2
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
5 [0001] The invention described herein relates to a handheld computing device. In
particular, the invention described herein relates to a configuration for a compact
handheld computing device having a LCD display.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
10 [0002] The conventional handheld computing device, such as a PDA, or a wireless
telephone, includes a keyboard/keypad, a display and a system motherboard (not shovm)
disposed within a common housing. The display is typically provided as a reflective,
traosmissive or transreflective LCD display panel.
[0003] To limit power losses and the effects of noise on image quality, the LCD display
15 electronics must be disposed in close proximity to the LCD display panel. Accordingly,
the LCD display electronics are provided on a printed circuit board that is housed within
a plastic or metal support frame, together with the LCD display panel. The frame is then
secured to the motherboard with permanent adhesive or screws.
[0004] To prevent the display electronics from making contact with the motherboard
20 electronics, the frme maintains a small gap between the display electronics on the
printed circuit board and the electronics on the motherboard. However, this design
handheld computing device, a gap of approximately 1.5 mm must be maintained between
the display elsctronics and ihe motherboard electronics (1.2 num to account for the height
25 of the display electronics; and an additional 0.3 mm to account for the required clearance
between the display electronics and the motherboard electronics).
[0005] In tbe case of a wireless-enabled computing device, typically the antenna and RF
electronics are disposed near the uppermost end of the computing device to avoid
attenuation of the RF signal by the user's hand as the user holds the device. Since this

2A
position for the RF electronics within the housing coincides with that of the display, the
gap between the display electronics and the motherboard electronics must be increased
This latter design further increases the thickness of tha computing device.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a configuration for a handheld computing device
5 that allows the thickness of the device to be reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to the invention described herein, there is provided a handheld
computing device that includes an aperture provided in the system motherboard, through
10 which the display electronics can at least partially extend.
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention described herein, there is provided a
handheld computing device that includes a system motherboard and a display mounted to
the motherboard. The motherboard includes a region devoid of electronic circuitry. The
display comprises a display panel, arid a circuit board carrying display electronics for the
15 display panel. The display electronics are disposed within a common area on the circuit
hoard. The display electronics are aligned with the region and extend from the common,
area into the removed area. The display electronics and the electronic circuitry on rne
motherboard are separated by a small gap that permits the display to move relative to the
motherboard when the handheld computing device is subjected to an impact.
20 [0009] According to another aspect of the invention described herein, there is provided a
display for mounting to a motherboard of a handheld computing device. The
motherboard includes a region devoid of electronic circuitry. The display comprises a
display panel, a circuit board carrying display electronics for the display panel, and a.
support frame seeming the display panel to the circuit board. The display electronics is
25 disposed within a. common area on the circuit board, the common area having a size less
than the region. "When the display is mounted to the motherboard, the display electronics
extend from the common area into the region, and the support frame provides a small gap
between the display and motherboard that permis the display to move relative to the
motherboard when the handheld coxopuring device is subjected to an impact.

3
[0010] In one implementation, the removed area comprises an aperture that extends
through the motherboard. In anomer implementation, the removed area comprises a
recessed area having a depth sufficient to accommodate the display electronics therein.
5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a front plan view of a handheld computing device, according the invention
10 described herein;
Fig. 2 is a schematic view depicting functional details of the handheld computing device;
Fig. 3 is a front plan view of the motherboard of the handheld computing device,
15 depicting the location of the communication subsystem;
Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the LCD display of the handheld computing device;
and
20 Fig. 5 is perspective view of the LCD display secured to the motherboard.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0012] Referring now to Fig .1, there is shown a handheld computing device, denoted
generally as 100, provided according to one aspect of the invention. The handheld
25 computing device 100 includes 2 display 122, 3 function key 146 and a systsm
motherboard 102 (not shown) disposed within a common housing. The display 122 is a
self-contained peripheral device that is connected to the system motherboard.
[0013] The function key 146 junctions as a power on/off switch for the handheld
computing device 100, and may also function as a backlight key for the display 122.

