CA2166928A1 - Radio communication device having a moveable housing element and a keypad disposed therein - Google Patents
Radio communication device having a moveable housing element and a keypad disposed thereinInfo
- Publication number
- CA2166928A1 CA2166928A1 CA002166928A CA2166928A CA2166928A1 CA 2166928 A1 CA2166928 A1 CA 2166928A1 CA 002166928 A CA002166928 A CA 002166928A CA 2166928 A CA2166928 A CA 2166928A CA 2166928 A1 CA2166928 A1 CA 2166928A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing element
- radio communication
- communication device
- moveable housing
- keys
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
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
- H04M1/23—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof
-
- 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
- H04M1/0214—Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
- H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
- H01H2219/026—Legends replaceable; adaptable with programming switches
-
- 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
-
- 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
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
- Transceivers (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A radio communication device (103) operable in a radio communication system (100) providing a plurality of radio communication services including radiotelephone, facsimile and electronic mail services. The radio communication device (103) has a body housing element ( 107) and moveable housing element ( 109).
When the moveable housing element (109) is in the closed position, the moveable housing element ( 109) covers a portion of a touch screen display (119). A keypad (125) is integrated into the moveable housing element ( 109) and operable when the moveable housing element ( 109) is in the closed position. When a user depresses a key of the keypad ( 125) a portion of the key provides pressure against the touch screen display (119). The provided pressure activates a portion of the touch screen display (119).
When the moveable housing element (109) is in the closed position, the moveable housing element ( 109) covers a portion of a touch screen display (119). A keypad (125) is integrated into the moveable housing element ( 109) and operable when the moveable housing element ( 109) is in the closed position. When a user depresses a key of the keypad ( 125) a portion of the key provides pressure against the touch screen display (119). The provided pressure activates a portion of the touch screen display (119).
Description
`- 21~692~
, -RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING A
MOVEABLE HOUSING ELEMENT AND KEYPAD
DISPOSED THEREIN
Field of the Invention Generally, the present invention relates to radio communication devices and more specifically to a radio communication device having a moveable housing element 10 and a keypad disposed therein for operating the radio communication device.
Back~round of the Invention Today, radio communication devices provide radio communication services such as two-way radio service, radiotelephone service, cellular phone service, cordless phone service and wireless data communication services such as wireless fax, electronic mail (e-mail), and short 2 0 message service. These services are generally packaged individually into a single radio communication service device, such as a traditional radiotelephone. By packaging these radio communication services as individual devices, a manufacturer can offer a portable or hand held radio 2 5 communication device that is relatively easy to use.
However, there is increasing pressure in the marketplace to provide a multi-functional radio communication devise that offers more than one of the typical radio communication services mentioned above. Attempting to combine such 3 0 radio communication services into a single radio ~ G6928 -.
communication device creates a cumbersome user interface that is undesired by potential customers. A typical user interface includes a speaker, a microphone, a display and a data input device such as a keypad. For some radio 5 communication services a small display and a small data input area is required. For example, in a portable radiotelephone often there is a small display and a fixed data input keypad. On the other hand, a wireless data service such as e-mail requires extensive display of 10 received messages as well as extensive user data input from either a pen or a keyboard.
If a manufacturer was to provide an integrated product that combined a radiotelephone and an e-mail 15 service, the simpler user interface of the radiotelephone service would be lost in the complex user interface required for an e-mail service. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an integrated data communication device wherein a user could easily identify the user 20 interface of a first data service from a user interface of a second data service.
Brief Description of the Drawin~
FIG. 1 is an illustration in blocked diagram form of a radio communication system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of a radio communication device in a closed position in accordance 3 0 with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of a radio communication device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a display in the portrait 5 mode in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a display in the landscape mode in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the radio communication device of FIG.2 in accordance with 10 the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a detailed illustration of a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.
Detailed Description of a Preferred 1 5 Embodiment.
An embodiment of the present invention encompasses a radio communication device having a body housing element and a moveable housing element coupled 2 0 thereto. The moveable housing element is moveable between an open or extended position and a closed position. The radio communication device includes a touch screen display disposed in the body housing element and a keypad disposed in the moveable housing element. When 25 the moveable housing element is in the closed position, the moveable housing element covers a portion of the touch screen display. Additionally, the radio communication device has a first set of user functions operable by the keypad. The first set of user functions includes limited 3 0 radiotelephone functions such as phone number input and ` ~1669~8 sending and receiving phone calls. The keypad is shaped to form a plurality of keys. The keys have a first portion exposed through corresponding apertures in the moveable housing element, such that when a user depresses the first 5 portion of the keys a second portion of the key provides pressure against the touch screen display. The provided pressure activates a portion of the touch screen display.
When the moveable housing element is in the open or extended position, the radio communication device has a 10 second set of user functions which include radiotelephone functions, advanced radiotelephone functions, and messaging functions. The messaging functions include electronic mail, faxing, and short message service.
