Patent Document

PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority from the provisional application entitled D ATA  P ROCESSING  D EVICE  H AVING  M ULTIPLE  M ODES AND  M ULTIPLE  A SSOCIATED  D ISPLAY /K EYBOARD  C ONFIGURATION , Ser. No. 60/507,257, Filed Sep. 29, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to the field of data processing devices. More particularly, the invention relates to versatile input/output and display configurations for a data processing device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Portable data processing devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (“PDAs”) and programmable wireless telephones are becoming more powerful every day, providing users with a wide range of applications previously only available on personal computers. At the same time, due to advances in silicon processing technology and battery technology, these devices may be manufactured using smaller and smaller form factors. Accordingly, users no longer need to sacrifice processing power for portability when selecting a personal data processing device. 
     Although processing devices with small form factors tend to be more portable, users may find it increasingly difficult to interact with them. For example, entering data may be difficult due to the absence of a full-sized keyboard and reading information may be difficult due to a small, potentially dim Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”). 
     To deal with this problem, devices have been produced which physically adjust to an “active” position when in use and an “inactive” position when not in use. For example, the well-known Motorola® Star-TAC® wireless telephone flips open when in use, thereby exposing a telephone keypad, a display and an earpiece. However, when this device retracts to an “inactive” position, the keypad, display, and earpiece are all completely inaccessible. 
     To solve these problems, the assignee of the present application developed a data processing device  100  with an adjustable display  103  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - c . The data processing device  100  includes a keyboard  101 , a control knob/wheel  102  (e.g., for scrolling between menu items and/or data), and a set of control buttons  105  (e.g., for selecting menu items and/or data). 
     The display  103  is pivotally coupled to the data processing device  100  and pivots around a pivot point  109 , located within a pivot area  104 , from a first position illustrated in  FIG. 1   a  to a second position illustrated in  FIGS. 1   b - c.  When in the first position the display  103  covers the keyboard  101 , thereby decreasing the size of the device  100  and protecting the keyboard  101 . Even when the display is in the first position, however, the control knob  102  and control buttons  105  are exposed and therefore accessible by the user. The motion of the display  103  from the first position to a second position is indicated by motion arrow  106  illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - b . As illustrated, when in the second position, the keyboard  101  is fully exposed. Accordingly, the display is viewable, and data is accessible by the user in both a the first position and the second position (although access to the keyboard is only provided in the first position). 
     In one embodiment, the data processing device  100  is also provided with audio telephony (e.g., cellular) capabilities. To support audio telephony functions, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - c  includes a speaker  120  for listening and a microphone  121  for speaking during a telephone conversation. Notably, the speaker  120  and microphone  121  are positioned at opposite ends of the data processing device  100  and are accessible when the screen  103  is in a closed position and an open position. 
     SUMMARY 
     A data processing device is described comprising: a body having a surface defining a first plane, the body comprising a first group of control elements and a second group of control elements for entering data and performing control operations; a display having a display area defining a second plane, the display coupled to the data processing device at a pivot point and rotatable around the pivot point from a first position to a second position, wherein the display is viewable in both the first position and the second position and wherein both the first and second groups of control elements are exposed when the display is in the second position, and wherein only the second group of control elements are exposed when the display is in the first position, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel when the display is in the first position, and wherein the first plane and the second plane are not parallel when the display is in the second position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained from the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1   a - c  illustrate a prior art data processing device with an adjustable display. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a data processing device in a first orientation and/or operating mode. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a data processing device in a second orientation and/or operating mode. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the data processing device from a perspective view. 
         FIGS. 5-7  illustrate one embodiment of the data processing device which includes an adjustable display. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of the data processing device from a top view in which the display is rotated to expose a keyboard. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates movement of the display according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates one embodiment of a mechanism for coupling an adjustable display on a data processing device. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a second embodiment of a mechanism for coupling an adjustable display to a data processing device. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a manner for highlighting glyphs according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a manner for highlighting glyphs according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a hardware architecture employed in one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an operational mode selection module according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 16-17  illustrate another embodiment of the invention having an adjustable display screen. 
         FIGS. 18   a - b ,  19  and  20  illustrate embodiments of the invention which includes a moveable numeric keypad integrated between a moveable display and a data processing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the underlying principles of the present invention. 
     Several different multi-purpose input/output and display configurations for a data processing device are described below. As will be apparent from the following description, many of these configurations are particularly beneficial when employed on a dual-purpose data processing device such as a personal digital assistant (“PDA”) or other mobile computing device having integrated wireless telephony capabilities (e.g., a combination PDA and cell phone). However, it should be noted that the underlying principles of the invention are not limited to wireless telephony configuration. 
     A data processing device  200  according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . The data processing device  200  includes a display  206  with a viewable display area  205  for displaying various types of text and graphics (e.g., graphical navigation menus, email messages, electronic calendars, electronic address books, . . . etc). In one embodiment, the display is a backlit or reflective thin film transistor (“TFT”) display. In another embodiment, the display is a transflective SuperTwisted Nematican (“STN”) display. However, the underlying principles of the invention are not limited to a particular display type. 
     In one embodiment, the data processing device  200  includes two or more different modes of operation which may be associated with two or more operational orientations. In the first mode of operation, the display  206  is viewed in a first orientation, illustrated generally in  FIG. 2  (i.e., images are displayed upright on the display when the device is oriented as shown in  FIG. 2 ). By contrast, in the second mode of operation, the display  206  is viewed in a second orientation, illustrated generally in  FIG. 3  (i.e., images are displayed upright on the display when the device is oriented as shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     In one embodiment, the data processing device  200  includes a first set of control elements  210  positioned to the right of the display  206  and a second set of control elements  224  positioned to the left of the display (i.e., to the “left” and “right,” respectively, in the first orientation illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). Thus, in the first operational mode, the first set of control elements  210  are readily accessible by a user&#39;s right hand and the second set of control elements  224  are readily accessible by a user&#39;s left hand. As used herein, the term “control elements” means any type of data input or control mechanism associated with the data processing device  200  including, by way of example and not limitation, data entry keys such as alphanumeric keys, knobs, scroll wheels, or buttons. As will be described in greater detail below, in one embodiment, the various control elements configured on the data processing device  200  may perform different operations in the different operational modes. 
