Abstract:
A mobile terminal is provided for use in a wireless communication system. The mobile terminal comprising a housing having an opening and a selective input device. The selective input device includes a hub secured in the opening in the housing such that at least a portion of the periphery of the hub extends from the housing. A capacitance layer is integral with the periphery of the hub. A resilient ring is movably disposed on the periphery of the hub and operatively connected with the capacitance layer for generating signals when the ring is moved relative to the hub. A controller is operably connected to the input device for receiving and processing the signals.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   This invention relates generally to a mobile communication device, and more particularly to a mobile terminal for use in a wireless communication system wherein the mobile terminal includes a jog dial emulation input device. 
   A mobile terminal is used for sending and receiving information in a wireless communication system, such as a mobile telephone in a cellular telephone system. A mobile telephone typically includes a display and input mechanisms, such as keypads, buttons, and the like, which are used to control the mobile telephone. The display is used for viewing information and the input mechanisms typically provide for data entry, as well as control of any multi-media interface including the display. 
   With the growing popularity of the internet, mobile telephones are being used as receivers for not only voice data, but also various forms of visual data viewable on the display, such as e-mail, faxes or other forms of processed documents, pictures, videos or web pages. Mobile telephones can also function as a gaming device. Further, some mobile telephones now also include a camera function for capturing images and satisfying the rising demand for video or image-based communication. Capturing images is typically accomplished by manually actuating the camera function via a shutter button or a specified sequence of key strokes. 
   As the various functions of a mobile telephone increase, so does the need for varying types of input mechanisms for each function. At the same time, finding ways to achieve additional space savings for mobile telephones is desirable to vendors and consumers alike. As mobile telephones become smaller, less area is available for the input mechanisms. For ergonomic reasons, there is a limit below which it is undesirable to decrease the size. 
   A menu list, including a number of icons or other articles, are typically arranged horizontally or vertically on the display screen. A user of the mobile terminal selects an article, such as a command or a choice, by moving a selection cursor via a jog dial horizontally or vertically to the desired article. A jog dial input device typically permits rotating and pressing operations for data entry. 
   A mobile terminal is shown in  FIG. 1  and generally designated at  20 . The mobile terminal  20  depicted is adapted for use in a wireless communication network and, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the mobile terminal  20  is a cellular telephone. The mobile terminal  20  comprises a housing  22 , which may be of any desired size and shape; however, as described above, the trend is toward a smaller mobile terminal  20 . The housing  22  contains electronic components that are operable to transmit and receive telecommunication signals, as is known in the art, and for operating other functions of the mobile terminal  20 . The housing  22  includes an ear piece  24 , or speaker, for emitting sound and a display  26  for displaying alphanumeric text and graphics and other images. The display  26  can be monochrome or color. A keypad apparatus  28 , including alphanumeric and function keys  30 , may be provided on the housing  22  for receiving tactile input to enter data, make telephone calls, interact with an image on the display  26 , or otherwise control operation of the mobile terminal  20 . Various other controls may also be provided on the housing  22 , such as special purpose keys (not shown) that control one or more functional aspects of the mobile terminal  20 . The housing  22  also includes a microphone  32  for inputting sound. 
   A “jog dial”  40  is rotatably disposed in the housing  22 . The jog dial  40  is a well-known endless loop-type rotary switch which functions as a selective input unit. The jog dial  40  is both rotatable and pressable. To operate the jog dial  40 , the user places his finger tip on the jog dial  40  and rotates the jog dial. Rotation of the jog dial  40  generates signals in accordance with the rotational direction the user is moving the jog dial  40 . The jog dial  40  signals are sent to an application program, or the like, which varies a bidirectional parameter according to the direction of rotation. Rotation of the jog dial  40  in this manner provides access to an article appreciably detached from the currently displayed article. Pressing the jog dial  40  finalizes and enters the currently displayed article. 
   Providing a mobile terminal  20  with the jog dial input device  40  is not always practical because the jog dial  40  not only causes an additional cost, but also requires more space within the housing  22 . A typical jog dial is usually about 13 to 16 mm. in diameter. 
