Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
CLAMSHELL HANDPIELD ELECTRONIC COMMiJNYCATION DEVICE WITIi
PIVOTALLY COUPLED INTERCONNECTOR
I ' . .
CLAIM TO PRIORITY
100011 The present application claims priority benefit of YJS- Application
12/275665, filed
on November 21, 2008, and European Application EP0$169715.3, filed on November
21, 2008;
both of which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety. .
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure, in a broad sense, is directed toward a handheld
coznrnunieation
device that has wireless c.bmrnunication capabilities an.d the networks
withi.n which the wireless
` communicatxon device operates. The present disclosure urther reIates to a
clamshell haxtdheld
electronic communication device with a connector for pivotally connecting a
first housing to a
second housing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the proliferation of wireless communxcation systerz-s, compatible
handheld
communication dev.ites are becoming more prevalent, as well as advanced.
Whereas in the. past
such handheld communicatiori devices were typically limited to either voice
transmission (cell
phones) or teact transmission (pagers and PDAs), today's- consumer often .
demands a
multifunctional device capable of performing both types of transmissions,
iaacludir,.g even
sending and receiving e-rraaxl_ , Fuztherxnore, these higher-performance
devices can also be
capable of sending and receiving other types of data including that which
allows the. viewing and
use of Internet websites. These higher level functionalities necessarily
requxre. greater user
interaction with the devices through included user interfaces (UIs) which may
have,originally
been designed to accommodate making and receiving telephone ca1ls and sending
messages over
a related Short Messaging Service (SMS). ' As might be expected, suppliers of
such mobile
: . .~ .
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
communication devices and the related service providers are anxious to meet
these customer
requirements, but the demands of these more advanced functionalities have in
many
circumstances rendered the traditional user interfaces unsatisfactory, a
situation that has caused
desiginers to have to improve the UIs -through which users input information
and control these
sophisticated operations.
[0004] ' Keyboards are used on many, handheld devices, including telephones
and mobile
comumWnication devices. The size of keybaards has been xecluced over the
years, as newer,
smaller devices- have become popular. Cell phones, for example, are now sized
to fit in one's
pocket or the palm of the laand. As the size of the -devices has decreased, it
has become more
important to utilize the entire keyboard surface as efficiently as possible.
[0005] Wliile efficient use of space is an issue for handheld comznunication
devices,
another issue is -usability in multiple environments. 'A,s handheld
conoaaa.unication devices
become more prevalent, customers cozjtinue to use- such devices more ofteii
and in more
locations and environments. This leads to the issue of durability, an example
being that some
handheld electronic communicatioia -devices may be prone to. breakage at the
area where the
display and keyboard sections zneet_
. ,, . , .
. . . . ! . , _ ~
Z ,i
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-[0006] Exemplary methods and arrangements conducted and configured according
to the
advantageous solutions presented herein are depicted in the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a clamshell handhead wireless communication device
in a closed
configuration;
(00081 FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing a wireless handheld
communication device
interacting in a communication network;
[0009] FICr. 3A illustrates an exemplary QWERTY keyboard layout;
[0010] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary Q'VVERTZ keyboard layout;
[0011] FIG. 3C illustrates an exezuplary AZERTY keyboard layout;
. . , . .
[0012] FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary Dvorak keyboard layout;
[0013] FIG_ 4 illustrates a QWERTY lceyboard layout paixed with a traditiomal
ten-key
keyboard;
[00141 FIG: 5 illustrates ten 'd,i.gits comprising the numerals 0-9 arran.ged
in a traditional,
~ . r .
-ITU StaDdard E.161 numeric telephone keypad layout, including the * and #
keys Ilanking the 0
key;
[00151 FIG- G illustrates a traditional or standard phone key arrangement or
layout
according to the ITU, Standard E.161 including both nuu--erals and letters;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a clamsbell handhel'd
wireless
communica.tion device in a closed configuration;
- . . f .
