Patent Publication Number: US-2016231776-A1

Title: Orientation dependent functionality of an electronic device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/611,746, entitled ORIENTATION DEPENDENT FUNCTIONALITY OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE, filed Dec. 15, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/006,525, filed Nov. 30, 2001, entitled ORIENTATION DEPENDENT FUNCTIONALITY OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,194, the aforementioned applications being hereby incorporated by reference in their respective entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to electronic devices. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic device having functionality dependent on its orientation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable electronic devices tend to combine functionality with small size. But in order to add functionality, portable electronic devices tend to have to sacrifice compactness. Additional functionality typically requires additional user-interface features. A housing for an electronic device has to be sufficient in size in order to provide for the additional user-interface features. The housing may also have to be sufficient to provide for additional internal components needed for the added functionality. 
     Devices that combine to distinct functions are usually larger or more bulky than devices that provide the same functions individually. For example, hybrid devices exist that are both personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cellular phones. These devices tend to be larger than devices that are only cellular phones or PDAs. Part of the reason why hybrid devices are larger is that the device&#39;s PDA functionality requires it to be large enough to provide user-interface features that include a contact-sensitive display, a set of buttons and a stylus. The cellular phone functionality requires sufficient housing space to support a numeric keypad, and an antenna. The user-interface features of the PDA and cellular phone functions do not overlap. Consequently, the housing has to be large enough to provide both. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, an electronic device is formed from at least two modules. Each module has a distinct functionality, and includes a set of user-interface features that are suited for that module&#39;s functionality. The electronic device may have separate exterior panels. Each exterior panel provides the set of user-interface features for one of the two modules. The electronic device may be operated so that only one module, or its set of user-interface features, is active. The other module(s), or their respective sets of user-interface features, or maintained or made inactive. 
     The selection as to which module is operable is made automatically by components of the electronic device, based on a detected orientation of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the module or set of user-interface features facing the user (or upward facing) is selected to be operable. 
     Other embodiments of the invention include an electronic device having two or more sets of user-interface features. Each user-interface feature may be located on a different exterior panel. One user-interface feature may be selected over another user-interface feature based on a detected orientation of the electronic device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals are intended to refer to similar elements among different figures. 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of an electronic device in a first state, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of an electronic device in a second state, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of a first module of an electronic device, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a front view of a second module of an electronic device, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a method for operating an electronic device from a low-power state, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a method for operating an electronic device in multiple orientations, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a handheld computer detachably coupled to an accessory device, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating internal components of a handheld computer for use with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention describe an electronic device having orientation dependent functionality. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. 
     Overview 
     In an embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing, a plurality of modules, a sensor, and a selection mechanism. The housing has a plurality of housing segments, with each housing segment having one of the modules. The sensor detects an orientation of the electronic device. The selection mechanism automatically selects at least one, but not all, of the plurality of modules to be active. The selection is based on the detected orientation of the electronic device. 
     As used herein, the term “module” means a component having a combination of logic and one or more user-interface features. Modules may differ in design, configuration and function. Examples of modules include components that can be operated as personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, portable global positioning systems, calculators, modems, digital cameras and other devices. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor detects which one of the modules is oriented downward, or conversely, which one of the modules is directed upward. The terms “downward” and “upward” is intended to be relative to a gravitational force. 
     In an embodiment, each module contains a different set of user-interface features. As used herein, the term “user-interface feature” includes any component that provides output to a user, and/or enables users to enter input. Examples of user-interface features include displays, touch-sensitive displays, extended digitizers, buttons and contact-sensitive sensors. Digital user-interface features are input components that appear to operate in conjunction with a display. Examples of digital user-interface features include icons, menu items and electronic handwriting recognizers. Other examples of user-interface features include speakers and microphones. 
     As used herein, the term ‘inactive” means a state where user-interface features are not actuatable. An inactive state may correspond to a low-power state, such as a sleep-mode, where the device has to be actuated to be fully operational. 
     Electronic Device Orientation 
     Embodiments of the invention include an electronic device having multiple modules that are selectively operational based on an orientation of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the electronic device has two modules, and two identifiable orientations. A sensor or other mechanism detects the electronic device as being in one of the two orientations. Components of the electronic device automatically activate one of the two modules based on the detected orientation. 
