JP2007518155A - Portable device with universal keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus and method for providing a universal keyboard for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a display and a plurality of input means, each of which can be arranged in a different direction. The method arranges one of a plurality of input means, detects which of the plurality of input means is arranged, and directs information presented on the display based on the arranged input means. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first module layer movable in a first direction and a second module layer movably connected to the first module layer. Further, the third module layer is movably connected to the second module layer and is movable in the second direction.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

  This patent application is assigned to the assignee of this application and is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference, filed on November 19, 2003, entitled “Portable Device with Universal Keyboard”. This is a continuation application of 10 / 718,125.

  The present invention relates to portable electronic devices. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic apparatus including a general-purpose keyboard that reveals different key configurations and display directions depending on which keyboard is arranged.

  Portable electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants ("PDAs") and handheld gaming devices are becoming increasingly popular for both business and personal use.

One advantage of these devices is their small size, light weight, battery-powered or cordless operation and, in some cases, portability due to wireless communication capabilities.

These features allow these portable electronic devices to be utilized whenever and wherever the user desires.

  However, due to the increasing popularity of these devices, it is not uncommon for a single user to carry more than one of these devices at a time. For example, a user may tie a mobile phone and a two-way pager to a belt while carrying a PDA in a pocket and carrying a gaming device in a bag. As such, having a separate device perform each service or function creates problems for users who require one or more services / functions provided by these portable devices.

  Designers have noticed this problem of equipment expansion and have attempted to combine multiple functions or services into a single equipment. In this way, a user may simply request a single device with multiple modes of operation corresponding to multiple services or functions. However, one drawback of incorporating many modes of operation into a single device is that each service or function typically has an established configuration that includes the overall shape and number of a particular type of component. For example, cell phones typically include a telephone keypad that is composed of 12 keys. That is, one key for each of the numbers 0-9 and a separate key for the “*” character and “#”. In addition, the mobile phone display device is used with a length that extends on the vertical axis so that it can be placed on the keypad and the alphanumeric or graphic output of the display can be read by the user in this direction In order to do so, mobile phones are generally oriented. In contrast, bi-directional pagers typically include an alphanumeric keyboard such as a QWERTY keyboard that may include twice as many keys as a telephone keypad. In addition, interactive pagers typically have displays that have a width that is greater than the length seen during use. In attempting to combine service / functionality, the designer needs a surface area on which these established orientations and sets of components may be mounted. This increasing demand for surface area competes with the overall goal of maintaining a device having a compact and portable size.

  Accordingly, portable electronic devices having multiple layers of functional components that provide multiple functionality while having a compact and portable size are desired.

Summary of the Invention

  The disclosed embodiments provide a universal user interface for electronic devices. In accordance with one aspect, the disclosed method is based on arranging one of a plurality of input means, detecting which input means of the input means are arranged, and on the arranged input means. To direct the information presented on the display.

  In accordance with another aspect, a disclosed electronic device includes a first module layer movable in a first direction, a second module layer movably connected to the first module layer, and a second module layer And includes a third module layer movably connected to the second module layer.

  Additional aspects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

The aspects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may also be realized and maintained by means of the means and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

  The disclosed embodiments include an apparatus and method for providing a universal keyboard for electronic devices. In one embodiment, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an electronic device 12 having multiple movably interconnected module layers 14, 16, 18 that provide multiple functional capabilities to the electronic device 12. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 12 has a first mode of operation, such as a game mode, when the module layers 14, 16, 18 are in a first or neutral position. Also good. In this case, in one embodiment, a first set of components such as display device 22 and directional keypads 24, 26 of electronic device 12 may be utilized. Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device 12 has a first module layer 14 second to expose a first additional set of components 30 such as a telephone keypad and microphone 32 on the second module layer 16. And when moved in the first direction relative to the third module layer 16, 18, may have a second mode of operation, such as a telephone or audio communication mode. Still referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device 12 exposes the first and second module layers 14 to expose a second additional set of functional components 36, such as a QWERTY keyboard 38 on the third module layer 18. , 16, when the third module layer 18 is moved in the second direction 34, it may have a third mode of operation such as a pager, PDA, or text communication mode.

