals through the sound hole (or acoustic duct) of the cover element.

The clamshell cellular telephone functions as a portable electronic device such as a portable computer, PDA, for example, including embodiments such as tablet mode enabled laptops or palmtops with flip-fold or flip-swivel displays. Can be provided.

In another embodiment of the foldable cellular telephone, the first user interface comprises a touchscreen display. This embodiment clearly enables the PDA mode of the foldable cellular telephone. This embodiment also enables a touch-screen telephone mode of the clamshell cellular telephone in the second closed position.

In yet another embodiment, the foldable cellular telephone further comprises a gaming device. This embodiment provides a mobile terminal with a flip / swivel display / touch screen, which basically has three modes:

A first mode, in which the first element or “flipcover” is closed and the touchscreen is facing outward to provide touchscreen based telephony / PDA functionality (ie a second closed position); );

A second mode in which the flip cover is open, the second mode in which the touchscreen is used as a gaming display and game controls of sub-elements are used to control game applications; And

-As a third mode, it supports a third mode in which the terminal is not used and the flip is closed and the touchscreen is inward.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foldable cellular telephone having a cellular telephone element with an earpiece. The clamshell cellular telephone is provided with a housing having a first element and a second element connected or articulated via a flip-swivel hinge. The first housing element has a first side and a second side. The second housing element has a third side and a fourth side. A first user interface is mounted within the first housing element and accessible from the first face. A second user interface is mounted within the second housing element and accessible from the third side. The first housing element and the second housing element are connected by a swivel hinge such that the first housing element and the second housing element allow a first closed position and a first open position about a first axis of the swivel hinge. Allow rotation between them.

In the first closed position, the first housing element and the second housing element are folded together so that the first and third surfaces are adjacent to each other so as to be adjacent to each other so as to be intermediate between the first and second housing elements. The first user interface and the second user interface to include.

In the first open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are moved at an angle at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the first closed position about the first axis such that the first housing element is moved. And the second housing element is folded open and the first side and the third side are opposite. In the first open position, the first user interface and the second user interface are disposed facing each other like the inner sides of the covers of the open book.

The swivel hinge also connects the first housing element and the second housing element such that the first housing element can rotate about a second axis of the swivel hinge perpendicular to the first axis. The first housing element can be rotated with respect to the second housing element between a first rotational position and a second rotational position.

The first housing element is in the first rotational position in the first open position and the first closed position.

The clamshell cellular telephone further comprises a second open position and a second closed position, wherein the first housing element is in the second rotational position in the second open position and the second closed position.

In the second open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are moved at an angle at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the first closed position about the first axis such that the first housing element And the second housing element is folded open so that the second face and the third face are disposed opposite. In the second open position the first user interface and the second user interface are directed in the same rotational direction with respect to the first axis of the swivel hinge.

In the second closed position, the first housing element and the second housing element are folded together until the second face and the third face coincide adjacent to each other, such that the first housing element and the second housing element are folded out of the clamshell cellular telephone. 1 The user interface is accessible.

The first user interface includes a touchscreen display and the second user interface includes game input interfaces.

That is, the clamshell cellular telephone includes a game device having a touchscreen display and game input interfaces. The present embodiment provides a mobile terminal having a flip / swivel display / touch screen, which is basically three modes: a first mode, in which the flip cover is closed and the touch is provided to provide a touch screen-based telephone / PDA function. A first mode with the screen facing outward (ie, a second closed position); A second mode in which the flip cover is open, the second mode in which the touch screen is used as a gaming display and game controls of the lower flip are used to control game applications; And as a third mode, a third mode in which the terminal is not used and the flip is closed and the touch screen is inward.