Figure 1 is an illustration in blocked diagram form of a radio communication system 100. The radio communication system 100 includes a remote transceiver 101. In the radio communication system 100 the remote transceiver 101 sends and receives radio frequency (RF) 20 signals to and from multiple radio communication devices within a fixed geographic area. The radio communication device 103 is one such radio communication device contained within the geographic area served by the remote transceiver 101. The RF signals transmitted between the 2 5 remote transceiver 101 and the radio communication device 103 provide radio communication services such as radiotelephone service, electronic mail service, wireless fax service and short message service. Other equally sufficient embodiments of the present invention may include other combinations of these communication services and other radio communication services.
The radio communication device 103 includes an antenna 105, a body housing element 107, a moveable housing element 109, and a hinge 111 for coupling the moveable housing element 109 to the body housing element 107. In the preferred embodiment, the body housing element 107 includes radio circuitry 113, a processor 115, and a portion of a user interface 117. The user interface 117 includes a display 119, a microphone 121, a speaker 123, and a keypad 125. The display 119, the microphone 121, and the speaker 123 are disposed within the body housing element 107. The keypad 125 is disposed within the moveable housing element 109 in the preferred embodiment. Additionally, the radio communication device 103 includes a switch 127 disposed within the body housing element 107 and a switch activation device 129 disposed within the moveable housing element 109. It is anticipated that other equally sufficient embodiments of the present invention would include a radio communication device that equally disposed components between a body housing element and a moveable housing. Such an embodiment would dispose at least a portion of the radio circuitry within the body housing element.
Upon reception of RF signals, the radio communication device 103 receives the RF signals through the antenna 105. The antenna 105 converts the received -RF signals into electrical RF signals for use by the radio circuitry 1 13. The radio circuitry 1 13 demodulates the electrical RF signals and recovers the data transmitted using the RF signals. Additionally, the radio circuitry 1 13 outputs the data to the processor 115. The processor 115 includes at least a main microprocessor such as an MC68040 available from Motorola, Inc., and associated memory as well as other control circuits including integrated circuits or other known technologies. The processor 115 formats the data output from the radio circuitry 1 13 into a recognizable voice or messaging information for use by the user interface 11 7 . The user interface 1 17 communicates the received information or voice to a user through the use of the speaker 123 and the 1 5 display 1 19.
Upon transmission of RF signals from the radio communication device 103 to the remote transceiver 101, the user interface 117 transmits user input data to the 2 0 processor 11 5 . Such data may include voice data and/or messaging information. The processor 115 formats the information obtained from the user interface 1 17 and transmits the formatted information to the radio circuitry 113. The radio circuitry 1 13 converts the formatted 2 5 information into electrical RF modulated signals to the antenna 105 for transmission back to the remote transceiver 101.
In the preferred embodiment, the moveable housing element 109 has a first position and second position, also 21~1~928 referred to as an open position and a closed position. FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of the radio communication device 103 of FIG. 1 in the closed position. When the moveable housing element 109 is in the closed position, it covers a portion of the touch screen display 119 and the radio communication device 103 has a limited first set of user functions available. The limited set of user functions include only radiotelephone functions such as inputting telephone numbers, initiating and ending telephone calls and recalling phone numbers from a memory. This limited set of user functions is related to the functions available on a low tier radiotelephone available today. In the closed position a portion of the touch screen display 119 is exposed to the user. This exposed portion contains a data display area 20 1 for displaying radiotelephone feedback such as a telephone number, a signal strength, a battery level, and roaming information. The information displayed in the data display area is oriented vertically, hereinafter referred to as a portrait mode, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
2 0 In the preferred embodiment, the moveable housing element 109 includes a keypad 125. The keypad 125 includes a plurality of individual keys including a limited number of function keys and a number pad containing individual keys numbered 0-9. Each individual key is disposed within the moveable housing element 109. Each key has a first portion of the key exposed on a first side of the moveable housing element 109 and a second portion of the key is exposed on a second side of the moveable housing element 109. The keys are arranged such that 3 0 when the moveable housing element 109 is in the closed 2~6~92~3 position, the plurality of keys are arranged adjacent to a user data area (not shown) of the touch screen display 1 19.
The user data area of the touch screen display 11 9 is covered by the moveable housing element 109 and is 5 divided up into multiple user data sub-areas which correspond to the plurality of keys of the keypad 125.
When the first portion of a first key is depressed by a user, the second portion of the first key provides a pressure against the touch screen display and activates a 10 corresponding user data sub-area. This activation of the particular user data sub-area of the touch screen display 1 19 creates a corresponding signal that is sent back to the processor 11 5 to interpret the meaning of the activation.
This signal is sent via the display bus 133.
FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of the radio communication device 103 of FIG. 1 in the opened position.
