Patent Application
20110300915
Example embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the use of input sensors in mobile devices, and in particular, to sequences of events to use the input sensors sparingly while enhancing the functionality of the mobile device through their use.
The modern communications era has brought about a tremendous expansion of wireline and wireless networks. Computer networks, television networks, and telephone networks are experiencing an unprecedented technological expansion, fueled by consumer demand. Wireless and mobile networking technologies have addressed consumer demands while providing more flexibility and immediacy of information transfer.
Mobile devices, such as cellular telephones, have become smaller and lighter while also becoming more capable of performing tasks that far exceed a traditional voice call. Mobile devices are increasingly becoming small, portable computing devices that are capable of running a variety of applications and providing a user with a display on which they may watch video, view web pages, play interactive games, or read text. Devices are often small enough to fit into a pocket to achieve desired portability of these devices; however, as the capabilities of the devices increase the power consumption generally increases too. While sensors, displays, and accessories are evolving in terms of increased efficiency, the addition of more sensors (e.g. motion sensors), more/bigger displays, and more accessories (e.g., cameras) continues to increase the power demands. It may be desirable to decrease the power consumption of the mobile devices while increasing or enhancing the functionality.
In general, an example embodiment of the present invention provides an improved method of enhancing a user interface with a mobile terminal while reducing battery consumption by selectively activating sensors based upon the actions of a user of the mobile terminal.
In particular, the method of example embodiments includes providing for operation in accordance with a first level of functionality having a first number of inputs that are operable, providing for operation in accordance with a second level of functionality having a second number of inputs that are operable, and providing for operation in accordance with a third level of functionality having a third number of inputs that are operable, wherein the third number of inputs is greater than the first number of inputs. The method may further include receiving an input while operating in accordance with the first level of functionality and causing operations to change from being conducted in accordance with the first level of functionality to being conducted in accordance with the third level of functionality. The input may include receiving an indication of depression of a key for a predetermined period of time. The method may also include returning to operating in accordance with the first level of functionality in response to a predetermined amount of time passing since the input was received. The method may include causing operations to change to being conducted in accordance with the second level of functionality in response to receiving a second input while operating in accordance with the first level of functionality or the third level of functionality. The second input may include exposing the keypad of a mobile terminal, such as opening a flip-type phone. The method may also include causing operations to change to being conducted in accordance with the first level of functionality in response to receiving a third input while operating in accordance with the second level of functionality or the third level of functionality. The third input may include at least one of a key sequence, a drag event on a touch screen, the concealing of a keypad (e.g., closing a flip-type phone), or inserting a mobile terminal into a case.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provide for operation in accordance with a first level of functionality having a first number of inputs that are operable, provide for operation in accordance with a second level of functionality having a second number of inputs that are operable, and provide for operation in accordance with a third level of functionality having a third number of inputs that are operable, wherein the third number of inputs is greater than the first number of inputs. The apparatus may further be configured to receive an input while operating in accordance with the first level of functionality and cause operations to change from being conducted in accordance with the first level of functionality to being conducted in accordance with the third level of functionality. The input may include receiving an indication of depression of a key for a predetermined period of time. The apparatus may also be configured to return to operating in accordance with the first level of functionality in response to a predetermined amount of time passing since the input was received. The apparatus may further be configured to cause operations to change to being conducted in accordance with the second level of functionality in response to receiving a second input while operating in accordance with the first level of functionality or the third level of functionality. The second input may include exposing the keypad of a mobile terminal, such as opening a flip-type phone. The apparatus may also be configured to cause operations to change to being conducted in accordance with the first level of functionality in response to receiving a third input while operating in accordance with the second level of functionality or the third level of functionality. The third input may include at least one of a key sequence, a drag event on a touch screen, the concealing of a keypad (e.g., closing a flip-type phone), or inserting a mobile terminal into a case.
A further embodiment of the invention may include a computer program product including at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions may include program code instructions for providing for operation in accordance with a first level of functionality having a first number of inputs that are operable, program code instructions for providing for operation in accordance with a second level of functionality having a second number of inputs that are operable, and program code instructions for providing for operation in accordance with a third level of functionality having a third number of inputs that are operable, wherein the third number of inputs is greater than the first number of inputs. The computer program product may further include program code instructions for receiving an input while operating in accordance with the first level of functionality and program code instructions for causing operations to change from being conducted in accordance with the first level of functionality to being conducted in accordance with the third level of functionality. The input may include receiving an indication of depression of a key for a predetermined period of time. The computer program product may also include program code instructions for returning to operating in accordance with the first level of functionality in response to a predetermined amount of time passing since the input was received. The computer program product may further include program code instructions for causing operations to change to being conducted in accordance with the second level of functionality in response to receiving a second input while operating in accordance with the first level of functionality or the third level of functionality. The second input may include exposing the keypad of a mobile terminal, such as opening a flip-type phone. The computer program product may also include program code instructions for causing operations to change to being conducted in accordance with the first level of functionality in response to receiving a third input while operating in accordance with the second level of functionality or the third level of functionality. The third input may include at least one of a key sequence, a drag event on a touch screen, the concealing of a keypad (e.g., closing a flip-type phone), or inserting a mobile terminal into a case.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Some example embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term ‘circuitry’ as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, and/or other computing device.
