GB2390259A - Multi-display mobile terminal. - Google Patents
Multi-display mobile terminal. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2390259A GB2390259A GB0215055A GB0215055A GB2390259A GB 2390259 A GB2390259 A GB 2390259A GB 0215055 A GB0215055 A GB 0215055A GB 0215055 A GB0215055 A GB 0215055A GB 2390259 A GB2390259 A GB 2390259A
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- Prior art keywords
- display
- retracted
- state
- deployed
- terminal according
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
- H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
- H04M1/0225—Rotatable telephones, i.e. the body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis perpendicular to the plane they define in closed position
- H04M1/0227—Rotatable in one plane, i.e. using a one degree of freedom hinge
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
- H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
- H04M1/0225—Rotatable telephones, i.e. the body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis perpendicular to the plane they define in closed position
- H04M1/0233—Including a rotatable display body part
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
- H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
- H04M1/0235—Slidable or telescopic telephones, i.e. with a relative translation movement of the body parts; Telephones using a combination of translation and other relative motions of the body parts
- H04M1/0237—Sliding mechanism with one degree of freedom
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
- H04M1/0241—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings using relative motion of the body parts to change the operational status of the telephone set, e.g. switching on/off, answering incoming call
- H04M1/0243—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings using relative motion of the body parts to change the operational status of the telephone set, e.g. switching on/off, answering incoming call using the relative angle between housings
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
- H04M1/0241—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings using relative motion of the body parts to change the operational status of the telephone set, e.g. switching on/off, answering incoming call
- H04M1/0245—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings using relative motion of the body parts to change the operational status of the telephone set, e.g. switching on/off, answering incoming call using open/close detection
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
- H04M1/0247—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings comprising more than two body parts
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
- H04M2250/16—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including more than one display unit
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
Abstract
A mobile telephone has two or more displays 39a, 39b. In a retracted state, only a first display 39a is powered up and visible. In a deployed state, a second display 39b becomes visible and is powered up. The second display 39b may be used to display data concerning a second call, or may combine with the first display 39a to provide a larger display mode. Deploying can be done by rotating first or second displays or sliding a display out. This may be done by a motor.
Description
f MULTI-DISPLAY MOBILE TERMINAL
This invention relates to displays for use in mobile terminals particularly telephones.
5 One of the perceived problems with mobile telephones is the size of display. Mobile telephone displays were originally designed for showing status information; e.g. call information such as the calling party or the called telephone number, together with radio information such as the network with which the phone is currently registered and the RF signal strength. More 10 recently, with the increased use of text messaging, displays have become a little larger so as to show a portion of the text message. However, the small display size still limits the use of mobile telephones for data communications.
The trend in mobile phone construction is towards ever smaller phones. However, since the size of the keypad cannot be reduced beneath a 15 minimum, there is relatively little space for increasing the size of the display, however. An alternative is to use a touch sensitive screen to replace the keypad and display altogether, but this increases the expense and may not be robust in some applications. Another consideration is that an increase in the size of the display would increase the power used, even while the phone is not 20 transmitting, which is generally undesirable.
There have been various proposals in the past for mobile phones with several displays. For example, US 6125286 (Jahagiardar) discloses a mobile phone having a first display area on top of the phone which is visible when
( the phone Is not in use, and a second display area on the front of the phone and underneath the flip-up cover. When the cover is opened, the first display is switched off and the second display is switched on. Thus, only one screen is active at any time.
5 EP O881617A shows a terminal device such as a combined phone and PDA having a display which is visible from both sides. GB 2358985 shows a mobile phone with a flip open cover, having a display on either side of the cover (only one bemg visible at any one time).
Korean application 20-0172584 shows a mobile telephone with two lo nip open covers on either side thereof. which extend the normal display when opened. Korean application 2002-0014248 shows a mobile phone with a nip open cover, the cover itself being in a flip open clamshell design with a display portion on each of the inside surfaces, so that it can be opened into a larger display by opening the cover. In both of these cases, either no display 15 is visible or all displays are visible.
