MXPA98004439A - Device with multiple screens for communication and operating method - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable communication device (102) comprises a box (105), a first display area (130) and a second display area (132). The first (130) is disposed on the front (120) of the box (105) and directed outwards, and the second (132) is disposed on one side (122) of the box (105) and directed outwardly. The box (105) may comprise a box portion (114) slidable to an open and a closed position, where the second display zone (132) is covered by the box portion (114) when it is in the first or second position.

Description

DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE SCREENS FOR COMMUNICATION AND METHOD OF OPERATION Field of the invention The present invention relates, in general terms, to communication devices that have multiple screens and, more specifically, to portable radio communication devices that have multiple screens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many portable communication devices, such as cell phones, include a box that defines relatively large front and back surfaces with thin sides. Such devices become so thin that they fit in the pocket of a garment or can be worn on the belt or in a sheath. Typically, the front surface of the device has a user interface that includes one or more components such as a keyboard or a screen. When the device is worn as described above, it is feasible that the interface is not very comfortable for the user. For example, when the user wears it on the belt, the interface is totally or partially hidden from the user's view. In addition, some devices have flaps that cover the interface and protect it from various agents such as dust or rain, or perform other functions such as protection against inadvertent use of the keyboard. Although said flaps are very beneficial, they can also affect the visibility of the interface. Consequently, a communication device is required that has a more comfortable user interface for it and that, in addition, does not increase the power consumption or the cost of the device.

Brief description of the schemes FIG. 1 is an illustration of a mobile station having first and second screen areas. FIG. 2 is an illustration of the mobile station of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a mobile station. FIG. 4 is an illustration of the mobile station that a user uses in a case. FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the electrical circuit of the mobile station. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a first alternative embodiment of the components of the electrical circuit display. FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a second alternative embodiment of the components of the screen. FIG. 8A is a first part of a flow chart describing the operation of the mobile station. FIG. 8B is a second part of the flow chart describing the operation of the mobile station.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of another alternative embodiment of a mobile station.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments According to the present invention, a portable communication device comprises a box, a first screen area and a second screen area. The first screen area is arranged outwardly from one of the sides of the box. The box may include a slidable portion to an open position and a closed position, where the area of the first screen is covered by the portion of the box in one of the first and second positions. FIG. 1 shows a communication system 100 comprising a mobile station 102 and a base station 104. The mobile station 102 and the base station 104 communicate by radio frequency (RF) signals to provide wireless communications and features such as paging, telephone and short messages. Preferably, the communication system 100 provides cellular telephone communications and other communication services. The mobile station 102 comprises a box 105, a user interface 106 and a user interface 108.

To transmit and receive RF signals from and to the base station 104, the mobile station 102 also comprises an antenna 110. Likewise, the mobile station 102 may include an accessory socket 158. The case 104 comprises a portion 112 and a portion 114 of the box. The portion 114 moves between a first and a second position. We can refer to the first as an open position, equal to the one shown in the FIG. 1, and to the second position as a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2. The portion of the box 114 may be referred to as a movable member or flap. On the other hand, reference may be made to the portions of the box 112 and 114 as lower and upper portions, respectively.

The box 104 is made of a durable material, preferably plastic. In the embodiment shown, the portion of the box 114 is connected to the portion 112 by a hinge 116 that allows rotation of the portion of the box 114 to and from the second position as indicated by arrow 152. There are other suitable mechanisms to provide movement, which can be used. The portion of the box 122 defines a surface 120 (forming a front of the box 105), a surface 122 (forming an upper side of the box 105), a surface 124 (forming a lower side of the box 105) , a surface 126 (forming a left side of the box 105) and a surface 128 (forming a right side of the box 105). Each of the surfaces 122, 124, 126 and 128 meets the surface 120, is adjacent to it and, in general, also perpendicular. The widths of the surfaces 122, 124, 126 and 128 are generally much smaller than a width of the surface 120. For example, the width of the surface 120 may be about four times each width of the surfaces 122, 124, 126 and 128 Preferably, the width of the surface 120 is 5 centimeters and each width of the surfaces 122, 124, 126 and 128 is 1.25 centimeters. The portion of the box 114 has a size and shape similar to that of the box portion 112 and includes similar surfaces as well.