Note that the expression "cellular phone" refers to all kinds of wireless telephony applications, such as wireless phones, cellular phones (GSM, UMTS, etc.) and, in fact, "cells." It was chosen to include satellite-based telephony devices that are not based.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the earpiece is installed in the second housing element, and a sound hole is provided in the first housing element, and the sound hole in the second closed position is provided. The soundhole is installed so as to be opposite the earpiece of the second housing element such that audio signals generated by the earpiece are transmitted through the first housing element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the clamshell cellular telephone further comprises a second soundhole mounted in the first housing element. In the second closed position, the second sound hole is installed so that the second sound hole is positioned opposite the ear piece of the second housing element so that the audio signals generated by the ear piece are used to replace the first housing element. To be transported through. In other words, in both closed positions the soundhole can duct acoustic waves through the first housing element. That is, this embodiment of the present invention provides a telephone concept including, for example, a swivel display and enables, for example, a telephone function in each available position of the closed display unit. It should be noted that the (first) soundhole and the second soundhole can basically be formed in the same optimization manner to guide as much sound energy as possible through the first housing element. Due to the structure of the folding operation, the sound holes are not expected to be formed symmetrically, and include as much sound energy as possible from the inlet to the outlet, including a sound inlet and a sound outlet. It is expected to be able to conduct. In an embodiment of the invention, the main transmission direction of the first sound hole is from the second side to the first side of the first housing element, but the main transmission direction of the second sound hole is opposite to the first direction of the first housing element. It is expected to be from one side to the second side. That is, the sound transmission direction of the second sound hole is opposite to the sound transmission direction of the first sound hole.

The earpiece is arranged in the second housing element of the main body. The second housing element or display unit does not have an active earpiece component but only a passive soundhole or duct from the main body to the sound outlet. The sound outlet of the soundhole may be connected to recesses. The dummy microphone may be implemented only with a slit. In the case of an electronic device that also includes a telephone, the embodiment can also be used to receive incoming telephone calls in both the first closed position and the second closed position. If voice dialing is possible, making phone calls in both closed positions is also foreseen.

In yet another embodiment of the clamshell cellular telephone, the game input interfaces comprise action keys and at least one joystick. The joystick may be implemented as a fat joypad or a “steering cross” to enable simple folding operation. The joystick may be embodied or accompanied by a touch sensitive area for the left or right hand. In addition, the joystick may be implemented or accompanied by a trackball. It is envisaged to implement the action keys with a 12 key ITU-T keyboard which may be provided with special marked multifunctional action keys. The game interface may include, for example, action keys, joysticks, joypads, trackballs, rocker keys, sliding input interfaces, touchpads, buttons, tumblers, toggle switches. , Steering wheels and / or bistable switches, and the like.

In yet another embodiment, the clamshell cellular telephone further comprises shoulder keys provided to the second housing element on the same side as the side on which the swivel hinge is disposed.

The present invention can provide a game terminal and mobile phone combination in which game control buttons are prepared in the second housing element that can be accessed in the first open position for game application control. As is known by clamshell game devices, in the first open position the user can play the game with a large display in the upper part. In addition, the user can use at least two additional game keys (shoulder keys) provided above the second housing element, ie the side on which the first housing element is hingedly connected to the second housing element. It is envisaged to add additional "shoulder keys" that can be disposed on one side of the second housing element or on the sides of the second housing element. It is also envisaged to place additional shoulder keys on the side or on the first side of the first housing element to provide additional input interfaces to the device. Shoulder keys can also be accessed in the closed position. Shoulder keys allow the user to use the fingers holding the device for game input.

The clamshell cellular telephone may comprise two different closed positions. In the first closed position, the display is facing inward of the closed clamshell. In such a configuration, it may be possible to receive an incoming telephone call, for example by pressing one of the shoulder keys or other keys accessible in the first closed position. Call accepting keys may be located at the ends or sides of the clamshell cellular telephone. In addition, the "call authorization keys" may be located on the second side or the fourth side.

Another further embodiment of the foldable cellular telephone is further provided with a display on the side of the housing. The display may be located between the shoulder keys to indicate a call number (or caller name) in the case of an incoming telephone call in the first closed position. In this case, the display is located on the side where the hinge is located. Also, when the phone is inserted into the breast pocket and the narrow side is visible from above, positioning the display on the short side of the end of the (first or second) housing element to quickly recognize the number of the calling party. It is also possible.

