DE19910937A1 - Electronic device with reusable display element - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device (1) is proposed, which can be operated in a first function mode, comprising a first device part (5) and a second device part (10), the second device part (10) having a display element (30) with a display surface ( 36), which can be used in several functional modes of the electronic device (1). In the first functional mode, information for the first functional mode can be displayed on a first partial area (32) of the display area (36) and a second partial area (34) of the display area (36) is covered by the first device part (5). The first section (32) of the display area (36) fulfills all the functions of an additional display element without leading to additional expenditure.

Description

State of the art

The invention is based on one of several functional modes operable electronic device according to the genus of Main claim.

Multifunctional electronic devices are known Devices, such as cellular phones, that go beyond that as an electronic diary or pocket computer can be used and which have at least one display. From H.-J. Warnecke (Hrsg): "Handbuch der Telekommunikation", Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, 1998, pp. 5-71 Cellular devices known as GSM cell phones and Pocket computers can be used and a display element include that for use in one of the functional modes of the Device is provided.  

Advantages of the invention

The electronic device according to the invention with the features the main claim has the advantage that it by covering the second section of the Display area is possible, input devices such as for example buttons, knobs or microphones, and Playback devices such as speakers or LEDs, on the cover of the second Part of the display area to provide what the operation of the electronic device due to compact dimensions in the first function mode facilitated.

Another advantage arises when the electronic Device a first device part and a second device part includes and if the two parts of the device against each other movable, in particular foldable, displaceable, rotatable or Like. Are provided. This can cause the device parts in a first position and in a second position to each other.

By the measures listed in the subclaims advantageous further developments and improvements of the Main claim specified electronic device possible.

It is particularly advantageous that the electronic device in a second function mode, in particular for the function as Personal computer, electronic notebook, electronic Appointment calendar and the like., Operable, being in the second Function mode both in the second section of the Display area as well as in at least part of the first Part of the display area information for the second  Function mode can be represented and thus the display element use for the first and the second function mode finds. The cover that in the first function mode covers the second part of the display area, can be in the second function mode advantageous for operating the electronic device. By using it a display element for multiple function modes instead of several display elements, each for one Function mode of an electronic device are provided, the material expenditure is reduced by saving everyone necessary to operate the additional display element Devices and leads to material cost savings and production, to the possibility of assembly easier and to make it cheaper, as well Weight savings and a more compact and lighter Construction of the device.

The saving of display elements also leads to a Reduction of the electricity required for operation and may be required to a lesser extent Battery capacity.

It is particularly advantageous that on the display surface Information in a first direction and at least a second orientation can be represented, whereby Information in the first function mode according to the first Alignment and information in the second function mode according to the at least one second orientation are. The different orientations of the on the Display element representable information different positions of the electronic device Use in different function modes, so that at Use of the electronic device in the first  Function mode information in the first orientation and when using the electronic device in the second Function mode Information in the second orientation can be represented.

The information is therefore for a user in everyone The position of the electronic device is easy to read.

An advantageous embodiment of the electronic device further arises from the fact that the first orientation of the Presentation of information on the display surface in the first function mode and the second orientation of the Presentation of information on the display surface in the second function mode an angle of about 90 ° lock in. Then an essentially elongated device held vertically or horizontally by the user. So are the different functional modes and representations of Information easier to distinguish from one another.

It is also advantageous that the device parts mutually movable, for example foldable, slidable or rotatable. So be in different Functional modes of the electrical device different positions to each other can be used, which the Ease of use of the device according to the invention is increased. The mobility of the device parts makes it compact Construction despite different positions of the device parts in Dependency of the functional modes enables, and above In addition, the operation of the electronic device is complete the different positions of the device parts to each other each optimal for use in the respective Function mode customizable. The device parts can be in at least one position can be locked  that use in the appropriate function mode is relieved.