[0018] Although shown as including three layers, the electronic device 12 may include a plurality of module layers, each layer including one or more sets of functional components associated with one or more operating modes. May be included. One or more modes of operation may be used when device 12 is a mobile, satellite or wireless telephone or audio communication device, gaming device, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), pager or text communication device, global positioning system (“GPS”). One or more of remote control devices for controlling other systems, recorder devices such as MP3 players and / or MP3 players or digital recorders, static or dynamic video players and / or recorder devices, computer devices, etc. Allows to be used as For example, when used as a mobile phone, the device 12 may use code division multiple access (“CDMA”), wideband code division multiple access (“WCDMA”), a global system for mobile communications (“GSM”), advanced Including hardware, software and / or firmware for transmitting and / or receiving signals related to communications using protocols such as form-phone service ("AMPS") and time division multiple access ("TDMA") May be.

  One or more sets of components associated with each layer of the device 12, such as module layers 14, 16, 18 may include one or more of multiple types of functional components. These sets of components are external components such as input / output type mechanisms, and transistors, chips, firmware, memory, software and processing devices configured for one or more modes of operation of device 12 And includes internal components such as circuit boards and circuit elements. For example, as described above, the first set of components 20 (FIG. 1) may include a display 22. Display 22 includes any type of text and / or graphic output, such as a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, touch screen, and the like. Directional keypads 24, 26 are toggle keys, navigation keys, and other individual or plurality associated with controlling the movement of graphics on the display 22 or creating an input signal to the device 12. Includes function keys.

  Also, the first set of components 20 may include other components as follows. Audio speakers 66 (FIG. 1), such as near-field and / or far-field speakers for outputting audio signals; one or more indicator lights 68 that signal the status of the device 12; on / off or hang-up Operation keys 72, 74 (FIG. 1) such as keys and call accept / send keys; volume keys 76 for increasing or decreasing the volume of speakers such as near-field speakers 66; voice signals in a walkie-talkie type telephone mode Push-to-talk button 78 for transmitting (FIG. 2); record key 80 for activating voice recorder functionality (FIG. 2); speaker / microphone 82 (FIG. 2) for receiving remote audio speakers and / or Or a connection mechanism; a camera mechanism for taking still images or video images; A test port for connecting a test or monitoring device such as a radio frequency (“RF”) signaling device to up, repair, or test; an infrared (IR) for transmitting and / or receiving data via IR waves "IR") transceiver; battery pack for supplying cordless power to device 12; hard for power supply to operate device 12 and / or recharge battery pack and transmit and / or receive data An antenna mechanism 94 (FIG. 1) for transmitting and / or receiving communication signals associated with one or more modes of the device 12; and a power / data connection to establish a wired connection.

  Similarly, the first and second additional components 30, 36 may include other functional components, such as any of the components described above, related to the desired mode of operation. It should be noted that the components associated with device 12 may be configured in any combination and on any layer to achieve the desired configuration for each mode of operation of apparatus 12.

  For example, in operation, the various modes of operation of the device 12 are controlled by the relative positioning of each layer of the device 12. A way to control the relative movement between these layers is to movably interconnect the various module layers to allow relative movement to expose the various functional components that correlate to each layer. In addition, in order to provide discrete activation of individual operating modes, the apparatus further includes a locking mechanism that prevents movement between predetermined layers during activation of the predetermined mode.