In another embodiment of the clamshell cellular telephone, the cavity of the soundhole through the first housing element has a volume such that the soundhole can act as a resonator. That is, the sound output of the earpiece of the main body is ducted through the display unit using the channel inside the display unit as the resonator. The resonator cavity of the soundhole (or the sealed gap in the loudspeaker of the earpiece and the complete acoustic path through the soundhole to the earpiece outlet) can be tuned to the frequency band of human voice. It is also contemplated to form the resonator in a manner that matches the transmission characteristics of the voice channel for cellular telephone voice transmissions.

In another embodiment of the clamshell cellular telephone, the soundhole may be provided in the form of a funnel, ie in the form of a horn or bell known by phonographs or trumpets. This funnel structure can be applied on the one hand to collect the acoustic signals coming out of the earpiece outlet and on the other hand can be used to generate the necessary acoustic divergence on the output side of the soundhole.

In another embodiment of the foldable cellular telephone, the soundhole may include a plurality of recesses in the sound outlet. By using multiple recesses, it is possible to reduce the diameter of each single recess and reduce the risk of occlusion of the sound holes. Multiple recesses in the display unit can visually indicate the “earpiece area” of the phone. It is also envisaged to use multiple recesses to produce sound divergence characteristics that are specifically designed for the sound collection characteristics of the average human outer ear or auricle.

In another embodiment of the clamshell cellular telephone, the soundhole includes only one inlet. The inlet can be adapted to the outlet of the earpiece of the second housing element. The single inlet opening can serve as a dummy microphone to indicate to the user the correct orientation of the mobile phone.

In yet another embodiment, the clamshell cellular telephone further comprises a sealing component, the sealing component configured to seal the gap between the outlet of the earpiece and the inlet of the soundhole.

One seal is disposed in the second housing element close to the outlet of the earpiece, thus sealing the gap between the first housing element and the second housing element in both closed positions of the device.

Two sealing components can be respectively arranged on the first and second surfaces respectively around the inlet of the sound holes in the first housing element so that the sealing components are respectively positioned in the first housing element and the second housing element in both closed positions. The gap between them can be sealed.

In yet another embodiment, the foldable cellular telephone further comprises a microphone disposed in the second housing element. The microphone and the inlet of the microphone may for example be arranged on one side of a second housing element which is essentially block or brick shaped. It is also envisaged for the microphone to be placed on the distal face of the second housing element or on the hinge side or on the opposite side of the hinge or shoulder keys.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by referring to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a foldable cellular telephone in a second closed position.

FIG. 2 shows a palmtop or game mode, ie a cellular cellular phone in a first open position.

3 depicts an example of a foldable cellular telephone according to the invention in a first closed position.

4 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable cellular telephone in one of the closed positions.

5 shows a top view of a foldable cellular telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second closed position.

6A-6E are perspective views showing cellular telephones according to two embodiments of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing the acoustic path of a soundhole in a more sophisticated embodiment with a resonant chamber and an outlet horn.

Note that in the present specification and drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar objects or elements.

1 shows a schematic appearance of a foldable cellular telephone according to a first embodiment of the invention in a second closed position. In FIG. 1, the clamshell cellular telephone is in a second closed position or PDA mode. 1 depicts a foldable cellular telephone with a main body, ie a first housing element 4 and a display unit, ie a second housing element 6. The first housing element 4 is provided with a display 40 on the first side of the first housing element 4. The first housing element 4 is further provided with a dummy microphone 62 and an earpiece outlet 64.

2 shows a "game mode" or "laptop mode", ie a foldable cellular telephone in the first open position. The display 40 is located inside. The first housing element 4 is hingedly connected or articulated with the second housing element 6 via a flip-swivel hinge 20. As is known by clamshell phones and clamshell game devices, the hinge 20 allows the first housing element 4 to move around the first clamshell shaft 22. In addition, the hinge 20 causes the first housing element 4 to move about an axis 26 perpendicular to the clamshell axis 22. Since the first housing element 4 can be moved in a direction 28 around the swivel axis 26, the display is later displayed when the clamshell cellular telephone is closed in the "clamshell move" direction 24. Decide whether to be inside or outside.