As the moveable housing element 109 is moved to the open or extended position the switch activation device 129 20 in conjunction with the switch 127 creates a mode change signal 131 that is sent to the processor 115, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The mode change signal 131 indicates to the processor 11 5 that the moveable housing element 1 09 is being opened and a second set of user functions becomes 2 5 available to the user. In the preferred embodiment, the second set of user functions includes advanced radiotelephone control functions and messaging functions such as wireless faxing, electronic mail and short messaging service.
21~i~928 With the moveable housing element 109 in the open or extended position, the radio communication device 103 has a second set of user functions. This second set of user functions includes advanced radiotelephone control functions and messaging functions. The advanced radiotelephone functions include a menu for storing and recalling telephone numbers as well as progr~mming the user' s preferences for controlling the radiotelephone. All of the radiotelephone control functions, including the advanced and the limited radiotelephone control functions, are displayed in a radiotelephone display configuration.
This configuration includes orienting the display in the portrait mode as discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 4.
All of the messaging functions including electronic mail, faxing and short message service are displayed in a messaging display configuration. This configuration includes orienting the display in the horizontal direction, hereinafter referred to as the landscape mode, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Additionally, when the moveable housing element 109 is in the opened position, the display arrangement for the touch screen display 11 9 is reconfigured. This reconfiguration includes increasing the data display area 301 to include the entire touch screen display 119 and it also changes the number of user data 2 5 sub-areas 305 in the user data area 303. In the preferred embodiment the data display area 301 and the user data area 303 overlap each other when the moveable housing element 109 is in the extended or opened position.
I- ~o. ~ . .
~1669~8 -Additionally, the radio communication device 103 performs additional functions responsive to the moveable housing element 109. Specifically, as the moveable housing element 109 moves from the closed position to the opened 5 position, the radio communication device 103 can perform an off-hook function. As the moveable housing element 109 moves from the opened position to the closed position, the radio communication device 103 can perform an on-hook function. Furthermore, any other predetermined 10 radio communication device control function can be performed in response to moving the moveable housing element between the first position and the second position.
Alternatively, the first set of user functions may 15 include exclusively radiotelephone control functions and the second set of user functions may include exclusively messaging functions. In this alternative embodiment, when the moveable housing element 109 is in the closed position, the radio communication device 103 functions 2 0 only as a radiotelephone. When the moveable housing element 109 is in the open or extended position, the radio communication device 103 operates solely as a messaging communication system. Consequently, the touch screen display would be oriented in the portrait mode while the 2 5 flip is closed and in response to moving the moveable housing element 109 to the open position, the touch screen display 11 9 would be reconfigured to the landscape mode, as illustrated in figure 4.
~ 66328 In the detailed illustration of the portable radio communication device 103 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the moveable housing element 109 is a flip. It is anticipated that other equally sufficient embodiments of a moveable 5 housing element 109 may be substituted therefor. These other embodiments include: a clam shell type housing element, a swivel type housing element and a sliding type housing element.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the radio communication device 103 of FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates the moveable housing element 109 in the closed position, the hinge 111 coupling the moveable housing element 109 to the body housing element 107.
15 Here, the body housing element 107 includes a radio board 611 and a display 119. The radio board 611 the radio circuitry 113 and the processor 115 of FIG. 1. The display 119 is disposed in the body housing element 107 in a manner such that a first portion of the display 119 is 20 exposed on a first side of the body housing element 107.
In the preferred embodiment, the display 119 is a touch screen display. The touch screen display 119 includes a traditional display apparatus 605 for displaying display data for the radio communication device and a resistive film 607 for indicating to the processor 115 when the touch screen display 119 has been activated.
In the preferred embodiment, the keypad 125 is made of a single piece of plastic webbed material. The single piece of plastic webbed material is shaped to form a ~165928 plurality of keys 601 of the keypad 125 . It is anticipated that other materials including: plastic, silicon, rubber etc..
could be used to provide a suitable material for the keypad 125 . The moveable housing element 109 includes a 5 plurality of apertures 603 corresponding to the plurality of keys 601. The plurality of apertures allow a first portion of the plurality of keys to be exposed on an outer side of the moveable housing element 109. The keypad 125 is coupled to an underside of the moveable housing element 1 0 109. In the preferred embodiment, the keypad is coupled to the moveable housing element 109 using a sonic weld, however, other couplers may be used such as mechanical couplers or adhesive couplers.
The keypad 1 25 is operative when the moveable housing element 109 is in the closed position. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the moveable housing element 109, the keypad 125 and the touch screen display 119 of FIG. 6. In the preferred embodiment, when the moveable housing 20 element 109 is in the closed position, the plurality of keys 601 of the keypad 125 are adjacent to the display 119. A
first portion 701 of the plurality of keys is exposed on a first side of the moveable housing element 109 through the apertures 603. A second portion 703 of the plurality of 2 5 keys is exposed on a second side of the moveable housing element 109. The keypad operates as follows: First, the first key of the keypad is at rest in a first position 705 substantially flush with the first side of the moveable housing element 109; second, a user depresses the first 3 0 portion of the first key of the keypad 125 exposed on the ~1~6928 , first side of the moveable housing element; third, responsive to the depression the first key moves to a second position 707 indicated by the dashed lines of FIG. 7;
and fourth, a pressure, indicated by the arrows 709 of FIG.