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view thereof;
3
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a right side view of a clamshell handheld wireless
conlmunication.
device in a closed configuration;
100191, FIG. 10 illustrates a left side view thereof;
[0020] FYG. 11 illustrates a top plan view thereof;
[00211 FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom plan view thereof;
10022] FIG. 13 illustrates left side perspective view of a clamshell
liaztdheld wireless
commuri.ioution device in an operating configuration;
100231 F'IG.14 illustrates a rear view thereof;
[0024] FIG. - 15 illustrates a front view* of a clamshell handheld wireless
communication
device in an operating configuration;
[00251 FIG. 16 illustrates a right side view thereof;
[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates a left side view thereof;
10027] FIG. 18 illustrates a left side view of a clamshell handheld wireless
coinmunieation device t.ransitioning into the fully open configaration;
[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates a spring . assembly withiai the pivotal
interconnector of the
clamshell handheld wireless communieation device;
(00291 FIG. 20 illustrates a topside view of a clamshell handheld wireless
coriamunication
device in an operatiug configuration; and
[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates a bottom view 'thereof_
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DETARED DESC1tYPTION
[0031] An example of a clamshell handheld wireless commimication device 300 is
shown
in FIG. 1 in a closed cozifiguration 600 and the device's cooperation-in a
wireless network 319 is
exemplified in the block diagram of FIG. 2. All figures in the present
disclosure are exerriplary
only, and those persons skilled in the art will - appreciate the additional
elements and
xnodific,atabns necessary to make the device 300 work in pWicular network
environments.
10032] As demonstrated in rIG_ 2, it is coriternplated that communication by
the handheld
device 300 with the wireless network 319 can be any type of coxnmunication
that both the
wireless network 319 and handheld device 300 are enabled to transmxt, receive
and process. Tu
general, these can be classified as voice and data. Voioe' communication is
communication in
which signals for audible sounds are transmitted by the handheld device 300
through, the
communication network 319. Data is all othet types of communication that the
handheld device
300 is capable of performing within the conslraints of the wixeless network
319 as depicted iza
FIG_ 2_ . [0033] Also as shown in the block dxagrain of FIG. 2, the handheld
device 300 includes a
mxcroprocessor 338 that controls the operation oI'the device. 300. A.
communieation subsystem
311 performs all communication transmission and reception with the wireless
network 319. The
microprocessor 33$ further connects with an auxiliary xnputloutput (I/O).
subsystem 328, a sezial
port (preferably a 1rTniversal Serial Bus. port) 330, a display 322, a
keyboard 650, a speaker 334, a
microphone 336, random access memory (RAM) 326, and 11ash - memory- 324: Other
.
communication subsystems 340 and other deviee subsystems,342 are4 generally
indicated as
being functionally connected with the microprocessor 338 as well. = An
exannple of a
communication subsystem 340 is that of a short range commuWcation system such
as
BLT.7FTOOTHS communication module or a Wi-Fi communucatipn module (a
communication
module . in compliance with IEEE 802.11b) and associated circuits- and
cornponents.
Additionally, the microprocessor 338 is able to perform operating system
fiuiictions and
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
preferably enables execution of software applications on the handheld wireless
communication
device 300.
[0034] As fluther derrionstrated by FIG. 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the
flash
memory 324 is enabled to provide a storage locati.on for the operating system
357, device
programs 358, and data_ The operating systern 357 is generally configured to
manage other
applxcation prograraas 358 that are also stored in memory 324 and executable
on the processor
338. The operating system 357 honors requests for services made by application
programs 358
through predefmed application program 358 interfaces. More specifically, the
operating system
,357 typically determines the order in which multiple applications 358 are
executed on the
proeessor 338 and the executxon time allotted for each application 358,
riaanages the sharxng of
m.emory 324 among multiple applications 358, handles input and output to and
from other device
subsystems 342, and so on. In addition, users can typically.interact directly
with the operating
system 357 through a.'user interface, whiich can include the keyboard 650 and
display screen 322.
While in an exenaplary embodiment the operating system 357 is stored ion tlash
memory 324, the
operating systern 357 in other embodiments is -stored in read-only memory
(ROM) or siniilar
storage element (not shovai): As those slcilled iD the art will appreciate,
the operating system
357, device application 358 or parts thereof may be loaded in RAM 326 or other
volatile
memory.
'[0035] - With further reference to FIG. 2, the flash memory 324 may' contain
programs/applications 358 for execution on the bandheld device 300 including
an address book
352, a personal information manager (PIM) 354, and the device state 350.
Ftiirthermore,
. . ,. . . , . . . .. .
programs 358 and other information 356 including data can be 'segregked upom
'storage izi tlie...
flash memory 324 of the liandheld device 300. [0036] When the eommunication
device 300 is enabled for two-way communication
~ within the wi,reless communication network 319 as 'depicted in k'IG. 2, it
can send and receive
signals from a mobile communication service. Examples of communication systems
enabled for
two-way communication include, but are not limited to, tk,e General Packet
Radio Service
6
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
(GPRS) zaetwork, the Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service (UMTS)
network,, the
Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) network, the Code Division Multiple
Access
(CDMA) inetwork, High-Speed Packet. Access (HSPA) networks, Universal Mobile
Telecoinmunication Service Time Division Duplexing (UMTS-TDD), Ultra Mobile
Broadband
(LiMB) networks, Worldwide Interoperability for Mi.crowave Access (WiMAX), and
other
networks that can be used for data and voice, or just data or voice. Fox the
systems listed above,
the cominurtication device 300 may require a unique identifier to enable the
communication
device 300 to transniit and receive signals from the conimunication network
319. Other systems
may not require such .identifying information GPRS, U1V1TS, and EDGE use a
Subscxiber
Identity Module (SIM) in order to allow co.nununication v+-ith the
communication network 319.