     In one embodiment, the first set of control elements  210  includes a control wheel  202  positioned between two control buttons  201  and  203 , as illustrated. Various different types of control wheels  202  and control buttons  201  and  203  may be employed such as those currently used on the Blackberry™ line of wireless messaging devices from Research In Motion. The control wheel  202  may be used to move a cursor device, highlight bar or other selection graphic on the display  205  to select menu items, program icons and other graphical or textual display elements. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  the first button  201  is configured to select graphical/textual items highlighted on the display screen  205  (as indicated by the check mark), and the second button  203  is configured to de-select items and/or to “back” out of a current application, menu, icon, . . . etc (as indicated by the X mark). Alternatively, or in addition (i.e., depending on the selected mode of operation), the “X” may cancel actions and return to the previous screen, and the check mark may save actions and return to the previous screen. By way of example, if the email application is open, “X” may cancel the composition of a new message, whereas the check mark may send or save a message that has been composed. 
     By way of example, and not limitation, if an email client application is executed on the device  200 , the control wheel  202  may be configured to scroll through the list of email messages within the user&#39;s inbox (e.g., with the current email message highlighted on the display  205 ). The first control button  201  may be configured to select a particular email message within the list and the second control button  203  may be configured as a “back” button, allowing the user to back out of selected email messages and/or to move up through the menu/folder hierarchy. Of course, the underlying principles of the invention are not limited to any particular configuration for the control wheel  202  or control buttons  201 ,  203 . 
     The second set of control elements  210  also includes a keypad  211  for performing various additional control and/or input functions. In one embodiment, the keys of the keypad  211  are configured to perform different input/control operations depending on whether the data processing device  200  is in the first mode/orientation ( FIG. 2 ) or the second mode/orientation ( FIG. 3 ). In addition, as will be described in greater detail below, in one embodiment, a first series of glyphs are highlighted on the keys  211  when the data processing device  200  is in the first mode and a second series of glyphs are highlighted on the keys  211  when the data processing device is in the second mode. Various mechanisms for highlighting a particular set of glyphs may be employed (as described below). 
     When in the first operational mode, the keypad  211  includes a series of cursor control keys to move a cursor up, down, left, and right, as indicated by the “^,” “v,” “&lt;” and “&gt;” glyph pointers, respectively, on four of the keys of the keypad  211  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The keypad  211  also includes “page up” and “page down” keys (e.g., configured to perform typical page up/down functions); a “delete” key for deleting text characters; and a “home” key for jumping to the data processing device&#39;s main menu, or performing application-specific functions typically associated with a “home” key (e.g., moving a cursor to the beginning of a line in a word processing document). A “menu” key is also provided which generates a context-specific menu when selected (e.g., a different menu may be generated based on which application is currently running). Various alternate and/or additional keys may be included within the keypad  211  while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. In addition, two functions keys are provided, F1 and F2, which may be programmed by the end user to perform designated operations (e.g., opening a particular application, jumping to a particular file folder, . . . etc). 
     Of course, the particular keypad layout illustrated in  FIG. 2  is not required for complying with the underlying principles of the invention. For example, alternate configurations could provide “Home” and “Menu” functions on the left hand side of the device, and additional functions like “Back” on the right hand side in the area shared by the keypad. It&#39;s also notable that the scroll wheel may be eliminated entirely as the “&lt;,” “&gt;,” “v,” and “^” keys are sufficient for making selections and highlighting onscreen items. 
     The second set of control elements  224  illustrated in  FIG. 2  includes a “jump” button  226  which allows a user to jump to designated applications and/or points within the graphical menu/folder hierarchy. For example, the user may jump to a specified application by selecting the “jump” button and one of the keys within the keypad  211 . The second set of control elements  224  also includes a “back” button  226 , allowing the user to back out of selected applications or points within the menu/folder hierarchy. Once again, various additional functions/keys may be included within the second set of control elements  224  while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. 
     As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the data processing device  200  includes an integrated telephone with a wireless transceiver for transmitting/recieving for Mobile Communications (GSM) network or other type of cellular network). As such, in this embodiment, the data processing device  200  is equipped with a telephony input/output port designed to interface with a “hands-free” headset and microphone. In addition, as illustrated, one embodiment of the data processing device  200  includes a speaker  220  at one end and a microphone  215  at the other end, to provide telephony capabilities without a separate headset and/or microphone. 
     In one embodiment, the functions associated with the various control elements are automatically modified when the data processing device  200  is switched between the first and second operational modes. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the keys of the keypad  211  within first set of control elements  210  are converted from the data entry functions described above to a numeric keypad. As illustrated, the glyphs on the face of each of the keys of the keypad change, both in content and in orientation, to reflect the associated change in function and orientation of the data processing device  200 . The numeric keypad functions are particularly suitable when the data processing device  200  is used as a telephone. Thus, in one embodiment, the second mode is a “telephony mode” in which the data processing device operates as a telephone and in which the user may enter a telephone number and perform other telephony-based functions via the numeric keypad  211 . 
     In addition, when in the second mode, the functions performed by the control wheel  202  and control buttons  201  and  203  may be automatically modified. For example, if the second mode is a “telephony mode” as described above, the first control button  201  may be used to initiate and answer calls and the second control button  203  may be used to terminate calls. Moreover, in one embodiment, the control wheel may be used to navigate through telephony-based menus such as the user&#39;s stored telephone numbers and the telephone menu structure. 
