US20130083464A1 - Display frame for handheld dual display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A display frame for a communication device includes: a substantially planar body to receive a display panel for a screen of the device, plural clips positioned around a periphery of the body to engage at least one of a slot and lip of a housing of the device, and a cutout to pass a flexible circuit extending from a printed circuit board and to the display panel, thereby enabling the flexible circuit to bend to connect to the display panel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• The present application claims the benefit of and priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/539,884, filed Sep. 27, 2011, entitled “MOBILE DEVICE,” which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
• A substantial number of handheld computing devices, such as cellular phones, tablets, and E-Readers, make use of a touch screen display not only to deliver display information to the user but also to receive inputs from user interface commands. While touch screen displays may increase the configurability of the handheld device and provide a wide variety of user interface options, this flexibility typically comes at a price. The dual use of the touch screen to provide content and receive user commands, while flexible for the user, may obfuscate the display and cause visual clutter, thereby leading to user frustration and loss of productivity.
• The small form factor of handheld computing devices requires a careful balancing between the displayed graphics and the area provided for receiving inputs. On the one hand, the small display constrains the display space, which may increase the difficulty of interpreting actions or results. On the other, a virtual keypad or other user interface scheme is superimposed on or positioned adjacent to an executing application, requiring the application to be squeezed into an even smaller portion of the display.
• This balancing act is particularly difficult for single display touch screen devices. Single display touch screen devices are crippled by their limited screen space. When users are entering information into the device, through the single display, the ability to interpret information in the display can be severely hampered, particularly when a complex interaction between display and interface is required.
SUMMARY
• There is a need for a dual multi-display handheld computing device that provides for enhanced power and/or versatility compared to conventional single display handheld computing devices. These and other needs are addressed by the various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the present disclosure. Also, while the disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of the disclosure can be separately claimed.
• A handheld computing device includes:
• a screen to receive input from and provide graphical output to a user, the screen comprising a display panel, the display panel comprising plural imaging pixels to render a selected image;
• a housing engaging a peripheral portion of the screen, the housing a sidewall and base; and
• a display frame mechanically engaging the display panel and housing, whereby the display frame maintains the display panel in position relative to the housing.
• The display frame can mechanically engage the housing by a plurality of clips, which do not increase the outer dimensions of the housing.
• The display frame can mechanically maintain the display panel in position in the complete or substantial absence of an adhesive, even when the display frame is discrete from the display panel.
• Each of the clips can engage a matching slot and/or lip in the housing.
• The display frame can include a plurality of registration features to position a flexible circuit in a selected position and/or orientation.
• The display frame can include a cutout to pass a flexible circuit extending from a printed circuit board and to the display panel, thereby enabling the flexible circuit to bend to connect to the display panel.
• The display frame can be substantially non-magnetic to block electromagnetic radiation from interfering with performance of the display panel.
• A display frame for a communication device can include:
• a substantially planar body to receive a display panel for a screen of the device;
• plural clips positioned around a periphery of the body to engage at least one of a slot and lip of a housing of the device; and
• a cutout to pass a flexible circuit extending from a printed circuit board and to the display panel, thereby enabling the flexible circuit to bend to connect to the display panel.
• The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending on the particular aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. For example, currently, the consumer electronics industry is dominated by single-screen devices. Unfortunately, these devices are limited in the manner in which they can efficiently display information and receive user input. Specifically, multiple applications and desktops cannot be adequately shown on a single screen and require the user to constantly switch between displayed pages to access content from more than one application. Additionally, user input devices such as keyboards, touch-sensitive or capacitive displays, and hardware interface buttons are usually reduced in size to fit onto a single-screen device. Manipulating this type of device, and being forced to switch between multiple applications that only use one screen results in user fatigue, frustration, and in some cases repetitive motion injuries.
• Recently, dual-screen devices have been made available to consumers of electronic devices. However, the currently available dual-screen devices have failed to adequately address the needs of the consumer. Although the devices include two screens in their design, the devices tend to be cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. In particular, the typical dual-screen device has a relatively large envelope that detracts from the utility and aesthetics of the device. For example, as the envelope of the device increases in size, a user experiences increased difficulty in storing and/or using the device, for example as a mobile phone. In addition, the typical dual-screen device includes a bulky hinge that increases the overall envelope of the device. The present disclosure addresses the limitations of the traditional single/dual-screen devices and provides advantages in envelope size and maneuverability.
• In embodiments, the present disclosure provides a dual-screen device employing a mechanical design that reduces the overall envelope of the device while providing a robust housing that protects the internal components of the device. The black inter-display seam commonly encountered in dual screen devices can be rendered substantially invisible to the viewer, in large part due to the small distance between the first and second screens. The hinge can be compact and incorporated into the body of thedevice100, thereby substantially minimizing the inter-screen gap or seam between the juxtaposed screens. The flexible conductive member can advantageously enable the energy storage device to be oriented with the terminals located a distance from, or pointing away from, the printed circuit board. In embodiments, the device may utilize a selectively reinforced outer shell configured to reduce the thickness of the device. In some areas, the outer shell may be reinforced by additional material and/or internal components of the device, thereby enabling the envelope of the housing to be reduced as compared to typical dual-screen devices. For example, a polymeric material may be nanomolded on the housing to provide rigidity to predetermined areas of the housing. As another example, stiffeners may be selectively associated with the interior of the housing to provide rigidity to predetermined locations of the housing while not detracting from the overall size or appearance of the device. As a further example, operable device components, such as a battery and/or a printed circuit board, may be utilized to provide rigidity to the housing. Furthermore, in embodiments, the device may utilize a backing plate configured to provide rigidity and consistent behavior for at least one button associated with the device. The backing plate also may be utilized to define a datum for positioning a component, such as a battery, within the housing. Moreover, in embodiments, the device may utilize a compact hinge that is substantially disposed within an outer envelope of the device. The hinge may be at least partially disposed within opposing sidewalls of the dual screens and thus not detract from the overall size and/or appearance of the device. The hinge may include a plurality of axes, enabling a user to easily maneuver the dual screens between various orientations. Additionally, in embodiments, the device may include a secondary support for a dock connector to accommodate various misalignments and/or other connection issues with a peripheral device. In embodiments, the secondary support and/or the dock connector are not structurally connected to a printed circuit board, thereby removing the printed circuit board from the dock connector load path, which can damage the printed circuit board. These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure.
• The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
• The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.
• The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material”.
• The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any tangible storage and/or transmission medium that participate in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present disclosure are stored.
• The term “desktop” refers to a metaphor used to portray systems. A desktop is generally considered a “surface” that typically includes pictures, called icons, widgets, folders, etc. that can activate show applications, windows, cabinets, files, folders, documents, and other graphical items. The icons are generally selectable to initiate a task through user interface interaction to allow a user to execute applications or conduct other operations.
• The term “screen,” “touch screen,” or “touchscreen” refers to a physical structure that includes one or more hardware components that provide the device with the ability to render a user interface and/or receive user input. A screen can encompass any combination of gesture capture region, a touch sensitive display, and/or a configurable area. The device can have one or more physical screens embedded in the hardware. However a screen may also include an external peripheral device that may be attached and detached from the device. In embodiments, multiple external devices may be attached to the device. Thus, in embodiments, the screen can enable the user to interact with the device by touching areas on the screen and provides information to a user through a display. The touch screen may sense user contact in a number of different ways, such as by a change in an electrical parameter (e.g., resistance or capacitance), acoustic wave variations, infrared radiation proximity detection, light variation detection, and the like. In a resistive touch screen, for example, normally separated conductive and resistive metallic layers in the screen pass an electrical current. When a user touches the screen, the two layers make contact in the contacted location, whereby a change in electrical field is noted and the coordinates of the contacted location calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, a capacitive layer stores electrical charge, which is discharged to the user upon contact with the touch screen, causing a decrease in the charge of the capacitive layer. The decrease is measured, and the contacted location coordinates determined. In a surface acoustic wave touch screen, an acoustic wave is transmitted through the screen, and the acoustic wave is disturbed by user contact. A receiving transducer detects the user contact instance and determines the contacted location coordinates.
• The term “display” refers to a portion of one or more screens used to display the output of a computer to a user. A display may be a single-screen display or a multi-screen display, referred to as a composite display. A composite display can encompass the touch sensitive display of one or more screens. A single physical screen can include multiple displays that are managed as separate logical displays. Thus, different content can be displayed on the separate displays although part of the same physical screen.
• The term “displayed image” refers to an image produced on the display. A typical displayed image is a window or desktop. The displayed image may occupy all or a portion of the display.
• The term “display orientation” refers to the way in which a rectangular display is oriented by a user for viewing. The two most common types of display orientation are portrait and landscape. In landscape mode, the display is oriented such that the width of the display is greater than the height of the display (such as a 4:3 ratio, which is 4 units wide and 3 units tall, or a 16:9 ratio, which is 16 units wide and 9 units tall). Stated differently, the longer dimension of the display is oriented substantially horizontal in landscape mode while the shorter dimension of the display is oriented substantially vertical. In the portrait mode, by contrast, the display is oriented such that the width of the display is less than the height of the display. Stated differently, the shorter dimension of the display is oriented substantially horizontal in the portrait mode while the longer dimension of the display is oriented substantially vertical.
• The term “composited display” refers to a logical structure that defines a display that can encompass one or more screens. A multi-screen display can be associated with a composite display that encompasses all the screens. The composite display can have different display characteristics based on the various orientations of the device.
• The term “gesture” refers to a user action that expresses an intended idea, action, meaning, result, and/or outcome. The user action can include manipulating a device (e.g., opening or closing a device, changing a device orientation, moving a trackball or wheel, etc.), movement of a body part in relation to the device, movement of an implement or tool in relation to the device, audio inputs, etc. A gesture may be made on a device (such as on the screen) or with the device to interact with the device.
• The term “module” as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element.
• The term “gesture capture” refers to a sense or otherwise a detection of an instance and/or type of user gesture. The gesture capture can occur in one or more areas of the screen, A gesture region can be on the display, where it may be referred to as a touch sensitive display or off the display where it may be referred to as a gesture capture area.
• A “multi-screen application” refers to an application that is capable of multiple modes. The multi-screen application mode can include, but is not limited to, a single screen mode (where the application is displayed on a single screen) or a composite display mode (where the application is displayed on two or more screens). A multi-screen application can have different layouts optimized for the mode. Thus, the multi-screen application can have different layouts for a single screen or for a composite display that can encompass two or more screens. The different layouts may have different screen/display dimensions and/or configurations on which the user interfaces of the multi-screen applications can be rendered. The different layouts allow the application to optimize the application's user interface for the type of display, e.g., single screen or multiple screens. In single screen mode, the multi-screen application may present one window pane of information. In a composite display mode, the multi-screen application may present multiple window panes of information or may provide a larger and a richer presentation because there is more space for the display contents. The multi-screen applications may be designed to adapt dynamically to changes in the device and the mode depending on which display (single or composite) the system assigns to the multi-screen application. In alternative embodiments, the user can use a gesture to request the application transition to a different mode, and, if a display is available for the requested mode, the device can allow the application to move to that display and transition modes.
• A “single-screen application” refers to an application that is capable of single screen mode. Thus, the single-screen application can produce only one window and may not be capable of different modes or different display dimensions. A single-screen application is incapable of the several modes discussed with the multi-screen application.
• The term “window” refers to a, typically rectangular, displayed image on at least part of a display that contains or provides content different from the rest of the screen. The window may obscure the desktop.
• The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.
• It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.,Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.
• Unless otherwise indicated, all dimensions included in the figures are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. All dimensions included in the figures have units of millimeters or degrees.
• The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A includes a first view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1B includes a second view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1C includes a third view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1D includes a fourth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1E includes a fifth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1F includes a sixth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1G includes a seventh view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1H includes a eighth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1I includes a ninth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 1J includes a tenth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the hardware of the device;
• FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the state model for the device based on the device's orientation and/or configuration;
• FIG. 3B is a table of an embodiment of the state model for the device based on the device's orientation and/or configuration;
• FIG. 4A is a first representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;
• FIG. 4B is a second representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;
• FIG. 4C is a third representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;
• FIG. 4D is a fourth representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;
• FIG. 4E is a fifth representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;
• FIG. 4F is a sixth representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;
• FIG. 4G is a seventh representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;
• FIG. 4H is a eighth representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;
• FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the device software and/or firmware;
• FIG. 5B is a second block diagram of an embodiment of the device software and/or firmware;
• FIG. 6A is a first representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6B is a second representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6C is a third representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6D is a fourth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6E is a fifth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6F is a sixth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6G is a seventh representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6H is a eighth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6I is a ninth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 6J is a tenth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first housing and second housing of a multi-screen device;
• FIGS. 8A-I are views of an embodiment of a hinge with example dimensions;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first and second housing of a multi-screen device with a flexible circuit passing through an internal passage of the hinge;
• FIG. 10 is a view of an embodiment of a first housing;
• FIGS. 11A-C are views of an embodiment of a backing plate with example dimensions;
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second housing;
• FIGS. 13A-C are views of an embodiment of a corrugated stiffener with example dimensions;
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second housing with an input/output retainer bracket;
• FIGS. 15A-D are views of an embodiment of an input/output retainer bracket with example dimensions;
