Abstract:
The disclosed embodiments provide devices and methods for providing a multi-function electronic device. In accordance with one aspect, a disclosed method provides for detecting the direction the device is deployed and activating an operational mode based on the direction the device is deployed. In accordance with another aspect, a disclosed method provides for detecting the direction the device is deployed and orienting information presented on a display based on the direction the device is deployed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present Application for Patent claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/586,626 entitled “Mobile Phone with Dual Folder Hinge for Use as a Portable Gaming Device” filed Jul. 9, 2004, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.  
         [0002]     This Application is related to the following U.S. patent application, assigned to the present assignee and hereby incorporated by reference:  
         [0003]     Application Ser. No. 10/718,125, entitled “A Portable Device with Versatile Keyboard,” Attorney Docket No. 040101, filed Nov. 19, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0004]     The disclosed embodiments relate to portable electronic devices. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to a multi-function electronic device that presents different functionality and display orientations depending on the direction the device is deployed.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0005]     Portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, pagers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants (“PDA&#39;s”) and hand-held gaming devices are becoming increasingly popular for both business and personal use. One advantage of these devices is their portability due to their small size, light weight, battery-powered or cordless operation and, in some cases, their wireless communications ability. These features allow these portable electronic devices to be utilized whenever and wherever a user desires.  
         [0006]     Because of the increasing popularity of these devices, however, it is not uncommon for a single user to carry more than one of these devices at one time. For example, a user may have a mobile phone and a two-way pager strapped to her belt, while carrying a PDA in a pocket and a gaming device in her bag. As such, having separate devices creates a problem for a user who requires more than one or two services/functions offered by these portable devices.  
         [0007]     Designers have realized this problem of device proliferation, and have tried to combine a number of services or functionalities into a single device. In this manner, a user may only require a single device having a number of operational modes that correspond to a number of desired services or functions. One drawback of incorporating many operational modes into a single device, however, is that each service or function typically has an established configuration, including the overall shape and the number and specific types of components. For example, a mobile phone generally includes a phone keypad including several keys: one for each of numbers 0-9, one for each of characters “*” and “#”, and one for each of keys “send,” “talk,” “end,” on/off” and “menu,” and at least one navigation key. Further, a mobile phone is generally oriented for use with its length extending in a vertical axis such that its display unit is positioned above the keypad and such that the alphanumeric or graphical output of the display can be read by a user in this orientation. In contrast, a gaming device or multimedia player device typically includes a navigational key for the left hand and two to six buttons for the right hand, as well as one or two buttons for use by each index finger. Further, a gaming device or multimedia receiving device typically has a display with a width greater than a length as viewed during use. In attempting to combine services/functionalities, a designer needs surface area onto which these established orientations and sets of components may be efficiently mounted. This increased demand for surface area competes with an overall goal of maintaining a device having a compact and portable size.  
         [0008]     There is a need; therefore, for a portable electronic device having multiple functionalities and display orientations while having a compact and portable size.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]     The disclosed embodiments provide a multi-function electronic device. In accordance with one aspect, the disclosed method provides for detecting a direction the device is deployed and providing an operational mode based on the direction the device is deployed.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another aspect, the disclosed method provides for detecting a direction the device is deployed, and orienting information presented on a display based on the direction the device is deployed.  
         [0011]     In accordance with yet another aspect, the disclosed electronic device includes a first component layer movable in a plurality of directions and a second component layer. The second component layer is movably connected relative to the first component layer such that movement of the first component layer in a first direction relative to the second component layer activates a first set of functional components for use with a first operational mode, and movement of the first component layer in a second direction relative to the second component layer activates a second set of functional components for use with a second operational mode.  
         [0012]     Additional aspects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments are set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part are obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may also be realized and attained by the means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The disclosed embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed embodiments, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a multi-function electronic device deployable in two directions;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates the electronic device of  FIG. 1  with the upper module layer moved in a first direction relative to the lower module layer, thereby actuating one operational mode;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates the electronic device of  FIG. 1  with the upper module layer moved in a second direction relative to the lower module layer, thereby actuating another operational mode;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  illustrate the side views of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  deployable in the first direction as in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates the back view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  deployable in the first direction as in  FIG. 2 ; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates the top view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  deployable in the second direction as in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]     The disclosed embodiments include devices and methods for providing an electronic device having multiple functionality and versatile user interface.  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate, in one embodiment, an electronic device  12 , which has a number of movably interconnected module layers  14 ,  16  that provide electronic device  12  with a number of functional capabilities and display orientations. In one embodiment, for example referring to  FIG. 1 , electronic device  12  may have a first operational mode, such as a multimedia receiving device, global positioning system (GPS), remote control device, an audio player or recorder, a static or dynamic video player or recorder, a pager, and a calculator, when module layers  14 ,  16  are positioned in a first or neutral position where a first set of operational components  20  positioned on the exterior of first module layer  14  may be utilized. In one embodiment, first module layer  14  may be deployed in a first direction  28  or in a second direction  34 , as illustrated by dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , electronic device  12  may have a second operational mode, such as a phone or audio communications mode, PDA, or text communications mode, when first module layer  14  is moved in a first direction  28  relative to the second module layers  16  to activate all or a first subset of a second set of functional components  31  positioned on the interior of first module layer  14  for use with the second operational mode. Further, referring to  FIG. 3 , electronic device  12  may have a third operational mode, such as a PDA, text communications mode, a gaming mode, or a multimedia player mode, when first module layer  14  is moved in a second direction  34  relative to second module layers  16  to activate all or a second subset of a the second set of functional components  31  positioned on the interior of first module layer  14  for use with the third operational mode.  
