JPH10214157A - Portable electronic device adapted for right-handed or left-handed use - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a portable electronic device adapted to be reset for both right-handed and left-handed use. A portable wireless telephone has a pen-shaped housing, and an electronic display is mounted on the housing so that when the user holds the housing in a writing position with his / her hand, the electronic display is visible to the user. The controller is responsive to the indication that the user is right-handed and left-handed, respectively, to electronically display the information in a desired arrangement visible to the user with respect to the first and second opposed sides of the electronic display. Adapt and reconfigure the display. Alternatively, the user mechanically repositions the electronic display 180 degrees with respect to the housing between the first position and the second position, depending on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed, respectively. Other electrical modes and mechanical structures are also adaptively reset depending on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to portable electronic devices, and more particularly, to a portable electronic device that is adaptively reset for right-handed or left-handed use.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment, a portable electronic device is a portable radiotelephone having a controller that adapts an electronic display mounted on the portable radiotelephone. Resetting to present the information in a desired structure for the user to view with respect to the first and second opposing sides of the electronic display in response to an indication of whether the user is right-handed or left-handed, respectively.

[0003] Portable electronic devices are, for example, handheld devices.
Computers, personal digital assistants (electronic organizers),
Includes personal notebook computers, calculators, wireless telephones, pagers, tape recorders, compact disc players, AM / FM radios, etc. With the continuous development of electronic equipment, portable electronic devices are becoming smaller and lighter. The reduced size and weight of portable electronic devices allows these devices to be handled by users in ways previously not possible. However, these devices may not always be able to use the same device with the right and left hands of the user. In some cases, if the user is unable to operate the device with either hand, a major problem occurs. Otherwise, operation or use of the device by the user is cumbersome to use with only one hand.

[0004] US Patent No. 5,301,222 discloses a portable radiotelephone handset comprising a telephone number generator and a telephone number transmitter preferably incorporated in a pencil-type body. FIG. 1 of US Pat. No. 5,302,222 is reproduced herein and an isometric view of the radiotelephone 10 is shown. The wireless telephone 10 has a housing which is held in the right hand of the user in the form of a writing implement according to the prior art. The telephone generating means generates a telephone number signal by detecting the movement of the ball 14 provided at the lower end of the main body 16. This ball moves like drawing a telephone number on the surface of an item. The telephone number is modulated by a telephone number transmitting device and transmitted into a radio wave transmitting medium by an antenna 18 provided at an upper end of the main body. The portable radiotelephone handset 10 also includes a microphone transducer 20 and an earpiece transducer 22.

FIG. 1 of US Pat. No. 5,302,222
Indicates a user holding the main body in the right hand, and at this time, the telephone number shown in the display 24 of the main body can be read by the user from left to right. If another user is left-handed rather than right-handed, the body will be held in the left hand of the user. However, if the body 16 is held in the left hand of the user, the telephone number shown in the display of the body will be upside down when read by the user. Accordingly, the mobile phone handset 1 disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,301,222 is disclosed.
The disadvantage of 0 is that holding the handset in the left hand of the user causes the information presented on the display to be upside down. The display is in an upright orientation that is visible to the user only when the main body is held in the right hand of the user.

Accordingly, there is a need for a portable electronic device, such as a radiotelephone, which can be reconfigured for right-handed or left-handed use.

[0007]

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, FIG. 2 shows a portable electronic device 26, such as a radiotelephone, which is held in the user's left hand 28 in the form of a writing instrument.
6 shows an isometric view of FIG. FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a portable electronic device 34 having a touch screen display 36 and held on the right hand 12 of the user. FIG. 4 shows the user's left hand 2 with a touch screen display 36.
8 shows an isometric view of the portable electronic device 34 held at 8. FIG.
Shows a block diagram of the portable electronic device 26 or 34.

Generally, the portable electronic device 26 comprises a user interface device 30 having a first structure and a second structure.
Composed of The user of the portable electronic device 26 may switch between the first and second configurations depending on whether the user is right-handed (FIGS. 1 and 3) or left-handed (FIGS. 2 and 4), respectively. The interface device 30 can be adaptively reset. In particular, the user interface device 30 may be an electrical component or a mechanical component. Generally, the user interface device 30
Is any device that allows a user to interact with the portable electronic device 26 electrically or mechanically.

