Patent Abstract:
A handheld computer is provided that includes a first module combined with one or more modules. The first module includes a housing having one or more coupling surfaces, with each coupling surface including a coupling mechanism. A second module is coupleable to the first module. The second module includes a third coupling surface having a second coupling mechanism for mating with the first coupling mechanism. The third coupling surface is positioned on the second module so as to abut at least partially against the second coupling surface when the first coupling mechanism is mated with the second coupling mechanism.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/159,518, filed May 31, 2002, and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to handheld devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a multi-functional handheld device having moveable segments. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Handheld devices are used for a variety of applications. Such devices include, for example, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, digital audio playback devices, and digital cameras. In general, small sizes are desired for handheld devices to enhance mobility. 
         [0004]    With the advancement of technology, the functionality that can be provided by handheld devices has increased dramatically. For example, PDA&#39;s may be equipped with MP3 players, or outfitted with external cards that can be used to enable image capturing. 
         [0005]    Even with the functional enhancements to such devices, size is a primary consideration. Often, the size of the handheld device is limited by the various hardware components that are used to operate the various functional features of the handheld device. For example, keyboards on PDAs must at least accommodate a user&#39;s fingers, so some portion of the available exterior surface on the handheld device must be of a minimum size to enable a keyboard that is usable. Several mechanisms have been developed to minimize the overall size of the handheld device while promoting additional functionality from the handheld device. 
         [0006]    Sometimes the functionality from two different devices is combined into one unit. But combining devices such as handheld computers with other devices generally leads to a device that is larger than a device having the functionality of only one device. Usually, this is because each type of device has a particular set of hardware features that are exposed on the device. The physical presence of hardware features for each type of device cannot be eliminated when two or more different types of devices are combined. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the invention provide for a handheld device having different functional components distributed on a moveable or folding housing that reduces the overall size of the handheld device. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, a handheld device includes a housing having two or more segments and a plurality of exterior surfaces. The segments of the housing are moveably coupled to one another. A processor is configured to execute a plurality of applications, including a first application associated with a first set of hardware devices, and a second application associated with a second set of hardware devices. The handheld computer is configured to be held by a user so as to orient one of the plurality of exterior surfaces towards a user. The first segment and the second segment can be positioned so that a first exterior surface in the plurality of exterior surfaces can be oriented towards the user so as to favor the use of the first set of hardware devices in conjunction with execution of the first application. The second exterior surface in the plurality of exterior surfaces can be oriented towards the user so as to favor the use of the second set of hardware devices in conjunction with execution of the second application. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    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. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a frontal view of a handheld device  100  having a housing  105  in a fully extended position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a frontal view of a handheld device in a first contracted position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a frontal view of a handheld device in a second contracted position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a handheld device in one of two possible contracted positions. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate one of the first or second segment pivoting about the other of the first or second segment, under an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a handheld device, under another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a handheld device illustrating components on another exterior surface, under another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a handheld device in a contracted position, under another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a method for operating a multi-functional handheld device, under an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram of an handheld device for use with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    Embodiments of the invention describe a multi-functional handheld device with moveable segments. 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. 
         [0021]    A. Overview 
         [0022]    A multi-functional device is provided that can be rotated, or manipulated in its configuration, in order to favor the use of the handheld device for a particular function. In one embodiment, the handheld device combines the functionality of a PDA type device, with the functionality of other digital handheld devices. In addition to use of the handheld device as a PDA, specific examples of functions that can be integrated into the handheld device include one or more of the following functionalities: audio playback device, audio recorder, wireless voice and/or data communication device, digital camera, video recorder, and global positioning system. 
         [0023]    According to an embodiment of the invention, a multi-functional handheld device is provided having a housing separated into a first segment and a second segment. The first segment and the second segment combine to provide the handheld device a plurality of exterior faces. The exterior faces extend substantially a length of one of the first segment or the second segment. A first set of features is provided on the a first exterior face. The first set of features are operable to cause the handheld device to input or output audio. A second set of features are provided on a second one of the exterior faces. The second set of features include at least a display. At least some of the features in the second set of features are operable to select content four output on the display. A third set of features are provided on a third one of the exterior faces. The third set of features are operable to cause the handheld device to capture an image. 
         [0024]    According to embodiments of the invention, housing segments may be connected to one another so that one segment can pivot, rotate, or slide with respect to the other segment. 