     For example, the electronic device can be oriented so that one of the modules is detected to be upward relative to gravity, and the other is detected to be downward. The module detected to be upward is either automatically activated, or maintained in an active state. Concurrently, the module detected to be downward is either automatically deactivated, or maintained in an inactive state. In this way, only one of the two modules is active, and that module is upward facing. 
     The particular manner in which the orientation is determined can vary with other embodiments. For example, the downward facing module may correspond to the module that is selected to be operational. Other embodiments may provide for the orientation to be determined from the proximity of the electronic device to another device, person or reference point. This proximity may determine which module of the electronic device is to be active. 
     In addition, multiple modules may be provided. In one embodiment, one detectable orientation exists for each module. Other embodiments provide for multiple modules to be active based on one detected orientation. For example, the electronic device may be a cube. Each face of the cube may have a set of user-interface features. A detected orientation of the electronic device may correspond to a face of the cube being in a position, such as upward facing. The set of user-interface features for that face are active, but the set of user-interface features for the other faces may be inactive. 
       FIG. 1A  is a side view of an electronic device  100  in a first state, under an embodiment of the invention. The electronic device  100  includes a first module  110  joined to a second module  120 . Only one of the modules  110 ,  120  is selected to be active, depending on the orientation detected for the electronic device. The first module  110  has a first housing segment  115 . The second module  120  has a second housing segment  125 . The first and second modules  110 ,  120  combine to form one housing. 
     In an embodiment, each module  110 ,  120  performs a different function. Accordingly, each module has a different set of user-interface features.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  provide examples of the different functions that can be performed with modules of electronic device  100 . 
     Point A represents a reference point from where a user would access the upward facing module. In such an embodiment, the upward facing module is designated as being active or operational based on the assumption that the user will want to operate the upward facing module. The downward facing module is designated to be inactive. 
     In a first state, the identified orientation of the electronic device  100  is that the first module  110  is upward facing, and the second module  120  downward facing. Therefore, the first module  110  is active or operational, and the second module  120  is inactive. Alternatively, in the first state, a set of user-interface features for first module  110  is operational, and a set of user-interface features for second module  120  is non-operational. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates electronic device  100  in a second state. In a second state, the orientation of the electronic device  100  is that second module  120  is upward facing, and first module  110  is downward facing. As such, second module  120 , and/or its set of user-interface features are active or operational. The first module  110 , and/or its set of user-interface features, is inactive or non-operational. 
     Several advantages are present when one of the modules is active and the other is inactive. Battery and processing resources of the electronic device  100  are conserved. Furthermore, the active module may be operated without affect from the inactive module. For example, in the first state, a user may grip electronic device  100  to use first module  110 . The grip may cause buttons or other features of second module  120  to be pressed. However, since the second module  120  is inactive, the inadvertent button presses on the second module  120  do not interfere with the active use of the first module  110 . 
     If the electronic device transitions from the first state ( FIG. 1A ) to the second state ( FIG. 1B ), or from the second state to the first state, the active module will switch from being active or operational to being inactive and inoperational. For example, going from the first state to the second state, first module  110  may go from an operational and active mode to a sleep mode. Second module  120  goes from a sleep mode to an operational and active mode. 
     Modules for Electronic Device 
       FIG. 2A  is a frontal view of a PDA module  210 , under an embodiment of the invention. The PDA module  210  may be used to operate personal management software, including electronic calendars and address books. The PDA module  210  may correspond to one of the first or second modules  110 ,  120 . Examples of devices having functionality that could be included in PDA module  210  include devices that operate PALM OS software, manufactured by PALM INC., or POCKET PC software manufactured by MICROSOFT INC. 
     A PDA housing segment  215  includes an exterior panel  212 . The PDA module may be activated when exterior panel  212  is detected to be in an upward position. For example, exterior panel  212  of PDA module  210  may be upward facing in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , when the electronic device  100  is in the first state. The first housing segment  215  contains internal components for operating the PDA module  210 . Under an example provided by  FIG. 2A , internal components of the PDA module  210  are described with  FIG. 8 . 
     The PDA module  210  provides a set of user-interface features on exterior panel  212 . The set of user-interface features include a display  222 , and a set of buttons  224 . Display  222  may be activated to provide digital user-interface features, such as graphical icons and buttons. The PDA module may also include a handwriting recognizer  228 . The handwriting recognizer  228  may be either virtual, so as to occur by activation of display  222 , or fixed as a separate component of display  222 . 