An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative display for a mobile telephone. Another object of the present invention is to provide a display for a mobile telephone which provides a relatively large display area, can be flexibly used, and/or can limit the total power consumption of the 20 display. According to one aspect, the present invention provides a multi display mobile terminal having a first display which is active in an initial mode to show status data, and a second display, characterized in that the
terminal has a retracted display state in which the first display overlies, and is parallel with, the second display; and a deployed display state in which the first display adjoins, and is at least approximately coplanar with, the second display. 5 Preferably, in the retracted state, power is not supplied to the second display. Thus, the present invention provides a novel structure where either a single screen or several screens can be active at a given time. A single screen can be used, in a manner which is conventional for mobile telephones, to 10 provide call status information and the like, with relatively low power consumption. In an alternative mode of operation of the same device, however, one or more additional screens can be deployed and used simultaneously with the first, so as either to provide a large screen display area (suitable for video telephony) or to provide separate status screens (one 15 for each of multiple calls, perhaps for use in a multiple SIM phone as described in our earlier application UK No. 0125921.7, filed 29 October 2001, agents reference J00043604GB, incorporated herein by reference).
The mechanical structure described allows the screens to be moved reasonably close together, unlike several structures of the prior art, and to be
20 positioned coplanar with each other. Thus, the screens can be integrated into a single display with a reasonable effect on the eye of the user.
In one embodiment, one of the screens is slid in its plane and then moved transverse to its plane to become coplanar with the other.
In a second embodiment one or more screens are rotated in its plane and translated to be coplanar. The rotation and translation may occur simultaneously, preferably by the use of a suitable cam track.
These, and other embodiments. aspects and preferred features of the 5 invention, together with advantages thereof, will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 a shows a schematic external view of a known mobile terminal; 10 Figure lb is a schematic block diagram of the known mobile terminal of Figure I; Figure 2a is a front elevation which shows a mobile terminal of a first embodiment with a screen in a retracted state; Figure 2b is a front elevation which shows that mobile terminal with 15 the screen in a semi-deployed state; and Figure 2c is a front elevation which shows that mobile terminal with the screen in a fully deployed state; Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the screen deployment components of the mobile terminal of the first embodiment; 20 Figure 4a is an isometric view corresponding to Figure 2a and showing some internal detail; Figure 4b is an isometric view corresponding to Figure 2b and showing some internal detail; and
( Figure 4c is an isometric view corresponding to Figure 2c and showing some internal detail; Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the mobile terminal of the first embodiment; 5 Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing in greater detail a deployment routine making up part of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing In greater detail a retraction routine making up part of Figure 5; Figure 8a is a side elevation of a mobile terminal of a third 10 embodiment with a screen in a retracted state; Figure 8b is an end elevation of that mobile terminal in the retracted state; and Figure 8c is a plan elevation of that mobile terminal m the retracted state; 15 Figure 9a is a side elevation of that mobile terminal with a screen in a semi-deployed state; Figure 9b is an end elevation of that mobile terminal in the semi deployed state; and Figure 9c is a plan elevation of that mobile terminal in the semi 20 deployed state; Figure lea is a side elevation of that mobile terminal with a screen in a fully deployed state;
Figure lob is an end elevation of that mobile terminal in the fully deployed state; and Figure lOc is a plan elevation of that mobile terminal in the fully deployed state; S Figure I I a is a side elevation of a mobile terminal of a fourth embodiment with a screen in a retracted state; Figure l I b is an end elevation of that mobile terminal in the retracted state; and Figure I Ic is a plan elevation of that mobile terminal in the retracted I O state; Figure 1 2a is a side elevation of that mobile terminal with a screen in a semi-deployed state; Figure 12b is an end elevation of that mobile terminal in the semi deployed state; and 15 Figure 12c is a plan elevation of that mobile terminal in the semi deployed state; Figure 1 3a is a side elevation of that mobile terminal with a screen in a fully deployed state; Figure 13b is an end elevation of that mobile terminal in the fully 20 deployed state; and Figure 13c is a plan elevation of that mobile terminal in the fully deployed state;
( Figure 14a is a front elevation which shows a mobile terminal of a fifth embodiment with two screens in a retracted state; and Figure 14b is a front elevation which shows that mobile terminal with the screens in a fully deployed state.