         [0025]    Other embodiments may provide different sets of features for functionalities other than playing back audio, selecting display content, and capturing images. For example, features for recording audio, enabling wireless communications (voice or data), and alternate input mechanisms (keyboard, handwriting recognition) may be provided on different exterior surfaces provided by the housing segments. Other examples are provided elsewhere in this application. 
         [0026]    An external face of one of the housing segments is an external region of the handheld device that extends primarily in one direction. The faces may be substantially flat, or slightly arched. The face may correspond to the exterior surface of a panel or other housing component used to form the individual segments. 
         [0027]    A “feature” is any logical component, including hardware, software and firmware, for causing the handheld device to perform functions or operations. 
         [0028]    As used herein, the term “substantially” means 90% or more of a referenced quantity. 
         [0029]    According to another embodiment, a handheld device includes a first housing segment, and a second housing segment moveably connected to the first housing segment. The first housing segment and the second housing segment combine to provide a plurality of exterior surfaces. A plurality of hardware devices are disposed on the exterior surfaces. A processor of the handheld device is configured to execute a plurality of applications, including at least a first application that is associated or designated for use with the first set of hardware devices, and a second application that is associated or designated for use with the second set of hardware devices. The handheld device is configured so as to be held by a user so as to orient one of the plurality of exterior surfaces towards the user. The first housing segment and the second housing segment can be positioned relative to one another so that a first exterior surface can be oriented towards the user so as to favor the use of the first set of hardware devices in conjunction with execution of the first application, and so that a second exterior surface can be oriented towards the user so as to favor the use of the second set of hardware devices in conjunction with execution of the second application. 
         [0030]    Use of the term “favor” is intended to mean that the location and/or orientation of an identified component of the handheld computer makes that component easier to use under normal conditions than another component not similarly situated, assuming that the handheld device is being operated in an ordinary fashion. 
         [0031]    Examples of specific types of applications that can be associated with hardware devices of the handheld device include audio playback applications, audio recording applications, camera applications (such as applications for capturing still images or for video recording), GPS applications, and wireless communication applications. Wireless communication applications may include applications for voice communications, as well as applications for receiving or sending data over wireless networks, such as through BlueTooth or other radio-frequency mediums. 
         [0032]    Several advantages are provided by embodiments of the invention. Among the advantages, a handheld device is provided that is capable of performing various functions, each of which require surface area on the handheld device. The handheld device provides the surface area for such input and output devices, but maintains a relatively small overall dimension for the handheld device. 
         [0033]    B. Configurations for Handheld Computer with Moveable Segments 
         [0034]      FIG. 1-4  illustrate different views of a multi-functional handheld device with moveable housing segments, under an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment described, a handheld device  100  includes features for operating the device as a PDA, a music playback device, and a digital camera. Features for operating handheld device  100  as one of these three types of devices are provided on different exterior surfaces of the handheld device. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a frontal view of a handheld device  100  having a housing  105  in a fully extended position. The first segment  110  and second segment  120  are pivotably coupled to one another so that the first segment  110  can be moved between contracted and extended positions. Moving the first segment  110  and second segment  120  facilitates use of different features or hardware components for performing specific functions. In an embodiment such as shown by  FIG. 1 , an extended state corresponds to second segment  120  being pivoted about first segment  110  so that first segment  110  and second segment  120  are about coplanar. 
         [0036]    According to one embodiment, first segment  110  includes a first exterior surface  132 , a top end  114  and a bottom end  116 , and a pair of lateral sides  115 . A length l 1  extends between top end  114  and bottom end  116  of first segment  110 . A width w 1  extends between lateral sides  115  of first segment  110 . A first set of hardware devices are disposed so as to be accessible on the first exterior surface  132 . 
         [0037]    The second segment  120  includes a second exterior surface  134 , a top end  124 , and a bottom end  126 . A length l 2  extends between top end  124  and bottom end  126  of second segment  120 . A width w 2  extends between lateral sides  125  of first segment  120 . 
         [0038]    The bottom end  126  of the second segment  120  is pivotably connected to the top end  114  of first segment  110 . A frontal view of first segment  110  and second segment  120  shows that the first exterior surface  132  and second exterior surface may be aligned, or otherwise viewable to a user at the same time. When handheld device  100  is in the extended position, the overall length of the handheld device may range somewhere between l 1  and l 1 +l 2 . For example, handheld device  100  may be fully extendable so that the overall length of the device is l 1 +l 2 . 