In the first embodiment, the portable electronic device 26
Is a mobile phone. Preferably, the mobile phone transmits and receives signals in the radio frequency range. In the preferred embodiment, the mobile phone is a cellular radiotelephone. Alternatively, the mobile phone may be a cordless wireless phone. The portable electronic device 26 is, for example, a handheld computer, a personal portable communication information device (electronic organizer), a personal notebook computer, a calculator, a pager, a tape recorder, a compact disk player, an AM / FM radio, etc. including.

According to the first embodiment, the user interface device 30 is an electrical component. The first structure and the second structure of the electric component correspond to a first electric mode and a second electric mode of the electric component, respectively. In general, the electrical component can be any electrical component that provides input from the user to the portable electronic device 26 or that provides output from the portable electronic device 26 to the user. Electrical components within the scope of the present invention include an electronic display 32, at least one electronic indicator 46, an earpiece transducer 42,
Microphone transducer 40, alert transducer 50, power amplifier 58, at least one push button key 52, handwriting input system 54
And the memory unit 60 is provided without restriction.
The use of each of these electrical components for the present invention is discussed in further detail below.

In the first embodiment, the portable electronic device 26
Is further configured by the input device 62 and the controller 64. Input device 62 is coupled to receive an indication from the user of portable electronic device 26 whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. Controller 64 is operatively coupled to input device 62 and electrical components. The controller 64 operates the electric component in the first electric mode in response to the instruction that the user is right-handed, and operates the electric component in the second electric mode in response to the instruction that the user is left-handed. Controller 64 is preferably a microprocessor. However, a digital signal processor or dedicated controller 64 could be used instead.

In the first embodiment, the input device 62 is a portable electronic device 2 that indicates that the user is right-handed and left-handed.
6 respectively in response to the reception of the instruction from the user 6
A switch for generating an azimuth control signal and a second azimuth control signal. The first azimuth control signal causes the controller 64 to operate the electrical component in a first electrical mode. The second bearing control signal causes the controller 64 to operate the electrical component in the second electrical mode. Preferably, the switch is a two-position switch located on the portable electronic device 26 and manually operated by the user. The user causes the portable electronic device to generate the first azimuth control signal by moving the switch to the first position. The user causes the portable electronic device to generate the second azimuth control signal by moving the switch to the second position. Alternatively, the switch may be incorporated in a voice recognition circuit and activated by a user's voice. Alternatively, the switch may be incorporated into a track ball system and activated by a user movement of the portable electronic device 26 on a writing surface. Alternatively, the switch may be activated automatically, for example based on a method in which the user physically holds the portable electronic device 26 in the user's hand.

In the first embodiment, the portable electronic device 26
Is further comprised of an antenna 48, a transmitter 64 operably coupled to the antenna 48, and a receiver 66 operably coupled to the antenna 48. Transmitter 64
And receiver 66 is operatively coupled to controller 64. The transmitter 64 transmits a signal from the antenna 48, and the receiver 66 receives the signal from the antenna 48 when the controller 64 operates the electric component in the first electric mode and the second electric mode. Antenna 48, transmitter 6
4 and receiver 66 provide the functions necessary for portable electronic device 26 to operate as a portable wireless telephone. Therefore, the portable electronic device 26 has the advantage of providing portable communication to the user in a device that is adaptively reset for right-handed or left-handed use.

In the first embodiment, the user interface device 30 is an electronic display 32 having a first side face operatively coupled to a controller 64 and disposed opposite a second side face. As shown in FIG. 1, when the controller 64 operates the electrical component in the first electrical mode, the controller 64 presents the information to the electronic display 32 in a desired arrangement such that the user can see the first side. Let it. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 64 presents the information to the electronic display 32 in a desired arrangement such that the user can see the second side when the controller 64 operates the electric component in the second electric mode. Let it.

