Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0924915A1/en
Timestamp: 2019-07-23 23:23:33
Document Index: 315813753

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4']

EP0924915A1 - Wireless communication device and a method in manufacturing a wireless communication device - Google Patents
Wireless communication device and a method in manufacturing a wireless communication device Download PDF
EP0924915A1
EP0924915A1 EP98660128A EP98660128A EP0924915A1 EP 0924915 A1 EP0924915 A1 EP 0924915A1 EP 98660128 A EP98660128 A EP 98660128A EP 98660128 A EP98660128 A EP 98660128A EP 0924915 A1 EP0924915 A1 EP 0924915A1
EP98660128A
1998-11-27 Application filed by Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd filed Critical Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd
1999-06-23 Publication of EP0924915A1 publication Critical patent/EP0924915A1/en
The present invention relates to a wireless communication device (1) comprising a housing (2), a touch sensitive display (3) coupled to the housing (3), the display (3) comprising preferably a plurality of activation areas (3b―3d) for activating the functions of the wireless communication device (1) by pressing the activation areas (3b―3d), and a cover part (4) coupled to the housing (2) and arranged to move in relation to the touch sensitive display (3). The cover part (4) comprises at least one activation means (5), wherein in the closed position of the cover part (4), the activation means (5) is arranged to transmit the pressing of the activation means (5) to the activation area (3b―3d) located at the activation means (5) In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the activation means (5) is formed advantageously to correspond in size to the touch sensitive display (3), advantageously to a completely transparent and flexible foil-like activation means (5). Further, with the cover part (4) in the closed position, the activation means (5) is adapted at a selected distance from the touch sensitive display (3), and in relation to the touch sensitive display (3) preferably substantially parallel. The present invention also relates to a method in manufacturing a wireless communication device (1).
The present invention relates to a wireless communication device comprising a housing, a touch sensitive display coupled to the housing, the display comprising preferably a plurality of activation areas for activating the functions of the wireless communication device by pressing the activation areas, and a cover part coupled to the housing and arranged to move in relation to the touch sensitive display, said cover part comprising at least one activation means, wherein in the closed position of the cover part, the activation means is arranged to transmit the pressing of the activation means to the activation area located at the activation means. The present invention further relates to a method in manufacturing a wireless communication device, said wireless communication device comprising a housing, a touch sensitive display coupled to the housing, the display comprising preferably a plurality of activation areas for activating the functions of the wireless communication device by pressing the activation areas, and a cover part coupled to the housing and arranged to move in relation to the touch sensitive display, said cover part comprising at least one activation means, wherein in the closed position of the cover part, the activation means is arranged to transmit the pressing of the activation means to the activation area located at the activation means.
The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and, to a great extent, to make the use of a wireless communication device, such as a mobile phone, more effective and, at the same time, more simple. The invention is based on the idea that a plurality of separate keys in the cover part of a prior art wireless communication device correspond to an advantageously one, flexible, foil-like and transparent activation means arranged on the cover part of a wireless communication device of the present invention. Thus, the activation of the functions of the wireless communication device is performed with the cover part in the closed position by pressing the activation means at an appropriate point, advantageously located at the activation area. To be more precise, the wireless communication device according to the present invention is characterized in that the activation means is formed advantageously to correspond in size to the touch sensitive display, advantageously to a completely transparent and flexible foil-like activation means. In accordance with the invention, the method in manufacturing a wireless communication device is characterized in that the activation means is formed advantageously to correspond in size to the touch sensitive display, advantageously to a completely transparent and flexible foil-like activation means.
shows one advantageous embodiment of the invention seen from the front and with the cover part in the closed position,
shows one advantageous embodiment of the invention seen from the front and with the cover part in the opened position,
shows the cover part of one advantageous embodiment of the invention in perspective diagram, and
shows the cover part of one advantageous embodiment of the invention seen from the end.