It is also advantageous that the device parts are separable are, the device parts by means of a wired Connection, in particular by means of a cable, data can exchange. It is equally advantageous that the device parts in a further embodiment of the Device according to the invention are separable, the Parts of the device by means of a wireless connection, especially infrared connection, can exchange data. This also increases the ease of use of the electrical Device, for example when using one Device part for data entry and the other device part for Data playback.

It is also advantageous that the electronic device in first function mode in a first position of the Parts of the device are operable to each other and that an opening is provided in the first part of the device, in the first Position of the device parts of the first section of the Display area is defined by the opening. This will easier operation of the electronic device in the first function mode by on the outer surface of the first Controls attached to the device becomes possible. Furthermore, this is a compact design of the electronic device despite being in different positions of the two parts of the device that can be used.

Through the opening, one use of the same Display element in different positions Allows device parts in a simple manner, so that it in  different positions of the device parts different from Is visible to the user.

It is also advantageous that the electronic device in second function mode in at least a second position the parts of the device are operable to each other and that in the at least a second position of the device parts the second Subarea and at least part of the first subarea the display area is visible. This is in the second Position of the device parts in particular a complete Visibility of the display element given so that this is better used.

It is also advantageous that for switching the Function modes of the electronic device and for switching the orientations of those which can be represented on the display surface A switch is provided by the information Change the position of the device parts to each other actuated is. This will different positions Device parts automatically differ from each other Function modes of the electrical device assigned.

drawing

Embodiments of the invention are in the drawing shown and in the following description explained. Show it

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 each a perspective view of a first embodiment of the electronic device in a semi-open state,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the electronic device in a first functional mode and a first position of the device parts to one another,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the electronic device in a second mode of operation and a second position of the two device parts to one another,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the electronic device,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the electronic device and

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the device parts of a fourth embodiment of the electronic device.

Description of the embodiments

In Fig. 1 and 2, the electronic device 1 is illustrated in perspective which comprises a first device part 5 and a second body 10, which are hingedly connected to each other in the first embodiment by fixing elements 15, such as hinges.

Other ways of connecting and Movement possibilities of the device parts are in further Embodiments executed.  

The two device parts 5 , 10 are each flat and essentially rectangular and in the first embodiment they are connected on one of their long sides by the fixing elements 15 , which is particularly advantageous for the ease of use of the electronic device 1 in the first embodiment. However, the fixing elements 15 can also be provided on the transverse sides of the two device parts 5 , 10 . The first device part 5 comprises a first side 4 , which in the first exemplary embodiment is on the outside when the electronic device 1 is folded, and a second side 6 , which is on the inside when the electronic device 1 is closed. The second device part 10 also comprises a first side 9 , which is on the outside when the electronic device 1 is closed, and a second side 11 , which is on the inside when the electronic device 1 is closed. The first sides 4 , 9 of both device parts 5 , 10 form in the first embodiment when the electronic device 1 is folded, the outer surfaces of the electronic device 1 , while the second sides 6 , 11 of the two device parts 5 , 10 face each other when the electronic device 1 is folded and in Inside the electronic device 1 .

A display element 30 is formed on the second side 11 of the second device part 10 , the display element 30 comprising a display area 36 which in the exemplary embodiment takes up almost the entire area of the second side 11 of the second device part 10 . Various first input devices 22 are provided on the first side 4 of the first device part 5 . In FIG. 2 moreover different second input devices are displayed on the second side 6 of the first device part 5, and a switch 40 on the second side 11 of the second apparatus part 10 26th

According to Fig. 1 and 2 an opening 20 is in the first device part 5 is made, as well as a first subregion 32 and a second portion 34 of the display area 36 shown. The opening 20 is provided in a rectangular shape in a region of the first device part 5 adjacent to the first input devices 22 , in particular above the first input devices 22 , one side of the opening 20 essentially corresponding to the length of a narrow side of the first device part 5 . When the electronic device 1 is folded up, the first partial area 32 of the display surface 36 can be viewed completely through the opening 20 , the dimensions of the first partial area 32 of the display surface 36 essentially corresponding to the dimensions of the opening 20 .