Likewise, most CDMA systems use a Removable Identity Module (RUM in order to
eommunicate with the CDMA network. The RUIM and STM card can be used in
multiple
different communication devices 300. The communication device 300 may be able
to operate.
some features without a SrM/RUI,[VM card, but it will not be able to
communicate with the
network 319. A SIM/RUIiVI interface 3441ocated within the communication device
300 allows
for removal or insertion of a SIM/RUIM card. (not shown). -The SINURUYIvI card
features
xnemory and holds key configurations.351, and other iuiformation 353 such as
identification and
subscriber relateci information.' Witla a properly enabled communication
device 300, two-way
communication between the commurlacation device 300 and communicatiozi network
319 is
possible.
[00371 When equipped for two-way communicatioza, the handheld wi.reJess
communicatiozl
device 300 also features a'communiea.tion stxbsystem 311 as * indicated in
FIG. 2. The
communication subsysten.-i 311 may modified so that it can support the
operational needs of the
handheld device 300. As shown in k'1G_2 , the subsysteru 31,1 - includes a
transrnitter 314 m-td
receiver 312 including the associated'antez,na or antennae 316, 318 as
described above, local
oscillators (LOs) 313, atid a processing module 320 which in the presently
described'exem'plary
embodiment is a digital signal processor (DSP) 320.
~ .
. .
7
. .
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
[00381 If the handheld wireless communication device 300 is enabled as
described above
or the communication network 319 as shown in FIG. 2 does not require such
enablement, the
two-way communication enabled handheld device. 300 is able to botl-i transmit
and receive
information from the communication network 319. The- transfer of communication
can be from
the handheld device 300 or to the device 300.- In order to communicate with
the communication
network 319, the handheld device 300 in the presently described exemplary
embodiment is
equipped with an integral or internal antenna 31-8 for transmitting signals to
the communication
network 319. Likewise the handheld wireless communication device. 300 in the
presently
desoribed . exemplary embodiment is equipped witb another antenna 316 for
receiving
communicatioxi from the communication network 319_ These antennae 316, 318 iia
another
exemplary exn.bodin-ient are combined into a single antenna (not shown). As
one skilled in the art
would appreciate, the antenna or antennae 316, 318 in anotkier embodiment
could be externally
mounted on the handheld device 300.
[00391 Example device 300 applications, such as shown in FIG. 2, that can
depend on such
data include email, contacts and calendars. For each such application
synchronization with
home-based versions on the applications can be critical for either or both of
their iong term and
short terna utility- As an example, emails are often time sensitive, so
substantially real time
synchronization is highly desirable. Coritacts, on the other hand, can be
tLsually 'updated less
frequently without inconvenience. Therefore, the utility of the handheld
device 300 is
significantly enhanced when conaectable within a eommunication system, and
partieulariy when
cozunectable on a wireless basis in a network 319 in which voice, text
inessaging, and other data
transfer aTe accommodated.
, . .
[0040] As intimated hereinabove, one of the more important aspects- of the
handheld
wireless communication device 300 to which this disclosure is directed is its
size - FIG. 7 being
an example. While some users will grasp the handheld device 300 in both hands,
it is intended
that a predominance of users will cradle the handlield device 300 in one hand
in sucli a manner
that input and control over the handheld device 300 can be effected using the
thumb of the same
8
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
hand in which the handheld device 300 is held. However, it is appreciated that
additional control
can be effected by using both hands. As a handheld device 300 that is easy to
grasp and
desirably pocketable, the size'of the handheld device 300 must. be kept
commensurately small.
Of the device's dimensions, limiting its width is important for the purpose of
assuring
oradleability in a user's hand. Moreover, it is preferred that the width of
the handheld device 300
be maintained at less than eight centimeters (approximately three inches).
