Electronic device with auto-positioning virtual image display and associated method

A radiotelephone, comprising:

• a housing forming a chamber;
• a virtual image module pivotally mounted on the housing and capable of storage inside the chamber when in a closed position, the virtual image module comprising,
• a virtual image display mounted inside the virtual image module for viewing when the virtual image module is in the open position,
• a focal adjustment connected to the virtual image display for adjusting the focus of the virtual image display;
• a viewing angle adjustment connected to the virtual image module for adjusting the viewing angle of the virtual image display;
• sensing means disposed inside the housing to provide a determination of the orientation of the portable electronic device;
• a display interface positioned on the housing to provide a control signal;
• and
• a microprocessor disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to receive the determination of the orientation of the portable electronic device from the sensing means, the microprocessor operatively connected to receive the control signal from the display interface, and the microprocessor operatively connected to provide a display signal to the virtual image display in response to the determination of the orientation of the portable electronic device and in response to the control signal, the microprocessor rotates the virtual image display based on the orientation of the electronic device and includes a time hysteresis to stabilize the virtual image display;
• a button release catch connected to the virtual display module;
• and
• a release button positioned on the housing for linking with the button release catch to hold the virtual image module in a closed position.