Abstract:
Folding wireless communication devices ( 100, 700 ) comprise first parts ( 102, 1002 ) that are rotatably coupled to second parts ( 104, 1104 ). The first parts ( 102, 1002 ) can be moved from first positions in which the first parts ( 102, 1002 ) overlie the second parts ( 104, 1104 ) to second positions in which the first parts ( 102, 1002 ) extend upward away from the second parts ( 104, 1104 ). The first parts ( 102, 1002 ) comprise one or more buttons ( 302, 304, 306, 308 1010, 1012 ), e.g., a pair of directional buttons, such as “UP” and “DOWN” control buttons ( 302, 304, 1010, 1012 ). Hardware and/or software is used to change the function of the buttons ( 302, 304, 306, 308 1010, 1012 ) depending on the position of the first parts ( 102, 1002 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates in general to handheld communication devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to handheld communication devices, which have at least a two part housing, where the first housing part is adapted to rotate relative to the second housing part, and where the upper housing part and/or flip including one of the two part housings has one or more electrical control buttons.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     There is an interest in making certain handheld electronic devices such as cellular telephones smaller. Making such devices smaller makes it more convenient to carry them around at all times.  
         [0003]     Concurrently there is a trend toward increasing the functionality of devices. In the case of cellular telephones, increased functionality includes providing operability on multiple frequency bands using multiple protocols and providing the ability to take and playback photographs and/or video clips. Adding more functionality often leads to increased space requirements, which is at odds with the desire to make devices smaller. Thus, the volume available for accommodating components is at a premium.  
         [0004]     Also, notwithstanding the desire to increase the functionality of devices, such as cellular telephones, there is a continuing desire to make operation as intuitive as possible for users. Reducing, the size of devices increases the challenge posed by human-machine interface (e.g., ergonomic, and User Interface (UI)) issues especially in the case of devices capable of performing multiple functions using a finite number of user input detection elements, which dependent upon the current operating state can each be selectively associated with one of a plurality of different functions.  
         [0005]     In the case of wireless communication devices, such as cellular telephones, reducing their size, also increases the potential that, in use, their antennas will be largely cover by a user&#39;s hand and signals coming to, or transmitted from the antenna will be partially absorbed leading to reduced Quality of Service (QoS).  
         [0006]     Thus, there is a desire to make devices, such as cellular telephones, having a reduced size, which can accommodate increased functionality, more intuitive human-machine interface characteristics, and a sufficient level of Quality of Service. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0007]     The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodiments, but not limitations, illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like references denote similar elements, and in which:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a first perspective view of a first handheld communication device, in a first configuration, for example an opened position;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a second perspective view of the first handheld communication device, shown in a second configuration, for example a closed position;  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is a first flowchart showing a first aspect of the operation of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a second flowchart showing a second aspect of the operation of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is a third flowchart showing a third aspect of the operation of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  is a first screenshot of a display of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , showing a first vertical arrangement of selections;  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  is a second screenshot of a display of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , showing a second vertical arrangement of selections;  
         [0017]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a second handheld communication device, shown in a first configuration, for example a closed position; and  
         [0018]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the second handheld communication device, shown in a second configuration, for example an opened position, with other configurations corresponding to a couple of intermediate positions, shown in dashed lines.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0019]     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.  
         [0020]     The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as one, or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two, or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a first perspective view of a first handheld communication device, in particular a clamshell wireless communication device  100 , shown in a first configuration and  FIG. 2  is a second perspective view of the first handheld communication device  100 , shown in a second configuration. The device  100  comprises an upper part also know as a flip  102 , and a lower part  104 . The flip  102  and the lower part  104  are coupled by a rotational coupling, in particular a hinge  106 . The device  100  is relatively flat, which is to say that its depth D dimension is smaller than its width W and length L dimensions. An axis  108  of the hinge  106  is aligned with the width dimension of the device  100 . The flip  102  comprise a first inside surface  110 , and a first outside surface  202 . The lower part  104  comprises a second inside surface  112 , and a second outside surface, which is not shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein the second outside surface is facing away from the viewer. The hinge  106  allows the flip  102  to be rotated from the first configuration in which the flip  102  extends upward away from the lower part  104 , i.e. opened position, to the second configuration in which the flip  102  overlies the lower part  104 , i.e. closed position.  