7, is applied to the resistive film 607 of the display 11 9, thereby activating the display 11 9 .
What is claimed is:
, -RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING A
MOVEABLE HOUSING ELEMENT AND KEYPAD
DISPOSED THEREIN
Field of the Invention Generally, the present invention relates to radio communication devices and more specifically to a radio communication device having a moveable housing element 10 and a keypad disposed therein for operating the radio communication device.
Back~round of the Invention Today, radio communication devices provide radio communication services such as two-way radio service, radiotelephone service, cellular phone service, cordless phone service and wireless data communication services such as wireless fax, electronic mail (e-mail), and short 2 0 message service. These services are generally packaged individually into a single radio communication service device, such as a traditional radiotelephone. By packaging these radio communication services as individual devices, a manufacturer can offer a portable or hand held radio 2 5 communication device that is relatively easy to use.
However, there is increasing pressure in the marketplace to provide a multi-functional radio communication devise that offers more than one of the typical radio communication services mentioned above. Attempting to combine such 3 0 radio communication services into a single radio ~ G6928 -.
communication device creates a cumbersome user interface that is undesired by potential customers. A typical user interface includes a speaker, a microphone, a display and a data input device such as a keypad. For some radio 5 communication services a small display and a small data input area is required. For example, in a portable radiotelephone often there is a small display and a fixed data input keypad. On the other hand, a wireless data service such as e-mail requires extensive display of 10 received messages as well as extensive user data input from either a pen or a keyboard.
If a manufacturer was to provide an integrated product that combined a radiotelephone and an e-mail 15 service, the simpler user interface of the radiotelephone service would be lost in the complex user interface required for an e-mail service. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an integrated data communication device wherein a user could easily identify the user 20 interface of a first data service from a user interface of a second data service.
Brief Description of the Drawin~
FIG. 1 is an illustration in blocked diagram form of a radio communication system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of a radio communication device in a closed position in accordance 3 0 with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of a radio communication device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a display in the portrait 5 mode in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a display in the landscape mode in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the radio communication device of FIG.2 in accordance with 10 the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a detailed illustration of a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.
Detailed Description of a Preferred 1 5 Embodiment.
An embodiment of the present invention encompasses a radio communication device having a body housing element and a moveable housing element coupled 2 0 thereto. The moveable housing element is moveable between an open or extended position and a closed position. The radio communication device includes a touch screen display disposed in the body housing element and a keypad disposed in the moveable housing element. When 25 the moveable housing element is in the closed position, the moveable housing element covers a portion of the touch screen display. Additionally, the radio communication device has a first set of user functions operable by the keypad. The first set of user functions includes limited 3 0 radiotelephone functions such as phone number input and ` ~1669~8 sending and receiving phone calls. The keypad is shaped to form a plurality of keys. The keys have a first portion exposed through corresponding apertures in the moveable housing element, such that when a user depresses the first 5 portion of the keys a second portion of the key provides pressure against the touch screen display. The provided pressure activates a portion of the touch screen display.
When the moveable housing element is in the open or extended position, the radio communication device has a 10 second set of user functions which include radiotelephone functions, advanced radiotelephone functions, and messaging functions. The messaging functions include electronic mail, faxing, and short message service.
Figure 1 is an illustration in blocked diagram form of a radio communication system 100. The radio communication system 100 includes a remote transceiver 101. In the radio communication system 100 the remote transceiver 101 sends and receives radio frequency (RF) 20 signals to and from multiple radio communication devices within a fixed geographic area. The radio communication device 103 is one such radio communication device contained within the geographic area served by the remote transceiver 101. The RF signals transmitted between the 2 5 remote transceiver 101 and the radio communication device 103 provide radio communication services such as radiotelephone service, electronic mail service, wireless fax service and short message service. Other equally sufficient embodiments of the present invention may include other combinations of these communication services and other radio communication services.
The radio communication device 103 includes an antenna 105, a body housing element 107, a moveable housing element 109, and a hinge 111 for coupling the moveable housing element 109 to the body housing element 107. In the preferred embodiment, the body housing element 107 includes radio circuitry 113, a processor 115, and a portion of a user interface 117. The user interface 117 includes a display 119, a microphone 121, a speaker 123, and a keypad 125. The display 119, the microphone 121, and the speaker 123 are disposed within the body housing element 107. The keypad 125 is disposed within the moveable housing element 109 in the preferred embodiment. Additionally, the radio communication device 103 includes a switch 127 disposed within the body housing element 107 and a switch activation device 129 disposed within the moveable housing element 109. It is anticipated that other equally sufficient embodiments of the present invention would include a radio communication device that equally disposed components between a body housing element and a moveable housing. Such an embodiment would dispose at least a portion of the radio circuitry within the body housing element.
