WO2007106173A2 - Portable device with a display on a first housing and a window on a second housing - Google Patents

Portable device with a display on a first housing and a window on a second housing Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007106173A2
WO2007106173A2 PCT/US2006/049535 US2006049535W WO2007106173A2 WO 2007106173 A2 WO2007106173 A2 WO 2007106173A2 US 2006049535 W US2006049535 W US 2006049535W WO 2007106173 A2 WO2007106173 A2 WO 2007106173A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing section
window
display
housing
touch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/049535
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2007106173A3 (en
Inventor
Christopher Collins
Original Assignee
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab filed Critical Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab
Priority to EP06848309A priority Critical patent/EP2005716B1/en
Priority to DE602006015239T priority patent/DE602006015239D1/en
Priority to JP2009500352A priority patent/JP4828632B2/en
Priority to CN200680053836.1A priority patent/CN101401394B/en
Publication of WO2007106173A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007106173A2/en
Publication of WO2007106173A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007106173A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0235—Slidable or telescopic telephones, i.e. with a relative translation movement of the body parts; Telephones using a combination of translation and other relative motions of the body parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0241—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings using relative motion of the body parts to change the operational status of the telephone set, e.g. switching on/off, answering incoming call
    • H04M1/0245—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings using relative motion of the body parts to change the operational status of the telephone set, e.g. switching on/off, answering incoming call using open/close detection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72466—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with selection means, e.g. keys, having functions defined by the mode or the status of the device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/16—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including more than one display unit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/22—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to handheld and portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to housing and user interface design for handheld and portable electronic devices.
  • Handheld and portable electronic devices have become a ubiquitous accoutrement for consumers in modern society. Such devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, cameras, and audio players. Because it is inconvenient to carry numerous devices to perform different functions, consumers desire multi-function devices that can perform a variety of functions. This trend has led to a convergence of wireless communication and computing technologies in a single device. Such devices may also include a camera and audio recording/playback capabilities.
  • clamshell-type mobile phones also known as a flip phones
  • clamshell-type mobile phones typically comprise two housing section pivotally connected by a hinge.
  • One section serves as a cover or flip and moves between open and closed positions to cover the display and/or keypad of the phone on the other section.
  • Sliding designs (referred to herein as sliders) are known in which two or more housing sections slide relative to one another.
  • jack-knife designs where two or more sections rotate relative to one another like a jack knife.
  • Clamshell designs can accommodate large displays that are protected when the cover is closed. A smaller display may be provided on the cover section to allow viewing of information, such as caller identification, current time and date, and battery power, when the cover is closed.
  • the keypad is also covered in the closed position to prevent accidental dialing and key presses When open, the clamshell designs are a "natural" size for most ear to mouth distances.
  • clamshell designs are prone to breaking and mechanical failures, have limited functions in the closed configuration, and have less than ideal distances between soft keys and the display.
  • the display In sliding designs, the display is typically on the outside and supports functions in the closed configuration.
  • Keypads are usually covered in the closed configuration and are protected against inadvertent key presses. Sliding designs tend to be more robust than clamshell designs and provide the same size advantage in terms of ear to mouth distances. However, sliding designs do not provide protection for the display and do not typically include a secondary display to view information.
  • a portable electronic device comprises a first housing section and a second housing section connected to the first housing section so as to be movable relative to one another between open and closed positions.
  • a display is disposed on the first housing section and arranged to be substantially concealed by the second housing section when the first and second housing sections are in the closed configuration.
  • a window in the second housing section allows a portion of the display to be viewed through said window when the first and second housing sections are in the closed configuration.
  • a touch sensitive input device is disposed on the first housing section and is accessible through the window in the second housing section when the first and second housing sections are in the open configuration.
  • the display may comprise a touch screen display. A portion of the touch-screen display may be accessible through the window in the second housing section and function as the touch sensitive input.
  • the touch sensitive input device may comprise a touch pad or other input device that is wholly separate from the display.
  • the second housing section may further include one or more soft keys for receiving user input.
  • the soft keys may be disposed adjacent the window.
