(12) UK Patent Application
`
`«ng8 (11) 2 449 632 (13 A
`
`(43) Date of A Publication
`
`03.12.2008
`
`(21) Application No:
`
`07099575
`
`(51)
`
`23.05.2007
`(22) Date of Filing:
`
`
`INT CL:
`H04M 1/02 (2006.01)
`H01H 13/70 (2006.01)
`H04M 1/04 (2006.01)
`H040 7/32 (2006.01)
`
`GOZF 1/13357 (2006.01)
`H02J 7/00 (2006.01)
`H04M 1/60 (2006.01 )
`
`(71) Applicant(s):
`02 (UK) Limited
`(Incorporated in the United Kingdom)
`260 Bath Road, SLOUGH, Berkshire,
`SL1 4DX. United Kingdom
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor(s):
`Markus Hohl
`
`(74) Agent and/or Address for Service:
`Keltie
`Fleet Place House, 2 Fleet Place, LONDON,
`EC4M 7ET, United Kingdom
`
`(56) Documents Cited:
`GB 2417353 A
`GB 2409783 A
`GB 2381986 A
`GB 2374237 A
`GB 2368999 A
`GB 2355569 A
`EP 1739934 A1
`EP 1489637 A2
`EP 1030208 A2
`WO 2006/002508 A1
`US 5436954 A
`US 20050282596 A1
`
`GB 2413722 A
`GB 2397707 A
`GB 2378845 A
`GB 2371018 A
`GB 2358318 A
`EP 1811752 A1
`EP 1569067 A1
`EP 1333226 A2
`WO 2006/101066 A1
`US 6091225 A
`US 20060084466 A1
`US 20040203509 A1
`
`(58) Field of Search:
`UK CL (Edition X) GSC, H2H, H4J, H4L
`INT CL G02F, H01H, H02J, H04M, H040
`Other: Online : wpi ;epodoc
`
`
`mounted coaxially with the hinge means.
`
`(54) Abstract Title: A mobile telecommunications device, and an accessory for a mobile telecommunications
`device
`
`(57) A mobile telecommunications device having a first body portion and a
`second body portion. The second body portion is pivotally connected to the
`first body portion by a hinge means and moveable between an open and
`closed position. The device comprises a function control means arranged to
`control a function of the mobile device wherein the function control means is
`
`FIG. 1b
`
`At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
`Original Printed on Recycled Paper
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 1
`lPR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTl LLC.)
`
`V88967’?Z89
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`1/21
`
` FIG.1b
`
`FIG.1a3
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 2
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiT| LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`2/21
`
` FIG.1d
`
`FIG.1c
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 3
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`3/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 4
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiT| LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`4/21
`
`
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 5
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 6
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`6/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 7
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiT| LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`7/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 8
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`8/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 9
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`9/21
`
`
`
`FIG. 5d
`
`00.!0o
`
`IO.
`
`000000
`
`EX-1030, Page 10
`Inc
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo
`V. LiT| LLC.)
`
`Lenovo
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`10/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 11
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`11/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 12
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`12/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 13
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`13/21
`
`.i-i-ili-i-i-i-b‘l'.’
`
`
`
`FIG.
`
`9
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 14
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`14/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 15
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 16
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`16/21
`
`
`
`‘
` 1U:
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 17
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`17/21
`
`
`
`FIG. 10a
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 18
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. V. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`18/21
`
`
`
`vo EX-1030, Page 19
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc V LIT|
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`19/21
`
`
`
`FIG. 11b
`
`......
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 20
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. V. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`20/21
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 21
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. V. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`21/21
`
`I
`
`t3
`
`t2
`
`180
`
`190
`
`
`aaI!
