WO2005062581A1

WO2005062581A1 - Closeable radio communications device

Info

Publication number: WO2005062581A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/039886
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei Su; Guang Ping Zhou
Original assignee: Motorola Inc., A Corporation Of The State Of Deleware
Priority date: 2003-12-09
Filing date: 2004-11-29
Publication date: 2005-07-07
Also published as: CN1627767A

Abstract

The invention provides for a closeable radio communications device (1) comprising a housing (21) having at two portions (22,23) pivotally mounted to each other to allow relative movement of the portions between a closed position and an opened position. There is a user interface (5b, 5c) accessible by a user when the housing (21) is in the closed position. There is a transceiver (8) disposed in the housing (21) and a speaker (5d) and a microphone (5e) are audibly accessible when the housing is in the closed position. A processor (3) is disposed in the housing (21) and coupled to the user interface (5b, 5c). In use, when the housing (21) is in the closed position a user can initiate an outgoing communication call through the transceiver (8) by selecting one or more functions selectable at the user interface (5b, 5c). During the communication call the speaker (5d) and microphone (5e) are operable when the housing (21) is in the closed position.

Description

CLOSEABLE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates a closeable communications device with a two part housing movable from a closed to an opened position. The invention is particularly useful for a closeable communications devices that have a speaker and microphone accessible and operable when housing is in the closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Communication devices, such as radio or cellular telephones, that are easy to transport and support desirable features are becoming commonplace. One communication device that is easy to transport is a closeable cellular telephone having a two part housing movable from an opened position to a closed position and vice versa. In the opened position, a conventional cellular telephone user interface includes a speaker, a microphone, a display, and a keypad, that are fully exposed. Also, the cellular telephone has a length that is sufficient to allow the ear and mouth of the user to align with the speaker and microphone, respectively. In the closed position the cellular telephone is shorter in length and either the speaker or microphone or both the speaker and microphone are audibly inaccessible and inoperable. Hence, when a user wishes to make a typical call, they first adjust the telephone to the opened position so that the required speaker and microphone are both audibly accessible and operable. This may be inconvenient and it would therefore be desirable to provide an alternative method or device that does not necessarily require the telephone to be opened when dialling a number and making a call . In this specification, including the claims, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising' or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a closeable radio communications device comprising : a housing having at least two portions ovably mounted to each other to allow relative movement of the portions between a closed position and an opened position; a user interface accessible by a user when the biousing is in the closed position; a transceiver disposed in the housing; a speaker and a microphone audibly accessible when the housing is in the closed position; and a processor disposed in the housing and coupled to the user interface, wherein in use, when the housing is in the closed position a user can initiate an outgoing communication call through the transceiver by selecting one or more functions selectable at the user interface, and wherein during the communication call the speaker and microphone are operable when the housing is in the closed position. Preferably, the closeable radio communications device includes a housing position detector coupled to the processor. Suitably, the two portions are pivotally mounted to each other . Preferably, the user interface includes a display screen. Suitably, the user interface includes a keypad. Preferably, the display screen is a touch screen. Preferably, the user interface is an outer user interface and there is an inner user interface that is at least partially hidden when the housing is in the closed position. Suitably, the speaker is an outer speaker and there is an inner speaker that is audibly inaccessible when the housing is in the closed position. Preferably, the inner speaker is inoperable when the housing is in the closed position. The inner speaker may suitably be audibly accessible and operable when the housing is in the opened position. Preferably, the outer speaker becomes inoperable when the housing is moved to the opened position. Suitably, the microphone is an outer microphone and there is an inner microphone that is audibly inaccessible when the housing is in the closed position. Preferably, the inner microphone is inoperable when the housing is in the closed position. The inner microphone may suitably be audibly accessible and operable when the housing is in the opened position. Suitably, the outer microphone becomes inoperable when the housing is moved to the opened position. Preferably, the inner microphone is mounted in one of the two portions and the inner speaker is mounted in the other one of the two portions. Preferably, the outer microphone is mounted in one of the two portions and the outer speaker is mounted in the other one of the two portions. In an alternative the outer microphone and the outer speaker may be mounted on the same one of the two portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating circuitry of a closeable radio communications device in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the closeable radio communications device of Fig. 1 when in a closed position; Fig. 3 illustrates the first embodiment of the closeable radio communications device of Fig. 1 when in an opened position; Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the closeable radio communications device of Fig. 1 when in a closed position; Fig. 5 illustrates the second embodiment of the closeable radio communications device of Fig. 1 when in an opened position; Fig. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the closeable radio communications device of Fig. 1 when in a closed position; and Fig. 7 illustrates the third embodiment of the closeable radio communications device of Fig. 1 when in an opened position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In the drawings, like numerals on different Figs are used to indicate like elements throughout. With reference to Fig. 1, there is illustrated an closeable radio communications device 1 comprising a radio frequency communications unit 2 coupled to be in communication with a processor 3. The device 1 also has an outer user interface 5a with a screen 5c and a keypad 5b and an inner user interface 6a with a screen 6c and a keypad 6b. The respective screens 5c, 6c and keypads 5b, 6b of interfaces 5a, 6a are coupled to Jbe in communication with the processor 3. Also, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art screens 5c, 6c may be touch screens thereby making the keypads 5b, 6b optional. A housing position detector 19 is also coupled to the processor 3 to provide one or more housing position signals (PS) , the position detector 19 typically being a mechanically actuated push button switch, however, the position detector 19 can comprise any suitable detector such as a magnetic sensor (reed switch) , a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensors, a potentiometer or a photo sensor. The processor 3 includes an encoder/decoder 11 with an associated Read Only Memory (ROM) 12 storing data for encoding and decoding voice or other signals that may be transmitted or received by the device 1. The processor 3 also includes a micro-processor 13 coupled, by a common data and address bus 17, to the encoder/decoder 11, a character Read Only Memory (ROM) 14, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 4, static programmable memory 16 and a removable SIM module 18. The static programmable memory 16 and SIM module 18 each can store, amongst other things, selected incoming text messages and a Telephone Number Database TINJD (phonebook) comprising a number field for telephone numbers and name field for identifiers associated with one the numbers in the name field. For instance, one entry in the Telephone Number Database TND may be 91999111111 (entered in the number field) with an associated identifier "Steven C at work" in the name field. The micro-processor 13 has ports for coupling to the interfaces 5a, 5b, and an alert module 15 that typically contains a speaker, vibrator motor and associated drivers. Also, micro-processor 13 has ports for coupling to an outer microphone 5e, outer speaker 5d, inner microphone 6e and inner speaker 6d. The character Read only memory 14 stores code for decoding or encoding text messages that may be received by the communication unit 2. In this embodiment the character Read Only Memory 14 also stores operating code (OC) for micro-processor 13 and code for performing functions associated with the device 1. The radio frequency communications unit 2 is a combined receiver and transmitter having a common antenna 7. The communications unit 2 has a transceiver 8 coupled to antenna 7 via a radio frequency amplifier 9. The transceiver 8 is also coupled to a combined modulator/demodulator 10 that couples the communications unit 2 to the processor 3. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3 there is illustrated a first embodiment of the closeable radio communications device 1 that has a housing 21 with two portions 22, 23 movably mounted to each other to allow relative movement of the portions 22,23 between a closed position of Fig 2 and an opened position of Fig 3. Disposed, or partially disposed, in the housing 21 are the components of Fig.l including the transceiver 8 and processor 3. The relative movement, as shown in this embodiment, is achieved by the portions 22,23 being pivo ally mounted to each other about a pivotal axis

