Stereophonic reproduction maintaining means and methods for operation in horizontal and vertical A/V appliance positions

• US 20010011993A1
• Filed: 02/01/2001
• Published: 08/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: HTC Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nokia Corporation
• Inventors: Saarinen, Pertti
• Granted Patent: US 6,882,335 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1605 Multimedia displays, e.g. with integrated or attached speakers, cameras, microphones
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1684 Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1686 the I/O peripheral being an integrated camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1688 the I/O peripheral being integrated loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1698 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone details of antennas disposed inside a computer H01Q1/2266
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1614 Image rotation following screen orientation, e.g. switching from landscape to portrait mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1637 Sensing arrangement for detection of housing movement or orientation, e.g. for controlling scrolling or cursor movement on the display of an handheld computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0421 by interrupting or reflecting a light beam, e.g. optical touch-screen
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0606 Manual adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/068 for control of viewing angle adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2340/0492 Change of orientation of the displayed image, e.g. upside-down, mirrored
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3611 Control of matrices with row and column drivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0214 Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position combined with translation movement H04M1/0235
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0241 using relative motion of the body parts to change the operational status of the telephone set, e.g. switching on/off, answering incoming call
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/03 Constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. telephone hand-sets
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion telephones including GPS signal receivers H04M2250/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/52 : including functional features of a camera constructional features concerning the integration of cameras in portable phones H04M1/0264
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/01 : Input selection or mixing for amplifiers or loudspeakers for hearing aids H04R25/43
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/03 : Connection circuits to selectively connect loudspeakers or headphones to amplifiers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2499/11 : Transducers incorporated or for use in hand-held devices, e.g. mobile phones, PDA's, camera's
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2499/15 : Transducers incorporated in visual displaying devices, e.g. televisions, computer displays, laptops
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 3/12 : for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers specially adapted for hearing aids H04R25/407
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/02 : Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/04 : Circuit arrangements, e.g. for selective connection of amplifier inputs/outputs to loudspeakers, for loudspeaker detection, or for adaptation of settings to personal preferences or hearing impairments combinations of amplifiers H03F3/68; stereophonic systems H04S

Abstract

Display apparatus including a display and an orientation sensitive interface mechanism is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the orientation sensitive interface includes first and second loudspeaker pairs. The first loudspeaker pair includes first and second loudspeakers and the second loudspeaker pair includes the second and third loudspeaker. The first and second loudspeaker pairs are disposed along transverse directions to each other. The display apparatus comprises a switch which switches between the first loudspeaker pair and the second loudspeaker pair. By providing the respective loudspeaker pairs, and switching between them, it is possible to orient the display apparatus in transverse directions corresponding to respective loudspeaker pairs, yet maintain a substantially stereophonic reproduction for each orientation.

Claims

1. Display apparatus comprising:

a display;

an orientation sensitive interface mechanism operable in first and second modes corresponding to respective first and second orientations of said display;

selection means for selecting operation of said orientation sensitive interface mechanism in said first or second mode; and

orientation sensing means for determining an orientation of said display and operable to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with said orientation, said orientation sensing means comprising a display mode sensor responsive to a display mode control signal indicative of a display mode for an image for display by said display apparatus to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with a sensed display mode.

2. Display apparatus according to

claim 1

, said orientation sensing means operable to determine said orientation relative to the surface of the earth.

3. Display apparatus according to

claim 1

, said display comprising a dimension corresponding to a first direction greater than a dimension corresponding to a second direction, said first and second directions being transverse to each other.

4. Display apparatus according to

claim 3

, said selection means operable to select a landscape or portrait display mode for said display.

5. Display apparatus according to

claim 1

, said selection means being user operable.

6. Display apparatus according to

claim 5

, said selection means being manually operable.

32. A portable electronic device comprising display apparatus according to

claim 1

.

33. A portable electronic device according to

claim 32

, further comprising a keyboard or keypad for inputting data or control signals to said mobile electronic device.

