Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a handheld electronic device comprising one or two modules operatively interconnected via a pivotable connection mechanism or other moveable mechanical interconnection. Each module has two surfaces facing in opposing directions. The device further comprises a first display carried by a surface of a module, and possibly a text-entry keypad provided on a different surface. The text-entry keypad is optimized for entry of text via thumb-keying styled text-entry, wherein the user&#39;s hands cradle the device so the thumbs are in proper position for operation of the keypad. A navigation control may be provided on a surface of the module, and is sized and positioned to be operated by at least one finger or at least one thumb of the user&#39;s hands when cradling the device. There may also be provided for handset use, a second display sized substantially smaller than the first display, as well as a numerical entry keypad, an audio output port, an audio input port, or selective ones of such devices. These components can be provided on the surface of one of the two modules, such that these types of components remain uncovered and accessible in various configurations of the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/588,404 filed on Jul. 16, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of handheld electronic devices, such as handheld communication or processing devices including cellular phones, and handheld computers with wireless communication and processing capabilities. More particularly, the present invention relates to handheld devices which provide simple handset-style voice communication, as well as more complex capabilities of text-entry and providing a large graphical user-interface and navigation control system to enhance use of the device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There have been developed a number of handheld devices which combine cell phone and organizer capabilities into a single device, such as the model 9210 communicator produced by Nokia of Finland. This device for example, contains two sets of keyboard and display, one for use in a traditional handset mode where the device is held around the narrow dimension during voice communication, and a second set for entry of text for e-mails, and for operating the organizer portion of the device. The device can be used for voice communication in a handset-style configuration, as well as for text entry through a conventional Qwerty-style keyboard. At the same time, however, this and other similar units are too bulky and wide for comfortable handset-styled voice-communication, and for thumb-keying styled text-entry, such as made popular by the Blackberry line of products from Research in Motion of Canada. 
         [0004]    There have also been developed by cell phone manufacturers, very compact wireless devices for handset-styled voice-communication, as well as other functions through a menu-driven graphical user interface. Such cell phones include single-module devices, such as the Model T610 produced by Sony Ericsson of Stockholm, Sweden, as well as clam-shell styled units such as the Motorola MPx200 and Samsung SCH-i600. Although useful for handset-styled voice-communication, these devices fail to offer the thumb-keying styled text-entry, made popular by the Blackberry line of products from Research in Motion of Canada and Treo products from palmOne. 
         [0005]    The above-mentioned Blackberry and Treo line of products provide handset-styled voice-communication as well as thumb-keying styled text-entry. Although providing some advantages, the presence of the thumb-keypad makes the unit too wide for comfortable use in the handset mode, particularly as compared with conventional cell phones, which are optimized for handset-style voice communication. 
         [0006]    There is thus a need for a device and methods wherein a compact and thin profile device provides for enhanced handset-style voice-communication, as well as providing more complex capabilities, such as text-entry and a large graphical user interface and navigation control system for enhanced ergonomics and ease of use. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Based upon the deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device having a form factor for comfortable and convenient handset-style voice communication, as well as providing more complex capabilities of text-entry and a large graphical user interface, with these varying features and capabilities not being compromised relative to one another. The invention therefore overcomes limitations of the prior art, wherein the devices were deficient in form factor and/or function. 
         [0008]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a compact and light-weight device, which has been optimized for both handset-style voice communication and comfortable and efficient text messaging as well as simple and effective navigation through a menu-driven graphical user interface. 
         [0009]    In one aspect, the present invention is therefore directed to a handheld electronic device comprising two modules operatively interconnected via a pivotable connection mechanism or other moveable mechanical interconnection, wherein each module has two surfaces facing in opposing directions. The device further comprises a first display carried by a surface of one of the two modules, and a text-entry keypad provided on a surface of the other of the two modules. The text-entry keypad is optimized for entry of text via thumb-keying, wherein the user&#39;s hands cradle the device so the thumbs are in proper position for operation of the keypad. A navigation control may be provided on a surface of the module other than the surface carrying the text-entry keypad, wherein the navigation control is sized and positioned to be operated by at least one finger or at least one thumb of the user&#39;s hands when cradling the device, such as during text-entry by the user&#39;s thumbs. There may also be provided for handset use, a second display sized substantially smaller than the first display, as well as a numerical entry keypad, an audio output port, an audio input port, or selective ones of such devices. These components can be provided on the surface of one of the two modules, such that these types of components remain uncovered and accessible in various configurations of the device. 