5 Referring to Figures la and lb, the general components of a mobile telephone according to a first embodiment of the invention are shown illustratively. It comprises a handset for use with a GSM or third generation network, having a user interface consisting of a keypad input device 38, a first screen 39a, a second screen 39b (which will be discussed in greater detail 10 below and is not shown in Figure I a), a loud speaker 34 and a microphone 36.
Also provided (though not relevant to the present Invention) are an antenna 31, a radio frequency (RF) interface 32, a "smart card" a subscriber identity module (SIM) 35, a coder/decoder (codec) and associated digital to analogue and analogue to digital converters 30. A SIM interface circuit 33 is arranged 15 to receive a subscriber identity module 35. The SIM includes a processor 35a and permanent memory 35b. The control circuit 37 (which may in practice be integrated with codec 30) consists of a suitably microprocessor, microcontroller or digital signal processor (DSP) chip or chip set.
In use, it will be understood that the user can set up a voice call using 20 the keypad 38 to indicate the desired number, and then communicate using the loudspeaker 34 and microphone 36. Alternatively, the user may access data services such as WAP services, or may communicate text messages, using the keypad 38.
( First Embodiment Referring now to Figure 2, further details of the display arrangement according to the present invention will be disclosed.
In this embodiment, a main display screen 39a is connected via a pivot S point 42 to the housing of the phone. When in its retracted position (Figure 2a), it overlies an auxiliary screen 39b behind the main screen 39a, parallel to it and having the same dimensions as it. In this embodiment, both screens may conveniently be liquid crystal displays.
The pivot point comprises an axle around which the main screen 39a 10 is rotated, and along which it is displaced, during the operation of moving the main screen from a retracted state shown in Figure 2a to a deployed state shown in Figure 2c.
Referring to Figure 3, a deployment mechanism moves the main screen 39a between retracted and deployed states. It consists of a reversible 15 rotary actuator 52 (a geared-down electric motor) and a linear actuator 54 (a solenoid), controlled by the state of a respective actuation line from the control device 37. The display 39a is driven by signals through a flexible wire harness (not shown) behind the display 39a from the control unit 37.
Referring to Figures 4a-4c, the body of the terminal carries a 20 cylindrical portion 102 concentrically around the pivot point 42, which has a radial cutout slit 104 at the portion furthest from the body of the terminal.
The main screen 39a includes a cylindrical sleeve 106 concentrically around the cylindrical portion 102 and pivot point 42, and arranged to slide
around and along the cylindrical portion 102 under control of the actuators 52, 54 which act on a central shaft (not shown) solid with the sleeve 106 and extending along the pivot point 42. The cylindrical portion 102 constitutes a hub and the portion 104 constitutes a sleeve.
5 A spoke 108 is mounted on, and extends radially inwards of, the cylindrical sleeve 106, and is arranged to slide within the radial cutout slit 104 when the main screen 39a is rotated into the fully deployed position of Figure 4c. It is arranged to carry the drive and data signals to the display 39a from the control unit 37.
lo Thus, in operation, actuation of the rotary and linear actuators under control of the control circuit 37 can rotate the main screen between the retracted (closed) and deployed (open or extended) positions.
Referring to Figures 2a-2c and 4a-4c, to move the main screen to the deployed state of Figure 2c, the rotary actuator rotates the main screen 39a 15 around the pivot point 42 by 180 ; then the linear actuator displaces it backwards by its thickness (transverse to the plane of the display) to bring It coplanar with (and aligned with) the underlying auxiliary screen 39b.