4
[0014] In addition to the display 122 and the function key 146, the handheld computing
device 100 includes user data input means for inputting data to the data processing
means As shown, preferably the user ds£a input means includes a keyboard 132, a
thumbwheel 148 and an escape key 160.
5 [0015] Typically, the handheld computing device 100 is a two-way wireless
cornrnunicatioci device having at least voice and data communication capabilities.
Further, preferably the handheld computing dovicc 100 has the capability to communicate
with other computer systems on the Internet Depending on the exact functionality
provided, the wireless handheld computing device 100 may be referred to as a data
10 messaging device, a two-way pager, a wireless e-mail device, a cellular telephone with
data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication
device, as examples.
[0016] Fig. 2 depicts functional details of the handheld computing device 100. Where
the handheld computing device 100 is enabled for two-way communication, the
15 motherboard 102 will incorporate a communication subsystem 111, including both a
receiver 112 and a transmitter 114, as ewll as associated components such as one or
more, preferably embedded or internal, antenna elements 116 and 118, local oscillators
(LOs) 113, and 2 processing toodula such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 120. As
will be apparent to those skilled in the field, of communications, the particular design of
20 the communication subsystem 111 will be dependent upon the communication network in
which the device is intended to operate. For example, the handheld computing device
100 may include a communication subsystem 111 designed to operate within the
Mobitex™ mobile ciunminucation system, the DataTAC™ mobile communication
system, GPRS network, UMTS network, EDGE network: or CDMA network.
25 [0017] Network access requirements will also vary depending upon the type of network
119. Foe example, in the Mabitex and DataTAC networks, the handheld computing
device 100 is registered on the netwods using a unique identification number associated
with each handheld computing device. In UMTS and GPRS networks, and in some
CDMA nerworks, however, network access is associated with a subscrber or user of the

5
handheld computing dcvica 100. A GPRS handheld computing device therefore requires
a subscriber identity module (SIM) card in order to operate on a GPRS network, and a
RUIM in order to operate on some CDMA networks. Without a valid SIM/RUIM card, a
GPRS/UMTS/CDMA handheld computing device may not be fully functional. Local or
5 non-network communication functions, as well as legally required functions (if any) such
as "911" emergency calling, may be available, but the handheld completing device 100
will be unable to carry out any other functions involving communications over the
network, The SIM/RUIM interface 144 is normally similar to a card-slot into Which a
SIM/RUIM card can be inserted and ejected like a diskette or PCMCIA card. The
10 SM/EUIM card can have approximately 64K of memory and hold many key
configuration 151, and other information 153 such as identification, and subscriber
related information.
[0018] When required network registration or activation methods have been completed,
the handheld computing device 100 may send and receive communication signals over
15 the network 119. Signals received by antenna 116 through communication network 119
are input to rsceiver 112, -which may perform such cammon receiver functions as signal
amplification, frequency down conversion, filttering, channel selection and the like, and in
the example system shown in Fig. 2, analog to digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion
of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as
20 demodulation and decoding to be performed in the DSP 120. hi a similar manner, signals
to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding for example, by DSP
120 and input to transmitter 114 for digital to analog conversion, frequency up
conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission, over the communication network
119 via antenna 118. DSP 120 not only processes communication signals, but also
25 provides for receiver and transmitter control For example, the gains applied to
communication signals in receiver 112 and transmitter 114 may be adaptively controlled
through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in DSP 120.
[0019] The handheld computing device 100 preferably includes a microprocessor 138
which controls the overall operation of the device. Comraunicarion. functions, including

7
handheld computing device A predetermined set of applications that control basic
operations, will normally bo installed on the handheld computing device 100 during
manufacturing. One set of basic software applications might perform data and/or voice
communication functions, for example.
5 [0024] A preferred software application may be a personal information manager (PIM)
application having the ability to organize and manage data items relating to the user of
the handheld computing device such as, but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events, voice
mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or mote memory stores would be
available on the handheld computing device to facilitate storage of PIM data items. Such
10 PIM application would preferably have the ability to send and receive data items, via the
wireless network 119. In a preferred embodiment, the PIM data items are seamlessly
integrated, synchronized and updated, via the wirelesa network 119, with the user's
corresponding data items stored or associated with a host computer system.
[0025] Further applications may also be loaded onto the handheld computing device 100
15 through the network 119, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 128, serial port 130, short-range
communications subsystem 140 or any other suitable subsystem. 142, and installed by a
user in the RAM 126 or preferably a non-volatile store (not shown) for execution by the
microprocessor 138. Such flexibility in application installation increases the
functionality of the device and may provide enhanced on-device functions,
20 communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication
applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial
transactions to be performed using the handheld, computing device 100.
[0026] In a data communication mode, a received signal such, as a text message or web
page download will be processed by the communication subsystem 111 and input to the
25 microprocessor 138, which preferably further processes the received signal for output to
the display 122, ot alternatively to an auxiliary I/O device 128. A user of the handheld
computing device 100 may also compose data items such as email messages for example,
using the keyboard 132, which is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard or
telephone-type keypad, in conjunction with the display 122 and possibly an auxiliaryI/O

