Sony Ericsson patents Housing arrangement for a portable device with a display

A housing arrangement for a mobile communication device comprises first and second housing sections connected together and movable relative to one another between open and closed positions. The first housing section includes a display that is substantially concealed by the second housing section in a closed configuration. The second housing section includes a window that reveals a portion of the display in the closed configuration. In the open configuration, a touch sensitive input is accessible through the window in the second housing section.

Description
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to handheld and portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to housing and user interface design for handheld and portable electronic devices.

[0002] Handheld and portable electronic devices have become a ubiquitous accoutrement for consumers in modern society. Such devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, cameras, and audio players. Because it is inconvenient to carry numerous devices to perform different functions, consumers desire multi-function devices that can perform a variety of functions. This trend has led to a convergence of wireless communication and computing technologies in a single device. Such devices may also include a camera and audio recording/playback capabilities.

[0003] Many mobile devices have multi-part housings with two or more sections that pivot, rotate or slide relative to one another. For example, clamshell-type mobile phones (also known as a flip phones) typically comprise two housing section pivotally connected by a hinge. One section serves as a cover or flip and moves between open and closed positions to cover the display and/or keypad of the phone on the other section. Sliding designs (referred to herein as sliders) are known in which two or more housing sections slide relative to one another. There are also jack-knife designs where two or more sections rotate relative to one another like a jack knife.

[0004] There are advantages and disadvantages for each different design type. Clamshell designs can accommodate large displays that are protected when the cover is closed. A smaller display may be provided on the cover section to allow viewing of information, such as caller identification, current time and date, and battery power, when the cover is closed. In most clamshell designs, the keypad is also covered in the closed position to prevent accidental dialing and key presses When open, the clamshell designs are a "natural" size for most ear to mouth distances. However, clamshell designs are prone to breaking and mechanical failures, have limited functions in the closed configuration, and have less than ideal distances between soft keys and the display. In sliding designs, the display is typically on the outside and supports functions in the closed configuration. Keypads are usually covered in the closed configuration and are protected against inadvertent key presses. Sliding designs tend to be more robust than clamshell designs and provide the same size advantage in terms of ear to mouth distances. However, sliding designs do not provide protection for the display and do not typically include a secondary display to view information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A portable electronic device according to one exemplary embodiment comprises a first housing section and a second housing section connected to the first housing section so as to be movable relative to one another between open and closed positions. A display is disposed on the first housing section and arranged to be substantially concealed by the second housing section when the first and second housing sections are in the closed configuration. A window in the second housing section allows a portion of the display to be viewed through said window when the first and second housing sections are in the closed configuration.

[0006] In some embodiments of the invention, a touch sensitive input device is disposed on the first housing section and is accessible through the window in the second housing section when the first and second housing sections are in the open configuration. The display may comprise a touch screen display. A portion of the touch-screen display may be accessible through the window in the second housing section and function as the touch sensitive input. Alternatively, the touch sensitive input device may comprise a touch pad or other input device that is wholly separate from the display.

[0007] In some embodiments of the invention, the second housing section may further include one or more soft keys for receiving user input. The soft keys may be disposed adjacent the window. Soft key icons indicating the function of the soft keys may be displayed on the portion of the display visible through the window in the second housing section.