• FIG. 16 is a side view of the device according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the first and second screen assemblies according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 18 is a top view of a section1800 (FIG. 1B) according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 19 is a plan view of a flexible electrically conductive member according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 20A is a sectional view along line A-A ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20B is a sectional view along line B-B ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20C is a sectional view along line C-C ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20D is a sectional view along line D-D ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20E is a sectional view along line E-E ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20F is a sectional view along line F-F ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20G is a sectional view along line G-G ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20H is a sectional view along line H-H ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20J is a sectional view along line J-J ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20K is a sectional view along line K-K ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20L is a sectional view along line L-L ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20M is a sectional view along line M-M ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 20N is a sectional view along line N-N ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 21A is a top view of a display panel frame according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 21B is a bottom view of the display panel frame;
• FIG. 22A is a sectional view along line A-A ofFIG. 21A
• FIG. 22B is a sectional view along line B-B ofFIG. 21A;
• FIG. 22C is a sectional view along line C-C ofFIG. 21A;
• FIG. 22D is a sectional view along line D-D ofFIG. 21A;
• FIG. 22E is an enlarged view of the highlighted feature ofFIG. 22A;
• FIG. 22F is an enlarged view of the highlighted feature ofFIG. 22B;
• FIG. 22G is an enlarged view of the highlighted feature ofFIG. 22C;
• FIG. 22H is an enlarged view of the highlighted feature ofFIG. 22D;
• FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the device in the fully open position;
• FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the device in the fully open position according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the device in the fully open position according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 26 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the device according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional detail ofFIG. 26;
• FIG. 28A is a top view of the support bracket and light guides according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 28B is a front view of the support bracket and light guides;
• FIG. 28C is a bottom view of the support bracket and light guides;
• FIG. 28D is a rear view of the support bracket and light guides;
• FIGS. 29A-B depict the light guides in bottom and top views, respectively;
• FIG. 30A is a rear view of the device according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 30B is a sectional view along line B-B ofFIG. 30A;
• FIG. 30C is an enlarged view of a sectional view ofFIG. 30B;
• FIG. 30D is an enlarged view of a sectional view ofFIG. 30B;
• FIG. 30E depicts the sectional views ofFIG. 30B when the device is in the fully closed position;
• FIG. 31A is a rear view of the device according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 31B are sectional views along line B-B ofFIG. 30A;
• FIG. 31C is an enlarged view of a sectional view ofFIG. 31B; and
• FIG. 31D is an enlarged view of a sectional view ofFIG. 31B.
• In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Presented herein are embodiments of a device. The device can be a communications device, such as a cellular telephone, or other smart device. The device can include two screens that are oriented to provide several unique display configurations. Further, the device can receive user input in unique ways. The overall design and functionality of the device provides for an enhanced user experience making the device more useful and more efficient.
• Mechanical Features:
• FIGS. 1A-J illustrate adevice100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described in greater detail below,device100 can be positioned in a number of different ways each of which provides different functionality to a user. Thedevice100 is a multi-screen device that includes afirst screen104 and asecond screen108, both of which are touch sensitive. In embodiments, the entire front surface ofscreens104 and108 may be touch sensitive and capable of receiving input by a user touching thefront surface102 of thescreens104 and108.First screen104 includes touchsensitive display110, which, in addition to being touch sensitive, also displays information to a user.Second screen108 includes touchsensitive display114, which also displays information to a user. In other embodiments,screens104 and108 may include more than one display area.
• First screen104 also includes aconfigurable area112 that has been configured for specific inputs when the user touches portions of theconfigurable area112.Second screen108 also includes aconfigurable area116 that has been configured for specific inputs.Areas112aand116ahave been configured to receive a “back” input indicating that a user would like to view information previously displayed.Areas112band116bhave been configured to receive a “menu” input indicating that the user would like to view options from a menu.Areas112cand116chave been configured to receive a “home” input indicating that the user would like to view information associated with a “home” view. In other embodiments,areas112a-cand116a-cmay be configured, in addition to the configurations described above, for other types of specific inputs including controlling features ofdevice100, some non-limiting examples including adjusting overall system power, adjusting the volume, adjusting the brightness, adjusting the vibration, selecting of displayed items (on either ofscreen104 or108), operating a camera, operating a microphone, and initiating/terminating of telephone calls. Also, in some embodiments,areas112a-C and116a-C may be configured for specific inputs depending upon the application running ondevice100 and/or information displayed on touchsensitive displays110 and/or114.
• In addition to touch sensing,first screen104 andsecond screen108 may also include areas that receive input from a user without requiring the user to touch the display area of the screen. For example,first screen104 includesgesture capture area120, andsecond screen108 includesgesture capture area124. These areas are able to receive input by recognizing gestures made by a user without the need for the user to actually touch the surface of the display area. In comparison to touchsensitive displays110 and114, thegesture capture areas120 and124 are commonly not capable of rendering a displayed image.
• The twoscreens104 and108 are connected together with ahinge128, shown clearly inFIG. 1C (illustrating a rear view of device100).Hinge128, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A-J, is a center hinge that connectsscreens104 and108 so that when the hinge is closed,screens104 and108 are juxtaposed (i.e., side-by-side) as shown inFIG. 1B (illustrating a front view of device100). Hinge128 can be opened to position the twoscreens104 and108 in different relative positions to each other. As described in greater detail below, thedevice100 may have different functionalities depending on the relative positions ofscreens104 and108.
• FIG. 1D illustrates the right side ofdevice100. As shown inFIG. 1D,second screen108 also includes acard slot132 and aport136 on its side.Card slot132 in embodiments, accommodates different types of cards including a subscriber identity module (SIM).Port136 in embodiments is an input/output port (I/O port) that allowsdevice100 to be connected to other peripheral devices, such as a display, keyboard, or printing device. As can be appreciated, these are merely some examples and inother embodiments device100 may include other slots and ports such as slots and ports for accommodating additional memory devices and/or for connecting other peripheral devices. Also shown inFIG. 1D is anaudio jack140 that accommodates a tip, ring, sleeve (TRS) connector for example to allow a user to utilize headphones or a headset.
• Device100 also includes a number ofbuttons158. For example,FIG. 1E illustrates the left side ofdevice100. As shown inFIG. 1E, the side offirst screen104 includes three buttons144,148, and152, which can be configured for specific inputs. For example, buttons144,148, and152 may be configured to, in combination or alone, control a number of aspects ofdevice100. Some non-limiting examples include overall system power, volume, brightness, vibration, selection of displayed items (on either ofscreen104 or108), a camera, a microphone, and initiation/termination of telephone calls. In some embodiments, instead of separate buttons two buttons may be combined into a rocker button154, an example of which is shown inFIGS. 1D-E. This arrangement is useful in situations where the buttons are configured to control features such as volume or brightness. In addition to buttons144,148, and152,device100 also includes a button156, shown inFIG. 1F, which illustrates the top ofdevice100. In one embodiment, button156 is configured as an on/off button used to control overall system power todevice100. In other embodiments, button156 is configured to, in addition to or in lieu of controlling system power, control other aspects ofdevice100. In some embodiments, one or more of the buttons144,148,152,154, and156 are capable of supporting different user commands. By way of example, a normal press has a duration commonly of less than about 1 second and resembles a quick tap. A medium press has a duration commonly of 1 second or more but less than about 12 seconds. A long press has a duration commonly of about 12 seconds or more. The function of the buttons is normally specific to the application that is currently in focus on therespective display110 and114. In a telephone application for instance and depending on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long press can mean end call, increase in call volume, decrease in call volume, and toggle microphone mute. In a camera or video application for instance and depending on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long press can mean increase zoom, decrease zoom, and take photograph or record video.
• There are also a number of hardware components withindevice100. As illustrated inFIG. 1C,device100 includes a speaker160 and a microphone164.Device100 also includes a camera168 (FIG. 1B). Additionally,device100 includes two position sensors172A and172B, which are used to determine the relative positions ofscreens104 and108. In one embodiment, position sensors172A and172B are Hall effect sensors (discussed below with reference to FIGS.31A-D). However, in other embodiments other sensors can be used in addition to or in lieu of the Hall effect sensors. Anaccelerometer176 may also be included as part ofdevice100 to determine the orientation of thedevice100 and/or the orientation ofscreens104 and108. Additional internal hardware components that may be included indevice100 are described below with respect toFIG. 2.
• The overall design ofdevice100 allows it to provide additional functionality not available in other communication devices. Some of the functionality is based on the various positions and orientations thatdevice100 can have. As shown inFIGS. 1B-1G,device100 can be operated in an “open” position where screens104 and108 are juxtaposed. This position allows a large display area for displaying information to a user. When position sensors172A and172B determine thatdevice100 is in the open position, they can generate a signal that can be used to trigger different events such as displaying information on bothscreens104 and108. Additional events may be triggered ifaccelerometer176 determines thatdevice100 is in a portrait position (FIG. 1B) as opposed to a landscape position (not shown).
• In addition to the open position,device100 may also have a “closed” position illustrated inFIG. 1H. Again, position sensors172A and172B can generate a signal indicating thatdevice100 is in the “closed” position. This can trigger an event that results in a change of displayed information onscreen104 and/or108. For example,device100 may be programmed to stop displaying information on one of the screens, e.g.,screen108, since a user can only view one screen at a time whendevice100 is in the “closed” position. In other embodiments, the signal generated by position sensors172A and172B, indicating that thedevice100 is in the “closed” position, can triggerdevice100 to answer an incoming telephone call. The “closed” position can also be a preferred position for utilizing thedevice100 as a mobile phone.
• Device100 may also have a beveled edge to assist a user in gripping and opening thedevice100 when in the closed position.FIGS. 1A-J and16-17 illustrate side views of embodiments of adevice100 having abeveled edge180 formed in at least one side of at least one of thescreens104 and108. In the depicted example, eachscreen104 and108 has afront surface102, arear surface184, and abeveled edge180 extending between thefront surface102 and therear surface184. When the device is in the closed position, thebeveled edge180 of eachscreen104 and108 angles inwardly toward the otherrespective screen104 and108 to provide an angled surface configured to facilitate gripping and/or opening thedevice100. To open thedevice100 from the closed position, a user may place at least one finger on abeveled edge180 to pry open thedevice100.
• Thebeveled edge180 can be formed at various angles relative to the front and/orrear surfaces102 and184 of therespective screens104 and108. In one embodiment, abeveled edge180 is formed in eachscreen104 and108 at an angle between about 30 to about 90 degrees relative to thefront surface102 of therespective screens104 and108. In another embodiment, abeveled edge180 is formed in eachscreen104 and108 at an angle between about 60 to about 85 degrees relative to thefront surface102 of therespective screens104 and108. If formed in eachscreen104 and108, thebeveled edge180 of eachscreen104 and108 may be formed at approximately the same angle, or different angles, relative to thefront surface102 of therespective screens104 and108.
• Thebeveled edge180 can be formed in various sides of at least one of thescreens104 and108. For example, at least one side of at least one of thescreens104 and108 may be angled relative to the front and/orrear surfaces102 and/or184 of the respective screen. In one embodiment, at least one side of thefirst screen104 and at least one side of thesecond screen108 is angled relative to the front andrear surfaces102 and184 of the respective screen. Referring toFIGS. 1A-J and16-17, thebeveled edge180 is formed in at least a portion of three sides188a,188b, and188cof eachscreen104 and108. Referring specifically toFIGS. 1A-J and16-17, abeveled edge180 is formed in a portion of the top side188band the bottom side188cof eachscreen104 and108. Referring now toFIGS. 1A-J and16-17, thebeveled edge180 is formed in a portion of the bottom side188cof eachscreen104 and108, and thebeveled edge180 is formed in the left side188aof eachscreen104 and108. Also illustrated inFIGS. 1A-J and16-17, thebeveled edge180 does not extend to the right side188dof thedevice100. Referring toFIGS. 1A-J and16-17, thehinge128 is positioned centrally in the right side188dof thedevice100.
• Referring still toFIGS. 1A-J and16-17, thebeveled edge180 may be formed in eachscreen104 and108 to oppose each other when the device is in the closed position. For example, thebeveled edge180 illustrated inFIGS. 1A-J and16-17 is formed in the same sides of thescreens104 and108 and is formed in each screen to be substantially a mirror image about theback surfaces184 of thescreens104 and108 when the device is in the closed position. In alternative embodiments, thebeveled edge180 may be formed in non-complementary locations along the sides of thedevice100. For example, abeveled edge180 may be formed on different sides of thescreens104 and108 and/or on an adjacent side but in different locations along the respective side of thedevice100.
• Audio jacks, buttons, ports, and/or slots can be included in thebeveled edge180. InFIGS. 1D-E, buttons148 and152 and a rocker button144 are associated with thebeveled edge180 of thefirst screen104, and anaudio jack140, acard slot132 and aport136 are formed in thebeveled edge180 of thesecond screen108. The button, ports, and/or slots can be included in abeveled edge180 of any screen or side of thedevice100.
• Other features also can be associated with thebeveled edge180 to facilitate gripping and/or opening thedevice100. For example, an elastomeric material, such as rubber, may be adhered to thebeveled edge180 to improve grip. As another example, surface protuberances, such as detents, protrusions, and/or ridges, may be formed in or connected to thebeveled edge180 to assist in gripping and/or opening thedevice100. In alternative embodiments, these other features may be associated with non-beveled portions of at least one side of at least one screen of thedevice100 to ease gripping and/or opening thedevice100.
• In embodiments, at least one side188a,188b,188c, and188dof at least onescreen104 and108 can be arcuate shaped. For example, at least one side can be convex and/or concave to facilitate gripping and/or opening thedevice100. In addition, at least one edge of thefront surface102 and/orrear surface184 of thefirst screen104 and/orsecond screen108 may be rounded. In one embodiment, every edge of thefront surface102 and therear surface184 of eachscreen104 and108 is rounded with a predetermined radius of curvature to remove all sharp edges of thedevice100.
• Device100 can also be used in an “easel” position which is illustrated inFIG. 1I. In the “easel” position, screens104 and108 are angled with respect to each other and facing outward with the edges ofscreens104 and108 substantially horizontal. In this position,device100 can be configured to display information on bothscreens104 and108 to allow two users to simultaneously interact withdevice100. Whendevice100 is in the “easel” position, sensors172A and172B generate a signal indicating that thescreens104 and108 are positioned at an angle to each other, and theaccelerometer176 can generate a signal indicating thatdevice100 has been placed so that the edge ofscreens104 and108 are substantially horizontal. The signals can then be used in combination to generate events that trigger changes in the display of information onscreens104 and108.
• FIG. 1J illustratesdevice100 in a “modified easel” position. In the “modified easel” position, one ofscreens104 or108 is used as a stand and is faced down on the surface of an object such as a table. This position provides a convenient way for information to be displayed to a user in landscape orientation. Similar to the easel position, whendevice100 is in the “modified easel” position, position sensors172A and172B generate a signal indicating that thescreens104 and108 are positioned at an angle to each other. Theaccelerometer176 would generate a signal indicating thatdevice100 has been positioned so that one ofscreens104 and108 is faced downwardly and is substantially horizontal. The signals can then be used to generate events that trigger changes in the display of information ofscreens104 and108. For example, information may not be displayed on the screen that is face down since a user cannot see the screen.
• Transitional states are also possible. When the position sensors172A and B and/or accelerometer indicate that the screens are being closed or folded (from open), a closing transitional state is recognized. Conversely when the position sensors172A and B indicate that the screens are being opened or folded (from closed), an opening transitional state is recognized. The closing and opening transitional states are typically time-based, or have a maximum time duration from a sensed starting point. Normally, no user input is possible when one of the closing and opening states is in effect. In this manner, incidental user contact with a screen during the closing or opening function is not misinterpreted as user input. In embodiments, another transitional state is possible when thedevice100 is closed. This additional transitional state allows the display to switch from onescreen104 to thesecond screen108 when thedevice100 is closed based on some user input, e.g., a double tap on thescreen110,114.
• As can be appreciated, the description ofdevice100 is made for illustrative purposes only, and the embodiments are not limited to the specific mechanical features shown inFIGS. 1A-J and described above. In other embodiments,device100 may include additional features, including one or more additional buttons, slots, display areas, hinges, and/or locking mechanisms. Additionally, in embodiments, the features described above may be located in different parts ofdevice100 and still provide similar functionality. Therefore,FIGS. 1A-J and the description provided above are nonlimiting.
• Hardware Features:
• FIG. 2 illustrates components of adevice100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, thedevice100 includes afirst screen104 and asecond screen108. While thefirst screen104 and its components are normally enabled in both the opened and closed positions or states, thesecond screen108 and its components are normally enabled in the opened state but disabled in the closed state. However, even when in the closed state a user or application triggered interrupt (such as in response to a phone application or camera application operation) can flip the active screen, or disable thefirst screen104 and enable thesecond screen108, by a suitable command. Eachscreen104,108 can be touch sensitive and can include different operative areas. For example, a first operative area, within each touchsensitive screen104 and108, may comprise a touchsensitive display110,114. In general, the touchsensitive display110,114 may comprise a full color, touch sensitive display. A second area within each touchsensitive screen104 and108 may comprise agesture capture region120,124. Thegesture capture region120,124 may comprise an area or region that is outside of the touchsensitive display110,114 area, and that is capable of receiving input, for example in the form of gestures provided by a user. However, thegesture capture region120,124 does not include pixels that can perform a display function or capability.
• A third region of the touchsensitive screens104 and108 may comprise aconfigurable area112,116. Theconfigurable area112,116 is capable of receiving input and has display or limited display capabilities. In embodiments, theconfigurable area112,116 may present different input options to the user. For example, theconfigurable area112,116 may display buttons or other relatable items. Moreover, the identity of displayed buttons, or whether any buttons are displayed at all within theconfigurable area112,116 of a touchsensitive screen104 or108, may be determined from the context in which thedevice100 is used and/or operated. In an exemplary embodiment, the touchsensitive screens104 and108 comprise liquid crystal display devices extending across at least those regions of the touchsensitive screens104 and108 that are capable of providing visual output to a user, and a capacitive input matrix over those regions of the touchsensitive screens104 and108 that are capable of receiving input from the user.
• One ormore display controllers216a,216bmay be provided for controlling the operation of the touchsensitive screens104 and108, including input (touch sensing) and output (display) functions. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, a separatetouch screen controller216aor216bis provided for eachtouch screen104 and108. In accordance with alternate embodiments, a common or shared touch screen controller216 may be used to control each of the included touchsensitive screens104 and108. In accordance with still other embodiments, the functions of a touch screen controller216 may be incorporated into other components, such as aprocessor204.
• Theprocessor204 may comprise a general purpose programmable processor or controller for executing application programming or instructions. In accordance with at least some embodiments, theprocessor204 may include multiple processor cores, and/or implement multiple virtual processors. In accordance with still other embodiments, theprocessor204 may include multiple physical processors. As a particular example, theprocessor204 may comprise a specially configured application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a controller, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array, a special purpose computer, or the like. Theprocessor204 generally functions to run programming code or instructions implementing various functions of thedevice100.
• Acommunication device100 may also includememory208 for use in connection with the execution of application programming or instructions by theprocessor204, and for the temporary or long term storage of program instructions and/or data. As examples, thememory208 may comprise RAM, DRAM, SDRAM, or other solid state memory. Alternatively or in addition,data storage212 may be provided. Like thememory208, thedata storage212 may comprise a solid state memory device or devices. Alternatively or in addition, thedata storage212 may comprise a hard disk drive or other random access memory.
• In support of communications functions or capabilities, thedevice100 can include acellular telephony module228. As examples, thecellular telephony module228 can comprise a GSM, CDMA, FDMA and/or analog cellular telephony transceiver capable of supporting voice, multimedia and/or data transfers over a cellular network. Alternatively or in addition, thedevice100 can include an additional or otherwireless communications module232. As examples, the otherwireless communications module232 can comprise a Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH™, WiMax, infrared, or other wireless communications link. Thecellular telephony module228 and the otherwireless communications module232 can each be associated with a shared or adedicated antenna224.
• Aport interface252 may be included. Theport interface252 may include proprietary or universal ports to support the interconnection of thedevice100 to other devices or components, such as a dock, which may or may not include additional or different capabilities from those integral to thedevice100. In addition to supporting an exchange of communication signals between thedevice100 and another device or component, thedocking port136 and/orport interface252 can support the supply of power to or from thedevice100. Theport interface252 also comprises an intelligent element that comprises a docking module for controlling communications or other interactions between thedevice100 and a connected device or component.
• An input/output module248 and associated ports may be included to support communications over wired networks or links, for example with other communication devices, server devices, and/or peripheral devices. Examples of an input/output module248 include an Ethernet port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394, or other interface.
• An audio input/output interface/device(s)244 can be included to provide analog audio to an interconnected speaker or other device, and to receive analog audio input from a connected microphone or other device. As an example, the audio input/output interface/device(s)244 may comprise an associated amplifier and analog to digital converter. Alternatively or in addition, thedevice100 can include an integrated audio input/output device256 and/or an audio jack for interconnecting an external speaker or microphone. For example, an integrated speaker and an integrated microphone can be provided, to support near talk or speaker phone operations.
• Hardware buttons158 can be included for example for use in connection with certain control operations. Examples include a master power switch, volume control, etc., as described in conjunction withFIGS. 1A through 1J. One or more image capture interfaces/devices240, such as a camera, can be included for capturing still and/or video images. Alternatively or in addition, an image capture interface/device240 can include a scanner or code reader. An image capture interface/device240 can include or be associated with additional elements, such as a flash or other light source.
• Thedevice100 can also include a global positioning system (GPS)receiver236. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, theGPS receiver236 may further comprise a GPS module that is capable of providing absolute location information to other components of thedevice100. An accelerometer(s)176 may also be included. For example, in connection with the display of information to a user and/or other functions, a signal from theaccelerometer176 can be used to determine an orientation and/or format in which to display that information to the user.
• Embodiments of the present invention can also include one or more position sensor(s)172. Theposition sensor172 can provide a signal indicating the position of the touchsensitive screens104 and108 relative to one another. This information can be provided as an input, for example to a user interface application, to determine an operating mode, characteristics of the touchsensitive displays110,114, and/orother device100 operations. As examples, ascreen position sensor172 can comprise a series of Hall effect sensors, a reed switch, a multiple position switch, an optical switch, a Wheatstone bridge, a potentiometer, a mechanical switch on thehinge128, or other arrangement capable of providing a signal indicating of multiple relative positions the touch screens are in.
• Communications between various components of thedevice100 can be carried by one or more buses222. In addition, power can be supplied to the components of thedevice100 from a power source and/orpower control module260. Thepower control module260 can, for example, include a battery, an AC to DC converter, power control logic, and/or ports for interconnecting thedevice100 to an external source of power.
• Device State:
• FIGS. 3A and 3B represent illustrative states ofdevice100. While a number of illustrative states are shown, and transitions from a first state to a second state, it is to be appreciated that the illustrative state diagram may not encompass all possible states and/or all possible transitions from a first state to a second state. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the various arrows between the states (illustrated by the state represented in the circle) represent a physical change that occurs to thedevice100, that is detected by one or more of hardware and software, the detection triggering one or more of a hardware and/or software interrupt that is used to control and/or manage one or more functions ofdevice100.
• As illustrated inFIG. 3A, there are twelve exemplary “physical” states: closed304, transition308 (or opening transitional state),easel312, modifiedeasel316, open320, inbound/outbound call orcommunication324, image/video capture328, transition332 (or closing transitional state),landscape340, docked336, docked344 andlandscape348. Next to each illustrative state is a representation of the physical state of thedevice100 with the exception ofstates324 and328, where the state is generally symbolized by the international icon for a telephone and the icon for a camera, respectfully.
• Instate304, the device is in a closed state with thedevice100 generally oriented in the portrait direction with thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 back-to-back in different planes (seeFIG. 1H). From the closed state, thedevice100 can enter, for example, dockedstate336, where thedevice100 is coupled with a docking station, docking cable, or in general docked or associated with one or more other devices or peripherals, or thelandscape state340, where thedevice100 is generally oriented with thefirst screen104 facing the user, and thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 being back-to-back.
• In the closed state, the device can also move to a transitional state where the device remains closed but the display is moved from onescreen104 to anotherscreen108 based on a user input, e.g., a double tap on thescreen110,114. Still another embodiment includes a bilateral state. In the bilateral state, the device remains closed, but a single application displays at least one window on both thefirst display110 and thesecond display114. The windows shown on the first andsecond display110,114 may be the same or different based on the application and the state of that application. For example, while acquiring an image with a camera, the device may display the view finder on thefirst display110 and displays a preview for the photo subjects (full screen and mirrored left-to-right) on thesecond display114.
• In state308, a transition state from theclosed state304 to the semi-open state oreasel state312, thedevice100 is shown opening with thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 being rotated around a point of axis coincidence with the hinge. Upon entering theeasel state312, thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 are separated from one another such that, for example, thedevice100 can sit in an easel-like configuration on a surface.
• Instate316, known as the modified easel position, thedevice100 has thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 in a similar relative relationship to one another as in theeasel state312, with the difference being one of thefirst screen104 or thesecond screen108 are placed on a surface as shown.
• State320 is the open state where thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 are generally on the same plane. From the open state, thedevice100 can transition to the dockedstate344 or theopen landscape state348. In theopen state320, thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 are generally in the portrait-like orientation while in landscapedstate348 thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 are generally in a landscape-like orientation.
• State324 is illustrative of a communication state, such as when an inbound or outbound call is being received or placed, respectively, by thedevice100. While not illustrated for clarity, it should be appreciated thedevice100 can transition to the inbound/outbound call state324 from any state illustrated inFIG. 3. In a similar manner, the image/video capture state328 can be entered into from any other state inFIG. 3, with the image/video capture state328 allowing thedevice100 to take one or more images via a camera and/or videos with avideo capture device240.
• Transition state322 illustratively showsfirst screen104 and thesecond screen108 being closed upon one another for entry into, for example, theclosed state304.
• FIG. 3B illustrates, with reference to the key, the inputs that are received to detect a transition from a first state to a second state. InFIG. 3B, various combinations of states are shown with in general, a portion of the columns being directed toward aportrait state352, alandscape state356, and a portion of the rows being directed toportrait state360 andlandscape state364.
• InFIG. 3B, the Key indicates that “H” represents an input from one or more Hall Effect sensors, “A” represents an input from one or more accelerometers, “T” represents an input from a timer, “P” represents a communications trigger input and “I” represents an image and/or video capture request input. Thus, in thecenter portion376 of the chart, an input, or combination of inputs, are shown that represent how thedevice100 detects a transition from a first physical state to a second physical state.
• As discussed, in the center portion of thechart376, the inputs that are received enable the detection of a transition from, for example, a portrait open state to a landscape easel state—shown in bold—“HAT.” For this exemplary transition from the portrait open to the landscape easel state, a Hall Effect sensor (“H”), an accelerometer (“A”) and a timer (“T”) input may be needed. The timer input can be derived from, for example, a clock associated with the processor.
• In addition to the portrait and landscape states, a dockedstate368 is also shown that is triggered based on the receipt of adocking signal372. As discussed above and in relation toFIG. 3, the docking signal can be triggered by the association of thedevice100 with one or more other device100s, accessories, peripherals, smart docks, or the like.
• User Interaction:
• FIGS. 4A through 4H depict various graphical representations of gesture inputs that may be recognized by thescreens104,108. The gestures may be performed not only by a user's body part, such as a digit, but also by other devices, such as a stylus, that may be sensed by the contact sensing portion(s) of ascreen104,108. In general, gestures are interpreted differently, based on where the gestures are performed (either directly on thedisplay110,114 or in thegesture capture region120,124). For example, gestures in thedisplay110,114 may be directed to a desktop or application, and gestures in thegesture capture region120,124 may be interpreted as for the system.
• With reference toFIGS. 4A-4H, a first type of gesture, atouch gesture420, is substantially stationary on thescreen104,108 for a selected length of time. A circle428 represents a touch or other contact type received at particular location of a contact sensing portion of the screen. The circle428 may include aborder432, the thickness of which indicates a length of time that the contact is held substantially stationary at the contact location. For instance, a tap420 (or short press) has athinner border432athan theborder432bfor a long press424 (or for a normal press). The long press424 may involve a contact that remains substantially stationary on the screen for longer time period than that of atap420. As will be appreciated, differently defined gestures may be registered depending upon the length of time that the touch remains stationary prior to contact cessation or movement on the screen.
• With reference toFIG. 4C, adrag gesture400 on thescreen104,108 is an initial contact (represented by circle428) withcontact movement436 in a selected direction. The initial contact428 may remain stationary on thescreen104,108 for a certain amount of time represented by theborder432. The drag gesture typically requires the user to contact an icon, window, or other displayed image at a first location followed by movement of the contact in a drag direction to a new second location desired for the selected displayed image. The contact movement need not be in a straight line but have any path of movement so long as the contact is substantially continuous from the first to the second locations.
• With reference toFIG. 4D, a flick gesture404 on thescreen104,108 is an initial contact (represented by circle428) with truncated contact movement436 (relative to a drag gesture) in a selected direction. In embodiments, a flick has a higher exit velocity for the last movement in the gesture compared to the drag gesture. The flick gesture can, for instance, be a finger snap following initial contact. Compared to a drag gesture, a flick gesture generally does not require continual contact with thescreen104,108 from the first location of a displayed image to a predetermined second location. The contacted displayed image is moved by the flick gesture in the direction of the flick gesture to the predetermined second location. Although both gestures commonly can move a displayed image from a first location to a second location, the temporal duration and distance of travel of the contact on the screen is generally less for a flick than for a drag gesture.
• With reference toFIG. 4E, apinch gesture408 on thescreen104,108 is depicted. Thepinch gesture408 may be initiated by a first contact428 to thescreen104,108 by, for example, a first digit and asecond contact428bto thescreen104,108 by, for example, a second digit. The first andsecond contacts428a,bmay be detected by a common contact sensing portion of acommon screen104,108, by different contact sensing portions of acommon screen104 or108, or by different contact sensing portions of different screens. Thefirst contact428ais held for a first amount of time, as represented by theborder432a, and thesecond contact428bis held for a second amount of time, as represented by theborder432b. The first and second amounts of time are generally substantially the same, and the first andsecond contacts428a, bgenerally occur substantially simultaneously. The first andsecond contacts428a, bgenerally also include corresponding first andsecond contact movements436a, b, respectively. The first andsecond contact movements436a, bare generally in opposing directions. Stated another way, thefirst contact movement436ais towards thesecond contact436b, and thesecond contact movement436bis towards thefirst contact436a. More simply stated, thepinch gesture408 may be accomplished by a user's digits touching thescreen104,108 in a pinching motion.
• With reference toFIG. 4F, a spread gesture410 on thescreen104,108 is depicted. The spread gesture410 may be initiated by afirst contact428ato thescreen104,108 by, for example, a first digit and asecond contact428bto thescreen104,108 by, for example, a second digit. The first andsecond contacts428a,bmay be detected by a common contact sensing portion of acommon screen104,108, by different contact sensing portions of acommon screen104,108, or by different contact sensing portions of different screens. Thefirst contact428ais held for a first amount of time, as represented by theborder432a, and thesecond contact428bis held for a second amount of time, as represented by theborder432b. The first and second amounts of time are generally substantially the same, and the first andsecond contacts428a, bgenerally occur substantially simultaneously. The first andsecond contacts428a, bgenerally also include corresponding first andsecond contact movements436a, b, respectively. The first andsecond contact movements436a, bare generally in a common direction. Stated another way, the first andsecond contact movements436a, bare away from the first andsecond contacts428a, b. More simply stated, the spread gesture410 may be accomplished by a user's digits touching thescreen104,108 in a spreading motion.
• The above gestures may be combined in any manner, such as those shown byFIGS. 4G and 4H, to produce a determined functional result. For example, inFIG. 4G atap gesture420 is combined with a drag or flick gesture412 in a direction away from thetap gesture420. InFIG. 4H, atap gesture420 is combined with a drag or flick gesture412 in a direction towards thetap gesture420.