Likewise, to restore the main screen to the retracted position of Figure 2a, it is first driven forwards by the linear actuator; then rotated by the rotary 20 actuator. The operation of the handset to provide functionality for handling either one or two calls simultaneously will now be described with reference to Figure S. After being switched on, the phone is in an initial state (step 1002).
In this state, status information (such as signal strength, battery life and selected network) displayed on the main display 39a. No power is supplied to the auxiliary display 39b.
In step 1004, the control circuit 37 detects whether a voice command 5 to activate the auxiliary screen 39b has been given. The phone in this embodiment (like many on the market at present) is arranged to perform speech recognition, to respond to a command such as "SCREEN" spoken into the microphone 36.
If no such command is detected, then in step 1006, the control circuit 10 37 detects whether a specific screen actuation combination of keys on the keypad 38 has been pressed (e.g. pressed simultaneously).
If either of these steps indicates that the user desires to activate the auxiliary screen, the control circuit 37 passes to the screen activation subroutine 1020 described in greater detail below. Otherwise, the phone 15 proceeds to act as a conventional phone with a single display. If an incoming or outgoing call is set up, call information (such as the calling or called party number. and time of call) is displayed on the main screen 39a.
Where, during a first call, a second call is received (e.g. on a second network with which the phone is registered, as described in our earlier UK 20 application number 0125921.7), in step 100S, an auditory signal is generated and, if the user accepts the call (step 1010), the control circuit 37 executes the auxiliary screen activation subroutine 1020.
/ Accordingly, referring to Figure 6, the control circuit 37 operates the actuator to rotate the main screen 39a around the pivot 42 to the deployed state of Figure 2c (step 1022). The information displayed on the main screen 39a will then be upside down. Accordingly, in step 1024, control circuit 37 5 performs a vertical interchange of the data displayed on each of the display lines, so as to re-write the lowermost line as the uppermost, restoring the display to a readable condition to the user.
Finally, in step 1026, the control circuit 37 energises the auxiliary display 39b, and displays call state information concerning the second call on 10 that display.
Referring once more to Figure 5, the operation of the phone then continues with the user handling both calls as required, and the display in the deployed condition.
In this state, the control circuit 37 periodically deterrnnes whether a 15 voice command to retract the screen has been detected (step 1014, corresponding to step 1004 discussed above) or whether a certain key combination has been pressed (step 1016 corresponding to 1006 above) or whether one of the calls has been terminated (step 1018). Where any of these events has occurred, the control circuit 37 performs a screen deactivation 20 subroutine 1030, shown in Figure 7.
On deactivation, in step 1032, the control circuit 37 deactivates power to the auxiliary screen 39b. If the call which remains active is the second call, then the data previously displayed on the auxiliary screen 39b is re-written on
( the main screen 39a (step 1036). The control circuit 37 then controls the actuator to rotate the main screen 39a back into the retracted state (step 1038), and then linewise vertically Interchanges the lines of the display to restore it to the correct orientation for the user in step 1040 (as discussed 5 above in relation to Figure 6).
Thus, it will be seen that, in this embodiment, the handset can be operated as a conventional phone in normal operation, supplying power to only the main screen 39a. However, on the (relatively rare) occasions when a second screen for separate status display is required, actuation of the main 10 screen 39a to the extended or deployed state reveals the auxiliary screen 39b which can be used to display additional information such as that from a second call.
An advantage of this embodiment is that the main screen offers protection to the surface of the auxiliary screen in the retracted (i.e. normal) 15 state since it overlies it completely. Thus, whilst the main and auxiliary screens may be identical as disclosed above, it is also possible to provide that the auxiliary screen is a more delicate or a more expensive screen than the main screen, since it is nortnally more protected. It may, for example, be a touch sensitive screen providing input as well as output.
20 Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the invention will now be disclosed; only the differences from the first embodiment will be discussed in detail, as other parts correspond.