     Other components of PDA module  210  include a radio-frequency transmitter  232  or antenna for wireless communications. Other types of communication ports (not shown) include BlueTooth enabled ports, or infrared ports. 
     If the electronic device  100  is oriented so that PDA module  210  is selected, user-interface features of PDA module  210  are operational. Display  222  may display content. Contact with display  222  may cause input to be entered. The buttons  224  may be pressed to cause electronic device  100  to perform predefined actions. The digital buttons  226  and handwriting recognizer  228  may appear on display  222 , or otherwise be provided on front panel  212  to prompt the user for input. If the electronic device is oriented so that the PDA module  210  is not selected, then buttons  224  cannot be pressed to enter input. Contact with display  222  will also not enter input. Display  222  may not provide content. 
     In an embodiment, when PDA module  210  is not selected (i.e. oriented to be downward facing), then PDA module  210  is maintained in a low-power state, where incidental contact with user-interface features of the module does not cause input to be entered into the electronic device. The low-power state may also affect internal components of the electronic device used to operate the PDA module  210 . For example, a processor used by the PDA module may be switched to maintain minimal operations until an interrupt is received that corresponds to the electronic device changing orientation. 
       FIG. 2B  is a frontal view of a phone module  220 , for use as second module  120  ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ). The phone module  220  may be operated to make mobile phone calls, or establish wireless network communications for the electronic device. 
     A phone housing segment  225  includes an exterior panel  232 . The set of user-interface features for the phone module  220  include a display  240 , and a button set comprising a plurality of buttons  242 . The buttons  242  may form a number pad. The phone module  220  may be activated when the exterior panel  232  is detected to be in the upward position. 
     If the phone module  220  is not selected by the orientation of the electronic device  100 , the set of user-interface features for the phone module  220  are not operational. This may correspond to buttons  242  not being actuatable to enter input. Display  240  may also not display any content. In one embodiment, phone module  220  is maintained in a low power state when not selected. This may limit some or all internal functions of phone module  220 . For example, when phone module  220  is in the low-power state, a processor that operates phone module  220  may be operated at a low-power state where minimal operations are performed. 
     When the phone module  220  is selected, the user-interface features of the phone module are made operational. This may correspond to display  240  displaying content. The buttons  242  may be pressed to signal input to the processor, or to make the display  240  display information corresponding to the button press. 
     While  FIGS. 2A and 2B  discuss modules of electronic device  100  as being switched to a low-power state, other embodiments may provide that only select components of the module or deactivated. For example, if PDA module  210  is selected to be inactive by the orientation of the electronic device, then only display  222  and buttons  224  are made inactive. An internal processor or memory of the PDA module  210  may be maintained in an active state, and possibly shared with phone module  220 . Still further, the radio-frequency transmitter  232  may continue to receive wireless communications. 
     Selection Mechanism for Electronic Device 
     In one embodiment, the inactive module is placed in a low-power state, while the other module is made active. In another embodiment, only certain features of one module are made inactive, while features of the other module are maintained in an active state. 
       FIG. 3  is a simplistic block diagram of another embodiment of the invention. An electronic device  300  includes a sensor  310 , a selection mechanism  320 , a first module  330 , and a second module  340 . The sensor  310  detects the orientation of the electronic device  300 . The selection mechanism  320  selects one of the modules to be operational based on the orientation detected by sensor  310 . The module that is not selected may be switched into or maintained in a lower-power state. The selected module may be switched into or maintained in an active state. 
     If a change in the orientation of the electronic device  300  is detected, the newly selected module becomes active. The previously selected module  320  becomes inactive. 
     According to an embodiment, sensor  310  is a device that provides orientation information to the processor or other selection mechanism  320 . In one embodiment, sensor  310  may be an electromechanical device configured to determine the orientation of the electronic device  100  from physical properties, such as balance, weight, gravity, light and/or other environmental factors. In another embodiment, sensor  310  is a sensor that detects aspects about the user&#39;s contact. For example, sensor  310  may detect where the users fingers are so as to orient the electronic device  100  towards the user&#39;s body. In one embodiment, sensor  310  may detect gravitational forces so as to provide orientation information regarding which of the two modules is upward facing. For example, as shown with  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the orientation may be designated so that the upward facing module is the module selected to be operational. Specific examples of sensor  310  include a gyroscope or an accelerometer. 
