ANOVAANAAAT
`US005436954A
`5,436,954
`t9
`United States Patent
`[11] Patent Number:
`Jul. 25, 1995
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Nishiyamaetal.
`
`[54] FOLDABLE RADIO TELEPHONE SET WITH
`ROTARY SELECTOR INTEGRAL WITH
`FOLDABLE HINGE ELEMENT
`
`5,260,998 11/1993 Takagi .....--seceecereeseseseecseees 379/433
`5,278,993
`1/1994 Reiff et al... eee 379/433 %
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors:
`
`Takanori Nishiyama, Mitaka;
`Kazunori Yanagisawa,
`Higashiyamoto; Sakae Itakura,
`Ayase, all of Japan
`
`[73] Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
`
`f21] Appl. No.: 117,326
`
`[22] Filed:
`Sep. 7, 1993
`[30]
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Sep. 8, 1992 [JP]
`Japan ..nseeeeecsccscscessssseenseens 4-239735
`[51] Unt, C16 occ ceeeseeeeeeneteeeenenes HO04M 11/00
`[52] US. CU, ceceeeeecceeeeseeeeseneeeneenees 379/58; 379/61;
`379/428; 379/433; 379/434; 455/89; 455/90
`[58] Field of Search .............--.... 379/58, 61, 428, 433,
`379/434; 455/89, 90
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,481,382 11/1984 Villa-Real .........-.-ee eee 379/61
`
`4,739,128
`4/1988 Grisham ..........
`.. 379/96
`
`4,845,772
`7/1989 Metrokaet al.
`.. 379/61
`5,027,394
`6/1991 Ono et al. oes 379/434
`
`
`
`0373387A1
`046385642
`0463856
`
`6/1990 European Pat. Off.
`1/1992 European Pat. Off.
`1/1992 European Pat. Off.
`
`.
`.
`.
`
`Primary Examiner—Curtis Kuntz
`Assistant Examiner—G. J. Oehling
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Antonelli, Terry, Stout &
`Kraus
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A portable radio telephone set provided with a display
`section includes a rotary selector which turns to select
`various functions. A menu displayed on the display
`section is selected by the rotary selector during a non-
`conversation time, and the sound volume can be ad-
`justed during the conversation time. The adjusting op-
`eration can be performed from both the front and the
`rear sides of the telephone set. The rotary selector and
`button keys are arranged within the operation range of
`the thumb, and ordinary dial functions performed by
`operating these rotary selector and button keys are
`provided.
`
`13 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 1
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 1
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
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`Sheet 1 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 2
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 2
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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
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`Sheet 2 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 3
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 3
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`Sheet 3 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 4
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 4
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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
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`Sheet 4 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 5
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
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`Sheet 5 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 6
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 6
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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
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`Sheet 6 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`FIG. 8
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 7
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
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`Sheet 7 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 8
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 8
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`1
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`5,436,954
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`FOLDABLE RADIO TELEPHONE SET WITH
`ROTARY SELECTOR INTEGRAL WITH
`FOLDABLE HINGE ELEMENT
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a portable radio ter-
`minal and, more particularly, to a portable radio tele-
`phoneset having a folding and housing control mecha-
`nism and a rotary selector for selecting various func-
`tions provided in a hinge section for folding and hous-
`ing purpose.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Conventional portable radio telephonesets (hereinaf-
`ter referred to simply as telephone sets) are not only
`provided with ordinary telephone functions, but also
`with an electronic telephone directory function by
`which telephone numbers and names can beregistered,
`a help function for guiding various functions, an incom-
`ing call tone selection function for selecting incoming
`call tone, and the like, thus being formed as a multi-
`functional terminal. The conventional portable radio
`telephone set uses function buttons in order to select
`such functions. The operation of some terminals has
`been madeeasier by making the shape of function but-
`tons different from that of the dial buttons.