The electronic display 32 also includes a third side disposed opposite to the fourth side. The desired arrangement for the user to view with respect to the first side is when information is loaded into the electronic display 32 from the third side and scrolls across the display toward the fourth side. In other words, when the portable electronic device 26 is held in the right hand 12 of the user, the information traverses the display from the right side of the display to the left side of the display from the user's point of view. Similarly, the desired arrangement for the user to view with respect to the second side is when information is loaded into the electronic display 32 from the fourth side and scrolls across the display toward the third side. . In other words, when the portable electronic device 26 is held in the left hand 28 of the user, the information traverses the display from the right side of the display to the left side of the display from the user's point of view. Therefore, the controller 64
Redefines the character position in the segment display or dot matrix display, for example, in response to an indication that the user is right-handed or left-handed. For example, the electronic display 32 of FIGS. 1 and 2 has eight character positions. In FIG. 1, characters 1, 2, 3,-, 4, 5, 6, 7 are character positions 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 3, respectively.
Located at 2,1. Similarly, in FIG.
2,3,-, 4,5,6,7 are located at character positions 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, respectively.

By controlling the electronic display 32 in this manner, the portable electronic device 32 provides information to the user in a readable format whether the user holds the portable electronic device 26 in the right hand 12 or the left hand 28. You can have the advantage that you can. Therefore, when the portable electronic device 26 is held in the left hand of the user, the information presented on the electronic display 32 does not turn upside down or enter the display from the wrong side with respect to the viewing position of the user.

The types of technology of the electronic display 32 include:
Liquid crystal display, vacuum fluorescent display, plasma
Such as, but not limited to, displays and light emitting diode displays. Electronic display 32
The format of the information is segment (for example, 7,
14, 16 segments), a dot matrix (eg, a 5 × 7 dot matrix pattern), and graphics, but are not limited thereto. Electronic display 32 may have a touch screen disposed thereon for entering information into portable electronic device 26.

In the first embodiment, the portable electronic device 26
Is further defined by a housing 80 which is elongated and has a longitudinal axis. The housing 80 is designed to be held by a user. The electronic display 32 is elongated,
The electronic display 32 has a longitudinal axis that is arranged substantially parallel to the first side surface and the second side surface of the electronic display 32.
The electronic display 32 is mounted on the housing 80 such that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 80.

In the first embodiment, the housing 80 has a shape representing a writing instrument. The housing 80 is adapted to be hand-held by a user in a writing position. When the user holds the housing 80 in the writing position,
Electronic display 32 is mounted on housing 80 so that the display is visible to the user. Preferably, the housing 80 has a track ball system built therein at one end of the housing 80, and by rolling the track ball 14 on a writing surface while holding the housing 80 in a writing position, And a control character can be input by the user. A track ball system is taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,301,222, which is incorporated herein by reference.
A housing 80 in the form of a writing instrument is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,969,180 and 5,301,222, which are incorporated herein by reference.

As an alternative to the first embodiment, the housing 82 has a rectangular shape including a first surface located opposite a second surface. The housing 82 is held in the user's hand with the first surface facing the palm of the user and the second surface facing away from the palm of the user. When the user holds the housing 82, the electronic display is mounted on the housing 82 so that the display is visible to the user.
On the second surface. In this case, the electronic display 32 covers substantially the entire second surface of the housing 82. Portable communication device 34 having such a large display
Are notebook computers, personal digital assistants (electronic organizers), Internet interfaces,
Used as a facsimile.

When the electronic display 32 is adaptively reset on the housing 82, the user can use the portable electronic device 26 as a portable communication device by pressing and holding the portable electronic device 26 against his / her head. Benefits are obtained. The user is in front of himself and the portable electronic device 2
As the 6 is moved in front of him, the electronic display 32 is aligned essentially parallel with the user's forearm or wrist.
Thus, while pressing the user's hand from the position holding the portable electronic device 26 to the user's head,
The information is input with the stylus, and moving to the position where the information is read is performed smoothly and comfortably. Assuming that the electronic display 32 cannot be reconfigured to accommodate between right-handed and left-handed use, basically the portable electronic device 26
With the non-dominant hand in front of the user,
The electronic display 32 is at right angles to the user's forearm and wrist. This position is extremely uncomfortable for the user's wrist and makes it difficult for the user to input information with the stylus 56. The only way for a user to comfort this uncomfortable and inconvenient location is to rotate the portable electronic device 26 180 degrees in the palm of the hand so that the end of the portable electronic device 26 near the user's thumb is This is a way to keep them away from the wrist. However, such a 180 degree rotation may cause the user to drop portable electronic device 26, thereby damaging the portable electronic device. further,
The portable electronic device 26 is in an upside down position that is inappropriate for use as a portable communication device by contacting the user's head. Thus, in situations where the user is in an active call with another using the mobile communication device, the user talks for a short time, asks the other to wait a short time, takes notes, displays It is not convenient to access the above information and immediately return to the conversation with another person. Thus, the present invention has the advantage that the portable communication device can be used conveniently, comfortably and quickly with both the right hand 12 and the left hand 28 of the user.

