EP2117257A1 - Stereo portable electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The device e.g. portable telephone (1), has a pane (4) extended longitudinally along an axis (D1), where the pane is coupled to another pane (5) via a hinge part (6) for forming a case. Hands-free speakers (2, 3) are arranged on the case so that orthogonal projections of the speakers are spaced along an axis (D2) when the case is in a closed position. The axis (D2) is perpendicular to the axis (D1). The hinge part is longitudinally extended between the panes along the axis (D2). A distance between the orthogonal projections along the axes is relatively high.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of portable stereo electronic devices.

Portable electronic devices, conventionally a mobile telephone terminal, are nowadays commonly used. An electronic organizer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) in English, an MP3 player or even a portable game console are other examples of portable electronic devices.

Portable electronic devices may consist of a single piece or several pieces. Portable electronic devices include a first component and a second component, distinct or not.

When the first shutter and the second shutter are combined, the portable electronic device consists of a single piece.

When the first shutter and the second shutter are separate, the second shutter is generally movable relative to the first shutter between a first configuration, said open, and a second configuration, said closed. Intermediate configurations can also be adopted. One could cite by way of example the portable electronic devices with flap, swivel (English swivel) or even sliding (slider in English).

Portable electronic devices generally include a hands-free speaker for use in hands-free operation, and a discrete speaker for use in discrete operation. In the case of a mobile telephone terminal, the speakerphone allows for example to signal a call by a notification sound, typically a ringtone. When the user is at a relatively high distance from the mobile terminal, for example 50 centimeters, the hands-free speaker can also transform in an acoustic signal, an electrical signal corresponding to the words that a telephone interlocutor addresses to a user of the portable electronic device. The discrete loudspeaker, meanwhile, when the terminal is close to an ear of the user, transforms into a low-power acoustic signal the electrical signal corresponding to the words that the telephone interlocutor addresses to the user. of the portable electronic device.

The hands-free speaker, and the discreet speaker can be confused, but are most often distinct, the hands-free speaker can usually emit sounds with a higher power than the speaker discreet.

Portable electronic devices may also include a hands-free microphone and a discreet microphone. In the case of a mobile telephone terminal, the hands-free microphone makes it possible for example to transform into an electrical signal an acoustic signal corresponding to the words that the user sends to the telephone partner, when the user is at a distance relatively high mobile terminal. The discreet microphone will be used when the terminal is close to the mouth of the user.

Portable electronic devices may also include two hands-free speakers, and / or two hands-free microphones.

When the portable electronic device comprises two hands-free loudspeakers, the portable electronic device conventionally comprises two separate playback channels, each playback channel being connected to one of the hands-free loudspeakers. Each playback channel is intended to carry a suitable electrical signal, so that the user listening to the sound output from the two hands-free speakers can enjoy a stereo effect, according to the relative positions of the hands-free speakers and the user's ears.

Similarly, when the mobile phone device includes two hands-free microphones, each hands-free microphone can be connected to a specific playback channel, so as to allow a stereo effect.

The British patent application GB 2,372,666 discloses a mobile telephone terminal comprising a first transducer and a second transducer. The transducers have the same function, ie the transducers can be either two speakers or two microphones. The mobile terminal includes a first component and a second component. The second component is mobile relative to the first component between a first so-called open configuration and a second so-called closed configuration, so as to form a mobile telephone terminal with a flap. The first flap extends longitudinally along a first axis. The transducers are arranged such that their orthogonal projections in the plane of the first flap belong to the first axis. The first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker are respectively located on the first flap and the second flap, opposite each other.

Such a mobile telephone terminal provides a stereo effect in the direction of the first axis, especially when the mobile terminal is in a so-called landscape position, that is to say such that the first axis is in a horizontal plane. The landscape position is for example adopted when the user wants to listen to the music transmitted by the mobile terminal and the pose for this purpose on a table.