Upon reception of RF signals, the radio communication device 103 receives the RF signals through the antenna 105. The antenna 105 converts the received -RF signals into electrical RF signals for use by the radio circuitry 1 13. The radio circuitry 1 13 demodulates the electrical RF signals and recovers the data transmitted using the RF signals. Additionally, the radio circuitry 1 13 outputs the data to the processor 115. The processor 115 includes at least a main microprocessor such as an MC68040 available from Motorola, Inc., and associated memory as well as other control circuits including integrated circuits or other known technologies. The processor 115 formats the data output from the radio circuitry 1 13 into a recognizable voice or messaging information for use by the user interface 11 7 . The user interface 1 17 communicates the received information or voice to a user through the use of the speaker 123 and the 1 5 display 1 19.
Upon transmission of RF signals from the radio communication device 103 to the remote transceiver 101, the user interface 117 transmits user input data to the 2 0 processor 11 5 . Such data may include voice data and/or messaging information. The processor 115 formats the information obtained from the user interface 1 17 and transmits the formatted information to the radio circuitry 113. The radio circuitry 1 13 converts the formatted 2 5 information into electrical RF modulated signals to the antenna 105 for transmission back to the remote transceiver 101.
In the preferred embodiment, the moveable housing element 109 has a first position and second position, also 21~1~928 referred to as an open position and a closed position. FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of the radio communication device 103 of FIG. 1 in the closed position. When the moveable housing element 109 is in the closed position, it covers a portion of the touch screen display 119 and the radio communication device 103 has a limited first set of user functions available. The limited set of user functions include only radiotelephone functions such as inputting telephone numbers, initiating and ending telephone calls and recalling phone numbers from a memory. This limited set of user functions is related to the functions available on a low tier radiotelephone available today. In the closed position a portion of the touch screen display 119 is exposed to the user. This exposed portion contains a data display area 20 1 for displaying radiotelephone feedback such as a telephone number, a signal strength, a battery level, and roaming information. The information displayed in the data display area is oriented vertically, hereinafter referred to as a portrait mode, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
2 0 In the preferred embodiment, the moveable housing element 109 includes a keypad 125. The keypad 125 includes a plurality of individual keys including a limited number of function keys and a number pad containing individual keys numbered 0-9. Each individual key is disposed within the moveable housing element 109. Each key has a first portion of the key exposed on a first side of the moveable housing element 109 and a second portion of the key is exposed on a second side of the moveable housing element 109. The keys are arranged such that 3 0 when the moveable housing element 109 is in the closed 2~6~92~3 position, the plurality of keys are arranged adjacent to a user data area (not shown) of the touch screen display 1 19.
The user data area of the touch screen display 11 9 is covered by the moveable housing element 109 and is 5 divided up into multiple user data sub-areas which correspond to the plurality of keys of the keypad 125.
When the first portion of a first key is depressed by a user, the second portion of the first key provides a pressure against the touch screen display and activates a 10 corresponding user data sub-area. This activation of the particular user data sub-area of the touch screen display 1 19 creates a corresponding signal that is sent back to the processor 11 5 to interpret the meaning of the activation.
This signal is sent via the display bus 133.
FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of the radio communication device 103 of FIG. 1 in the opened position.
As the moveable housing element 109 is moved to the open or extended position the switch activation device 129 20 in conjunction with the switch 127 creates a mode change signal 131 that is sent to the processor 115, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The mode change signal 131 indicates to the processor 11 5 that the moveable housing element 1 09 is being opened and a second set of user functions becomes 2 5 available to the user. In the preferred embodiment, the second set of user functions includes advanced radiotelephone control functions and messaging functions such as wireless faxing, electronic mail and short messaging service.
21~i~928 With the moveable housing element 109 in the open or extended position, the radio communication device 103 has a second set of user functions. This second set of user functions includes advanced radiotelephone control functions and messaging functions. The advanced radiotelephone functions include a menu for storing and recalling telephone numbers as well as progr~mming the user' s preferences for controlling the radiotelephone. All of the radiotelephone control functions, including the advanced and the limited radiotelephone control functions, are displayed in a radiotelephone display configuration.
This configuration includes orienting the display in the portrait mode as discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 4.
All of the messaging functions including electronic mail, faxing and short message service are displayed in a messaging display configuration. This configuration includes orienting the display in the horizontal direction, hereinafter referred to as the landscape mode, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Additionally, when the moveable housing element 109 is in the opened position, the display arrangement for the touch screen display 11 9 is reconfigured. This reconfiguration includes increasing the data display area 301 to include the entire touch screen display 119 and it also changes the number of user data 2 5 sub-areas 305 in the user data area 303. In the preferred embodiment the data display area 301 and the user data area 303 overlap each other when the moveable housing element 109 is in the extended or opened position.
I- ~o. ~ . .