In the first embodiment, the portable electronic device 26
Is further comprised of a memory unit 60 operatively coupled to the controller 64 and the electronic display 32. The memory unit 60 stores a first predetermined set of information. An information set translator 74 is operatively coupled to the controller 64, the memory unit 60 and the electronic display 32. The information set translator 74 converts information from the first predetermined set of information into a second
It is converted into information representing a predetermined set of information. Controller 6
4 causes the electronic display 32 to present information from the first predetermined set of information in a desired structure for the user to view with respect to the first aspect of the electronic display 32. At this time, the controller 64 operates the electric components in the first electric mode. The controller 64 causes the electronic display 32 to present information from the second predetermined set of information in a desired structure for the user to view with respect to the second aspect of the electronic display 32. At this time, the controller 64
Operates the electrical component in the second electrical mode.

The predetermined set of information is typically addressed from the memory unit 60 using the upper 4 bits of the hexadecimal address and the lower 4 bits of the hexadecimal address.
In this configuration, the portable electronic device 26 has the advantage that only one predetermined set of information needs to be stored, minimizing the storage space in the memory unit 60. The information set translator 74 changes the direction of each character in the first predetermined set information with respect to the information at the input of the information set translator 74, that is, turns the character upside down so that the display can be correctly viewed from the opposite direction. I do. For example, for a character consisting of seven segments, the segment "a
"Is traditionally designated to be the top segment of the character, and segment" d "is designated to be the last segment of the character. When a character such as the number "7" from the first information set is processed by the information set translator 74, the segment "a" forming the first horizontal segment of the number "7" is deactivated.
ivated) or off, segment 'd' is activated (a
ctivated) or on. Similarly, the segments "b", forming the two vertical segments in the number "7",
“C” is deactivated and segments “f” and “e” are activated, respectively. Accordingly, in the output of the information set translator 74, the number “7” is upside down with respect to the number “7” in the input of the information set translator 74. In an example of a dot matrix character such as a 5x7 dot matrix pattern, the on / off status of the dot in the upper right corner is exchanged with the on / off status of the dot in the lower left corner, and the on / off status of the dot in the upper left corner. All dots are processed, such as by exchanging the off status with the on / off status in the lower right corner. Note that in this example, there is a dot at the center of the dot matrix pattern at the appropriate position whether the correct side is up or upside down. Transformation can be done with other segmentation patterns or dot
For the matrix pattern, the above example can be extended and analogously executed in a similar manner.

In an alternative embodiment to the first embodiment, the portable electronic device 26 further comprises a controller 64 and a memory unit 60 operatively coupled to the electronic display 32. Memory unit 6
0 stores the information of the first predetermined set and the information of the second predetermined set. The controller 64 controls the electronic display 32
Then, information from the first predetermined set of information is presented in a desired structure for the user to view with respect to the first aspect of the electronic display 32. At this time, the controller 64 operates the electric components in the first electric mode. The controller 64 causes the electronic display 32 to present information from the second predetermined set of information in a desired structure for the user to view with respect to the second aspect of the electronic display 32.
At this time, the controller 64 operates the electric components in the second electric mode. In this situation, memory unit 6
0 requires more storage space because it stores two complete predefined sets of information, but reduces the time it takes to display the information because the information set translator 74 is not used as described above. Is done. The first predetermined information set 76 stores each character with its correct side up. The second predetermined information set 78 stores each character upside down with respect to the corresponding character in the first predetermined information set 76. Thus, the addressed character information comes out of the memory unit 60 in the proper orientation and is seen by the user on the electronic display 32.

