Handheld computer having moveable segments that are interactive with an integrated display
View Patent ↗A handheld computer is provided that includes a first module and at least a second module. The first module includes a processor and a display. The second module is slideably coupled to the first module so that it functions as a sliding cover that may effectively change the visible area of the underlying display. The handheld computer includes a sensing device coupled to the processor. The sensing device provides information to the processor regarding the relative position of the first module with respect to the second module. The information provided may be used to reconfigure the visual output of the display or to select a macro command presented on the display.
1. An electronic device comprising:
a processor;
a display;
a sliding component moveably coupled to said processor, wherein said sliding component is operable to slide relative to said display, and wherein said sliding component is further operable to accept at least one button input from a user; and
a sensing device coupled to said processor and to said sliding component for detecting a relative position of said sliding component with respect to said display;
wherein said processor is operable to perform an operation that is associated with rendered information that is identified by said relative position of said sliding component with respect to said display, and wherein said operation is responsive to said button input being pressed.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said operation is a visual configuration of data rendered on said display.
3. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a wireless transmitter, and wherein said operation is an initiation of communication with another device using said wireless transmitter.
4. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a wireless transmitter, and wherein said operation is an initiation of communication with an external device, using said wireless transmitter.
5. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said sensing device is a non-contact sensor device.
6. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said display is a touch panel display forming a part of said sensing device.
7. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said rendered information that is identified by said relative position of said sliding component with respect to said display is selected responsive to signal is initiated from said sliding component by a user pressing on an input key residing on said sliding component.
8. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said at least one button input comprises a mechanical element.
9. A method of selecting an option in an electronic device comprising a processor and a sliding component, said method comprising:
a) displaying a plurality of elements on a display screen of said processor;
b) detecting a position of said sliding component adjacent to a first element of said plurality of elements said display screen, wherein said sliding component relative to said display screen is operable to identify said first element for selection;
c) detecting a user selecting said first element, wherein said selection is made by using at least one button input residing on said sliding component when said sliding component is adjacent to said first element; and
d) invoking an operation of said electronic device related to said first element.
10. The method as described in claim 9 further comprising generating a position signal corresponding to a position of said sliding component relative to said display screen.
11. The method as described in claim 9 wherein aid operation is an execution of an application program.
12. The method as described in claim 9 wherein said operation is a display of related additional information to said first element.
13. The method as described in claim 9 wherein said selection is via a key.
14. The method as described in claim 9 wherein said sliding cover comprises a keyboard.
15. The method as described in claim 9 wherein said sliding cover further comprises a microphone.
16. The method as described in claim 9 wherein said sliding cover further comprises a speaker.
17. A computer readable medium containing executable instructions stored thereon for causing an electronic device to execute a method for configuring a visual output of a display, said method comprising:
displaying a plurality of objects on said display;
sensing a relative position, of a sliding component with respect to said display, and wherein said relative position is a partially closed position, and wherein said sliding component is operable to change the size of a dimension of said electronic device by sliding relative to said display; and
in response to said sensing said relative position, generating said visual output on said display, wherein said visual output comprises said plurality of visual objects that are arranged and repositioned to be viewable in response to said relative position.
18. The computer readable medium of claim 17 , further comprising instructions for initiating an application by a processor.
19. The computer readable medium of claim 17 , further comprising instructions for initiating communication with an external device.
20. The computer readable medium of claim 17 , further comprising instructions for altering said visual output in response to a signal.
21. The computer readable medium of claim 20 , wherein said instructions are for a rearrangement of a previously displayed visual object.
22. An electronic device comprising:
a display operable to render a plurality of graphical elements;
a sliding component operable to move with respect to said display to detect a viewable portion and a non-viewable portion of said display, wherein a position of said sliding component is operable to control rendering of said plurality of graphical elements within said viewable portion of said display, and wherein said position of said sliding component is further operable to identify a first graphical element from said plurality of graphical elements when said sliding component is adjacent to said first graphical element, and wherein said first graphical element is selected responsive to a selection by a user via an input key on said sliding component; and
a processor operable to reposition said plurality of graphical elements responsive to said position of said sliding component with respect to said display, and wherein said processor is further operable to perform an operation associated with said first graphical element in response to said selection.
23. The electronic device as described in claim 22 further comprising:
a sensor for detecting said position of said sliding component with respect to said display.
24. The electronic device as described in claim 22 , wherein said first graphical element is a command to be performed by said processor.
25. The electronic device as described in claim 22 , wherein said sliding component is operable to accept a user input to effect said selection.
26. The electronic device as described in claim 22 wherein said plurality of graphical elements are repositioned by said processor to increase viewability of said plurality of graphical objects within said viewable portion of said display.