  • Soft key icons indicating the function of the soft keys may be displayed on the portion of the display visible through the window in the second housing section.
  • Fig. 1 is a front view of a mobile communication device in a closed configuration. A display on a first housing section is visible through a window in a second housing section.
  • Fig. 2 is a side view of the mobile communication device in a closed configuration.
  • Fig. 3 is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of the mobile communication device in an open configuration.
  • a portion of a touch screen display is accessible through the window in the second housing section and serves as a touch-sensitive input device.
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of the mobile communication device in an open configuration.
  • Fig. 5 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the mobile communication device in an open configuration.
  • a touch pad accessible through the window in the second housing section serves as a touch-sensitive input device.
  • Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of the mobile communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the exemplary embodiment comprises a mobile communication device 100, such as a mobile phone or personal digital assistant.
  • a mobile communication device 100 such as a mobile phone or personal digital assistant.
  • Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the invention has broad application in a wide range of portable and hand-held electronic devices including audio and video players, audio and video recording devices, cameras, and gaming devices.
  • the mobile communication device 100 includes a housing 110 comprised of two separate housing sections 112 and 114.
  • the first and second housing sections 112, 114 are slidably connected to one another and slide relative to one another between open and closed positions.
  • the first housing section 112 includes a display 150.
  • Display 150 may comprise a conventional liquid crystal display or touch-screen display.
  • the second housing section 114 referred to herein as the top section, has a window 116 formed therein.
  • the second housing section 114 substantiaiiy covers display 150 in a closed ( configuration, while leaving a portion thereof visible through the window 116.
  • the mobile communication device 100 includes one or more input devices indicated generally by the numeral 120.
  • a touch sensitive user input device 140 is arranged in the first housing section 112 such that it is accessible through the window 116 in an open configuration as seen in Figs. 3 and 5.
  • display 150 comprises a touch screen display and functions as the touch sensitive input device 140.
  • the touch sensitive input device 140 comprises a touch pad 142 or other touch input device.
  • a conventional telephone keypad 121 is disposed on the second housing section 114 below window 116 with several function keys 122, 124, 126, 128. Additionally, two soft keys 130, 132 are disposed adjacent the window 116. The soft keys 130, 132 change function depending on the current context or mode of operation. Soft keys are typically disposed adjacent to a display 150. The function of the soft keys 130, 132 for the current context is indicated by icons or text on the adjacent display 150.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the mobile communication device 100 in a closed configuration.
  • a portion of display 150 is visible through window 116 in the top housing section 114 and may be used to display information to the user, such as the current time, batter power, and signal strength.
  • display 150 contains a message indicating to the user that there is an incoming call and displays caller identification information.
  • Soft key icons are displayed adjacent the soft keys 130 and 132 indicating that the user can press soft key 130 to accept the call and press soft key 132 to reject the call.
  • the soft key icons may comprise text, graphics, or a combination of text and graphics. Icons in the lower part of the window 116 indicate the current battery power level and signal level.
  • Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the mobile communication device 100 in an open configuration having a touch-screen display 150.
  • the bottom section 112 has been slid upward relative to the top section 114 to expose a much larger area of the display 150.
  • top section 114 overlaps a portion of the touch-screen display 150 in the open configuration.
  • the portion of the touch-screen display 150 visible through window 116 in the top section 114 serves as an touch sensitive input.
  • the portion of the touch-screen display 150 display visible through window 116 becomes a virtual five-way navigation control that can be used to move an on screen cursor or pointer on the display 150, to navigate through menus and items on the display 150, and to make selections.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of mobile communication device 100 in an open configuration.
  • the entire display 150 is raised above the top end of the top section 114.
  • a touchpad 142 or other input control on the bottom section 112 is accessible through window 116 in the top housing section 114 in the open configuration.
  • Touch pad 142 is covered or concealed in the closed configuration.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates in block diagram form the functional elements of mobile communication device 100.
  • the functional elements include control circuits 102, memory 104, transceiver 106, audio processing circuits 108, and a user interface.
