Abstract:
A compact device and method for communication and entertainment needs that include combining various functions performed by different keypads and units into a single pad or unit. The device includes circuitry with transceiver capabilities, a chassis, a display, two arms secured to the chassis that can rotate from an open position to a closed position, and a user-interface that provides the user with navigational control and image conversion. The method for reducing the number pads on a keypad of the device, which has the circuitry, includes providing a chassis for securely holding the circuitry, securing a user-interface to the chassis, coupling the user-interface to the circuitry, limiting rotation of the user-interface to a first range of rotational motion using a locking mechanism to provide navigational control, and releasing the locking mechanism to allow rotation of the user-interface beyond the first range of rotational motion to provide image conversion.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This invention generally relates to telecommunications devices and, more specifically, to a wireless communication and enhanced entertainment device. 
     Typical portable communication devices include a keypad with input functions and a display area. One problem faced by manufacturers of these devices is ergonomically arranging the least number of keypads in the smallest space while maximizing the functions and features of a compact communications device. Current methods include a keypad layout with alpha and numeric properties, some type of navigational pad or dial, and various soft keys. 
     Soft keys are unmarked keys positioned next to the display; soft keys derive their meaning or function from what is displayed in the display. Known methods of determining the function of each soft key at any given instant are derived by the state of the display in conjunction with the circuitry. 
     Even though the keypad may include some type of navigational pads, the navigational pads have limited application or use. For example, navigational pads are typically direction input devices with virtually no other applicable use and, hence, not suitable for other applications, such as an input control for highly interactive games that require fast and repetitive entry. Thus, there are a limited number of applications or uses that are compatible with the navigational pads on currently known devices. Furthermore, navigational pads typically occupy a larger space on the keypad than other pads, which further complicates the problem of producing a compact communication device. 
     In addition to navigational keys, the keypad includes number pads. The number pads are typically used to designate or select alpha characters. For example, the numeric “2” pad can be used in alpha mode to represent the letters “A”, “B”, and “C”. Accordingly, if the user wanted to select and enter the letter “C”, then the user would press the numeric “2” pad three or four times until the letter “C” appeared in the display of the communication device. Although inefficient, this is currently one known method for entering words; these alpha-numeric pads are not suitable for typing more than two or three words due to the inefficiency inherent in the design nor are they suitable for use in relation to entertainment functions. 
     A current solution to the inefficiency inherent in using alpha-numeric pads is to include a full keyboard, such as a QWERTY keyboard. While there are portable devices available that have a QWERTY keyboard linked to a display unit, these devices do not allow for replacement of the keyboard portion with another input type device or module. Additionally, these devices are bulky and deviate away from the desired goal of a compact communications device. 
     Another problem faced by manufactures of portable devices is how to make a device that is adaptable to the changing needs of users. The problem exists, in part, because the user may at one instant desire to use the device for communication and at another instant desire to use that same device for entertainment purposes. Another reason for the problem of making an adaptable communication device is that current devices have a keypad that is permanently attached to the display unit; the keypad is not replaceable or interchangeable. Consequently, the user can not easily adapt the device to the user&#39;s varying needs. Thus, as the user&#39;s desired use of the device changes, there is little that can be done to adapt the device to the user&#39;s needs; unless, the user purchases a new device designed for the different desired application. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a compact device capable of and a method for adapting to the user&#39;s varying needs, which includes communication and entertainment needs, by combining various functions typically performed by different keypads and/or units into a single pad or unit. 
     SUMMARY 
     A compact device and method are provided for adapting to the user&#39;s varying needs, which includes communication and entertainment needs, by combining various functions performed by different keypads and units into a single pad or unit. 
     The device includes electronic circuitry with transceiver capabilities, a chassis for securely holding the electronic circuitry, a display secured to the chassis and coupled to the electronic circuitry for visual communication of information, at least two arms secured to the chassis that can rotate from an open position to a closed position, and a user-interface rotatably secured to the chassis and coupled to the electronic circuitry to provide the user with navigational control and image conversion features. 