`When, for example, the electronic telephone direc-
`tory function is used, first a telephone set user operates
`a function button for the electronic telephone directory
`function in order to call a telephone number stored in
`the electronic telephone directory onto a display sec-
`tion of the portable radio telephone set. Then,the tele-
`phoneset user operates a function button for selecting
`the telephone numberand a function button for scroll-
`ing the registered telephone numbersin orderto call the
`wanted telephone number shownonthe display section
`from among telephone numbers registered in the elec-
`tronic telephone directory. When the wanted telephone
`numberis confirmed on the display section by the above
`operation, the user operates a function button for start-
`ing a conversation in orderto call the other party.
`Though the conventional portable radio telephone
`set is multi-functional, the operation procedure thereof
`is complex for a user when the series of operations
`described aboveis considered. Furthermore,thereis the
`possibility that the greater the numberof buttons, the
`greater the chances that a button may be depressed
`erroneously when the button arrangement of a present
`portable radio telephoneset is considered.
`Thatis, in view of the complexity off such an opera-
`tion procedure,it is not easy, as regards a conventional
`telephone set in which functions are selected by func-
`tion buttons, to operate various buttons with only one
`hand while holding the telephonesetitself in the same
`hand.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`telephone set which makes it possible to easily perform
`various operations required particularly for conducting
`a radio telephone conversation with one hand while the
`telephonesetitself is being held by the same hand.
`It is another object of the present invention to sim-
`plify the procedurefor selecting or operating a plurality
`of functions of the telephoneset.
`
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`2
`It is still another object of the present invention to
`provide a multi-functional telephoneset, the number of
`buttons thereof being reduced as muchas possible.
`To achieve the above-described objects, a portable
`radio telephone set in accordance with the present in-
`vention is provided, which portable radio telephoneset
`has a display section, comprising a rotary selector
`which turns to select various functions. A menu of
`various functions displayed on the display section is
`selected when the rotary selector is operated during a
`non-conversation time, sound volume can be adjusted
`during a conversation time, the adjusting operation can
`be performed from both the front and rear sides of the
`telephone set. The rotary selector and button keys are
`arranged within the operation range of the thumb, and
`thus ordinary dial functions, performed by operating
`the rotary selector and the button keys, are provided.
`According to the present invention, since the rotary
`selector is provided as a telephone terminal, it is possi-
`ble to easily select a desired function of the telephone
`terminal with one hand by rotating the selector.
`Also, according to the present invention, since the
`rotary selector is provided in a hinge section of a tele-
`phone terminal which is foldable so that it can be
`housed, it is possible to select a desired function of the
`telephone terminal by rotating the rotary selector.
`Since the rotary selector is provided in the hinge
`section of the telephone terminal whichis foldable so it
`can be housed, the hinge section can be of any size, and
`the mechanical strength of the hinge section is in-
`creased. The provision of the rotary selector results in a
`reduction of the numberof key buttons for performing
`maultiple functions, or the like, making it possible to
`more effectively use the space where the telephoneset
`is arranged.
`Also, by arranging the rotary selector provided in the
`terminal soas to be rotatable andslidable along the shaft
`ofthe hinge, the rotary selector can be used as a cursor.
`Further, by moving the cursor on the display section up
`and down,or from sideto side in linkage with the rotary
`selector in this way, various functions of a portable
`telephone set can be performed, andit is made easy to
`perform an operation with one hand.