  For example, in one embodiment, referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the first mode of operation of the electronic device 12 is activated by pressing one or a predetermined sequence of keys on the exterior of the device 12. May be. For example, the first operating mode may correspond to one or more game modes, PDA mode, camera mode, GPS mode, calculator mode, data transfer mode, and / or telephone standby mode. The first set of components 20 may be utilized in various combinations to achieve the desired functionality of this mode. For example, in this first mode, when operated as a gaming device, the device 12 is the longest dimension and the directional keypads 24, 26 are used to control gaming functions. It may be held. Further, in connection with the operation of this mode, the device 12 may present a text and graphic output from the display 22 in a predetermined direction based on the selected mode of operation. Thus, for example, text / graphics in game mode may be oriented at 90 degrees with respect to text / graphics in phone or PDA mode. Furthermore, the first set of components 20 may function simultaneously in more than one mode, such as a telephone standby mode. In this case, when a call is received, it may be generated as by two or more of display 22, indicator light 68, and speakers. The user may change the device 12 to the telephone mode by sliding the upper module layer 14 in the first direction 28 or by accepting the call by pressing the call acceptance key 74. In the PDA mode, the user may view data from the display 22 or output input using any key or button. Further, the display 22 may be a touch screen display that allows further input. In camera mode, the user may operate the camera to take a still image or video. Still images and video may also be received by microphone 32 (FIG. 2) to allow the user to record any audio signal associated with the still image or video. Further, in data transfer mode, data may be received by or transmitted from device 12 via one or more test ports, IR transceivers, and power / data connectors.

  In one embodiment, the user moves the upper module layer 14 in a first direction (vertical or upward direction), for example, by sliding and exposing the telephone keypad 31, as in telephone mode (FIG. 2). The second operation mode is activated. During this operational step, the locking system prevents further relative movement between the remaining layers associated with operation in further operational modes. In the telephone mode, the hardware, software and / or firmware in the device 12 recognizes the operation of this mode, and the display 22 is adapted so that the output of the display is combined with the telephone keypad 31, for example for vertical use. Direct the output of. In addition, the device 12 operates certain internal circuitry related to this mode of functionality, such as communication hardware and software for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The user may communicate by speaking to the microphone 32 and listening to the speaker 66. Further, additional telephone related functions may be performed via keys on the telephone keypad 31 and the send key 74 or by using the directional keypad 24 or 26. This mode may be turned off, for example, by moving the upper module layer 14 to the neutral position (FIG. 1), for example, by sliding or pressing the off key 72.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the user moves the lower module layer 18 in a second direction 34 (horizontal direction is a horizontal direction), for example, by sliding to thereby expose the QWERTY keyboard 38 or bidirectional. Activate text communication mode. During this operational step, the locking system prevents further relative movement between the remaining layers associated with operation in further operational modes. In this mode, the hardware, software, and / or firmware in the device 12 recognizes the operation of this mode and places the output of the display 22 for use in combination with the QWERTY keyboard 38, for example, sideways. In addition, certain internal circuitry associated with this mode of functionality is operated, such as communication hardware and software for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The user may communicate, for example, by reading a received text message output by the display 22 or by entering characters from the keyboard 38 and transmitting to other devices via the send key 74. This mode may be turned off, for example, by moving the lower module layer 18 to the neutral position, for example by sliding the lower module, or by pressing the off key 72.

  One way to detect keyboard movement is to use Hall effect sensors. The Hall effect sensor generates a voltage related to the next movement in close proximity to the sensor. This voltage is detected by the device and used as a sign of keyboard layout. The advantage of the Hall effect sensor is that it is reliable and the mechanical elements do not wear out.

Multiple applications may be executed simultaneously on the device 12. The direction of information presented on the display 22 may have a primary aspect ratio generally associated with the direction of keyboard placement. There may be a secondary aspect ratio for each keyboard placement direction. Aspect ratio control includes user control and control of various applications. The chart below shows some of these relationships.