         [0039]    In an embodiment, the first set of hardware devices are used to operate handheld device  100  as a PDA. The first set of hardware devices may include a touch-sensitive display  118 , and an alphanumeric input area  119 . The alphanumeric input area  119  may be used to enter input, and to select content that is displayed on display  118 . The display  118  may be contacted to select content appearing on it, and to enter input. 
         [0040]    In the example shown, alphanumeric input area  119  is a handwriting recognition area, such as provided by GRAFFITI in the PALM OS (manufactured by PALM INC.). Other types of alphanumeric input areas include keyboards. Actuation keys (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) be may used to launch applications, and to select input or content appearing on display  118 . Examples of applications that may be launched or otherwise operated by a PDA type device include personal information management (PIM) applications, including calendar applications for maintaining appointments, address book applications for maintaining contact information, to-do applications to maintain lists, and memo applications to allow entries of memos. Other applications that may be used by a PDA type device include word processing applications, graphic applications for jotting illustrations, and spreadsheets. A PDA type device is any device that operates such applications, or that is able to receive alphanumeric input. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, the second set of hardware devices may be used to operate handheld device  100  as a digital camera, or other device that captures images. Accordingly, the second set of hardware devices may include a lens  135  for using handheld device  100  as a digital camera. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, first segment  110  and second segment  120  may be pivotably connected to one another by a first hinge element  144  and a second hinge element  146 . The first and second hinge elements  144 ,  146  may extend from the top end  114  of first segment  110  and bottom end  126  of second segment  120 . The hinge elements  144 ,  146  may carry electrical connectivity between first segment  110  and second segment  120 . The hinge elements  144  and  146  enable first segment  110  and second segment  120  to pivot relative to one another between the fully-extended position and one or more contracted positions. 
         [0043]    As will be described, other exterior surfaces of handheld device  100  may carry features or hardware devices for operating other functions of the handheld device. For example, an exterior surface opposing second exterior surface  134  on second segment  120  may carry hardware components for enabling the handheld device  100  to playback audio files. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  is a frontal view of handheld device  100  in a first contracted position. In the example shown, the first contracted position corresponds to second segment  120  being pivoted so that second exterior surface  134  is outwardly oriented to overlay first exterior surface  132 . In this configuration, the lens  135  is directed in a first direction of intersecting axis Z. The display  118  may be directed in the opposite direction of axis Z (extending orthogonally with respect to the paper). 
         [0045]    In the first contracted position, the overall length of handheld device  100  is reduced to the longer length of the two segments. In the example provided, the two segments are shown to be of equal length, thus the length of the contracted position may be assumed to be l 1  or l 2 . The second exterior surface  134  extends all of, or at least a substantial length of, second segment  120 . The overall width of the device is also the longer of the width of the two segments, which for simplicity is shown to be the same. 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  is a frontal view of handheld device  100  in a second contracted position. In the second contracted position, second segment  120  may be flipped nearly  180  degrees with respect to first segment  110 . In this configuration, a third exterior surface  136  is outwardly oriented to be adjacent to first exterior surface  132 . However, in the second contracted position, third exterior surface  136  and first exterior surface  132  are oriented in the same direction of axis Z (extending orthanormally with respect to the paper). 
         [0047]    A third set of hardware components may be provided on third exterior surface  136 . In an embodiment, the third set of hardware components may be for enabling a user to control playback of audio, recorded in a digital format. Thus, the third set of hardware components may correspond to mechanical and software user-interface features for signaling handheld device  100  to playback audio, volume control, menu and record selection, as well as numerous other examples. In the example provided by  FIG. 3 , mechanical buttons  152  may be disposed on third exterior surface  136  along with a display  158  that indicates a status of the media playback. An audio jack (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) may also be disposed on third exterior surface  136 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a side view handheld device  100  in one of two possible contracted positions, under an embodiment of the invention. In either contracted position, one of the exterior surfaces of first segment  110  is adjacent to one of the exterior surfaces of second segment  120 . For example, second exterior surface  134  may be adjacent to first exterior surface  132 . The term adjacent in this context means that two proximate exterior surfaces are in contact, or close to it, so that the two exterior surfaces are about parallel. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  illustrates a hinge  145  that pivotably connects the first segment  110  to second segment  120 . The hinge  145  may be formed by hinge members  144 ,  146  extending along one lateral side between the top  114  of first segment  110  and the bottom end  126  of second segment  120  (see  FIG. 1 ). The hinge  145  allows for the first segment  110  and second segment  120  to be moveably connected so as to allow a pivoting or rotating motion of one of the segments about the other segment. 