A. ∑n the closed position of Fig 2 the outer user interface 5a of the screen 5c and the keypad 5b are visible and accessible by a user, the screen 5c and a keypad 5b being disposed in portion 22. Also, the outer microphone 5e and outer speaker 5d are audibly accessible and operable when the housing 21 is in the closed position. In contrast, the inner user interface 6a of the screen 6c and the keypad 6b are totally hidclen (sandwiched between portions 22,23) when the hot sing 21 is in the closed position; and the inner microphone 6e and inner speaker 6d are audibly inaccessible (sandwiched between portions 22,23) and inoperable when the housing 21 is in the closed position. In other embodiments the inner user interface 6a may be only partially hidden or partially accessible when the housing 21 is in the closed position. Also, as clearly shown in Fig. 2 the closeable radio communications device 1 has a protrusion 24, on the housing 21, for co-acting with the housing position detector 19 to generate the position signal (PS) when the housing 21 is moved to the opened position as shown in Ficj . 3. As shown in the opened position of Fig. 3 is trie inner user interface 6a of the screen 6c and the keypad 6b that are accessible and visible. Furtheremore , the inner microphone 6e and inner speaker 6d are audibly accessible and operable when the housing 21 is in the opened position. In addition, tb_e protrusion 24 is shown co-acting with the housing position detector 19 thereby generating the position signal (PS) sent to microprocessor 13 that results in the inner microphone 6e and inner speaker 6d becoming operable and the outer microphone 6e and outer speaker 6d becoming inoperable when the housing 21 is moved to the opened position. As shown in Figs 3 and 4, the inner microphone