     In one embodiment, applications, menus and/or user interface features may also be modified to reflect the switch between the first operational mode/orientation and the second operational mode/orientation. For example, when in the first mode of operation, a more advanced user interface may be triggered which is navigable via the first and second sets of control elements  224  and  210 , respectively. By contrast, when in the second mode of operation, a user interface may be provided which is more easily navigable with the limited control functions provided by the control wheel  202 , control buttons  201  and  202 , and numeric keypad  211 . Moreover, telephony-specific applications may be automatically made available or launched when the data processing device  200  is in the second mode (i.e., assuming that the second mode is a “telephony” mode), whereas a more general set of applications may be made available to the user when the data processing device  200  is in the first mode. 
     In addition, as illustrated generally in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in one embodiment, when switching between the first mode and the second mode, the orientation of images and/or text on the display screen  205  will change. For example, in the first mode, images/text are displayed right-side-up when the device is oriented as shown in  FIG. 2 . By contrast, when in the second mode, images are displayed right-side-up when the device is oriented as shown in  FIG. 3  (i.e., the images are rotated 90 degrees with respect to the orientation shown in  FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment, the specific image orientation to be used for each operating mode may be selected by the end user. 
     Switching between the first and second operational modes may occur automatically and/or manually. For example, in one embodiment, selecting a designated key or sequence of keys may cause the data processing device  200  to switch between modes (e.g., simultaneously pressing the “back” and “menu” buttons). Alternatively, or in addition, the data processing device  200  may automatically switch between modes based on the specific operations or applications selected by the user (e.g., as described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 15 ). For example, if the device is in the first mode and the user selects a telephony-based application from the main menu (e.g., a list of stored telephone numbers) the data processing device  200  will automatically switch to the telephony mode  200 . 
     In one embodiment, motion sensors (not shown) are configured within the data processing device  200  to detect its orientation, and responsively generate control signals identifying its orientation. In response to the control signals, the data processing device  200  then switches between the first and second modes of operation. Various alternate mechanical or logical (e.g., software/hardware) triggers may be employed to switch between the first and second operational modes. Alternate logical mechanisms may include, for example, non-user-initiated software choices such as receiving a phone call, or having a calendar event set up to remind the user to hold a conference call. Alternative mechanical triggers may include, for example, a slide switch which is comfortable to access in either operation mode and which hides/reveals symbols indicating which mode is active, or an illuminated push button switch which toggles between the two modes and illuminates symbols indicating which is the active mode. 
     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8 , an alphanumeric keyboard  500  (e.g., a QWERTY keyboard) is configured on/within the data processing device  200 . In this embodiment, the display  206  is configured to rotate around a pivot point  207  from a first position, in which it covers the alphanumeric keyboard  500  (as it does in  FIGS. 2-4 ), to a second position, in which it exposes the alphanumeric keyboard  500  (illustrated fully-exposed in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     In one embodiment, the display  206  rotates from the first position to the second position within a plane defined by the display  206  (e.g., as does the data processing device illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - c ). Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, the front edge  501  of the display  206  initially lifts upward as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , creating an angle between the plane defined by the data processing device  200  and the plane defined by the display  206 . To aid the user in lifting the display, in one embodiment, a small nub  502  is formed on the non-viewable portion of the display (e.g., providing a protruding surface for engaging with the user&#39;s thumb). 
     Once elevated, the display  206  rotates around the pivot point  207  to the second position shown in  FIG. 7  from a front perspective view and  FIG. 8  from a top view. In one embodiment, rather than initially lifting up as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the display will lift upward as it rotates from the first position to the second position.  FIG. 6  illustrates the display elevated and rotated halfway between the first position and the second position. A rotation arrow  505  is provided to indicate the rotation of the display  206 . 
     The display  206  may lift upward at various different angles in relation to the data processing device  200  (e.g., 7 deg, 15 deg, 25 deg, . . . etc), both prior to rotating to the second position and/or after it has reached to the second position. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, the display  206  is adjustable at a variety of different angles with respect to the data processing device  200 , both from the first position and/or the second position. Of course the display may open from no angle when in the first position to a fixed angle while in the second position while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, the display  206  may be closed over the alphanumeric keyboard  500  from the second position, with the display screen  205  facing the keyboard  500 , thereby exposing the back of the display and protecting both the display screen  205  and the keyboard  500 . This configuration may be particularly useful when the data processing device  200  is stored away for travel (e.g., stored within a suitcase or pocketbook). 
     In one embodiment, the display  206  initially rotates within a plane defined by the display from the first position to the second position as described above. Then, when the display is in the second position the angle between the display  206  and the data processing device  200  may be adjusted, as described above with respect to  FIG. 9 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-8 , the display  206  is viewable regardless of whether it is in the first position or the second position (i.e., unless it is closed with the display screen  205  facing the keyboard  500  as described above). When in the first position, the display  206  covers the keyboard  500  thereby decreasing the size of the data processing device  200  and protecting the keyboard  500 . Even when the display  206  is in the first position, however, the first and second sets of control elements  210  and  224 , respectively, are exposed and therefore accessible by the user. When in the second position, the alphanumeric keyboard  500  is fully exposed, providing for fully-functional data entry (e.g., composing of an email message). 
     In one embodiment, the second position of the display  206  represents a third operational mode/orientation for the device  200 . Thus, when the data processing device  200  switches from the first or second operational modes described above to the third operational mode, different menus, applications and/or other user interface features may be activated. For example, when the device enters the third mode of operation, user interface features associated with applications may change to reflect the availability of the alphanumeric keyboard  500  (e.g., more advanced text-based data entry capabilities may be provided allowing users to enter text directly within the body of email messages or word processing documents). 