• The functional result of receiving a gesture can vary depending on a number of factors, including a state of thedevice100,display110,114, orscreen104,108, a context associated with the gesture, or sensed location of the gesture. The state of the device commonly refers to one or more of a configuration of thedevice100, a display orientation, and user and other inputs received by thedevice100. Context commonly refers to one or more of the particular application(s) selected by the gesture and the portion(s) of the application currently executing, whether the application is a single- or multi-screen application, and whether the application is a multi-screen application displaying one or more windows in one or more screens or in one or more stacks. Sensed location of the gesture commonly refers to whether the sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates are on a touchsensitive display110,114 or agesture capture region120,124, whether the sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates are associated with a common or different display orscreen104,108, and/or what portion of the gesture capture region contains the sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates.
• A tap, when received by an a touchsensitive display110,114, can be used, for instance, to select an icon to initiate or terminate execution of a corresponding application, to maximize or minimize a window, to reorder windows in a stack, and to provide user input such as by keyboard display or other displayed image. A drag, when received by a touchsensitive display110,114, can be used, for instance, to relocate an icon or window to a desired location within a display, to reorder a stack on a display, or to span both displays (such that the selected window occupies a portion of each display simultaneously). A flick, when received by a touchsensitive display110,114 or agesture capture region120,124, can be used to relocate a window from a first display to a second display or to span both displays (such that the selected window occupies a portion of each display simultaneously). Unlike the drag gesture, however, the flick gesture is generally not used to move the displayed image to a specific user-selected location but to a default location that is not configurable by the user.
• The pinch gesture, when received by a touchsensitive display110,114 or agesture capture region120,124, can be used to minimize or otherwise increase the displayed area or size of a window (typically when received entirely by a common display), to switch windows displayed at the top of the stack on each display to the top of the stack of the other display (typically when received by different displays or screens), or to display an application manager (a “pop-up window” that displays the windows in the stack). The spread gesture, when received by a touchsensitive display110,114 or agesture capture region120,124, can be used to maximize or otherwise decrease the displayed area or size of a window, to switch windows displayed at the top of the stack on each display to the top of the stack of the other display (typically when received by different displays or screens), or to display an application manager (typically when received by an off-screen gesture capture region on the same or different screens).
• The combined gestures ofFIG. 4G, when received by a common display capture region in a common display orscreen104,108, can be used to hold a first window stack location in a first stack constant for a display receiving the gesture while reordering a second window stack location in a second window stack to include a window in the display receiving the gesture. The combined gestures ofFIG. 4H, when received by different display capture regions in a common display orscreen104,108 or in different displays or screens, can be used to hold a first window stack location in a first window stack constant for a display receiving the tap part of the gesture while reordering a second window stack location in a second window stack to include a window in the display receiving the flick or drag gesture. Although specific gestures and gesture capture regions in the preceding examples have been associated with corresponding sets of functional results, it is to be appreciated that these associations can be redefined in any manner to produce differing associations between gestures and/or gesture capture regions and/or functional results.
• Firmware and Software:
• Thememory508 may store and theprocessor504 may execute one or more software components. These components can include at least one operating system (OS)516, anapplication manager562, adesktop566, and/or one ormore applications564aand/or564bfrom anapplication store560. TheOS516 can include aframework520, one ormore frame buffers548, one or more drivers512, previously described in conjunction withFIG. 2, and/or akernel518. TheOS516 can be any software, consisting of programs and data, which manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for the execution of various applications564. TheOS516 can be any operating system and, at least in some embodiments, dedicated to mobile devices, including, but not limited to, Linux, ANDROID™, iPhone OS (IOS™), WINDOWS PHONE 7™, etc. TheOS516 is operable to provide functionality to the phone by executing one or more operations, as described herein.
• The applications564 can be any higher level software that executes particular functionality for the user. Applications564 can include programs such as email clients, web browsers, texting applications, games, media players, office suites, etc. The applications564 can be stored in anapplication store560, which may represent any memory or data storage, and the management software associated therewith, for storing the applications564. Once executed, the applications564 may be run in a different area ofmemory508.
• Theframework520 may be any software or data that allows the multiple tasks running on the device to interact. In embodiments, at least portions of theframework520 and the discrete components described hereinafter may be considered part of theOS516 or an application564. However, these portions will be described as part of theframework520, but those components are not so limited. Theframework520 can include, but is not limited to, a Multi-Display Management (MDM)module524, aSurface Cache module528, aWindow Management module532, anInput Management module536, aTask Management module540, anApplication Model Manager542, a Display Controller, one ormore frame buffers548, atask stack552, one or more window stacks550 (which is a logical arrangement of windows and/or desktops in a display area), and/or anevent buffer556.
• TheMDM module524 includes one or more modules that are operable to manage the display of applications or other data on the screens of the device. An embodiment of theMDM module524 is described in conjunction withFIG. 5B. In embodiments, theMDM module524 receives inputs from theother OS516 components, such as, the drivers512, and from the applications564 to determine continually the state of thedevice100. The inputs assist theMDM module524 in determining how to configure and allocate the displays according to the application's preferences and requirements, and the user's actions. Once a determination for display configurations is made, theMDM module524 can bind the applications564 to a display. The configuration may then be provided to one or more other components to generate a window with a display.
• TheSurface Cache module528 includes any memory or storage and the software associated therewith to store or cache one or more images of windows. A series of active and/or non-active windows (or other display objects, such as, a desktop display) can be associated with each display. An active window (or other display object) is currently displayed. A non-active windows (or other display objects) were opened and, at some time, displayed but are now not displayed. To enhance the user experience, before a window transitions from an active state to an inactive state, a “screen shot” of a last generated image of the window (or other display object) can be stored. TheSurface Cache module528 may be operable to store a bitmap of the last active image of a window (or other display object) not currently displayed. Thus, theSurface Cache module528 stores the images of non-active windows (or other display objects) in a data store.
• In embodiments, theWindow Management module532 is operable to manage the windows (or other display objects) that are active or not active on each of the displays. TheWindow Management module532, based on information from theMDM module524, theOS516, or other components, determines when a window (or other display object) is visible or not active. TheWindow Management module532 may then put a non-visible window (or other display object) in a “not active state” and, in conjunction with the Task Managementmodule Task Management540 suspends the application's operation. Further, theWindow Management module532 may assign, through collaborative interaction with theMDM module524, a display identifier to the window (or other display object) or manage one or more other items of data associated with the window (or other display object). TheWindow Management module532 may also provide the stored information to the application564, theTask Management module540, or other components interacting with or associated with the window (or other display object). TheWindow Management module532 can also associate an input task with a window based on window focus and display coordinates within the motion space.
• TheInput Management module536 is operable to manage events that occur with the device. An event is any input into the window environment, for example, a user interface interactions with a user. TheInput Management module536 receives the events and logically stores the events in anevent buffer556. Events can include such user interface interactions as a “down event,” which occurs when ascreen104,108 receives a touch signal from a user, a “move event,” which occurs when thescreen104,108 determines that a user's finger is moving across a screen(s), an “up event, which occurs when thescreen104,108 determines that the user has stopped touching thescreen104,108, etc. These events are received, stored, and forwarded to other modules by theInput Management module536. TheInput Management module536 may also map screen inputs to a motion space which is the culmination of all physical and virtual display available on the device.
• The motion space is a virtualized space that includes all touchsensitive displays110,114 “tiled” together to mimic the physical dimensions of thedevice100. For example, when thedevice100 is unfolded, the motion space size may be 960×800, which may be the number of pixels in the combined display area for both touchsensitive displays110,114. If a user touches on a first touchsensitive display110 on location (40,40), a full screen window can receive touch event with location (40,40). If a user touches on a second touchsensitive display114, with location (40,40), the full screen window can receive touch event with location (520,40), because the second touchsensitive display114 is on the right side of the first touchsensitive display110, so thedevice100 can offset the touch by the first touch sensitive display's110 width, which is 480 pixels. When a hardware event occurs with location info from a driver512, theframework520 can up-scale the physical location to the motion space because the location of the event may be different based on the device orientation and state. The motion space may be as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/187,026, filed Jul. 20, 2011, entitled “Systems and Methods for Receiving Gesture Inputs Spanning Multiple Input Devices,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.
• A task can be an application and a sub-task can be an application component that provides a window with which users can interact to do something, such as dial the phone, take a photo, send an email, or view a map. Each task may be given a window in which to draw a user interface. The window typically fills a display (for example, touchsensitive display110,114), but may be smaller than thedisplay110,114 and float on top of other windows. An application usually consists of multiple sub-tasks that are loosely bound to each other. Typically, one task in an application is specified as the “main” task, which is presented to the user when launching the application for the first time. Each task can then start another task or sub-task to perform different actions.
• TheTask Management module540 is operable to manage the operation of one or more applications564 that may be executed by the device. Thus, theTask Management module540 can receive signals to launch, suspend, terminate, etc. an application or application sub-tasks stored in theapplication store560. TheTask Management module540 may then instantiate one or more tasks or sub-tasks of the application564 to begin operation of the application564. Further, theTask Management Module540 may launch, suspend, or terminate a task or sub-task as a result of user input or as a result of a signal from a collaboratingframework520 component. TheTask Management Module540 is responsible for managing the lifecycle of applications (tasks and sub-task) from when the application is launched to when the application is terminated.
• The processing of theTask Management Module540 is facilitated by atask stack552, which is a logical structure associated with theTask Management Module540. Thetask stack552 maintains the state of all tasks and sub-tasks on thedevice100. When some component of theoperating system516 requires a task or sub-task to transition in its lifecycle, theOS516 component can notify theTask Management Module540. TheTask Management Module540 may then locate the task or sub-task, using identification information, in thetask stack552, and send a signal to the task or sub-task indicating what kind of lifecycle transition the task needs to execute. Informing the task or sub-task of the transition allows the task or sub-task to prepare for the lifecycle state transition. TheTask Management Module540 can then execute the state transition for the task or sub-task. In embodiments, the state transition may entail triggering theOS kernel518 to terminate the task when termination is required.
• Further, theTask Management module540 may suspend the application564 based on information from theWindow Management Module532. Suspending the application564 may maintain application data in memory but may limit or stop the application564 from rendering a window or user interface. Once the application becomes active again, theTask Management module540 can again trigger the application to render its user interface. In embodiments, if a task is suspended, the task may save the task's state in case the task is terminated. In the suspended state, the application task may not receive input because the application window is not visible to the user.
• Theframe buffer548 is a logical structure(s) used to render the user interface. Theframe buffer548 can be created and destroyed by theOS kernel518. However, theDisplay Controller544 can write the image data, for the visible windows, into theframe buffer548. Aframe buffer548 can be associated with one screen or multiple screens. The association of aframe buffer548 with a screen can be controlled dynamically by interaction with theOS kernel518. A composite display may be created by associating multiple screens with asingle frame buffer548. Graphical data used to render an application's window user interface may then be written to thesingle frame buffer548, for the composite display, which is output to themultiple screens104,108. TheDisplay Controller544 can direct an application's user interface to a portion of theframe buffer548 that is mapped to aparticular display110,114, thus, displaying the user interface on only onescreen104 or108. TheDisplay Controller544 can extend the control over user interfaces to multiple applications, controlling the user interfaces for as many displays as are associated with aframe buffer548 or a portion thereof. This approach compensates for the multiplephysical screens104,108 that are in use by the software component above theDisplay Controller544.
• TheApplication Manager562 is an application that provides a presentation layer for the window environment. Thus, theApplication Manager562 provides the graphical model for rendering by theTask Management Module540. Likewise, theDesktop566 provides the presentation layer for theApplication Store560. Thus, the desktop provides a graphical model of a surface having selectable application icons for the Applications564 in theApplication Store560 that can be provided to theWindow Management Module556 for rendering.
• Further, the framework can include an Application Model Manager (AMM)542. TheApplication Manager562 may interface with theAMM542. In embodiments, theAMM542 receives state change information from thedevice100 regarding the state of applications (which are running or suspended). TheAMM542 can associate bit map images from theSurface Cache Module528 to the tasks that are alive (running or suspended). Further, theAMM542 can convert the logical window stack maintained in theTask Manager Module540 to a linear (“film strip” or “deck of cards”) organization that the user perceives when the using the offgesture capture area120 to sort through the windows. Further, theAMM542 may provide a list of executing applications to theApplication Manager562.
• An embodiment of theMDM module524 is shown inFIG. 5B. TheMDM module524 is operable to determine the state of the environment for the device, including, but not limited to, the orientation of the device, whether thedevice100 is opened or closed, what applications564 are executing, how the applications564 are to be displayed, what actions the user is conducting, the tasks being displayed, etc. To configure the display, theMDM module524 interprets these environmental factors and determines a display configuration, as described in conjunction withFIGS. 6A-6J. Then, theMDM module524 can bind the applications564 or other device components to the displays. The configuration may then be sent to theDisplay Controller544 and/or the other components within theOS516 to generate the display. TheMDM module524 can include one or more of, but is not limited to, aDisplay Configuration Module568, aPreferences Module572, aDevice State Module574, aGesture Module576, aRequirements Module580, anEvent Module584, and/or a Binding Module588.
• TheDisplay Configuration Module568 determines the layout for the display. In embodiments, theDisplay Configuration Module568 can determine the environmental factors. The environmental factors may be received from one or moreother MDM modules524 or from other sources. TheDisplay Configuration Module568 can then determine from the list of factors the best configuration for the display. Some embodiments of the possible configurations and the factors associated therewith are described in conjunction withFIGS. 6A-6F.
• ThePreferences Module572 is operable to determine display preferences for an application564 or other component. For example, an application can have a preference for Single or Dual displays. ThePreferences Module572 can determine an application's display preference (e.g., by inspecting the application's preference settings) and may allow the application564 to change to a mode (e.g., single screen, dual screen, max, etc.) if thedevice100 is in a state that can accommodate the preferred mode. However, some user interface policies may disallow a mode even if the mode is available. As the configuration of the device changes, the preferences may be reviewed to determine if a better display configuration can be achieved for an application564.
• TheDevice State Module574 is operable to determine or receive the state of the device. The state of the device can be as described in conjunction withFIGS. 3A and 3B. The state of the device can be used by theDisplay Configuration Module568 to determine the configuration for the display. As such, theDevice State Module574 may receive inputs and interpret the state of the device. The state information is then provided to theDisplay Configuration Module568.
• TheGesture Module576 is shown as part of theMDM module524, but, in embodiments, theGesture module576 may be aseparate Framework520 component that is separate from theMDM module524. In embodiments, theGesture Module576 is operable to determine if the user is conducting any actions on any part of the user interface. In alternative embodiments, theGesture Module576 receives user interface actions from theconfigurable area112,116 only. TheGesture Module576 can receive touch events that occur on theconfigurable area112,116 (or possibly other user interface areas) by way of theInput Management Module536 and may interpret the touch events (using direction, speed, distance, duration, and various other parameters) to determine what kind of gesture the user is performing. When a gesture is interpreted, theGesture Module576 can initiate the processing of the gesture and, by collaborating withother Framework520 components, can manage the required window animation. TheGesture Module576 collaborates with theApplication Model Manager542 to collect state information with respect to which applications are running (active or paused) and the order in which applications must appear when a user gesture is performed. TheGesture Module576 may also receive references to bitmaps (from the Surface Cache Module528) and live windows so that when a gesture occurs it can instruct theDisplay Controller544 how to move the window(s) across thedisplay110,114. Thus, suspended applications may appear to be running when those windows are moved across thedisplay110,114.