7. Display apparatus comprising:

a display;

an orientation sensitive interface mechanism operable in first and second modes corresponding to respective first and second orientations of said display;

selection means for selecting operation of said orientation sensitive interface mechanism in said first or second mode; and

orientation sensing means for determining an orientation of said display and operable to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with said orientation, said orientation sensing means comprising a display mode sensor responsive to a display mode control signal indicative of a display mode for an image for display by said display apparatus to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with a sensed display mode;

said orientation sensitive interface mechanism including;

a first loudspeaker pair comprising a first and second loudspeaker disposed along a first axis corresponding to said first orientation; and

a third loudspeaker, said second and third loudspeaker forming a second loudspeaker pair disposed along a second axis corresponding to said second orientation;

said selection means operable to select said first or second loudspeaker pair for operation in said first or second mode, respectively.

8. Display apparatus according to

claim 7

, wherein said loudspeakers for respective first and second loudspeaker pairs are disposed relative to each other for providing a substantially stereophonic sound image.

9. Display apparatus according to

claim 7

, further comprising audio circuitry selectable to adapt a signal input thereto to provide a substantially stereophonic image from said first or second loudspeaker pair.

10. Display apparatus according to

claim 9

, said audio circuitry configured to receive right and left channel stereophonic signals.

11. Display apparatus according to

claim 10

, said audio circuitry operable to provide stereo extension means to widen the stereophonic image produced by said first or second loudspeaker pair.

12. Display apparatus according to

claim 11

, wherein said stereo extension means is operable to introduce a phase delay between said right and left channel stereophonic signals.

13. Display apparatus according to

claim 10

, said audio circuitry operable to provide stereo extension circuitry to widen the stereophonic image produced by said first or second loudspeaker pair.

14. Display apparatus according to

claim 11

, wherein said stereo extension circuitry is operable to introduce a phase delay between said right and left channel stereophonic signals.

15. Display apparatus according to

claim 12

, wherein said right and left channel stereophonic signals are coupled together via circuitry for providing said phase delay.

16. Display apparatus according to

claim 14

, wherein said right and left channel stereophonic signals are coupled together via circuitry for providing said phase delay.

17. Display apparatus according to

claim 11

, wherein said circuitry is selectable to introduce said stereo extension means phase delay for one of said first or second loudspeaker pair.

18. Display apparatus according to

claim 7

, each of said first, second and third loudspeakers comprising more than one drive unit.

19. Display apparatus comprising:

a display;

an orientation sensitive interface mechanism operable in first and second modes corresponding to respective first and second orientations of said display;

selection means for selecting operation of said orientation sensitive interface mechanism in said first or second mode; and

orientation sensing means for determining an orientation of said display and operable to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with said orientation, said orientation sensing means comprising a display mode sensor responsive to a display mode control signal indicative of a display mode for an image for display by said display apparatus to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with a sensed display mode;

said display apparatus further comprising;

a touch sensitive display; and

said orientation sensitive interface mechanism including a display driver operable in said first mode to display a graphic symbol disposed corresponding to said first orientation and in said second mode to display said graphic symbol disposed corresponding to said second orientation.

20. Display apparatus according to

claim 19

, said display driver operable in said first mode to display an image of a keyboard on said touch sensitive display disposed corresponding to said first orientation and operable in said second mode to display an image of a keyboard in said second orientation.

21. Display apparatus according to

claim 19

, said keyboard image comprising a QWERTY keyboard.

22. Display apparatus according to

claim 20

, said keyboard image comprising a numeric keypad.

23. Display apparatus according to

claim 20

, said keyboard comprising special function keys.

24. Display apparatus according to

claim 19

, said symbol comprising an asymmetric cursor symbol.

25. Display apparatus comprising:

a display;

an orientation sensitive interface mechanism operable in first and second modes corresponding to respective first and second orientations of said display;

selection means for selecting operation of said orientation sensitive interface mechanism in said first or second mode; and

orientation sensing means for determining an orientation of said display and operable to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with said orientation, said orientation sensing means comprising a display mode sensor responsive to a display mode control signal indicative of a display mode for an image for display by said display apparatus to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with a sensed display mode;

said orientation sensitive interface mechanism including first and second microphones disposed to be operative for said first and second orientations respectively, said selection means operable to select said first or second microphone for said first or second mode, respectively.