Keeping the handheld
device 300 wit.hin these dimensional limits provides a hand cradleable unit
that users prefer for
its usability and portability. Irimitations with respect to -the height
(length) of the. handheld
device 300 are less stringent when considering hand-cradleability. Therefore,
in order to gain
greater size, the handheld device 300 can be elongated so that its length is
greater than its width,
but still remains easily supported and operated in one hand while in the -
operating conf giaratxon
601, as cart'be seen in FIG. 15. However, the device can be so configured so
as to also have a
length 801 which is smaller than its width 802, as can be seen in FIG. 8.
. . . .~ . .
f0041] A potential drawback is presented by the small size of the handbeld
device 300 in
that there "ls limxted exterior susfaee area for the inclusion of user input
and device output
features. This is especially true for the "primc real estate" on the keyboard
face 640 of the
handheld device 300 in the operating coriBguration 601, whexe it is most
advantageolis to include
a display screen 322 that outputs information to the user. As showrr in FIG.
13, ttxe ' display
screen 322 is preferably located above a. keyboard 650 that is utilized for
data entry into the -
han.dheld device 300 by the user. If the screen 322 is provided below the
keyboard 650, a
problem occurs in that viewing the screen 322 is inhibited when the user is
inputting data usxng
the keyboard 650. Therefore in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the display
screen 322 is
above the navigation row 70 and keyboard 650, thereby solving.the problem by
assuring that the
'hands and fingers do not block the view of the screen 322 during data entry
periods. This
pmperty is enhanced by the fact that the angle between the keyboard face 640
and the
interconnector 80, and the angle between the interconnector 80 and the display
face 320 can each
take separate values, and tkius more positional. options exist for the user.
9
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
[0042] The auxilxary UO subsystem 328 can take the form of a, variety of
different
navigatioii tools (multi-directional or single:-direction.al.) such as a
navigation tool' 327 with
trackball.321a.s illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG- 13 for
example, or a
thumbwheel, a navigation pad, a joystick, or the like (not shown). As wi.Il be
developed more
fully below, these navigation tools are located on the front surface of the
handb.eld device 300
when in an operating configuration 601 but may also be located on any exterior
surface of the
handheld device 300. ' Other auxiliazy Il0 subsystems -can include exteznal
display devices and
extern ally connected keyboards (not- slaown). While the above examples bave
been provided in
'relation to the auxiliary IIO subsystem 328, other subsystems capable of
providing input or
receiving output ftom the handheld device 300 are considered within the scope
of this disclosure.
Additionally, other keys may be placed along the side of the han,dheld device
300 to function as
escape keys, volume control keys 100, scrolling keys, power switches, or user
progYanunable
keys 105, 120, and may likewise be =progranuned accordingly.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows the four possible keyboard 650 configurations, the QWERTY
44a,
the QW)ERTZ 44b, the AZERTY 44c and the DVORAK 44d. rIG. 4 illustrates a
QWERTY
keyboard layout paired witlx a traditional ten-key keypad. Those skilled in
the art will realize
that the keyboard 650, shown in FIG. 15 for example, may be configured so as
to comprise one
oz more to these possible layouts. All of these possible configurations are
ITU compliant. The
International Telecozrualunications Union '("ITU") has established phone
standards for the
arrangement of alphanunaeric keys, entitled "Arrangement of.Digits, Letters,
and Symbols on
Telephones and Other Devices That Can Be Used for Gaining Access to a
Telephone Network."
This standard is alsa known as ANSI TI.703-1995/1999 and ISO/IEC 9P95-8:1994.
[00441 As may be seen in FIG. 13, a display 322 is incliided that is located
on a display
scxeen face 320 of the device 300 in the operating configuration 601 and upon
which information
is displayed to the operator dunng text entry. A keyboard 650 is also located
on the keyboard
face 640 of the handbeld device 300 the operating canfiguration 601 and
includes a plurality of
keys as can be seen in FIG. 15. Also shown in p'IG. 15 is a navigation row 70,
iAcluding menu
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
keys 652 and a navigation tool 327 located above the keyboard face 640 on the
double hinged
interconnector. The alphanurneric inputt keys 630. comprise a plurality of
alphabetic and/or
numeric keys having letters and/or numbers associated therewith. The order of
the letters -af the
alphabetic keys on the presently disclosed handheld device 300 can be
described as being of a
traditional, but non-ITU Standard E.161 layout. This termi.nology has been
utilized to delineate
the fact that such a telephone keypad (as depicted in FIG. 6) might not allow
for efficient text
entry on the handheld device 300 F1G. 5 illustrates a keypad comprising the
numerals 0-9
arranged in a traditional, ITU Standard E.161 numeric telephone keypad layout,
including the
* and # keys flanking the 0 key. FrG. 6 illustrates a traditional or standard
phone key
atrangement or layout accordiiig to the ITU Standard E.161. Again, the
keyboard 650, as showii
in FIG. 15 for exaznple, may be further provided witlx each of such layouts_
[0045] Keys, typically of a push-button or push-pad nature, like those in at
least FJG. 6 for
example, perform well as data entry devices but present pr,oblems to the user
when they must
also be used to effect navigational control over a screen-cursor. ln order to
solve this problem
the present haudheld. wireless comrnunication device 300 preferably includes
programmable
auxiliary inputs 105, 120 that may acts as a cursor navigatiori tool 327.