In the first exemplary embodiment, the second partial area 34 of the display area 36 comprises the remaining display area 36 of the display element 30 almost completely.

In Fig. 3, the electronic device 1 is shown in a first, folded, position of the device parts 5 , 10 . In the first position, the electronic device 1 can be operated in a first function mode. The first section 32 of the display area 36 can be seen by the user through the opening 20 in the first device part 5 . Instead of an aperture in the first apparatus part 5, the first device part 5 may be made transparent or any portion of the first device part 5 can be made smaller than the second body 10, so that also only the first partial area 32 of the display surface is visible 36th

The first input devices 22 on the second side 4 of the first device part 5 ensure good usability of the electronic device 1 in the first position of the device parts 5 , 10 .

The electronic device 1 can be provided for wired or wireless operation. In an embodiment suitable for wireless operation of the electronic device 1 , the electronic device 1 can be operated as a radio telephone, in particular as a cordless telephone, a mobile telephone. The exemplary embodiments relate to a radio telephone.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 1 can be operated in the first functional mode and in the first position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another, in particular as a radio telephone. The elongated shape of the two device parts 5 , 10 is adapted to such use in the first function mode, so that the electronic device 1 is held and operated like a radio telephone in the first function mode.

Information in the first functional mode in the first portion 32 of the display area 30 by the display surface 30 can be output from the electronic device 1 to the user activated in the first functional mode the first portion 32nd The electronic device 1 can thus be operated in the first position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another in the same way as an otherwise identical electronic device which has a display element which has approximately the dimensions of the first partial area 32 of the display surface 30 and which is on the first side 4 of the first device part 5 is attached. In the electronic device 1 according to the invention, the same functionalities can thus also be implemented, which can be implemented in an electronic device with an additionally provided display element.

The information that can be output in the first function mode can be displayed in a first orientation A1, parallel to the long sides of the device parts 5 , 10 . If the electronic device 1 is held essentially vertically, as is customary in radio telephones, the first alignment A1 has the effect that information which can be displayed, for example characters, is easy for the user to read. The first orientation A1 is provided in the first function mode and in the first position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another, in particular for the operation of the electronic device 1 as a radio telephone, and the information presented is thus easily visible, recognizable and legible.

In FIG. 4, the electronic device 1 in the second, unfolded, position of the two parts of the appliance 5, 10 shown to each other. In this second position, the electronic device 1 can be operated in a second function mode. The first partial area 32 and the second partial area 34 of the display surface 36 can be seen by the user in the second position of the device parts 5 , 10 and essentially comprise the display element 30 . The second input devices 26 are mounted on the inside 6 of the first device part 5 and ensure good operability of the electronic device 1 in the second position of the device parts 5 , 10 . In Fig. 4 the device parts 5 , 10 enclose an angle of 180 °. However, any angle in the range from approximately 90 ° to approximately 180 ° also appears to be useful, which is suitable for the display element 30 to be easily visible to the user and for the electronic device 1 to be easily operated.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 1 can be operated in the second function mode and in the second position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another, in particular for use as a mini PC, electronic diary or the like.

Information can be output to the user in the second functional mode of the electronic device 1 in the first partial area 32 and in the second partial area 34 of the display surface 36 by the electronic device 1 by activating the second partial area 34 of the display surface 36 in the second functional mode.

The information that can be output in the second function mode can be displayed in a second orientation A2, perpendicular to the long sides of the device parts 5 , 10 . If the electronic device 1 , as is usual with mini-PC devices or electronic diaries, is kept essentially horizontal, the second alignment A2 has the effect that information which can be displayed, for example characters, is easy for the user to read. The second orientation A2 is provided in the second function mode and in the second position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another, in particular for the operation of the electronic device 1 as a mini-PC or electronic diary, and the information presented is thus easily visible, recognizable and legible.