8
device 128. Such composed items may then, be transmitted over a communication
network through tha communication subsystem 111.
[0027] For voice communications, overall operation of the handheld computing device
100 is similar, except that received signals would preferably be output to a speaker 134
5 and signals for transmission would be generated by a microphone 136. Alternative voice
or audio I/O subsystems, sued as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be
implemented on the handheld computing device 100. Although voice or audio signal
output is preferably accomplished primarily through the speaker 134, display 122 may
also be used to provide an indication of ths identity of a calling party, the duration of a
10 voice call, or other voice call related informalion for example.
[0028] Serial poit 130 in Fig. 2, would normally be implemented in a personal digital
assisiant (PDA)-type handhold computing dcvice for which synchronizaiion with a user's
desktop computer (not shown) may be desirable. The serial port 130 enables a user to set
preferences through an external device or software application and would extend the
15 capabilities of the handheld computing device 100 by providing for information, or
software downloads to the handheld computing device 100 other than through a wireless
communication network.
[0029] Other communications subsystems 140, such as a short-rangs communications
subsysterm, is a further optional component which may provide for communication
20 between the handheld computing device 100 and different systems or devices, which
need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the subsystem 140 may include an
infrared device and associated circuits and components or a Bluetooth™ communication
module to provide for commimication with similarly enabled systems and devices.
[0030] Fig. 3 depicts the physical structure of the motherboard 102; and Fig. 4 depicts the
25 physical structure of the rear of the display 122. As discussed above, the communication
subsystem 111 (including the, receiver 112, transmitter 114, and antenna elements 116,
118), flash memory 124, KAM 125, I/O subsystems 128, serial port 130, keyboard 132,
speaker 134, microphone 136, microprocessor 138, and the subsystems 140, 142 are

9
provided on. the motherboard 102, The display 122 is physically mounisd, and electrically
connected, to the motherboard 102.
[0031] As shown, the communication subsystem 111 is disposed adjacent the lowermost
end of rfae motherrboard 102. Further, the communitans subsystem 111 includes a
5 cavity 103 disposed adjacent the uppermost end of the motherboard 102. Preferably, the
cavity 103 is provided aa an aperture or hole that extends through the motherboard 102,
from the upper surface thereof to tho lower surface thereof.
[0032] The display 122 is provided as a self-contained unit that includes a display panel
104 (sea Fig. 1), and a printed cireuit board 105 that carries the display electroaics 106.
10 Preferably, the display panel 104 comprises a LCD display panel. The display panel 104
and the display electronics 106 are retained together within a common support frame 107,
As shown, the LCD display electronics 106 are disposed compactly within a common
area on. the circuit board 105.
[0033] As shown in Fig. 5, me display 122 is mounted to the motherboard 102 by
15 aligning (he LCD display electronics 106 with the cavity 103, and then securing the
support frame 107 to the motherboard 102. Typically, tho support frama 107 is secured
to the motherboard 102 with an athesive layer ot other suitable fasteners.
[0034] When the display 122 is mounted to the motherboard 102, the display electronics
106 extend from the circuit board 105 into the cavity 103. Since the display electronics
20 106 are disposed within ihe cavity 103, only a small gap (e.g. 0.6 mm) need be
maintained between the display electronics 106 and lie electronics on the motherboard
102. This gap is provided to allow the display 122 to move relative to the motherboard
102 whan, the handheld computing device 100 is subject to an. impact, such as when the
handheld computing device 100 is dropped. As will be apparent, this gap is significantly
25 less than that required by conventional handheld computing devices,
[8035] Alternately, this gap can be eliminated, if the stress placed on the display 122 is of
no concern. In either case, the thickness of the handheld computing device 100 is less
than prior art handheld computing devices.

10
[0036] As will be appreciated, although the cavity 103 is shown in this example as an
aperture, the cavity 103 can instead by provided as an undercut or recessed area that has a
depth sufficient to accommodate the display electronics 106 therein, In this variation,
preferably the maximum thickness of the display 122 is between one and ten times the
5 average depth of the recessed area 103.
[0037] Preferably, the adhesive layer that is disposed between the display 122 and the
motherboard 102 is a resilient adhesive layer having a first adhesive surface that adheres
the resilient layer to the display 122, and a second adhesive surface thai adheres the
resilient layer to the motherboard 102. " Typically, the first adhesive surface is a
10 permanent adhesive surface, and the second adhesive surface is a removable adhesive
surface, although the properties of the first and second adhesive surfaces could he
reversed, Alternately, however, both the first and second adhesive surfaces could
comprise removable or permanent adhesive surfaces, if desired.
[0038] Preferably, the second adhesive surface comprises a repositional adhesive that is
15 provided only at selected locations on die second adhesive surface so as to allow for
easier removal of the display 122 from the motherboard 102. Further, preferably the
resilient layer comprises a slow rebound utethane foam layer that absorbs shear and
impact forces.
100391 The resilient layer is selected such that when the display 122 is adhered to the
20 motherboard 102, and shear and impact forces are applied to the display panel 104, the
resilient layer absorbs those forces and thereby limits the likelihood of me display panel
104 becoming damaged. Specifically, the resilient properties of the resilient layer (in
addition to the gap) allows the display 122 to move slightly (towards, away, and laterally)
relative to the motherboard 102. As a result, if the handheld computing device 100 is
25 struck or dropped, the impact forces applied to the display panel 104 will be less than
prior art computing devices. Accordingly, the likelihood of the display panel 104
sustaining damage from such an impact is reduced.
[0040] For a handheld computing device 100 which has a 2.2 inch LCD display 122
(with a module thickness of 3.2 mm), favourable drop teat characteristics (at a drop