Since the first housing element 4 is inverted in the circumferential direction 28 of the swivel axis 26, the sound outlet 64 and the dummy microphone 62 having the recesses 66 in connection with FIG. The positions are changed. Also shown in FIG. 2 is an earpiece 30 and a sound outlet 32. Note that the sound outlet is located opposite the dummy microphone 62. The earpiece outlet 64 is provided with recesses 66. The earpiece outlet 64 visible in the position shown can not be used.

3 shows an embodiment of the invention in a first closed position. The clamshell cellular telephone of FIG. 3 is closed in the direction of the clamshell axis 22. The only visible difference from FIG. 1 is that the display is invisible. This is because the display is directed to the second housing element 6. Earpiece outlet 64 with dummy microphone inlet 62 and recesses 66 shown corresponding to respective elements (not shown) adjacent to display 40.

4 shows a cross-sectional view of a foldable cellular telephone in one of the closed positions. 4 shows the possible positions of a real microphone at the distal end of the second housing element 6 in which the sound inlet 82 is provided. An earpiece transducer 30 is located in the second housing element 6. The transducer 30 is acoustically connected to a sound outlet or transducer outlet 34 (not shown in FIG. 4) via a front cavity 32. A sealing gasket 36 is provided to seal the acoustic connection of the dummy microphone inlet 62 and the sound outlet 34 of the sound hole 60 on the right side of FIG. 4. The sound produced by the transducer is transmitted to the earpiece outlet 64 via a sound hole through a front cavity having a sealed gap. Thus, the user can hear the sound produced by the transducer 30 in the second housing element at the earpiece outlet 64 through the soundhole 60 provided in the first housing element. The cross sign 26 indicates an axis perpendicular to a plane of 180 degrees symmetrical rotation of the left and right sound holes. Note that a second gasket may be provided in the dummy microphone section of the left soundhole.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of an embodiment with the same features as previously shown in FIG. 1 as an embodiment according to the invention in a second closed position.

In figure 6a another embodiment of the invention is shown in the first closed position. In addition to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5, the folding cellular telephone is provided with shoulder keys 90. Incoming telephone calls in the closed position shown may be accepted, for example, by pressing one of the shoulder keys 90.

In FIG. 6B the embodiment of FIG. 6A is shown in the second closed position of the single block / telephone mode. A display and shoulder keys 90 with a touch sensitive field 42 are depicted. In the above configuration, the foldable cellular telephone can be used as a touch screen telephone or a PDA. In the second closed position the display can be operated in portrait mode or upright format. It may be possible to change the display to a landscape format of the operating mode to view a video sequence or video stream. In monoblock mode the input can be performed, for example, by a "touchscreen stylus" or "touchscreen pen" and additionally by shoulder keys.

6C shows the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B in a first open position. The game input interface 28 of the third aspect includes input keys, a control pad (eg, a kind of "flat joystick") and a transducer outlet 34. The display 40 shows a contact field 42. In the first open position the display may operate in a landscape format. In the first open position of the terminal, the touchscreen can be used as a gaming display and gaming controls can be easily accessed by the game player.

In FIG. 6D the embodiment of FIG. 6B is shown in a first open position. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 6C, the embodiment of FIG. 6D is provided with differently designed game interfaces. The game interface includes a joystick 29 on the left side. At the right is an eight-way rocker key 31. Such a game interface may be more suitable for the requirements of modern action games. The game interface of the embodiment of FIG. 6D is further provided by a stereo loudspeaker set 27 disposed on the left and right sides of the game input interfaces 29, 31. In addition, other interfaces may be implemented in the game input interface, such as sliding input interfaces, touchpads, trackballs, buttons, tumblers, toggle switches, steering wheels and / or bistable switches. It is also possible to implement feedback game input interfaces, such as joysticks and steering wheels. In the first open position of the terminal a touchscreen can be used as the gaming display and game controls can be easily accessed by the game player.