Alternatively, the electrical component is further constituted by at least one electronic indicator 46. At least one electronic indicator 46 includes first and second electronic indicators.
An electronic indicator is provided. When the controller 64 operates the first electronic indicator and the second electronic indicator in the first electrical mode, the controller 64 activates the first electronic indicator and deactivates the second electronic indicator. The controller 64 includes a first electronic indicator and a second
When operating the electronic indicator in the second mode,
Deactivate the first electronic indicator and activate the second electronic indicator. This feature has the advantage that the electronic indicator can be electrically "positioned" within the housing 82 or the electronic display 32. For example, when the portable electronic device 26 is held in the left hand 28 of the user as shown in FIG. 4, it is desirable to have an electronic indicator on the right side of the electronic display 32, and as shown in FIG. With electronic device 26, it may be desirable to have an electronic indicator to the right of electronic display 32. Alternatively, when the portable electronic device 26 is held in the left hand 28 of the user as shown in FIG. 4, an electronic indicator is preferably provided on the right side of the electronic display 32, and as shown in FIG. With electronic device 26, it may be desirable to have the electronic indicators on the left side of electronic display 32 in the same ascending order.

Alternatively, the electrical component is further constituted by an earpiece transducer 42. When the controller 64 operates the audio amplifier 68 in the first electrical mode, the controller 64 causes the earpiece transducer 42 to transmit an audio signal at a first audio level, and the controller 64 causes the earpiece transducer 42 to transmit the second electrical mode. , The controller 64 causes the earpiece transducer 42 to transmit an audio signal at the second audio level. Preferably, the controller 64 adjusts the gain of the audio amplifier 68 so that the earpiece
Adjust the audio level transmitted by the speaker. This feature allows the portable electronic device 26 to be moved to the right hand 12 of the user.
Alternatively, when held by the left hand 28, there is an advantage in that a difference in auditory sensitivity between the right ear and the left ear of the user is corrected.

Alternatively, the electrical components are further constituted by a microphone transducer 40. The controller 64 causes the microphone transducer 40 to receive an audio signal at the first sensitivity level when the controller 64 operates the microphone transducer 40 in the first electrical mode, and the controller 64 causes the microphone transducer 40 to operate in the second electrical mode.
When operating in the mode, the microphone transducer 40 receives an audio signal at a second sensitivity level. This feature has the advantage of compensating for differences in microphone reception sensitivity due to the physical location of the microphone on the housing 82 relative to the user's mouth when the portable electronic device 26 is held in the user's right hand 12 or left hand 28. Have.

Alternatively, the electrical component is further constituted by an alert transducer. Controller 64
Means that the controller 64 determines that the alert transducer 5
0 when operating in the first electrical mode causes the alert transducer 50 to transmit an audio signal at the first audio level, and when the controller 64 operates the alert transducer 50 in the second mode, the alert transducer 50 At 50, a transmit signal is generated at a second audio level. This feature has the advantage of compensating for differences in hearing sensitivity between the user's right and left ears when holding the portable electronic device 26 in the user's right hand 12 or left hand 28, respectively.

Alternatively, the electrical components are further constituted by a power amplifier 58. The controller 64 causes the power amplifier 58 to transmit a signal from the antenna 48 at the first power level when the controller 64 operates the power amplifier 58 in the first electrical mode.
Operates the power amplifier 58 in the second mode, the power amplifier 58 has the antenna 48 at the second power level.
To send a signal. This function is provided by the portable electronic device 26
Is held in the right hand 12 or the left hand 28 of the user, there is an advantage that the difference in transmission power is corrected.

Alternatively, the electrical component is further constituted by at least one push button key. Preferably, the at least one push button key comprises a first push button key and a second push button key. When the controller 64 operates the first push button key and the second push button key in the first electrical mode, the controller 64 activates the first push button key and activates the second push button key.
Deactivate the push button key and the controller 64
When operating the push button key and the second push button key in the second mode, the first push button key is deactivated and the second push button key is activated. With this function, the user can place the portable electronic device 26 in the right
Alternatively, when held in the left hand 28, the advantage is provided that the position of the push button keys on the touch screen keypad can be changed.