     The method for reducing the number pads on a keypad of a device having electronic circuitry with transceiver capabilities includes providing a chassis for securely holding the electronic circuitry; rotatably securing a user-interface to the chassis; coupling the user-interface to the electronic circuitry; limiting the range of rotation of the user-interface to a first range of rotational motion to provide navigational input; and releasing the user-interface to allow rotation beyond the first range of rotational motion to provide image conversion. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that user can easily adapt the device to the changing needs. For example, in one mode the device can act purely as a wireless voice communications device, while in another mode the device can act as an entertainment unit or video communications device. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the navigational pads have been eliminated and the navigational control have been combined into a unit that also provides image conversion, thereby reducing the number of pads on and, hence, the size of the device. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the arms can be moved or flipped to an open position, which doubles the surface area the device. However, unlike most devices, which flip open to reveal more key pads, that are bulky in the closed position as well as the open position, the ergonomic geometry and shape of the arms allow for a compact and sleek device when the arms are in the closed position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of a device with arms in an open position in accordance with the teaching of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 1 with the arms in an open position. 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 with a first and second arm in the closed position. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of one of the arms of the device of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one of the arms of the device of FIG. 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another one of the arms of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a barrel user-interface (BUI) of the device shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 is a further exploded view of the exploded view of FIG. 3, without the arms, a shell, and an elastomeric piece. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , a device  20  includes a barrel user-interface (BUI)  22  and a shell  24  both of which are secured to a chassis  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the shell  24  is made of a poly-based material and a wide range of shells can be made available each with a specific functional application. The chassis  26  is made of a rigid material, such as a light weight alloy, to ensure structural integrity and rigidity during user operation. Additionally, the chassis  26  holds in place a display  28 . In the preferred embodiment, the display unit  28  is a liquid crystal display (LCD) that incorporates touch screen capabilities. However, the display can be any type of display and the teachings or the scope of the claims as set forth herein are not limited thereby. 
     Arms  30  and  32  are rotatably secured to the chassis  26  using a keystone  34  and a securing pin  34   a . The securing pin  34   a  is secured to the chassis  26 . The method by which the securing pin  34   a  secures the keystone  34  to the chassis  26  does not limit the scope of the invention set forth herein. For example, the securing pin  34   a  can be a screw-in type, a lock-in type, or a snap-in type of securing mechanism. With the keystone  34  secured in place, the arm  30  rotates about an axis that is non-liner and non-parallel to an axis about which the arm  32  rotates. 
     The arm  30  includes input pads  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d . The arm  32  includes a pad  32   a , such as a four-way button. The arms  30  and  32  are interchangeable with a variety of other arms with various functional or input features, such as a keyboard, that can be used in place of the input devices already discussed and the scope of the claims is not limited by the function, form, or type of input device. Additionally, the arms  30  and  32  have input controls  36  and  38 , respectively. 
     In the preferred embodiment, an internal end portion  36   a  of the input control  36  is pivotally secured to the arm  32  in such away to allow an external end portion  36   b  of the input control  36  to move about the pivotally secured internal end portion  36   a . Likewise, an internal end portion  38   a  of the input control  38  is pivotally secured to the arm  32  in such a way to allow an external end portion  38 b of the input control  38  to move about the pivotally secured internal end portion  38   a  of the input control  38 . 
     Referring additionally to FIG. 4, an elastomeric piece  40  is removably secured at each end to each of the arms  30  and  32 . When the arms  30  and  32  are in the closed position, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 3, the tension in the plane of the direction AA combined with the angle of the arms  30  and  32  relative to each other and the plane of the chassis  26  retains the arms  30  and  32  in the closed position. On the other hand, when the arms  30  and  32  are in the open position, the angle of the arms  30  and  32  relative to each other, the angle of the arms  30  and  32  relative to the plane of the chassis  26 , and the tension in the plane of the direction AA of the elastomeric piece  40  helps retain the arms  30  and  32  in an open position. Thus, the user can easily open and close the arms  30  and  32 . 
     Additional features, such as a locking mechanism, not shown, can be included to lock the arms  30  and  32  in the open and/or a closed position, to prevent accidental closure or opening, respectively, even thought the elastic properties of the elastomeric piece  40  are sufficient to retain the arms  30  and  32  in the open as well as the closed position. 
     The elastomeric piece  40  is slightly stretched in the closed position, stretched in the open position, and stretched as the arms  30  and  32  move between an open and a closed position. Consequently, the piece  40  loses some of its elastic property over a period of time due to repeated stretching and may need to be replaced. Accordingly, the elastomeric piece  40  is removably secured to the arms  30  and  32  to allow for easy replacement. 