The mobile station 102, of size and construction according to the preceding description, can be described as "usable", that is, it is of a suitable size to fit into a pocket or to be attached to the garments by means of a sheath or a belt hook, which will be described and presented below in tion to FIG. 4. The user interface 106 includes a screen area 130 to display the information. We can refer to the user interface 106 as the user's paging interface. In the presented embodiment, the display area 130 continues and is directed from the surface 122. The display area 130 displays visual information sent in the direction indicated by an arrow 154 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The display area 130 may include a window and screen elements that are discussed below. The user interface 108 comprises a display area 132 for displaying information, a keyboard 134, a loudspeaker 136 arranged in the box portion 114, and a microphone 138 disposed in the box portion 112. We can refer to the user interface 108 as the user's telephone interface. The display area 132 is directed to and from the surface 120. This zone 132 displays visual information in a direction generally indicated by an arrow 156 of FIG. 1. The display area 132 may include a window and display elements which are explained below in more detail. When a user of a mobile station 102 sees the display area 132 and all the visual information presented therein, said area 130 as well as the visual information contained is hidden from view due to the specific orientations of the display areas 130 and 132 of the box 105 and / or due to the position of the portion of the box 114 tive to the portion of the box 112. In the same way, when a user sees the display area 130 and all the visual information therein contained, the aforementioned area and visual information are hidden from view for the same or similar reasons. The keypad 134 is on the surface 120 and may comprise a plurality of telephone keys 140 and a plurality of function keys 142. The plurality of telephone keys 140 typically include the keys of conventional telephones (0-9)., *, and #) provided to initiate telephone calls. The plurality of function keys 142 typically includes the conventional function keys of cellular telephony, such as an on / off, a function, a send and an end function keys. The keyboard 134 can be operated when the portion of the box 114 is in the open position. The display area 132 generally indicates alphanumeric characters, such as telephone digits, corresponding to the actions performed on the keypad 134. In the presented embodiment, the user interface 108 is covered when the box portion 114 is in the closed position. Also, the mobile station 102 includes a plurality of keys 144 arranged on the surface 128. Here, the plurality of keys 144 comprises a key 146, a key 148 and a key 150. The mobile station 102 contains a removable battery 128 which is carried in the portion of the box 114, provided for the electric power circuits described below, of the mobile station 102. The removable battery 128 includes battery contacts (not visible) that are electrically connected to the electrical circuit by the hinge 116 through of electrical conductors. The removable battery 128 includes a locking mechanism 202 (FIG.2) which helps to keep the battery 128 fixed in the portion of the case 114. FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a mobile station, in particular a mobile station 302. The mobile station 302 includes a portion of the box 304, a portion of the box 306, a loudspeaker 314 disposed in the portion of the box 306, a battery removable 312 located in the portion of the box 306, a microphone 315 disposed in the portion of the box 304 and a keyboard 316 located in the portion of the box 304. The mobile station 302 also includes a display area 318 and an area for display 320. The area 318 is located outwardly of a surface 310 of the portion of the box 304 and a display area 320 is located outwardly of a surface 308 of the portion of the box 306. FIG. 4 shows a mobile station 102 for use by the subscriber in a sheath 406. Here, the size of the mobile station 102 is generally exaggerated for the purposes of illustration only. The movable portion 102 is inserted into a securing portion of the sheath 406 and this is attached to a user's garment via a belt clip (not visible) that has the sheath 406. FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of the electrical circuits 500 of the mobile station 102. The electrical circuit system 500 comprises a transceiver 502, a controller 504, display components 506, a circuit for the keyboard 507, a switch 508, a warning 509, a vibrator 511, a circuit of keys 513, a microphone 114 and loudspeaker 116. Preferably, most of the electrical circuits 500, including transceiver 502 and controller 504 that consume a large portion of physical space, are disposed in the case portion 112 on a printed circuit board (PCB) in the case portion 112. The transceiver 502 is connected to the antenna 110 and includes a transmitter 510 and a receiver 512. The receiver 512 receives RF signals at through antenna 110 and demodulates RF signals. The controller 5Q4 is connected and receives the demodulated information from the receiver 512. Said information includes control information and may include voice information that is processed and sent to the loudspeaker 116. The controller 504 is connected to the transmitter 510 and sends it information for transmission. Said information includes control information and may include voice information received from the microphone 114. This microphone 114 and the loudspeaker 116 are connected to the controller 504 through a sound circuit (not indicated). A speaker and a 536 microphone accessory, which includes a speaker and a microphone connected to a plug via a cable, they can be inserted into the accessory socket 536 and connected to the controller 504. The keyboard circuit 509 supplies signals to the controller 504 in response to activations of the keys of the keyboard 134 (FIG.1). Similarly, the key circuit 513 provides signals to the controller in response to the activation of the various keys 144 (FIG.1). Switch 508 sends signals to controller 504 in response to movements of box portion 114 to and from the first and second positions. Preferably, the switch 508 comprises a magnetic key. In response to receiving a call from a remote unit, the controller 504 controls the alert 509 to emit an audible signal or controls the vibrator 511 to vibrate. In the embodiment presented in FIG. 5, the components of the display 506 include an impeller 514, a display element 516, an impeller 518, a display element 520 and a backlight 522. The controller 504 generates display data for display in zones 130 and 132 ( FIG 1). The controller 504 controls the power intended for the impeller "514 and the display element 516 through a line 524. Similarly, the controller 504 controls the power intended for the impeller 518 and the display element 520 through a line 530 The controller 504 selects one of the impellers 514 and 518 to receive display data through a line 526 (for the impeller 514) and a line 532 (for the impeller 518) and sends said data through a connected 528 bus to both impellers 514 and 518. The controller 504 controls the power intended for the backlight 522 through a line 534.