  • Control circuits 102 may comprise one or more processors that control the overall operation of the mobile communication device 100 according to program instructions stored in memory 104.
  • Memory 104 may comprise one or more memory devices, including random access memory for temporary storage and read only memory for permanent storage. Memory 104 stores program instructions and data needed for operation.
  • Transceiver 106 enables communication with remote devices.
  • Transceiver 106 may, for example, comprise a standard cellular transceiver or a short-range wireless interface, such as a BLUETOOTH or WIFI transceiver.
  • Audio processing circuits 108 process audio signals input via microphone 105 and output via speaker 107.
  • Microphone 105 converts acoustic signals to electrical audio signals.
  • Speaker 107 converts electrical audio signals into acoustic signals.
  • a user interface comprising the display 150 and one or more input devices indicated generally by numeral 120, enable the user to interact with mobile communication device 100.
  • the input devices 120 include the keypad 121, function keys 122, 124, 126 and 128, and soft keys 130, 132.
  • the touch sensitive input 140 also functions as a user input device 120.
  • Control circuits 102 are configured or programmed to vary the display 150 depending on whether the mobile communication device 100 is in the open or closed configuration. In the closed configuration, control circuits 102 cause relevant information to be displayed on the portion of the display 150 that is visible through the window 116 in second housing section 114. For example, for the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the control circuits 102 cause a virtual 5-way navigation control to be displayed in the portion of the display 150 that is visible through the window 116 in the second housing section 114 and generates navigation control signals responsive to touch input.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)

Abstract

A housing arrangement for a mobile communication device (100) comprises first and second housing sections (112, 114) connected together and movable relative to one another between open and closed positions. The first housing section (112) includes a display (150) that is substantially concealed by the second housing section (114) in a closed configuration. The second housing section (114) includes a window (116) that reveals a portion of the display (150) in the closed configuration. In the open configuration, a touch sensitive input (140) is accessible through the window (116) in the second housing section (114).

Description

HOUSING ARRANGEMENT FOR A PORTABLE DEVICE WITH A DISPLAY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to handheld and portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to housing and user interface design for handheld and portable electronic devices.
Handheld and portable electronic devices have become a ubiquitous accoutrement for consumers in modern society. Such devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, cameras, and audio players. Because it is inconvenient to carry numerous devices to perform different functions, consumers desire multi-function devices that can perform a variety of functions. This trend has led to a convergence of wireless communication and computing technologies in a single device. Such devices may also include a camera and audio recording/playback capabilities.
Many mobile devices have multi-part housings with two or more sections that pivot, rotate or slide relative to one another. For example, clamshell-type mobile phones (also known as a flip phones) typically comprise two housing section pivotally connected by a hinge. One section serves as a cover or flip and moves between open and closed positions to cover the display and/or keypad of the phone on the other section. Sliding designs (referred to herein as sliders) are known in which two or more housing sections slide relative to one another. There are also jack-knife designs where two or more sections rotate relative to one another like a jack knife.
There are advantages and disadvantages for each different design type. Clamshell designs can accommodate large displays that are protected when the cover is closed. A smaller display may be provided on the cover section to allow viewing of information, such as caller identification, current time and date, and battery power, when the cover is closed. In most clamshell designs, the keypad is also covered in the closed position to prevent accidental dialing and key presses When open, the clamshell designs are a "natural" size for most ear to mouth distances. However, clamshell designs are prone to breaking and mechanical failures, have limited functions in the closed configuration, and have less than ideal distances between soft keys and the display. In sliding designs, the display is typically on the outside and supports functions in the closed configuration. Keypads are usually covered in the closed configuration and are protected against inadvertent key presses. Sliding designs tend to be more robust than clamshell designs and provide the same size advantage in terms of ear to mouth distances. However, sliding designs do not provide protection for the display and do not typically include a secondary display to view information. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A portable electronic device according to one exemplary embodiment comprises a first housing section and a second housing section connected to the first housing section so as to be movable relative to one another between open and closed positions. A display is disposed on the first housing section and arranged to be substantially concealed by the second housing section when the first and second housing sections are in the closed configuration. A window in the second housing section allows a portion of the display to be viewed through said window when the first and second housing sections are in the closed configuration.