On the other hand, when this terminal is in a vertical or portrait position, the loudspeakers are then located substantially in the same vertical axis relative to the user, which cancels out the stereo effect. The portrait position can also be frequently adopted, for example when the user holds the mobile terminal substantially vertically in one hand.

The present invention makes it possible to obtain a stereo effect both in the landscape position and in the portrait position.

The present invention relates to a portable electronic device comprising and first component and a second component. The first flap extends longitudinally along a first axis. The portable electronic device also includes a first audio portion and a second audio portion having the same function as the first audio portion. The audiophonic portions are arranged such that their orthogonal projections on the first axis are distinct, so as to obtain a stereo effect in the direction of the first axis, when the apparatus is positioned horizontally and parallel to the direction of the first axis. According to the invention, the orthogonal projections of the audiophonic portions on a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis are also distinct, so as to obtain a stereo effect also in the direction of the second axis when the apparatus is positioned vertically and parallel to the direction of the first axis.

By audiophonic portions having the same function, it covers in particular either two hands-free speakers operating simultaneously to provide a stereo effect, or two microphones also operating simultaneously to capture the voice of the user of the device in stereo mode.

Since the orthogonal projections of the audiophonic portions are distinct on both the first axis and the second axis, the portable electronic apparatus according to the present invention allows a stereo effect both in the portrait position in the landscape position.

The audiophonic portions may for example each comprise a transducer and an electronic circuit adapted for the transmission and / or for receiving electrical signals corresponding to acoustic signals.

The portable electronic device may also include more than two audio portions. For example, the portable electronic device according to the present invention may comprise the first audio portion including a first speakerphone, the second audio portion including a second speakerphone, and an additional audio portion comprising a loudspeaker an additional hands-free speaker to perform a subwoofer function.

The audiophonic portions have the same function: for example, and preferably, the audiophonic portions each include a speakerphone. The first audio portion advantageously comprises a first hands-free speaker, and the second audio portion advantageously comprises a second hands-free speaker. The portable electronic device thus offers the possibility of hearing or listening to stereo sounds.

Alternatively, each audio portion may include a hands-free microphone. The first audio portion may include a first hands-free microphone, and the second audio portion may include a second hands-free microphone. The portable electronic device thus offers, for example, the possibility of recording or even transmitting sounds in stereo.

Alternatively, the audiophonic portions may each include a speakerphone and a hands-free microphone. The portable electronic device thus allows a stereo effect both in reception and in transmission.

The present invention is therefore not limited by the function of the audiophonic portions, ie combinations of the embodiments described below with audiophonic portions each comprising a hands-free microphone are also part of the present invention.

The first hands-free loudspeaker and the second hands-free speaker are advantageously arranged so that their projections in the plane of the first flap are substantially on a diagonal axis of the projection of the portable electronic device in the plane of the first shutter. The first speakerphone and the second handsfree speaker are advantageously opposite each other.

For example, the first speakerphone is located in a top left corner of the portable electronic device, while the second speakerphone is located in a lower right corner. The second axis is advantageously substantially equidistant from a first end and a second end of the portable electronic device and defines the top and bottom of the portable electronic device. The first axis also allows sharing the portable electronic device in a straight portion and a left portion having substantially equal sizes.

The handsfree speakers thus arranged diagonally on the portable electronic device and opposite each other, are therefore located at a relatively high distance from each other.

In particular, the distance between the orthogonal projections on the first axis of the first hands-free speaker and the second hands-free speaker is thus relatively high, thereby guaranteeing a correct stereo effect in landscape position. Similarly, the distance between the orthogonal projections on the second axis of the first speakerphone and the second speakerphone is also relatively high, thereby ensuring a correct stereo effect in the portrait position.

The present invention is however not limited by a positioning of the hands-free loudspeakers or at least their projections in the plane the first component, relative to one of the diagonal axes of the portable electronic device or at least the projection in the plane of the first component of the portable electronic device.