In this embodiment, an auxiliary display 39b is provided, normally in a retracted position in which it lies behind, and parallel to, the main display 39a. It is located in a slot in the casing of the phone, at the top thereof. The auxiliary display 39b is connected with the main display 39a (and the rest of 5 the housing) via a pivot 42. The auxiliary screen 39b can be rotated around the pivot from the retracted position of Figure 4a, to the deployed position of Figure 4c, in which it abuts, and extends the main display screen 39a.
Having rotated 180 around the pivot 42, the auxiliary screen 39b is driven forward by a distance corresponding to its thickness (i.e. its dimension 10 normal to the plane of the screen) so as to bring the face of the auxiliary display 39b coplanar (at least approximately) with that of the main screen 39a.
The operation of this embodiment is generally the same as the first, except that, since the main screen remains stationary, the steps of inverting the display (steps 1024 and 1040) may be omitted, and the auxiliary screen is 15 deployed rather than the main screen. Thus, this embodiment offers a slightly less interrupted display during deployment that the first embodiment. On the other hand, it may be mechanically less preferable since it is less desirable to provide a slot within the housing of the handset.
Third Embodiment 20 Referring to Figure 8, which comprises Figures 8a-8c, in this embodiment the screen arrangement slides between the retracted and the deployed states rather than rotating as in the first embodiment.
In this embodiment, like the second but unlike the first, it is unnecessary to mvert the display shown on the main screen 39a.
In Figure 8a, in the retracted state, the first screen 39a overlies the second 39b. The first screen 39a carries, at each of its side edges, a pair of 5 slide members 70a, 72a; 70b, 72b running in rails 74a, 74b along the sides of the body of the terminal. The rails 74a, 74b each have a pair of recesses running transverse to their length (i.e. normal to the plane of the main screen 39a); an inner recess and an outer recess. The rear slide members 70a, 70b are driven by a pair of linear actuators (not shown) under control of the 10 control circuit 37, as described below.
The first screen 39a also carries an outer pair of contact pads 64a, 64b and an inner pair of contact pads 62a, 62b carrying small rectangular buses, each of which pairs is arranged to mate with a corresponding outer pair of contact pads 68a, 68b on the body of the terminal.
15 When the first screen 39a is in the retracted state of Figures 8a-8c, the outer pair of contact pads 64a, 64b on the screen mates with the outer pair of contact pads 68a, 68b on the body of the terminal. When the first screen 39a is in the deployed state of Figures lOa-lOc, the inner pair of contact pads 62a, 62b on the screen mates with the outer pair of contact pads 68a, 68b on the 20 body of the terminal. In either case, the display drive signals are supplied from the control circuit 37 to the main screen 39a. In transit (as shown in Figures 9a-9c), there is no signal to the display 39a.
To change from the retracted to the deployed mode in this embodiment, starting from the position of Figures 8a-8c, a first linear actuator displaces the main screen 39a away from the body of the terminal along inner the recess and into the track 74, breaking the contact between pads 62 on the 5 screen and inner pads 66 on the body of the terminal. The second linear actuator then displaces the main screen 39a along the track 74, as shown in Figures 9a-9c, until the outer recess is reached. At this point, the first linear actuator displaces the main screen 39a towards the body of the terminal along the outer recess, making the contact between pads 62 on the screen and outer 10 pads 68 on the body of the terminal, as shown in Figures lOa-lOc. To change from the deployed to the retracted mode in this embodiment, the same steps are performed in reverse order.
Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is similar to the third, except that the auxiliary 15 screen 39b rather than the main screen 39a moves between the deployed and the retracted states; only the differences from the third embodiment will be discussed in detail, as other parts correspond.