The display elements 516 and 520 provide visual information in the display areas 130 and 132 respectively for a user mobile station 102. Each of the display elements 516 and 520 can comprise any suitable screen or screens such as a diode display light emitter (LED) or a liquid crystal diode (LCD). In addition to having lighting segments or pixels, these screens can include lighting icons. Typically, the display elements 516 and 520 have a flat and rectangular shape and, then, for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, are located perpendicular to each other in the portion of the box 112. Preferably, the display element 516 is a single-line LCD screen and the display element 520 is a multi-line LCD screen. Also, the display element 520 should have a higher resolution than that of the element 516. In case both the display element 516 and the 520 are LCD screens, the backlight 552 should be designed and located in such a way that it arrives at the two screens 516 and 520. It would also be convenient for the display components 506 to be mounted on a secondary printed circuit board (PCB) other than the main PCB that holds a remaining portion of the electrical circuit 500 (such as the transceiver 502 and controller 504). Here, the secondary PCB is fixed and connected to the main PCB through a flexible connector. FIG. 6 shows a first alternative embodiment of the display components 506. Here, the display components 506 include an impeller 602, a display element 604, a display element 606 and a backlight 608. The display element 604 provides information in the display area 130 and the element 606 provides visual information in the zone 132. The display elements 604 and 606 share the driver 602. Preferably, the driver 602 and the display element 606 are mounted on a secondary PCB and connected to the main PCB through a first flexible connector, and the display element 604 is connected and fixed to the secondary PCB through a second flexible connector. Since this second connector is flexible, the display element 604 and 606 can be correctly configured and located within the portion of the box 112. FIG. 7 shows a second alternative embodiment of the display components 506. Here, the display components 506 include an impeller 702, a flexible display element 704 and a backlight 710. The flexible display element 704 is truly flexible and comprises a portion of screen 706 and a portion of screen 708. Portion 706 provides information for display area 130 and portion 708 provides information for zone 132. As may be understood from the configuration of display areas 130 and 132 indicated in FIG. 1, the flexible display element 704 is bent or curved within the portion of the box 112 so that the portion 706 is perpendicular relative to the portion 708. FIGS. 8A and 8B show a flow chart describing an operation method of the electrical circuit 500 of the mobile station 102. The method described herein employs display components 506 presented and described in relation to FIG, the mobile station 102 is located in a operating mode paused. In the start block 800, the portion of the box 114 is located from the open position to the closed position. The controller 504 authorizes the power intended for the impeller 514 and the display element 516 through the line 524 (step 802). The controller 504 activates the driver 514 to effect data communication through the line 526 and sends it display data. The impeller 514 sends data to the display element 516 to indicate the visual information, preferably information relating to the state, in the display area 130 (step 804). If the power had previously been authorized for the impeller 518 and the display element 520, the controller 504 deactivates that power (step 806). Here, the information regarding the status can include information about date and time, information regarding the status of the battery such as the indication of the battery level and / or a low battery warning indication, information relating to the status of the communication such as a indication "in use" and / or a displacement indication, or any combination of the foregoing.