Fig. 1 illustrates one advantageous embodiment of the invention seen from the front with the cover part in the closed position. Fig. 2 illustrates one advantageous embodiment of the invention seen from the front and with the cover part in the opened position. With reference made to Figs. 1 and 2, a wireless communication device 1 of the invention, referred to as a device 1, comprises a housing 2 and a touch sensitive display 3 coupled to the housing 2. The touch sensitive display 3 is e.g. an LCD display (Liquid Crystal Display), which recognizes also a very slight touch. The LCD display is provided e.g. with a touch sensitive foil or a corresponding technique known as such recognizing also the touch point. This touch sensitive display 3 comprises preferably a plurality of activation areas 3b―3d for activating the functions of the device 1 by touching the activation areas 3b―3d, and advantageously at least one display area 3a for showing variable data, such as a telephone number, short messages, the state of the accumulator of the device 1 and the intensity of the signal received by the device 1. The user activates functions usually by using a finger and a light pressing, but the pressing can also be performed by a pen-like object or the like, in case the identification technique used at the time allows. The points to be pressed, i.e. the activation areas 3b―3d for activating different functions of the device 1, can be shown on the display 3 of the device 1 by orthogons, circles or corresponding figures drawn by the control programme of the device 1, in connection with which figures also instructions, symbols of the function or other markings are written, if needed. The size and positioning of these activation areas 3b―3d and the display area 3a can vary. The device 1 further comprises a cover part 4 coupled to the housing 2 and arranged to be movable in relation to the touch sensitive display 3, which cover part 4 comprises at least one activation means 5. In the closed position of the cover part 4 the activation means 5 is arranged to transmit a pressing of the activation means 5, e.g. by a finger, to the activation area 3b―3d at the location of the activation means 5. The activation means 5 of the device 1 is formed advantageously to have the same size with the touch sensitive display 3, forming advantageously a thoroughly transparent and flexible foil-like activation means 5. The activation means 5 having the same extent as the display 3, it is possible to select activation areas 3b―3d located in any area of the display 3. The activation means 5 being thoroughly transparent it is also possible to read data on the whole display 3 area. The activation means 5 is manufactured advantageously of plastic material, such as polycarbonate (PC plastic), wherein the thickness of the foil-like activation means 5 is advantageously between 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm. It is obvious that the thickness can vary according to its place e.g. in case e.g. bossages or pimples are formed, on a surface 5c on the side of the display 3 of the activation means 5 for making the contact between the activation means 5 and the display 3 more efficient. By increasing the thickness of the foil-like activation means 5 it is possible to increase the rigidity of the activation means 5. The rigidity has to be chosen to be appropriate for the pressing for activating the functions of the device 1 to exert to the right activation area 3b―3d and to avoid the need for excessive pressing force. The extent of the foil-like activation means 5 has a substantial effect on its operation. Also the design of the activation means 5, e.g. a convex form of surface can have an effect on its rigidity. Preferably the activation means 5 is planar, i.e., substantially parallel with the planar display 3. By selecting an appropriate rigidity, the activation means 5 prevents unintentional, usually light pressings from activating functions.
In the closed position of the cover part 4 of the device 1 the activation means is adapted to a selected distance from the touch sensitive display 3 and preferably to be substantially parallel with it. Thus, the activation means 5 is in this rest position adapted in its entirety advantageously to about a distance of 1 mm from the normally planar display 3. However, it is obvious that the distance can, according to its place, vary from this measure, e.g. due to changes in dimension or wearing of the curved forms of the cover part 4 or parts leaning to the housing 2 of the cover part 4. Thus, in the area of the activation means 5, at different parts thereof, a different scope of flexible movement of the activation means 5 is required, for it to form a contact when pressing one of the activation areas 3b―3d on the display 3.