`
`
`
`
`
`HaI:ayou””00$”5aaa
`E!5°=aa”fine-fl”$000”‘09””$09””$00” aa
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`aa01mm”00‘30u’flfiaHa
`
`z!aa
`
`
`
`
`$171%
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 22
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`2449632
`
`A MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE, AND AN ACCESSORY FOR A MOBILE
`
`TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
`
`Field of Invention
`
`The present invention relates to a mobile telecommunications device and accessory for a
`
`mobile telecommunications device. In particular, the present invention provides a mobile
`
`telecommunications device with improved features and functionality and also relates to a
`
`charging holder/cradle for such a device.
`
`Background of Invention
`
`In recent years mobile telecommunications devices, such as mobile telephones and
`
`PDAs, have increased their data storage and processing power capabilities to such an
`
`extent that they are now increasingly providing features that are traditionally associated
`
`with other devices, eg. camera functions. music players etc.
`
`Therefore.
`
`in addition to the traditional ability to make and receive voice calls, modern
`
`telecommunications devices are designed to provide a range of functions and such
`
`devices represent a “convergent" platform that integrates or attempts to integrate a
`number of functionalities.
`
`The increase in functionality associated with mobile telecommunications devices has
`
`meant that the control
`
`interfaces have become more complex since, as well as a
`
`standard keypad, such devices have to incorporate control buttons for a range of
`
`different functionalities such as an onboard camera, music player control functions,
`
`navigation controls as well as connectivity controls and interfaces.
`
`Current mobile telecommunication device designs tend to locate control buttons in such
`
`a way that it. becomes very easy to activate the wrong control button in error. For
`
`n—
`example, many current mobile telephones present music controls in close proximity o
`
`navigation controls as well as other function keys (such as “one touch" Internet access
`
`buttons) and the keypad. This makes it difficult to accurately select the desired button
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`3O
`
`35
`
`without an initial visual check of the device. Furthermore, some mobile device designs
`seek to provide multi-function buttons which seek to re-assign the specific function of a
`
`control button depending on the device functionality selected by the user.
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 23
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`Many mobile devices also provide features that are intended for use in or may be used in
`
`a hands-free mode. For example. many mobile devices can provide clock/alarm
`
`functions and many devices now are fitted with stereo loudspeakers to enable stereo
`
`audio output. However, since mobile telecommunication devices have been designed for
`
`hand-held use such features tend to lose their effectiveness if the device IS placed on a
`
`surface.
`
`it
`
`is also noted that with the increase in functionality of mobile telecommunications
`
`1O
`
`devices the manufacture of such devices has become more complicated. The provision
`
`of dual screens for example makes fabrication of the device more complicated.
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`It
`
`is
`
`further noted that mobile telecommunications devices
`
`locate their battery
`
`compartments in such a manner that they form an integral part of the frame of the
`
`device.
`
`In the event of damage to the frame of the device it can become difficult to
`
`securely locate a battery compartment cover thereby compromising the performance of
`
`the device.
`
`it is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome or mitigate the above
`
`mentioned problems and to provide a mobile telecommunications device and an
`
`accessory for such a device that overcome or substantially mitigate the above issues.
`
`Statements of Invention
`
`According to a first aspect of
`
`the present
`
`invention there is provided a mobile
`
`telecommunications device comprising: a first body portion; a second body portion
`
`pivotably connected to the first body portion by a hinge means and moveable between
`
`an open position and a closed position; and a function control means arranged to control
`
`a function of the mobile device wherein the function control means is mounted coaxially
`.. 'Mn Oh
`'
`m... ...e hinge means.
`
`L.)C)
`
`The first aspect of the invention provides a function control means (6.9. a volume control
`
`button for a music player application on the mobile device) that is located coaxially with
`
`the hinge of a "flip-type" mobile device. The location of such a control means coaxial with
`the hinge of the mobile device provides a number of advantages. For example.
`the
`
`35
`
`control means may be used regardless of whether the device is in an open or closed
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 24
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTI LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`configuration and furthermore takes up minimal space on the device.