While in the operating
configuration 601, the navigation tool 327 accommodates thuznb-actuation. One
embodimetxt
provides the navigation tool 327 in the form of a trackball 321 wl-iich is
easily utilized to instruct
two-dimensiaDal screen cursor movement in substantially any directionõ as well
as act as an
actuator when the navigational to41 327 is depressed like a button. The
placement of the
. . .
navigation tool 327, above the keyboard 650 and below the display screen 322,
avoids
interference during keyboarding and ensures that the navigational tool does
not block tbe user's
view of the display screen 322 during use. (See at least FIG. 15).
[0046] FIG. 7 shows the front of an emliodiment of the clamshell handhcld
wireless
communication device 300 in a closed configuration. In a closed configuration
a display screen
322 and -a keyboard 650 may be wholly or partially covered. The device 300 can
be equipped
with an external mirror 850, a camera 851, a flash 852 for use in conjunction
therewith, as well
11
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
as a light emitting diode 853. In at least the example of FIG. 7 replace
iterns reside on the outer
side or back of the second housing .95. Those skilled in the*art will
appreciate that these items
could have different positions and still come within this disclosure. As shown
in the example of
FIG. 7, the second housing 95 of the device 300 may have a substantially
square profile. FIG. 7
also illustrates that a length 801 of the second housing 95 may be less than
its 95 width 802.
[0047] FIG. 8. shows the fxont of an -embodiment of the device 300 in a closed
configuxation 600. A first side 81 of the interconnector 80 is shown in a
mutually
acconimodating relationship with the first housi.ng 90. Two charge contacts
807 are shown
towards the lower portion -of first housing 90_ 'I'he first housing 90 can be
seem to have a
substantially square profile 800: Also seen in the example of FIG. 8, the
length 801 of the first
housing is less than a width of a second housing 802. As will be appreciated
by those in the art,
while a. particular shape is shown, others are possible wbile still falling
witb.ixx the present
disclosure.
(0048] A closed configuration 600 .is also shown FIG. 9, this time from the
right side.
Although it is compact, the device 300 has multiple input and output,
faculties, even when in the
closed configuration' 600_ For example, a programmable key 120, a universal
serial bus port 874
and a headset _jack 875 are shown on the exterior of the device 300. In at
least one example as
illustrated in FIG. 9, some portion of the keyboard 650 can be seen between
the first housing 90
and second housing 95. In another possible embodiment the device 300 could be
so configured
so as to completely conceal the keyboard 650 when viewed from the same side as
in FIG. 9
while still coming within this disclosure. Also, the hinged interconnector 80
can be seen
between two lunge-end covers 900 in the illustrated example.
[00491 The other side view of the device 300 in a closed conFiguration 600 is
shown in "
FIG. 10_ Again, even though the embodiment is streamlined and compact,
multiple input and
output options exist_ For exaniple the embodiment of rrG. 10, the volume
buttons or keys 100 in
the f;irst housing 90 are situated next to a user-programmable key 105. The
volurae- buttons or
keys can be configured so as to adjust the speaker (not shown) volume when the
device 300 is
12
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
used a telephone or to adjust the volume of the audio output associated with
other fun.ctiozialities.
FIG. 10 shows the hinged interconnector 80 between two hirige-end covers 900.
As will be
described furth.er herein, Stxll other input and output options may be
provided on the exterior of
the device 300. Again, as will be appreciated by.those in the art, wbile a
particular. shape is
shown, others are possible while still falling within the present disclosure.
[0050] The top of an embodiment of the device 300 in a closed
configuration.600 is
depicted in FIG. 11, The edges of all four hinge=end covers 900 are visible. A
mute/suspend
key 880 is shown on the left side of the exterior of the interconnector 80 and
a speaker phone
button 890 is on the right. Such locations are examples only, and other
possibilities exist within
the present disclosure. Also, other,keys or buttons may be located on the
ionterconnector 80
which may take.various shapes_ Within the interconnector resides a spring
assexnbly 750 (see
FYG.19) which runs through interconnector 80 to the hinge-end covers 900.