     Another advantage of making the elastomeric piece  40  easily removable is due in part to the fact that the elastomeric piece  40  can be made in a variety colors. Thus, it is made easily removable to facilitate quick and easy replacement if the user wants to replace an elastomeric piece of one color with an elastomeric piece of a different color. 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 4, to allow for easy removal, the perimeter of the elastomeric piece  40  is removably secured to an outer edge of each of the arms  30  and  32 . For clarity and simplicity only the arm  32  is discussed in detail with respect to how the elastomeric piece  40  is securely held in place. However, the teachings set forth are also applicable to the arm  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric piece  40  has an L-shaped portion  40   a  at the perimeter. The L-shape portion  40   a  of the elastomeric piece  40  is frictionally retained between a lip portion  42   a  of a chassis  42  of the arm  32  and a lip portion  44   a  of a cover  44  of the arm  32 . Accordingly, as the elastomeric piece  40  is stretched in the direction AA, the lip portion  42   a  frictionally retains the L-shaped portion  40   a  while the lip portion  44   a  prevents motion in the direction AA. Accordingly, the elastomeric piece  40  is securely retained in place. 
     A variety of shapes can be used in place of the L-shaped portion  40   a  at the perimeter of the elastomeric piece  40  so long as the elastomeric piece  40  has a portion that can be matingly retained between the chassis  42  and the cover  44  of the arm  32 . Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the shape of the perimeter of the elastomeric piece  40  nor by the cross sectional shape of the retaining portions, such as the lip portion  42   a.    
     In the preferred embodiment, the cover  44  is secured to the chassis  42 . The cover  44  is positioned relative to the lip portion  42   a  of the chassis  42  to ensure a gap exists between the lip portion  42   a  of the chassis  42  and the lip portion  44   a  of the cover  44  to allow for slidable removal of the elastomeric piece  40  in a planerly near-perpendicular direction to the direction AA. The separation or volume between the lip portion  44   a  of the cover  44  and the lip portion  42   a  of the chassis  42  is approximately the same as the thickness of the portion  40   a  of the elastomeric piece  40 . Thus, as the elastomeric piece  40  is placed under tension in a planerly near-perpendicular direction to the direction AA, the thickness of portion  40   a  of the elastomeric piece  40  is reduced slightly. This reduction in thickness of the elastomeric piece  40  causes the thickness of the elastomeric piece  40  to be less than the separation between the lip portions  42   a  of the chassis  42  and the lip portion  44   a  of the cover  44 . Accordingly, the piece  40  can be slidably removed. 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 2, in a manner similar to the way the elastomeric piece  40  is secured to the arms  30  and  32 , an elastomeric U-shaped piece  41  can be secured in position on the back of the shell  24 . The U-shaped piece  41  can be color coordinated to complement the elastomeric piece  40 . Alternatively, the U-shaped piece  41  can be secured using alternative securing means, such as the use of adhesives or button-like connection. 
     Continuing with FIG. 4, the pad  32   a  is shown with circuitry  46  for converting user inputs into electrical signals that are transmitted to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 , which is discussed below. The circuitry  46  is secured to the cover  44  and the cover  44  is secured to the chassis  42 . 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 5, the arm  32  is shown in exploded view without the elastomeric piece  40  and the chassis  26 ; the arm  32  is shown in the closed position relative to the chassis  26 . The internal end portion  38   a  of the input device  38  is pivotally secured between the cover  44  and the chassis  42  using a connector or rivet  48 . A connector or rivet  49  is secured at an opposite end of the cover  44  to the chassis  42 . Various types of connectors may be used, such as a screw, without limiting the teachings of the present invention or the scope of the claims set forth herein. The relative positioning of the chassis  42  to the cover  44  is discussed in detail above. 
     As indicated, the input device  38  is pivotally secured to the chassis  42 , such that the input device  38  can be pressed downward to register user input. Additionally, the input device  38  is designed so that it can be pivoted upward to allow for removal of the elastomeric piece  40 . The pad  32   a  is aligned with an opening  42   b  defined in the chassis  42  and positioned between the cover  44  and the chassis  42  such that when the cover  44  is secured to the chassis  42 , the pad  32   a  is securely held in place. The circuitry  46  is positioned behind the pad  32   a  and can be secured to the cover  44 . The arm  32  is rotatably secured to the chassis  26  and held in place by an axle  50  positioned within an opening  42   c  of the chassis  42 . One end of the axle  50  engagingly mates to an outer female port of the chassis  26 . The opposite end of the axle  50  is held in place by a female port positioned in the middle of lower perimeter of the chassis  26  and the keystone  34 . 