`
`In the case of
`
`mobile telephones the location of the control in this position does not use any space on
`
`the side of the handset which is at a premium. In the event that such a mobile device is
`
`used in conjunction with a docking charger. then the location of the control in this position
`
`further permits ready access to the control even when the device is in a docked position.
`
`Conveniently, the function control means may take the form of a wheel whose axis is
`
`coincident with the axis of the hinge of the device. in order to permit easy operation by a
`
`user such a wheeled embodiment of the invention may further comprise surface
`
`formations, such as ridges or other suitable formations. that allow the wheel to be easily
`
`gripped and used by a user. Preferably, any such surface formations are located along
`
`the circumference of the wheel control means.
`
`In a “flip type“ mobile device the first and second body portions may conveniently be
`
`moved from an end-to-end configuration to a stacked configuration. Conveniently, the
`
`function control means is located and positioned such that
`
`it can be used in both
`
`configurations.
`
`Preferably, the device comprises a music player application and the function control
`
`means is arranged to control the volume of the music player device. Alternatively, or
`
`additionally, the function control means may permit navigation through a list of music
`
`tracks stored on the device.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile
`
`25
`
`telecommunications device comprising: a housing defining top. bottom and side edges of
`
`the device; a battery compartment located within the housing, the compartment having a
`
`compartment opening in the housing so as to allow a battery to be inserted into or
`
`removed from the compartment; wherein the compartment opening is framed by the
`
`edges of the device.
`
`OJC)
`
`35
`
`Traditionally. battery compartments on mobile telecommunications devices such as
`
`mobile phones are designed such that the battery compartment forms part of the Integral
`
`frame of the handset. For example. most mobile phones will
`
`locate their battery
`
`compartments at the bottom of the rear face of the device such that the whole of the
`
`bottom edge and parts of side edges are also the edges of the battery compartment. The
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 25
`lPR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTl LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`battery cover in such cases therefore tonne part of the side/bottom edges of the device
`
`once it is in piace.
`
`A disadvantage with the location of battery compartments on known mobile devices is
`
`that if the handset is dropped and damaged then often part of the frame of the device is
`
`damaged along with associated damage to the battery cover.
`
`The second aspect of the present invention provides a battery compartment that
`
`is
`
`located within the face of a mobile device such that the compartment opening is
`
`effectively “framed" by the edges of the device. in other words, the compartment opening
`
`is located in such a manner that there is separation between the edges of the device and
`
`the edges of the compartment opening (i.e. none of the compartment opening edges are
`
`coincident with any of the device edges).
`
`The advantage provided by the second aspect of the invention is that if the handset is
`
`dropped and the edges of the device are damaged, it will not affect the operation of the
`
`battery cover as there will be no damage to the edges of the compartment opening.
`
`The housing of the device will generally define an outer surface of the device and the
`
`compartment opening is conveniently located in the outer surface of the device, The
`
`battery compartment may be arranged to cooperate with a complementary shaped
`
`battery cover which is preferably arranged to sit flush with the housing such that it
`
`provides the appearance of a smoothly continuous outer surface.
`
`The device conveniently further comprises cover retention means which are arranged to
`
`hold the battery cover in place. This retention means may comprise a series of latch or
`
`hook-like formations that extend out from the body of the mobile devrce to engage wrth
`
`complementary shaped formations on the underside of the battery cover.
`
`To enable easy and convenient access to the battery compartment the mobile devrce
`
`preferably further comprises a cover release means that may be operated by a user to
`
`release the battery compartment cover from the cover retention means. eg. by moving
`
`the latch formations so that they no longer engage with the complementary formations in
`
`the battery cover.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 26
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiT| LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`In a preferred embodiment. the cover release means comprises a button means that is
`
`mounted remote from the battery cover on the housing and which is arranged to release
`
`the cover retention means when pressed or activated.