[0051] The compaet nature of-the device 300, which is at-least in part made
possible by the
double-hinged flexible intercoz-.nector 80, is exemplified well in FYG. l l;
the vertical distance,
from the outer side of the intercormector 80 to the lower side 81, can be seen
to be substantially
less than the width 802 of the device. This relationship is sl,aown in FIG. 12
as well, which
= ; . .
shows the bottona of the device 300 in a closed configuration 600. The
embodiment depicted'in
FIG. 12 shows a microphone hole 860 on the bottom of the first housing 90. It
will be obvious to those skilled ira the art that such a hole could-be placed
elsewhere on the device 300.
[0052] . FIG. 13 shows the device 3 00 in an operating configuration 601.
During operation,
a user of the device 300 nlay maintain visual contact with the display screen
322 after resting the
device 300 on a flat surface such as a desk or table. As discussed previously,
a double-hinged
interconnector 80 containing a spriq assembly 750 is disclosed which will bias
the display
screen faee- 320. at a suitable angle 700 with the keyboard.face 640_ As shown
in FIG. 13, the
keyboard face 640 contains a keyboard 650 with a plurality of keys that can be
of a physical
nature such as actuablc buttons, or they can be of a software nature,
typically constituted by
vizi.~ual representations of physical keys on a display screen 322 (referred
to herein as "virtual
..
13
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
keys")_ It is also contemplated that the user input can be provided as a
combination of the two
types of keys. Bach key of the plurality of keys has at least one actuable
action which can be the
input of a character, a command or a fiinction. In this context, "characters"
are contemplated to
exempiarily include alpbabetic letters, language symbols, numbers,
Qunctuation, iF-signias, icons,
pictures, and even .a blank space. Input commands and functions can include-
such things as
delete, backspace, moving a cursor up, down, lef t or right, initiating au
arithmetic unction or
command, initiating a connmand or function specific to an application program
or feature in use,
initiating' a command or function programmed by the user and other such con-
imands and
functions that are well known to those persons skilled in the art. Specific
keys or other types of
input devices dan be used to navigate througb the various applications and
features thereof.
Further, depending on. the application 358 br feature in use, specific keys
can be enabled oz
disabled:
[00531 In the case of physical keys of the type. shown in FIG. 13, all or a
portion, of the
plurality of keys - have one or more indicia representing eharacter(s),
eommand(s), and/or
functions(s) displayed at their top surface and/or on the surface of the area
adjaeent the
respective key. Yn the instance. where the izzdicia bf a key's function is
provided adjacent the key,
the indicia can be printed on the device cover beside the key, or in the
instance of keys located
adjacent the display screen 322. Additionally, eurrent indicia for the key may
be temporanily
shown nearby the key on the display screen 322_
[0054] Physical and virtual.keys can be combined in many different- ways as
appreciated
by those skilled in the art_ In one embodiment, physical and virtual keys
could. be combined
such'that the plurality of enabled keys for a particular application or
feature of the handb,eld
wireless eommunicatiozx device 300 is shown on the display screen 322 in the
same configuration
as the physical keys. Using this configuration, the user can select the
appropriate physical key
correspoDdxn.g to what is shown on the display screen 322. Thus, the desired
character,
command or function is obtained by depressing the physical key couesponding to
the character,
command or.fubction displayed at a corresponding position on the display
screen 322, rather
than touching the display screen 322.
14
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
[0055] As made clear Previ ously, the clamshell handheld wireless
'communication device
300 is configured to send and receive voice communications such as mobile
telepbone calls. To
facilitate telephone. calls, two call keys 66.0, 670 are'provided below the
navigation row, 70 (so-
called because it includes the navigation tool 327) as shown in. FIG. 13. One
of the two call keys
is a call initiation key 660, and the -other is a call terminatxdn key 670.
The navigation row 70
also iincludes another pair of keys ("flamkang keys" 606, "608) .that -are
located immediately
adjacent to the navigation tool 327, with one flanking key on eithex side of
the navigation tool
327. It is Doted that the outer keys are referred to as such not because they
are neaessarily the
outermost keys in the navigation row - there may be additional keys located
even further
outwardly of the outer keys if desired - but rather because- they are- located
outwardly with
respect'to 'the flanking keys 606, 608. The flanking keys 606; 608 may, for
instance, constitute
the menu keys 652, which include a menu call-up key 606 and an escape or back
key 608. The
menu call-up key 606 is used to bring up a zneziu on the display screen 322
aud the escape key
608 is used to return to the previous screen or previous menu selection. The
functions of the call
keys and the zxaenu keys may, of course, be provided by buttons that are
located elsewhere on the
handheld device 300, with different functions assigned to the outer keys 'and
the flanldng keys
606, 608.
