Integrated handheld data processing device having a sliding form factor
View Patent ↗A handheld data processing device having three functional components assembled in a sliding configuration. A processor module is mechanically coupled to two sliding covers. The processor module houses circuits for performing the functions of data processing and may also include a display and input/output functionality. The two sliding covers provide protection for the processor module and may include input/output transducers such as a keypad, speaker or microphone. Embodiments of the handheld data processing device include a handheld computer, wireless telephone and handheld video display. Used as a telephone, the sliders may house a speaker and a microphone.
1. A handheld data processing device comprising:
a display/processor module;
a first keypad slider; and,
a second keypad slider;
wherein each of the first keypad slider and the second keypad slider are coupled to the display/processor module in order to (i) slide over the display/processor module, the device being in a closed position when the first keypad slider and second keypad slider are slid over the display/processor module, and (ii) slide away from the display/processor module, the device being in an open position when the first keypad slider and second keypad slider are slid away from the display/processor module; and
wherein each of the first keypad slider and the second keypad slider includes one or more input features for interfacing with the display/processor module both when the device is in the open position and when the device is in the closed position.
2. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , wherein said first keypad slider and said second keypad slider are configurable to fully cover a display surface of said display/processor module when the device is in the closed position.
3. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , wherein said first keypad slider includes a window.
4. The handheld data processing device of claim 3 , wherein said second keypad slider comprises one or more windows.
5. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , further comprising a display orientation controller that orients the display based on a detected orientation of the device.
6. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , wherein at least said first keypad slider is electrically coupled to said display/processor module by a flexible ribbon connector.
7. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , wherein at least said first keypad slider is optically coupled to said display/processor module.
8. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , further comprising a detent mechanism for enabling repeatable and stable extension of the handheld data processing device.
9. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , wherein said first keypad slider or said second keypad slider includes a microphone.
10. The handheld data processing device of claim 9 , further including a processor for processing voice communications received through the microphone.
11. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , wherein said first keypad slider or said second keypad slider includes a speaker.
12. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , wherein said device is a wireless communication device.
13. The handheld data processing device of claim 1 , wherein said first keypad slider and said second keypad slider comprise a QWERTY style keypad.
14. A wireless communication device comprising:
a first slider having a first set of input features;
a display module; and,
a second slider having a second set of input features;
wherein each of the first slider and the second slider are coupled to the display module in order to (i) slide over the display module, the device being in a closed position when the first slider and second slider are slid over the display module, and (ii) slide away from the display module, the device being in an open position when the first slider and second slider are slid away from the display module;
wherein when in the open position, a display of the display module is fully exposed, and wherein when in the closed position, at least one of the input features on each of the first slider and the second slider is operable to interface with the display module.