`The above and further objects and novel features of
`the invention will more fully appear from the following
`detailed description when the same is read in connec-
`tion with the accompanying drawings. It is to be ex-
`pressly understood, however, that the drawingsare for
`the purposeofillustration only and are not intended as
`a definition of the limits of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appear-
`ance of a portable radio telephone set in accordance
`with an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in
`which the portable radio telephone set shown in FIG.1
`is used while it is held with one hand;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in
`which the portable radio telephoneset is used during a
`radio conversation state as it is seen from the outer side
`(the rear side) thereof;
`FIG. 4 is an illustration of a one-hand operation
`method in a state in which the radio telephone set is
`held with one hand;
`FIG.5 is a partial sectional view of a joint portion of
`the radio telephone set in accordance with the embodi-
`ment of the present invention;
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 9
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 9
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`5,436,954
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`FIG.6 is a partial sectional view of the joint portion
`and the receiver portion of the radio telephoneset, a
`display section, and the like;
`FIG.7 is a perspective view, partly in cross section,
`illustrating a state in which the radio telephoneset is
`folded so it is housed;
`FIG.8 is a plan view illustrating a method for con-
`trolling the position of a cursor by operating the dials of
`the radio telephone set in accordance with the present
`invention; and
`FIG.9 is a flowchart showing a selection of various
`functions by using the rotary selector of the radio tele-
`phoneset.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Preferred embodiments of the present invention will
`be explained below with reference to the accompanying
`drawings of FIG. 1 through FIG.9.
`The appearanceof a telephoneset in accordance with
`the present invention will be explained first. FIG. 1
`illustrates in perspective the overall appearance of the
`main body of the telephone set when the folded state
`thereof is released andit is placed in a usestate. In this
`case, a receiver section 1 and a display section 2 are
`freely flexed and engaged with each othervia a hinge 5.
`These sections are engaged with an operation section 4
`via a joint portion 3 by which the telephonesetis folded
`and rotated so as to be housed. A receiver (speaker for
`outputting received voice sound) 6 is provided in the
`central portion of the receiver section 1. When this
`receiver is brought into contact with the ear of a party
`(user) during a radio telephone conversation, a voice
`sound from the other party is heard. Since, as shownin
`the figure, the hinge 5 is flexed to form a V shape,it is
`easy to operate the telephone set during the radio tele-
`phoneconversation state. The joint portion 3 maintains
`the state in which the telephoneset is rotated after the
`main body of the telephone set is folded and housed,
`that is, from the use state, and is provided with a selec-
`tor 8 for selecting functions, a rotation operation mech-
`anism, and a push-button 9. A set button 11 for storing-
`/retrieving and inputting/outputting information,a call
`origination (re-origination) button 12 for starting a con-
`versation, a ten-key portion 13, and a termination button
`14 for terminating a conversation are provided in the
`operation section 4, a microphone 10 being contained in
`the front end portion of the main body. With this con-
`struction, when a radio telephone conversation function
`is selected by the selector 8, a telephoneset user brings
`the receiver 6 into contact with the ear, and the user’s
`mouth is brought close to the microphone 10 as in a
`handset of a conventional telephoneset, a radio tele-
`phone conversation with the other party then being
`conducted. Keyed-in information and necessary infor-
`mation from among stored information are called and
`displayed on a liquid-crystal display screen 7 disposed
`in the central portion of the display section 2.
`FIG.2 illustrates a state in which the telephonesetis
`being used while it is held by one hand(theleft hand in
`this embodiment). The telephone set user grasps both
`end portions of the joint portion 3 between the thumb
`“a” and the forefinger “‘b”. The push-button 9 is de-
`pressed by the thumb “a”in orderto rotate the display
`section 2 and the receiver section 1 via the joint portion
`3, thereby shifting the state of the telephoneset from the
`state in which it is folded and housed to a stable use
`state. Since the main body of the telephoneset is basi-
`
`4
`cally held by the thenar “c” and the remaining three
`fingers ‘“d”, an accident, such as the main bodyof the
`telephonesetfalling from the hand, does not occur even
`if the thumb “a” and the forefinger “b” are separated
`from the main body of the telephone set. Therefore, if
`the main body ofthe telephoneset is held as shown in
`FIG.2, the telephone set user can operate the selector 8
`and various operation buttons on the operation section
`4 with the thumb “a” while simultaneously confirming
`a display on the liquid-crystal display screen 7.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable radio
`telephoneset as it is seen from the outer side (the rear
`side) thereof, illustrating a state in which the radio tele-
`phonesetis used during a radio telephone conversation.