[0056] With regard to keyboards, taking the one shovvn in FIG. 13 as an exar-
ap1e, it is
useful -for handheld devices 300 to include a combined text-entry keyboard 650
and a telephony
keyboard 650. Examples of such handheld devices 300 include mobile skatiozas,
cellular
telephones, wireless personal digital assistants' (PDAs), two-way paging
devices, and 'others.
'Various keyboards, are used with such devices and can be termed a t'vll
keyboard, a reduced-
format keyboard, or phone key, pad. In embodiments of a handheld device 300
having a full
keyboard, the alphabetic characters are singly associated with the plurality
of pbysical keys.
Thus, in an Englislh-language keyboard of 'tlais corrfiguration, there are at
least 26 ke.ys in the
plurality, with 6ne letter per alphabetic key:
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
[0057] Turning to the device's 300 navigation tool 327 as shorvn'in FIG. 13,
both the first
housing 90 and second housing 95 can have. an accommodation space 620 recessed
into each.
housing that receives at least a portion of the navigation,al tool 327 wb.en
the device 300 is in a
closed configuration 600_ Iri this eonfiguration, the hingiuag interconnector
provides a mounting
= = L =
platform for the navigational tool 327 and the first housing 90 and second
housing accommodata
for a protruding navigational tool 327 with the accommodation space 620 in the
respective.
housing. In other embodiments, the accommodation space 620 might be provided
only on the
first housing 90 or only ozi the second housing 95.
=-
[0058] Addition.all.y, in one embodiment at least one input key may be mounted
adjacent
the navigational tool 327 on the hinging interconnector 80. In other
embodiments as illustrated
by at least FIG. 13, two input keys, each one flanking the navigational tool
327 on the hinging
interconnector 80, may be provided. As discussed prcviously, the input key
immediately to the
left 608 of the navigational tool 327 may be a menu key 652 and the input key
immediately to
the right o#' the trackball 321may be an escape key 606. In yet another
embodiment, additional
keys znay be provided on the hinging intercozn-iector. In one embodiment, the
hinging
interconnector 80 and the first housiuQg 90 and the second housing 95 have
approximately the
same width relative the clamshell handheld electronic communication device
3,00 in the closed
configuration 600. In anot'her embodiment, the hinging interconnector 80 hns a
width
approximately one-half the width of either of the first housing 90 and second
housings 95
xelative the clamshell handheld electronic commwuication device 300 in the
closed configuration
600, FIG. I illustrates an embodiment in which the hinging interconnector 80
is approximately
three-fouzth the width of either the first housing 90 and second housixig 95
relative-the clamshell
handheld electronic communication device 300 in the closed configuration 600_
However,
hinging interconnectors 80 of various widths, as would be recognized by one
skilled in the art,
are encompassed witWn the present disclosure.
[0059] As set forth above, the interconnector 80 mediates between the first
housing 90 and
the second housing 95 as shown in FIG. 14, which shows the back of the device,
300 in an
operating configuration_ Also shown is an external display 854 which can
pxesent the time, date,
16
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
incoming call information to the user when the device 300 is in the closed
configuratioia 600. '
Also amute/hold' button 880 .and a speaker phone key 890 are provided 'on. the
back of the
hinging interconnector 80. As illustrated, the hinging interconnector 80
connects the lower first
housing 90 and the upper second housing 95. Also disclosed are a mirror 850, a
camera 851 and
a'flash 852 aligned on the outer face of the second housing 95. It will be
obvious to those skilled
in the art that alternate. locations are possible while still falling uiithin
the scope of this
disclosure.
[0060] An exannple of a front view of a clamshell handheld wireless
communication
device in an operating configuration is shown in FIG_ 15. The navigation row
70, which in this
example contains a xaavigational too1327 and flanking keys 606, 608, rests on
the intercomector
80 above the keyboard face 640 an a first housing 90 and beneath a display
screen 320 -in a
second housirig 95. `I'he 'interconnector 80 may be so configured so as to
bias the keyboard face
640 and display screen face toward an obtuse angIe 700 of orientation when the
keyboard face
640 and the display screen face are writliin a ffteen degree departure from
the obtuse angle 700.
Alternatively, the iDterconnector 80 may be so configured so as to bias when
the keyboard face
640 and -the display screen face are within a thirty degree departure frorn
the obtuse angle 700.