Further, with reference made to Figs. 1 and 2, with the cover part 4 of the device 1 in the closed position, at the activation means 5 preferably a plurality of activation areas 3b―3d are positioned. In connection with the above-mentioned prior-art solution each activation means, i.e. key is corresponded by one activation area and one function, e.g. a number key. In the closed position of the cover part 4 of the device 1 in accordance with the present invention the activation means 5 is arranged to transmit the pressing of the activation means 5 to an activation area 3b―3d located at the activation means 5 by means of a movement directed towards the touch sensitive display of the pressing point 5a of the activation means and a contact formed between the activation means 5 and the activation area 3b―3d. By pressing e.g. by a finger the foil-like activation means 5 on the pressing point 5a of its upper surface 5b towards the display 3, the foil-like activation means 5 bends elastically and moves substantially in a perpendicular manner towards the display 3, until its lower surface 5c, i.e. the surface 5c on the side of the display 3 forms a contact with a chosen activation area 3b―3d of the display 3. By lifting the finger off the activation means 5, the activation means is advantageously returned due to its rigidity back to its rest position, wherein contact is no longer formed. The contact is advantageously maintained during the time the activation means 5 is pressed towards the display 3. Pressings are possible, preferably on the area of the entire foil-like activation means 5, e.g. exactly at the point 5a. In the rest position the activation means 5 is planar and when pressing the activation means 5 on its upper surface 5b is formed, seen from the pressing direction, a pit-formed area, the extent of which is based on the rigidity of the flexible activation means 5. On the lower surface 5c of the activation means 5, in a corresponding manner, on a pressing point 5a thereof a peak is formed, said peak forming a contact with the touch sensitive display 3 and thus transmitting the press to the activation area 3b―3d. The contact area between the peak that is formed and one activation area 3b―3d is advantageously smaller than the size of said activation area 3b―3d. In this manner the contact point can be exhibited on an exact basis.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective image of a cover part of one advantageous embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 shows a cover part of one advantageous embodiment of the invention seen from the end. With reference made to Figs. 3 and 4, the cover part 4 comprises a peripheral and substantially oblong frame 4a, wherein the activation means 5 is arranged to close an aperture formed in the frame 4a. With reference made to Fig. 4, the location of the activation means 5 is illustrated by using broken lines, wherein the activation means 5 is connected to the upper surface 4b of the frame 4a. The cover part 4 and the foil-like activation means 5 are manufactured e.g. by injection molding by using IMD technique (In-Mold Decoration) known as such.
The manufacture takes place e.g. according to the following example. An IMD foil formed by a foil-like activation means 5 is connected advantageously to a support foil supplied from a roll, this support foil being supplied through an injection molding form. When the injection molding form is closed the support foil and the IMD foil are locked at their place in the cavity of the injection molding form, wherein also manufacturing material for the frame 4a is supplied, preferably PC plastic or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic). Due to heat effect the IMD foil is connected to the frame 4a and they together form a cover part 4 provided with activation means 5 formed of IMD foil. Subsequent to the injection molding, the injection molding form is opened and the manufactured cover part 4 is separated from a support band. On the IMD foil also text and figures can be printed, these passing over also to the finished cover part 4, either at the point of the frame 4a or the activation means 5. In addition, it is obvious that the foil-like activation means 5 can at least partially be coloured, darkened or covered with non-transparent colour areas, such as orthogons, texts or other figures. Thus, these figures are preferably placed inside an IMD foil between different layers or on the surface that corresponds to the lower surface 5c of the activation means 5. Due to this, the markings wear less than in prior art devices. According to another example, the cover part 4 and the foil-like activation means 5 are manufactured in accordance with a method known as such by using back moulding technique. E.g. on the verso or the face of a foil sheet manufactured of PC plastic, printing ink is printed, whereafter the foil sheet is pre-molded to have its final form, e.g. by a male mold by using heat and atmospheric pressure. Extra material is cut off from the molded foil sheet and the thin foil part having the form of the final piece is brought to the injection molding form where, on the wished points of its verso, ABS or PC plastic is injection molded. The injection molded plastic gives the piece that is formed its final rigidity.
