User input device

A user input device for portable electronic devices having a first body element and a main body element arranged for pivotal movement or slidable movement with respect tot one another controls an intended functionality of the portable electronic device in a response to the relative position between the body elements.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to portable electronic devices and deals more particularly with a user input device for portable electronic devices having a first body element and a main body element arranged for movement with respect to one another to control an intended functionality of the portable electronic device in response to the relative position between the body elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable electronic devices, such as for example, mobile telephones, include features and functionalities that are operated and controlled by the user through a user interface of some type. Such features and functionalities may include for example, game playing, volume control, image capture, and navigation through menus, address books, name lists and other PDA (personal digital assistant) type functions. It is known in the prior art to provide a user input device in the form of an analog joystick or in the form of operation of a combination sequence of two or more keys accessible to the user to carry out the intended function. One major limitation with a user input joystick it is cumbersome and not convenient to hold the portable electronic device while operating the joystick. Although a joystick offers smooth operation, the joystick also adds to the complexity and expense of the device packaging. A problem with key operated user input devices is only a few different selections can be made by the user and then only in discrete steps to provide “on-off” functionality or relatively course adjustment selection. One very popular and sought after feature and functionality by users of mobile telephones is image capture wherein a camera module is integral with the mobile telephone body element. A user typically points the camera module aperture in the desired direction and views the image to be captured on the display screen of the mobile telephone. A designated key or button on the mobile telephone is pressed by the user to operate the camera shutter release to capture the image. Some mobile telephone camera modules include a telephoto functionality to make a distant image appear closer and larger through use of digital zoom or optical zoom techniques, which are well known and understood by those skilled in the imaging capture art. The zoom factor of the telephoto functionality of the camera module is chosen by the user through use of a user input device of some type, such as for example a joystick or key combination operation, to select a desired zoom factor from a number of possible zoom factors. Known prior art user input devices are generally limited for use to select a zoom factor in devices which have only a few different zoom factors available, however, when there are many possible zoom factors available it is difficult to select a desired zoom factor from the many different zoom factors available using a joystick or key combination operation user input device.

A further disadvantage of prior art user input devices, particularly key user input devices, for selecting a desired zoom factor is that many more key combinations are necessary to step through the possible different zoom factors available to select a desired zoom factor. Accordingly, zoom factor selection with prior art user input devices is time sensitive and not smooth when stepping for example from a low zoom factor to a high zoom factor.

It would also be desirable therefore to provide in a portable electronic device camera module a user input device for zoom factor selection that is smooth and continuous over a range of zoom factors to give the “feel” of a single lens reflex (SLR) camera to the user.

Foldable mobile telephones commonly referred to as “flip” or “clamshell” mobile telephones have enclosures wherein a cover pivots or rotates through an angular range with respect to a main body element from a closed operative position to an open operative position. Slidable mobile telephones have enclosures wherein a cover slides or moves along a rectilinear path through a linear range of movement with respect to a main body element from a closed operative position to an open operative position. It would be desirable to take advantage of the continuous motion between the cover and the main body element through at least a portion of the angular range and the linear range respectively such that the cover functions as a user input device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a user input device in a portable electronic device having a cover and a main body element arranged for movement with respect to one another wherein a signal proportional to and indicative of the relative position between the cover and the main body element is produced to operate an intended function of the portable electronic device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable electronic device has a first body element and a main body element in which a user input device comprises the first body element arranged for movement with respect to the main body element for producing a signal proportional to the relative position between the first body element and the main body element for controlling the operation of an intended function of the portable electronic device. The first body element may be arranged for pivotal movement with respect to the main body element wherein the relative position signal is proportional to an angle formed between the first body element and the main body element over an angular range of pivotal movement. The first body element may be arranged foe slidable or rectilinear movement with respect to the main body element wherein the relative position signal is proportional to the relative position of the first body element with respect to the main body element over a linear range of rectilinear movement.