In some embodiments of the invention, a touch sensitive input device is disposed on the first housing section and is accessible through the window in the second housing section when the first and second housing sections are in the open configuration. The display may comprise a touch screen display. A portion of the touch-screen display may be accessible through the window in the second housing section and function as the touch sensitive input. Alternatively, the touch sensitive input device may comprise a touch pad or other input device that is wholly separate from the display.
In some embodiments of the invention, the second housing section may further include one or more soft keys for receiving user input. The soft keys may be disposed adjacent the window. Soft key icons indicating the function of the soft keys may be displayed on the portion of the display visible through the window in the second housing section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front view of a mobile communication device in a closed configuration. A display on a first housing section is visible through a window in a second housing section.
Fig. 2 is a side view of the mobile communication device in a closed configuration.
Fig. 3 is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of the mobile communication device in an open configuration. In this embodiment, a portion of a touch screen display is accessible through the window in the second housing section and serves as a touch-sensitive input device.
Fig. 4 is a side view of the mobile communication device in an open configuration.
Fig. 5 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the mobile communication device in an open configuration. In this embodiment, a touch pad accessible through the window in the second housing section serves as a touch-sensitive input device.
Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of the mobile communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, a portable electronic device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown therein. The exemplary embodiment comprises a mobile communication device 100, such as a mobile phone or personal digital assistant. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the invention has broad application in a wide range of portable and hand-held electronic devices including audio and video players, audio and video recording devices, cameras, and gaming devices.
The mobile communication device 100 includes a housing 110 comprised of two separate housing sections 112 and 114. The first and second housing sections 112, 114 are slidably connected to one another and slide relative to one another between open and closed positions.
The first housing section 112, referred to herein as the bottom section, includes a display 150. Display 150 may comprise a conventional liquid crystal display or touch-screen display. The second housing section 114, referred to herein as the top section, has a window 116 formed therein. The second housing section 114 substantiaiiy covers display 150 in a closed ( configuration, while leaving a portion thereof visible through the window 116.
The mobile communication device 100 includes one or more input devices indicated generally by the numeral 120. A touch sensitive user input device 140 is arranged in the first housing section 112 such that it is accessible through the window 116 in an open configuration as seen in Figs. 3 and 5. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, display 150 comprises a touch screen display and functions as the touch sensitive input device 140. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the touch sensitive input device 140 comprises a touch pad 142 or other touch input device.
A conventional telephone keypad 121 is disposed on the second housing section 114 below window 116 with several function keys 122, 124, 126, 128. Additionally, two soft keys 130, 132 are disposed adjacent the window 116. The soft keys 130, 132 change function depending on the current context or mode of operation. Soft keys are typically disposed adjacent to a display 150. The function of the soft keys 130, 132 for the current context is indicated by icons or text on the adjacent display 150.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the mobile communication device 100 in a closed configuration. A portion of display 150 is visible through window 116 in the top housing section 114 and may be used to display information to the user, such as the current time, batter power, and signal strength. In Fig. 1 , display 150 contains a message indicating to the user that there is an incoming call and displays caller identification information. Soft key icons are displayed adjacent the soft keys 130 and 132 indicating that the user can press soft key 130 to accept the call and press soft key 132 to reject the call. The soft key icons may comprise text, graphics, or a combination of text and graphics. Icons in the lower part of the window 116 indicate the current battery power level and signal level. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the mobile communication device 100 in an open configuration having a touch-screen display 150. The bottom section 112 has been slid upward relative to the top section 114 to expose a much larger area of the display 150. In this embodiment, top section 114 overlaps a portion of the touch-screen display 150 in the open configuration. The portion of the touch-screen display 150 visible through window 116 in the top section 114 serves as an touch sensitive input. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the portion of the touch-screen display 150 display visible through window 116 becomes a virtual five-way navigation control that can be used to move an on screen cursor or pointer on the display 150, to navigate through menus and items on the display 150, and to make selections.
Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of mobile communication device 100 in an open configuration. In this embodiment, the entire display 150 is raised above the top end of the top section 114. In this case, a touchpad 142 or other input control on the bottom section 112 is accessible through window 116 in the top housing section 114 in the open configuration. Touch pad 142 is covered or concealed in the closed configuration.
Figure 6 illustrates in block diagram form the functional elements of mobile communication device 100. The functional elements include control circuits 102, memory 104, transceiver 106, audio processing circuits 108, and a user interface. Control circuits 102 may comprise one or more processors that control the overall operation of the mobile communication device 100 according to program instructions stored in memory 104. Memory 104 may comprise one or more memory devices, including random access memory for temporary storage and read only memory for permanent storage. Memory 104 stores program instructions and data needed for operation. Transceiver 106 enables communication with remote devices. Transceiver 106 may, for example, comprise a standard cellular transceiver or a short-range wireless interface, such as a BLUETOOTH or WIFI transceiver. Audio processing circuits 108 process audio signals input via microphone 105 and output via speaker 107. Microphone 105 converts acoustic signals to electrical audio signals. Speaker 107 converts electrical audio signals into acoustic signals. A user interface, comprising the display 150 and one or more input devices indicated generally by numeral 120, enable the user to interact with mobile communication device 100. In the embodiments discussed above, the input devices 120 include the keypad 121, function keys 122, 124, 126 and 128, and soft keys 130, 132. The touch sensitive input 140 also functions as a user input device 120.
Control circuits 102 are configured or programmed to vary the display 150 depending on whether the mobile communication device 100 is in the open or closed configuration. In the closed configuration, control circuits 102 cause relevant information to be displayed on the portion of the display 150 that is visible through the window 116 in second housing section 114. For example, for the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the control circuits 102 cause a virtual 5-way navigation control to be displayed in the portion of the display 150 that is visible through the window 116 in the second housing section 114 and generates navigation control signals responsive to touch input.
The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device (100) comprising: a first housing section (112); a second housing section (114) slidably connected to the first housing section (112); said first and second housing sections (112, 114) being slidable relative to one another between open and closed positions; a display (150) disposed on the first housing section (112)and arranged to be substantially concealed by the second housing section (114) when the first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the closed position and to be exposed when the first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position; and a window (116) in the second housing section (114) allowing a portion of the display
(150) to be viewed through said window (116) when the first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the closed position.
2. The portable electronic device of claim 1 wherein the first housing section (112) includes a touch sensitive input device (140) that is accessible through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) when the first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position.
3. The portable electronic device of claim 2 wherein said touch sensitive input device (140) comprises a touch pad (142) accessible through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) when said first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position.
4. The portable electronic device of claim 2 wherein said display (150) comprises a touch screen display, and wherein a portion of said touch-screen display accessible through said window (116) when said first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position functions as said touch sensitive input device (140).
5. The portable electronic device of claim 4 wherein said portion of said touch screen accessible through said window (116) when said first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position functions as a virtual navigation control.
6. The portable electronic device of claim 1 further comprising one or more soft keys (130, 132) disposed on said second housing section (114) adjacent said window (116), and wherein the portion of said display (150) visible through said window (116) displays soft key icons indicating the function of said soft keys (130, 132).
7. A method arranging user interface elements on a portable electronic device (100), said method comprising: slidably connecting first and second housing sections (112, 114) so as to be movable relative to one another between open and closed positions; arranging a display (150) on said first housing section (112) such that the display is at least partially covered by the second housing section (114) in the closed position; and forming a window (116) in said second housing section (114) for viewing a portion of said display (150) in said closed position.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising arranging a touch sensitive input device (140) on said first housing section (112) such that said touch sensitive input device (140) is accessible through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) in the open position. '
9. The method of claim 8 wherein arranging a touch sensitive input device (140) on said first housing section (112) comprises arranging a touch pad (142) such that the touch pad (142) is accessible through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) in the open position.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein arranging a touch sensitive input device (140) on said first housing section (112) comprises arranging a touch screen display such that a portion of the touch screen display is accessible through said window (116) in the open position.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising displaying a navigation control on said portion of said touch screen display and generating navigation control signals responsive to touch input by the user.