The first flap generally extends at least roughly on three dimensions: the length, in the direction of the first axis, the width, typically in the direction of the second axis and the thickness. The orthogonal projections of the hands-free speakers on a third axis in the direction of the thickness can also be distinct, thereby ensuring a stereo effect when the portable electronic device is viewed from the wafer.

The present invention is also not limited by the orientation of the handsfree loudspeakers.

The first hands-free speaker is advantageously integrated with the first component, and the second hands-free speaker is advantageously integrated with the second component. The second component is advantageously mobile relative to the first component between a first configuration and at least one second configuration, the first configuration being that in which the orthogonal projections of the hands-free loudspeakers on the first axis are distinct.

Such a portable electronic device can therefore adopt several configurations, which makes it more convenient to use. Conventionally, but without limitation, the first configuration corresponds to an open configuration and the second configuration corresponds to a closed configuration, more compact than the open configuration. The user selects the configuration of the portable electronic device according to the intended use: for example, when the user wishes to carry the portable electronic device in a pocket of clothing, he will opt instead for the closed configuration.

The first hands-free speakerphone and the second hands-free speaker are integrated into separate panels, thereby distance between the hands-free speakers with the kinematics of the portable electronic device.

Alternatively, the two handsfree speakers are located on the same panel of the portable electronic device.

Alternatively, the first shutter and the second shutter can be confused: the portable electronic device is formed in one piece and can therefore adopt only one configuration, in which the portable electronic device extends along the first axis between the first end and the second end. Such a portable electronic device makes it possible, of course, to obtain a stereo effect both in the portrait position and in the landscape position.

The portable electronic device advantageously comprises at least one hinge piece extending along a hinge axis substantially parallel to the second axis. The hinge part connects the first part to the second part. The hinge piece allows an articulation of the second component around the hinge axis.

Such a portable electronic device valve allows to adopt a closed configuration in which the first component and the second component are folded one above the other. In the closed configuration, most of the organs of a user interface, typically a screen and keys on a keyboard, are protected.

In the case where the handsfree loudspeakers are arranged diagonally, and opposite each other, the stereo effect is of course correct when the portable electronic device is in open configuration, in landscape position. or portrait. In addition, in the closed configuration, when the flaps are folded one above the other, the distance between the orthogonal projections on the second axis of the first hands-free speaker and the second hands-free speaker remains relatively high, guaranteeing still a correct stereo effect when the portable electronic device is in the portrait position.

For example, in the case of a mobile terminal in a closed configuration, and transported in a portrait position in the user's pocket, the relative position of the handsfree loudspeakers relative to the user's ears allows an effect stereo sound of a possible ringtone. The user can enhance the stereo effect, for example to listen to music, by opening the mobile terminal and placing it in the landscape position.

Alternatively, the portable electronic device according to the present invention may comprise a pivot piece allowing the second flap to pivot about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first flap

Such a portable electronic pivot device or swivel in English allows to adopt a closed configuration in which the first component and the second component are one above the other, and in which an outer face of the second component can include at least a part of the organs of the user interface. Conventionally the screen of the user interface thus remains visible in closed configuration, while the keys of the keyboard remain protected.

In the case where the handsfree speakers are arranged diagonally and opposite each other when the portable electronic device is in open configuration, the stereo effect is of course correct when the electronic device portable is in open configuration, whether in landscape position or in portrait position.

Alternatively, the first configuration of the portable electronic device pivot may correspond to a semi-open configuration, that is to say that a longitudinal direction of the second component is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. Hands-free speakers can be arranged for example at the top right of the second flap and bottom right of the first flap when the portable electronic device is in open configuration. In the semi-open configuration, the orthogonal projections of the hands-free loudspeakers on the first axis are then effectively distinct and the orthogonal projections of the hands-free loudspeakers on the second axis are also distinct. This portable electronic device makes it possible, of course, to obtain a stereo effect in a semi-open configuration, whether in portrait or landscape position. In the closed configuration, the orthogonal projections of the handsfree loudspeakers on the second axis remain distinct, making it possible to obtain a stereo effect in the portrait position. In the open configuration, the orthogonal projections of the handsfree speakers on the first axis remain distinct, thereby making it possible to obtain a stereo effect in the landscape position.