     Two different mechanisms for enabling the motion of the display  206  as shown in  FIGS. 5-7  are illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 10  includes a cylindrical chamber  1005  fixedly attached to a rotation element  1020 . A pin  1010  rotates within the chamber as indicated by rotation arrow  1030 . The pin is coupled to the display  206  and rotates in response to upward or downward forces applied on the edge of the display  206 , causing the edge of the display  206  to move upward or downward with respect the data processing device  200  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . A torsion spring  1011  cooperatively mated with both the pin  1010  and the chamber  1005  generates a torque on the pin  1011  which holds the pin, and therefore the display  206 , in place when it is not being manipulated by the user (e.g., to counteract gravity and hold the display  206  in a position such as that shown in  FIG. 7 ). Of course, various other well known techniques may be employed to hold the display in place (e.g., using springs and/or friction). 
     The rotation element  1020  is rotatably coupled to the data processing device  200 . For example, a pin formed on/within the data processing device  200  may fit within a cylindrical chamber located on the underside of the rotation element  1020 , allowing the rotation element  1020  to rotate in the manner indicated by rotation arrow  1031 . The rotation of rotation element  1020  allows the display  206  to rotate from the first position illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4  (in which the keyboard  500  is covered) to the second position illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8  (in which the keyboard  500  is exposed). Once again, various different types of rotational mechanisms may be employed to allow the screen to rotate while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment for enabling the motion of the display  206 . This embodiment includes a first connection element  1105  which is fixedly coupled to the non-viewable side of the display  206 . The first connection element is rotatably coupled to an arm  1121  and rotates around a rotation point  1106  as indicated by rotation arrow  1130 . The arm  1121  is fixedly coupled to a cylindrical element  1120  which rotates around an axis defined by a pin  1110 . The pin  1110  is inserted through a cylindrical chamber within the cylindrical element  1120 . As in the prior embodiment, a torsion spring  1111  may be coupled to the pin  1110  and the chamber  1120  to hold the chamber  1120  and therefore the display  206  in an elevated orientation. 
     As mentioned above, different glyphs on the control elements  210  and  224  may by highlighted to identify different functions, based on the operational mode of the data processing device  200  (e.g., based on whether the data processing device  200  is in the “first,” “second” or “third” operational modes described herein). Similarly, different glyphs on the alphanumeric keyboard  500  may by highlighted based on the mode of operation and/or user-selected functions. For example, if a first set of functions for standard alphanumeric input (e.g., standard alphanumeric characters) are enabled, glyphs associated with the first set of functions (e.g., glyphs representing the alphabet) are highlighted. In one embodiment, a second and third set of functions may be enabled by the user by holding down an ALT or CTRL key, as with a standard QWERTY keyboard. In this embodiment, different glyphs representing the different functions associated with the keys of the keyboard  500  may be highlighted. For example, if the combination of the CRTL key and the X key (i.e., X when used for standard alphanumeric input) cuts text from a document then, upon selecting the CTRL key, the glyph “CUT” or a different symbol representing the “cut” function (e.g., a pair of scissors) may be highlighted on the key instead of the glyph “X.” Of course, the underlying principles of the invention are not limited to any particular set of key combinations or functions. 
     Various techniques may be employed to highlight the different glyphs associated with each key within the keyboard  500  and/or control element  210 ,  224 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , in one embodiment, a first glyph  1200  is printed on the face of each key  1201  with a relatively subtle coloring in relation to the color of the key (e.g., a dark gray glyph printed on a light gray key). In one embodiment, the surface of the key and/or the glyph is comprised of a silvered reflective material which reflects light incident upon the surface  1201  from an external light source. Various different types of reflective surfaces may be used for the face of the key  1201  and/or glyph  1200 . In one embodiment, when the data processing device  200  is in a first mode of operation associated with the first glyph  1200 , the light reflected off of the reflective surface  1201  reveals the glyph  1200  because of the different coloring of the glyph  1200  in relation to the remainder of the surface  1201 . 
     It should be noted that a “silvered reflective material” is not strictly necessary for implementing the multiple glyph features described above. For example, any type of material which reflects sufficient light to hide its internal structure may be employed while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. This may include, for example, a think coat of a light colored paint, or a fully transparent plastic with enough surface texture to diffuse the light (e.g., and give it a frosted appearance). 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a second glyph  1205  is formed on a second surface  1206  beneath the first surface  1201 . In one embodiment, the second glyph  1205  is formed from a translucent or transparent material (e.g., transparent plastic) whereas the remainder of the surface  1206  is opaque. An LED  1210  is positioned beneath the second glyph  1205  and the second surface  1206 . In one embodiment, when the data processing device  200  is in a second mode of operation associated with the second glyph  1205  (e.g., turning the keypad into a numeric keypad illustrated in  FIG. 3 ), the LED  1210  generates light from underneath the second surface  1206  and second glyph  1205 . The light passes through the transparent or translucent second glyph  1205  and is blocked by the remainder of the second surface  1206 , thereby highlighting the second glyph  1205 . The light generated by the LED  1210  is of a high enough intensity so that it will pass through the first surface  1201  and glyph  1200 , thereby illuminating the second glyph  1205  for the user  1205 . As described above, the first surface  1201  and first glyph  1200  reflect light incident from outside of the key (as indicated in  FIG. 12 ). However, in one embodiment, the first surface  1201  and first glyph  1200  are semi-transparent or semi-translucent with respect to light generated from beneath the key or inside of the key (e.g., from the LED  1210  illustrated in  FIG. 12 ). 