Alternatively, if the controller 64 operates at least one push button key in the first electrical mode, the controller 64 causes the at least one push button key to represent a first input function and the controller 64
Operate the at least one push button key in the second mode, the at least one push button key represents the second input function. This feature gives the user the advantage of being able to change the function of the pushbutton keys on the touch screen keypad, for example, when holding the portable electronic device 26 in the user's right hand 12 or left hand 28.

Alternatively, the electric component is further constituted by a handwritten character input system 54. The handwritten character input system 54 is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,845,684, US Pat.
No. 2,304, US 4,680,804, US 4,28
No. 4,975, US 4,860,372, JP63104
No.571, JP6226956, JP63100860
No., JP59023670, DE3633226, EP4
31, 843, NL761895, SU1411790
No. 1,135,986. All of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. The controller 64 causes the handwritten character input system 54 to receive a character written with the right hand 12 of the user when the controller 64 operates the handwritten character input system 54 in the first electric mode. When operating the 54 in the second mode, the handwriting input system 54 is adapted to receive a character written with the left hand 28 of the user. This feature has the advantage that the handwritten character input system 54 can adapt to ascending characters and ascending characters when, for example, the portable electronic device 26 is held in the right hand 12 or the left hand 28 of the user. . In an alternative to the first embodiment,
Handwritten character input system 54 is further comprised of a touch screen display 36 having a first side disposed opposite the second side. Controller 6
4 indicates the desired arrangement for the user to write with the right hand 12 with respect to the first side when the controller 64 operates the touch screen display 36 in the first electrical mode. The information is received, and when the controller 64 operates the touch screen display 36 in the second mode, the touch screen display 36 is displayed in a desired arrangement for the user to write with the left hand 28 with respect to the second side. Have the information received. This feature has the advantage that when holding the portable electronic device 26 in the user's right hand 12 or left hand 28, the touch screen display 36 can properly receive information.

To summarize the first embodiment of the present invention, the portable telephone comprises a housing 80, an electronic display 32, an input device 62 and a controller 64. The housing 80 has an elongated shape representing a writing implement and allows the user to hold the housing 80 in a writing position.
The electronic display 32 is mounted on the housing 80 by the housing 80 at a position where the user can view the display when the user holds the housing 80 in the writing position. The electronic display 32 has a first side face that is arranged to face the second side face. The first side surface and the second side surface are basically parallel to the long axis of the housing 80.
The input device 62 is mounted on the housing 80 and is coupled to receive an indication from the user of the mobile phone whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. Controller 64 is operatively coupled to input device 62 and electronic display 32. The controller 64, in response to the indication that the user is right-handed, causes the electronic display 32 to present information in a desired arrangement so that the user can see the information with respect to the first side of the electronic display 32, and if the user is left-handed. Electronic display 32 in response to an indication that
The information is presented in a desired arrangement of the electronic display 32 so that the user can see the information with reference to the second aspect of the above. Accordingly, the electronic display 32 has the advantage of presenting information to the user in the correct orientation when the portable electronic device 26 is held in the user's right hand 12 or the user's left hand 28.

Further summarizing the first embodiment of the present invention, a memory unit 60 is operatively coupled to controller 64 and electronic display 32. The memory unit 60 stores a first predetermined set of information. The information set translator 74 is operatively coupled to the controller 64, the memory unit 60 and the electronic display 32. The information set translator 74 converts information from the first predetermined set information to information representing the first predetermined set information. When the controller 64 operates the electrical component in the first electrical mode, the controller 64
2 causes the information from the first predetermined set of information to be presented on the electronic display 32 in a desired arrangement such that the user can see the information based on the first side surface of the electronic display 32. When the controller 64 operates the electrical component in the second electrical mode, the controller 64 determines that the electronic display 32 is to display information from the second predetermined set of information with respect to the second side of the electronic display 32 to a user. The information is presented on the electronic display 32 in the arrangement of (1). Therefore,
Storage space within the memory unit 60 is minimized.

In the second embodiment, the user interface device 30 is a mechanical component. The first structure and the second structure correspond to the first mechanical structure and the second mechanical structure of the mechanical component.