26. Display apparatus according to

claim 25

, said first and second microphones each comprising a stereo microphone.

27. Display apparatus according to

claim 25

, said first and second microphones each comprising a directional microphone, respectively.

28. Display apparatus comprising:

a display;

an orientation sensitive interface mechanism operable in first and second modes corresponding to respective first and second orientations of said display;

selection means for selecting operation of said orientation sensitive interface mechanism in said first or second mode; and

orientation sensing means for determining an orientation of said display and operable to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with said orientation, said orientation sensing means comprising a display mode sensor responsive to a display mode control signal indicative of a display mode for an image for display by said display apparatus to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with a sensed display mode;

said orientation sensitive interface mechanism including a viewing angle for said display, said display apparatus further comprising viewing angle adaptation means operable in said first mode to adapt said viewing angle for said first orientation and in said second mode to adapt said viewing angle for said second orientation, said viewing angle adaptation means responsive to said selection means to be operative in said first or second mode.

29. Display apparatus according to

claim 28

, said viewing angle adaptation means comprising a further sensor for sensing said display apparatus disposed in substantially flat orientation relative to the surface of the earth.

30. Display apparatus comprising:

a display;

an orientation sensitive interface mechanism operable in first and second modes corresponding to respective first and second orientations of said display;

selection means for selecting operation of said orientation sensitive interface mechanism in said first or second mode; and

orientation sensing means for determining an orientation of said display and operable to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with said orientation, said orientation sensing means comprising a display mode sensor responsive to a display mode control signal indicative of a display mode for an image for display by said display apparatus to automatically activate said selection means in accordance with a sensed display mode;

said orientation sensitive interface mechanism comprising a display driver responsive to said selection means to operate in respective first and second modes to display an image on said display in respective first and second orientations.

31. Display apparatus according to

claim 30

, including a digital camera, said display apparatus comprising a display driver operable to display an image derived from said digital camera on said display.

34. A portable electronic device according to

claim 31

, suitably configurable as a personal digital assistant or palm or hand held personal computing device operable to communicate with the Internet.

35. A portable electronic device according to

claim 31

, further comprising a transceiver and antenna for communicating with a wireless communications network.

36. A portable electronic device according to

claim 35

, operable as a wireless telephone and comprising a microphone operative for said wireless telephone.

37. A portable electronic device according to

claim 35

, wherein said wireless communication network is a cellular telephone network.

38. A portable electronic device according to

claim 35

, said orientation sensitive interface mechanism including said antenna, said antenna having a modifiable radiation pattern and operable in respective first and second modes to radiate an antenna pattern optimised for respective first and second orientations.

39. A portable electronic device according to

claim 38

, said antenna comprising an electronically steerable beam antenna.

40. Display apparatus comprising:

a display;

a first loudspeaker pair including a first and second loudspeaker disposed along a first direction; and

a third loudspeaker, said second and third loudspeakers forming a second loudspeaker pair disposed along a second direction transverse to said first direction; and

further comprising selection means for selecting operation of said first loudspeaker pair or said second loudspeaker pair.

41. A method for operating display apparatus including an orientation sensitive interface mechanism, the method comprising:

configuring said interface mechanism in a first mode to be suitable for a first orientation of said display, configuring said interface mechanism in a second mode to be suitable for a second orientation of said display, sensing an orientation of said display, displaying an image in a landscape or portrait mode in accordance with a display mode control signal, and automatically selecting said first or second modes for said interface mechanism in accordance with said display mode.

42. A method according to

claim 41

, wherein said sensing determines said orientation relative to the surface of the earth.

43. A method according to

claim 41

, further comprising selecting a landscape or portrait display mode for said display in accordance with selecting said first or second mode.

44. A method according to

claim 41

, for providing a stereophonic image from said display apparatus, said orientation sensitive interface mechanism including first and second loudspeaker pairs disposed transverse to each other, said loudspeaker pairs having a common loudspeaker, the method comprising selecting said first or second loudspeaker pair in accordance with an orientation of said display.