`As shown in FIG.3, the forefinger “b” is separated
`from oneend ofthe joint portion 3, and the selector 8 is
`operated by the forefinger “b”. As a result, the selector
`8 can be operated by the thumb “a” from the inner
`surface thereof, and also by the forefinger “b” from the
`outer surface thereof.
`Therefore, the selector 8 is provided in the joint por-
`tion 3 so as to select various functions (to be specific,
`call origination/reception, telephone number, secrecy,
`input, output, storage, calculation, time, remote control,
`schedule,call, clear, calendar, dictionary, map, charac-
`ters, numerals,or the like) during a non-radio telephone
`conversation time, and so as to function to adjust the
`volume of the received voice sound during a radio
`telephone conversation time. The selector 8 is provided
`in such a waythat the selector 8 is rotatable and can be
`operated from both the inner and outer surfaces.
`FIG.4 illustrates a one-hand operation method in a
`state in which the radio telephoneset is held with one
`hand. As shown in the figure, in the main body of the
`telephone set, the right and left ends of the operation
`section 4 are held by the thenar “c”and the threefin-
`gers “d”. If the push-button 9 is depressed by the thumb
`“a”, the folded and housed telephoneset can be shifted
`to a stable usestate, i.e., a radio telephone conversation
`state, by rotating the receiver section 1 and the display
`section 2 via the joint portion 3.
`An example of a case in which a radio telephone
`conversation is conducted in this use state will be ex-
`plained. First, the telephoneset user selects by using the
`selector 8 a list display function (one function of the
`telephone set) for displaying a list of names and their
`telephone numbers. The available selection methods
`include a method in which a list of functions is dis-
`played beforehand on the liquid-crystal display screen
`and a cursor which is movedin linkage with the rota-
`tion of the selector 8 or the like is moved up and down
`to identify any one of the functions, a method in which
`the selectoritself is provided with a change-over switch
`corresponding to multiple functions, the selector being
`switched to select any one of the functions. The func-
`tions can be moreeasily selected by using the selector 8
`in addition to the key buttons. Next, a list of the pre-
`stored names and their telephone numbersis displayed
`on the liquid-crystal display screen 7, and a wanted
`telephone numberis retrieved by scrolling the display
`screen using the selector 8. In the above display and
`retrieval method, only the selector 8 needs to be oper-
`ated. As a result, an operation for switching the selector
`8 at a thumbposition “f”’ is possible. Further, when the
`telephone numberof the other party is confirmed, a set
`button 11 is depressed at a thumbposition “‘g”, and a
`call origination (re-origination) button 12 is operated,
`allowing a radio telephone conversation to start. When
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 10
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 10
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`5,436,954
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`the radio telephone conversation is terminated, a termi-
`nation button 14 is depressed at a thumb position “i” in
`order to complete the series of operations necessary for
`conducting a radio telephone conversation. That is, the
`range in which theliquid-crystal display screen 7 can be
`visually confirmed and in which the thumb “a” can be
`moved to operate the selector 8, the call origination
`(re-origination) button 12, and the termination button 14
`is assumed to be the range defined by the brokenlines A
`and B shown in the figure. In this range, necessary
`operations can be performed by the thumb “a”. In other
`words, this range is a range in which the thumb “a” is
`rotated, turned, moved back and forth, and bent in a
`combined mannerat a joint “e” about the base of a
`human’s phalanx in the thumb “a”. Therefore, when the
`selector 8 and various buttons required for a radio con-
`versation are arranged in the range defined by the bro-
`ken lines A and B, since the selector 8 and the buttons
`are operated with one hand, the ease with which the
`telephoneset is operated with one hand is enhanced.
`An example in which these various functions are
`selected by the selector 8 will now be explained with
`reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9. Whenthetele-
`phoneset is opened for use from the state in whichitis
`housed because the push-button 9 is depressed by the
`thumb “a”, the power supply is turned on,andtheinitial
`screen appears on the liquid-crystal display screen 7, on
`which screen date, time, and the like are displayed.
`Whenthe set button 11 is depressed, a function screen
`appears on the display screen 7. The displayed function
`setting and the memorydial are cursor-moved by turn-
`ing the selector 8. Then, a function is selected, and the
`function is determined by operating the set button 11.
