Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
   Handheld devices, such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, media players, and other devices are becoming increasingly integrated and multi-functioned. The ubiquitous cellular telephone can have integrated calendar, email, and audio or video playback features. 
   Many such devices have movable parts, such as a hinge or slide. Moving components have many constraints placed on them, including high life cycle requirements and durability requirements, all the while maintaining electrical and mechanical connections. 
   SUMMARY 
   A device has a moving display that alternatively hides two keyboards. As the display is moved to expose one keyboard, the device may take on different functionality than when the other keyboard is exposed. The sliding mechanism has a back plate with two guides, onto which are mounted the two keyboards. A sliding plate engages has at least two legs that engage the guides. Electrical signals are passed from components attached to the sliding plate to components attached to the back plate through signals routed along one of the sliding plate legs. A loop of cable is able to roll beneath the keyboard when the sliding plate is moved from one position to another. A spring may also be used between the sliding plate and back plate to hold the sliding plate at either extreme of its travel. 
   This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings, 
       FIG. 1  is a pictorial illustration of an embodiment showing several views of a bi-modal device. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment showing a mechanical frame for a bi-modal device. 
       FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment showing a device with a display that moves above a keyboard. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment showing a partial view of a tab area used to provide electrical connection between a moving portion and a fixed portion of a bi-modal device. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment showing a rolling action of a flex circuit. 
       FIG. 6  is a top view illustration of an embodiment showing a spring mechanism for holding a bi-modal device in one of two positions. 
       FIG. 7  is a functional illustration of an embodiment showing a bi-modal device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A multi-modal device, such as a combined cellular telephone and media player, can be switched from one mode to another by sliding a display from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the keyboard for one mode is exposed, such as the cellular telephone mode. In the second position, the keyboard for the other mode is exposed while the first keyboard is hidden. 
   The sliding action may be accomplished by having a sliding plate connected to a back plate. The sliding plate may mechanically connect to the back plate on two arms, and a flexible electrical connection may connect electrical components on the sliding plate to those on the back plate. A spring may also be used to apply retention force in either position. An electronic sensor, such as a mechanical switch, may be used to detect the position of the sliding plate with respect to the back plate and enable the device to enter an appropriate operating mode. 
   Specific embodiments of the subject matter are used to illustrate specific inventive aspects. The embodiments are by way of example only, and are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. The appended claims are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 
   Throughout this specification, like reference numbers signify the same elements throughout the description of the figures. 
   When elements are referred to as being “connected” or “coupled,” the elements can be directly connected or coupled together or one or more intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when elements are referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled,” there are no intervening elements present. 
   The subject matter may be embodied as devices, systems, methods, and/or computer program products. Accordingly, some or all of the subject matter may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, state machines, gate arrays, etc.) Furthermore, the subject matter may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
   The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. 
   Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can accessed by an instruction execution system. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, of otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. 
   Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media. 
   When the subject matter is embodied in the general context of computer-executable instructions, the embodiment may comprise program modules, executed by one or more systems, computers, or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. 
     FIG. 1  is a diagram of an embodiment  100  showing four views of a bi-modal device. The left view  101  of a device  102  shows a display  104  in an upper position relative to a base  106  and a keyboard  108  is exposed. The top view  103  shows the display  104  from a user&#39;s point of view and the keyboard  108  exposed. The view  105  shows the device  102  with the display  104  in a lower position, such that a media keyboard  110  is exposed. The display  104  slides with respect to the base  106  through slots  114  and  116 . The right view  107  shows the device  102  with the base  106  and the display  104  in a position to expose the media keyboard  110 . 
   The device  102  may be any type of multi-modal device. For example, the device  102  may be a combination telephony device in one mode and a music player, video player, image viewer, camera, or any other type of device in another mode. When a user wishes to switch modes, the user may slide the display  104  from one position to another, exposing the appropriate keyboard for the mode. 
   For example, if a user is operating a combination media player and cellular telephone in the media mode, the media keyboard  110  may be exposed. Using the media keyboard  110 , certain functionality such as selecting, playing, and pausing the media could be executed. When the device receives an incoming telephone call, the user may slide the display  104  to the telephony mode, exposing the phone keyboard  108 , and answer the call or perform another function relating to the call. In a telephony mode, the sliding display  104  may include an earpiece  114 . 
   The sliding display  104  may include one or more softkeys  112  that may perform the same or different functions in multiple modes. For example, the softkeys  112  may be used to make menu selections from the display  104  in both modes of operation. In another example, the softkeys  112  may perform a specific function in a telephony mode, such as starting or ending a telephone call, while functioning as volume keys in a media playback mode. 