     In order to transmit electrical signals and power between the circuitry  46  of the arm  32  and the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 , various coupling mechanisms can be utilized. For example, the end portion  42   d  of the chassis  42  can be electrically coupled to the chassis  26 . More specifically, the circuitry  46  can be electrically coupled to the chassis  42 . The chassis  42  can be electrically coupled to the chassis  26  through one end portion of the chassis  42 . The chassis  26  can be electrically coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . Thus, through such coupling, the circuitry  46  may be coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . Hence, the user&#39;s inputs can be transmitted to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . 
     If necessary, a separate coupling can be established to supply electrical power to the arm  32  through coupling an opposite end of the arm  32  to a power supply. More specifically, an opposite end of the chassis  42  can be coupled to the chassis  26 , which is in turn can be coupled to the power supply. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, the arm  30  includes a chassis  52  and a cover  54  and is shown without the elastomeric piece  40 . The input device  36  is positioned between the cover  54  and the chassis  52 , such that when the cover  54  is secured to the chassis  52  using a connector or rivet  56  the input device  36  is pivotally secured in place, as discussed above with respect to the arm  32 . The cover  54  is further secured at an opposite end to the chassis  52  using a second connector or rivet  58 . As indicated above with respect to the arm  32 , the arm  30  also has circuitry  60  positioned next to the pads  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  and is secured to the cover  54  and correspondingly positioned in relation to the pads  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d.    
     The pads  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  are correspondingly positioned behind openings  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c , and  52   d , respectively, of the chassis  52  of the arm  30 . Regardless of how the components of the circuitry  60  are coupled to each other, the circuitry  60  is coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26  similar to the way that the circuitry  46  of the arm  32  is coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . Although not discussed in detail, the circuitry  60  of the arm  30  can be coupled to the power supply similar to the way the arm  32  is coupled to the power supply. 
     The arm  30  rotates about an axle  62 , which holds the arm  30  in place. Although not discussed in detail, the arm  30  is rotatably secured in place similar to the way that the axle  50  in conjunction with the female port of the chassis  26  and the keystone  34  holds the arm  32  in place. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1,  3 ,  7 , and  8 , as indicated above, the chassis  26  supports and includes electronic components, such as the display  28 , the BUI  22 , as well as circuitry for performing the various features set forth herein, including transceiver functions for the device  20 . The BUI  22  serves as a navigational tool and a means for converting images into electrical data, such as a camera, which can be used for taking pictures or for video conferencing. The shape of the a barrel  74  of the BUI  22  does not limit the scope of the invention, as set forth in the claim. For example, the BUI  22  may be oval shaped, diamond shaped, or concave shaped. The BUI  22  is secured to the chassis  26  using retaining end pieces  70  and  72 . More specifically, the chassis  26  has support mounts  26   a  and  26   b  that support the BUI  22 . The barrel  74  has end portions  74   a  and  74   b . The end portions  74   a  and  74   b  are tapered to matingly correspond to and freely rotate relative to the pieces  70  and  72 , respectively, and support mounts  26   a  and  26   b , respectively. 
     There are several ways that the mechanical or rotational motion of the barrel  74  can be converted to electrical signals that are detected by the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . For example, a portions of the end portion  74   a  or  74   b  can be made of a conductive material surrounded by insulating material, such that the conductive material matingly corresponds to conductive material on the chassis  26  and/or the piece  70  or the piece  72 . For example, if the end portion  74   a  of the barrel  74  and the support mount  26   a  of the chassis  26  have matingly corresponding conductive portions, then when the conductive portion of the end portion  74   a  is aligned with conductive portion of the support mount  26   a , a closed circuit is created and, hence, the BUI  22  is electrically coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . 
     Alternatively, the end portion  74   a  or  74   b  can be cam-shaped to allow for mechanical triggering of a switch that is coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . Yet another alternative is optical coupling. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art the there are several options for converting the limited range of mechanical motion of the barrel  74  into electrical signals and the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims is not limited thereby. 
     Furthermore, the body portion  74   c  of the barrel  74  includes a plurality of texture grooves  74   c  that aid the user in gripping the BUI  22  during operation. 
     The barrel  74  defines a bore  74   e  with a central axis perpendicular to the axis of the barrel  74 . Although shown to be perpendicular, the axis of the bore  74   e  may be at any angle to the axis of the barrel  74 . 