In the second embodiment, the portable electronic device 26
Is further constituted by a housing 82 with mechanical components. The mechanical component is movable by a user between a first position with respect to the housing 82 and a second position with respect to the housing 82. Portable electronic device 26
Allows the user to place the mechanical component in the first
Upon moving to the position, the first mechanical structure is adopted. Portable electronic device 26 employs a second mechanical structure when a user moves a mechanical component to a second position with respect to housing 82.

In the second embodiment, the mechanical components are further constituted by an electronic display 32. The housing 80 has a first side face disposed opposite to the second side face. When the user moves the electronic display 32 to the first position with respect to the housing 80, the electronic display 32 presents the information in a desired arrangement visible to the user with respect to the first side of the housing 80, and the user displays the electronic display 32. Moving the housing to the second position presents the information in a desired arrangement visible to the user with respect to the second side of the housing 80. In this situation, instead of electrically rebuilding the electronic display 32, the electronic display is physically rotated 180 degrees with respect to the housing and the electronic display 32 is rotated for right-handed or left-handed use.
Set properly.

Alternatively, the mechanical components may further comprise, for example, a handgrip, at least one pushbutton key of a keypad, an antenna 48, an earpiece transducer 42, a microphone transducer 40, and an alert transducer.

The entire structure of the user interface device 30 may be implemented alone, including the above-described electrical and mechanical components reconfigured for right-handed or left-handed use, or may be implemented in one portable device. Note that it can also be implemented in combination on the electronic device 26.
The portable electronic device 26 may also be a menu driven system that allows the user to selectively determine which electronic device 26 to reconfigure individually and to be able to preset upon switch activation. The user can also decide which mechanical parts to rebuild. Thus, the user is provided with various options regarding how to build the portable electronic device 26 for right-handed or left-handed use. Further, the manufacturer of the portable electronic device 26 is
6 may choose to provide any combination of the above structures.

Furthermore, the portable electronic device 26 is adapted and reset for right-handed and left-handed users.
Is advantageous for multiple users sharing a user of one portable electronic device 26. By moving the switch as described above by a user, for example, different users can quickly and easily adapt many electrical components of the portable electronic device 26 for right-handed or left-handed preferences. Next, different users may adapt some mechanical components of the portable electronic device 26 to right-handed or left-handed preferences by moving some mechanical components as described above. Can be. Thus,
Different users can reconfigure the same portable electronic device 26 to achieve a more comfortable feel, better performance, and user preferences.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 is an isometric view of a prior art wireless telephone handset having a housing held in the right hand of a user in the form of a writing instrument.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a wireless telephone handset according to the present invention having a housing in the form of a writing instrument and held in the left hand of the user.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a portable electronic device having a touch screen display and held in the right hand of a user.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portable electronic device having a touch screen display and held in a left hand of a user.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a portable electronic device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 14 Track Ball 26 Portable Electronic Device 28 Left Hand 30 User Interface Device 32 Electronic Display 40 Microphone Transducer 42 Earpiece Transducer 48 Antenna 50 Alert Transducer 52 Push Button Key 62 Input Device 80 Housing 84 First Side 86 Second Side

