Handheld computer having moveable segments that are interactive with an integrated display

Abstract

A handheld computer is provided that includes a first module and at least a second module. The first module includes a processor and a display. The second module is slideably coupled to the first module so that it functions as a sliding cover that may effectively change the visible area of the underlying display. The handheld computer includes a sensing device coupled to the processor. The sensing device provides information to the processor regarding the relative position of the first module with respect to the second module. The information provided may be used to reconfigure the visual output of the display or to select a macro command presented on the display.

1 . A handheld computer comprising:
 a processor module comprising a processor and a display;   a sliding display cover moveably coupled to said processor module;   a sensing device coupled to said processor module and to said sliding display cover for providing a signal regarding the relative position of said processor module with respect to said sliding display cover; and,   a device driver for performing an action in response to said signal.   
     
     
         2 . The handheld computer of  claim 1 , wherein said action is a visual configuration of said display. 
     
     
         3 . The handheld computer of  claim 1 , further comprising a wireless transmitter, and wherein said action is the initiation of communication with another device using said wireless transmitter. 
     
     
         4 . The handheld computer of  claim 1 , further comprising a wireless transmitter, and wherein said action is the initiation of communication with an external device, using said wireless transmitter. 
     
     
         5 . The handheld computer of  claim 1 , wherein said sensing device is a non-contact sensor device. 
     
     
         6 . The handheld computer of  claim 1 , wherein said display is a touch panel display forming a part of said sensing device. 
     
     
         7 . The handheld computer of  claim 1 , wherein said sliding cover comprises an input device coupled to said processor module. 
     
     
         8 . A method of selecting an option in an electronic device comprising a processor module and a sliding cover, said method comprising:
 a) displaying information on a display screen of said processor module;   b) positioning an edge of said sliding cover adjacent to a portion of said information on said display screen by sliding said sliding cover relative to said display screen;   c) activating a selection device of said electronic device; and   d) invoking an action of said electronic device related to said portion of said information.   
     
     
         9 . A method as described in  claim 8  further comprising generating a position signal corresponding to a position of said sliding cover relative to said display screen. 
     
     
         10 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said action is the execution of an application program. 
     
     
         11 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said action is the display of related additional information to said portion of said information. 
     
     
         12 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said selection device is a key. 
     
     
         13 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said sliding cover comprises a keyboard. 
     
     
         14 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said sliding cover further comprises a microphone. 
     
     
         15 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said sliding cover further comprises a speaker. 
     
     
         16 . A computer readable medium containing executable instructions which, when executed in a handheld computer comprising a display, causes the handheld computer to configure the visual output of the display, comprising instructions for:
 sensing the relative position of said sliding cover and said processor module;   generating a visual output on said display.   
     
     
         17 . The computer readable medium of  claim 16 , further comprising instructions for initiating an application by said processor module. 
     
     
         18 . The computer readable medium of  claim 16 , further comprising instructions for initiating communication with an external device. 
     
     
         19 . The computer readable medium of  claim 16 , further comprising instructions for altering said visual output in response to said signal. 
     
     
         20 . The computer readable medium of  claim 16 , wherein said instructions are for the rearrangement of a previously displayed visual object. 
     
     
         21 . An integrated handheld computer and wireless telephone comprising:
 a processor module comprising a processor, a display, and a speaker;   a keypad module comprising a keypad and a microphone, wherein said keypad module is slideably coupled to said processor module and operable to selectively cover a portion of said display.   
     
     
         22 . The integrated handheld computer and wireless telephone of  claim 21 , wherein said keypad module is optically coupled to said processor module. 
     
     
         23 . The integrated handheld computer and wireless telephone of  claim 21 , wherein said keypad module is coupled to said processor module by a flexible ribbon connector. 
     
     
         24 . The integrated handheld computer and wireless telephone of  claim 21 , wherein said keypad module