         [0022]     A main display  114  of the device  100  is located at the inside surface  110  of the flip  102 . An auxiliary display  204  is located at the outside surface  202  of the flip  102 . The main display  114  and the auxiliary display  204  are useful for displaying control screens including menus and information related to communications including lists of received calls, lists of placed calls, telephone numbers in a phone book, email addresses and web addresses, as well as a list of selectable functions, among other things.  
         [0023]     The flip  102  comprises a plurality of buttons including a first button  302  ( FIG. 3 ), a second button  304  ( FIG. 3 ), a third button  306  ( FIG. 3 ), and a fourth button  308  ( FIG. 3 ). These buttons  302 - 308  are not directly visible in  FIGS. 1-2 . The first through third buttons  302 - 306  are located proximate a first side edge  116  of the flip  102 . The fourth button  308  is located proximate a second side edge  118  of the flip  102 . The four buttons  302 - 308  are covered by three button covers including a first button cover  120 , a second button cover  122  and a third button cover  310 . The first button  302  and the second button  304  share the first button cover  120 , the third button  306  is covered by the second button cover  122 , and the fourth button  308  is covered by the third button cover  310 . The four buttons  302 - 308  are used to generate signals for controlling various aspects of the operation of the device  100 . In one or more modes of operation of the device  100  the first button  302  and the second button  304  are used as directional to inputs, such as “UP” and “DOWN” commands to control software of the device  100 . A keypad  124  is located on the inside surface of the lower part  112 .  
         [0024]     Referring now to  FIG. 3  an exploded view of the handheld communication device  100  is shown. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the flip  102  comprises a flip outer housing part  312  and a flip inner housing part  314  which are coupled together by screws (not shown), or coupled together using one or more other well known elements and/or methods. A number of components are located in the flip  102  between the flip outer housing part  312  and the flip inner housing part  314 . These components include a display module  316  that includes the main display  114 , and the auxiliary display  204 , an earpiece speaker  320 , a flexible circuit  322 , and a magnet  325 . A camera  318  is incorporated as part of the handheld communication device  100  in the space occupied by the hinge  106 . When the device  100  is assembled, the flexible circuit  322  is positioned on the display module  316 . The flip inner housing part  314  includes an integrally molded rectangular frame  324  that is sized to receive at least a portion of the display module  316 , which generally fits within the frame  324 . The flexible circuit  322  includes three peripheral tab portions  326  that are folded over the frame  324 . The buttons  302 - 308  are mounted on the peripheral tab portions  326  positioned along the side of the display module  316 . A plurality of resilient foam blocks  328  are positioned between the button covers  120 ,  122 ,  310  and the frame  324 . The resilient foam blocks  328  serve to enhance the tactile feel of the buttons  302 - 308 . The magnet  325  is mounted in the flip inner housing part  314  near the hinge  106 , which interacts with a Hall effect sensor, associated with the lower part  104  of the two part housing, as discussed below.  
         [0025]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the lower part  104  of the device  100  comprises a lower part inner housing part  330  and a lower part outer housing part  332  which are coupled together by screws (not shown) and a pair of resilient catches  334  that are integrally molded with the lower part outer housing part  332 . Similar to the upper part, one skilled in the art will recognize other elements and/or methods could be used to hold the lower part inner housing part  330  to the lower part outer housing part  332 . A battery compartment  336  is defined between the lower part inner housing part  330 , and a battery compartment cover  338  that is located adjacent the lower outer housing part  332 . The battery compartment  336  is located proximate a top end  340  of the lower part  104 . A battery  342  is substantially disposed in the battery compartment  336 . An antenna  344  is located proximate a bottom end  346  of the lower part  104 . A populated printed circuit board  348  that includes communication and control circuits of the device  100  is located between the bottom end  346  and the battery compartment  336 . Note that the battery  342  and the populated printed circuit board  348  are located in a common plane in a lengthwise L direction, and do not overlap in the direction of of depth D. The latter arrangement allows the thickness of the lower part  104  to be greatly reduced, which reduces the thickness of the entire device  100 , making the device  100  more convenient to carry. Note however that this arrangement also limits the longitudinal size of the battery. In the interest of extending battery capacity and thereby the duration of standby time and the amount of communication that can be conducted with the device  100  before battery recharging is necessary, the width of the battery  342  is increased. Placement of the four buttons  302 - 308  in the flip  102 , as opposed to near the top end  340  of the lower part  104  where they would be positioned according to conventional practice, avoids adding to the width of the device  100 , which in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the width of the battery  342 , thereby allowing the device  100  to be smaller and making the device  100  more convenient to carry. Positioning the buttons  302 - 308  in the flip  102  also leads to users tending to position their hands closer to the flip  102  and or the upper part in order to more easily actuate the buttons  302 - 308 . In this position a user&#39;s hand will be positioned away from the antenna  344  located near the bottom end  346  of the lower part  104 , and will absorb less energy from signals emanating from, or being received by the antenna  344  thereby leading to improved Quality of Service (QoS). Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the keypad  124  comprises a cover  349  made of a sheet of flexible material. A microphone  350  is mounted on the populated printed circuit board  348  near the bottom end  346  of the lower part  104 .  