• Further, theGesture Module576 can receive task information either from the Task ManageModule540 or theInput Management module536. The gestures may be as defined in conjunction withFIGS. 4A through 4H. For example, moving a window causes the display to render a series of display frames that illustrate the window moving. The gesture associated with such user interface interaction can be received and interpreted by theGesture Module576. The information about the user gesture is then sent to theTask Management Module540 to modify the display binding of the task.
• TheRequirements Module580, similar to thePreferences Module572, is operable to determine display requirements for an application564 or other component. An application can have a set display requirement that must be observed. Some applications require a particular display orientation. For example, the application “Angry Birds” can only be displayed in landscape orientation. This type of display requirement can be determined or received, by theRequirements Module580. As the orientation of the device changes, theRequirements Module580 can reassert the display requirements for the application564. TheDisplay Configuration Module568 can generate a display configuration that is in accordance with the application display requirements, as provided by theRequirements Module580.
• TheEvent Module584, similar to theGesture Module576, is operable to determine one or more events occurring with an application or other component that can affect the user interface. Thus, theEvent Module584 can receive event information either from theevent buffer556 or theTask Management module540. These events can change how the tasks are bound to the displays. TheEvent Module584 can collect state change information fromother Framework520 components and act upon that state change information. In an example, when the phone is opened or closed or when an orientation change has occurred, a new message may be rendered in a second screen. The state change based on the event can be received and interpreted by theEvent Module584. The information about the events then may be sent to theDisplay Configuration Module568 to modify the configuration of the display.
• The Binding Module588 is operable to bind the applications564 or the other components to the configuration determined by theDisplay Configuration Module568. A binding associates, in memory, the display configuration for each application with the display and mode of the application. Thus, the Binding Module588 can associate an application with a display configuration for the application (e.g. landscape, portrait, multi-screen, etc.). Then, the Binding Module588 may assign a display identifier to the display. The display identifier associated the application with a particular display of thedevice100. This binding is then stored and provided to theDisplay Controller544, the other components of theOS516, or other components to properly render the display. The binding is dynamic and can change or be updated based on configuration changes associated with events, gestures, state changes, application preferences or requirements, etc.
• User Interface Configurations:
• With reference now toFIGS. 6A-J, various types of output configurations made possible by thedevice100 will be described hereinafter.
• FIGS. 6A and 6B depict two different output configurations of thedevice100 being in a first state. Specifically,FIG. 6A depicts thedevice100 being in aclosed portrait state304 where the data is displayed on thefirst screen104. In this example, thedevice100 displays data via the touchsensitive display110 in afirst portrait configuration604. As can be appreciated, thefirst portrait configuration604 may only display a desktop or operating system home screen. Alternatively, one or more windows may be presented in a portrait orientation while thedevice100 is displaying data in thefirst portrait configuration604.
• FIG. 6B depicts thedevice100 still being in theclosed portrait state304, but instead data is displayed on thesecond screen108. In this example, thedevice100 displays data via the touchsensitive display114 in asecond portrait configuration608.
• It may be possible to display similar or different data in either the first orsecond portrait configuration604,608. It may also be possible to transition between thefirst portrait configuration604 andsecond portrait configuration608 by providing the device100 a user gesture (e.g., a double tap gesture), a menu selection, or other means. Other suitable gestures may also be employed to transition between configurations. Furthermore, it may also be possible to transition thedevice100 from the first orsecond portrait configuration604,608 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state thedevice100 is moved.
• An alternative output configuration may be accommodated by thedevice100 being in a second state. Specifically,FIG. 6C depicts a third portrait configuration where data is displayed simultaneously on both thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108. The third portrait configuration may be referred to as a Dual-Portrait (PD) output configuration. In the PD output configuration, the touchsensitive display110 of thefirst screen104 depicts data in thefirst portrait configuration604 while the touchsensitive display114 of thesecond screen108 depicts data in thesecond portrait configuration608. The simultaneous presentation of thefirst portrait configuration604 and thesecond portrait configuration608 may occur when thedevice100 is in anopen portrait state320. In this configuration, thedevice100 may display one application window in onedisplay110 or114, two application windows (one in eachdisplay110 and114), one application window and one desktop, or one desktop. Other configurations may be possible. It should be appreciated that it may also be possible to transition thedevice100 from the simultaneous display ofconfigurations604,608 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state thedevice100 is moved. Furthermore, while in this state, an application's display preference may place the device into bilateral mode, in which both displays are active to display different windows in the same application. For example, a Camera application may display a viewfinder and controls on one side, while the other side displays a mirrored preview that can be seen by the photo subjects. Games involving simultaneous play by two players may also take advantage of bilateral mode.
• FIGS. 6D and 6E depicts two further output configurations of thedevice100 being in a third state. Specifically,FIG. 6D depicts thedevice100 being in aclosed landscape state340 where the data is displayed on thefirst screen104. In this example, thedevice100 displays data via the touchsensitive display110 in a first landscape configuration612. Much like the other configurations described herein, the first landscape configuration612 may display a desktop, a home screen, one or more windows displaying application data, or the like.
• FIG. 6E depicts thedevice100 still being in theclosed landscape state340, but instead data is displayed on thesecond screen108. In this example, thedevice100 displays data via the touchsensitive display114 in asecond landscape configuration616. It may be possible to display similar or different data in either the first orsecond portrait configuration612,616. It may also be possible to transition between the first landscape configuration612 andsecond landscape configuration616 by providing thedevice100 with one or both of a twist and tap gesture or a flip and slide gesture. Other suitable gestures may also be employed to transition between configurations. Furthermore, it may also be possible to transition thedevice100 from the first orsecond landscape configuration612,616 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state thedevice100 is moved.
• FIG. 6F depicts a third landscape configuration where data is displayed simultaneously on both thefirst screen104 and thesecond screen108. The third landscape configuration may be referred to as a Dual-Landscape (LD) output configuration. In the LD output configuration, the touchsensitive display110 of thefirst screen104 depicts data in the first landscape configuration612 while the touchsensitive display114 of thesecond screen108 depicts data in thesecond landscape configuration616. The simultaneous presentation of the first landscape configuration612 and thesecond landscape configuration616 may occur when thedevice100 is in anopen landscape state340. It should be appreciated that it may also be possible to transition thedevice100 from the simultaneous display ofconfigurations612,616 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state thedevice100 is moved.
• FIGS. 6G and 6H depict two views of adevice100 being in yet another state. Specifically, thedevice100 is depicted as being in aneasel state312.FIG. 6G shows that a firsteasel output configuration618 may be displayed on the touchsensitive display110.FIG. 6H shows that a secondeasel output configuration620 may be displayed on the touchsensitive display114. Thedevice100 may be configured to depict either the firsteasel output configuration618 or the secondeasel output configuration620 individually. Alternatively, both theeasel output configurations618,620 may be presented simultaneously. In some embodiments, theeasel output configurations618,620 may be similar or identical to thelandscape output configurations612,616. Thedevice100 may also be configured to display one or both of theeasel output configurations618,620 while in a modifiedeasel state316. It should be appreciated that simultaneous utilization of theeasel output configurations618,620 may facilitate two-person games (e.g., Battleship®, chess, checkers, etc.), multi-user conferences where two or more users share thesame device100, and other applications. As can be appreciated, it may also be possible to transition thedevice100 from the display of one or bothconfigurations618,620 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state thedevice100 is moved.
• FIG. 6I depicts yet another output configuration that may be accommodated while thedevice100 is in anopen portrait state320. Specifically, thedevice100 may be configured to present a single continuous image across both touchsensitive displays110,114 in a portrait configuration referred to herein as a Portrait-Max (PMax)configuration624. In this configuration, data (e.g., a single image, application, window, icon, video, etc.) may be split and displayed partially on one of the touch sensitive displays while the other portion of the data is displayed on the other touch sensitive display. ThePmax configuration624 may facilitate a larger display and/or better resolution for displaying a particular image on thedevice100. Similar to other output configurations, it may be possible to transition thedevice100 from thePmax configuration624 to any other output configuration described herein depending upon which state thedevice100 is moved.
• FIG. 6J depicts still another output configuration that may be accommodated while thedevice100 is in anopen landscape state348. Specifically, thedevice100 may be configured to present a single continuous image across both touchsensitive displays110,114 in a landscape configuration referred to herein as a Landscape-Max (LMax)configuration628. In this configuration, data (e.g., a single image, application, window, icon, video, etc.) may be split and displayed partially on one of the touch sensitive displays while the other portion of the data is displayed on the other touch sensitive display. TheLMax configuration628 may facilitate a larger display and/or better resolution for displaying a particular image on thedevice100. Similar to other output configurations, it may be possible to transition thedevice100 from theLMax configuration628 to any other output configuration described herein depending upon which state thedevice100 is moved.
• Referring toFIG. 7, an embodiment of a first andsecond housing704 and708 of amulti-screen device100 is illustrated. In embodiments, thefirst housing704 forms part of thefirst screen104, and thesecond housing708 forms part of thesecond screen108. Thehousings704 and708 generally are configured to protect the internal components of thedevice100 while minimizing the overall thickness of each of thescreens104 and108.
• In embodiments, thefirst screen704 is rotatably connected to thesecond screen708. For example, ahinge128 may be connected to thefirst screen704 so that thescreen704 is rotatable about a first axis. Thehinge128 also may be connected to thesecond screen708 so that thescreen708 is rotatable about a second axis. Thehinge128 may be at least partially disposed within an opening formed in a side surface, a side, or a sidewall, of the first andsecond screens704 and708.
• Referring toFIGS. 8A-I, an embodiment of ahinge128 is provided. In embodiments, thehinge128 has two distinct pivot axes. For example, thehinge128 may include ahub804, afirst leaf808 rotatably connected to thehub804 about afirst pivot axis812, and asecond leaf816 rotatably connected to thehub804 about asecond pivot axis820. In embodiments, thehinge128 has a range of motion of at least about 180 degrees so that the device is foldable between an open position in which the first andsecond screens104 and108 are juxtaposed in substantially the same plane, as shown inFIGS. 1C-1F, and a closed position in which the first andsecond screens108 and108 are oriented substantially back-to-back in adjacent planes, as shown inFIG. 1H. In one embodiment, the first andsecond leaves808 and816 each may have a range of motion of at least 90 degrees between an open position and a closed position.
• In embodiments, thehinge128 is configured to minimally impact the size, or outer envelope, of thedevice100. For example, referring toFIGS. 1C-1F, when thedevice100 is in an open position, thehinge128 may be substantially disposed within an outer envelope of thedevice100. Stated differently, thehinge128 may be configured to not protrude from the front, rear, or exposed sides of thedevice100. In embodiments, when thedevice100 is in the open position, thehinge128 may be substantially flush with the rear surfaces of the first andsecond screens104 and108. Referring now toFIG. 1H, when thedevice100 is in the closed position, thehinge128 may be substantially disposed within an outer envelope of thedevice100. Stated differently, thehinge128 may be configured to not protrude from the front or exposed sides of thedevice100. In embodiments, when thedevice100 is in the closed position, thehinge128 may be substantially flush with the side surfaces188dof the first andsecond screens104 and108.
• Referring back toFIGS. 8A-I, thehub804 may be configured to allow the electrical coupling of the first andsecond screens104 and108. For example, in embodiments thehub804 is elongate and extends between afirst end824 and asecond end828. Thehub804 may include at least oneinternal passage832 positioned between the first and second ends824 and828. The at least oneinternal passage832 may extend transverse to the first and/or second pivot axes812 and820. In one embodiment, thehub804 includes twointernal passages832a, b. The at least oneinternal passage832 may be configured to accommodate at least one electrical wire through thehub804. In one embodiment, an electrical ribbon or flexible circuit may pass through the at least oneinternal passage832 to electrically couple the first andsecond screens104 and108. In alternative embodiments, a plurality ofshorter hubs804 may be utilized. For example, in one embodiment, twohubs804, each containing a singleinternal passage832, may be utilized. Referring toFIG. 9, one embodiment of aflexible circuit904 is shown passing through aninternal passage832 of thehinge128 to electrically couple the first andsecond screens104 and108.
• Referring back toFIGS. 8A-I, theleaves808 and816 may be rotatably connected to theends824 and828 of thehub804. For example, in one embodiment, eachend824 and828 of thehub804 includesholes836 having centerlines generally corresponding to the first and second pivot axes812 and820. A pin may be associated with theholes836 to connect theleaves808 and816 to thehub804. In alternative embodiments, thehub804 may include integrally formed protrusions or rods extending from theends824 and828 and configured for connection to holes formed in theleaves808 and816.
• Theleaves808 and816 may each be formed as a single component that connects to both ends824 and828 of thehub804, as depicted inFIGS. 8A-I. In this embodiment, a middle portion of each of theleaves808 and816 may include a void configured not to interfere with electrical components, such as wires, passing through thehub804, especially during rotation of thedevice100 between an open and closed position. Theleaves808 and816 also may each include anopen flange840 and aclosed flange844. In one embodiment, theopen flanges840 are substantially parallel to theclosed flanges844 but extend in opposite directions relative to abase848 of eachleaf808 and816. In operation, the first andsecond leaves808 and816 may be rotatable about opposing sides of thehub804. For example, in one embodiment thehub804 has a substantially flat front andrear surfaces852 and856 connected to each other by opposing side surfaces860, which may be substantially semi-circular. In this embodiment, theleaves808 and816 may each have a substantially semi-circular inner surface positioned adjacent to one of the opposing side surfaces860 of thehub804. During rotation of theleaves808 and816 between an open and closed position, theleaves808 and816 may rotate about the pivot axes812 and820 around the side surfaces860 of thehub804.
• When thedevice100 is in an open position, theopen flanges840 of theleaves808 and816 may be substantially parallel to one another and substantially abut each other to prevent further rotation of thescreens104 and108. In one embodiment, thehinge128 is configured so that thescreens104 and108 are rotatable beyond a planar configuration. In this embodiment, thehinge128 is configured to permit thescreens104 and108 to rotate slightly beyond planar so that an inner edge of eachscreen104 and108 disposed on a front surface of the respective screen can be positioned adjacent to the opposing screen edge in a substantially abutting relationship to close any gap existing between thescreens104 and108 when positioned in a planar configuration.
• This configuration is shown inFIGS. 16 and 17. As shown inFIG. 17, planes of thefront surfaces102 of the first andsecond screens104 and108 are substantially transverse, or non-parallel, to one another and each forms an angle δ with a substantiallyhorizontal plane1600 typically of no more than about 10°, more typically of no more than about 5°, more typically of no more than about 1.0°, and even more typically of no more than about 0.5°. The over-rotation or over-travel of thehinge128 enables, with reference toFIG. 17, an inter-housing distance “D” between adjacent front facing interior edges of the first andsecond housings704 and708 (and/or between the first and second touch screen displays110 and114 and/or between the first andsecond screens104 and108) proximal to thehinge128 typically of no more than about 10 mm, even more typically of no more than about 5 mm, even more typically of no more than about 1 mm, more typically of no more than about 0.5 mm, and even more typically of no more than about 0.25 mm. In this way, there is substantially no visible inter-screen gap or seam “D” spanning the device length “L” between the first andsecond screens104 and108 (FIG. 1E) when thedevice100 is in the fully open position. A longitudinal gap “G”, however, extends the length of the device between therear surfaces184, with the width of the gap “G” being larger than a width of the distance “D”.
• In one configuration, an active information display area in each of the first andsecond screens104 and108 is substantially continuous, or uninterrupted, over the inter-screen border or boundary. With reference toFIG. 18, the thatched area indicates the portions of the first andsecond screens104 and108 that provide displayed images, such as video and/or other graphical information, to the user. Theblack inter-display seam1800 between the first andsecond screens104 and108 is substantially invisible to the viewer, in large part due to the small distance “D”.
• When thedevice100 is in a closed position, theclosed flanges844 of theleaves808 and816 may be substantially coplanar in an abutting relationship with afront surface852 of thehub804. In this configuration, arear surface856 of thehub804 may be exposed. In an alternative embodiment, the first andsecond leaves808 and816 may be separated into multiple components, each of which is associated with only oneend824 or828 of thehub804.