     In an embodiment, selection mechanism  320  is a processor that receives orientation information from sensor  310 . The processor executes instructions to determine the orientation of the electronic device  300  based on the orientation information. The processor may also execute instructions to activate and/or deactivate one of the modules  330 ,  340  based on the orientation determined from the sensor&#39;s orientation information. In an embodiment such as shown by  FIG. 3 , the instructions executed by the processor would be to switch or maintain one of the modules into a low-power state while switching or maintaining the other module in the active state. 
       FIG. 4  is simplistic block diagram of an embodiment of the invention. An electronic device  400  includes a sensor  410 , a selection mechanism  420 , a first set of user-interface features  430  on a first panel, and a second set of user-interface features  440  on a second panel. The sensor  410  detects the orientation of the electronic device  400 . 
     According to embodiment such as shown with  FIG. 4 , selection mechanism  420  deactivates or otherwise incapacitates some or all of the user-interface features on one of the modules, while enabling or otherwise maintaining the user-interface features of the other modules as operational. The selection mechanism  420  elects which set of user-interface features to activate in response to the detected orientation. 
     In an embodiment, selection mechanism  420  selects one of the two sets of user-interface features based on orientation information received from sensor  410 . For example, if the module containing the first set of user-interface features  430  is detected to be upward facing, then the first set of user-interface features  430  are made to be active by the selection mechanism  420 . Concurrently, the second set of user-interface features  440  is selected to be inactive. 
     The modules providing each of the first and second sets of user-interface features  430  and  440  may share components or have internal components that are concurrently active regardless of the orientation of the electronic device. One set of user-interface features may be disabled because of the electronic device&#39;s orientation, but internal components of the electronic device  400  may be maintained operation in order to operate the active user-interface features. 
     An embodiment such as shown with  FIG. 4  makes it possible for electronic device  400  to share a component such as a processor amongst two modules. The selection of one module over the other module would inactivate buttons or other user-interface features on one module, but the processor would remain active regardless of the orientation of the electronic device. 
     In this way, a user may operate an electronic device without concern for making contact with the other set of user-interface features by accident. Furthermore, the electronic device  100  may share components more readily between modules. 
     For example, with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , PDA module  210  and phone module  220  may share components that include a processor, a memory, a battery, and an analog-digital converter. Shared components may be used to operate the active module or set of user-interface features. 
     Method for Selecting a Module Based on Device Orientation 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  describe embodiments where an electronic device is operated based on its detected orientation. Reference to numerals of other figures in this section is intended to illustrate exemplary components for practicing embodiments detailed in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Reference to numerals in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are made for illustrative purposes only. 
       FIG. 5  is a method for operating electronic device  100  ( FIG. 1 ) beginning from when the orientation of the device is irrelevant. This may correspond to the electronic device  100  being off, in sleep-mode, or other low-power state. This may also correspond to the electronic device being in a mode where it is operational, but not orientation dependent. 
     In step  510 , the electronic device  100  is switched to a state where the orientation is relevant. The electronic device  100  may be powered on, or switched from one operational mode into another operational mode that is orientation dependent. 
     Step  520  provides that the orientation of the electronic device  100  is detected. This may correspond to identifying which housing segments  115 ,  125  have exterior panels that are facing upward, and/or facing downward. 
     Step  530  provides that a selection is made for one of the two (or more) modules. The selection is dependent on the orientation detected for the electronic device  100 . For example,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate selections made based on which module  110 ,  120  is upward facing. 
     In step  540 , the selected module is sent an activation signal. In one embodiment, the selection may also (or in the alternative) be made by sending the non-selected module an inactivation signal. The activation signal may switch one of the two modules into an operational power state. The deactivation signal may cause one of the modules to be switched into or maintained in a low-power state. 
     In other embodiments, the activation or deactivation signals cause user-interface features of the selected or non-selected module  110 ,  120  to be activated or deactivated. For example, the non-selected module may be sent a deactivation signal that deactivates the user-interface features of that module. 
       FIG. 6  is a method for operating an electronic device in multiple orientations, under an embodiment of the invention. 