  In the closed state (FIG. 1), the information shown on the display 22 is presented in a predetermined horizontal or vertical direction by the user, the application, or both. In the telephone state (FIG. 2), the directionality of information on the display 22 may be controlled primarily by an application operable with a vertical telephone key configuration with an optional horizontal direction. In the QWERTY state (FIG. 3), the direction of information on the display 22 is mainly operable with the QWERTY key arrangement and may optionally be controlled by an application presented in a horizontal direction with a vertical direction. In one embodiment, to control the direction of information on the display 22; thus, in order to achieve a universal user interface, the user can select the desired via a mechanical toggle switch located next to the display 22. The direction may be selected.

  A user may enter information into the device in various ways. A user may provide input to the device via a touch-sensitive display screen and / or a voice recognition method. Some of these various input means or user interfaces may be used to change the direction of information on the display 22.

  4 and 5 illustrate the connection or sliding mechanism 50, 52, 54, 56. FIG. These mechanisms form part of the locking system or provide assistance to the locking system.

One or more connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56 may be utilized to movably connect the module layers 14, 16, 18 so that various relative movements can be achieved. For example, in one embodiment, the connection mechanisms 50, 52 movably connect the upper module layer 14 and the middle module layer 16 for relative movement in the first direction 28, while the connection mechanisms 54, 56. Movably connects the middle module layer 16 and the lower module layer 18 for relative movement in the second direction. In this example, the connection mechanisms 54, 56 are relative between the middle module layer 16 and the lower module layer 18 in the first direction 28 during the relative movement of the upper module layer 14 in the first direction. The lock system may be supported by preventing movement.

  The connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56 may include various types of magnetic connectors and mechanical connectors. In one embodiment, for example with reference to FIG. 6, the connection mechanism 50 or 52 or 54 or 56 includes a transport mechanism 58 that is movably connectable to the rail member 60 for movement along the longitudinal direction of the rail member. Including. The transport mechanism 58 is fixedly attached to one module layer 14, 16, 18 by mechanical or chemical clamping, for example, while the rail member 60 is fixedly attached to an adjacent module layer in a similar manner. Desired movement may be provided. 4 and 5, the rail member associated with the connection mechanism 50, 52 has a length extending in parallel in the first direction 28, while the rail member associated with the connection mechanism 54, 56 is The length extends in parallel with the second direction 34. Therefore, each transport mechanism 58 can move in the opposite direction along the length of each rail. Thus, in this embodiment, the respective rail members and transport mechanisms associated with the connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56, respectively, are substantially perpendicular to the relative movement of the middle module layer 16 and the lower module layer 18. Provides relative movement of the upper module layer 14 and the intermediate module layer 16. In this embodiment, the connection members 50, 52, 54, 56 are represented as bi-directional slide connectors, but these connection members provide movement along one or more axes in two or more planes. The movement may include linear and / or rotational slide or flipping motion. Further, the connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56 may include metals, plastics, composites and ceramics. Moreover, they may be formed integrally with each module layer 14, 16, 18 or may be attached separately by mechanical or chemical methods.

  Accordingly, the described embodiments provide an apparatus and method for providing a universal keyboard for an electronic device that allows different keyboard layouts and display orientations depending on which keyboard is placed. Although various disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that the subject matter of this document is not limited to only these embodiments. Numerous variations, modifications, changes, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments as set forth in the claims.

The disclosed embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In this case, similar symbol displays indicate similar elements. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 in which the upper module layer is moved in a first direction relative to the remaining module layers, thereby activating a second mode of operation. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 in which the lower module is moved in a second direction relative to the remaining module layers, thereby activating a third mode of operation. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electronic device corresponding to FIG. 2 including one embodiment of a connection mechanism between the upper module layer and the middle module layer. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the electronic device corresponding to FIG. 3, including one embodiment of a connection mechanism between the middle module layer and the lower module layer. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the connection mechanism of FIGS.