The body of the terminal contains a slot 80 parallel to the plane of the displays 39a, 39b, in which the auxiliary display 39b is disposed. The 20 auxiliary display 39b is mounted to slide out of the body of the terminal within the slot 80, driven by a pair of linear actuators under control of the control circuit 37, as in the previous embodiment. The body of the terminal contains a portion 82 of reduced thickness behind the outer edge of the main
r display 39a, so as to increase the width of the slot there. The mner edge of the auxiliary display 39b also has a portion 84 of reduced thickness. The portions 82, 84 carry mating rectangular data bus pads, as did the main display screen 39a in the previous embodiment.
5 In this embodiment, referring to Figures 11, 12 and 13, the retracted state is shown in Figures l la-l lc and the deployed state in Figures 13a13c.
To move from the retracted state to the deployed state, the auxiliary display 39b is driven outwards in the slot 80 by the first linear actuator, as shown in Figures 12a-12c, until the portion 84 is in register with the portion 82. The 10 auxiliary display 39b is then driven forwards in the slot (towards the main display 39a) by the second linear actuator, making the contact between portion 84 on the screen 39b and portion 84 on the body of the terminal, as shown in Figures 13a-13c. At this point, the control circuit can supply drive signals to the auxiliary display 39b.
15 To move from the deployed state to the retracted state, the auxihary display 39b is driven backwards in the slot (away from the main display 39a) by the second linear actuator, breaking the contact between portion 84 on the screen 39b and portion 84 on the body of the terminal. The auxiliary display 39b is then driven inwards in the slot 80 by the first linear actuator, until it 20 reaches the fully retracted position shown in Figures 11 a- l lc.
In this embodiment, the user can continue to watch the uninterrupted display on the main display screen 39a whilst the auxiliary display 39b is deployed.
( Other DispIav Modes The above description provides a first display mode in which only the
main display is activated, and a second display mode in which the main and auxiliary displays 39a, 39b are activated and used to display call information 5 from two different calls. However, it will be clear that many other uses of the first and second screens are possible, and are preferably provided as additional display modes according to the present invention. For example, on a user command (either a voice command or keyboard combination such as "wide screen"), the control circuit 37 moves the screens into the deployed 10 state and then re-maps the display shown previously on the main screen to cover both screens.
Thus, a lengthy text message may be viewed without requiring scrolling, or a large image may be displayed. The displays according to the above embodiments are able to provide a good extended display, as compared 15 to various screen arrangements in the above described prior references, because, as compared to prior art clamshell-type folding screen arrangements,
the screens can be positioned closer together since it is unnecessary to place the hinge between them, whilst the displays can also be made at least approximately coplanar in the deployed state.
20 Other Embodiments and Modifications Various other specific embodiments are envisaged. For example. it will be possible to provide two (or more) auxiliary displays, by extending the principles described above. In relation to the first or second embodiments, as
( shown in Figures 14a and 14b, such displays could be provided at either side of the main display by providing a pivot 42 at either side thereof, and placing two auxiliary displays one behind the other, both behind the main display in the retracted state. Equally, in relation to the third embodiment, two sliding 5 displays, one behind the other, could be provided, extending in a telescopic fashion from the retracted position to the deployed position.
In the third embodiment, the depth of the outer recess can be made greater than that of the inner recess, and the thickness of the body of the terminal can be reduced at its outer end, so that the main screen 39a drops 10 down to a level coplanar with the auxiliary screen as in the fourth embodiment. In the first embodiment, rather than rotating the main display 39a in its one plane around the pivot 42, it would be possible to rotate it about a helical cam track around the pivot 42 so as to move the main display backwards at 15 the same time as rotating it.
Whilst the above described embodiments employ electrical actuators, power may be reduced yet further by providing for either manual deployment, or manual retraction, or both. For example, a spring operating around the axle 42 may bias the main screen 39a of the first embodiment or the auxiliary 20 screen 39b of the second towards the deployed state, the retracted state being retained by a solenoid-released latch. Thus, to move to the deployed state, either the user or the control circuit 37 releases the latch, allowing the spring to bias the screen to the deployed state. The user can then manually push the
f screen back into the retracted state when required, in the manner of a flip phone. In the third and fourth embodiments, the display signals may be supplied from the control circuit 37 via a flexible wire harness.