     In another embodiment, separate LEDs are configured to illuminate each glyph. By way of example,  FIG. 13  illustrates a key  1300  with an opaque top surface  1305  and two translucent/transparent glyphs  1301  and  1302 . A separate illumination chamber,  1310  and  1311 , is provided underneath each glyph,  1301  and  1302 , respectively. The chambers  1310  and  1311  are separated by an opaque divider  1330 . A first LED  1320  is configured within the first chamber  1310  to provide light to illuminate the first glyph  1301  and a second LED  1321  is configured within the second chamber  1311  to provide light to illuminate the second glyph  1302 . In one embodiment, the different LED&#39;s are enabled and/or disabled based on the current operational mode selected on the data processing device  200 . For example, the first LED  1320  may be illuminated for the first operational mode and the second LED  1321  may be illuminated for the second operational mode. 
     In another embodiment, the same illumination chamber may be shared between different glyphs. In this embodiment, the contrast between glyphs may be controlled by adjusting the color of the light generated by the different LEDs. Once particular implementation for illuminating glyphs is described in the co-pending application entitled “A METHOD OF DYNAMICALLY LIGHTING KEYBOARD GLYPHS,” Filed Aug. 17, 2001, Ser. No. 09/932,195, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and which is incorporated herein by reference. One embodiment described in this co-pending application adjusts contrast between glyphs by selecting LED colors which are complimentary to the colors of certain glyphs. For example, if an LED color is selected which is complementary to the color of a glyph, that glyph will absorb the complimentary light and will appear dark in relation to the other glyphs. Various alternate and/or additional techniques for highlighting glyphs may be employed while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. 
     One embodiment of a data processing device architecture is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . It should be noted, however, that the underlying principles of the invention are not limited to any particular device architecture. In fact, the underlying principles of the invention may be implemented on virtually any data processing device capable of processing data and displaying text and graphics. 
     The particular embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14  is comprised of a microcontroller  1405 , an external memory  1450 , a display controller  1475 , and a battery  1460 . The external memory  1450  may be used to store programs and/or data  1465  transmitted to the data processing device  200  over a network (now shown). In one embodiment, the external memory  1450  is non-volatile memory (e.g., an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (“EEPROM”); a programmable read only memory (“PROM”), . . . etc). Alternatively, the memory  1450  may be a volatile memory (e.g., random access memory or “RAM”) but the data stored therein may be continually maintained via the battery  1460 . The battery  1460  in one embodiment is a coin cell battery such as those used in calculators and watches. 
     The microcontroller  1405  of one embodiment is comprised of a central processing unit (“CPU”)  1410 , a read only memory (“ROM”), 1470 , and a scratchpad RAM  1440 . The ROM  1470  is further comprised of an interpreter module  1420  and a toolbox module  1430 . 
     The toolbox module  1430  of the ROM  1470  contains a set of toolbox routines for processing data, text and graphics on the device  100 . These routines include drawing text and graphics on the device&#39;s display  430 , decompressing data transmitted from the portal server  110 , reproducing audio on the device  100 , and performing various input/output and communication functions (e.g., transmitting/receiving data over the client link  160  and/or the RF link  220 ). A variety of additional device functions may be included within the toolbox  1430  while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, microprograms and data are transmitted to/from the external memory  1450  of the device via a communication interface  1470  under control of the CPU  1410 . Various communication interfaces  1470  may be employed without departing from the underlying principles of the invention including, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) interface or a serial communication (“serial”) interface. The microprograms in one embodiment are comprised of compact, interpreted instructions known as “bytecodes,” which are converted into native code by the interpreter module  1420  before being executed by the CPU  1410 . One of the benefits of this configuration is that when the microcontroller/CPU portion of the device  100  is upgraded (e.g., to a faster and/or less expensive model), only the interpreter module  1420  and toolbox  1430  of the ROM needs to be rewritten to interpret the currently existing bytecodes for the new microcontroller/CPU. In addition, this configuration allows devices with different CPUs to coexist and execute the same microprograms. Moreover, programming frequently-used routines in the ROM toolbox module  1430  reduces the size of microprograms stored in the external memory  1450 , thereby conserving memory and bandwidth over the client link  160  and/or the RF link  220 . In one embodiment, new interpreter modules  1420  and/or toolbox routines  1430  may be developed to execute the same microprograms on cellular phones, personal information managers (“PIMs”), or any other device with a CPU and memory. 
     One embodiment of the ROM  1470  is comprised of interpreted code as well as native code written specifically for the microcontroller CPU  1405 . More particularly, some toolbox routines may be written as interpreted code (as indicated by the arrow between the toolbox  1430  and the interpreter module  1420 ) to conserve memory and bandwidth for the same reasons described above with respect to microprograms. Moreover, in one embodiment, data and microprograms stored in external memory  1450  may be configured to override older versions of data/microprograms stored in the ROM  1470  (e.g., in the ROM toolbox  1430 ). 
     As mentioned above, different operational modes may be selected which may correspond to different operational orientations of the data processing device  200 . One embodiment of a data processing device  200 , illustrated in  FIG. 15 , includes an operation mode selection module  1500  for selecting between the various operational modes described herein in response different triggering events. The “triggering events” may include the output of one or more operational mode sensors  1502  which automatically detect the correct operating mode for the data processing device  200 . For example, one embodiment of the invention includes a switch which is triggered when the display  206  is moved between the first position ( FIG. 2 ) and the second position ( FIGS. 7-8 ). The operation mode selection module  1500  reads the position of the switch to identify the correct operating mode. Various types of switches may be employed while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention including electrical/magnetic switches and/or mechanical switches. 