The choice of biasing angles, as between the keyboard face 640 and the
interconnector 80, and
the interconnector 80 and the second housing 95, and thus their sum, (the
angle betweezi the
keyboard face 640 and display face 320), will be a fimction of the
configuration of the spring,
assembly 750. The spring assembly 750 may comprise many types ofsprings, coil
springs and
cantilever springs be two exam.p]cs. 'Ihose skilled in the art will recognize
that such springs-will
be selected acooxdizag to their spring,constant, which is a function of their
shape and the material
from which they are zzxade_ Those skilled in the art will appieciate that
various angles between
the fust housing 90 and the second housing 95, sucb as about 150 to about
degrees, about 165
degrees to about 171 degreesand about 170 degrees to about 1.75 degrees,
resulting from the
-choice and configuration of spring assembly are possible within this
disclosure.
[0061] FIG_ 16 illustrates a right side view of a clamshell handheld, wireless
communication device 300 W an operatinig confi.guxation 601. Two hinge covers
900 as well as a
17
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
head set jack 875, universal serial bus port 874 and user programmable key 120
are visible. Also
visible in the example of FIG. 16 is the top *of a navigational tool 327 which
is shown as a
trackball. The keyboard face 640 can be seen to be oriented at an obtuse angle
700 to displa,y,
~. , screen face 320. The hinged interconnector 80- may be configured 'such
that the obtuse angle
measures appzoximately. .165 degrees. Alternately, the connector could be set
up for a 150
degiee. angle between the display 320 and the keyboard 650. - As described
above, those, skilled
in the art will zecognize tl-lat other angle configurations are possible
within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[00621 A left side view of the device 300 in an operating configuration is
shown in
FIG_ 17. On the first housing 90 a user programmable key 105 and volume
control keys 100 are
shown. Also visible in this example are two of the four upper and lower hinge-
end covers- 900_
Also visible is- the top of a navigational tool 327 which as shown as a
trackball. The keyboard
face 640 forms an angle obtuse 700 with display screen face 320. As described
above, the exact
. . .
size of the obtuse angle 700 will be the result of the configuration of the
spring assemlxly 750.
100631 FIG. 18 illustrates a right side -view of a clamshell hahdheld wireless
cammunicatiom device 300 trainsitioning into the fully open configura.tion 602
from the operating
configura.tion in response to external forces. The spring assenibly 750 within
the intercopzAector
80 may be so configured so as to allow some resilient "give ' from the
operating configuration
601 into . the fully open configuration 602. Since the spring ' assembly 750
within the
interconfiector- 80 is bzased towards preset obtuse angle 700, onee the
external force is removed,
the device sbould return to its.operating configuration 601, -
[00641 A spzlng assembly witlun the pivotal interconnector 80 of the clamshela
handheld
wireless communication device 300 is shown in FIG. 19. As stated above, the
spring assembly
750 within the interconnector 80 may be so configured so as to allow some
resilient `give" from
the operating configuration 601 into the fully open confxguration 602. 3'he
interconnector may be
. . i
configured to resiliently bias the communication device 300 toward closed 600
aznd operating
, . , . . i
18
CA 02686200 2009-11-20
configtiuations 601 and away from a fully opm configuration 602 in which the
keyboard face and
display screen face 320 are substantially parallel to one another_ This
substantially paraXlel angle
925 may measure approximately 180 degrees, The electromic device 300 may be
azrangdd such
that the substantially parallel angle znay have other values, such as about
177 degrees to about
183 degrees, 179 degrees or 183 degrees, while still falling within this
disclosure. -
[0065] A top view of the device 300 in an operating conf guration 601 as shown
in F1C7_
20. The mute/suspend key 880 and the speakerplione key 890 are shown comprised
within the
extemal side of the double hinged izaterconnect,or 80. TIose skilled in the
art Will recognize that
other buttons and other locations are possible within this disclosure. The
external display screen
854 is shown at an angle. The exact value 700 of the angle will naturally vary
according to the
configuration of the spring assembly 750, as described above.
. .- , .
[0066] - A bottom view of the device 300 in an.operating configuration 601 is
shown in
FIG. 21. The obtuse angle 700 between the fiz-st housing 90 and the second
housing 95 is
evideoced by the fact that the navigatioDaJ row 70 is parti.al.ly obscured
frorin view by the first
'housing 90_ A u1ierophone hole 860 is shown on the lower edge of the first
housing 90, though
other locatioDs are possible within this disclosuxe. The second side 82 di the
intercojuzector 80
which is joined to the second housing 95 can be seen over the lower edge of
the keyboard face
640 within tl-le first housing 90.
C00671 It will be understood that the foregoing description is that of certain
embodiments
and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without
departing from the
scope of this disclosure.
19