Alternatively, the status information may include little or no information, where the display area 130 is clean. The controller 504 reads the key circuit 513 to detect activations of the various keys 144. If the controller 504 detects a key activation 146 (step 808), it articulates the status of the backlight 522 (step 810). That is, the controller 504 turns on the backlight 522 if it is off and turns it off if it is on. In case said light 522 is on from step 810, the controller sets a timer to turn it off after a predetermined period has been completed (step 812). If the controller 504 detects an activation of the key 150 (step 814), it sends display data to the impeller 514, which in turn sends display data to the elements of the display 516. In this way new visual information is presented in the display area 130. The new visual information includes information other than the status information and may include information about date and time, information about the status of the battery such as battery level indication and / or battery warning indication low, information regarding the status of the communication as an indication "in use" and / or indication of displacement, as well as any of the combinations of the above. The controller 504 activates a timer relative to the new display information (step 818). In case the controller 504 detects an incoming call (step 820), the method continues in FIG. 8B. The controller 504 controls the alert 509 to emit an audible alert signal (step 828). Alternatively, in step 828, the controller 504 can control the vibrator 511 so that it vibrates. The receiver 512 demodulates the received RF signals and generates data signals such as a caller ID or a short data message. The controller 504 receives this data, generates display data and sends it to the impeller 514 through the line 528 for the indication of the visual information in the display area 130 corresponding to that information. For example, zone 130 may indicate caller ID information, in a manner similar to that indicated in FIG. 2. When a large amount of information is to be indicated, the controller 504 can control the impeller 514 so that the display area 516 moves the information (from left to right, for example) or periodically displays new information. The controller 504 detects a control signal from the switch 508 when the portion of the box 114 moves from the closed position to the open position (step 832), which here means an intention to answer the call. In response to that detection, the mobile station 102 answers the call (step 833). The controller 504 activates the power intended for the impeller 518 and the display element 520 corresponding to the display area 132 through the line 530 (step 834). The controller 504 activates the impeller 518 for data communication through the line 532 and sends the display data to the impeller 518 via the data bus 528. The impeller 518 sends data to the display element 520 and the information is presented display in the display area 132 (step 836). The controller 504 deactivates the impeller 514 and the display element 516 through the line 524, and thus deactivates the display area 130 (step 838).

Preferably, the visual information corresponding to step 836 includes the caller ID or short message data obtained upon receiving the call. For example, the visual information may include ID data of the originator of the call, which may be indicated as shown in FIG. 1. Since the viewing area 132 is preferably larger or capable of displaying more visual information than the area 130, the 132 can present all of the visual information, while the 130 may have to present said information by displacement or by other known methods. In step 832, when the speaker and the microphone accessory 536 are inserted into the accessory socket 158, an activation of one of the keys 144 may allow the call to be answered without the need to move a portion of the box 114 to the open position ( and also without the need to remove the mobile station 102 from the case). Once the call is finished, it is possible to end the communication by activating one of the keys 144.

If the call is bidirectional, such as that of a two-way telephone or a telephone-type call, the user of the mobile station 102 uses the microphone 114 and the speaker 116 for voice communication. The controller 504 detects a control signal from a switch 508 when the box portion 114 moves from the open to the closed position (step 840). In response to that detection, the controller 504 performs tasks to complete the call (step 841). In addition, the controller 504 deactivates the impeller 514 and the display element 516 through the line 524 (step 842). The controller 504 activates the impeller 514 for data communication through the line 526 and sends it display data through a data bus 528. The impeller 514 sends data to the display element 516 for the corresponding visual information indication to said information in the display area 130 (step 844). The controller 504 deactivates the power coming from the impeller 518 and the display element 516, thereby deactivating the display area 132 (step 846). The method returns to step 808 in FIG. 8A.