Note that the embodiment of FIG. 6D may also be provided with a real microphone having an earpiece transducer and earpiece outlet 64 and a sound inlet at the distal ends of the first housing element 4. In this case, the embodiment of FIG. 6D may not be provided with the earpiece outlet 64 and the dummy microphone 62 behind the first housing element 4, for example as indicated in FIG. 6A.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6C, it is envisaged to provide the microphone and earpiece transducer outlet 34 with the sound inlet 82 at the distal ends of the housing element 6. In this case, the embodiment of FIG. 6D may also be provided with an earpiece outlet 64 and a dummy microphone 62 behind the first housing element 4 as shown in FIG. 6A.

6E, the embodiment of FIG. 6B is shown in monoblock / telephone mode. The display 40 and shoulder keys 90 with the contact field 42 are depicted. The touchscreen display mimics an ITU-T keyboard that can be used to enter a phone number. At the bottom left and right of the touch screen display, two icons are depicted as holding the handset and putting it down. It is also foreseen to depict existing display content such as, for example, dialed telephone number, actual telephone time, battery power, signal strength, custom background graphics, additional information about dialed / received numbers, and the like. In monoblock mode, input may be performed, for example, by a “finger”, “touch screen stylus” or “touch screen pen”, and additionally by shoulder keys 90. It is also possible to implement various user selectable display options, such as large icons, video telephony and the like.

In Figure 7, a cross-sectional view of the acoustic path in a more elaborate embodiment of the present invention is shown. The acoustic path is divided into two parts, one part in the second housing element 6 and the other part in the first housing element 4. The soundhole of FIG. 7 is provided with a resonance chamber 68 in the first housing element 4, and outlet horns 70 for delivering sound from the soundhole 60 to the user's ear. The sealing gasket 36 is provided with a sealing structure at the contact surface with the second housing element. In addition, the front cavity 32 has been reformed to generate acoustic waves at the dummy microphone, ie the transducer outlet 34 leading to the inlet of the soundhole 60. The volumes of the front cavity 32 and the resonant chamber 68 can be selected to produce the desired frequency transmission characteristics that are preferably tuned to the human voice frequency band for proper maximum telephone operability.

The present invention provides for ease of implementation of an earpiece solution for a swivel display phone that enables earpiece use regardless of the display unit position (first closed position and second closed position herein). Visible recesses clearly indicate earpiece sound outlets and distinguish them from (potentially) unused earpieces and microphones. Recesses of the earpiece sound outlet prevent the sound outlet from being occluded by the ear.

The present invention provides for ease of use of a cellular game telephony solution to enable the implementation of a large display of a clamshell gaming device with sufficient utility with respect to cellular telephony components.

The solution of the present invention provides sufficient earpiece functionality regardless of the direction in which the display unit is closed.

Compared with the solution in which the transducer is arranged in the display unit, the present invention provides the following advantages:

No electrical audio signals routed through the hinges,

A microphone can be placed near the audio processing means,

Earpiece openings and sound transducers are not required on both sides of the display unit for swivel use.

-No need to be redesigned because clamshell cellular phones (microphones and earpieces) do not need to be rotated 180 degrees depending on the mode.

It is possible to reduce the number of visible gaskets for sealing the resonant system from leakage of the audio signal in the gap between the two elements.

The foldable cellular telephone according to the present invention has the following advantages.

-Short audio routing to better prevent insulation hazards,

The ability to place transducers sensitive to the main body, and that no active acoustic components need to be placed in the display unit,

Providing the same acoustic conditions for both modes so that the earpiece position does not change when the display unit is flipped,

The point of radiating antenna radiation in the direction opposite the sound outlet of the earpiece,

Only one gasket is required on the main body to seal the audio channel from the earpiece to the display unit. Depending on the mode, one particular duct is placed over the earpiece outlet sealed by the gasket.