         [0010]    The moveable mechanical interconnection between the two modules may be of any suitable type, such as a planar motion mechanism allowing the modules to move in planar motion relative to one another, such as by sliding relative to one another or rotating relative to one another in a planar motion. Any other suitable mechanical interconnection which enables relative movement between the modules in the desired manner are contemplated, including a hinge mechanism. The navigation control associated with the device can comprise a touch pad, a plurality of navigation keys, or other suitable interface devices. The device may further comprise an imaging system for taking still and/or video images. 
         [0011]    In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the handheld electronic device may comprise a single-module construction, wherein a first surface and a second surface are provided, facing in opposing directions. A first display is provided on the first surface, and a navigation control is provided on the second surface, wherein the navigation control is sized and positioned to be operated by at least one finger of the user&#39;s hands when the device is cradled by the user&#39;s hands with the first display facing the user. The display navigation control can comprise a touch pad, plurality of navigation keys, or other suitable interface components for manipulation by at least one finger or thumb of the user&#39;s hands when holding the device with the first display facing the user. 
         [0012]    As a further alternative embodiment, the handheld electronic device according to the invention may comprise a single-module construction, having two opposing surfaces, with a first display provided on a first surface, and a second display provided on a second surface. The first display is sized substantially larger than the second display, and the device may further comprise handset features such as a keypad, as well as audio input and output ports. A navigation control is provided on one of the two surfaces, and a battery power supply is carried by the other of the two surfaces. The navigation control is sized and positioned to be operated by at least one finger or at least one thumb of the user&#39;s hands, when cradling the device with the first display facing the user. The display navigation control can comprise a touch pad, plurality of navigation keys, or other suitable interface for manipulation by at least one finger or at least one thumb of the user&#39;s hands. 
         [0013]    These and other objects of the invention will become apparent upon a reading of the detailed description of embodiments thereof, in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention, showing the device in the open position for text-entry. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a back view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top-end view of the device as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top-end view of the device as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a left view of the device as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the device as shown in  FIG. 1 , except with the keypad closed. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a left view of the device as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a bottom-end view of the device as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram representation of an embodiment of the device according the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a further embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  shows a back view of the device shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  shows a side view of the device as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a front view of a further embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  shows a back view of the device shown in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a front view of a further embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a back view of the device shown in  FIG. 16  when folded. 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 18 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Turning now to the drawings, various embodiments according to the present invention are shown, and will be described hereafter. Although such embodiments are representative of the configuration, features and functionality of a handheld electronic device according to the invention, it is not limited to only such embodiments, as these embodiments are only exemplary of devices according to the invention. Turning to  FIGS. 1-8 , a handheld electronic device  10  according to an embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the device  10  comprises first and second modules  11  and  21 , which are interconnected via a movable, mechanical interconnection, such as a pivoting mechanism  25 . In this embodiment, the pivoting mechanism  25  is a planar motion mechanism which allows modules  11  and  21  to rotate relative to one another about the pivot mechanism  25 . Other suitable movable mechanical interconnections are also contemplated, and would occur to those skilled in the art, to enable relative motion between the modules  11  and  21 , preferably by planar motion therebetween. An example of another suitable planar motion mechanism can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,257 of the Assignee, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , module  21  may provide various functions in accordance with the device, and may comprise a text-entry keypad  23 , which is designed for entry of text or other information using the thumbs of the hands when the device  10  is cradled in the user&#39;s hands. As seen in  FIG. 1 , when module  21  is moved to the position as shown in  FIG. 1  relative to module  11 , the keypad  23  is oriented to facilitate text-entry in this manner, with the long dimension of module  21  oriented perpendicular to the user&#39;s hands when cradled therein. The dimensions of the module  21  and therefore keypad  23  then allow simplified and more effective use of keypad  23  to facilitate this functionality of device  10 . At the same time, when module  21  is oriented relative to module  11  in the manner as shown in  FIG. 2 , the keypad  23  is positioned in a stowed and out of the way location which does not interfere with other functionalities of the device  10 . 
         [0035]    It should also be seen that when keypad  23  is positioned in the orientation as shown in  FIG. 1 , a display  12  provided on the module  11  is exposed for viewing, with display  12  providing a large display to facilitate the text entry function that keypad  23  may be used for. The first display  12  is provided on a first surface  30  of module  11 , and is selectively exposed by reorienting module  21  relative to module  11  as shown. 
         [0036]    The module  11  may also include an imaging system  19 , such as for still and/or video image capture, which may be of any suitable type known to those skilled in the art. As shown, the imaging system  19  may be configured to be pivotable or rotated about a mounting axis  22 , for repositioning of a lens  24  associated with the imaging system  19 , such as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . Alternatively, the imaging system may be fixed, and device  10  held in proper orientation for capture of the image if desired, or another suitable mounting mechanism to allow imaging system  19  to be directed in a desired orientation for image capture. 