`
`Conveniently. the housing of the device may also incorporate a resilient biasing member
`
`that. upon release of the cover retention means, urges the battery compartment cover
`
`away from the housing. Such a resilient biasing means may take the form of a spring.
`
`According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a holder for a
`
`mobile telecommunications device. the mobile telecommunications device comprising an
`
`audio output means. the holder comprising: a cradle arranged to receive and support the
`
`mobile device; electrical charging contacts arranged to contact with complementary
`
`electrical contacts on the mobile telecommunications device so as to allow the device to
`
`be charged when in the holder; wherein the holder comprises an air passage arranged to
`
`distribute sound generated from the audio output means when the device is docked in
`
`the holder to the surrounding atmosphere.
`
`The third aspect of
`
`the invention provides a
`
`charging holder
`
`for a mobile
`
`telecommunications device. Many mobile devices now incorporate integral loudspeakers
`
`for the playback of music stored on the device. While this is suitable for use when the
`
`device is either being held or is placed on a surface, sound playback can become muted
`
`when such a device is docked with a charging holder used to charge the device since
`
`such holders often block the loudspeaker of the device.
`
`The holder according to the third aspect of the present invention incorporates an air
`
`passage that allows sound emitted from a loudspeaker (or other audio output means) to
`
`be distributed to the surrounding atmosphere.
`
`Conveniently, the holder has a cradle that comprises a recess that is of complementary
`plan
`l
`n
`h
`n ”a
`II
`'
`l
`'
`'
`w- Unlvllu any
`I
`UV
`than nvtnnrl intn
`a use IV we devace .c
`docked. The electrical charg :1 contacts ma
`
`‘1:
`
`01(1)
`
`the recess such that location of the device in the recess utomatically forms an electrical
`
`connection between the device and the holder.
`
`The air passage preferably has a first end which is located within the recess of the
`
`cradle. Conveniently. the air passage is located such that it aligns with the audio output
`means of the device when docked in the holder.
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 27
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTl LLC.)
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`(.0C3
`
`35
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`The air passage may conveniently comprise a second end on the outside of the holder,
`
`the second end comprising an audio disperser means that is arranged to facrlitate the
`
`distribution of sound passing through the air passage of the holder.
`
`Preferably, the holder comprises an audio disperser means that is located around part of
`
`in this way, sound emanating from the air passage may
`the lower portion of the holder.
`be reflected off of the surface that the holder is placed on.
`
`The holder of the third aspect of the invention may further comprise data output and
`
`power supply connection means. Conveniently, such connection means may take the
`
`form of a USB port thereby allowing connection to a PC and other devices.
`
`The holder may further comprise one or more function control buttons that allow the
`
`control of selected functionality of the device when in the holder.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`According to a fourth aspect of the present
`
`invention there is provided a mobile
`
`telecommunications device comprising a housing wherein the housing is divided into
`distinct interface regions, each interface region relating to a distinct functionality of the
`device.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`The fourth aspect of the present invention provides a mobile telecommunications device
`
`in which the housing of the device is divided into distinct interface areas or regions that
`relate to distinct functionality of the device. For example, the device may comprise a
`music control interface that solely relates to the control of a music player on the device.
`The provision of such distinct and dedicated interface regions simplifies the use of the
`
`device by a user by simplifying the location of related functionality of the device.
`
`The interface regions may comprise user input controls, eg. control buttons or scroll
`
`wheels, which are located within the distinct interface regions and wish are associated
`
`with the functionality of that region. Preferably, the user input controls are dedicated to
`
`the particular function of the device associated with that region (Le. they are not multi-
`function buttons that change their function depending on the status of the device but are
`
`35
`
`always dedicated to the functionality associated with the interface region in question).
`Also, preferably, all the control buttons relating to a particular functionality are located
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 28
`lPR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTl LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`within the associated interface region such that there are no buttons relating to that
`functionality located elsewhere on the device.
`
`Conveniently, the side of the device may support a single interface region only.