It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the example described above, but it can be modified within the accompanying claims. Thus, the wireless communication device 1 of the invention can also comprise a separate display, which is not a touch sensitive display and which is used for showing data mentioned in connection with above-mentioned display area 3a of the touch sensitive display 3. This separate display can also be located in a place which is not protected by a cover. It is also obvious that the wireless communication device according to the invention can comprise a plurality of cover parts, at least one of which being in accordance with the cover part 4 described above. Additionally, it is obvious that the cover part 4 can comprise a plurality of separate foil-like activation means 5.
A wireless communication device (1) comprising:
a touch sensitive display (3) coupled to the housing (2), the display (3) comprising preferably a plurality of activation areas (3b―3d) for activating the functions of the wireless communication device (1) by pressing the activation areas (3b―3d), and
a cover part (4) coupled to the housing (2) and arranged to move in relation to the touch sensitive display (3), said cover part comprising at least one activation means (5), wherein in the closed position of the cover part (4), the activation means (5) is arranged to transmit the pressing of the activation means (5) to the activation area (3b―3d) located at the activation means (5), characterized in that the activation means (5) is formed advantageously to correspond in size to the touch sensitive display (3), advantageously to a completely transparent and flexible foil-like activation means (5).
A wireless communication device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that with the cover part (4) in the closed position, the activation means (5) is at a selected distance from the touch sensitive display (3), and in relation to the touch sensitive display (3) preferably substantially parallel.
A wireless communication device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that with the cover part (4) in the closed position, at the location of the activation means (5) is placed preferably a plurality of activation areas (3b―3d).
A wireless communication device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that with the cover part (4) in the closed position, the activation means (5) is arranged to transmit the pressing of the activation means (5) to an activation area (3b―3d) at the location of the activation means (5) by means of a movement of a pressing point (5a) of the activation means (5) directed towards the touch sensitive display (3) of the activation means (5) and a contact formed between the activation means (5) and the activation area (3b―3d).
A wireless communication device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover part (4) comprises a peripheral and substantially oblong frame (4a), wherein the activation means (5) is arranged to close an aperture formed in the frame (4a).
A method in manufacturing a wireless communication device (1), said wireless communication device (1) comprising:
a cover part (4) coupled to the housing (2) and arranged to move in relation to the touch sensitive display (3), said cover part (4) comprising at least one activation means (5), wherein in the closed position of the cover part (4), the activation means (5) is arranged to transmit the pressing of the activation means (5) to the activation area (3b―3d) located at the activation means, characterized in that the activation means (5) is formed advantageously to correspond in size to the touch sensitive display (3), advantageously to a completely transparent and flexible foil-like activation means (5).
A method according to claim 6, characterized in that with the cover part (4) in the closed position, the activation means (5) is adapted at a selected distance from the touch sensitive display (3), and in relation to the touch sensitive display (3) preferably substantially parallel.
A method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that with the cover part (4) in the closed position, at the location of the activation means (5) is placed preferably a plurality of activation areas (3b―3d).
A method according to any of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that with the cover part (4) in the closed position, the activation means (5) is arranged to transmit the pressing of the activation means (5) to an activation area (3b―3d) at the location of the activation means (5) by means of a movement of a pressing point (5a) of the activation means (5) directed towards the touch sensitive display (3) of the activation means (5) and a contact formed between the activation means (5) and the activation area (3b―3d).
A method according to any of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the cover part (4) comprises a peripheral and substantially oblong frame (4a), wherein the activation means (5) is arranged to close the aperture formed in the frame (4a).
EP98660128A 1997-11-27 1998-11-27 Wireless communication device and a method in manufacturing a wireless communication device Withdrawn EP0924915A1 (en)
EP0924915A1 true EP0924915A1 (en) 1999-06-23
EP98660128A Withdrawn EP0924915A1 (en) 1997-11-27 1998-11-27 Wireless communication device and a method in manufacturing a wireless communication device
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FI104928B (en) 2000-04-28