         [0037]    Module  11  also has a second surface  32  opposed to first surface  30 , which may be provided with handset components optimized for handset voice communications and functionality. As shown in this embodiment, the second surface  32  of module  11  may be provided with a second display  13 , which is relatively smaller than first display  12 , as well as a numeric entry keypad  14 , an audio output port  15  and an audio input port  16 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the module  11  may also be provided with a navigation control system  26  provided on surface  32  of module  11 . The navigation control system  26  enables the user to navigate through a menu-driven interface on the displays of device  10 . In a desirable configuration, the navigation control  26  is sized and positioned to be operated by at least one finger or at least one thumb of the user&#39;s hands when the device  10  is cradled therein, and such that it can be manipulated by the user whether viewing first display  12  or second display  13 . The navigation control  26  may be of any suitable configuration, and may comprise a touch pad or a plurality of navigation keys, joystick or the like, to facilitate manipulation by the user&#39;s fingers and/or thumbs. Additional control interfaces may also be provided in conjunction with module  11 , accessible for manipulation by the user&#39;s fingers and/or thumbs on surface  32 , such as communications send or end functions such as shown at  35  and  37 . Further, device  10  comprises a battery supply  31 , which may be carried in module  11  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , or otherwise provided to supply power to the various electrical components of the device  10 . The battery supply  31  may thus be used to provide operational power for all components associated with each of the modules  11  and  21 . 
         [0038]    It should be recognized from a review of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , that the device  10  may be configured for use in at least functional modes of text-entry and data processing in the orientation as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , as well as wireless handset communication when modules  11  and  21  are oriented in the manner such as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 . When module  21  is positioned in a “closed” position relative to module  11 , such as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the display  12  associated with module  11  will be covered, and text-entry keypad  23  positioned to be out of the way. This provides a form factor for simple and effective wireless communication, in a similar configuration to a single module cell phone such as described in the Background of the Invention. At the same time, in both configurations, the navigation control  26  is provided for manipulation and control by the user using at least one finger or thumb of the user&#39;s hands, when the device  10  is cradled in a hand or the hands of the user. Thus, navigation control  26  provides for enhanced functionality in either of the wireless communication mode of the device  10  such as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , or the text-entry operational mode such as shown in  FIG. 1 . As modules  11  and  21  are easily reoriented relative to one another, the operational modes of the device  10  can be quickly and easily engaged by the user. 
         [0039]    As mentioned previously, based upon the various functionalities provided by device  10 , the second display  13 , which may be used for simpler functions, such as displaying time and date, caller ID, phone numbers, other contact information or the like, the display  13  can be sized substantially smaller than the first display  12 , which is designed to enhance text-entry or other functions of the device  10 . Other suitable functions may also be integrated into the device  10 , such as providing an interface  34 , such as shown in  FIG. 8 , for connection of device  10  to other systems, such as a computer or a power source, for information exchange and/or recharging of the battery power supply  31 . 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIG. 9 , functions which may be associated with embodiments of the invention are shown. Such functions and systems are exemplary of embodiments according to the invention, but other functions may also be provided, as would occur to those skilled in the art. In the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 9 , a block diagram representation of the functions of a device  40  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. A processing system  42  may comprise a microprocessor, electrical interfaces to various input-output circuits, and associated memory for computer programs and data, or other suitable elements. For use of device  40  as a handset for wireless communication, the processor  42  may interact with a numeric-entry keypad  44 , a display  46 , and a wireless transceiver  48  with antenna  50 , as an example. For text-entry functionality of device  40 , the processing system  42  may interact with a text-entry keypad  52  and a display  54 . For navigation through menu-driven graphical user interface or other suitable interface with such systems, the processing system  42  may allow input through the navigation controls  56 , so as to allow operation in both the wireless communication handset and text-entry modes of operation. Other suitable systems, such as a power supply  58  and power control circuit  60  may be provided for operation of other systems. Further, other functionalities may be integrated into device  40 , such as provision of an imaging system  62  for capture of still and/or video images. Other functionalities may also be provided, such as touch-screen interfaces associated with one or both of the displays  46  and  54 , voice recognition system, audio recording system, or any other desired functions which would occur to those skilled in the art in association with a handheld electronic device according to the invention, used for communication, entertainment, processing, data storage or the like. 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIGS. 10-12 , an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a device  70  is configured as a single-module device, which provides direct access to conventional handset capabilities on a first side  72  of the device  70 . A numeric entry keyboard  74  may be provided along with audio output port  76  and input port  78  or the like. A battery power supply  80  may be provided in association with surface  72 , to allow opposing surface  80  to be configured in a desired manner such as shown. In association with surface  80 , a large display  82  is provided, along with navigation control  84 . In this embodiment, device  70  therefore provides a large graphical user interface  82  by which information and functions can be accessed and used in an enhanced manner, with navigation control system  84  positioned for manipulation by at least one finger and/or thumb of a user&#39;s hands when device  70  is cradled in the hands. Thus, for use of device  74  entertainment purposes, the configuration allows much greater flexibility via this arrangement, as the user can access and manipulate data stored within device  70  in an enhanced manner. At the same time, the device  70  provides a form factor for wireless communication as a handset device, with navigation control system  84  again being positioned for easy manipulation by at least one finger and/or thumb of the user&#39;s hand when using device  70  as a handset. This will again allow easy access to data or other information via the display  75  provided on surface  72 . Again, if desired, other functions may be integrated the device  70 , such as an imaging system  86 . 