   For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a mobile terminal for use in a wireless communication system which is adapted to efficiently accommodate multiple functions while maintaining compactness and portability. The new mobile terminal should also accommodate a selective input device, such as a jog dial. 
   SUMMARY 
   According to the present invention, a mobile terminal is provided for use in a wireless communication system, the mobile terminal comprising a housing having an opening and a selective input device. The selective input device includes a hub secured in the opening in the housing such that at least a portion of the periphery of the hub extends from the housing. A capacitance layer is integral with the periphery of the hub. A resilient ring is movably disposed on the periphery of the hub and operatively connected with the capacitance layer for generating signals when the ring is moved relative to the hub. A controller is operably connected to the input device for receiving and processing the signals. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should now be had to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a mobile terminal including a jog dial input device. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic close-up elevation view of a mobile terminal in partial cross-section showing a jog dial emulation input device according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the jog dial emulation input device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION 
   Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, words such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” and “downward” merely describe the configuration shown in the FIGs. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. 
   As used herein, the term “keypad” is used to mean any type of input device including a touch sensitive area or areas, which may include predefined key positions or a gesture area. Further, the term “keypad” is not intended to be limited to a keypad based on contacting switch technology. Rather, “keypad” as contemplated by this disclosure is intended to refer to any type of input technology that might be referred to as such, including a non-contacting type more typically referred to as a “touchpad” in which the proximity of conductive bodies is sensed. 
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, a jog dial emulation input device  50  for use in a mobile terminal mobile terminal according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2 . The mobile terminal  20  depicted may be the same mobile terminal as shown in  FIG. 1  and is adapted for use in a wireless communication network. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mobile terminal  20  is a cellular telephone, which may be conventional except as otherwise provided in this description. It is understood that, because there are many types of mobile terminal housings  22  and associated components that are well known in the art and that may be utilized to practice the present invention, a more detailed description of these components is not required. It is understood that the present invention is not directed to any particular style of mobile terminal or housing. 
   The jog dial emulation input device  50  according to the present invention comprises a hub  52  and a track  54 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the hub  52  has a D-shape, with a straight edge being from about 10 mm to about 20 mm long. A capacitance layer is provided on the periphery of the hub  52  to generate signals in response to movement of the track  54  relative to the hub  52 , as will be described below. 
   The track  54  is a rubber ring provided with projections  56 , or teeth, extending from the outer surface of the track  54 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the track  54  has 33 teeth  56 . It is understood, however, that the number of teeth on the track  54  may be changed without affecting the functioning of this invention. The track  54  is mounted on the periphery of the hub  52  for slidable rotation relative to the hub  52 . The track  54  can be infinitely rotated. 
   As with a conventional jog dial, a cavity  58  is provided in the housing  22  for receiving the jog dial emulation input device  50  ( FIG. 2 ). The cavity  58  is sufficiently large to receive the whole of the input device  50 . The hub  52  is fixedly mounted in the housing  22 , although the mounting assembly is not shown. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the input device  50  is mounted within the cavity  58  such that the straight edge of the hub  52  is substantially parallel to the major sides of the housing  22 . The arcuate periphery of the hub  52  extends slightly from housing for enabling manipulation of the track  54 . 
   A main processor and a memory within the mobile terminal  20  control the overall operation of the mobile terminal  20  and are together referred to herein as a “controller”. Electrical and programmatic functions that are necessary to enable full use of the mobile terminal  20  are implemented through the controller. The controller, along with any microcode or other software instructions, comprise means for providing input to the mobile terminal  20 . Certain embodiments of the present invention may be carried out by hardwired circuitry rather than by executing software, or by a combination of hardwired circuitry with software. Hence, it will be recognized that the present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for software instructions. The jog dial emulation input device  50  is operatively connected to the controller according to the present invention for processing signals from the input device  50  for determining rotation direction and amount, and whether the track  54  is pressed. 