The portable electronic device may include a camera module for capturing images wherein the camera module includes a camera zoom functionality wherein the zoom factor is selectable by the user through the angular range. The main body element has a first surface relative to usage and a screen located in at least a portion of the first surface for displaying alphanumeric characters and graphics and images. The first body element has a first outwardly facing surface relative to usage and a second surface opposite the first outwardly facing surface wherein the second surface is in facing relationship with the main body element first surface in a first operative position whereby the main body element first surface is not accessible for use by a user, and wherein in a second operative position the first body element is pivoted to a fully open position away from the main body element first surface whereby the main body element first surface is accessible for use by a user. The camera zoom factor may be set to increase when the first body element pivots with an increasing angle formed between the first body element and the main body element or the camera zoom factor may be set to decrease when the first body element pivots with a decreasing angle formed between the first body element and the main body element. Further, the camera zoom factor may be set to increase when the first body element pivots with a decreasing angle formed between the first body element and the main body element or the camera zoom factor may be set to decrease when the first body element pivots with an increasing angle formed between the first body element and the main body element.

The portable electronic device may include a camera module for capturing images wherein the camera module includes a camera zoom functionality wherein the zoom factor is selectable by the user through the linear range. The main body element has a first surface relative to usage. The first body element has a first surface relative to usage and a screen located in at least a portion of the first surface and in a first operative position is in an overlying stacked relation with the main body element and the main body element first surface is not accessible for use by a user. In a second operative position, the first body element is slid or moved along a rectilinear path to a fully open position whereby the main body element first surface is accessible for use by a user. The camera zoom factor may be set to increase when the first body element moves relative to the main body element from the operative closed position to the operative open position or the camera zoom factor may be set to decrease when the first body element is moved relative to the main body element from the operative closed position to the operative open position over the linear range.

In a further aspect of the invention, at least another portion of the main body element first surface includes an arrangement of keys in a given configuration to carry out an intended function.

In a further aspect of the invention, the first body element is configured whereby the screen is viewable by a user when the portable electronic device is in its first operative position and in its second operative position and at least partially viewable by a user through a pre-defined angular range when the first body element is pivoted from the first operative position through the pre-defined angular range.

The camera module further includes a shutter release wherein the shutter release is responsive to the touching contact by a user on a key located on the main body element or on a key located on the first body element.

In a yet further aspect of the invention, the relative position between the first body element and the main body element is indicated by a sensor responsive to the relative position of the first body element with respect to the main body element. The sensor may further comprise a potentiometer connected between the first body element and the main body element whereby the resistance of the potentiometer is indicative of the relative position of the first body element with respect to the main body element. The sensor may further comprise an inductor in a resonant circuit mounted on the main body element whereby a change in the position of the first body element with respect to the main body element changes the inductance of the inductor and the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit wherein the changed resonant frequency is indicative of the position of the first body element with respect to the main body element. The sensor may further comprise a capacitor in a resonant circuit mounted on the main body element whereby a change in the position of the first body element with respect to the main body element changes the capacitance of the capacitor and the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit wherein the changed resonant frequency is indicative of the position of the first body element with respect to the main body element. The sensor may further comprise a light polarization system coupled between the main body element and the first body element. In one aspect, the light polarization system has a least one beam of light originating at one of the main body element and the second body element and a receiver located at the other of the main body element and the second body element whereby the magnitude of the light intensity of the beam of light received at the receiver is indicative of the position of the first body element with respect to the main body element. In a second aspect of the invention, a user input device is presented and comprises an electronic device having a main body element with a first surface relative to usage, a second body element connected to the main body element and arranged for movement with respect to the main body element and a sensor responsive to the relative position between the main body element and the second body element for producing an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the relative position between the first body element and the main body element for controlling the operation of an intended function of the electronic device.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings and considering the invention in further detail, a schematic representation of a portable electronic device generally designated10embodying the prior art is illustrated therein and includes a main body element12and a first body element or cover14connected to the main body element12via the hinge16for pivotal movement with respect to the main body element12about the pivot axis18when the cover14is rotated between a closed operative position and an open operative position as represented by the direction of motion arrow20. The cover position of the portable electronic device10is detected and indicated by means of a Hall-effect sensor generally designated22carried in the main body element12in cooperation with a permanent magnet24carried in the cover14in the vicinity of the HALL-effect sensor22. The arrangement of the HALL-effect sensor22and permanent magnet24is limited to providing a two state indication of the cover position in either the closed operative state wherein the cover14is in a close proximity to or overlying stacked relation with respect to the main body element12or an open state wherein the cover14is pivoted away from the main body element12. The combination of the HALL-effect sensor22and permanent magnet24typically cannot for all practical purposes provide an indication of the cover position with respect to the main body element or spread angle other than the cover being in a closed position or an open position. The prior art Hall-effect sensor arrangement may also be utilized with other portable electronic devices, for example, a foldable mobile telephone, a slidable mobile telephone, PDA devices and other similar devices to provide an indication of the cover being in a closed position or an open position.