         [0042]    Turning now to  FIGS. 13-15 , an alternative embodiment is shown, wherein a single module design again provides direct access to conventional wireless communication handset capabilities on a first side, and enhanced functionalities via a navigation control system and alternative display associated therewith. In this embodiment, device  90  has a first side  92  and a second side  94 , wherein handset functionalities are provided on side  92  for example. A numeric keypad  96 , audio input port  97 , and audio output port  98  may again be provided, along with a first display  100 . In this embodiment, also associated with surface  92 , navigation control system  102  is positioned for enhanced and simple manipulation by at least one finger and/or thumb of a user when device  90  is cradled in the hand or hands of the user. On opposing side  94  of device  90 , a large display  104  may be provided, and as should be understood in this embodiment, allows manipulation of data or information via the graphical user interface  104  by use of navigation control system  102  provided on surface  92 . Other suitable systems, such as a battery power supply  106  are provided, and any other suitable systems may be integrated into device  90 , such as a camera or the like. 
         [0043]    In the embodiments of  FIGS. 10-12  and  13 - 15 , the devices provide an extremely compact and comfortably used handheld system which allows more effective access to and manipulation of information, data, entertainment or other functions associated with the devices. The devices are compact, by means of locating handset components on a first side of the device, and a large graphical user interface display on an opposing side, thereby not requiring a clam shell construction, a longer length or a greater width. These embodiments also make the handset functions readily available to the user, without having to open a clam shell, or having to bring up an on-screen dial pad, for example. Ease of use also results from a conveniently located, large navigation control system in the embodiments, which is accessible in various modes of operation in association with one or both of the displays provided on the devices. The navigation controls allow easy manipulation using the thumbs or fingers in these embodiments, without impacting the size of the device. 
         [0044]    The configurations of the invention as shown in these embodiments would also be useful in association with digital music players for example, wherein the positioning of navigation controls allows for a very compact and easily used device. This may thus be used as a stand-alone device for music, or the music player, such as MP3, iPod or like devices, may be integrated into a smart phone having this additional functionality, as an all-in-one communication and entertainment device. The navigation control positioning provides a more compact unit along with the text-entry keypad, for use in entering song names or other information. 
         [0045]    Turning now to the embodiment of  FIGS. 16-19 , a device  110  is shown, which is configured as a clam shell, or dual module device which is foldable or collapsible. A first module  111 , and a second module  121  are operatively connected via a hinge mechanism  125 , or other suitable mechanical interconnection, which allows folding or collapsing of modules relative to one another. The module  111  carries a first display  112 , and a navigation control system  126  on a front surface thereof. The module  121  carries a text-entry keypad  123  on a front surface  124 , and handset functions on the back surface  127  thereof. The handset functions may again comprise a numeric entry keypad  114 , an audio output port  115 , an audio input port  116 , and a second display  113 . The second display  113 , which may be used for simpler functions such as displaying time and date, caller ID, contact information or the like, is sized substantially smaller than the first display  112 . Similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , each of these functionalities is enhanced by providing a compact and light-weight device, which allows for handset style voice communication, as well as comfortable text messaging and navigation through a menu-driven graphical user interface. The navigation system is again provided in a manner to allow for simplified manipulation in various modes of operation, and allows manipulation by one or more fingers and/or thumbs of the user&#39;s hands when the device  110  is cradled within a hand or hands of the user. Various aspects of this embodiment are thus understood with reference to prior embodiments as described, all in accordance with the novel aspects of the present invention. 
         [0046]    Inasmuch as the present invention is subject to variations, modifications, and changes in detail, some of which have been expressly stated herein, it is intended that all matter described throughout this entire specification or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention is therefore defined according to the following claims. It should thus be evident that a device constructed according to the concept of the present invention, and reasonably equivalent thereto, will accomplish the objects of the present invention and otherwise substantially improve the art of handheld devices that provide simple handset-style voice communication as well as more complex capabilities of text-entry and graphical user-interface without compromising the effectiveness of one set of capabilities over the other.