The loss that can be caused by the earpiece outlet and the long duct of the soundhole can be balanced by increased diameter or by designing the soundhole as an acoustic resonator.

The present invention is applicable to all types of swivel top foldable phones with earpieces that can be used to handle phone calls in the closed position.

Although not described in detail with respect to the second side of the first housing element and the fourth side of the second housing element, it should be noted that additional interfaces can be implemented in these sides.

This application contains the description of embodiments and embodiments of the present invention with the aid of examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments, and that the present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the characteristics of the present invention. The above embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the implementation and availability of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims. As a result, various options relating to the implementation of the invention as determined by the claims, including equivalent embodiments, are also within the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

A clamshell cellular telephone having a cellular phone component and provided with an earpiece, comprising: a clamshell cellular telephone comprising a housing; The housing has a first housing element having a first side and a second side and a second housing element having a third side and a fourth side; A first user interface is mounted to the first housing element and can be accessed from the first face; A second user interface is mounted to the second housing element and can be accessed from the third side; The first housing element and the second housing element are connected together by a swivel hinge such that the first housing element and the second housing element are in a first closed position about a first axis of the swivel hinge ( can rotate between a closed position and a first open position; In the first closed position, such that the first face and the third face are contiguously adjacent to each other to include the first user interface and the second user interface between the first housing element and the second housing element, The first housing element and the second housing element are folded together; In the first open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are disposed 90 degrees and 180 degrees in the first closed position about the first axis such that the first face and the third face are disposed opposite. The first housing element and the second housing element are folded open by being moved at an angle between the angles; A first rotational position of the first housing element about a second axis of the swivel hinge in which the first housing element is perpendicular to the first axis as defined in relation to the second housing element And the swivel hinge further connects the first housing element and the second housing element to rotate between a second rotation; In the first open position and the first closed position, the first housing element is in the first rotational position; The clamshell cellular telephone further comprises a second open position and a second closed position, wherein the first housing element is in the second rotational position in the second open position and the second closed position; In the second open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are disposed 90 degrees and 180 degrees in the first closed position about the first axis such that the second face and the third face are disposed opposite. The first housing element and the second housing element are folded open by being moved at an angle between the angles; In the second closed position, the first housing element and the second housing element are folded together such that the second face and the third face coincide adjacent to each other such that the first user interface of the clamshell cellular phone Can be accessed externally; The earpiece is disposed in the second housing element, in which a sound outlet of the earpiece is located on the third side; A sound hole is provided in the first housing element, and in the second closed position the sound hole is positioned opposite the sound outlet of the ear piece of the second housing element to be produced by the ear piece The soundhole is arranged such that is transmitted through the first housing element; And  And further comprising a second sound hole in which the first housing element is disposed in the first housing element, wherein the second sound hole is positioned opposite the earpiece of the second housing element in the first closed position. And the second soundhole is arranged in such a way that an audio signal generated by the earpiece is transmitted through the first housing element. The method of claim 1, And the first user interface comprises a touchscreen display. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein said clamshell cellular telephone further comprises a gaming device and said second user interface comprises game input interfaces. The method of claim 3, And the game input interfaces comprise action keys and at least one joystick. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, The clamshell cellular telephone further comprises shoulder keys provided on the side where the swivel hinge is disposed in the second housing element. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, And said foldable cellular telephone further comprises a display on the side of said housing. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, And a cavity of the sound hole passing through the first housing element has a volume such that the sound hole acts as a resonator. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, And the sound hole has a funnel shape. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, And the soundhole comprises a plurality of recesses in the earpiece sound outlets. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, A clamshell cellular telephone characterized in that the soundhole comprises only one inlet. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, And said clamshell cellular telephone further comprises a seal, said seal being arranged to seal a gap between an outlet of said earpiece and an inlet of said soundhole. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, A clamshell cellular telephone, characterized in that a microphone is arranged in the second housing element. delete delete delete

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