Sony Ericsson patents "Portable electronic device with multiple input interfaces"

Abstract
An electronic device has a main body, a flip attached to the main body and multiple input interfaces. A first input interface is disposed on the main body of the electronic device. Second and third input interfaces are disposed on apposing sides of the flip. The flip covers at least a part of the first input interface when the flip is in a closed position. The flip is rotatable so that either the second or third interface can be selectively used when the flip is in the closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to multi-function electronic devices and, more particularly, to input devices for multi-function electronic devices.
Portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, and audio players, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. It is not uncommon for some people to have two or more such devices for different functions. The need to carry two or more devices to perform different functions is inconvenient for users. In response to consumer demands, manufacturers have begun marketing and selling electronic devices that combine functions normally performed by two or more separate devices into a single unit. By way of example, a number of manufacturers currently offer PDAs that also function as a wireless communication terminal. An example of a combined device is the Clie line of PDAs currently offered for sale by Sony. This type of combined device provides greater consumer convenience than single purpose devices. Further, because combined devices can use the same components for multiple functions, combined devices in general are less expensive than buying separate devices that perform the same functions.
One challenge in designing multi-function devices is providing convenient and easy-to-use input interfaces for a variety of different functions. An input device suitable for certain functions may be cumbersome for other functions. For example, a standard telephone keypad may be convenient for wireless communication functions, but does not make a good game controller. Data entry with a standard telephone keypad is also cumbersome. Accordingly, there is a need for electronic devices that provide multiple input interfaces for different functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device having multiple input interfaces. In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device comprises a main body, a reversible flip attached to the main body, a first input interface on the main body, a second input interface on a first side of the flip, and a third input interface on a second side of the flip. The first input interface may be positioned on the main body so that it is covered by the flip when the flip is in a closed position. Thus, either the second or third input interfaces are presented to the user when the flip is closed. The user opens the flip to access the first input interface.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic device may have one or more global controls, such as keys, buttons, switches, or other controls, on the main body that are not covered by the flip when the flip is in the closed position. The global controls are always active regardless of the specific input interface currently in use. The global controls may, for example, enable the user to answer incoming calls or to place calls.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of en electronic device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the electronic device with the flip rotated about its first axis of rotation to an open position to reveal the first input interface.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the electronic device with the flip in a closed position and the second input interface facing outward.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the electronic device with the flip partially rotated about its second axis of rotation.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the electronic device with the flip in a closed position and the third input interface facing outward.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the electronic device with the flip in an open position.

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