Patent Application
20090015547
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to an electronic device configured to physically alert the user that an event has occurred, and more particularly to an electronic device for altering the physical form factor of the electronic device by tactile presentation of an actuation element.
2. Background Art
Mobile telephones and their audible ring tones have become commonplace in today's society. In the grocery store, bank, train, or bus, ring tones of mobile telephones have become a familiar sound. Ring tones have become so prevalent in fact, that some institutions, such as movie theaters and schools, have begun to restrict the use of audible ring tones.
Mobile telephone developers permit users to selectively silence ring tones. Two frequently implemented features are the silent mode and vibration mode. The silent mode mutes all audible ring tones, thus preventing the user from receiving any notice of an incoming communication. The vibration mode provides the user with a physical alert, as the mobile telephone vibrates rather than producing ring tone. The vibration is caused when a motor connected to an eccentric weight moves, thereby alerting the user that an incoming call or text message is pending.
Both the silent mode and the vibrating mode have limitations when in use. For example, as noted above, when a phone is in the silent mode, no alert is given for incoming communications. As such, the user may miss an important telephone call or text message. When in vibration mode, an audible noise may result from the vibration, which can sometimes frustrate the intended purpose of turning off the audible alert. This noise can be exacerbated when the mobile telephone rests upon a wooden or metal surface. For example, when resting on a hard surface, such as a school desk, the vibration of the mobile telephone may cause significant audible noise.
There is therefore a need for an electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, to provide physical, inaudible indicia to a user upon the occurrence of a device event, such as an incoming electronic communication.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.
Turning to
The electronic device 100 comprises, in addition to the elements discussed below, standard components for communication. For example, where the electronic device 100 is a radiotelephone, the electronic device 100 comprises a transmitter and a receiver (or a transceiver), a controller, a user interface, and a memory. The electronic device 100 also comprises a housing 102. In one embodiment, the housing 102 covers the entire electronic device 100 and defines at least a front surface, which may be planar or radiused, on one face of the electronic device 100.
The electronic device 100 has a user interface 104 on the front surface. The user interface 104 is configured to provide input and output capabilities for responding to device events, often incorporating one or more user actuatable elements, such as actuation elements 106. Device events may include incoming telephone calls, incoming text messages, incoming multimedia messages, low battery warnings, and the like.
In some embodiments, the user interface 104 may be extended beyond the area shown to additionally include a display 105. The display 105 notifies the user as to the present state of the electronic device 100, while the actuation elements 106, which are tactile buttons in one embodiment, allow the user to input data and control the device. By way of example, the words “new message” may appear on the display 105 following the receipt of a text message. One or more actuation elements 106 may be actuated to open and view the message.
The actuation element 106 has a corresponding actuation element profile 108 relative to the housing 102. The actuation element profile 108 is a physical form factor relative to the housing 102. Said differently, the actuation element profile 108 is comparison of physical shape or dimension relative to the housing 102. In one sense, the actuation element profile may be characterized by the height of the actuation element 106 relative to the housing 102. In another embodiment, the actuation element profile 108 may be characterized by a cross sectional shape of the actuation element 106. For example, in one embodiment, the actuation element 106 is positioned flush with the housing 102, thereby creating one actuation element profile. In another embodiment, the actuation element 106 may be protruding slightly above the housing 102, thereby creating a second actuation element profile.
The actuation element profile may alternatively be characterized by the surface area of the actuation element 106, or the surface area of the housing 102 covered by the actuation element 106. For example, in one embodiment, the actuation element 106 is balloon like, in that it may swell or contract. In such an embodiment, the actuation element 106 may cover the housing 102 with a first surface area when deflated and a second surface area when inflated.
In addition to the various actuation element form factors, the actuation element 106 may additionally take many physical forms, shapes, textures, and compositions. The particular shape, texture or composition will depend upon the type of electronic device 100, and its intended application.
In one embodiment, the actuation element 106 is as simple as a rigid button with a printed symbol disposed thereon, which a user physically depresses to perform the function associated with the printed symbol. By contrast, in another embodiment, as set forth in commonly assigned, copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/684,454, filed Mar. 9, 2007, the actuation element 106 may be a proximity sensitive interface comprising an optical shutter device. In such an embodiment, the actuation element performs a function when the user's finger comes in proximity of the actuation element 106.
The actuation element 106 may additionally have an actuation element cross sectional shape 107. The actuation element cross sectional shape 107 may be, but is not limited to, any of the following shapes: a ramp, a rectangle, a plus, a circle, a semicircle, an oval, a triangle, an alphanumeric character, or a predetermined symbol. Predetermined symbol shapes may include shapes indicative of the following actions: power on, power off, initiate call, end call, camera mode, video mode, volume control, and musical playback.
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the actuation element 106 described herein is configured to alter the actuation element profile 108 relative to the housing 102 in response to a device event 110. This alteration of the actuation element profile 108 may occur in many ways. For example, in one embodiment, the actuation element profile 108 may be altered by extending the actuation element 106 distally from the housing 102. Alternate embodiments for altering the actuation element profile 108 will be discussed in further detail below. In each embodiment, however, following the alteration of the actuation element profile 108, the actuation element retains an actuation element actuation state 112.
The actuation element actuation state 112 is a state of control associated with the actuation element 106. For instance, where the actuation element 106 is a power button prior to altering its actuation element profile 108, the actuation element 106 will still be a power button after the actuation element profile 108 is altered. Similarly, in the case of a mobile telephone, when the actuation element 106 is a “9 WXY” button prior to altering its actuation element profile 108, the actuation element 106 will continue to be a “9 WXY” button after the actuation element profile 108 is altered.