~1669~8 -Additionally, the radio communication device 103 performs additional functions responsive to the moveable housing element 109. Specifically, as the moveable housing element 109 moves from the closed position to the opened 5 position, the radio communication device 103 can perform an off-hook function. As the moveable housing element 109 moves from the opened position to the closed position, the radio communication device 103 can perform an on-hook function. Furthermore, any other predetermined 10 radio communication device control function can be performed in response to moving the moveable housing element between the first position and the second position.
Alternatively, the first set of user functions may 15 include exclusively radiotelephone control functions and the second set of user functions may include exclusively messaging functions. In this alternative embodiment, when the moveable housing element 109 is in the closed position, the radio communication device 103 functions 2 0 only as a radiotelephone. When the moveable housing element 109 is in the open or extended position, the radio communication device 103 operates solely as a messaging communication system. Consequently, the touch screen display would be oriented in the portrait mode while the 2 5 flip is closed and in response to moving the moveable housing element 109 to the open position, the touch screen display 11 9 would be reconfigured to the landscape mode, as illustrated in figure 4.
~ 66328 In the detailed illustration of the portable radio communication device 103 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the moveable housing element 109 is a flip. It is anticipated that other equally sufficient embodiments of a moveable 5 housing element 109 may be substituted therefor. These other embodiments include: a clam shell type housing element, a swivel type housing element and a sliding type housing element.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the radio communication device 103 of FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates the moveable housing element 109 in the closed position, the hinge 111 coupling the moveable housing element 109 to the body housing element 107.
15 Here, the body housing element 107 includes a radio board 611 and a display 119. The radio board 611 the radio circuitry 113 and the processor 115 of FIG. 1. The display 119 is disposed in the body housing element 107 in a manner such that a first portion of the display 119 is 20 exposed on a first side of the body housing element 107.
In the preferred embodiment, the display 119 is a touch screen display. The touch screen display 119 includes a traditional display apparatus 605 for displaying display data for the radio communication device and a resistive film 607 for indicating to the processor 115 when the touch screen display 119 has been activated.
In the preferred embodiment, the keypad 125 is made of a single piece of plastic webbed material. The single piece of plastic webbed material is shaped to form a ~165928 plurality of keys 601 of the keypad 125 . It is anticipated that other materials including: plastic, silicon, rubber etc..
could be used to provide a suitable material for the keypad 125 . The moveable housing element 109 includes a 5 plurality of apertures 603 corresponding to the plurality of keys 601. The plurality of apertures allow a first portion of the plurality of keys to be exposed on an outer side of the moveable housing element 109. The keypad 125 is coupled to an underside of the moveable housing element 1 0 109. In the preferred embodiment, the keypad is coupled to the moveable housing element 109 using a sonic weld, however, other couplers may be used such as mechanical couplers or adhesive couplers.
The keypad 1 25 is operative when the moveable housing element 109 is in the closed position. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the moveable housing element 109, the keypad 125 and the touch screen display 119 of FIG. 6. In the preferred embodiment, when the moveable housing 20 element 109 is in the closed position, the plurality of keys 601 of the keypad 125 are adjacent to the display 119. A
first portion 701 of the plurality of keys is exposed on a first side of the moveable housing element 109 through the apertures 603. A second portion 703 of the plurality of 2 5 keys is exposed on a second side of the moveable housing element 109. The keypad operates as follows: First, the first key of the keypad is at rest in a first position 705 substantially flush with the first side of the moveable housing element 109; second, a user depresses the first 3 0 portion of the first key of the keypad 125 exposed on the ~1~6928 , first side of the moveable housing element; third, responsive to the depression the first key moves to a second position 707 indicated by the dashed lines of FIG. 7;
and fourth, a pressure, indicated by the arrows 709 of FIG.
7, is applied to the resistive film 607 of the display 11 9, thereby activating the display 11 9 .
What is claimed is:
Claims (10)
1. A radio communication device having radio circuitry disposed therein, the radio communication device comprising:
a body housing element having at least a portion of the radio circuitry disposed therein;
a moveable housing element moveable between at least a first position and a second position;
a hinge for coupling the moveable housing element to the body housing element; and a keypad including a plurality of keys integrated into the moveable housing element, each of the plurality of keys having a first portion exposed on a first side of the moveable housing element, such that when the moveable housing element is in the second position, the first portion of the plurality of keys is exposed to a user.
a body housing element having at least a portion of the radio circuitry disposed therein;
a moveable housing element moveable between at least a first position and a second position;
a hinge for coupling the moveable housing element to the body housing element; and a keypad including a plurality of keys integrated into the moveable housing element, each of the plurality of keys having a first portion exposed on a first side of the moveable housing element, such that when the moveable housing element is in the second position, the first portion of the plurality of keys is exposed to a user.
2. The radio communication device of claim 1 further comprising a touch screen display for entering user data and displaying display data, wherein the touch screen display is disposed within the body housing element of the radio communication device, at least a first portion of the touch screen display is exposed on a first side of the body housing element, and the moveable housing element covers at least a second portion of the touch screen display when the moveable housing element is in the second position.