`
`For devices that comprise a music player application, the device preferably comprises a
`
`dedicated music control interface region comprising a number of music control buttons.
`
`Conveniently. the housing may have a dedicated navigation and interaction interface
`
`region that relates and is dedicated to user navigation through an onboard graphical user
`
`interface. Conveniently, such an interface comprises a unitary planar control button
`
`having three distinct control areas: a first control area located substantially at the centre
`
`of the planar button (to allow, for example, the selection of a menu option); a second
`
`control area disposed in an annular configuration to the first area (e.g. to allow up/down,
`
`left/right navigation through a menu hierarchy); and, a third control area disposed in an
`
`annular configuration to the second control area (the third area relating, for example, to
`soft function keys and call answer/call break functions).
`
`The housing may also conveniently group all access and connection features (e.g. power
`
`supply port, access port for an additional memory device such as a memory stick,
`
`release button for a battery compartment) into a dedicated access and connection
`
`interface region.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Conveniently, the device comprises multiple distinct and dedicated interface regions. For
`“flip-type" mobile devices preferably at least one of the interface regions is accessible to
`
`a user regardless of whether the device is in a closed or open configuration. This
`advantageously allows control of, for example, a music device when the mobile device is
`both open and closed.
`
`30
`
`According to a fifth aspe
`
`D
`
`t of th. presen.
`
`invention there is p'ovided a mobile
`
`telecommunications device comprising: a housing having a surface layer; a light source
`disposed within the housing; at least one symbol provided in the surface layer wherein
`the at least one symbol comprises a debossed region of the surface layer and the light
`source is arranged such that light emitted from the light source illuminates the at least
`one symbol.
`
`35
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 29
`lPR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTl LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`The fifth aspect of the invention provides one or more debossed symbols in the surface
`
`of the device’s housing which can then be illuminated by a light source located within the
`
`body of the device. Use of such debossed symbols advantageously enables small
`
`images to be displayed relatively easily as an alternative to configuring an array of light
`
`sources at a sufficient resolution to display the required pattern.
`
`it
`
`is also a simpler
`
`alternative than providing a display screen in the outer surface of
`
`the mobile
`
`telecommunications device. It is further noted that debossing the symbols is preferable to
`
`printing onto a cut out image as a printed material may wear away with use.
`
`Conveniently the device further comprises a light guide which is arranged to define a
`
`light path from the light source to the at least one symbol.
`
`Preferably, the light source comprises a plurality of light sources. Conveniently, these
`
`light sources are optically separated from one another so that the area of illumination on
`
`the housing can be optimised. A light guide may be used to optically separate the light
`sources.
`
`Conveniently, the device comprises a plurality of debossed symbols and a plurality of
`
`light sources and each symbol is associated with one of the light sources. In a preferred
`
`arrangement the light guide may be arranged to define a light path from each light source
`
`to its associated debossed symbol and to reduce the transmission of light between
`
`neighbouring light sources.
`
`Preferably, light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as the or each light source as they
`
`provide a convenient high output light source.
`
`The housing of the device will comprise an inner surface and an outer surface.
`
`in one
`
`variant. the debossed symbols may be provided in the outer surface. la. the surface that
`
`is visible in normal use and in another variant the debossed symbols may be provided in
`IL... :..
`J
`u I6 I u'iEr' sun-ace.
`
`Preferably.
`
`in arrangements comprising a plurality of debossed symbols the device
`
`further comprises control means arranged to selectively illuminate the debossed
`
`symbols.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`(.0C)
`
`35
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 30
`lPR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTl LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`According to a sixth aspect of the present
`
`invention there is provided a mobile
`
`telecommunications device comprising a planar control button.
`
`the control button
`
`comprising a first control area located substantially at the centre of the control button, a
`
`second control area disposed in an annular configuration to the first control area and a
`
`third control area disposed in an annular configuration to the second control area.