         [0021]     Although shown as including two layers, electronic device  12  may include any plurality of module layers, each including one or more sets of functional components associated with one or more operational modes. The one or more operational modes enable device  12  to be utilized as one or more of: a mobile, satellite or wireless phone or audio communications device, a gaming device, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a pager or text communications device, a global positioning system (“GPS”), a remote control device for controlling another system, an audio player and/or recorder device such as an MP3 player or digital recorder, a static or dynamic video player and/or recorder device, a calculator device, etc. When utilized as a mobile phone, for example, device  12  may include hardware, software and/or firmware for sending and/or receiving communications-related signals using protocols such as a code division multiple access (“CDMA”), wide-band code division multiple access (“WCDMA”), global system for mobile communications (“GSM”), advance mobile phone service (“AMPS”) and time division multiple access (“TDMA”).  
         [0022]     The one or more sets of functional components associated with each layer of device  12 , such as module layers  14 ,  16  may include one or more types of functional components. These sets of components include external components, such as input and output type of mechanisms, and also internal components such as circuit boards and circuit elements such as transistors, chips, firmware, memory, software and processing units configured for one or more operational modes of device  12 . For example, according to one embodiment, components shown in  FIG. 2  may include display  22 , which includes any type of textual and/or graphical output unit such as a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, an organic electro-luminescent display, a touch screen, etc. The components may also include directional keypads, toggle keys, joysticks, potentiometers, etc., such as navigational key  24 , some single or multiple function keys  26  associated with controlling movement of a graphic on display  22  or associated with creating an input signal to device  12 , some single and/or multi-function buttons for index fingers  27 , and one or more indicator lights for signaling a status of the device  12 ; operational keys such as an on/off or hang-up key  72  and a call accept/send key  74  ( FIG. 2 ). The components may also include an audio speaker  66  ( FIG. 2 ), including a near-field and/or far-field speaker, for outputting audio signals; volume keys for increasing or decreasing a volume of a speaker such as near-field speaker  66 ; a push-to-talk button for transmitting a voice signal in a walkie-talkie type phone mode; a record key for activating a voice recorder functionality; a speaker/microphone input for receiving a remote audio speaker and/or microphone connection mechanism; a camera mechanism for taking still or video pictures; a test port for connecting test or monitoring equipment, such as radio frequency (“RF”) signaling equipment, to set-up, repair or test device  12 ; an infra red (“IR”) transceiver for sending and/or receiving data via IR waves; a battery pack for providing a cordless power source to device  12 ; a power/data connector for establishing a hard-wired connection to a source of power to operate device  12  and/or recharge the battery pack and to transmit and/or receive data; and an antenna mechanism  94  transmitting and/or receiving communications signals associated with one or more of the modes of device  12 . It should be noted that the components associated with device  12  may be arranged in any combination, and on any layer, in order to achieve a desired configuration for an operational mode of device  12 .  
         [0023]     In operation, according to one embodiment, the various operational modes of device  12  are controlled by the relative positioning of each layer of device  12 . A method of controlling relative movement between these layers includes movably interconnecting various module layers to allow relative movements that activate various functional components associated with each layer. Further, in order to provide a discrete actuation of an individual operational mode, the device further includes a lock mechanism that prevents movement between predetermined layers during actuation of predetermined modes.  
         [0024]     In one embodiment, for example, referring back to  FIG. 1 , the first operational mode of electronic device  12  may be activated by depressing one or a predetermined sequence of keys on the exterior of device  12 . For example, the first operational mode may correspond to one or more of a camera mode, a GPS mode, a calculator mode, a data transfer mode and/or a phone incoming call/caller ID stand-by mode. First set of components  20  may be utilized in various combinations to achieve the desired functionality of this mode. Further, first set of components  20  may simultaneously be functioning in more than one mode, such as in a phone stand-by mode, where upon receiving a phone call an output may be generated; in the camera mode, where a user may operate the camera to take a still picture or a video; and in recording mode, where the user may record an audio segment associated with the picture or video. Further, in the data transfer mode, data may be received by or sent from device  12  through one or more of test port, IR transceiver, and power and/or data connector.  