3. The radio communication device of claim 2 wherein the plurality of keys of the keypad having a second portion exposed on a second side of the moveable housing element, such that when the moveable housing element is in the second position and a user depresses a first portion of a first of the plurality of keys, a second portion of the first of the plurality of keys provides a pressure against the touch screen display, thereby activating the touch screen display.
4. The radio communication device of claim 3 wherein the keypad is made of a single piece of plastic webbed material, the single piece of plastic webbed material is shaped to form the plurality of keys, the keypad is coupled to a second side of the moveable housing element, and the moveable housing element includes a plurality of apertures corresponding to the plurality of keys of the keypad, the plurality of apertures exposing the first portion of the plurality of keys on the first side of the moveable housing element.
5. The radio communication device of claim 4, wherein the keypad is coupled to the second side of the moveable housing element using a coupler selected from the group consisting of mechanical, adhesive, and sonic weld.
6. The radio communication device of claim 3 wherein the touch screen display further comprises:
a display data area and a user data area, wherein the user data area is adjacent and parallel to the second portion of the at least first key when the moveable housing element is in the second position.
a display data area and a user data area, wherein the user data area is adjacent and parallel to the second portion of the at least first key when the moveable housing element is in the second position.
7. The radio communication device of claim 6 further comprises:
a plurality of keys contained in the keypad; and a plurality of user data sub-areas in the user data area of the touch screen display corresponding to the plurality of keys, such that when a first of the plurality of keys is depressed by the user, a corresponding user data sub-area is activated.
a plurality of keys contained in the keypad; and a plurality of user data sub-areas in the user data area of the touch screen display corresponding to the plurality of keys, such that when a first of the plurality of keys is depressed by the user, a corresponding user data sub-area is activated.
8. The radio communication device of claim 6 further comprises:
a plurality of display arrangements for arranging multiple configurations of the display data area and the user data area when the moveable housing element is in the first position a first configuration includes a user data area having a plurality of user data sub-areas for direct activation by a user of the touch screen display .
a plurality of display arrangements for arranging multiple configurations of the display data area and the user data area when the moveable housing element is in the first position a first configuration includes a user data area having a plurality of user data sub-areas for direct activation by a user of the touch screen display .
9. A radio communication device in accordance with claim 6 wherein when the moveable housing element is in the second position a third portion of the touch screen display is available for displaying data.
10. A radio communication device in accordance with claim 6 wherein the user data includes radio communication device controls including phone numbers and radio communication device functions, and messaging functions including faxes, emails and short-messaging service, wherein at least a portion of the messaging functions are available only when the moveable housing element is in the first position.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US38418295A | 1995-02-06 | 1995-02-06 | |
| US08/384,182 | 1995-02-06 | ||
| US08/421,273 | 1995-04-13 | ||
| US08/421,273 US5742894A (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1995-04-13 | Radio communication device having a moveable housing element and keypad disposed therein |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2166928A1 true CA2166928A1 (en) | 1996-08-07 |
Family
ID=27010499
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002166928A Abandoned CA2166928A1 (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1996-01-10 | Radio communication device having a moveable housing element and a keypad disposed therein |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3283175B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1074214C (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9600324A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2166928A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19604052C2 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI113115B (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2730374B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2297662B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1284272B1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2126590C1 (en) |
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| FI113518B (en) * | 1995-09-28 | 2004-04-30 | Nokia Corp | terminal device |
| AU2437497A (en) * | 1996-04-03 | 1997-11-19 | Ericsson Inc. | Tactile keypad for touch sensitive screen |
| JPH1065784A (en) * | 1996-04-17 | 1998-03-06 | Lucent Technol Inc | Portable telephone equipment with movable key pad |
| JPH1063392A (en) * | 1996-06-13 | 1998-03-06 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Touch screen keyboard |
| KR100487192B1 (en) * | 1997-07-16 | 2005-07-18 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Flip type mobile terminal with compound input method |
| GB2329020B (en) * | 1997-09-04 | 2003-04-23 | Delco Electronics Europ Gmbh | Electrically operable device operation |