`
`The sixth aspect of the present invention provides a multi-function control button for a
`
`mobile telecommunications device in which the button comprises a central area which is
`
`surrounded by a second control area which is in turn surrounded by a third control area.
`
`Such a button arrangement advantageously reduces the component count on the device
`
`and simplifies the interface for the user. Furthermore, such a button arrangement
`
`facilitates a reduction in component failure.
`
`Conveniently, the planar button of the sixth aspect of the present invention may be
`
`located within or in close proximity to a keypad.
`
`Preferably, the planar button is of unitary construction. This advantageously reduces the
`
`possibility of foreign objects (e.g. dust and dirt) accumulating between the various control
`areas.
`
`Conveniently, the first area comprises a selection button which a user may operate to
`
`select an option from a menu hierarchy on a graphical user interface of the device.
`
`Conveniently, the second area comprises a navigation control button that is arranged to
`
`allow a user to navigate through a menu hierarchy. For example. the second area may
`
`provide upldown and left/right navigation control to the user.
`
`Conveniently, the third area comprises one or more function selection controls, e.g. soft
`
`keys, call answer and call end functions.
`
`The first and second areas may conveniently be substantially circular in configuration.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`(.0CD
`
`In a preferred arrangement, a light source may be used to illuminate a portion of the
`
`planar button. For example, an illuminated portion may be provided between the second
`
`35
`
`and third control areas.
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 31
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiT| LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`10
`
`According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile
`
`telecommunications device comprising: a housing; a plurality of light sources mounted on
`
`a substrate, the substrate being disposed beneath a surface of the housing; and a light
`
`guide. the light guide being sandwiched between the housing and the substrate wherein
`
`the light guide is arranged to allow light emitted from the light sources to illuminate the
`
`housing and the light guide, housing and substrate are distinct components of the mobile
`telecommunications device.
`
`Known mobile devices have incorporated light sources or display screens under the
`
`surface of the device's housing. However, such devices either require the presence of a
`
`complex display screen or are require complicated fabrication processes. As an
`
`example, a known mobile device comprises a housing that is formed via an injection
`
`moulding process in which firstly the outer casing of the housing is deposited and
`
`secondly a complicated light guide is moulded. This "two shot" moulding process is costly
`
`and requires that the light guide is precisely located in order to operate with light sources
`
`placed beneath the surface of the device.
`
`By contrast, the seventh aspect of the present invention provides a simpler construction
`
`for a mobile device which incorporates a plurality of light sources located beneath the
`
`surface of the housing of the device. in the seventh aspect, a separate light guide means
`
`is provided which is sandwiched between the housing of the device and a substrate
`
`which carries the plurality of light sources. The provision of the light guide as a separate
`
`component allows the light guide to be more easily located with respect to the light
`
`sources and removes the requirement that the light sources be precisely located with
`
`respect to a light guide formed as part of the housing.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Conveniently, the light guide defines a light path between the light sources and the
`
`housing. The light guide may also conveniently reduce the transmission of light that is
`
`emitted substantially transverse to the surface of the substrate which carries the light
`-- .--..- -....i .. _..-L. ........ -- z-..
`.. :n-
`:
`'
`'
`u lg Ilyl u ouurceo
`sUUI e) dllu a: bubll may uphuaiiy .sulate neighbour"
`""“" "" "’
`° fro
`
`"tothm.
`
`OJC)
`
`The housing may be of variable thickness (e.g. the housing may be opaque to light
`
`transmission in some places and thin enough to be translucent in other places) and
`
`conveniently the light sources are arranged to be located beneath regions of the housing
`
`35
`
`which are of a relatively low thickness and therefore translucent to the transmission of
`
`light emitted from the light sources.
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 32
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTl LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`11
`
`The light sources may be bonded to the substrate and conveniently may comprise light
`
`emitting diodes (LEDs).