         [0026]     A portion of the lower part inner housing part  330  is shown cutaway to show a Hall effect sensor  352  that is located in lower part  104 . The Hall effect sensor  352  works in conjunction with the magnet  325  to sense whether the flip  102  is positioned overlying the lower part  104 , such as a proximately closed position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , or extended away from the lower part  104 , such as in an opened position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . A flexible circuit feedthrough  354  connects circuits in the lower part  104  to circuits in the flip  102 . In the assembled device  100  the flexible circuit feedthrough  354  passes through the hinge  106 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the handheld communication device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . As shown in  FIG. 4  the device  100  comprises a transceiver  402 , a processor  404 , an analog-to-digital converter (A/D)  406 , the flip position sensor  352 , a camera interface  408 , a digital-to-analog converter (D/A)  410 , a display driver  412 , a button interface decoder  414 , a program memory  416 , and a workspace memory  418  coupled together through a system bus  420 .  
         [0028]     The transceiver  402  is coupled to the antenna  344 . Radio Frequency and/or microwave signals that are modulated with encoded data (e.g., digitized voice audio, text messages, photos, etc.) pass between the transceiver  402  and the antenna  344 .  
         [0029]     The processor  404  executes control programs, and may also perform communication encoding and decoding tasks. Programs executed by the processor  404  are stored in the program memory  416 . The processor  404  uses the workspace memory  418  in executing programs. The processor  404  is suitably part of a highly integrated micro-controller integrated circuit. The micro-controller suitably includes one or more of the other above mentioned components that are coupled together through the signal bus  420 . The transceiver  402 , the processor  404 , and optionally other blocks shown in  FIG. 4  are embodied in circuits of the populated printed circuit board  348 .  
         [0030]     The microphone  350  is coupled through a first amplifier  422  to the A/D  406 . The A/D  406  is used to digitize a user&#39;s spoken words, which are then encoded by a voice encoder (vocoder) component of the processor.  
         [0031]     The camera  318  is interfaced to the processor  404  through the camera interface  408 . The camera interface  408  reads and digitizes pixel data from the camera  318 , and makes such data available to the processor  404  for further processing, e.g., image/video compression encoding.  
         [0032]     The button input decoder  414  is coupled to the first through forth buttons  302 - 308  located in the flip  102  and to each key of the keypad  124 . The button input decoder  414  receives the electrically encoded actuation signals from the keypad  124  and the buttons  302 - 308  and identifies each depressed key or button  302 - 308  to the processor  404 . By positioning the buttons  302 - 308  in an opposite housing part, in this case the flip  102 , relative to the housing portion including the button input decoder, which is generally included on a printed circuit board included in the lower housing part  104 , the electrically encoded actuation signals, in addition to the signals traveling between the processor and the displays  114 ,  204 , in at least the illustrated embodiment are routed through the hinge  106 .  
         [0033]     The display driver  412  drives the main display  114  and the auxiliary display  204 . The D/A  410  drives the earpiece speaker  320  through a second amplifier  424 .  