     In step  610 , an initial orientation of the electronic device  100  is detected. The initial orientation may correspond to immediately after the electronic device  100  is powered on, or alternately to when the electronic device is switched into an orientation dependent mode. For example, one of the modules may correspond to a handheld computer, such as a PALM type electronic organizer. Another of the modules may correspond to an accessory device for the handheld computer. The accessory device may be detachably coupled to the handheld computer. When the handheld computer is operated by itself, its orientation does not matter. It is only when the accessory device is coupled to the handheld computer that the combined devices can be used according to their detected orientation. In this example, the handheld computer enters a mode where its detected orientation matters after it is attached to the accessory device. 
     In step  620 , a selection is made for one of the modules based on the orientation that is initially detected. In the example of the handheld computer and the accessory device, the selection may be made based on whether the front panel of the handheld computer or the back panel of the accessory device is facing upwards. 
     Step  630  provides that an activation signal is sent to the selected module. Other embodiments may provide a deactivation signal that is sent to the non-selected module. The deactivation signal may be sent in conjunction with or as an alternative to the activation signal. In either case, one module is active, and the other module is inactive. 
     In step  640 , a determination is made as to whether a new orientation is detected for the electronic device  100 . 
     If in step  640  the determination is that the new orientation is detected, then steps  620  and  630  are repeated using the new detected orientation in stead of the previous orientation. 
     If in step  640  the determination is that no new orientation is detected, then step  650  provides that the inactivity of the non-selected module is maintained. No change to the non-selected module is made. In one embodiment, this step may correspond to the user-interface features of the non-elected module being maintained in a disabled state. In another embodiment, this step may correspond to the entire non-selected module being maintained inactive, or in a low-power state. 
     Step  660  provides that the selected module is maintained in an active state. This may correspond to the selected module being fully operational and active. 
     In step  670 , a determination is made as to whether the electronic device  100  is to be maintained in an orientation dependent mode. For example, the electronic device may be switched off. Alternatively, the electronic device may be switched into a mode where it can be operated without affects from its orientation. For example, where two modules are detachably coupled to one another, this may also correspond to one module being decoupled from the other module. 
     If the determination is that the mode for selecting the orientation is switched on, then the method is repeated, starting with step  640 . Else, the method is done in step  680 . 
     Housing Configuration for Pda and Accessory Device 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of a handheld computer and accessory device forming an electronic device, under an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment, handheld computer  705  (typically referred to as a “PDA”) is detachably coupled to an accessory device  710  to form an electronic device  700 . A sensor  720  device may be incorporated into the handheld computer  710  and/or accessory device in order to detect the orientation of the electronic device. A coupling mechanism  730  detachably couples the accessory device  710  to the handheld computer  705 . A front panel  702  of the handheld computer  705  and a back panel  712  of the accessory device  710  form the exterior panels of the combined devices. The coupling mechanism  730  may, for example, comprise a spring-loaded connector mechanism that can be biased to couple two devices together, and to release two devices from one another. 
     The term “detachably coupled” means one device can be connected to or detached from the other device using a coupling mechanism that can be operated by a user without need for a tool. For example, the user may press one or more buttons, or move a lever in order to detach one device from the other. Detachably connected does not mean use of fasteners that require tools, such as screws. 
     In one application, if handheld computer  705  is detected to be upward, then handheld computer  705  has active user-interface features (such as buttons and display) on exterior panel  702 . If the handheld computer  705  is detected to be downward facing, then accessory device  710  has active user-interface features on exterior panel  712 . In the latter orientation, handheld computer  705  (or its user-interface features) may be inactive. Likewise, when the accessory device is detected to be downward, the accessory device  710  or its set of user-interface features may be designated as inactive. 
     For example, one module may comprise a handheld computer, such as a PALM ORGANIZER manufactured by Palm, Inc. Another module may comprise an accessory device for that handheld computer. Examples of accessory devices for handheld computers include phone modules, modems, wireless receivers, and global positioning systems. 
     Examples of detachable coupling mechanisms for connecting handheld computers and accessory devices are provided in the following issued patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Other examples of detachable coupling mechanisms and arrangements between handheld computers and accessory devices are provided in the following patent applications, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Hardware Components 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware implementation for use with an embodiment where an electronic device that is formed by the combination of a handheld computer  800  and an accessory device  880 . The accessory device  880  may detachably couple to the handheld computer  800 , in a manner described with  FIG. 7 . 