• Thehinge128 can be compact and incorporated into the body of thedevice100, thereby substantially minimizing the inter-screen gap or seam between the juxtaposed screens. The hinge, as noted, can allow over-travel, or rotation beyond 180 degrees. The hinge over-travel can allow the first andsecond screens104 and108 to touch or contact physically when thedevice100 is fully opened, thereby essentially eliminating any gap or seam between the first andsecond screens104 and108.
• As will be appreciated, other appropriately configured hinge configurations having one or multiple pivot axes may be employed that can also provide similar gap or seam minimization. Internal or external hinges can equally provide inter-display seam minimization. Bulkier hinges (resulting in a larger gap between the first andsecond screens104 and108) with more hinge over-travel (to compensate for the larger inter-screen gap) can be used, for example. Examples of suitable hinges include barrel hinge, pivot hinge, butt/mortise hinge, case hinge, continuous or piano hinge, concealed hinge, butterfly hinge, flag hinge, strap hinge, H hinge, HL hinge, counterflap hinge, flush hinge, coach hinge, rising butt hinge, double action spring hinge, Tee hinge, fraction hinge, security hinge, cranked hinge, lift-off hinge, self-closing hinge, butt hinge, butler tray hinge, card table hinge, and drop leaf table hinge.
• Referring now toFIGS. 10 and 12, eachhousing704 and708 may include anopening752 formed in a side surface orsidewall736. When thedevice100 is in the open position, theopening752 formed in eachhousing704 and708 may substantially oppose each other, as shown inFIG. 7. Eachopening752 may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of thehinge128. For example, in one embodiment thehinge128 is at least partially positioned within theopening752 of the first andsecond housings704 and708. In one specific example, thefirst leaf808 may be substantially positioned within thefirst housing704 and thesecond leaf816 may be substantially positioned within thesecond housing708. In this embodiment, thehub804 may be the only component of thehinge128 that extends between thescreens104 and108. By connecting thefirst leaf808 to thefirst housing704 and thesecond leaf816 to thesecond housing708, thefirst screen104 may be rotatable about thefirst axis812 and thesecond screen108 may be rotatable about thesecond axis820.
• Referring toFIGS. 7 and 9, in embodiments eachhousing704 and708 includes anouter shell712 and716 and apolymeric portion720 and724, respectively. Theouter shells712 and716 may provide a durable case for thedevice100. Thepolymeric portions720 and724 may provide rigidity to selective locations of theouter shell712 and716, respectively. In one embodiment, eachouter shell712 and716 is metallic.
• In embodiments, theouter shell712 and716 includes abase728 and732 and asidewall736 and740, respectively. Thebase728 and732 may be formed in different shapes and/or curvatures. In one embodiment, thebase728 and732 of each housing is substantially flat and provides a rear surface datum for the internal components of thedevice100. Thesidewall736 and740 may connect to a periphery of thebase728 and732, respectively. In one embodiment, the base and sidewall of eachhousing704 and708 are integrally formed from a single component, such as sheet metal.
• In embodiments, theouter shell712 and716 of eachhousing704 and708 includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface generally faces the interior of thedevice100, and the outer surface generally faces the exterior of thedevice100. In embodiments, thepolymeric portion720 and724 is overmolded on the inner surface of theouter shell712 and716, respectively, in selective locations to provide rigidity to predetermined areas of the outer shell. In the depicted example, thepolymeric portion720 and724 of eachhousing704 and708 is overmolded on opposite end portions of thebase728 and732, respectively. Also depicted, thepolymeric portion720 and724 may be overmolded on the inner surface of thesidewall736 and740, respectively.
• In embodiments, thepolymeric portion720 and724 is nanomolded on theouter shell712 and716 of thehousings704 and708, respectively. In one embodiment, selective locations of theouter shell712 and716 of eachhousing704 and708 is etched with a chemical, and then thepolymeric portion720 and724 is overmolded on the etched metallic outer shell to provide a strong, resilient bond between the polymeric portions and outer shells. In this fashion, thepolymeric portions720 and724 can be selectively connected to theouter shell712 and716 of thehousings704 and708, respectively, to provide rigidity to thehousings704 and708 and enable thehousings704 and708 to utilize athin back728 and732, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the first andsecond screens104 and108.
• The thickness of theouter shell712 and716 of eachhousing704 and708 may be selectively dimensioned to reduce the weight and thickness of thedevice100. In embodiments, the thickness of theouter shell712 and716 of eachhousing704 and708 is less than about 10 millimeters, preferably less than about 5 millimeters, and more preferably less than about 3 millimeters. In one embodiment, the thickness of the metallicouter shell712 and716 of eachhousing704 and708 is about 3 millimeters. In this embodiment, theouter shell712 and716 may be undesirably deformable in certain locations. As discussed above, apolymeric portion720 and724 may be molded to theouter shell712 and716 to provide rigidity to selective locations of the outer shell. In addition, as discussed below, other components may be connected to theouter shell712 and716 in selective locations to provide rigidity to theouter shell712 and716.
• Theouter shells712 and716 and thepolymeric portions720 and724 may comprise materials commonly utilized in the art. In embodiments, theouter shells712 and716 are metallic and may comprise any metal or alloy known in the art. In one embodiment, theouter shell712 and716 of eachhousing704 and708 comprises a 304 stainless steel, ¾ hardened. In embodiments, thepolymeric portions720 and724 comprise any polymeric material known in the art, including thermoplastic and/or thermosetting polymers. In one embodiment, thepolymeric portion720 and724 of eachhousing704 and708 comprises a polyphenol plastic.
• With reference toFIG. 10, an embodiment of afirst housing704 is provided. Thefirst housing704 includes a metallicouter shell712 and apolymeric portion720 molded to an inner surface of theouter shell712. Theouter shell712 includes a substantiallyflat base728 and asidewall736 integrally connected to a periphery of thebase728. Thebase728 has atop portion728a(covered by the polymeric portion), abottom portion728b(covered by the polymeric portion), and amiddle portion728cinterposed between the top andbottom portions728aand728b. Themiddle portion728cis exposed, i.e., not covered by thepolymeric portion720, in the depicted example and generally is dimensioned to accommodate a battery for powering thedevice100. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the thickness of theouter shell712 in the area corresponding to the battery can be minimized, thereby reducing the overall thickness of thedevice100. Additionally, in this embodiment, the battery and other stacked components may provide rigidity to at least a portion of the exposedmiddle portion728cof thebase728.
• In embodiments, thefirst housing704 can include components selectively positioned and connected to the base728 to provide additional rigidity to predetermined locations and/or features of thedevice100. For example, in the depicted embodiment, a screw boss1004, an L-shaped bracket1008, a hinge block1012, and ahinge reinforcement strip1016 are connected to thebase728. The listed components can be connected to thehousing704 using any connection device and/or method known in the art, including laser welding.
• In embodiments, thefirst housing704 may include at least one screw boss1004. The screw boss1004 may be configured to connect abacking plate1100, shown inFIGS. 11a-c, to thehousing704. In addition, the screw boss1004 may be configured to selectively position thebacking plate1100 within thehousing704 relative to thebase728 and/or thesidewall736. For example, the screw boss1004 may be configured to position the backing plate1100 a predetermined distance above thebase728 and/or in a predetermined orientation relative to thebase728. In one embodiment, the screw boss1004 is configured to orient thebacking plate1100 in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to thebase728. The screw boss1004 also may be positioned a predetermined distance from thesidewall736 to selectively locate thebacking plate1100 relative to thesidewall736 for providing rigidity to at least one button and/or defining a datum for positioning at least one component, such as a battery, within thehousing704. In the depicted example, thefirst housing704 includes twoscrew bosses1004a, bconnected to the base728 proximate to thesidewall736. Theexample screw bosses1004a, bare spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as to not interfere with the operation of the buttons152 and154, shown inFIGS. 1D-E, associated with theports744 and748. In addition, the example screw bosses1004, b each include a threaded aperture. In embodiments, abacking plate1100 may be connected to the at least one screw boss1004 with a threaded fastener configured to threadably engage the threaded aperture of the at least one screw boss1004.
• Referring toFIGS. 11A-C, one embodiment of abacking plate1100 is provided. Theexample backing plate1100 is configured to connect to thehousing704 to provide rigidity to a button and/or to define a datum for positioning a component, such as a battery, within thehousing704. The depictedbacking plate1100 includes twoapertures1104a, bspaced apart a predetermined distance to correspond to the threaded apertures of the screw bosses804a, b. Theexample backing plate1100 also includes afront edge1108, arear edge1112, atop edge1116, and abottom edge1120. When connected to thehousing704, thefront edge1108 of thebacking plate1100 may be positioned a predetermined height above thebase728, and therear edge1112 may be positioned adjacent to thebase728. In one embodiment, thefront edge1108 of thebacking plate1100 may be positioned below a shelf formed on asidewall736 of thehousing704. In addition, when connected to thehousing704, thetop edge1116 may be positioned proximate to a top side of thedevice100. Thebacking plate1100 may be positioned adjacent to a portion of the sidewall738 havingports744 and748.
• Thebacking plate1100 may be configured to accommodate other components within thehousing704. For example, theexample backing plate1100 includes two recessedareas1124a, bformed in therear edge1112 of thebacking plate1100 and disposed substantially below theapertures1104a, b, respectively. The depicted recessedareas1124a, bare configured to accommodate a base portion of thescrew bosses1004a, b, which may be connected to thebase728 of thefirst housing704. In addition, thefront edge1108 of thebacking plate1100 may include several recessed areas as well. For example, proximate to thetop edge1116 of thebacking plate1100, thefront edge1108 of theexample backing plate1100 includes two recessedareas1128a, bspaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance to define a raised portion1132 interposed between the recessedareas1128a, b. When thebacking plate1100 is connected to thefirst housing704, the raised portion1132 may be configured to provide rigidity to the rocker button154, shown inFIGS. 1D-E. In addition, the recessedareas1128a, bmay be configured to accommodate depression of opposing sides of the rocker button154, which may correspond to a volume rocker button with a volume up and a volume down side. Theexample backing plate1100 also includes a raisedportion1136 extending substantially between the recessed area1128band theaperture1104b. The raisedportion1136 may be configured to provide rigidity to the button152, which is shown inFIG. 1E.
• The backing plate900 also may be configured to provide support for a flexible circuit. In embodiments, a flexible printed circuit is placed on themiddle portion728cof thefirst housing704 beneath a battery. To ground the flexible printed circuit to a printed circuit board, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit may be routable from beneath the battery to a position on a front side of the battery. For example, theexample backing plate1100 may include an elongate recessedarea1140 extending between the raisedportion1136 and thebottom edge1120 of thebacking plate1100. The elongate recessedarea1140 may be configured to allow a flexible circuit to be bent over the front and/orrear edge1108 and1112 of the recessedarea1140. For example, in embodiments, therear edge1112 corresponding to the recessedarea1140 may be selectively positioned relative to the base728 to define a predefined gap between therear edge1112 of thebacking plate1100 and thebase728. The predefined gap may be dimensioned to accommodate a thickness of a flexible circuit, and in at least one embodiment therear edge1112 of thebacking plate1100 may substantially clamp the flexible circuit to thebase728. In addition, thefront edge1108 associated with the recessedarea1140 may provide a path for positioning the flexible circuit. The distance between thesidewall736 and the bottom portion of thebacking plate1100 associated with the recessedarea1140 may be dimensioned to accommodate a predetermined bending radius of the flexible circuit. In this configuration, therear edge1112 of thebacking plate1100 may secure the flexible printed circuit in a predetermined position beneath the battery while the front andrear edges1108 and1112 may provide a reference for the flexible printed circuit to be bent around to ensure a proper bend radius.
• Referring back toFIG. 10, thefirst housing704 may include two L-shapedbrackets1008a, bconnected to the base728 proximate to thesidewall736. More specifically, the L-shapedbrackets1008a, bmay be connected to the base728 proximate to a side of thesidewall736 that includesports744 and748 which may be configured to accommodate a button152 and a rocker button154. The L-shapedbrackets1008a, bmay be configured to provide rigidity to the top and bottom portions of thebacking plate1100 associated with the top and bottom ends1116 and1120. The L-shapedbrackets1008a, bmay be connected to thebacking plate1100. In one embodiment, the L-shapedbrackets1008a, bare dimensioned to extend above the base728 a predetermined distance so that a front edge of the L-shapedbrackets1008a, bis substantially flush with thefront edge1108 of thebacking plate1100.
• When connected to thebase728 of thefirst housing704, thebacking plate1100 and/or L-shapedbrackets1004a, bmay define a datum configured to position a battery on themiddle portion728cof the base and/or provide rigidity to buttons152 and154 associated with thesidewall736. For example, in embodiments thebacking plate1100 is configured to maintain consistent button behavior for the buttons associated with thesidewall736, and, if a rocker button is included, thebacking plate1100 can provide fields for the rocker button, such as up, down, and/or mute. In addition, the configuration of thebacking plate1100, the L-shapedbrackets1008a, b, and/or thescrew bosses1004a, bmay minimize space usage within thefirst housing704, which may result in afirst housing704 with a reduced outer envelope.
• Still referring toFIG. 10, the examplefirst housing704 includes twohinge blocks1012a, bconnected to thebase728 and thesidewall736. In the depicted example, the hinge blocks1012a, bare positioned adjacent to opposing ends of anelongate opening752 formed in one side of thesidewall736. Theelongate opening752 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of ahinge128. The hinge blocks1012a, bmay each include threaded holes configured to engage a fastener and secure thehinge128 to thefirst housing704. Between the hinge blocks1012a, band near a middle portion of theelongate opening752, areinforcement strip1016 can be connected to the base728 to reinforce thebase728 near theopening752 and to contact a body of thehinge128 adjacent theinternal passages832a,b. Thesteps870 in thehinge128 body engage the opposing ends1040 of thereinforcement strip1016.
• Thebacking plate1100, thescrew bosses1004a, b, the L-shapedbrackets1008a, b, hinge blocks1012a, b, and thehinge reinforcement strip1016 may comprise materials commonly utilized in the art, including metallic and/or non-metallic materials. In embodiments, thebacking plate1100 comprises 304 stainless steel, ¾ hardened, with a thickness of approximately 0.4 millimeters. In embodiments, thescrew bosses1004a, bcomprise 304 stainless steel, ¾ hardened. In embodiments, the L-shapedbrackets1008a, bcomprise 304 stainless steel, ¾ hardened, with a thickness of approximately 0.3 millimeters. In embodiments, the hinge blocks1012a, bcomprise 316 stainless steel. In embodiments, thehinge reinforcement strip1016 comprises 304 stainless steel, ¾ hardened.
• With reference toFIG. 12, an embodiment of asecond housing708 is provided. Similar to thefirst housing704, thesecond housing708 includes anouter shell716 and apolymeric portion724 molded to an inner surface of theouter shell716. Theouter shell716 includes a substantiallyflat base732 and asidewall740 connected to a periphery of thebase732. Thebase732 has atop portion732a(covered by the polymeric portion), abottom portion732b(covered by the polymeric portion), and amiddle portion732cinterposed between the top andbottom portions732aand732b. Themiddle portion732cis exposed, i.e., not covered by thepolymeric portion724, in the depicted example and may be dimensioned to accommodate a printed circuit board. In embodiments, thepolymeric portions720 and724 and/or other components may be configured to ensure thebacks728 and732 of theshells712 and716 retain a predefined flatness and resist deformation, such as torsional and/or bending.
• Thepolymeric portions720 and724 may be configured to include additional features. For example, bosses may be formed in thepolymeric portions720 and724. The bosses may be configured to engage other components, and in one embodiment the bosses include threaded inserts configured to threadably engage other components associated with thedevice100. The examplepolymeric portions720 and724 each include four bosses, two of which correspond to thetop portions728aand732aof thebases728 and732, and two of which correspond to thebottom portions728band732bof thebases728 and732. In addition to the bosses, thepolymeric portions720 and724 may include ashelf756 and760 extending inward from thesidewall736 and740 of theouter shell712 and716, respectively. Theshelves756 and760 may be configured to connect to a display of the first andsecond screens104 and108.
• In embodiments, thesecond housing708 can include components selectively positioned and connected to the base732 to provide additional rigidity to predetermined locations and/or features of thedevice100. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 12, acorrugated stiffener1204, a boss1208, aload distribution plate1212, a hinge block1012, and ahinge reinforcement strip1016 are connected to thebase732. The listed components can be connected to thehousing708 using any connection device and/or method known in the art, including laser welding.
• The corrugated stiffener1204 depicted inFIG. 12 is positioned proximate to thesidewall740 and configured to provide rigidity to thesecond housing708 proximate to acard slot132 formed in thesidewall740. The corrugated stiffener1204 includes a series ofridges1216 andtroughs1220. Theridges1216 andtroughs1220 may be substantially parallel to one another. In addition, theridges1216 andtroughs1220 may be substantially parallel to a side of thesidewall740 that includes acard slot132. The corrugated stiffener1204 may comprise materials commonly utilized in the art, including metallic and/or non-metallic materials. In one embodiment, thecorrugated stiffener1204 comprises 304 stainless steel, ¾ hardness.
• With reference toFIGS. 13A-C, an embodiment of thecorrugated stiffener1204 is provided. Theexample stiffener1204 includes a series ofparallel ridges1216 andtroughs1220. In particular, theexample stiffener1204 includes 3 substantiallyparallel ridges1216 and4 substantiallyparallel troughs1220. In embodiments, the series ofridges1216 may have an uppermost portion that extends above an uppermost portion of thetroughs1220 by between about 5% and 95% of the thickness of thetroughs1220, preferably between about 25% and 75% of the thickness of thetroughs1220, more preferably between about 40% and 60% of the thickness of thetroughs1220, and even more preferably about 50% of the thickness of thetroughs1220. For example, in one embodiment, the series oftroughs1220 each have a thickness of about 0.3 millimeters, and an uppermost portion of eachridge1216 extends above an uppermost portion of eachtrough1220 by a distance of about 0.15 millimeters. In embodiments, the pitch, or the distance between the uppermost portions of the series ofridges1216, is between about 2 millimeters and about 5 millimeters, preferably between about 3 millimeters and about 4 millimeters, and more preferably about 3.5 millimeters. In embodiments, the width of eachridge1216 is between about 1 millimeter and about 3 millimeters, and preferably about 2 millimeters. In embodiments, the width of eachtrough1220 is between about 0.5 millimeter and about 2.5 millimeters, and preferably about 1.5 millimeters. Atrough1220 may include an aperture, which may be utilized to position the corrugated stiffener1204 relative to thesidewall740.