Turning briefly to
In response to a device event 210, such as an incoming call or e-mail, the actuation element 206 in one embodiment extends distally from the housing 202 by a predetermined distance, such as one-half inch, thereby altering the actuation element profile 208. After this extension, the actuation element 206 is still capable of controlling the original device function, and thus retains its actuation element actuation state.
The illustrative embodiment shown in
Turning back to
In one embodiment, the user interface 104 comprises a plurality of actuation elements 114. Each of the plurality of actuation elements 114 is configured to control a corresponding device function, such as entering or deleting a typed character. The device function may be user definable. Further, the actuation element 106 that changes its actuation element profile 108 in response to the device event may also be user definable. For example, one of the plurality of actuation elements 114 may be configured as the “answer call” button because it is easily accessible by the user's finger when viewing the display 105. However, a change in the actuation element profile of this actuation element may not be easily “felt” when the electronic device 100 is in the user's pocket. To overcome this, the user may select another actuation element to change profile when incoming calls are received. Further, multiple actuation elements may be selected to alter their actuation element profile in response to a device event. For instance, three actuation elements may be selected to change their respective actuation element profiles—at different times—in response to an incoming phone call, thereby creating a “wave-like” effect.
In one embodiment, the alteration of the actuation element profile 108 prompts the user for at least one of a plurality of responses. The user may then actuate the actuation element 106 to signal a response. By way of example, turning now to
Turning to
While extending an actuation element distally from the housing is one mechanism for altering the actuation element profile, other mechanisms exist as well. Turning now to
Following a device event 110, the actuation element 106 alters the actuation element profile 108, thereby deforming the deformable cover layer 502. In one embodiment, the deformable cover layer 502 rests on a plane 504 parallel to the housing 102. Upon the altering of the actuation element profile 108, the deformable cover layer 502 deforms, thereby creating a shape that is non-coplanar with the plane 504.
Many actuation element profile drivers, mechanisms, and engines are capable of altering the actuation element profile (108), as illustrated in
Turning to
The exemplary shape memory alloy spring 604 of
Note that there are many additional embodiments of shape memory alloy drivers for use with embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the shape memory alloy driver comprises a pump. The pump further comprises a cylinder, a piston, a shape memory alloy element, a spring and an end-cap with electrical terminals. The end-cap tightly seals the cylinder. The shape memory alloy element is engaged with the piston on one side and connected with the end-cap terminals on the other side. When voltage is supplied to the electrical terminals, the shape memory alloy element is heated. After reaching a critical temperature, the shape memory alloy element changes length. This moves the piston from one position in the cylinder to another position. The movement of the cylinder creates a force which the pump can use to alter the actuation element profile (108). After the voltage is removed, the shape memory alloy element cools and recovers its original length. Thus, the piston returns to the initially end position.
Turning to
Initially both holding the first charge, the first electromagnet 702 and the second electromagnet 704 repel each other, thus creating a first distance 708 between the fixed pivot 701 and the actuation element 706. In response to a device event 710, one of the electromagnets is given an opposite charge from that which it initially held. The first electromagnet 702 and the second electromagnet 704, now holding opposite charges, attract each other. This attraction causes the actuation element 706 to extend distally outward to a second distance 712 from the fixed pivot 701.
In one embodiment, distal extension of the actuation element (106) is implemented by an actuation element profile motor. The actuation element motor may comprise, but is not limited to, a cam and follower motor, a worm-gear motor, a pivot and retraction motor or a bellows device. Turning briefly to
In response to a device event 810, the cam 802 rotates to a second position 812. At the second position, the follower 804 rests on the inherently oblong surface of the cam 802, thus distally extending the follower and in turn the actuation element 806. In one embodiment, upon reaching the second position 812, the cam 802 rotates back to the first position 808, thereby returning the follower 804 its original position as well. In one embodiment, the follower 804 comprises a spring configured to keep the follower 804 in contact with the cam 802 at all times. The actuation element 806 may remain in an actuated position even though the follower has returned to its initial position. The actuation element 806 may return to its initial position when depressed by a user.
Turning to
In one embodiment, changing the actuation element form factor involves a raised symbol 902 appearing on the surface of the actuation element 906. By way of example, an actuation element may comprise a balloon-like and/or an elastic surface with a play button symbol molded into the balloon-like surface. At an initial state, the actuation button is deflated, thereby preventing the play button symbol from being visible. In response to a device event, air is pumped into the actuation button and the balloon-like surface inflates. The play button symbol expands past the circumference of the actuation button and become visible.
In one embodiment, the raised symbol 902 comprises a plurality of raised bumps 904. One example of an embodiment implementing a plurality of raised bumps is a method utilizing a bistable material as the surface of the actuation element 906. One example of such a method, as described above, involves covering the actuation element 906 with a layer of martensite. A plurality of micrometer dents, placed in a grouping resembling a symbol describing functionality, is imprinted onto the surface of the martensite actuation element 906. A flattening technique using mechanical polishing call “planarizing” is used to smooth the martensite surface such that the dents are not visible. In response to a device event 910, the martensite is heated to a critical temperature when the martensite becomes austenite. Upon becoming austenite, the plurality of dents becomes a plurality of raised bumps 904 on the surface of the actuation element 906. When the austenite is cooled to martensite, in one embodiment, upon a user depressing the actuation button 906, the plurality of raised bumps 904 disappear.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention.