When the electronic device 1 is held horizontally in the second position, the second input devices 26 can advantageously be used as an alphanumeric keyboard and expediently operated with both hands by the user.

The first sub-area 32 of the display surface 36 , the first orientation A1 of the information that can be displayed and a first attitude of the electronic device 1 by the user, and the two sub-areas 32 , 34 of the display surface 36 for the second function mode, correspond to one another second orientation A2 of the representable information and a second posture of the electronic device 1 by the user, which results from rotation of the first posture, which leads to a clear differentiation between the different functional modes of the electronic device 1 .

In an advantageous further development, a switch 40 is provided which can be actuated by changing the position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another and causes an automatic switchover of the orientations A1, A2 and the functional modes in accordance with the position of the device parts 5 , 10 selected by the user. Various possibilities for the placement of the switch 40 open up to the person skilled in the art. For example, the changeover can be triggered by changing the position of the device parts 5 , 10 by actuating a switch 40 located on one of the second sides 6 , 11 of the device parts 5 , 10 , in particular a push-button switch, when the two device parts 5 , 10 are folded or unfolded become. In the first exemplary embodiment, the switch 40 is provided, for example, on the inside 11 of the second device part 10 .

Furthermore, the switch can also be actuated, for example, by locking or unlocking a locking device in one of the possible positions. The person skilled in the art has a wide variety of design options for locking the device parts 5 , 10 in at least one position of the device parts 5 , 10 . For example, at least one protrusion on one of the device parts 5, 10 with at least one recess on the other of the parts of the appliance 5, 10 for example, together act as a latching connection and thus cause the locking device in at least one of the ingestible by the both units 5, 10 positions. The possibility of locking the device parts 5 , 10 and the possibility of using the position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another to actuate a switch for switching over the functional modes of the electronic device 1 is not restricted to the first exemplary embodiment.

In Fig. 5, a second embodiment of the electronic device 1 is shown. The same reference numerals from the preceding figures refer to essentially the same parts of the electronic device 1 . In the second exemplary embodiment, the two device parts 5 , 10 are designed to be displaceable relative to one another. Guide elements 50 allow the two device parts 5 , 10 to be displaced in parallel in the direction of two of their sides, the two device parts being designed to be displaceable in parallel either in the direction of their long sides or in the direction of their transverse sides. The guide elements 50 can be provided both on the first device part 5 and on the second device part 10 . In the exemplary embodiment, the guide elements 50 are provided on the second device part 10 . The first device part 5 can be moved parallel to the second device part 10 in such a way that the electronic device 1 is closed and the first device part 5 covers the second partial area 34 of the display area 36 . This position of the two device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another corresponds to the first, closed position of the device parts 5 , 10 and the first functional mode of the electronic device 1 , as described above.

The first device part 5 can also be moved in parallel with respect to the second device part 10 in such a way that the first partial area 32 and the second partial area 34 of the display surface 36 can be seen. This position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another corresponds to the second position of the device parts 5 , 10 and the second function mode of the electronic device 1 , as described above.

The guide element 50 can provide a stop so that the device parts 5 , 10 can be locked in the first position, the second position or both positions with respect to a parallel displacement of the device parts.

The guide element 50 can also be designed so that the device parts 5 , 10 are separable.

In FIG. 6, a third embodiment of the electronic device 1 is shown. The same reference numerals from the preceding figures refer to essentially the same parts of the electronic device 1 . In the third exemplary embodiment, the two device parts 5 , 10 are rotatable relative to one another, the axis of rotation being essentially perpendicular to the plane of one of the device parts 5 , 10 when the electronic device 1 is closed. The corner area of the device parts 5 , 10 is particularly suitable as the fulcrum. A joint element 60 , by means of which the two device parts 5 , 10 are connected, enables the rotation of the first device part 5 relative to the second device part 10 .