         [0050]    With embodiments described by  FIGS. 1-4 , some or all of the hardware components and features described on each of the exterior surfaces  132 ,  134 ,  136  may be located on other surfaces. For example, side panels or external surfaces between second and third exterior surface  134  and  136  may be used to carry an audio jack. 
         [0051]    C. Movement of Segments 
         [0052]      FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate one of the first or second segments  110 ,  120  pivoting about the other of the segments, under an embodiment of the invention. For purpose of description, first segment  110  is assumed to be on the bottom, and second segment  120  is assumed to be on top and rotating about first segment  110 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 5A  is a side view illustrating the first contracted position for handheld device  100 . In the first contracted position, third exterior surface  136  is oriented towards a first direction of axis Z, and a fourth exterior surface  138  is oriented towards a second direction of axis Z. In  FIG. 5A , handheld device  100  is oriented so that user, indicated by reference point A, favors use of third exterior surface  136 . The hardware components and features of third exterior surface  136  may be favored because the third exterior surface  136  is oriented towards the user at reference point A, and also because the third exterior surface is proximate to reference point A. 
         [0054]    In the example shown for the first contracted position, first exterior surface  132  and the second exterior surface  134  are positioned adjacent to one another. In the implementation shown, fourth exterior surface  138  may include openings or attachment mechanisms for enabling the mechanical attachment of an external device to handheld device  100 . Alternatively, fourth exterior surface  138  may include another set of hardware devices, which may be used for other functions of handheld device  100 . 
         [0055]    In one embodiment, the configuration shown in  FIG. 5A  may correspond to handheld device  100  being used as a music playback device. The hardware components of the media playback device are provided on the third surface  136 . The other components of handheld device  100  are folded onto one another so as to not interfere with the user&#39;s operation of the media playback device. 
         [0056]      FIG. 5B  is a side view illustrating a partially extended position for handheld device  100 . The second segment  120  may be pivoted about first segment  110  so as to separate first exterior surface  132  and second exterior surface  134 . In this position, hardware components and features of both first exterior surface  132  and second exterior surface are accessible to the user in the direction of reference point A. The hardware components and features of third exterior surface  136  are not readily accessible to the user from reference point A. 
         [0057]    A configuration such as shown by  FIG. 5B  may favor use of handheld device  100  as either a PDA type device or an image capturing device. For example, a wireless video conferencing application may be provided for the handheld device  100  as the configuration for the device may include hardware for capturing an image on second exterior surface  134 , and hardware for displaying an image on first exterior surface  132 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 5C  is a side view illustrating a partially contracted position for handheld device  100 . In this position, first exterior surface  132  is primarily accessible to the user at reference point A. The third exterior surface  136  is the least accessible. 
         [0059]      FIG. 5D  is a side view illustrating a second contracted position for handheld device  100 . In this position, first exterior surface  132  is favored because it is oriented towards reference point A, along axis Z. Second exterior surface  134  is oriented substantially in the opposite direction along the axis Z. The third and fourth exterior surfaces  136  and  138  are interior and adjacent to one another. 
         [0060]    This configuration may correspond to a tri-pod position for handheld device  100 . In the tri-pod position, the first exterior surface  132  and second exterior surface  134  are available. The first segment  110  and second segment  120  can support the handheld device  100  in an upright position. This may have particular use for image capturing functionality, where second exterior surface  134  provides lens  135 . 
         [0061]    D. Alternative Construction 
         [0062]      FIGS. 6-8  illustrate alternative constructions for a handheld device. In addition, a handheld device such as shown by  FIGS. 6-8  may include components and features for different functions. 
         [0063]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a handheld device  200  in an extended position. A first segment  210  is pivotably connected to a second segment  220  by a hinge body  250 . A top end  214  of first segment  210  is connected to hinge body  250  to enable the first segment to pivot about the hinge body. A bottom end  225  of second segment  220  is connected to hinge body  250  to enable the second segment to pivot about the hinge body. A flex circuit  255  (not shown) extends electrical connectivity between components of first segment  210  and components of second segment  220 . 
         [0064]    According to an embodiment such as shown by  FIG. 6 , a first exterior surface on first segment  210  includes a screen  205 . A second exterior surface  234  on second segment  220  includes a lens  235 , to be used with image capturing logic internal to handheld device  200 . The screen  205  may output images captured using lens  235  and the internal image capturing logic. For example, lens  235  and screen  205  may be positioned so that a user at reference point B can use handheld device  200  for mobile video conferencing. 