Turning now toFIGS. 2-6, a portable electronic device, such as for example, a mobile telephone embodying the present invention is illustrated therein and generally designated30. The mobile telephone30includes a main body element32having a first major surface relative to usage generally designated34. A first body element or cover generally designated36is in an overlying stacked relationship with a portion of the main body element32in a closed operative position as illustrated inFIG. 2. The mobile telephone30includes a screen38constructed in a portion40of the main body element first major surface34for displaying alphanumeric text, graphics, images or other such graphic representations as well known and familiar to mobile telephone users. The cover36is arranged for pivotal movement with respect to the main body element32about the pivot axis42when the cover36is moved toward and away from the main body element32as represented by the direction arrow47. The first major surface34of the main body element32may carry a keyboard or an arrangement of keys generally designated44in another portion45of the first major surface away from the screen. The keys44are hidden by the cover36when the mobile telephone30is in its closed operative position and are exposed and accessible to a user when the cover36is rotated away from the main body element. The cover36also includes a first major surface generally designated46relative to usage and may carry an arrangement of keys48configured to carryout an intended function of the mobile telephone30. As illustrated in the schematic side view inFIG. 6, the mobile telephone30may have image capturing functionality and may include a camera module generally designated50located on the back or rear surface52disposed opposite the first major surface34of the main body element32. In accordance with the present invention, a user aims the aperture of the camera module50in the direction indicated by the arrow54toward the desired image to be captured. The viewer56observes on the screen38in the direction indicated by arrow58the image to be captured. The camera module may include a shutter release wherein the shutter release operates in response to the operation of a key or button by the user. The key or button can be located on the main body element or the first body element. The shutter release may also be arranged to operate in response to keys placed in several different locations on the main body element, the first body element and the keyboard. The keys may also be identifiable by shape or color to make it easier for a user to locate and operate the shutter release. As explained in further detail below, a user holds the main body element32with one hand while rotating the cover36toward and away from the main body element32to select a desired zoom factor to make the image to be captured appear closer and larger as desired wherein the zoom factor is determined by the spread angle generally designated60formed between the main body element32and the cover36.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the camera functionality of the mobile telephone30is activated and the position of the cover36is changed or rotated toward and away from the main body element32, the camera zoom factor increases or decreases in accordance with the spread angle60between the cover36and the main body element32. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the spread angle60can be quite large before a display shown on the screen38becomes obstructed and thus the angular range of the cover36with respect to the main body element32can be quite large. The direction of rotation of the cover36with respect to the main body element32to increase the zoom factor can be arranged to increase the zoom factor as the spread angle is increased or decrease the zoom factor as the spread angle is increased. Preferably a smaller spread angle60selects a lower zoom factor since it is more natural for a user to start from a low zoom factor. It is typically found to be more convenient for the user to hold the body element32in one hand while rotating the cover36with the other hand to “zoom in” to the desired size image. A typical spread angle range is from about ten degrees to 50 degrees although the present invention will operate with other angular ranges, which angular ranges are dependent upon the specific and particular mechanical design of the portable electronic device relative to viewing an image on the screen as the spread angle is made larger or smaller.

Turning now toFIGS. 7 and 8, a slidable mobile telephone embodying the present invention is illustrated schematically therein and generally designated300. The slidable mobile telephone includes a main body element generally designated302and a first body element or cover generally designated304in an overlying stacked relationship with the main body element302and arranged for rectilinear movement with respect to the main body element in a direction as indicated by direction arrow306. The cover304includes a first major surface308relative to usage and carries a screen generally designated310carried in a portion of the first major surface308. One or more keys312,312for carrying out associated functions of the mobile telephone are carried on the first major surface308and may be “soft keys” which operate in conjunction with icons, text and graphics shown on the screen310. The cover304is arranged for slidable movement from a closed operative position as illustrated inFIG. 7to a fully open operative position as illustrated inFIG. 8. As illustrated inFIG. 8, the first major surface320of the main body element302may carry a keyboard or an arrangement of keys generally designated322configured to carry out an intended function of the mobile telephone300. The keys322are revealed and accessible by a user when the cover is extended from its closed operative position. The keyboard322is hidden by the cover304when the mobile telephone300is in its closed operative position.