     In an embodiment, handheld computer  800  includes a processor  810  connected to a first memory  815  (non-volatile) and to a second memory  820  (volatile). A display driver  830  connects to processor  810 . The display driver  830  and processor  810  combine to output content onto a display  840 . Display  840  may be contact-sensitive. An analog-digital converter  850  is connected to processor  810 . The analog-digital converter  850  may convert contact with display  840  into input. The analog-digital converter  850  may have multiple channels  852 , including one for interpreting contact with display  840 . A power source  855 , such as a battery, may provide power to all of the components of the handheld computer  800 . The power source  855  may also be used to power the accessory device  880 . A set of buttons  860  or other actuatable surfaces may operate off processor  810 . 
     The accessory device  880  may connect to processor  810  via expansion port  802 . In one embodiment, accessory device  880  has a set of user-interface features  885  that can be operated from an exterior panel of the accessory device. Examples of user-interface features include a set of buttons or actuatable surfaces, or a display. The accessory device  880  may also include logic  890  that incorporates some functionality. The logic  890  may perform specific tasks in combination with processor  810  or other components of handheld computer  800 . 
     An orientation sensor  845  may be located on handheld computer  800 . The orientation sensor  845  may be connected to processor  810 . The orientation sensor  845  detects the orientation of the handheld computer  800 , and signals orientation information to processor  810 . The processor  810  is configured to select either handheld computer  800  or accessory device  880  as being active. The active device will have full use of its component. The device not selected will have limited or no use of its component. 
     For example, if the orientation information causes processor  810  to select handheld computer  800  to be active, then all facilities of accessory device  880  may be switched off. If the orientation information causes processor  810  to select accessory device  880  to be active, then display  840  and/or the set of buttons  860  may be disabled. Other components of handheld computer  800  may be needed when handheld computer  800  is inactive, such as processor  810  or power source  850 . 
     As an alternative, the logic  890  may operate independently of components in handheld computer  800 . In one embodiment, logic  890  may be a combination of circuitry, processor and/or memory for performing accessorial functions in combination with handheld computer  800 . 
     For example, accessory device  880  may be a wireless communication device that uses internal components of handheld computer  800  to make wireless, radio-frequency communications. For some uses, the wireless communications provided by the accessory device  880  may utilize processor  810  or memory components  815  and  820 . The accessory device  880  may for example, be a mobile phone that uses components of handheld computer  800  to record verbal messages made on the accessory device  880 . 
     Alternate Embodiments 
     Many embodiments described herein detail electronic device  100  as having only two modules, where one module is selected to be active or have more active features. Other embodiments may provide more modules. Furthermore, more than one module may be made active or inactive. 
     While embodiments described with  FIGS. 3 and 4  describe a selection mechanism that also implements the selection, other embodiments may decouple the selection mechanism from the component that actually implements the selection. For example, in one embodiment, a processor may receive orientation information from the sensor, and based on the determined orientation, make a selection to activate the display of one of the two modules. A display driver may then activate a display on the selected module, and inactivate the display on the non-selected module. 
     Embodiments described with  FIG. 5  detail the electronic device as powering up so as to select one or the other of two modules. It is also possible for the electronic device to be operated in a mode where both modules are operational concurrently. The user at some point may elect to make the electronic device operate one module over the other based on the overall orientation of the electronic device. 
     Embodiments described with  FIG. 7  illustrate a handheld computer detachably coupled to an accessory device. Other embodiments may provide for one handheld computer having two sets of user-interface features or functionality. One set of-user-interface features may appear on one exterior panel of the handheld computer. Another set of user-interface features may appear on another exterior panel of the handheld computer. The sensor detects the orientation to select one set of user-interface features over another set of user-interface features. 
     While embodiments described herein contemplate a processor as a selection mechanism, other embodiments may use other types of components. For example, the selection mechanism may be a simple switch, such as on a multiplexer. Other embodiments provide for a display driver to be used as the selection mechanism. The actual selection of one of the modules to be active may be made by either an intelligent component, such as a processor, or by a device such as a switch that is activated by orientation information. 
     CONCLUSION 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.