Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab

Chris Eaton

Matt Murray

Gregory S Patterson

Thomas D Snyder

Matthew Justin Murray

Michael D Townsend

Alexander P De Koster

A method and apparatus for combining an attachment and acoustic port on a housing of a mobile device is disclosed herein. The mobile device includes a speaker disposed within the housing. A combined attachment and acoustic port disposed on the housing is configured to project audible sound from the speaker, via an acoustic channel, and includes an attachment member for attaching an external member to the mobile device. The mobile device may comprise any personal electronic device, such as a portable radio, cassette player, CD player, or MP3 player. Further, the mobile device may comprise a mobile communication device, such as a cellular telephone, pager, or PDA.

Mobile device with a combination attachment and acoustic port

A combination camera and loudspeaker is described herein. The combination camera and loudspeaker includes a lens for selectively manipulating an image and a loudspeaker assembly disposed proximate the lens for projecting audible sounds. In one embodiment, a transparent piezo-electric aligned with at least a portion of the lens projects audible sound based on electrical signals applied to the piezo-electric diaphragm. In another embodiment, a speaker coil and magnet within the loudspeaker assembly encircles an outer perimeter of the lens, while a transparent diaphragm connected to the speaker coil and aligned with at least a portion of the lens projects audible sound based on the interaction between the speaker coil and magnet. The camera captures an image when light is transmitted through the transparent diaphragm to the camera lens. Further, the combination camera and loudspeaker may include a controller for selectively controlling optical properties of the transparent diaphragm.

Mobile device with a combination camera and loudspeaker

A personal electronic device includes a multi-function jack that has at least one contact configured for both power and data connections. In an exemplary embodiment, the jack is based on an industry standard audio or barrel jack for compatibility with standard audio or barrel plugs. The shared power and data contact eliminates the need for personal electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, to have separate connectors and/or custom connectors for different types of peripheral devices.

Combination audio/charger jack

A tactile generator comprises an eccentric mass that imparts a vibration as it rotates about a rotational axis. The mass is radially movable with respect to the rotational axis such that the distance between the mass and the axis is variable. Varying the distance of the mass from the axis varies the amount of vibration generated when the mass is rotated. The amount of vibration may be controlled responsive to a detected level of ambient noise.

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Cary, NC, United States of America

Chris Eaton