   The display  104  connects to the base  106  through two mechanical arms (not shown) that extend through the slots  115  and  116 . Along one or both of the arms, a flexible circuit connection may connect electronic components on the sliding display  104  with electronic components in the base  106 . A spring mechanism may be used to hold the display  104  in either of the two positions with some retention force. 
   A sensor may be used to detect the current position of the display  104  relative to the base  106 . The sensor may be a simple mechanical switch mounted to detect the display  104  in one position. Some implementations may use two such switches, one to detect each position. The sensor may be any other type of sensor, including optical, capacitive, or any other sensor arranged to detect at least one position of the display  104 . 
   As the device is moved from one position to another, software and/or hardware within the device may change operating functions, change the user interface on the display, or otherwise modify functions based on the position of the display  104 . For example, moving the display  104  from the position of view  103  to the position of view  105 , the device may change modes into a media player. Some functions of a telephony device may still be operable, so that the device  102  may receive an incoming call, but other functions will be inoperable, such as the ability to place a call. 
   In a multi-mode device where one of the devices comprises a camera, the sliding action of the display  104  may expose a camera lens in a camera mode and hide the camera lens when in another mode. 
   In some embodiments, the display may change orientation from one mode to another. For example, the display may be readable in a portrait orientation when in a telephony mode but may change to landscape orientation in a media player mode. In another example, the display may change orientation 180 degrees when the display is shifted from one position to another. 
   Some embodiments may include provisions to cover up or close the slots  115  and  116  when the device  102  is in the position  105 . For example, a compliant membrane, a rubber flap, or some type of sliding closure may prevent dust and water from entering the body of the device  102  through the slots  115  and  116 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment  200  of a mechanical frame for a bi-modal device. A back plate  202  has a sliding plate  204  mounted using bushings  206  and  208  mounted to arms  214  and  216 , respectively. The bushings  206  and  208  slide on the rails  218  and  220 , respectively. The sliding plate  204  has an opening  212  and a tab  210  that may be used to route electrical connections between devices that may be mounted to the sliding plate  204  and the back plate  202 . 
   Embodiment  200  is an example of a frame that may be used for constructing the device  102 . The back plate  202  and sliding plate  204  may slide with respect to each other so that the display, mounted to the sliding plate  204 , may move from a first position where one of the keyboards is exposed, to a second position where the second keyboard is exposed. In the device  102 , the arms  214  and  216  may extend through the slots  116  and  114 , respectively. 
   Various components may be attached to the embodiment  200 . For example, keyboards may be attached to the back plate  202  while a display may be attached to the sliding plate  204 . Other components, such as batteries, connectors, printed circuit boards, speakers, microphones, etc may be mounted to the embodiment  200  in various configurations as desired. 
   The back plate  202  and sliding plate  204  may be manufactured from any suitable material, including stamped sheet metal, molded plastic, or any other material. In some cases, the back plate  202  and sliding plate  204  may have various mounting devices, hardware, clips, or features for attaching electrical or mechanical components. Some or all of the functions of the back plate  202  and sliding plate  204  may be incorporated into other components. For example, a printed circuit board may be incorporated into the back plate  202  or a display may be incorporated into the sliding plate  204  as opposed to being separate pieces that are mechanically fastened together. 
   The bushings  206  and  208  may be formed of plastic, metal, or any material that can withstand sliding forces and/or reduce noise. In some embodiments, separate bushings  206  and  208  may not be used when the sliding plate  204  and back plate  202  are constructed of a material and with a method whereby the two plates may slide with respect to each other in a free and easy manner. 
     FIG. 3  is a partial cross section illustration showing an embodiment  300  of the device  102 . The device  102  is illustrated with many components not shown for clarity. The sliding plate  204  and back plate  202  are shown mechanically connected through the bushings  206  and  208 . A display  302  is mounted to the sliding plate  204 , with the arms  214  and  216  going through slots  116  and  114 , respectively, of the keyboard  304 . Beneath the keyboard  304  is a printed circuit board  306 . A spring  308  is mounted to the back plate  202  at spring mount  310  and to the sliding plate  204  at spring mount  312 . A flex circuit  314  may connect the display  302  to the printed circuit board  306  through the rolling area  316 . 