     The barrel  74  includes rings  76  and  78  that substantially prevent linear motion. The rings  76  and  78  are made of the same material as the elastomeric piece  40 , FIG. 1, and, hence, can be color coordinated to complement the elastomeric piece  40  and replaced as desired. Additionally, due to the properties of elastomeric materials, the rings  76  and  78  can also electrically insulate the conductive portions of the barrel from coming into contact with other conductive materials. Furthermore, the rings  76  and  78  can absorb shock due to impacts and, hence, protect the BUI  22 . 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 7, a release button  80  is coaxially positioned within the bore  74   e  so that one end of the release button  80  extends above the surface of the body portion  74   c  of the barrel  74 . The release button  80  is secured within the bore  74   e  in such a way to allow axial movement or depression of the release button  80 . The release button  80  is spring loaded such that when the release button  80  is pressed and released, the release button  80  returns to the extended position. Pressing the release button  80  releases a locking mechanism  91 . The locking mechanism  91  prevents rotation of the barrel  74  beyond a certain point while the barrel  74  is operating as a navigational tool. Thus, pressing the release button  80  allows a greater range of motion for the barrel  74 . More specifically, when the BUI  22  is operating in navigational mode, the movement of the barrel  74  is limited to less than 20 degrees of rotational motion because the locking mechanism  91 , which is controlled by the release button  80 , prevents rotation beyond the limited range. Although the range of motion is limited, any selected range of motion can be used while the barrel  74  is in navigational mode and the scope of the invention is not limited thereby. 
     Rather, the range of motion of the BUI  22  during navigational mode depends on the location, orientation, and size of a camera unit  82  and the position of the means for converting mechanical motion to electrical signals. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the camera unit  82  is coaxially secured within the bore  74   e  in such a way to prevent exposure of the camera unit  82  while the BUI  22  is moved to-and-fro during navigational mode. Although in the preferred embodiment the camera unit  82  is coaxially mounted within the bore  74   e , the camera unit  82  can be mounted at any angle, wherein the axis of the camera unit  82  is at an angle to the axis of the bore  74   e . The camera unit  82  is typically recessed slightly below the surface of the body portion  74   c  of the barrel  74  to protect the camera unit  82 . 
     Once the release button  80  is pressed and the locking mechanism  91  released, then the barrel  74  can be rotated beyond the limited range of motion to expose the camera unit  82 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various coupling means can be utilized to couple the camera unit  82  to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26  and the scope of the invention set forth in the claims is not limited thereby. For example, the end portion  74   b  can be designed with conductive portions and insulated portions corresponding to conductive portions on the support  26   a  of the chassis  26 . Once the barrel  74  is rotated beyond the limited range of motion for navigational mode, then the camera unit  82  is electrically coupled to the circuitry contained within chassis  26 , thereby activating the image conversion mode. Alternatively, the camera unit  82  can be coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26  using wires or optical connectors that extend from the camera unit  82  to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, a sound generating source or speaker  86  is located on the back portion of the shell  24 , to resonate sound in an outwardly direction. The speaker  86  has a grill or protective cover  86   a  that is made of a poly-based material and, unlike traditional speaker protective covers that simply protect the speaker surface from contact with sharp objects, the protective cover  86   a  forms part of the speaker system. More specifically, the protective cover  86   a  is a non-porous membrane that resonates to transmit sound waves while preventing dust, moisture, and sharp objects from contacting the surface of the speaker  86 . 
     Microphones  92  and  94  are include at opposite sides of the device  20 . Microphones  92  and  94  are coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26  and secured to the chassis  26 . This allows for sampling of the sound in the immediate environment of the device  20  to generated surround-sound production for a more realistic video conferencing and real-time entertainment, such as gaming, with other users. 
     Referring to FIG,  1 , speaker-microphone units  93  and  95  can be positioned at the ends of each of the arms  30  and  32 , respectively. The units  93  and  95  are coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . Thus, the user can use the device  20  as a wireless communication device with the arms  30  and  32  in the open position by placing one of the arms in close proximity to the ear to hear and the other arm in close proximity to the mouth to speak, thereby providing the user with the flexibility to answer incoming calls without having to close the arms  30  and  32  or terminate entertainment or gaming functions. 
     Referring again to FIG. 8, soft keys  96 ,  98 , and  100  are coupled to the circuitry contained within the chassis  26 . The soft key  98  can be set such that when the soft key  98  is pressed it has the same effect as simultaneously pressing the soft keys  96  and  100 . Alternatively, the soft key  98  can be set up as a hot-link that activates a special feature of the device  20 . 
     Although described in the context of particular embodiments, it will be realized by those skilled in the art that a number of modifications to these teachings may occur. Thus, while the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to one or more specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain modifications or changes, in form and shape, may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth above and claimed hereafter.