     In one embodiment, the triggering events also include information related to applications  1506  or other types of program code executed on the data processing device  200 . For example, a telephony application may detect incoming calls and provide an indication of the incoming calls to the operation mode selection module  1500 , which may then switch to the “telephony” operational mode described above. Similarly, if a telephony-based application is executed (e.g., because the user opens a telephone list), this may indicate that the user is going to use the data processing device  200  as a telephone. Conversely, if the user opens an instant messaging application or Web browser, this may indicate that the user does not wish to use the device as a telephone but, rather, may wish to use the device for text entry. The operation mode selection module  1500  may monitor various aspects of the applications  1506  executed on the data processing device to determine an appropriate operational mode. The user may also manually select an operational mode as indicated in  FIG. 15  (e.g., by selecting a particular control element or series of control elements). 
     In one embodiment, once the operation mode selection module  1500  identifies the correct operational mode, it adjusts the functions associated with the keys of the keyboard  500  and/or control elements  210 ,  224  as described above. In addition, if the keys/control elements are equipped with different glyphs, as described above, then the glyphs associated with the new functions are highlighted. 
     In addition, in one embodiment, the operation mode selection module  1500  adjusts the user interface  1510  based on the detected operational mode. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the orientation of text and images rendered on the display  206  are adjusted based on the current operational mode of the data processing device  200 . For example, if the data processing device  200  is in the first operational mode then images may be rendered on the display  206  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  (i.e., right-side up when the data processing device  200  is in the orientation shown in  FIG. 2 ). If the data processing device is in the second operational mode, then images may be rendered as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Finally, if the data processing device is in the third operational mode (i.e., with the keyboard  500  exposed), then images will be rendered on the display  206  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  (i.e., inverted with respect to the orientation shown in  FIG. 2 ). Various other graphical user interface features may be modified within the user interface  1510  based on the detected operational mode of the data processing device  200  (e.g., menu layout, application icons, . . . etc). 
     Another embodiment of a data processing device  1600  is illustrated in  FIGS. 16-17 . The data processing device  1600  includes a display  1610  with a viewable display area  1605  for displaying various types of text and graphics. Moreover, as in the embodiments described above, the data processing device  1600  also includes a plurality of different modes of operation which may be associated with a respective plurality of display and/or device orientations. In the first mode of operation, the display is viewed in a first position, illustrated generally in  FIG. 16  in which it covers an alphanumeric keyboard  1705  (illustrated in  FIG. 17 ). In this first position, the display is located flush within the boundary defined by the non-display portions of the data processing device  1600 . 
     By contrast, the display is illustrated in a second position in  FIG. 17 , in which the alphanumeric keyboard  1705  is exposed and usable for data entry. In one embodiment, the second position of the display corresponds to a second mode of operation as described with respect to other embodiments herein. As shown in  FIG. 17 , in one embodiment, the display slides from the first position to the second position in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the front surface of the data processing device  1600 , as indicated by motion arrows  1725 . The sliding motion may be accomplished via pins or posts (not shown) on the backside of the display  1610  that are engaged with tracks  1710 ,  1715  located on the face of the data processing device  1600  to the left and right of the alphanumeric keyboard  1705 , respectively. 
     Various additional/alternative mechanisms may be used to guide the display from the first position to the second position (and vice versa). For example, in one embodiment, substantially the same mechanism as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-9  is employed to rotate the display from the first position to the second position. In addition, as in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5-9 , the display  1610  may be configured to lift upward at various different angles in relation to the data processing device, both prior to sliding to the second position and/or after it has reached the second position. The mechanisms illustrated in  FIGS. 10  or  11  may be employed to enable this type of motion. Of course, various other well-known techniques may also be employed (e.g., using springs and/or friction). 
     In one embodiment, the data processing device  1600  includes a first set of control elements  1615  positioned to the right of the display  1610  and a second set of control elements  1620  positioned to the left of the display (i.e., to the right and left while the display in the first position illustrated in  FIG. 16 ). In one embodiment, the first set of control elements  1615  includes a control wheel  1630  positioned between two control buttons  1626 ,  1635 , as illustrated. As in prior embodiments of the invention, the control wheel  1630  may be used to move a cursor control device, highlight bar or other selection graphic on the display to select menu items, program icons and/or other graphical or textual display elements. In one embodiment, the control wheel  1630  is made of clear plastic with an light emitting diode (“LED”) or other light source embedded therein. 
     In one embodiment, the first control button  1626 , located above the control wheel  1630 , is a “page up” button for generating “page up” control functions. For example, when a word processing document, Web page, email message or other type of document is displayed in the foreground of the display  1610 , selection of the first control button  1626  will jump upward through the displayed data/images by a full display screen&#39;s worth of data/images. When navigating through menus, selection of the first control button  1626  may cause a selection element to jump multiple menu items or other graphical elements. Various different/additional “page up” functions may be trigged via the first control button  1626  while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. The second control button  1635 , located below the control wheel  1630 , is a “page down” button for generating “page down” control functions (e.g., which operate in the same manner as the “page up” control functions but in the opposite direction). 
     In one embodiment, a series of additional control elements  1650 ,  1655 ,  1660 , and  1670  are configured on the data processing device  1600  to provide various additional preprogrammed and/or user-specified control functions. For example, a control element  1650  may be a designated “home” key for jumping to the data processing device&#39;s main menu, or performing application-specific functions typically associated with a “home” key (e.g., moving a cursor to the beginning of a line in a word processing document). Control element  1655  may be a dedicated a “menu” key which generates a context-specific menu when selected (e.g., a different menu may be generated based on which application is currently running). Control keys  1660  and  1665  may be designated “jump” keys, allowing the user to easily jump to (i.e., execute) a designated application program. The control elements  1650 ,  1655 , 1660  and  1665  may be programmed for various alternate and/or additional functions while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, the second set of control elements includes a directional pad  1645  having an integrated speaker  1646  and/or LED (not shown) (or other light source). In one embodiment, the directional pad  1645  is designed in substantially the same manner as the directional pad described in the co-pending application entitled DIRECTIONAL PAD HAVING INTEGRATED ACOUSTIC SYSTEM AND LIGHTING SYSTEM, Ser. No. 10/718749, Filed Nov. 21, 2003, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The directional pad  1645  may be used to move a cursor or other selection graphic in any direction on the display to enable selection of menu items, program icons and other graphical or textual display elements. The directional pad  1645  may be made of frosted translucent plastic and may be white in color, although other materials and colors may be used. The LED contained in the directional pad may be a tri-color LED that generates a variety of colors to alert the user when an incoming message has been received. In “telephony mode” (described below), the speaker  1646  contained in the directional pad  1645  enables the user to hear the party on the other end of a call. In addition, a microphone  1640  is configured at the end of the data processing device  1600  opposite the speaker  1646  so that the data processing device  1600  may be held like a mobile phone while in telephony mode (i.e., when the speaker placed next to the user&#39;s ear, the microphone is located in the proximity of the user&#39;s mouth). 