`When a function setting is selected in such function
`selection, functions “Set/Release”, “Select”, “Adjust”,
`‘Command input” and “Display only” are successively
`displayed as a result of the turning of the selector 8,
`making scrolling retrieval possible and allowing these
`selected functions to be confirmed. When these func-
`tions are selected and set by the set button 11,call origi-
`nation restriction is set or released in “Set/Release”,
`turning on/off of number announcementis selected by
`the cursor movementcaused bythe turning of the selec-
`tor 8 and determined by the set button 11, and the
`screen returns to the initial screen. When the function
`“Select” is selected andset, the selectable range of ring-
`ing tone quality is displayed, and it is possible to select
`the tone quality by turning the selector 8 while display-
`ing the current situation. After the tone quality is deter-
`mined by the set button 11, the screen returns to the
`initial screen. When the function “Adjust” is selected
`andset, the selectable range of the receiver tone volume
`is displayed, and it is possible to select the tone volume
`by turning the selector 8 while displaying the current
`situation. After the receiver tone volume is determined
`by the set button 11, the screen returns to the initial
`screen. When the function “Command input” is se-
`lected and set, a display screen for inputting four digits
`of a personal identification number appears, making it
`possible to input the numberby using the buttons of a
`the ten-key section 13. The number is set by the set
`button 11 after it is input, and the screen returns to the
`initial screen. When the function “Display only” is se-
`lected and set, the amount of the remaining memory of
`the memory dial is displayed, and the screen returns to
`the initial screen.
`When the memory dial is selected in the function
`selection, “Store’’, “Update’’, and “Clear” are displayed
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`on the display screen 7 and are set by the selector 8 as
`a result of the turning thereof, and set by the set button
`ji, making it possible to proceed to the subsequent
`functions.
`Although in the above-described operation, functions
`are determined by the set button 11, the selector 8 may
`be moved axially so as to have the same functions as
`those of the set button 11 as in a joystick 29 (FIG. 5)
`which will be described later. In such a case, the ease
`with which the telephoneset is operated with one hand
`is enhanced even more.
`FIG.5 is a partial sectional view of the joint portion
`3 of the radio telephone set in accordance with the
`present invention. The joint portion 3 is formed of a
`case 15 and a button shaft 19 andis fixed to the opera-
`tion section 4. A boss shaft 16 is formed in the central
`end surface portion of the case 15, and the boss shaft 16
`and a hollow flange 18 are rotatably engaged with each
`other. Similarly, a sleeve shaft 22 is formed in the button
`shaft 19, and the sleeve shaft 22 and a sleeve flange 20
`are rotatably engaged with each other. The rotatable
`hollow flange 18 and the sleeve flange 20 are fixed by a
`chassis 17 whichis stably fixed inside the display section
`2. In this way, the operation section 4 and the display
`section 2 are freely engaged with each other in such a
`way that they can be folded on one anothervia the joint
`portion 3.
`The push-button 9 can be movably inserted into the
`end surface of the button shaft 19. A shank 23 formed on
`the push-button 9 is slidably fitted into the inside of the
`sleeve shaft 22. A stopper piece 24 is disposed on the
`shank 23 and is engaged with notches 25 and 26 formed
`in the end surfaces of the sleeve shaft 22 and the sleeve
`flange 20. As a result, the rotation of the sleeve flange
`20 is stopped, and consequently the rotation of the dis-
`play section 2 is stopped stably. The notch 26 of the
`sleeve shaft 22 does not allow the engagement of the
`stopper piece 24 to be released for the maximum axial
`stroke of the push-button 9. In contrast, the engagement
`of the notch 25 of the sleeve flange 20 can be released
`and freely rotated. The notch 25 of the sleeve flange 20
`is formed at an open position where the telephoneset is
`being used and at a housing position (not shown) where
`it is folded and housed.