• The plurality ofridges1216 andtroughs1220 may comprise various shapes. For example, in one embodiment, eachridge1216 is arcuate and may be semi-circular. In one embodiment, eachtrough1220 is substantially flat. In one embodiment, the uppermost portion of the series ofridges1216 are coplanar and the uppermost portion of thetroughs1220 are coplanar.
• Thehousing708 may include at least one boss1208 configured to connect a retainer bracket to thehousing708. Referring to the example housing depicted inFIG. 12, two bosses1208 are selectively positioned and connected to thebase732 of thesecond housing708. In embodiments, the bosses1208 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as to not interfere with aport136 or devices associated with theport136. In embodiments, the bosses1208 are positioned apart from each other by a distance about equal to the width of theport136. The example bosses1208 are internally threaded and extend above thebase732 by a predetermined distance. For example, the bosses1208 may extend above thebase732 by a distance approximately equal to a height of a printed circuit board. Aload distribution plate1212 may be positioned between the bosses1208 and the base732 to distribute any load transferred to the bosses1208 to a larger area of thebase732 of thehousing708, thereby reducing localized deformation of thebase732. In embodiments, theload distribution plate1212 is substantially rectangular. In embodiments, theload distribution plate1212 can be formed from metallic and/or non-metallic materials. In one embodiment, theload distribution plate1212 is formed from sheet metal.
• Referring toFIG. 14, an embodiment of asecond housing708 with internal components is provided. Particularly, an input/output (I/O)connector retainer bracket1404 is positioned adjacent aport136 that is formed in asidewall740 of thesecond housing708. Theretainer bracket1404 is removably connected to thebosses1208a, bwithfasteners1408a, b, respectively. Thebosses1208a, bmay be positioned within cutouts of the printed circuit board. Thus, in one embodiment, the I/Oconnector retainer bracket1404 is connected to thesecond housing708 and does not connect to the printed circuit board.
• In embodiments, theretainer bracket1404 comprises aframe1416 that defines an interior space configured to receive a dock connector, which in turn is configured to connect to a peripheral device. In embodiments, theframe1416 is configured to secure the dock connector, which may be a female receptacle, between theframe1416, thebase732, and thesidewall740. In one embodiment, theframe1416 is configured to at least partially enclose, or house, a dock connector. Theframe1416 may be configured to provide rigidity to the dock connector based at least in part on the connection of theframe1416 to thehousing708. In addition, the dock connector may be movable relative to the frame. For example, in one embodiment, theframe1416 may be configured to allow the dock connector to substantially float within an interior space of theframe1416 to accommodate misalignments and/or other peripheral device connection issues. In one embodiment, a deformable material, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, may be utilized to connect the dock connector to theframe1416 while enabling the dock connector to move relative to the frame. In one embodiment, the dock connector is not connected to theframe1416.
• With reference toFIGS. 15A-D, an embodiment of an I/Oconnector retainer bracket1404 is provided. Theexample retainer bracket1404 comprises aframe1416 having atop plate1420 and opposingside plates1424, which collectively may define aninterior space1428 of theframe1416. As discussed previously, theframe1416 may be configured to at least partially enclose a dock connector. Referring toFIGS. 15A-F, a dock connector may be at least partially positioned within theinterior space1428 of theframe1416, and thetop plate1420 and opposingside plates1424 may be configured to at least partially wrap around the dock connector. The dock connector may be connected to theframe1416, and particularly to thetop plate1420 and/or the opposingside plates1424, by various connection methods utilized in computing devices. For example, in one embodiment, a pressure sensitive adhesive may be utilized to connect the dock connector to theframe1416. In some embodiments, the dock connector is not connected to theframe1416. In these embodiments, theframe1416 wraps around a top and side portion of the dock connector to substantially secure the dock connector between theframe1416, thebase728 of thehousing708, and thesidewall740 of thehousing708. The dock connector may be configured to be electrically coupled to a printed and/or flexible circuit board. In embodiments, the dock connector is a female receptacle configured to receive a male connector attached to a peripheral device.
• Theframe1416 may include a connection plate configured to connect theframe1416 to thehousing708. Theexample frame1416 depicted inFIGS. 15a-fincludes aconnection plate1432 having a plurality ofapertures1436a, bselectively positioned in the frame to geometrically align with thebosses1208a, b. Thus, when theframe1416 is positioned within thehousing708 adjacent to theport136, theapertures1436a, balign with thebosses1208a, bfor connecting theframe1416 to thehousing708, and particularly to thebase732 of thehousing708. Theconnection plate1432 may be substantially planar, as depicted inFIGS. 15A-D. In addition, theconnection plate1432 may be configured to contact an upper surface of the printed circuit board.
• A substantial portion of theframe1416 may be cantilevered between an edge of a printed circuit board and thesidewall740 of thehousing708. In one embodiment, theframe1416 includes afront edge1440 configured to substantially abut an interior portion of thesidewall740 of thehousing708, particularly an area of thesidewall740 surrounding theport136. As depicted inFIG. 14, thefront edge1440 of theframe1416 is positioned in abutting relationship to thesidewall740 of thehousing708. The I/Oconnector retainer bracket1404 may comprise materials commonly utilized in the art, including metallic and/or non-metallic materials. In embodiments, theretainer bracket1404 comprises a plastic material. In one embodiment, theretainer bracket1404 comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
• Referring back toFIG. 12, the examplesecond housing708 includes twohinge blocks1012a, band ahinge reinforcement strip1016, all of which may be connected to thebase732. In the depicted example, the hinge blocks1012a, bare positioned adjacent to opposing ends of anelongate opening752 that is formed in one side of thesidewall740. Theelongate opening752 may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of ahinge128. The hinge blocks1012a, bmay each include threaded holes configured to engage a fastener and secure thehinge128 to thesecond housing708. Between the hinge blocks1012a, band near a middle portion of theelongate opening752, areinforcement strip1016 can be connected to the base728 to reinforce thebase728 near theopening752.
• FIGS.19 and20A-H and J-N are various views depicting a flexible electrically conductive member1900 for electrically interconnecting an energy storage device, particularly a battery, with a printed circuit board to power the computational, processing, and display functions of thedevice100.FIG. 19 depicts the member1900 as configured when installed in thedevice100. As will be appreciated, prior to installation the member1900 is substantially planar and is folded into the depicted configuration during device assembly. Referring toFIG. 19, the member1900 includes plural first conductive pads1904a-don a first surface of the member1900 to contact conductive pads on a printed circuit board (not shown), plural secondconductive pads2004jandk(FIGS. 20J-K) to contact terminals of the energy storage device, anelongated passage1908 for a flexible circuit (not shown) to the display (not shown), and plural tabs shown inFIGS. 20A-H and J-N for engaging selected features in the respective one of the first andsecond housings704 and708.FIGS. 20A-H and L-N depict various tab2000a-hand1-nconfigurations, respectively, used for locating the member1900 in thedevice100 relative to other components and/or electrically contacting selected components to the energy storage device.Tabs2000a, c, d, e, f, g, l, mandnincludeconductive pads2004a, c, d, e, f, g, l, m, andn, respectively. Referring toFIGS. 20J-K, the tabs fold around the energy storage device, which typically is a rectangular-shaped battery, such that the energy storage device is received in theenclosed area2008 and2012 (forFIGS. 20J-K, respectively) to enable thecontact pads2004j-kto contact terminals of the energy storage device, which battery terminals are located on an opposing side of the energy storage device from the side of the energy storage device contacting thecentral portion2016 of the member1900. Tabs2000oandppass under and engage thereinforcement strip1016.
• FIGS. 21A-B,22A-H, and23-24 are various views depicting a substantiallyplanar display frame2100 that engages a rear surface of thedisplay panel2108 to provide structural support to the display panel and mechanically hold and retain the display panel in position. As will be appreciated, thedisplay panel2108 faces outwardly and thedisplay frame2100 inwardly relative to the respective one of the first and second housing. Thedisplay frame2100 includes various features, including first, second, and third locking clips ortabs2104a,b,candlip2116 to engage and mechanically interlock with a matching slot in a peripheral edge of the respective one of the first andsecond housings704 and708, score marks2112 to locate a flexible circuit (not shown) from the printed circuit board (not shown) to thedisplay2108 and acutout2108 to pass a flexible printed circuit, thereby enabling the flexible circuit to bend to connect to the display panel. The display frame design can provide for mechanical retention of the display without external screws or clips increasing the outer dimensions of the housing. Additionally, the design can be substantially free of adhesives between the display panel and display frame and thereby avoiding the display frame from separating from the display panel, due to failure of the adhesive. Thedisplay frame2100 is typically made from a non-magnetic material, such as stainless steel, to provide an electromagnetic shield or barrier, thereby preventing or inhibiting substantially all of the electromagnetic radiation from the electrical components in the printed circuit board and other electrical components positioned on a first side of the display frame from passing through thedisplay frame2100 and impacting adversely the operation of thedisplay panel2108 positioned on a second side of the display frame.
• FIGS. 25-27 depict a flexible circuitconnector securing assembly2500. The securingassembly2500 includes abracket2504 andresilient gasket2508, located between thebracket2504 and aconnector2514 on the printedcircuit board2516, to apply pressure, typically of at least about 50 psi, more typically of at least about 100 psi, and even more typically of at least about 150 psi but typically no more than about psi, to aflexible circuit2512, thereby maintaining the electrical connection with theconnector2514, typically for greater than 100,000 cycles. The securingassembly2500 usesscrews2530, passing through the printedcircuit board2516, to mount the securingassembly2500 to the corresponding one of the first andsecond housing704 and708 and to apply the pressure to the flexible circuit.
• FIGS. 24,28A-D, and29A-B depict substantially transparent light guides and a substantially opaque light guide support bracket for illuminating theareas112a-c(FIG. 1A). As can be seen inFIGS. 29A-B, the light guides2900a-ceach include a substantially planarupper surface2904 and a smooth and concave (e.g., parabolic-shaped)lower surface2908 to receive incident light from a light source, such as an LED lamp, on the printedcircuit board2516 and direct the light into a collimated or converging beam towards theupper surface2904. The light guides are positioned beneath a correspondingarea112a-cin therespective display panel2108 for illumination. Thesupport bracket2800 comprises a first, second, and third light guide receptacles2804a-cto receive thelight guides2900a-c, a steppedperipheral edge2808 to engage a similarly shapedinner edge920 of the corresponding first orsecond housing704 and708, andfastener holes2812, which align withholes924 in the corresponding housing to receive a fastener, such as a screw, to attach securely thesupport bracket2800 to the housing. When engaged, the light guides and support bracket define a substantially planarupper surface2816 to engage the lower surface of the display panel.
• The light guides2900 can be discrete from or integrated with thesupport bracket2800. Integration is effected using a multi-step molding process. In a first step, a substantially opaque resin is molded into a predefined shape including the light guide receptacles2804a-c, each having a shape mating the outer surface of the corresponding light guide. In a second step, the substantially transparent, or light transmissive, resin, such as an acrylic resin, polycarbonate, epoxy, or glass, is injected into the light guide receptacles to form the unitary light guide assembly ofFIGS. 28A-D. When the light guides2900 are discrete from the support bracket, they are engaged with the support bracket using a suitable adhesive, a friction fit, or other form of mechanical engagement. In other embodiments, the light guides and support bracket are in multiple interlocking pieces. At any one time, the set of light guides is illuminated of whichever of the first and second screens is currently in focus. As will be appreciated, the light guides can be made in any desired shape, such as cylindrical, oval, rectangular, conical, or other shape (e.g., arrow, star shaped, and quarter moon shaped).
• FIGS. 30A-D depict a non-mechanical closure mechanism for thedevice100. As will be appreciated, a common mechanism for locking dual screen cellular phones in a closed orientation is to lock the opposing screens mechanically in position. The mechanical locking mechanism has sufficient force to resist hinges exerting an opposing spring-back force. Mechanical locking mechanisms can malfunction, especially after repeated usage, in response to breakage or other failure of the locking mechanism components. As shown inFIGS. 30A-D, a non-mechanical closure mechanism can include first and second magnets3000a-bpositioned respectively on the first andsecond screens104 and108 such that the first and second magnets exert a magnetically attractive force on one another when the first andsecond screens104 and108 are in the closed position and substantially no magnetically attractive force on one another when the first andsecond screens104 and108 are in any of the fully open, easel, or modified easel positions. To provide the magnetic force of attraction, the first andsecond magnets3000a,bare positioned such that opposing poles P₁(e.g., N or S) and P₂(e.g., the other of N or S) are adjacent to one another (FIG. 30E) when the first andsecond screens104 and108 are in the fully closed position. To protect thedisplay panel2108 from the magnetic field of the first andsecond magnets3000a, b, the first andsecond magnets3000a,bare positioned on opposing sides of thedisplay frame2100 from thedisplay panel2108. The use of the first andsecond magnets3000a,bas a closure mechanism can avoid the problems commonly encountered with mechanical locking mechanisms. In other configurations, one of the first and second magnets is replaced by an iron-containing magnetic material. More than two magnets can be employed. The first and second magnets can be sized, positioned, and shaped to avoid interference with any of the other electronic components of thedevice100.
• FIGS. 31A-D depict a particular configuration of the position sensor(s)172. The position sensor(s)172 include first and second Hall-Effect sensors3100a,bpositioned, respectively, adjacent to thefirst screen104 andfirst housing704 and to thesecond screen108 andsecond housing708. The first Hall-Effect sensor3100ais positioned proximal to adistal corner3104 of thefirst housing704 andscreen104 while the second Hall-Effect sensor3100bis positioned at alocation3108 proximal to thehinge128, with the first and second Hall-Effect sensors3100a,bbeing positioned on opposing sides of thehinge128. With reference toFIG. 31, the first Hall-Effect sensor3100ais positioned on an opposing side of theframe2100 from thedisplay panel2108 and near the base of thefirst housing704. In contrast, the second Hall-Effect sensor3100bis positioned on an opposing side of theframe2100 from thedisplay panel2108 and near the base of thesecond housing708.
• In operation, the first and second Hall-Effect sensors3100a,bsense the strength of an applied magnetic field by measuring the Hall voltage across opposing faces of the sensor. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, an electric current is passed through the sensor, which current will produce a corresponding magnetic field. Applied magnetic field(s) cause the electrons in the current to deflect into a curved path as the electrons move through the sensor material due to the interaction of the magnetic fields. This interaction is known as the Lorentz force. Consequently, one side of the sensor material will pass more electrons than the other. The resulting potential difference (voltage) appears across the material at right angles to both the magnetic fields from the permanent magnet and the flow of current. This is known as the Hall effect. In other words, the Hall voltage is directly proportional in size to both the electric current and the magnetic field. As the relative positions of the first andsecond screens104 and108 change, the magnitude of the cumulative magnetic field applied to each of the first and second Hall-Effect sensors also changes. The applied magnetic field is caused by the first andsecond magnets3000a,band electrical current passing through other electrical components adjacent to the first andsecond screens104 and108 of thedevice100, such as the printed circuit board, flexible circuits, antenna, GPS, microphone, speaker, and camera. A look up table mapping the measured Hall voltage for each of the first and second Hall-Effect sensors3100a,bagainst first and second screen position can be used to determine the relative positions of the first andsecond screens104 and108.
• The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been described in relation to mechanical features of a multi-screen device. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scopes of the claims. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should however be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.
• Furthermore, while the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations illustrated herein show the various components of the system collocated, certain components of the system can be located remotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a LAN and/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the components of the system can be combined in to one or more devices, such as a Personal Computer (PC), laptop, netbook, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), tablet, etc., or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or a circuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the preceding description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that the components of the system can be arranged at any location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. For example, the various components can be located in a switch such as a PBX and media server, gateway, in one or more communications devices, at one or more users' premises, or some combination thereof. Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system could be distributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an associated computing device.
• Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.
• Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.
• A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.
• In some embodiments, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the various aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for the disclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.
• In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in conjunction with software using object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized.
• In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executed on programmed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/or hardware system.
• Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure.
• The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, sub-combinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.
• The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
• Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims (17)