         [0034]      FIGS. 5-7  are flowcharts illustrating aspects of the operation of the device  100 . Software that operates according to the flowcharts is suitably stored in the program memory  416  and executed by the processor  404 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a first flowchart showing a first aspect of the operation of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . In block  502  the flip position sensor  352  is read to determine whether the flip  102  is in the substantially opened position shown in  FIG. 1  or the substantially closed position, shown in  FIG. 2 . Block  504  is a decision block, the outcome of which depends on whether the flip  102  is substantially open, i.e., in the position shown in  FIG. 1  extending away from the lower part  104 . If so, then the first flowchart continues with decision block  506  the outcome depends on whether the first button  302  has been pressed. If it is determined in block  506  that the first button  302  has been pressed then the first flowchart continues with block  508  in which a direction consistent with an “UP” command is sent to a user interface program that accepts input from the first and second buttons  302 ,  304 . After block  508  the first flowchart loops back to block  502 . If on the other hand it is determined in block  506  that the first button  302  has not been pressed, then the first flowchart continues with decision block  510 . The outcome of decision block  510  depends on whether the second button  304  has been pressed. If it is determined in decision block  510  that the second button  304  has been pressed then the first flowchart branches to block  512  in which a direction consistent with a “DOWN” command is sent to the aforementioned user interface program. After block  512  the first flowchart loops back to block  502 . If it is determined in decision block  510  that the second button  304  has not been pressed then the first flowchart similarly loops back to block  502 .  
         [0036]     If in block  504  it is determined that the flip  102  is not open then the first flowchart branches to decision block  514 . The outcome of decision block  514  depends on whether the first button  302  has been pressed. If it is determined, in decision block  514  that the first button  302  has been pressed then the first flowchart branches to block  512  described above. If on the other hand, it is determined in decision block  514  that the first button  302  has not been pressed then the first flowchart branches to decision block  516 . The outcome of decision block  516  depends on whether the second button  304  has been pressed. If it is determined in decision block  516  that the second button  306  has been pressed then the first flowchart branches to block  508  previously described.  
         [0037]     Note that  FIG. 5  is a representation of a process that is suitably implemented in hardware or software or a combination of software and hardware. For example, one possible hardware solution could include a two-input exclusive-or gate having one of its inputs coupled to the Hall effect sensor  352  for alternatively presenting a corresponding logic level associated with each of the states of the rotationally coupled housing elements, corresponding to an opened and a closed position. The change of state in the rotational state of the housing will reverse the polarity of the electrically encoded actuation signal. Furthermore, the sequence of operations can vary from what is shown without departing from the spirit of what is conveyed. The implementation will vary depending on the extent to which it relies on hardware, and the programming language used and software environment in which it is implemented. Still further, for example, the state of the flip position sensor  352  may only be read in response to a processor interrupt that is triggered by a button actuation. Other hardware/software variations are further possible without departing from the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0038]     Software and/or hardware embodying the flowchart shown in  FIG. 5  allows the first and second buttons  302 ,  304  which in certain modes of operation of the device  100  are used as a pair to enter “UP” and “DOWN” commands to be used more intuitively. Even though, the particular one of the first button  302  and second button  304 , which is on top, changes depending on whether the flip  102  is in a opened position or a closed position, using software and/or hardware embodying the flowchart shown in  FIG. 5  allows whichever button is on top to be used to enter “UP” commands and whichever button is below to be used to enter “DOWN” commands regardless of whether the flip  102  is open or closed. Thus, buttons can be located in the flip  102  thereby securing the performance attributes previously described without compromising the ease of use of the device  100 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a second flowchart showing a second aspect of the operation of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 .  FIG. 6  describes a user interface program or hardware/software combination that allows a user to adjust the volume of audio output by the device  100  using the first and second buttons  302 ,  304 . A program and/or hardware embodying the second flowchart is active in states of operation of the device  100  in which audio is being output. Audio is output by an audio output system that comprises the D/A  410 , the amplifier  424  and the earpiece speaker  320  and may comprise a specialized audio source (not shown). Alternatively, a loudspeaker is used to output audio. Block  602  represent the outputting of audio e.g. through the earpiece speaker  320 . Audio is suitably output under the control of the processor  404 . Block  604  is a decision block, the outcome of which depends on whether an “UP” command is received. If an “UP” command is received then the second flowchart branches to block  606  in which the volume of audio being output by the device  100  is increased, and thereafter the flowchart returns to block  602  to continue to output audio at increased volume. If it is determined in decision block  604  that an “UP” command has not been received then the second flowchart continues with decision block  608 , the outcome of which depends on whether a “DOWN” command has been received. If it is determined in decision block  608  that a “DOWN” command has been received, then the second flowchart branches to block  610  in which the volume of audio being output is decreased, and thereafter loops back to block  602  to continue to output audio albeit at reduced volume. If, on the other hand, it is determined in block  608  that a “DOWN” command has not been entered, then the second flowchart returns to block  602  and no change based upon user control is made to the volume level. The second flowchart can be implemented in software and/or hardware.  