The visual information corresponding to step 844 may be the same as that described in relation to step 804 (date, time, etc.). Preferably, the visual information corresponding to step 844 includes information relating to the bidirectional call, such as the duration of the call, the "units" of time used for the call, the amount of money charged for the call or any combination of the foregoing. That information can be real or approximate; the station 104 may send this information to the mobile station 102 and / or the mobile station 102 may be equipped with a real-time clock (not indicated). Furthermore, it is convenient that if the preferred information is indicated, the viewing area 516 has the same or similar visual information as that described in relation to step 804 (date, time, etc.) after a predetermined period or after the activation of various keys 144. In step 832, the portion of the box 114 can not be opened upon detection of an incoming call and thus the controller 504 can not detect the control signal from the switch 508. The controller 504 can detect an activation of one of the keys 144 through the key circuit 513 (step 848). In response to this, the controller 504 initiates the immediate sending of the incoming call to voice mail or to an answering machine with memory, where a synthesized message is played back to the originator of the call and a voice message can be recorded (step 850). In step 848, none of the keys 144 can be activated upon detection of an incoming call, and thus the controller 504 may not detect signals from the key circuit 513. The 504 controller continues to monitor the detection of signals from the switch 508 and the key circuit 513 in steps 832 and 848. The option described with respect to steps 848 and 850 may be preferred when you do not want to answer incoming calls (perhaps when viewing the visual information in the display area 130) nor hear or feel signals of the 509 alert or the 511 vibrator for a long time. The mobile station 102 can operate the display areas 130 and 132 in response to other revenue signals. For example, FIG. 4 shows a view 400 of a sheath 408 having a side 410. The mobile station 102 has electrical contacts 404 (also FIG.4) on a rear side 402. On the inside of the side 410, the sheath has a conductive element 412 which it has a contact 412 and a contact 414. When the mobile station 102 is outside the sheath 408, the display area 130 is deactivated and the zone 132 is activated (if it is exposed). When the mobile station 102 is inserted in the sheath 408, two of the electrical contacts 404 of the conductive element 412 are shortened and, in response to this, the controller 504 activates the display area 130 while the zone 130 is deactivated. FIG. 9 shows another alternative embodiment of a mobile station, in particular a mobile station 900. The mobile station 900 includes a box portion 902 and a box portion 904 connected through a hinge 905, where the portion 904 can be moved from the open and closed positions. In FIG. 9, the portion of the box 904 in the open position is indicated. The mobile station 902 also includes a retractable antenna 906 extending outward from the portion 902, a speaker 908 exiting from the portion 902, a microphone 910 disposed from the portion 904 and a keyboard 912 located in the portion 902.