Alternatively, the portable electronic device may comprise a support part allowing a translation of the second component substantially in the direction of the first axis.

Such sliding portable electronic device or slider in English also allows to adopt a closed configuration in which the first component and the second component are one above the other, and in which the outer face of the second component can comprise at least a part of the organs of the user interface. Conventionally the screen of the user interface thus remains visible in closed configuration, while the keys remain protected.

In the case where the handsfree speakers are arranged diagonally and opposite each other, the stereo effect is of course correct when the portable electronic device is in open configuration, in landscape position or portrait. In the closed configuration, the handsfree speakers are close together, but the stereo effect is maintained, whether in the portrait or landscape position.

For example, the hands-free loudspeakers can be arranged at the bottom right of the first pane and at the bottom left of the second pane. In open configuration, the orthogonal projections of the hands-free loudspeakers on the first axis are distinct. The orthogonal projections of the handsfree loudspeakers on the second axis are also distinct, so that a stereo effect is guaranteed both in the portrait position and in the landscape position. In the closed configuration, the projections of the handsfree loudspeakers on the second axis remain distinct, thus guaranteeing a stereo effect in the portrait position.

The present invention is of course not limited by the possible movements of the second component relative to the first component.

The portable electronic device advantageously comprises a mobile telephone terminal.

The invention is however not limited by the nature of the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may for example comprise an electronic organizer (PDA), an MP3 player or even a portable game console.

The invention is described below in more detail with the aid of figures representing only a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The Figure 1A illustrates an example of a portable electronic apparatus in a closed configuration and in a portrait position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The Figure 1B illustrates an example of portable electronic apparatus in open configuration and in portrait position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The figure 1C illustrates an example of a portable electronic device in open configuration and in landscape position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Note that identical or similar elements or parts have been designated by the same reference FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C .

). L'appareil électronique portatif s'étend sur trois dimensions, l'épaisseur d'un premier volet 5 de l'appareil électronique portatif étant dans le sens du vecteur $\overrightarrow{{\mathit{u}}_3}\mathrm{.}$

Moreover, on each of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C , the portable electronic device is arranged relative to the orthonormal mark represented ( $\left(\overrightarrow{{\mathit{u}}_1},\overrightarrow{{\mathit{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="u"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">u</figure-callout>}}_2},\overrightarrow{{\mathit{<figure-callout\; id="3"\; label="u"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">u</figure-callout>}}_3},\right)\mathrm{.}$

). The portable electronic device extends in three dimensions, the thickness of a first component 5 of the portable electronic device being in the direction of the vector $\stackrel{}{{\mathit{u}}_{}}$$\overrightarrow{{\mathit{}}_3}\mathrm{.}$

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portable electronic device comprises a mobile telephone terminal 1 with valves. The mobile valve terminal comprises the first flap 5 and a second flap 4. A hinge part 6 extends along a hinge axis and allows articulation of the second flap 4 about a hinge axis. The mobile telephone terminal valve 1 can therefore adopt an open configuration, as shown on the Figures 1B and 1C , or else a closed configuration, as represented on the Figure 1A .

The first flap 5 extends longitudinally along a first axis D1.

The mobile terminal includes a first hands-free speaker 3 and a second hands-free speaker 2. The two speakers are intended to simultaneously produce sounds for stereophonic effect.

The handsfree loudspeakers 2 and 3 are arranged in such a way that their orthogonal projections on the first axis D1 are distinct in open configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the handsfree loudspeakers 2 and 3 are even on separate flaps 4 and 5.

A second axis D2 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis D1. On the FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C the axis D2 coincides with the hinge axis.

In addition, the orthogonal projections on the second axis D2 of the handsfree loudspeakers 2 and 3 are also distinct.