| FI104928B (en) | 1997-11-27 | 2000-04-28 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Wireless communication means and method of manufacturing a wireless communication means |
| FI114267B (en) | 1998-01-29 | 2004-09-15 | Nokia Corp | Electronic device and method for displaying information |
| FR2841727B1 (en) * | 1998-07-01 | 2005-08-19 | Sagem | MOBILE TELEPHONE WITH TOUCH SCREEN AND KEYBOARD |
| EP1032180A1 (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-08-30 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Combined electronic apparatus with variable display |
| JP4298054B2 (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2009-07-15 | パナソニック株式会社 | Portable wireless device |
| GB2354665A (en) * | 1999-05-18 | 2001-03-28 | Vtech Communications Ltd | Articulated sliding cover for a mobile telephone with a handwriting input surface |
| EP1231534A4 (en) * | 1999-07-09 | 2007-05-02 | Itx E Globaledge Corp | Keyboard type input device and portable information processor |
| DE19939631A1 (en) * | 1999-08-20 | 2001-02-22 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Multimedia unit with removable operator control for installation in vehicle, uses operator-control surface as touch-sensitive display operating together with processor system |
| FI19992510L (en) | 1999-11-24 | 2001-05-25 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Electronic device and method in an electronic device |
| US7006077B1 (en) | 1999-11-30 | 2006-02-28 | Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd. | Electronic device having touch sensitive slide |
| US6731316B2 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2004-05-04 | Kargo, Inc. | Graphical layout and keypad response to visually depict and implement device functionality for interactivity with a numbered keypad |
| US6658272B1 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2003-12-02 | Motorola, Inc. | Self configuring multiple element portable electronic device |
| GB2369520B (en) * | 2000-11-22 | 2004-06-23 | Nec Technologies | Mobile communications device display |
| JP4135491B2 (en) | 2002-12-17 | 2008-08-20 | 日本電気株式会社 | Portable terminal device and function activation program |
| GB2401277B (en) * | 2003-12-22 | 2006-02-15 | Sendo Int Ltd | Communication and/or information device and construction thereof |
| US7317449B2 (en) * | 2004-03-02 | 2008-01-08 | Microsoft Corporation | Key-based advanced navigation techniques |
| JP4155405B2 (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2008-09-24 | ソニー・エリクソン・モバイルコミュニケーションズ株式会社 | Portable electronic device and mobile phone device |
| US20070103448A1 (en) * | 2005-11-07 | 2007-05-10 | Cook Steven D | Adaptable keyboard for a tablet PC |
| JP4501076B2 (en) * | 2006-01-06 | 2010-07-14 | ソニー株式会社 | Portable wireless communication terminal |
| KR100894277B1 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2009-04-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Handheld terminal |
| CN101394627B (en) * | 2007-09-19 | 2011-07-27 | 宏达国际电子股份有限公司 | Handheld Electronic Devices |
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| JPS6489845A (en) * | 1987-09-30 | 1989-04-05 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd | Electric appliance |
| RU2085049C1 (en) * | 1988-11-04 | 1997-07-20 | Моторола, Инк. | Folding telephone set |
| FI85776C (en) * | 1990-08-20 | 1992-05-25 | Nokia Oy Ab | Portable personal workstation |
| SG47982A1 (en) * | 1991-09-26 | 1998-04-17 | Casio Computer Co Ltd | Portable telephone apparatus including electronic notebook function |
| JP2689785B2 (en) * | 1991-09-30 | 1997-12-10 | 日本電気株式会社 | Small portable radio |
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| JPH05316183A (en) * | 1992-05-13 | 1993-11-26 | Toyo Commun Equip Co Ltd | Portable telephone set |
| JP3268467B2 (en) * | 1992-09-08 | 2002-03-25 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Telephone |
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| JP2595932B2 (en) * | 1994-05-18 | 1997-04-02 | 日本電気株式会社 | Portable radio |
| US5584054A (en) * | 1994-07-18 | 1996-12-10 | Motorola, Inc. | Communication device having a movable front cover for exposing a touch sensitive display |
-
1996
- 1996-01-10 CA CA002166928A patent/CA2166928A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-01-22 FR FR9600653A patent/FR2730374B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-01-23 FI FI960312A patent/FI113115B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-01-31 JP JP03888296A patent/JP3283175B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-01-31 IT IT96RM000065A patent/IT1284272B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-02-02 GB GB9602120A patent/GB2297662B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-02-05 CN CN96102119A patent/CN1074214C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-02-05 RU RU96102136A patent/RU2126590C1/en active
- 1996-02-05 DE DE19604052A patent/DE19604052C2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-02-06 BR BR9600324A patent/BR9600324A/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2730374B1 (en) | 2003-01-31 |
| IT1284272B1 (en) | 1998-05-18 |
| FI113115B (en) | 2004-02-27 |
| FI960312A0 (en) | 1996-01-23 |
| ITRM960065A1 (en) | 1997-07-31 |
| GB2297662A (en) | 1996-08-07 |
| CN1074214C (en) | 2001-10-31 |
| DE19604052C2 (en) | 1998-09-17 |
| FI960312A7 (en) | 1996-08-07 |
| JP3283175B2 (en) | 2002-05-20 |
| GB2297662B (en) | 1999-09-01 |
| RU2126590C1 (en) | 1999-02-20 |
| BR9600324A (en) | 1997-12-23 |
| GB9602120D0 (en) | 1996-04-03 |
| DE19604052A1 (en) | 1996-08-22 |
| FR2730374A1 (en) | 1996-08-09 |
| JPH08251062A (en) | 1996-09-27 |
| CN1149791A (en) | 1997-05-14 |
| ITRM960065A0 (en) | 1996-01-31 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20000110 |