The first device part 5 can be rotated relative to the second device part 10 in such a way that the electronic device 1 is closed and the first device part 5 covers the second partial area 34 of the display surface 36 . This position of the two device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another corresponds to the first position of the device parts 5 , 10 and the first functional mode of the electronic device 1 , as described above.

The first device part 5 can also be rotated relative to the second device part 10 in such a way that the first partial area 32 and the second partial area 34 of the display surface 36 can be seen. This position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another corresponds to the second position of the device parts 5 , 10 and the second function mode of the electronic device 1 , as described above.

In Fig. 7, a fourth embodiment of the electronic device 1 is shown. The same reference numerals from the preceding figures refer to essentially the same parts of the electronic device 1 . In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the two device parts 5 , 10 are designed to be separable, the device parts 5 , 10 being able to exchange data or the like by means of a wired connection, in particular a cable or the like. Or a wireless connection, in particular an infrared connection or the like. The possibility of separating the two device parts can also be provided in one of the preceding exemplary embodiments of the electronic device 1 .

The first device part 5 can be arranged relative to the second device part 10 in such a way that the electronic device 1 is closed and the first device part 5 covers the second partial area 34 of the display surface 36 . This position of the two device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another corresponds to the first position of the device parts 5 , 10 and the first functional mode of the electronic device 1 , as described above.

The first device part 5 can also be arranged relative to the second device part 10 in such a way that at least a part of the first partial area 32 and the second partial area 34 of the display surface 36 can be seen. This position of the device parts 5 , 10 relative to one another corresponds to the second position of the device parts 5 , 10 and the second function mode of the electronic device 1 , as described above.

Claims (11)

1. Electronic device ( 1 ), which can be operated in several function modes, with a first device part ( 5 ) and a second device part ( 10 ), the second device part ( 10 ) having a display element ( 30 ) with a display surface ( 36 ) of the information can be displayed, characterized in that in a first function mode, preferably for functioning as a radio telephone, information for the first function mode can be displayed on a first section ( 32 ) of the display area ( 36 ) and a second section ( 34 ) of the display area ( 36 ) is covered by the first device part ( 5 ). 2. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic device ( 1 ) is operable in a second function mode, in particular for functioning as a personal computer, wherein in the second function mode both in the second partial area ( 34 ) of the display area ( 36 ) and also in at least part of the first partial area ( 32 ) of the display surface ( 36 ), information for the second function mode can be displayed. 3. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the display surface ( 36 ) information in a first orientation (A1) and in at least a second orientation (A2) can be displayed, information in the first function mode according to first orientation (A1) and information can be displayed in the second function mode according to the at least one second orientation (A2). 4. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the first orientation (A1) of the display of information on the display surface ( 36 ) in the first function mode and the second orientation (A2) of the display of information the display surface ( 36 ) enclose an angle of approximately 90 ° in the second function mode. 5. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) are mutually movable, for example foldable, displaceable or rotatable. 6. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) are separable, wherein the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) can exchange data by means of a wired connection, in particular by means of a cable. 7. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) are separable, wherein the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) can exchange data by means of a wireless connection, in particular infrared connection. 8. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device ( 1 ) in the first function mode in a first position of the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) can be operated relative to one another and that an opening ( 20 ) in the first device part ( 5 ) is provided, the first partial area ( 32 ) of the display surface ( 36 ) being defined by the opening ( 20 ) in the first position of the device parts ( 5 , 10 ). 9. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the electronic device ( 1 ) in the second function mode in at least a second position of the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) is operable to each other and that in the at least a second position of the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) the second partial area ( 34 ) and at least a part of the first partial area ( 32 ) of the display surface ( 36 ) can be seen. 10. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least in one of the positions of the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) to each other, the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) can be locked. 11. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that for switching the functional modes of the electronic device ( 1 ) and for switching the orientations (A1, A2) of the information which can be displayed on the display surface ( 36 ), a switch ( 40 ) is provided, which can be actuated by changing the position of the device parts ( 5 , 10 ) to each other.