`Further, a torsion coil spring 21is disposed inside the
`case 15. One end of the torsion coil spring 21 is con-
`nected and fixed to the case 15, and the other end
`thereof is extended from the case 15 and engaged with
`a spring hole formed in the hollow flange 18. As a re-
`sult, if the push-button 9 is depressed, the stopper piece
`24 releases the stoppage at the notch 25 (not shown)
`whenit is housed, and the elastic force of the torsion
`coil spring 21 is released, causing the hollow flange 18
`to rotate. Therefore, the receiver section 1 and the
`display section 2 are rotated, becoming ready for use.
`Since someelastic force still remains in the torsion
`coil spring 21 in the above connection in the usestate, a
`rotational force is given continuingly in the direction in
`which the remaining elastic force is released. This
`means that unwanted jarring, which may occur when
`the telephoneset is used, is prevented by the rotational
`force thereof.
`Further, when a selector shaft 28 engaging with the
`selector 8 moves along the axis thereof when the me-
`chanical position thereof is read, the stroke stops at the
`end surface of the shank 23 so as to serve as a stopper.
`The press fitting between the shank 23 and a shaft 27 is
`not released by such an operation force acting on the
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 11
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1018 - Page 11
`
`

`

`5,436,954
`
`.
`
`20
`
`8
`7
`selector shaft 28. The selector shaft 28 and the shaft 27
`the flex position as indicated by the solid line by the
`action of the elastic spring 33. When an unnecessary
`are able toslide axially and turn around the shaft thereof
`force acts on the receiver section 1, since the receiver
`on one shaft. The shaft 27 is supported so as to beslid-
`able and turnable inside the selector shaft 28, and the
`section 1 is turned as indicated by the broken line, the
`telephonesetitself is protected, and the receiver section
`other end reaches the joystick 29. Further, the selector
`1 contacts the user’s ear with elastic properties during a
`shaft 28 extends close to the center of the joint portion
`non-radio telephone conversation. Thus, received voice
`3, and the selector 8 is press-fitted to the end. The selec-
`can be heard in a satisfactory manner. When thetele-
`tor 8 is able to smoothly slide axially and turn around
`phoneset is folded and housed, the receiver section 1
`the shaft thereof without contacting other components.
`and the display section 2 are folded via the joint portion
`Next,
`the joystick 29 will be explained. Disposed
`3 as indicated by the brokenline. Since,at that time, the
`inside the joystick 29 are a power-supply switch (not
`slide pin 31 engages with a notch 35oftheslide ring 30,
`shown) working with the shaft 27, a volume control (for
`formed at the position at which the telephoneset is
`adjusting the receiver tone volume) which operates in
`housed, the receiver section 1 and the display section 2
`response to the movement of the selector shaft 28, a
`are folded stably. At the folded time, the hinge piece 32
`sensor (for selecting functions), and the like. Examples
`of the sensor are a mechanical sensor, an electrical sen-
`which works with the slide pin 31 is retracted into the
`display section 2. Therefore,
`the receiver section 1,
`sor, or an optical sensor. In short, the sensor detects the
`which is flexed with respect to the display section 2, is
`rotational position of the selector shaft 28 and theslid-
`flexed to a state in whichit is aligned linearly so as to be
`ing operation along the rotational shaft, and sends a
`along the display section 2.
`signal to the liquid-crystal display screen 7 so that func-
`FIG.7 is a perspective view, partly in cross section,
`tion selection/setting shown in FIG.9 is performed and
`illustrating a state in which the telephonesetis folded so
`the screen is switched. Examples of methods performed
`by the power-supply switch are a method in which the
`as to be housed. As shownin thefigure, since the slide
`pin 31 built into the display section 2 is engaged with
`position of the selector shaft is detected by the sensor
`the notch 35 formed in a part of the outer periphery of
`and the powersupply is turned on/off, and a method in
`the joint portion 3 (equivalent to the slide ring 30), the
`which simply one end of the selector shaft 28 and the
`surface which the one end contacts are formed into an
`telephoneset is stably folded and housed. In this folded
`and housedstate, if the push-button 9 is operated, the
`electrical contact point, and it is made to work with the
`depressing of the push-button9. If the turning on/off of
`teceiver section 1 and the display section 2 are turned
`the push-button 9 is made to workin linkage with the
`for use, and theslide pin 31is slidingly released from the
`notch 35. As a result, the receiver section 1 is flexed
`turning on/off of the power-supply switch as in these
`methods, the telephone set user depresses the push-but-
`with respect to the display section 2.