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a third flowchart showing a third aspect of the operation of the handheld communication device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 .  FIG. 7  describes a user interface program or hardware/software combination that allows a user to navigate in a vertical arrangement of selections. The vertical arrangement of selections can be a list such as a list of names of people whose phone numbers were recently dialed as shown in  FIG. 8 , or a list of control menu options as shown in  FIG. 9 . The vertical arrangement of selections can be displayed on the main display  114  or the auxiliary display  204 . Referring to  FIG. 7  in block  702  a vertical arrangement of selections is displayed on one of the displays  114 ,  204 . Proceeding from block  702 , block  704  is a decision block, the outcome of which depends on whether an “UP” command is received. If it is determined in block  704  that an “UP” command has been received then the third flowchart branches to block  706  in which a move up in the vertical arrangement of selections is performed. The move up can entail shifting highlighting up by one place in the vertical arrangement of selections, and/or adding a new selection at the top of the display, and/or removing a selection from the bottom of the display, and shifting other selections down one place. After block  706  the third flowchart loops back to block  702  to continue to display the vertical arrangement of selections.  
         [0041]     If on the other hand it is determined in block  704  that an “UP” command has not been entered, then the third flowchart branches to decision block  708 . The outcome of decision block  708  depends on whether a “DOWN” command has been received. If a “DOWN” command has been received then the third flowchart branches to block  710  in which a move down in the vertical arrangement of selections is performed. A move down in the vertical arrangement of selections is the reverse of the move up described above. After block  710 , the third flowchart loops back to block  702  to continue to display the vertical arrangement of selections.  
         [0042]     Note that  FIGS. 6, 7  are abstractions of processes that may be implemented in combination with other software operations that are beyond the focus of the present description.  
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a second handheld communication device  1000 , shown in a first configuration and/or a substantially closed position, and  FIG. 11  is a front view of the second handheld communication device  1000 , shown in a second configuration and/or a substantially opened position, with intermediate configurations shown in dashed lines. The second handheld communication device  1000  comprises a first part  1002 , and a second part  1102  that is rotationally coupled to the first part  1002 . In contrast to the first handheld communication device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , for the second device  1000 , an axis of rotation of the first part  1002  relative to the second part  1102  is parallel to the thickness and/or depth D of the device  1000  i.e. perpendicular to a front face  1004  of the device  1000 . In the perspective of  FIGS. 10-11  the axis of rotation of the first part  1002  relative to the second part  1102  is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet. The second part  1102  comprises a keypad  1104  and a display  1006 . The first part  1002  rotates about a round bezel  1008  of the display  1006 . The first part  1002  comprises a first side mounted button  1010  and a second side mounted button  1012  that is located vertically adjacent the first side mounted button  1010 . Rotating the first part  1002  from the configuration shown in  FIG. 10  to that shown in  FIG. 11  reverses the relative vertical positioning of the two side mounted buttons  1010 ,  1012 , which convey a change of state electrically. The hardware and software described above with reference to  FIGS. 4-9  is applicable to the second handheld communication device  1000  with the exception that in at least some embodiments the second device  1000  does not include an auxiliary display, only includes two buttons on the flip (although optionally more are provided), and need not include certain hardware elements shown in  FIG. 4  that are outside the focus of the present specification, such as for example the camera interface  408 , and camera  318 . In the illustrated embodiment, the display is included in the second part  1102 , and does not rotate with the first part  1002 , such that the same would rotate as the two part housing moves between a closed position and an opened position. Alternatively, the display could be included in the first part  1002 .  
         [0044]     While the preferred and other embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.