12. The method of claim 7 further comprising arranging one or more soft keys (130, 132) on the second housing section (114) adjacent said window (116), and displaying soft key icons indicating the function of said soft keys (130, 132) on the portion of said display (150) visible through said window (116).
13. A portable device (100) comprising: a first housing section (112); a second housing section (114) connected to the first housing section (112) and movable relative to the first housing section (112) between open and closed positions; a display (150) disposed on the first housing section (112) and arranged to be substantially concealed by the second housing section (114) when the first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the closed position and to be exposed when the first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position; a window (116) in the second housing section (114) allowing a portion of the display (150) to be viewed through said window (116) when the first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the closed position; and one or more soft keys (130, 132) disposed on the second housing section (114) adjacent said window (116).
14. The portable electronic device of claim 13 wherein the portion of said display (150) visible through said window (116) displays soft key icons indicating the function of said soft keys (130, 132).
15. The portable electronic device of claim 13 wherein the first housing section (112) includes a touch sensitive input device (140) that is accessible through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) when the first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position.
16. The portable electronic device of claim 15 wherein said touch sensitive input device (140) comprises a touch pad (142) accessible through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) when said first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position.
17. The portable electronic device of claim 15 wherein said display (150) comprises a touch screen display, and wherein said touch sensitive input device (140) comprises a portion of said display accessible through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) when said first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position.
18. The portable electronic device of claim 17 wherein said portion of said touch screen display visible through said window (116) when said first and second housing sections (112, 114) are in the open position functions as a navigation control.
19. A method of arranging user interface elements on a portable electronic device (100), said method comprising: connecting first and second housing sections (112, 114) so as to be movable relative to one another between open and closed positions; arranging a display (150) on said first housing section (112) such that the display (150) is at least partially covered by the second housing section (114) in the closed position; forming a window (116) in said second housing section (114) for viewing a portion of said display (150) in said closed position; and disposing one or more soft keys (130, 132) on said second housing section (114) adjacent said window. (116)
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising displaying soft key icons indicating the function of said soft keys (130, 132) on a portion of said display (150) visible through said window (116).
21. The method of claim 19 further comprising arranging a touch sensitive input device (140) on said first housing section (112) such that said touch sensitive input device (140) is exposed through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) in the open position.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein arranging a touch sensitive input device (140) on said first housing section (112) comprises arranging a touch pad (142) such that the touch pad (142) is accessible through said window (116) in said second housing section (114) in the open position.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein arranging a touch sensitive input device (140) on said first housing section ,(112) comprises arranging a touch screen display such that a portion of the touch screen display is accessible through said window (116) in the open position.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising displaying a navigation control on said touch screen display and generating navigation control signals responsive to touch input by the user.
PCT/US2006/049535 2006-03-14 2006-12-28 Portable device with a display on a first housing and a window on a second housing WO2007106173A2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06848309A EP2005716B1 (en) 2006-03-14 2006-12-28 Housing arrangement for a portable device wtih a display
DE602006015239T DE602006015239D1 (en) 2006-03-14 2006-12-28 CASE ASSEMBLY FOR A PORTABLE DEVICE WITH A DISPLAY
JP2009500352A JP4828632B2 (en) 2006-03-14 2006-12-28 Housing configuration for portable equipment with display
CN200680053836.1A CN101401394B (en) 2006-03-14 2006-12-28 A portable device with a display on a first housing and a window on a second housing

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EP2005716B1 (en) 2010-06-30
DE602006015239D1 (en) 2010-08-12
JP4828632B2 (en) 2011-11-30
JP2009530905A (en) 2009-08-27
EP2005716A2 (en) 2008-12-24
CN101401394A (en) 2009-04-01
CN101401394B (en) 2015-03-25
WO2007106173A3 (en) 2007-12-13
US7493151B2 (en) 2009-02-17
US20070217132A1 (en) 2007-09-20

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