`Finally, controlling the position of the cursor by
`ton 9 in order to makethe telephoneset in a folded and
`housedstate shift to a use state, the power supply of the
`using the selector 8 will be explained. FIG.8 illustrates
`telephoneset can be turned on, making it unnecessary to
`a method for controlling the position of the cursor. As
`provide a key button exclusively used for the power-
`shownin the figure, the selector 8, disposed in the joint
`portion 3, is used to update the position of the noticed
`supply switch in the operation section 4. More specifi-
`cally, when the telephone set is shifted to a state in
`display on the liquid-crystal display screen 7, i.e., the
`which it is placed in a use state from the folded and
`position of a cursor 37. Whenthat position is updated,
`housedstate, the power supply of the telephone set can
`the thumb “a”is operated at will from side to side in the
`be inevitably turned on without operating a key button
`direction of the arrow A or up and downin the direc-
`tion of the arrowBin a state in which the thumb “a”
`exclusively used for the power supply. The sensor in-
`side the joystick 29 works not only with the selector
`contacts at a position “j” on the selector 8. That is,
`when the selector 8 is in a free state, the selector 8
`shaft 28, but also with the operation of the function
`button in the operation section 4, and functions can be
`stabilizes while maintaining clearances 36a and 36d of
`selected from the operation section 4.
`the same size toward the right and left, respectively.
`The functions selected in this way reach a display
`The operation using the thumb “a” in the direction of
`processing circuit (not shown) via a cord E, and various
`the arrow A changes the size of these clearances 36a
`displays necessary for performing the functions are
`and 36b. This change is sensed by a sensor inside the
`made. Althoughin the embodimentthe selector 8 works
`above-mentioned joystick 29. If, for example, the selec-
`for controlling the position of a cursor,a selector exclu-
`tor 8 is operated to the right, the cursor 37 is moved to
`sively used for controlling the position of the cursor, in
`the right on the liquid-crystal display screen 7. If the
`thumb ‘“‘a”is released from the selector 8, the selector 8
`addition to the selector 8, may be disposed near the
`selector 8.
`is automatically made to return to the central position.
`FIG.6 is a partial sectional view of the joint portion
`The upward and downward operation of the selector 8
`3, the receiver section 1, and the display section 2. As
`by using the thumb “a” causes the selector8 to rotate up
`and down.Thedirection and the amountof the rotation
`shown in thefigure, the display section 2 is able to turn
`along a slide ring 30 which serves as a part of the joint
`at that time is sensed by the knob or sensorinside the
`portion 3 fixed to the operation section 4. Inside the
`joystick 29, and the cursor 37 moves up and down on
`display section 2, one end ofa fineslide pin 31 is always
`the liquid-crystal display screen 7. What is meant by
`pressed against and built onto the slide ring 30. The
`“sensed by the knob” here is that the amount of the
`other endoftheslide pin 31is rotatably engaged with a
`rotation of the selector 8 is determined by voltage, cur-
`hinge piece 32 which works with the hinge 5 by which
`rent or the like corresponding to the knob. When a
`the junction between the display section 2 and the re-
`selector exclusively used for controlling the position of
`ceiver section 1 is made flexible. An elastic spring 33 is
`the cursor, in addition to the selector 8, is disposed near
`fixed to the hinge piece 32, and the otherendis fixed to
`the selector 8, the selector exclusively used for control-
`a spring seat 34 formed inside the receiver section 1. As
`ling the position of the cursor is similarly operated,
`shownin the