Thus, in open configuration, the mobile telephone terminal 1 offers a stereo effect both in the portrait position and in the landscape position. For greater comfort, the handsfree loudspeakers are arranged opposite each other, so that their projections in the plane of the first flap 5 substantially belong to a diagonal axis Dd of the projection of the terminal. The distances between the orthogonal projections of the hands-free loudspeakers 2 and 3, whether on the first axis D1 or on the second axis D2, are thus relatively high, providing, by way of example, therefore a correct stereo effect in portrait position and in landscape position.

In closed configuration, the first flap 5 and the second flap 4 are folded over one another.

bénéficiera de l'effet stéréo dans le cas illustré figure 1A où le terminal de téléphonie mobile selon le mode de réalisation préféré est en configuration fermée et en position portrait.The orthogonal projections of the handsfree loudspeakers 2 and 3 on the second axis D2 remain at the same distance, whether the mobile telephone terminal 1 is in an open or closed configuration. The user observing the mobile telephone terminal 1 in the direction of the vector $\stackrel{}{{\mathit{u}}_{}}$$\overrightarrow{{\mathit{}}_3}$

will benefit from the stereo effect in the illustrated case Figure 1A wherein the mobile terminal according to the preferred embodiment is in a closed configuration and in a portrait position.

According to a first alternative embodiment and not shown, the handsfree loudspeakers are located substantially on the same axis diagonally crossing the same flap of the portable electronic device clamshell, and the opposite one of the other on the same side. The distance between the orthogonal projections of the hands-free loudspeakers on the first axis is reduced compared to the preferred embodiment. On the other hand, such a portable electronic clamshell device will offer a stereo effect even in closed configuration and in landscape position. The stereo effect does indeed vary not with the kinematics of the portable electronic clamshell device, since the handsfree speakers are located on the same flap.

According to a second alternative embodiment and not shown, the first hands-free speaker is integrated in the first component and the second hands-free speaker in the second component. The first hands-free loudspeaker is disposed substantially at the top and left of the first flap, while the second hands-free speaker is disposed substantially at the top and right of the second flap. Such a portable electronic device has the same advantages as the portable electronic device according to the first alternative embodiment, with in addition a distance between the orthogonal projections of the hands-free loudspeakers on the first slightly higher axis in open configuration, allowing by there a slightly improved stereo effect in open configuration and in landscape position.

Claims (13)

Portable electronic device, comprising: a first flap and a second flap, at least one of the first and second flaps extending longitudinally along a first axis and being coupled to each other to form a housing for the portable electronic device, wherein the first flap and second flaps are movable relative to each other in at least one open position and one closed position; and a first speaker and a second speaker disposed on the housing so that when the housing is in a closed position, orthogonal projections of the first and second speakers are spaced along a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein orthogonal projections of the first and second loudspeakers are spaced the same distance along the second axis in both the open and closed positions. A portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second flaps are connected to each other via a hinge to form a two-jaw type housing for the portable electronic device. A portable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the first speaker is disposed on the first flap and the second speaker is disposed on the second flap. Portable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second loudspeakers are arranged on the first flap. Portable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second loudspeakers are arranged on the second flap. A portable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the hinge extends longitudinally between the first and second flaps along the second axis. A portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second flaps are connected to each other via a pivot, allowing the second flap to pivot about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the first flap. A portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein orthogonal projections of the first and second loudspeakers are separated from each other on the first axis in the open position. A portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first speaker is a first freehand speaker and wherein the second speaker is a second freehand speaker. Portable electronic device, comprising: a first flap and a second flap connected to each other via a hinge to form a two-jaw type housing for the electronic device portable, the first flap being movable relative to the second flap around the hinge to be brought into open and closed positions; and a first speaker and a second speaker, each disposed on the first flap and having orthogonal projections spaced apart from each other along an axis substantially parallel to the hinge in positions at a time open and closed. A portable electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the portable electronic device is a portable telephone. A portable electronic device according to claim 12, wherein a display of the portable telephone is further disposed on the first panel, and wherein a keypad of the portable telephone is further disposed on the second panel.

Images