6e is mounted in one of the two portions 23 and the inner speaker 6d is mounted in the other one of the two portions 22. Also, outer microphone 5e and the outer speaker 5d are mounted on the same one of the two portions 22. In use, when the housing 21 is in the closed position a user can initiate an outgoing communication call through the transceiver 8 by selecting one or more functions selectable at the outer user interface 5. a. In addition during the communication call, when the housing is in the closed position, the outer speaker 5d and outer microphone 5e are operable. In this regard, the speaker 5d and outer microphone 5e may operate as a hands-free speakerphone in which a user may place the device 1 on a table or desk whilst communicating in the call via the speaker 5d and outer microphone 5e. Referring to Figs 4 and 5 there is illustrated a second embodiment of the closeable radio communications device 1 that has a housing 41 with two portions 42, 43 movably mounted to each other to allow relative movement of the portions 42,43 between the closed position of Fig 4 and the opened position of Fig 5. The relative movement, as shown in this embodiment, is achieved by the portions 42,43 being pivotally mounted about a pivotal axis. In the closed position of Fig 4 an outer user interface 45a (in the form of a keypad) is visible and accessible by a user, and is disposed in portion 42. Also, an outer speaker 45d and outer microphone 45e are audibly accessible and operable when the housing 41 is in the closed position. In contrast, an inner user interface 46a (in the form of a touch screen) is viewable through a screen 48 but not physically accessible when the housing 41 is in the closed position. In addition, an inner speaker 46d is audibly inaccessible (sandwiched between portions 42,43) and inoperable when the housing 41 is in the closed position. Also, as clearly shown in Fig. 5 housing position detector 19 is mounted in portion 43 and as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, generates the position signal (PS) when the housing 41 is moved from the closed position. As illustrated, the outer microphone 45e is mounted in one of the two portions 43 and the outer speaker 45d is mounted in the other one of the two portions 42. As shown in the opened position of Fig. 5 is the inner user interface 46a in the form of a touch screen that is accessible and completely visible. Furtheremore, the outer microphone 45e and inner speaker 46d are audibly accessible and operable when the housing 21 is in the opened position and the and outer speaker 45d being inoperable when the housing 21 is moved to the opened position. Referring to Figs 6 and 7 there is illustrated a third embodiment of the closeable radio communications device 1 that has a housing 61 with two portions 62, 63 movably mounted to each other to allow relative movement of the portions 62,63 between the closed position of Fig 6 and the opened position of Fig 7. The relative movement, as shown in this embodiment, is achieved by the portions 62,63 being pivotally mounted about a pivotal axis. In the closed position of Fig 6 an outer user interface 65a (in the form of a keypad) is visible and accessible by a user, and is disposed in portion 62. Also, an outer speaker 45d and outer microphone 45e are audibly accessible and operable when the housing 61 is in the closed position. In contrast, an inner user interface 66a (in the form of a touch screen) is viewable through a screen 68 but not physically accessible when the housing 61 is in the closed position. In addition, an inner speaker 66d is audibly inaccessible and inoperable when the housing 61 is in the closed position. Also, as clearly shown in Fig. 7 housing position detector 19 is mounted in portion 63 and generates the position signal (PS) when the housing 61 is moved from the closed position toward the opened position. As illustrated, the outer microphone 65e and the outer speaker 65d are mounted in the same portion 43. As shown in the opened position of Fig. 7 is the inner user interface 66a in the form of a touch screen that is accessible and completely visible. Furtheremore, the outer microphone 65e and inner speaker 66d are audibly accessible and operable when the housing 21 is in the opened position and the and outer speaker 65d being inoperable when the housing 21 is moved to the opened position. Advantageously, the present invention provides for allowing a user provide an alternative method or device that does not necessarily require the device 1 to be opened when dialling a number and making a call. The detailed description provides preferred exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments provides those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For instance, although a clamshell type device has been illustrated, other closeable devices may be used such as flip telephones or rotatable two part telephones a typical example of which is the Motorola"" V70™ cellphone.

Claims

WE CLAIM :

1. A closeable radio communications device comprising: a housing having at least two portions movably mounted to each other to allow relative movement of the portions between a closed position and an opened position; a user interface accessible by a user when the housing is in the closed position; a transceiver disposed in the housing; a speaker and a microphone audibly accessible when the housing is in the closed position; and a processor disposed in the housing and coupled to the user interface, wherein in use, when the housing is in the closed position a user can initiate an outgoing communication call through the transceiver by selecting one or more functions selectable at the user interface, and wherein during the communication call the speaker and microphone are operable when the housing is in the closed position.

2. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 1, further including a housing position detector coupled to the processor.

3. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two portions are pivotally mounted to each other.

4. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a display screen.

5. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a keypad.

i 6. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speaker is an outer speaker and there is an inner speaker that is audibly inaccessible when the housing is in the closed position.

7. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the inner speaker is inoperable when the housing is in the closed position.

8. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the inner speaker is audibly accessible and operable when the housing is in the opened position.

9. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the outer speaker becomes inoperable when the housing is moved to the opened position.

10. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microphone is an outer microphone and there is an inner microphone that is audibly inaccessible when the housing is in the closed position.

11. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inner microphone is inoperable when the housing is in the closed position.

12. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inner microphone is audibly accessible and operable when the housing is in the opened position.

13. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the outer microphone becomes inoperable when the housing is moved to the opened position.

14. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the microphone is an outer microphone and there is an inner microphone that is audibly inaccessible when the housing is in the closed position.

15. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inner microphone is mounted in one of the two portions and the inner speaker is mounted in the other one of the two portions .

16. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 14, wherein the outer microphone is mounted in one of the two portions and the outer speaker is mounted in the other one of the two portions .

17. The closeable radio communications device, as claimed in claim 14, wherein the outer microphone and the outer speaker are mounted on the same one of the two portions .