Information processing and viewing device

Abstract

The disclosure herein provides an information processing and viewing device with a sensor mechanism to automatically switch between video and audio only modes of the device. More particularly, when a user attaches the information processing and viewing device to a piece of clothing or hat, the device automatically switches to audio-only mode. When the player detaches the information processing and viewing device, the device automatically switches to video mode, with or without audio.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable information processing and viewing device comprising:
 at least one processor;   at least one memory;   a body comprising a front surface and a rear surface, the body housing the at least one processor and the at least one memory between the front surface and the rear surface;   a user interface comprising a speaker housed in the body and a display screen provided on the front surface of the body; and   a clip integrated with the body and comprising a spring plate that faces the rear surface,   wherein the device is configured to determine whether the device is in a clip mode or in a non-clip mode, wherein in the clip mode, an object is held between the spring plate and the rear surface, wherein in the non-clip mode, no object is held between the spring plate and the rear surface;   wherein the device is configured to process data using the at least one processor and the at least one memory device for generating information to provide to a user;   wherein in the clip mode, the device is configured to cause the speaker to generate sound representing the information; and   wherein in the non-clip mode, the device is configured to the display screen to display the information thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein in the clip mode, the device is configured to cause the user interface to not display the information on the display screen. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein in the clip mode, the device is configured to turn off the display screen. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein in the clip mode, the device is configured to cause the display screen to display the information thereon in addition to generating the sound of the information. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein in the non-clip mode, device is configured to cause the display screen to display the information thereon when the device is in a first orientation, wherein in the clip mode, the device is configured to cause the display screen to display the information thereon when the device in a second orientation that is generally opposite to the first orientation. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein when determining a change from the clip mode to the non-clip mode, the device is configured to cause the display screen to begin or resume displaying the information thereon. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to determine the clip mode based on a user input to the device, wherein the device is configured to provide an option for selecting one of a plurality of predetermined modes comprising the clip mode, wherein the user input comprises selection of the clip mode. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to determine the clip mode without any user input to the device. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to determine the clip mode without any user input to the device, wherein the device further comprises one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one physical property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface, wherein the at least one physical property is selected from the group consisting of capacitance, resistance, piezoelectricity, electric current, electric potential, magnetism, pressure, tension, and deflection. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen comprises a touch input display screen. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a GPS receiver configured to receive GPS signals, wherein the device is configured to generate the information using GPS signals; 
     
     
         12 . A method of operating an information processing and viewing device, the method comprising:
 providing the device of  claim 1 ;   processing data to generate information to provide to a user;   determining whether the device is in the clip mode or in the non-clip mode; and   providing the information via the user interface,   wherein when the device is in the clip mode, the device generates sound representing the information via the speaker,   wherein when the device is in the non-clip mode, the device displays the information on the display screen.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein in the non-clip mode, the information displayed on the display screen. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein in the non-clip mode, device is configured to cause the display screen to display the information thereon when the device is in a first orientation, wherein in the clip mode, the device is configured to cause the display screen to display the information thereon when the device in a second orientation that is generally opposite to the first orientation. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein when a change from the non-clip mode to the clip mode is detected, the device generates sound representing the information in response to detecting the change. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein when the change from the non-clip mode to the clip mode is detected, the device stops displaying information on the display screen. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein in the non-clip mode, the information is not displayed on the display screen. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein in the non-clip mode, the information is displayed on the display screen in addition to generating the sound. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein determining whether the device is in the clip mode or in the non-clip mode is without any user input to the device and based on sensing at least one physical property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein determining whether the device is in the clip mode or in the non-clip mode is based on a user's input for selecting the clip mode or the non-clip mode.