`
`According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile
`
`telecommunications device comprising: a housing; a plurality of light sources disposed
`
`beneath a surface of the housing wherein the housing is of variable thickness and the
`
`light sources are arranged beneath areas of the housing of relatively lower thickness
`
`such that there is substantial registration between the areas of relatively lower thickness
`
`10
`
`and the plurality of light sources.
`
`The eighth aspect of the present invention also provides a simpler construction for a
`
`mobile device which incorporates a plurality of light sources located beneath the surface
`
`of the housing of the device. As an alternative configuration to the seventh aspect of the
`
`invention. the eighth aspect provides a device comprising a housing of variable thickness
`
`in which light sources are aligned beneath regions of lower housing thickness such that
`
`there is substantial registration between the regions of lower housing thickness and the
`
`light sources. The housing may as an example comprise areas that are of a full thickness
`
`amount and at least one area that is of a lower thickness than the full thickness amount.
`
`in both the seventh and eighth aspect of the present
`
`invention,
`
`the housing may
`
`comprise first regions having a first thickness (and which is substantially opaque to the
`
`transmission of light from the light sources) and second regions having a second
`
`thickness (which is substantially translucent to light emitted from the light sources).
`
`in
`
`such an arrangement
`
`the light sources are preferably aligned beneath the second
`
`regions.
`
`The housing of both the seventh and eighth aspect of the present invention may also
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`C...)(D
`
`35
`
`conveniently comprise first. second and third regions all of which have a different
`(D
`
`rst region is arranged to be space
`
`to light emitted from the light
`
`thickness.
`
`if the
`
`sources then the second and third regions may be arranged to be translucent to the
`
`emitted light. The third region may conveniently be of lower thickness than the second
`
`region.
`
`in such an arrangement, the second region may define a general area that is
`
`translucent to the transmission of emitted light and the third region may be formed into a
`
`pattern within the second region. As an example. the third region may be formed into a
`
`Lenovo EX-1030, Page 33
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTl LLC.)
`
`Lenovo EX-1030,
`
`

`

`12
`
`pattern that allows the display of alpha—numeric characters on the housing when
`
`selectively illuminated by the light sources.
`
`As for the seventh aspect of the invention, the light sources are preferably LEDs.
`
`Conveniently, the variable thickness housing may be formed by injection moulding. Since
`
`there is only one housing part (as opposed to the outer surface and light guide
`
`configuration of the prior art) then the construction of such a device is simplified with
`
`respect to prior art devices.
`
`In both the seventh and eighth aspects of the invention. the provision of LEDs beneath
`
`the surface of the housing conveniently allows the housing to be provided in a white or
`
`light colour without compromising the appearance of the mobile device.
`
`In previous
`
`mobile devices liquid crystal displays (LCD) have traditionally been used to provide “dual
`
`displays'
`
`in flip type devices. Such LCD screens appear dark in colour and so it has
`
`proven necessary in prior devices to provide a housing of an equally dark colour to avoid
`
`the LCD screen compromising the appearance of the device (is. to avoid light housing
`
`colour versus dark screen colour).
`
`In the seventh and eighth aspects of the present
`
`invention however the preferential use of LEDs as the light sources enables a “hidden”
`
`display to be provided in a light coloured housing.
`
`It is noted that preferred features of the various aspects of the invention described above
`
`may also be applied to other aspects of the present invention.
`
`In one embodiment the above aspects of the invention may be provided in a “flip-type
`
`mobile telecommunications device.
`
`n
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`(a)(D
`
`nnrIle
`
`Q. (D :- lha
`I ul
`
`out-
`
`nrna l
`"no inunnfinn man kn mnr
`G I
`II
`V
`“I
`Ilvoll vllulu’
`w IIIUIG I60 I
`
`by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
`
`Figures 1a to 1e show a “flip type" mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of
`
`the present invention in a closed configuration;
`
`35
`
`Figures 2a to 2d show the mobile device of Figur