What is claimed is:

1. A handheld computing device, comprising:

a screen to receive input from and provide graphical output to a user, the screen comprising a display panel, the display panel comprising plural imaging pixels to render a selected image;

a housing engaging a peripheral portion of the screen, the housing a sidewall and base;

a display frame mechanically engaging the display panel and housing, whereby the display frame maintains the display panel in position relative to the housing.

2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the display frame mechanically engages the housing by a plurality of clips, the clips not increasing the outer dimensions of the housing.

3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the display frame mechanically maintains the display panel in position in the complete or substantial absence of an adhesive and wherein the display frame is discrete from the display panel.

4. The device ofclaim 2, wherein each of the clips engages a matching slot and/or lip in the housing.

5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the display frame comprises a plurality of registration features to position a flexible circuit in a selected position and/or orientation.

6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the display frame comprises a cutout to pass a flexible circuit extending from a printed circuit board and to the display panel, thereby enabling the flexible circuit to bend to connect to the display panel.

7. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the display frame is substantially non-magnetic to block electromagnetic radiation from interfering with performance of the display panel.

8. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a processor to execute machine readable instructions and control operation of the device;

a computer readable medium to store the machine readable instructions;

an energy storage device to power the screen, processor, and computer readable medium; and

a substantially planar electrically conductive member positioned between the screen, processor, and computer readable medium on one hand and the energy storage device on the other, the conductive member engaging a first side of the energy storage device and comprising a flexible tab extending from the first side of the energy storage device, around a side of the energy storage device, and to a second terminal on an opposing second side of the energy storage device.

9. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the substantially planar member provides a ground path for the screen, processor, and computer readable medium and wherein the substantially planar member and display panel are positioned on opposing sides of the display frame.

10. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the energy storage device is a battery having a first terminal on the first side and wherein the substantially planar member comprises a first connector engaging the first side and a second connector engaging the second terminal.

11. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the energy storage device is a battery having a first terminal on the second side, wherein the flexible tab comprises first and second flexible tabs, the first and second flexible tabs each extending from the first side of the energy storage device, around a side of the energy storage device, and to the first and second terminals, respectively, on an opposing second side of the energy storage device, and wherein a first connector on the first flexible tab engages the first terminal and a second connector on the second flexible tab engages the second terminal.

12. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the processor and computer readable medium are disposed on a printed circuit board and wherein the printed circuit board comprises conductive pads contacting corresponding conductive pads on a body of the substantially planar conductive member, the body of the substantially planar conductive member being positioned between the first side of the energy storage device and the printed circuit board.

13. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the screen comprises first and second screens and further comprising:

a first housing engaging the first screen;

a second housing engaging the second screen; and

a hinge rotatably engaging the first and second housings, whereby the first screen rotates relative to the second screen.

14. A display frame for a communication device, comprising:

a substantially planar body to receive a display panel for a screen of the device;

plural clips positioned around a periphery of the body to engage at least one of a slot and lip of a housing of the device; and

a cutout to pass a flexible circuit extending from a printed circuit board and to the display panel, thereby enabling the flexible circuit to bend to connect to the display panel.

15. The display frame ofclaim 14, wherein the display frame is substantially non-magnetic to block electromagnetic radiation from interfering with performance of the display panel.

16. The display frame ofclaim 1, wherein the display frame mechanically engages the housing by the plurality of clips, the clips not increasing the outer dimensions of the housing.

17. The display frame ofclaim 1, wherein the display frame mechanically maintains the display panel in position in the complete or substantial absence of an adhesive and wherein the display frame is discrete from the display panel.

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