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A portable electronic device (26) having a first structure and a second structure, wherein a user of the portable electronic device (26) has a right Between the first and second structures, depending on whether they are handed or left-handed, respectively.
A portable electronic device (26), characterized by being constituted by a user interface device (30) that is allowed to adaptively reset the interface device (30). 2. The user interface device (3)
2) The electrical component according to claim 1, wherein 0) is an electrical component, and the first structure and the second structure of the electrical component correspond to a first electrical mode and a second electrical mode of the electrical component, respectively. Portable electronic device (26). 3. An input device (62) coupled to receive an indication from the user of the portable electronic device (26) that the user is right-handed or left-handed; and the input device (62) and the input device A controller (64) operatively coupled to an electrical component, the indication indicating that the user is left-handed in the first electrical mode in response to the indication that the user is right-handed. 3. The portable electronic device (2) according to claim 2, further comprising: a controller (64) that operates the electrical component in the second electrical mode in response to the electronic component.
6). 4. The first orientation control in response to receiving an indication from the user of the portable electronic device (26) that the input device (62) is right-handed and left-handed, respectively. Further comprising a switch for generating a signal and a second azimuth control signal, wherein the first azimuth signal causes the controller (64) to cause the electrical component to operate in the first electrical mode; 4. The portable electronic device (26) according to claim 3, further comprising a switch that causes the controller (64) to operate the electrical component in the second electrical mode. 5. An antenna (48); said antenna (4)
A transmitter (65) operably coupled to the antenna (48); and a receiver (6) operatively coupled to the antenna (48).
6); wherein the transmitter (65) and the receiver (66) are operatively coupled to the controller (64), the controller (64) connecting the electrical component to the first electrical component. The transmitter (65) transmits a signal from the antenna (48) and the receiver (66) receives a signal from the antenna (48) when operating in the first mode and the second electrical mode. The portable electronic device (26) according to claim 3, characterized in that: 6. The controller (6), wherein the electric component is provided in the controller (6).
4) further comprising an electronic display (32) operatively coupled to the second side and having a first side disposed opposite the second side, wherein the controller (64) operates the electrical component in the first electrical mode. In operation, the controller (64) causes the electronic display (32) to present information to a desired structure visible to a user with respect to the first side, and the controller (64) displays the electrical components. When operating in the second electrical mode, the controller (64) controls the electronic display (32).
And causing the information to be presented in a desired structure visible to the user with reference to the second side.
A portable electronic device (26) as described. 7. An elongated housing having a long axis.
Wherein the electronic display (32) is elongated and the first side and the first side of the electronic display (32) are further configured by a housing (80) adapted to be held by the user by hand. The electronic display (32) has a major axis disposed substantially parallel to two sides, wherein the major axis of the electronic display (32) is substantially parallel to the major axis of the housing (80). The portable electronic device (2) according to claim 6, wherein the portable electronic device (2) is mounted on the housing (80) so as to be disposed in the housing (80).
6). 8. The housing (80) has a shape representative of a writing implement, the housing (80) is adapted to be held by a user in a writing position, and the electronic display (32) is adapted to hold the housing (80). The portable electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the electronic display (32) is mounted on the housing (80) so that the user can see the electronic display (32) when the user holds the electronic hand in the writing position. (26). 9. The housing (80) has a rectangular shape with a first surface disposed opposite a second surface,
The housing (80) is adapted to be held in the user's hand such that the first surface faces the palm of the user, the second surface turns away from the palm of the user, and the electronic display (32). )
The portable electronic device (26) of claim 7, wherein the housing (80) is mounted on the second surface of the housing (80) such that a display is visible to the user when the user holds the housing by hand. ). 10. A memory unit (60) operatively coupled to said controller (64) and said electronic display (32), wherein said memory unit (60) stores a first predetermined set of information and a second predetermined set of information. Further comprising a memory unit (60) for storing the controller (64) when the controller (64) operates the electronic display (32) in the first electrical mode.
Presents information from the first predetermined set of information in a desired structure such that the user can view the electronic display (32) with reference to the first side of the electronic display (32). At least, the controller (6
When 4) operates the electronic display (32) in the second electric mode, the controller (64) controls the electronic display (32) to refer to the second side surface of the electronic display (32). The portable electronic device (26) according to claim 6, wherein information from the second predetermined set of information is presented in a desired structure so that the user can see the information. 11. A memory unit (60) operatively coupled to said controller (64) and said electronic display (32), said memory unit (60) storing a first predetermined set of information. And an information set translator (74) operatively coupled to the controller (64), the memory unit (60), and the electronic display (32), wherein the information set translator is of the first predetermined set. An information set translator (74) for converting information from the information into information representing a second predetermined set of information;
The controller (64) is connected to the electronic display (3).
2) when operating in the first electrical mode, the controller (64) plays the electronic display (32) so that the user can see the first side of the electronic display (32). Presenting information from said first predetermined set of information in a desired structure to said controller (64) when said controller (64) operates said electronic display (32) in said second electrical mode, Causing the electronic display (32) to present information from the second predetermined set of information in a desired structure such that the user can view the electronic display (32) with reference to the second side surface of the electronic display (32). The portable electronic device (26) according to claim 6, characterized in that: 12. The user interface device (3)
0) is a mechanical component, wherein the first structure and the second
The portable electronic device (26) according to claim 1, wherein a structure corresponds to a first mechanical structure and a second mechanical structure of the mechanical part.