   In one example, the jog dial emulation input device  50  is used for selecting an application program among a plurality of programs stored in the computer and for executing the application program chosen by the input device  50 . In this example, the application programs are represented by images, such as articles or icons, on the display  26  of the mobile terminal  20 . The input device  50  enables image-by-image viewing when the track  54  is rotated relative to the hub  52 , with the possibility of stopping on and selecting an image to execute the program. 
   In use, the track  54  is rotated relative to the hub  52 , which generates signals to the controller. In response to the signals, the controller determines the direction of rotation, clockwise or counterclockwise, of the track  54  and the amount of the rotation. If the track  54  is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction, the program menu selections are moved successively in one direction, as indicated by a selection indicator displayed on the display unit  26  as the track  54  is rotated. On the other hand, if the track  54  is rotated in the clockwise direction, the program menu selections are moved successively in the other opposite direction. In this manner, scrolling of the menu items can be effected by rotating the track  54  proportionate to the amount of rotation. The user, while viewing what is currently displayed on the display  26 , advances the track  54  a suitable number of turns in the appropriate direction until the desired article is reached. 
   When the desired article is displayed through track  54  rotation, selection of the article can be effected by pressing the track  54  against the hub  52 . When the user applies a predetermined force to the track  54 , the controller considers the manipulation to be an enter operation or other relevant action applicable to the operation mode currently selected. Pressing the track  54  finalizes and enters the currently displayed number or character. Thereafter, when the applied force is removed, the input device  50  is restored to the original state. 
   In another embodiment of the present invention, the jog dial emulation input device  50  further includes means for generating resistance to rotation. The resistance generating means may comprise an arm  60  fixed at one end to the interior of the housing  22  ( FIG. 2 ). The free end of the arm  60  is positioned adjacent the track  54  such that the projections  56  on the track  54  selectively engage the free end of the arm  60  as the track  54  is rotated. The displayed article is incremented or decremented by one every time the track  54  is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively, such that one projection  56  passes the end of the arm  60 . For example, the track is rotated giving a feel corresponding to five clicks. In that case, the selected article is incremented five times, an increment of one per click. 
   The controller may also generate a sound through the speaker of the mobile terminal by using a sound driving circuit. In alternative embodiments, means for generating sound may include a speaker, a buzzer or the like. 
   The jog dial emulation input device  50  according to the present invention has many advantages, including the look, feel and sound of a jog dial-type device, while reducing the size for minimizing obstacles in designing and planning electronic products. 
   While the present invention is described herein in the context of a mobile terminal in the form of a mobile cellular telephone, it should be understood that the jog dial emulation input device of the present invention is not so limited and may find utility in other electronics devices and applications. For example, the term “mobile telephone” as used herein may include a cellular radiotelephone with or without a multi-line display; landline and cordless telephones; a Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal that may combine a cellular telephone with data processing, facsimile and data communications capabilities; internet/intranet access devices; organizers; a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) that can include a radiotelephone, pager, internet/intranet access, Web browser, organizer, calendar and/or a global positioning system (GPS) receiver; wristwatch keypad devices; and a conventional laptop and/or palmtop receiver or other computer system that includes a display. Mobile telephones may also be referred to as “pervasive computing” devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, the invention may be implemented on a computer system having a memory circuit for storage of data, a display which acts to generate images, and a control circuit that is configured to control the flow of data between the memory and receiver. Further, the jog dial emulation input device may be used on a magnetic and electronic recording and reproducing apparatus, or any other apparatus wherein a jog dial is used selectively to input values, such as time-of-day settings in a clock mode or characters, alphabetic and symbolic, constituting a word in a text input mode. The jog dial emulation input device can also be mounted on a remote-control unit of an electronic apparatus and function in a similar way as described herein. 
   Although the present invention has been shown and described in considerable detail with respect to only a few exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that I do not intend to limit the invention to the embodiments since various modifications, omissions and additions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, the present invention is suitable for use in a number of portable and non-portable electronics devices and applications. Accordingly, we intend to cover all such modifications, omission, additions and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.