5 Many other modifications, variations and embodiments will be clear to the skilled reader in the light of the foregoing. For the avoidance of doubt, protection is sought for any and all novel subject matter and combination thereof which are disclosed therein. Whilst application to mobile phones is described, the inventors have realised that the principles of the invention are 10 also applicable to other devices such as handheld computers or PDAs.
Claims (17)
1. A multi-display mobile terminal having a first display which is active in an initial mode to show an initial display, and a second display, 5 characterized in that the terminal has a retracted display state in which the first display overlies, and is parallel with, the second display; and a deployed display state in which the first display adjoins, and is at least approximately coplanar with, the second display.
10
2. A tenninal according to claim I in which, in the retracted state, power is not supplied to the second display.
3. A mobile terminal according to claim I or claim 2 comprising a mobile telephone.
4. A mobile terminal according to any preceding claim in which, in the deployed state, the first and second displays are controlled to display different status screens showing different information.
20
5. A terminal according claim 4 which is arranged to maintain two calls simultaneously, and in which the first and second terminals display status information relating respectively to first and second different calls.
6. A terminal according to any preceding claim, in which, in the deployed state, the first and second displays are each arranged to display a portion of a composite display spanning both, to provide an extended display mode. s
7. A terminal according to claim 6, which is arranged to transfer information shown on the first display onto both displays on changing state from the retracted to the deployed state.
108. A terminal according to any preceding claim, in which, in the deployed state, the first and second displays can selectively be operated in each of a plurality of different display modes.
9. A terminal according to any preceding claim, further 15comprising an actuator arranged to change state between the retracted and deployed states.
10. A terminal according to claim 9 in which the actuator comprises an electro-mechanical actuator.
11. A terminal to according to claim 9, in which the actuator comprises resilient bias means arranged to bias the terminal into one of said states.
12. A terminal according to any preceding claim, in which the first display moves in changing from the retracted to the deployed state.
5
13. A terminal according to any preceding claim, in which the second display moves in changing from the retracted to the deployed state.
14. A terminal according to any preceding claim, in which one or more of said displays is pivoted about an axis normal to the plane of said 10 display, in moving between the retracted and deployed states.
15. A terminal according to any one of claims I to 14, in which one or more of said displays is arranged to slide in a direction lying at least approximately within its display plane in moving between the retracted and 15 deployed states.
16. A terminal according to claim 14 or claim IS, in which said display is arranged further to move in a direction transverse to its display plane in moving between said retracted and said deployed states.
17. A terminal according to any preceding claim, comprising at least three displays, and in which said first display overlies said second
( display and a third said display in the retracted state, and in which said first, second and third displays are deposed in line in said deployed state.
IX. A terminal according to claim 1, in which said first display is 5 arranged to rotate substantially in its display plane in moving between said retracted and deployed states, and further comprising means for inverting the data displayed on said first display so as to maintain the display in the same orientation to the user in deployed and retracted states.
10 19. A multi-display mobile terminal having a first display which is active in an initial mode to show an initial display, and a second display, characterized in that the terminal has a retracted display state in which only the first display is visible, and power is not supplied to the second display; and a deployed display state in which the first display and the second display 15 are visible, and power is supplied to both.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0215055A GB2390259B (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2002-06-28 | Multi-display mobile terminal |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB0215055A GB2390259B (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2002-06-28 | Multi-display mobile terminal |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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GB0215055D0 GB0215055D0 (en) | 2002-08-07 |
GB2390259A true GB2390259A (en) | 2003-12-31 |
GB2390259B GB2390259B (en) | 2005-11-23 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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GB0215055A Expired - Fee Related GB2390259B (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2002-06-28 | Multi-display mobile terminal |
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GB (1) | GB2390259B (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0215055D0 (en) | 2002-08-07 |
GB2390259B (en) | 2005-11-23 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20160628 |