         [0065]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a third exterior surface  236  on the second segment  220  of handheld device  200 . The third exterior surface  236  may include hardware components and features for audio playback of digitally recorded sounds, such files recorded in the MP3 format. The components on third exterior surface  236  include buttons  244  and a screen  246  to indicate a playback status. An audio jack  237  may be incorporated into one of the surfaces extending between the second and third exterior surfaces  234  and  236 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 8  is a side isometric view of handheld device  200  in another contracted position with lens  235  facing outward on exterior surface  234 . The screen  205  on first exterior surface  232  may face the other direction. 
         [0067]    Several other mechanisms may be used to enable a housing construction where moveably connected housing segments are used to provide exterior surfaces where components and surface features may be disposed. For example, U.S. application ser. No. 09/932,213, entitled HANDHELD COMPUTER HAVING MOVEABLE SEGMENTS THAT CAN BE ADJUSTED TO AFFECT A SIZE OF THE HANDHELD COMPUTER, filed Aug. 17, 2001, and naming William Webb et al. as inventors, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, illustrates another way in which a handheld computer may be constructed to have moveable housing segments. Another exemplary housing construction having moveable segments for use with embodiments of the invention is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/006,537, entitled INTEGRATED HANDHELD DATA PROCESSING DEVICE HAVING A SLIDING FORM FACTOR, filed Nov. 30, 2001, and naming Huy Nguyen and Lawrence Lam as inventors, the aforementioned patent application being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0068]    E. Method for Operating Handheld Device 
         [0069]      FIG. 9  is a method for operating a multi-functional handheld device, under an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment, one or more applications may be launched on a handheld device in response to a processor of the handheld device detecting a relative position of the first segment  110  ( FIG. 1 ) and second segment  120  ( FIG. 1 ). Reference to numerals in other figures is intended to show exemplary components for practicing an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0070]    In step  310 , a relative position of first segment  110  and second segment  120  is detected. A sensor or other similar device that can obtain relative position information between first segment  110  and second segment  120 . As an alternative, changes in the relative position of the first segment  110  and second segment  120  may detected, rather than the actual positions of the two segments. 
         [0071]    In step  320 , an application previously associated with the detected relative position of the first segment  110  and second segment  120  is identified. The application may, for example, be one for operating handheld device  100  as a music playback device, as a digital camera, or as a video conferencing device. 
         [0072]    In step  330 , the identified application is executed automatically. Thus, for example, when the relative position of first segment  110  and second segment  120  corresponds to that shown in  FIG. 5A , an audio playback application may be executed by the processor of handheld device  100 . As another example, when the relative position of first segment  110  and second segment  120  corresponds to that shown in  FIG. 5B , a video conferencing application may be executed by the processor of handheld device  100 . 
         [0073]    F. Hardware Diagram 
         [0074]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a handheld device  400  for use with an embodiment of the invention. The handheld device  400  may be separated into a first portion  410  and a second portion  440 , corresponding to first segment  110  and second segment  120  in  FIGS. 1-4 . Each portion may be electrically connected through a connector, such as a flex circuit  450 . 
         [0075]    In an embodiment, handheld computer includes a processor  440  coupled to a first memory  444  (non-volatile) and a second memory  446  (volatile). The processor  440  is coupled to a display driver  422 . The processor  440  combines with display driver  422  to process and signal data for presentation on a display assembly  420 . The display assembly  420  includes screen and digitizer. A set of buttons  425  or other actuation mechanisms may be connected to signal interrupts or other actuation signals to processor  440 . 
         [0076]    An analog-digital (AD) converter  432  is coupled to processor  440 . One or more channels from A/D converter  432  maybe used to convert analog input provided by the digitizer, or by another analog input mechanism. 
         [0077]    The processor  440  may be electrically connected to one or more set of components on second portion  420  via flex connector  450 . In an example shown, a set of camera components  460  and a set of playback components  470  may be connected to processor  440 . The set of camera components  460  may include, for example, a lens, light-detecting sensors, and circuitry to send signals corresponding light being detected. The set of playback components  470  may include, for example, speakers. 
         [0078]    The hardware devices designed to appear on the surface of handheld device  400  may be provided on separate external surfaces formed by the different housing segments of the handheld device  100 . For example, in one embodiment, a lens from the set of camera components  460  may be provided on one exterior surface; buttons, speakers and other user-interface features from the media playback component  470  may be provided on another exterior surface; and the display  420  and buttons  425  may be provided on still another exterior surface. 
         [0079]    G. Conclusion 
         [0080]    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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6