Communication apparatus

What is this patent about?

’000 is related to the field of mobile communication devices, specifically focusing on user notification systems for foldable or slidable handsets. In traditional form factors where a display is concealed in a closed state, users often remain unaware of missed calls, messages, or alarms until they fully open the device and inspect the screen. This background context highlights a need for a more immediate, non-visual feedback mechanism that alerts the user to pending notifications the moment they begin to interact with the device hardware.

The underlying idea behind ’000 is to utilize the mechanical action of opening a device as a trigger for haptic or acoustic feedback regarding past events. Rather than requiring the user to complete the opening motion and then visually scan a UI, the invention recognizes the transition from a closed to an open state as a query for status. By linking the mechanical state transition to a notification controller, the device can proactively push alerts to the user through tactile or auditory channels at the very start of the interaction.

The claims of ’000 focus on a control system comprising a first detector for sensing the separation of device portions, a second detector for identifying missed events, and a controller that bridges the two. The independent claims specifically cover the logic of determining if a separation event occurs subsequent to a missed event and, in response, triggering a vibrator or sound-emitting unit. This architecture ensures that the notification is tied specifically to the physical act of opening the device, rather than just the occurrence of the event itself.

In practice, the invention works by monitoring a physical switch or sensor that tracks the relative position of the device's two main housings. When a user begins to flip open or slide the phone, the controller checks a memory buffer for any unread data or missed alerts. If such an event exists, the device immediately initiates a distinctive vibration pattern or sound. This allows a user to receive a status update through their sense of touch or hearing even before the internal display is fully visible or the device is removed from a pocket.

This approach differentiates itself from prior art by eliminating the need for external secondary displays or dedicated notification LEDs on the outer casing. By repurposing the existing chassis state sensor—typically used only for backlight control or call answering—the invention provides a rich feedback loop without increasing the component count or manufacturing cost. Furthermore, it allows for differentiated feedback where specific vibration rhythms or tones correspond to different types of missed events, enabling eyes-free information retrieval.