The slidable mobile telephone may have image capturing functionality and may include a camera module located in any desirable location on the first body element or the main body element. A user would aim the aperture of the camera module in a direction toward the desired image to be captured. The viewer314observes on the screen310in the direction indicated by arrow316the image to be captured. The camera module may include a shutter release wherein the shutter release operates in response to the operation of a key or button by the user. The key or button can be located on the main body element or the first body element. The shutter release may also be arranged to operate in response to keys placed in several different locations on the main body element, the first body element and the keyboard322. The keys may also be identifiable by shape or color to make it easier for a user to locate and operate the shutter release. A user would hold the main body element302while sliding the cover304toward or away from the main body element, that is, the cover is moved in a direction extending or retracting it from the main body element to select a desired zoom factor to make the image to be captured appear closer and larger as desired wherein the zoom factor is determined by the linear position of the cover with respect to the main body element over a linear range or distance generally designated324.

A sensor responsive to the relative position of the first body element with respect to the main body element is used to indicate the spread angle or the linear position of the first body element with respect to the main body element.FIG. 9Ais a schematic diagram of an exemplary electrical circuit, which circuit may be used in the present invention to indicate the relative position between the cover and the main body element, that is, the spread angle or the linear position. InFIG. 9A, a sensor comprising a potentiometer generally designated70has the center tap72suitably coupled or connected to the hinge point generally designated74between the cover and the main body element such that rotation of the cover relative to the main body element as indicated by the rotation arrow76causes the center tap72to slide back and forth over the resistance range as measured between the ends78and80respectively of the potentiometer70and thus the resistance as measured at end80varies with respect to the ground reference potential92as the center tap72moves as indicated by the direction arrow82. The resultant output signal as measured across the terminals84,86respectively may be input to a position sensing circuit wherein the changed resistance across the potentiometer70is indicative of the relative position between the cover and the main body element. As illustrated inFIG. 9A, a voltage source generally designated88is electrically connected to the end80of the potentiometer70through the series resistance90to provide a voltage divider network such that a change in the resistance of the potentiometer70causes the voltage potential at the junction of the series resistance90and potentiometer70to also change proportionally as the resistance of the potentiometer is varied due to the relative movement between the cover and the main body element. The voltage potential at the junction of the series resistance90and the potentiometer70is connected to the output84. A suitable sensing circuit well known to those skilled in the art is connected across the output terminals84and86respectively to generate an appropriate relative position indicating signal. Alternately, the voltage potential source88may be an alternating frequency voltage signal and the output terminals84,86respectively may be coupled to an analog-to-digital converter circuit to provide a digital output signal for use in indicating the spread angle between the cover and the main body element.

FIG. 9Billustrates a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit similar to that shown inFIG. 9Aand similar reference numbers refer to similar parts. InFIG. 9B, a sensor comprising a potentiometer70has the center tap72suitably coupled or connected to the hinge point74between the cover and the main body element such that rotation of the cover relative to the main body element as indicated by the rotation arrow76causes the center tap72to slide back and forth over the resistance range as measured between the ends78and80respectively of the potentiometer70and thus the resistance as measured at the center tap72varies with respect to the ground reference potential92as the center tap72moves as indicated by the direction arrow82. The voltage signal at the center tap72is fed to a suitable amplifier or buffer amplifier83and the resultant output signal is fed to the terminal84which may be the input to a position sensing circuit wherein the changed resistance of the potentiometer70is indicative of the relative position between the cover and the main body element. InFIG. 9B, the voltage source88is electrically connected to the end80of the potentiometer70and the voltage potential at the center tap72changes proportionally as the resistance of the potentiometer is varied due to the relative movement between the cover and the main body element.