         [0025]     In one embodiment, a user activates a second operational mode, such as the phone mode ( FIG. 2 ), by moving, e.g., flipping or sliding, upper module layer  14  in first direction  28  (vertical or upward), and exposing keypad  31 . During this actuation step, a lock mechanism prevents additional relative movement between the layers associated with actuation of additional operational modes. In the phone mode, hardware, software and/or firmware within device  12  recognizes the actuation of this mode and orients the output of display  22  such that it is aligned for use in combination with keypad  31 , e.g., in portrait. Further, device  12  actuates predetermined internal circuitry associated with the functionality of this mode, such as communications hardware and software for sending and receiving wireless signals. A user may communicate by talking into microphone  32  and by listening to speaker  66 . Further, phone-related functions may be performed via keystrokes on all or a first subset of keypad  31 , off key  72  and/or send key  74 , or by using keys  24 ,  26 , or  27 . This mode may be turned off, for example, by moving, e.g., flipping or sliding, upper module layer  14  back into the neutral position ( FIG. 1 ) or by depressing the off key  72 .  
         [0026]     A user activates a third operational mode, such as a gaming or multimedia player mode, as shown in  FIG. 3 , by moving, e.g., flipping or sliding, upper module layer  14  in second direction  34  (horizontal or sideway) and thereby activating all or a second subset of keypad  31  for this mode. For example, some enlarged keys, such as “0” and “8”  28 , the navigational keys  24 ,  26 , and index finger keys  27 , may be activated for this mode, allowing the device to be conveniently held by one hand and simply operated by one or both thumbs and or fingers for paging. When operated as a gaming device, device  12  may be held such that its width is its longest dimension. Additionally, associated with the actuation of this mode, device  12  may present the text and/or graphics output from display  22  in a predetermined orientation based on the selected operational mode. So, for example, the text/graphics in the gaming mode may be oriented 90 degrees relative to the text/graphics in a phone mode, i.e., in landscape.  
         [0027]     During actuation of this mode, the lock mechanism  36  prevents additional relative movement between the remaining layers that is associated with actuation of additional operational modes. In this mode, hardware, software and/or firmware within device  12  recognizes the actuation of this mode and orients the output of display  22  such that it is aligned for use in combination with keyboard  31 , e.g., in landscape. Further, device  12  actuates predetermined internal circuitry associated with the functionality of this mode, such as communications hardware and software for sending and receiving wireless signals. This mode may be turned off, for example, by moving, e.g., flipping or sliding, upper module layer  14  back into the neutral position or by depressing the off key  72 .  
         [0028]     One way of sensing movement of a module is by using Hall Effect Sensors. A Hall Effect Sensor generates a voltage in relation to the movement of a magnetic field in close proximity to the sensor. The voltage is detected by the device and used as a sign of movement of the module. Benefits of using a Hall Effect Sensor include reliability and no mechanical elements to wear out over time.  
         [0029]     Users may input information into the device in various ways. Users may provide input to device  12  through a touch sensitive display screen and/or voice recognition methods. Some of these various input means or user interfaces may be used to change the functional mode and/or the orientation of the information on the display  22 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  illustrate left and ride side views, respectively, of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  deployable in first direction  28 , as in  FIG. 2 . In this case, the lock mechanism  36  is engaged, and the upper module layer  14  moves with respect to the lower module layer  16  through first mechanism  38 , for example, a hinge.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates the back view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  deployable in first direction  28 . In this case, the lock mechanism  36  is engaged, and the upper module layer  14  moves with respect to the lower module layer  16  through first mechanism  38 , for example.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  illustrates the top view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  deployable in second direction  34 . In this case, the lock mechanism  36  is not engaged, and the upper module layer  14  moves with respect to the lower module layer  16  through a second mechanism  40 , for example, a hinge. By disengaging lock mechanism  36 , first hinge mechanism(s)  38  is released and second hinge mechanism(s)  40  is engaged. In one mechanism, a double flip (rotational or linear) mechanism may be used, allowing perpendicular flipping movements of the two module layers  14 ,  16 . In one mechanism, a double slide mechanism may be used, allowing perpendicular sliding movements of the two module layers  14 ,  16 . In one mechanism, a flip-slide combination mechanism may be used, allowing a slide movement perpendicular to a flip movement of the two module layers  14 ,  16 . Although in this embodiment, connection mechanisms are represented as bi-directional hinge connectors for flipping movements of the upper module layer, it should be noted that these connection members may include movement along more than one axis, in more than one plane, and in linear and/or rotary flipping and/or sliding motion. Further, connection mechanisms  38 ,  40  may comprise metals, plastics, composites, and ceramics, and they may be formed integrally with each module layer  14 ,  16  or separately attached via mechanical or chemical methods.  
         [0033]     Thus, the described embodiments provide devices and methods for providing a multi-function electronic device for activating different keyboard arrangements and representing different display orientations depending on the direction the device is deployed. While the various disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the subject matter of this document is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments as described in the claims.