   The keyboard  304  and printed circuit board  306  may be mechanically attached to the back plate  202 . In some instances, the keyboard  304  may serve as the two keyboards  108  and  110  shown in  FIG. 1 . In other instances, the keyboards  108  and  110  may be two separate, independent pieces. In such cases, the two separate keyboards may have different types or styles of key switches and may be placed at different heights with respect to the back plate  202 . 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment  400  of the tab area. A portion of the sliding plate  204  is shown with arm  214 , tab  210 , and bushing  208 . Through the opening  212 , the flex circuit  314  may extend to connect the end  402  to a display. The flex circuit  314  may follow the underside of the sliding plate  204 , be routed along the vertical portion of the tab  210 , and turn to the end  406  that connects to a rolling portion of the flex circuit  314 . At the end of the tab  210  is the spring mount  312 . 
   The flex circuit  314  may be attached to the sliding plate  204  by a mounting clip  404 . In some embodiments, the mounting clip  404  may be mechanically fastened, press fit, or attached by adhesive. Various other configurations of mechanical attachment clips or mechanisms may be used to hold and orient the flex circuit  314  against the tab  210 . In some embodiments, a clip  404  may be replaced by adhesive. 
     FIG. 5  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment  500  showing the rolling action of a flex circuit. The printed circuit board  306  is shown with a top surface  510  and a bottom surface  512 . The flex circuit is shown in a first position  502  with the rolling area  506 . The flex circuit is shown in a second position  504  with the corresponding rolling area  508 . 
   Embodiment  500  illustrates how a flex circuit may roll back and forth to make continuous reliable electrical connections between devices mounted on a sliding plate  204  to electrical devices mounted on a back plate  202 . The flex circuit may be manufactured from any type of electrical connector that is capable of flexing or bending. In many cases, a printed circuit having multiple conductors and may be some electrical devices may be made using polyimide or other type of film. 
     FIG. 6  is a top view illustration showing an embodiment  600  of a spring design.  FIG. 6  is a view described by line  318  in  FIG. 3 . The back plate  202  is shown with spring mount  310  and spring  308 . The bottom portion of tab  210  is shown with spring mount  312 . The tab  602  is shown when the sliding plate  204  is placed in a second position, which causes the spring to be in a second position  604 . 
   The mechanism of embodiment  600  is one mechanism by which a spring may exert some force to hold the sliding plate  202  in either extreme end of travel. The spring  308  may be a wound wire torsional spring, leaf spring, compression spring, or other spring design. Various wire spring designs may be used depending on the application. 
   The mechanism operates by exerting a spring force acting to force the spring mount  310  away from the tab  210 . Such a force will press the sliding plate  204  against a stop at either end of travel. In between the position of tab  212  and  602 , the spring  308  may exert force against the sliding plate  204  as the sliding plate  204  is moved toward a midpoint of the travel. After the midpoint of travel, the spring  308  may begin to exert force that pushes the sliding plate  204  forward to the far end of travel. Thus, the sliding plate  204  may tend to snap to the end of travel and be held by the spring mechanism. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment  700  of an electrical diagram of a bi-modal device. A sensor  702  coupled with detection circuitry  704  may be used to detect when a display is positioned. The detection circuitry  704  is connected to a processor  706  that receives input from a keyboard  708  and sends output to a display  710 . 
   The embodiment  700  illustrates how a device  102  may function. One or more sensors  702  may detect when the display  104  is positioned in one or both of the positions illustrated in views  105  and  107 . Based on the position of the display  104 , the keyboard inputs  708  may be interpreted in specific ways and the display  710  may be configured in various modes. 
   In some embodiments, a single sensor  702  may be used to detect if the display  104  is in either the first position  103  or second position  105 . If the sensor  702  does not detect anything, the display  104  may be assumed to be in the other position. In other embodiments, two sensors may be used to detect that the display  104  is in either the first position  103  or the second position  105 . 
   The processor  706  may be a programmable microprocessor, state machine, hard wired logic, or any other circuit that is capable of processing input and generating a display. In some cases, the processor  706  may be a very high powered computational device while in other cases much less complexity is used. 
   The keyboard  708  may be a single keyboard that contains both the phone keyboard  108  and the media player keyboard  110  in the embodiment  100 . In other cases, the keyboard  708  may comprise two separate and distinct keyboards. In some embodiments, the processor  706  may recognize key presses from only one active keyboard at a time. 
   A bi-modal device may change functions or other qualities by sliding a display from one position to another. In each position, at least a portion of one keyboard may be covered while another keyboard may be exposed. A sliding plate may be attached to a back plate in a manner that enables mechanical and electrical connection between the two portions of the device while keeping the bi-modal functionality. 
   The foregoing description of the subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject matter to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Technology Category: 5