A further example of an electrical circuit that may be implemented to indicate the spread angle between the cover and main body element is illustrated inFIG. 10wherein a variable capacitor or trimmer capacitor generally designated96is connected to the hinge point74such that rotation of the cover with respect to the main body element in the direction as indicated by arrow76causes the capacitance of the trimmer capacitor96to change as the spread angle between the cover and the main body element changes wherein the change in capacitance is measured across the terminals84,86by means of a suitable sensing circuit coupled across the output terminals84and86respectively. The trimmer capacitor96may be part of a resonant circuit wherein a change in the capacitance of the trimmer capacitor96causes a change in the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit and which change in frequency may also be used to indicate the spread angle between the cover and the main body element. This circuit may also be used with a slidable mobile telephone wherein the trimmer capacitor is connected to the cover by any suitable means such as a wheel connected to the trimmer capacitor and a cooperating track gear such that the track gear turns the wheel when the cover is moved which movement changes the capacitance of the trimmer capacitor.

A further alternate embodiment of an electrical circuit to indicate the spread angle similar to the electrical circuits inFIGS. 9A,9B and10is illustrated inFIG. 11wherein a variable inductor generally designated98has for example the slug100of the variable inductor directly coupled to the hinge point74such that rotation of the cover with respect to the main body element in the direction indicated by the arrow76changes the position of the slug100and accordingly the inductance of the variable inductor98. Preferably, the slug100is a ferromagnetic material which exhibits a relatively high relative permeability. A diamagnetic material may also be used for the slug, however the range of relative permeability is smaller than that of ferromagnetic material and is not as effective as a slug of ferromagnetic material. The change in inductance may be measured across the output terminals84and86by a suitable sensing circuit to indicate the spread angle between the cover and the main body element. The variable inductor98may also be part of a tuned resonant circuit wherein a change in the inductance caused by the rotation of the cover with respect to the main body element causes a change in the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit and which change in frequency may be used to indicate the spread angle between the cover and the main body element. The circuit may also be used in a slidable mobile telephone wherein the slug100is connected by any suitable means to move when the cover is slid with respect to the main body element to indicate the linear position of the cover with respect to the main body element.

Turning now toFIG. 12, a schematic representation of a portable electronic device embodying the present invention is illustrated therein and generally designated102. The device102includes a first main body element or lower cover generally designated104and a first body element or upper cover generally designated106pivotally connected by a hinge108at the pivot point110on the lower cover104for rotational movement toward and away from the lower cover as indicated by direction arrow112. Preferably the frame of the upper cover106is metallic and is grounded via the hinge108to the lower cover104. A suitable conductor of a predefined length and width generally designated114is mounted and located in the lower cover as close as feasibly possible to the upper cover106and close to the hinge108. The conductor can be for example, a predefined length of wire, metal coated tape or metal plate having a predetermined surface area to function as one plate of a capacitor. The upper cover functions as the other plate of the capacitor and together essentially forms a variable plate capacitor. Any two pieces of conductors can be used to make the two plates of a capacitor and as a practical matter a suitable surface area and suitable mechanics are required to carry out the detection function. The portable electronic device102in its closed position maximizes overlying coverage of the surface area of the conductor114in proximity to the metal frame cover106. When the cover106is rotated about the pivot point110away from the lower cover104, less and less of the metal frame cover106is in proximity to the indicator conductor114and accordingly the capacitance coupling between the upper cover and the indicator conductor114becomes less and less. In other words, as the cross-section between the plates varies, the capacitance varies. The change in the capacitance as the cover108is rotated relative to the lower cover104may be sensed and measured by a suitable circuit to provide an indication of the spread angle between the covers104and106. The conductor114may also be an inductor114such that proximity of the metal frame106to the inductor as the cover106moves relative to the lower cover104changes the inductance and which change in inductance may be measured by a suitable circuit to provide an indication of the relative position, that is the spread angle or linear position between the upper and lower covers. The inductor may also be part of a resonant circuit wherein a change in the inductance due to the proximity of the metal frame upper cover106as it pivots about the pivot point114toward and away from the lower cover changes the resonant frequency and which frequency change can be used to indicate the spread angle or in the case of a slidable electronic device, extension and retraction of the upper and lower covers with respect to one another to indicate the linear position of the upper (or lower) cover relative to one another. It will be recognized that the indicator conductor114may also be located in the upper cover and form a variable plate capacitor with the lower cover to carry out the intended function.