     In one embodiment, when in “telephony mode” the functions performed by the various control elements  1615 ,  1620  and/or keys on the keypad  1705  change to designated telephony functions. For example, in the telephony mode of operation, the control button  1626  above the scroll wheel may function as a “call” button with which the user may initiate a telephone call once the number to be called has been entered. The control button  1625  below the scroll wheel  1630  may function as a “hang up” button, with which the user may conclude a telephone call. Similarly, referring to  FIG. 17 , to simplify numeric data entry when in telephony mode, a designated set of alphanumeric keys  1720  from the keyboard  1705  may change to a numeric keypad (e.g., the ‘y’ key may change to a ‘1’ key, the ‘u’ key may change to a ‘2’ key, . . . etc). 
     In addition, the glyphs on the control elements  1615 ,  1620  and/or keys on the keypad  1705  may change to reflect the change in operation in the same or a similar manner as described in the embodiments above. For example, light emitted by LEDs embedded within the control buttons  1625  and  1626  on either side of the scroll wheel  1630  may be modified to reflect the change in operation in telephony mode. In one embodiment, for example, the “call” and “hang up” glyphs are highlighted on the control buttons  1625  and  1626 , in contrast to “page up” and “page down” glyphs, respectively. 
     In one embodiment, two-color LEDs are employed within the keys of the alphanumeric keyboard  1705 . When the data processing device is not in telephony mode, both colors of the two-color LEDs are illuminated under all of the alphanumeric keys  1705 , thereby highlighting the standard set of alphanumeric glyphs on the keys. For example, if the two-color LEDs are red and green, the combination will generate an amber color beneath the alphanumeric keys  1705 . By contrast, when in telephony mode, only one color of each of the two-color LEDs is illuminated. Moreover, in one embodiment, the one LED is illuminated only beneath each of the designated set of numeric keypad keys  1720  (as opposed to illuminating the one LED beneath each of the entire alphanumeric keyboard  1705 ). By way of example, if only the green LEDs are illuminated beneath each of the designated set of keys  1720 , then the numeric keypad glyphs (i.e., numbered 1-9) will be illuminated with a green color in contrast to the standard alphanumeric glyphs. Various different techniques may be employed to illuminate the numeric keypad glyphs and/or the standard alphanumeric glyphs based on the mode of operation, including those described above with respect to  FIGS. 12 and 13  and those described in the co-pending application entitled “A METHOD OF DYNAMICALLY LIGHTING KEYBOARD GLYPHS,” mentioned above. 
     Another embodiment of a data processing device  1800  is illustrated in  FIGS. 18   a ,  18   b ,  19  and  20 . This embodiment operates in a substantially similar manner to the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 16-17  but includes additional functionality. Specifically, when the data processing device  1800  is in a “telephony mode,” a third orientation of the display is available, illustrated generally in  FIG. 18   a , in which a numeric keypad  1820  is exposed. The display  1810  of this embodiment is moveably attached to the numeric keypad  1820 . In one embodiment, the backside of the display  1810  includes pins or posts which are engaged with tracks  1825 ,  1830  located on the face of the numeric keypad  1820 , on either side of the keypad keys. The motion of the display  1810  from a position in which it covers the numeric keypad (shown in  FIG. 19 ) to a position in which it exposes the numeric keypad  1820  (shown in  FIGS. 18   a - b ) is indicated generally by motion arrows  1840 . 
     In one embodiment, the data processing device  1800  automatically switches into “telephony mode” in response to the movement of the display from the position shown in  FIG. 19  to the position shown in  FIGS. 18   a - b , thereby triggering one or more of the telephony mode functions described herein. As in prior embodiments, various different types of switches may be employed to detect the motion of the display relative to the numeric keypad  1820  (e.g., mechanical switches, electromechanical switches). 
     The plane defined by the display  1810  may move in a substantially parallel or co-planar manner with respect to the plane defined by the numeric keypad  1820  as the display moves from the position in  FIG. 19  to the position in  FIG. 18   a  (and vice versa). Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 18   b , in one embodiment, the plane defined by the display  1810  moves from a parallel/co-planar numeric keypad  1820  (i.e., as the display moves from the position in  FIG. 19  to the position in  FIGS. 18   a - b ). In one embodiment, to enable this movement, only the lower end of the backside of the display  1812  includes pins or posts which are engaged with tracks  1825 ,  1830  located on the face of the numeric keypad  1820 . The other end of the display  1813  may move freely around a pivot point defined by the connection between the pins/posts and tracks  1825 ,  1830 . In this embodiment, springs (not shown) or a similar torsion mechanism may be employed to apply a force directing the display  1810  back towards the body of the data processing device  1800 , as indicated by force/motion arrow  1814 . 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 18   a - b , which shows the device from a side view, employs a different mechanism for moving the display from the position in  FIG. 19  to the second position shown in  FIG. 18   a . Specifically, this embodiment includes a first pair of linkages  1850  (one of which is shown) rotatably attached to the display  1813  at one end  1856  and rotatably attached to the device/keypad  1820  at the other end  1855  and a second pair of linkages  1851  (only one of which is shown) rotatably attached to the display  1813  at one end  1858  and rotatably attached to the device/keypad  1820  at the other end  1857 . In one embodiment, the first set of linkages  1850  are relatively longer than the second set of linkages  1851 . As such, when the display is moved from the first position, illustrated in  FIG. 18   a  to the second position, illustrated in  FIG. 18   b , it angled with respect to the device/keypad  1820 , as shown, thereby fitting around a user&#39;s head more accurately during a telephone call. 