The mobile station 902 includes a viewing area 914 located outward from a front of the portion 902 and a viewing area 916 located outwardly from the portion 904. When the portion 904 moves to the closed position, the area 916 is hidden in sight, while zone 916 can be displayed. Zone 914 should include a single line LED display, and zone 916 should include a large graphics LCD screen. The mobile station 902 operates in a manner similar to or equal to that of the mobile station 102 as described in relation to the flow chart of Figures 8A and 8B. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented and described, modifications can be made. For example, the display area 130 of FIG. 1 along any appropriate side of the portions of the box 112 and 114 to present visual information to a user. Accordingly, it is intended to cover, in the appended claims, all changes and modifications that fall within the real spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS A portable electronic device (100), characterized by comprising a box (104), a first display area (132) and a transceiver (502); said box (104) defines a first side (120) and a second side (122), the first side (120) has a position substantially perpendicular to that of the second side (122); the first display area (132) can be observed from the first side (120) and is intended to display information visually, including text information; the transceiver (502) disposed in the box (104) and ready to receive signals corresponding to an incoming call from a unit, said portable electronic device (100) characterized by: A second display area (130) that can be viewed from a second side (122) and is intended to present information visually, including information regarding the identification of the calling unit. The portable electronic device (100) according to claim 1, further characterized in that the second side (122) forms an upper side of the box (104); said first display area (132) has a multi-line area for information in the form of text, and said second display area (130) has a single-line area for identification information. The portable electronic device (100) according to claim 1, further characterized by comprising: A controller circuit (504) disposed in said box (104); the first and second display area (130, 132) present information visually in response to the aforementioned driver circuit (504). The portable electronic device (100) according to claim 1, further characterized by comprising in said box (104) a first portion (112) and a second portion of the box (114); the first portion (112) can be moved connected to the second portion (114) and provides an open and a closed position for the portable electronic device (100), which is configured to expose the second display area (130) and cover the first display area (132) in the closed position. The portable electronic device (100) according to claim 1, further characterized by comprising: A first case portion (112) of said case (104); A second box portion (114) of said box (104); the first portion (112) can be moved connected to the second portion (114) and provide an open and a closed position for the portable electronic device (100), which is configured to cover the first display area (132) in the closed position, and A controller circuit (504) arranged in the aforesaid box (104) operative to control the display in the first and second display areas (130, 132). Said controller circuit (504) is operative to control the second display area (130) to visually display identification information including information about the originator of the call (ID); said controller circuit (504) is operative to respond to the incoming call in response to the positioning of the electronic portable device (100) from the closed to the open position. A portable communication device (100), said device (100) includes a box (104), a transceiver (502), an antenna (110) and a first display area (132); the box (104) comprises a first portion (112) and a second portion of the box (114) connected so as to allow displacement and provide an open and a closed position for the communication device (100). The box (104) exhibits an upper surface (122) in the closed position and a front surface (120) in the open position. The transceiver (502) is disposed in the box (104) and connected to the antenna (110); the first display area (132) can be observed from the front surface (120) and covered when the device (100) is in the closed position. Said portable communication device is characterized by comprising: A second viewing area (130) observable from said upper surface (122), and A controller circuit (504) disposed in the box (104) and connected to the transceiver (502). The controller circuit (504) is operative to provide a visual indication of the information, among which information is included in text form, in the first display area (132). The controller circuit (504) is operative to provide a visual indication of the information, among which information on the identification of the originator of the call (ID) is included, in the second display area (130). The portable communication device according to claim 6, wherein the first display area (132) comprises a multi-line area for information in the form of text and the second display area (130) comprises a single-line display area for the ID information of the originator of the call. The portable communication device (100) according to claim 6, further characterized by comprising: A microphone (114) disposed in said box (104); A speaker (116) disposed in the box (104) and covered when the portable communication device (100) is in the closed position, and A plurality of telephony keys (140) located in the box (104) and covered when the Portable communication device (100) is in closed position. A portable telephone radio (100), characterized by comprising a box (104), a radio transceiver (502), an antenna (110), a controller circuit (504), a microphone (114), a speaker (116) and a plurality of telephone keys (140); said box (104) includes a first box portion (112) and a second box portion (114) which are rotatably connected and provide an open and a closed position for the radiotelephone (100). The box (104) exhibits a first side (120) in the open position and a second side (122) in the closed position; the radio transceiver (502) and the controller circuit (504) are arranged in the box (104); the antenna (110) is connected to the radio transceiver (502); the microphone (114) is arranged in the box (104), the speaker (116) is arranged in the box (104) and covered when the portable radio telephone (100) is in the closed position. The plurality of telephone keys (140) extends over the box (104) and is covered when said radio telephone (100) is in the closed position. The portable radio telephone (100) is characterized by comprising: A first display (520) connected and responsive to the controller circuit (504), which can be observed from the aforementioned first side (120) and is operative to provide a visual indication of at least alphanumeric characters. Said first screen (520) is hidden from view when the telephone radio (100) is in the closed position; and A second screen (516) connected and responsive to the controller circuit (504), which can be observed from the second side (122) and is operative to provide a visual indication of at least alphanumeric characters. The portable radio telephone (100) according to claim 9, further characterized by comprising the aforementioned radio transceiver (502) operative to receive signals corresponding to an incoming call from a calling unit, and said controlling circuit (504) is operative to control the second screen (516), so that it makes a visual presentation of the information relating to the identification (ID) of the originating unit of the call, when the telephone radio (100) is in the closed position.