11
height up to one metre) can be obtained using a 0.53 mm resilient layer 106 thickness of
Rogers Corporation PORON (trademark) cellular, extra soft, slow rebound PET-
suppotted urethane foam P/N 4790-92-25021-04. The PET-supported side of the resilient
layer 106 is coaled with a 0.051 mm of 3M 9667, 467MP or 467MPF permanent
5 adhesive, and the other side is selectively coated with 0.063 mm of Adchem 8311 M-74
low tack removable adhesive.
[0041] The present invention is defined by the claims appended hereto, with the
foregoing description being merely illustrative of a preferred embodiment of the
invention. Those of ordinary skill may envisage certain modifications to the foregoing
10 embodiments which, although not explicitly discussed herein, do not depart from the
scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

12
WE CLAIM :
1. A handheld computing device comprising:
a system motherboard including a region devoid of electronic circuitry; and
a display mounted to the motberboard, the display comprising a display panel and a
circuit board carrying display electronics for the display panel, the display electronics being
disposed within a common area of the circuit board, the display electronics being aligned with
the region and extending from the common area into the removed area, the display electronics
and the electronic circuitry on the motherboard being separated by a small gap that permits the
display to move relative to the motherboard when the handheld computing device is subjected to
an impact.
2. The handheld computing device according to claim 1, wherein the region comprises an
aperture that extends through the motherboard.
3. The handheld computing device according to claim 1, wherein the region comprises a
recessed area having a depth sufficient to accommodate the display electronics therein.
4. The handheld computing device according to claim 3, wherein the display has a maximum
thickness that is between one and ten times an average depth of the recessed area.
5. The handheld computing device according to claim 2 or 3, further including an adhesive layer
disposed between the system motherboard and the display and securing the display to the
motherboard.
6. The handheld computing device according to claim 5, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a
resilient adhesive layer, the resilient adhesive layer and the gap facilitating said display
movement.

13
7. The handheld computing device according to claim 6, wherein the handheld computing
device is a wireless communications device.
8. A display for mounting to a motherboard of a handheld computing device, the motherboard
including a region devoid of electronic circuitry, the display comprising:
a display panel;
a. circuit board carrying display electronics for the display panel, the display electronics
being disposed within a common area on the circuit board, the common area having a size less
than the region; and
a support frame securing the display panel to the circuit board, when the display is
mounted to the motherboard the display electronics extending from the common area into the
region, and the support frame providing a small gap between the display and motherboard that
permits Ihe display to move relative to the motherboard when the handheld computing device is
subjected to an impact.
9. The display according to claim 8, wherein the region comprises an aperture that extends
through the motherboard.
10. The display according to claim B, wherein the region comprises a recessed area, and the
display electronics has a. thickness less than a depth of lha recessed area.
11. The display according to claim 10, wherein the display has a maximum thickness that is
between one and ten times an average depth of the recessed area.
12. The display according to claim 9 or 10, further including an adhesive layer secured to the
support frame for mounting the display to the motherboard.
13. The display according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a resilient adhesive
layer, the resilient adhesive layer and the gap facilitating said display movement

14
14. The display according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the gap is 0.6 mm.
Dated this 31st day of May, 2005

A handheld computing device includes a system motherboard, and a display mounted to the
motherboard. The motherboard includes a region davoid of electronic circuitry. The display
comprises a display panel, and a circuit board carrying display electronics for the display panel.
The display electronics are disposed within a common, area on the circuit board. The display
electronics are aligned with the region and extend from the common area inio the removed area.
The display electronics and the electronic circuitry on the motherboard are separated by a small
gap that permits the display to move relative to the motherboard when, the handheld computing
device is subjected to an. impact.