Claims (28)

A method for providing a general-purpose user interface for an electronic device, the device comprising a display and a plurality of input means, each including a plurality of input means that can be arranged in different directions,
Arranging one of a plurality of input means;
Detecting which input means of the plurality of input means is arranged, and directing information presented on the display based on the arranged input means.   The method of claim 1, wherein the input means comprises a keyboard.   The method of claim 2, wherein the keyboard is a telephone keyboard.   The method of claim 2, wherein the keyboard is a PDA keyboard.   The method of claim 2, wherein the keyboard is a game keyboard.   The method of claim 2, wherein the keyboard is a multimedia keyboard.   The method of claim 1, wherein the directing includes directing information laterally.   The method of claim 1, wherein the directing includes directing information in a vertical direction.   The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning comprises sliding the input means vertically.     The method of claim 1, wherein the placing comprises sliding the input means horizontally. A first module layer movable in a first direction;
A second module layer movably connected to the first module layer; and a third module movably connected to the second module layer and movable in a second direction. An electronic device comprising a layer. The first module layer comprises a first set of functional components, the second module layer comprises a second set of functional components, and the third module layer comprises a third set of functional components. The apparatus comprising: a first operating mode using the first set of functional components; a second operating mode using the second set of functional components; and a third set of functions. With a third mode of operation using components,
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each mode of operation is operated based on a predetermined relative position of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer.   The first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode are an audio communication mode, a text communication mode, a personal digital assistance mode and a game mode, a global positioning system (“GPS”) mode, 13. The device of claim 12, selected from the group consisting of remote control device mode, audio player or recorder mode, static or dynamic video player or recorder device and computer mode.     When the first module layer moves in the first direction relative to the second module layer, the second set of functional components can be exposed, thereby enabling the second mode of operation. 14. The device of claim 13, as defined.   The third set of functional components can be exposed when the third module device moves in the second direction relative to the second module layer, thereby defining the third mode of operation. The apparatus of claim 13.     A first connector connecting the first module layer and the second module layer, wherein the first connector is capable of at least linear movement substantially parallel to the first method; The apparatus of claim 11.   The apparatus further comprises a second connector connecting the second module layer and the third module layer, the second connector enabling linear movement substantially parallel to the second direction. Item 16 The apparatus according to item 16.   The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular.   12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a communication mode having respective inputs and outputs for receiving and transmitting wireless signals.   12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a display for presenting information to a user.   The information has a first direction when the first module layer moves in the first direction with respect to the second module layer, and the third module device is in the second module layer. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, comprising a second method when moving in the second direction.   The second module layer includes a first input mechanism that can be exposed when the first module layer moves in the first direction with respect to the second module layer, and the third module 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the layer further comprises a second input mechanism that is exposed when the third module layer moves in the second direction relative to the second module layer.   A display for presenting information to a user, wherein the information has a first direction when the first input mechanism is exposed and a second direction when the second input mechanism is exposed; 23. The apparatus of claim 22, having a direction. A first component layer movable in a first direction;
A second component layer having a first set of functional components, wherein the second component layer moves the first component layer in the first direction. A second component layer that exposes and activates the first mode of operation;
A third component layer having a second set of functional components, wherein the third component layer is second with respect to the first component layer, the second component layer, and the second component layer. Portable electronics with a third component layer movably connected to a third component layer movable in two directions, exposing a second set of functional components and activating a second mode of operation apparatus. In a method for controlling relative movement between movable layers of an electronic device,
The first module layer is movably connected to a second module layer having a first functional component such that relative movement of the first module layer in a first direction exposes the first functional component. And
Allowing the second module layer to move to a third module layer having the second functional component such that relative movement of the third module layer in the second direction exposes the second functional component; Connecting,
Preventing the movement of the third module layer in the second direction while the first module layer is moving in the first direction.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein movement of the first module layer in the first direction is prevented while the third module layer is moving in the second direction. In a method for providing a universal user interface for an electronic device,
Exposing a first set of functional components on a second module layer movably connected to the first module layer, wherein the first set of functional components is a first of the electronic device; And exposing a second set of functional components on a third module layer movably connected to the second module layer.   28. The method of claim 27, further comprising displaying information in a predetermined direction depending on an operating mode of the electronic device.

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