It is also contemplated that two antennas such as planar antennas, arranged and suitably located within the mobile telephone covers could be used in a resonant circuit wherein movement of the covers with respect to one another would change the resonant frequency and which frequency change can be used to indicate the position of one cover with respect to the other. The frequencies on such an arrangement using antennas to form the variable plate capacitor would be in the RF frequency range.

Turning now toFIGS. 13A-13E, the spread angle between the main body element and the first body element or cover can be sensed and measured using a light polarization arrangement such as illustrated schematically inFIG. 13A. In the light polarization arrangement shown inFIG. 13A, a light emitting unit generally designated120is mounted and located for purposes of explanation in the first body element or upper cover of the portable electronic device however, the light emitting unit could also be located if desired in the main body element or lower cover. The light emitting unit includes a light emitting diode (LED) generally designated122to emit a light beam generally designated124having a time invariant visual spectrum signal with natural polarization as shown by the intensity/wavelength graphic representation inFIG. 13Band in a direction toward the end123of an optical multi-mode fiber generally designated126also located and arranged in the upper cover. Although an optical multi-mode fiber is used for purposes of explanation, any suitable type of optical fiber can be used. It is also contemplated that any suitable means for directing the light beam may be used, for example a mirror system. The optical multi-mode fiber126is mounted and arranged in the upper cover such that the fiber end portion128is centered on the hinge axis generally designated130of the hinge pivotally connecting the upper cover to the main body element. The light emitting unit120in the upper cover may also include an infrared (IR) LED generally designated132to emit a light beam which is also directed to the end123of the optical multi-mode fiber126and which IR light beam is in a non-visible spectral band as shown by the intensity/wavelength graphic representation inFIG. 13C. Approximately half of the light in the multi-mode fiber126is directed to the red path generally designated136and the remaining half of the light is directed to the blue path generally designated138. The light in the red path136is aimed and passes through a red and IR pass filter140and the light in the blue path138passes through a blue and IR pass filter142. An intensity/wavelength graphic spectral representation of the filter band pass signals received from the multi-mode fiber is shown inFIG. 13Dwherein the blue light is designated144, the red light designated146and IR light designated148. The light passing through the red filter140is directed at a polarizer150which does not polarize the IR signal as represented by the light beam152but polarizes the red signal as represented by the light beam154. The light in the blue path passes through the polarizer156which is phased differently than the phase of the red polarizer150wherein the blue light is polarized as indicated by the light beam158and the IR light is not polarized as indicated by the light beam160. The red and blue polarized light along with the unpolarized IR light is aimed at and passes through a secondary polarizer generally designated162. The secondary polarizer162is arranged to rotate about the hinge axis130as the cover rotates or pivots with respect to the main body element. The polarization angle generally designated164increases or decreases as the emitting portion and receiving portion of the light polarization arrangement rotate relative to one another. The light passing through the secondary polarizer162is reflected and directed to the receiving end166of the optical fiber168which is suitably located and arranged in the main body element in this example. The receiving end could likewise be located and arranged in the upper cover when the light emitting unit is located in the lower cover. The received light is directed through a red filter170, a blue filter172and an IR filter174respectively. The red filter170passes only the light that has gone through the red filter140and the polarizer150. The blue filter172passes only the light that has gone through the blue filter142and the polarizer156. The IR filter174passes only IR light. The IR filter174is not required if the IR receiver has no sensitivity in the visible band. The intensity of the red light176, blue light178and IR light180as a function of the angle164of the secondary polarizer162is illustrated inFIG. 11Ewherein the resultant response182represents the red light intensity, resultant response184represents the blue light intensity and resultant response186designates the IR light intensity. The magnitude of the respective light intensities can be measured to indicate the spread angle between the cover and the main body element.