     Regardless of the specific technique used to move the display  1810 , once the display is in the position illustrated in  FIG. 18   a , the exposed numeric keypad  1820  is particularly suitable for entering telephone numbers and performing other telephony-based functions. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18   a , the numeric keypad includes a standard set of telephone keys, including a send/answer key  1821  for sending/answering calls, an end key  1822  for terminating calls, and a menu key  1823  for generating a telephony-based menu within the viewable area  1805  of the display screen  1810 . Various other keys may be employed on the numeric keypad while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention. 
     In addition, in one embodiment, the combination of the display  1810  and numeric keypad  1820  are adjustable from the position illustrated in  FIG. 19  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 20 , in which the full alphanumeric keypad  2015  is exposed. As indicated by motion arrows  2020 , the direction of the motion of the display  1810  and numeric keypad  1820  is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the motion of the display  1810  in  FIGS. 18   a - b.  In one embodiment, to enable this motion, the backside of the numeric keypad  1820  has pins or posts which are engaged with tracks  2005 ,  2010 , located on the face of the alphanumeric keypad  2015 . As with the embodiments described above (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ), the display  1810 /keypad  1820  combination may lift upward at various different angles relative to the data processing device  1800 , both prior to sliding to the second position and/or after reaching the second position. 
     In one embodiment, the numeric keypad  1820  is a “passive” keypad which does not include any electrical circuitry. In this embodiment, the numeric keypad  1820  is formed from a thin, plastic material (or similar material) having indications of telephony keys printed thereon. Each of the printed telephony keys is positioned to line up with one or more of the keys on the alphanumeric keyboard  2015  when the keypad  1820  is oriented as illustrated in  FIG. 18   a.  Accordingly, when a user selects a particular key from the numeric keypad  1820 , a force is translated through the numeric keypad key to one or more keys on the alphanumeric keyboard  2015  directly below the keypad key. Thus, when the data processing device  1800  is in the “telephony mode” illustrated in  FIGS. 8   a - b , each key of the alphanumeric keyboard  2015  positioned beneath a particular numeric keypad key is configured to perform the operation designated on the corresponding keypad key. For example, when in this mode of operation, the DEL key of the alphanumeric keyboard  2015  may perform the MENU function designated by the menu key  1823  of the numeric keypad  1820  (i.e., because the DEL key is positioned beneath the menu key  1823 .  FIG. 20  shows the silhouette of the numeric keypad  1820  keys beneath the display  1805  when the data processing device is in one of the “data entry” modes. 
     In one embodiment, an “active” numeric keypad may be employed rather than a “passive” numeric keypad, as described above. The active keypad includes an electrical interface which electrically couples the keypad to the data processing device. Of course, the underlying principles of the invention are not limited to any particular type of numeric keypad. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18   a ,  19  and  20 , a speaker  1815  is configured at the top edge of the display  1810 . While in the telephony orientation/mode illustrated in  FIGS. 18   a - b , the data processing device may be held like a mobile phone so that the speaker  1815  is close to the user&#39;s ear and the microphone  1845  at the other end of the device is close to the user&#39;s mouth. In one embodiment, the speaker  1815  and microphone  1845  may also be used for telephone calls when the display  1810  is in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
     In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the display  1810  and numeric keypad may swivel out in unison from the first position to the second position in a fashion similar to that depicted in  FIG. 1   c . In this embodiment, the tracks on the alphanumeric keyboard are unnecessary, as are the pins or posts that slide along those tracks. Instead, the display is pivotally coupled to the data processing device and pivots around a pivot point. As with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , the display may lift upward at various different angles in relation to the data processing device, both prior to sliding to the second position and/or after it has reached the second position. 
     In addition, as illustrated generally in  FIGS. 18-20 , in one embodiment, when switching between modes, the orientation of images and/or text on the display screen will change. For example, when the data processing device is in telephony mode, as shown in  FIG. 18   a , images and/or text are displayed right-side-up when the first set of control elements is oriented at the bottom of the device. By contrast, when the data processing device is in either of the modes shown in  FIGS. 19-20 , images and/or text are displayed right-side-up when the first set of control elements is oriented at the right side of the device. 
     Embodiments of the invention may include various steps as set forth above. The steps may be embodied in machine-executable instructions. The instructions can be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor to perform certain steps. Alternatively, these steps may be performed by specific hardware components that contain hardwired logic for performing the steps, or by any combination of programmed computer components and custom hardware components. 
     Elements of the present invention may also be provided as a machine-readable medium for storing the machine-executable instructions. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, propagation media or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. For example, the present invention may be downloaded as a computer program which may be transferred from a remote computer (e.g., a server) to a requesting computer (e.g., a client) by way of data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium via a communication link (e.g., a modem or network connection). 
     Throughout the foregoing description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. For example, while the embodiments described above employ specific techniques for highlighting glyphs on keys/control elements, the underlying principles of the invention are not limited to any particular glyph highlighting mechanism. Accordingly, the scope and spirit of the invention should be judged in terms of the claims which follow.

Technology Category: g