45. A method according to

claim 44

, further comprising adapting audio signals to provide a substantially stereophonic sound image from said first or second loudspeaker pairs.

46. A method according to

claim 45

, further comprising adapting respective right and left channel stereophonic signals for widening the stereophonic image produced by said first or second speaker pair.

47. A method according to

claim 45

, comprising introducing a phase delay between said right and left channel signals for widening the stereophonic image.

48. A method according to

claim 47

, comprising introducing said phase delay for one of said first or second loudspeaker pair.

49. A method for operating display apparatus including an orientation sensitive interface mechanism, the method comprising:

configuring said interface mechanism in a first mode to be suitable for a first orientation of said display, configuring said interface mechanism in a second mode to be suitable for a second orientation of said display;

sensing an orientation of said display, displaying an image in a landscape or portrait mode in accordance with a display mode control signal, and automatically selecting said first or second modes for said interface mechanism in accordance with said display mode, said interface mechanism including a touch sensitive display and said method comprising in a first mode displaying an asymmetric symbol in said first orientation and in said second mode displaying said symbol in said second orientation.

50. A method according to

claim 49

, comprising displaying an image of a keyboard on said touch sensitive display in said first mode disposed in said first orientation and in said second mode disposed in said second orientation.

51. A method for operating display apparatus including an orientation sensitive interface mechanism, the method comprising:

configuring said interface mechanism in a first mode to be suitable for a first orientation of said display, configuring said interface mechanism in a second mode to be suitable for a second orientation of said display, sensing an orientation of said display, displaying an image in a landscape or portrait mode in accordance with a display mode control signal, and automatically selecting said first or second modes for said interface mechanism in accordance with said display mode, said interface mechanism including a first and second microphone and the method further comprising operating said first and second microphone in respective first and second modes for said first and second orientation.

52. A method according to

claim 51

, said first and second microphone each comprising stereo microphones.

53. A method according to

claim 51

, said first and second microphones each comprising directional microphones.

54. A method for operating display apparatus including an orientation sensitive interface mechanism, the method comprising:

configuring said interface mechanism in a first mode to be suitable for a first orientation of said display, configuring said interface mechanism in a second mode to be suitable for a second orientation of said display, sensing an orientation of said display, displaying an image in a landscape or portrait mode in accordance with a display mode control signal, and automatically selecting said first or second modes for said interface mechanism in accordance with said display mode, said interface mechanism including a viewing angle for said display apparatus, the method further comprising adapting said viewing angle in a first mode for viewing said display apparatus in a first orientation, and adapting said viewing angle in a second mode for viewing in a second orientation.

55. A method according to

claim 54

, further comprising adapting said viewing angle in said first mode for viewing said display apparatus disposed flat relative to the surface of the earth.

56. A method for operating display apparatus including an orientation sensitive interface mechanism, the method comprising:

configuring said interface mechanism in a first mode to be suitable for a first orientation of said display, configuring said interface mechanism in a second mode to be suitable for a second orientation of said display, sensing an orientation of said display, displaying an image in a landscape or portrait mode in accordance with a display mode control signal, and automatically selecting said first or second modes for said interface mechanism in accordance with said display mode, said interface mechanism including a display, the method further comprising displaying an image in said first mode corresponding to said first orientation and in said second mode corresponding to said second orientation.

57. A method for operating display apparatus including an orientation sensitive interface mechanism, the method comprising:

configuring said interface mechanism in a first mode to be suitable for a first orientation of said display, configuring said interface mechanism in a second mode to be suitable for a second orientation of said display, sensing an orientation of said display, displaying an image in a landscape or portrait mode in accordance with a display mode control signal; and

automatically selecting said first or second modes for said interface mechanism in accordance with said display mode, said interface mechanism including a wireless transceiver and antenna for communication with a wireless communications network, the method further comprising adapting said antenna to radiate in a first radiation pattern mode for optimal radiation for said first orientation, and adapting said antenna to radiate in a second radiation pattern mode for optimal radiation in said second orientation.