The light polarization arrangement as illustrated inFIG. 13Amay be mechanically carried out utilizing the structure illustrated inFIG. 14which is a schematic representation of a concentric drum wherein an outer drum generally designated200is mechanically connected and arranged to rotate about the pivot axis of the hinge between the cover and the main body element. The outer drum200rotates with the cover or main body element and a smaller concentric drum generally designated202is arranged within the outer drum200and is arranged to rotate with the other of the cover or main body element such that the drum202rotates relative to the drum200as the cover moves toward and away from the main body element. The beams from the light emitting unit are carried by the optical fiber204to the light filter and polarizer unit206and which filter and polarizer arrangement is located on the hinge axis. The light beams passing through the filter and polarizer unit illustrated by the light beam208are directed toward the receiving secondary polarizer generally designated210suitably connected to the outer drum200for rotation therewith as the cover pivots with respect to the main body element. The received light beam through the secondary polarizer210is aimed at and carried by the fiber212to the respective light filters as discussed above. Again, either the filter and polarizer unit206may be fixed to rotate with the drum202or the secondary polarizer210may be fixed to rotate with the outer drum200such that the relative movement between the cover and main body element may be detected in accordance with the light polarization arrangement as discussed above in connection withFIGS. 13A-13E.

An alternate embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 15wherein the pass filter and polarizer unit206and the secondary polarizer210may be mounted in a suitable material such as silicone generally designated220such that the respective ends222,224twist or rotate with respect to one another as the cover pivots with respect to the main body element. The components forming the pass filters and polarizers are suitably molded into the silicone or other suitable material and provide a hermetic seal which seal is waterproof and dust proof. The silicone or other suitable material220must be able to twist over the full spread angle from a closed position to a fully open position of the portable electronic device without breaking or fracturing. A material having a suitable optically active property might be used in place of the silicone rotation assembly to allow use of a single polarizer rather than the multiple polarizers as shown in the light polarization arrangement ofFIG. 13A.

Although the foregoing embodiment is described with two beams of light it will be recognized that only at least one beam of light is necessary to obtain an indication of the relative position of the covers with respect to one another. Likewise although different colored light beams are described for purposes of explanation, the light beams can vary significantly both in width and wavelength and in fact may be very narrow. Laser beams may be used to carry out the intended functions. Obviously the filters are modified to have the required characteristics to discriminate between the laser light beams and to detect changes as a result of one cover moving relative to the other. It is also contemplated that in addition to the light polarization arrangement described above, it would be possible to use a suitably faded color all pass-filter such as illustrated schematically inFIG. 16made in the shape of a circle so that the angle can be measured. The all pass-filter as illustrated includes graduated bands of colors red192, green194and blue196surrounded by gray198.

In summary, it can be seen that the relative movement between the light emitting side and the light receiving side of the light polarization arrangement inFIG. 13Aprovides a novel arrangement for detecting and measuring the spread angle or in the case of a slidable electronic device the linear position between the cover and the main body element. In addition, the light polarization arrangement allows data to be carried and sent by the IR light beam from the upper cover to the main body element and which data may provide an additional function for the portable electronic device.

Turning now toFIG. 17, a schematic functional block diagram of a portable electronic device generally designated250is illustrated therein showing the major operational components of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to carry out the intended functions of the device. A processor generally designated252carries out the computational and operational control of the device in accordance with one or more sets of instructions stored in a memory254. A keypad256may be used to provide alphanumeric input and control signals by a user and is arranged in accordance with the intended function to be carried out. A display258sends and receives signals from the processor252which processor controls the graphic and text representations shown on a screen of the display in accordance with the function being carried out. A user input device generally designated260is electrically coupled to a spread angle sensor generally designated262which detects and senses the spread angle between the user input device260and the main body element of the portable electronic device250. The spread angle sensor262is electrically connected to the processor252which processor receives the appropriate representative signals from the spread angle sensor262to process and generate the necessary signals to provide an indication of the spread angle. A camera module designated264is connected to the processor252and receives appropriate control and data signals to carry out the camera functionality of the portable electronic device in a well-known manner. In accordance with the present invention, a zoom factor is selected in accordance with the zoom factor function block262which zoom factor function is coupled between the camera module264and the processor252. The zoom factor266is selected in accordance with the spread angle sensor output signal sent to the processor252. In the instance that the portable electronic device is a mobile telephone for example, the processor252controls a transmit/receive unit shown in the dash-line function block268and which transmit/receive unit operates in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.