A session may be supported by a network 30 as shown in
One or more communication terminals such as the mobile terminal 10 and the second mobile terminal 20 may be in communication with each other via the network 30 and each may include an antenna or antennas for transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from a base site, which could be, for example a base station that is part of one or more cellular or mobile networks or an access point that may be coupled to a data network, such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet. In turn, other devices (e.g., personal computers, server computers or the like) may be coupled to the mobile terminal 10 and the second mobile terminal 20 via the network 30. By directly or indirectly connecting the mobile terminal 10 and the second mobile terminal 20 and other devices to the network 30, the mobile terminal 10 and the second mobile terminal 20 may be enabled to communicate with the other devices or each other, for example, according to numerous communication protocols including Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and/or the like, to thereby carry out various communication or other functions of the mobile terminal 10 and the second mobile terminal 20, respectively.
In example embodiments, either of the mobile terminals may be mobile or fixed communication devices. Thus, for example, the mobile terminal 10 and the second mobile terminal 20 could be, or be substituted by, any of personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless telephones, desktop computer, laptop computer, mobile computers, cameras, video recorders, audio/video players, positioning devices, game devices, television devices, radio devices, or various other devices or combinations thereof.
Although the mobile terminal 10 may be configured in various manners, one example of a mobile terminal that could benefit from embodiments of the invention is depicted in the block diagram of
The mobile terminal 10 illustrated in
It is understood that the apparatus, such as the processor 40, may include circuitry implementing, among others, audio and logic functions of the mobile terminal 10. The processor may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor may be embodied as various processing means such as processing circuitry, a coprocessor, a controller or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a hardware accelerator, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor may be configured to execute instructions stored in a memory device or otherwise accessible to the processor. As such, the processor may be configured to perform the processes or cause the processes to be performed, or at least portions thereof, discussed in more detail below with regard to
The mobile terminal 10 may also comprise a user interface including an output device such as an earphone or speaker 44, a ringer 42, a microphone 46, a display 48, and a user input interface, which may be coupled to the processor 40. The mobile terminal 10 may further include sensor(s) 47 for detecting a stimulus such as a button for detecting a depression, a touch sensitive display for detecting a touch, or a motion sensor to detect motion, The user input interface, which allows the mobile terminal to receive data, may include any of a number of devices allowing the mobile terminal to receive data, such as a keypad 50, a touch sensitive display (not shown) or other input device. In embodiments including the keypad, the keypad may include numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), and other hard and soft keys used for operating the mobile terminal 10. Alternatively, the keypad may include a conventional QWERTY keypad arrangement. The keypad may also include various soft keys with associated functions. In addition, or alternatively, the mobile terminal may include an interface device such as a joystick or other user input interface. The mobile terminal may further include a battery 54, such as a vibrating battery pack, for powering various circuits that are used to operate the mobile terminal, as well as optionally providing mechanical vibration as a detectable output.
The mobile terminal 10 may further include a user identity module (UIM) 58, which may generically be referred to as a smart card. The UIM may be a memory device having a processor built in. The UIM may include, for example, a subscriber identity module (SIM), a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), a removable user identity module (R-UIM), or any other smart card. The UIM may store information elements related to a mobile subscriber. In addition to the UIM, the mobile terminal may be equipped with memory. For example, the mobile terminal may include volatile memory 60, such as volatile Random Access Memory (RAM) including a cache area for the temporary storage of data. The mobile terminal may also include other non-volatile memory 62, which may be embedded and/or may be removable. The non-volatile memory may additionally or alternatively comprise an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or the like. The memories may store any of a number of pieces of information, and data, used by the mobile terminal to implement the functions of the mobile terminal. For example, the memories may include an identifier, such as an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, capable of uniquely identifying the mobile terminal. Furthermore, the memories may store instructions for determining cell id information. Specifically, the memories may store an application program for execution by the processor 40, which determines an identity of the current cell, e.g., cell id identity or cell id information, with which the mobile terminal is in communication.
An example embodiment of a communication network in accordance with one example embodiment is presented by
Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
In an example embodiment, an apparatus for performing the methods of
In general, example embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for enhancing the user interface of a mobile terminal 10 using sensors 47 while reducing the power consumption of the mobile terminal. Mobile terminals 10 may include sensors 47, such as motion sensors that draw power when they are on or awaiting input. If these sensors are always on, they may constantly draw power, even when they are not in use, thereby unnecessarily consuming power and possibly reducing battery life. Further, if a sensor is always on, there is a higher risk of a false detection wherein an inadvertent motion, touch, or other input may be misconstrued by the mobile terminal as an actual input, and the mobile terminal may react or execute an action that was not requested by a user.
Mobile terminals, particularly those with exposed keys, touch screens, or other forms of unprotected inputs and sensors may employ a key guard feature that requires a user to execute a particular command or series of input steps in order to unlock the key guard and allow the keys, touch screens, sensors, or other inputs to be used. As described herein, when the key guard is ON, the input functions to the mobile terminal are substantially locked in an inactive state where they are inoperable (though not necessarily every input), and when the key guard is OFF, the input functions to the mobile terminal are active and the input sensors are operable. Mobile terminals such as “flip” phones constructed with a clamshell type of closure may protect the keys or other inputs by preventing access to the inputs while the phone is in the closed position. A flip phone may also disable sensors such as motion sensors when the phone is in the closed position and the keypad or touch screen is concealed. Thus, a flip type phone or device may use the closure of the device as the key guard. When in the key guard mode, it may be desirable to enable partial functionality of the mobile terminal while not allowing the total, full functionality available when the key guard feature is off. This limited functionality may include functions that are brief, momentary, or otherwise desirable without fully unlocking the mobile terminal. It is noted that while a key guard feature of a mobile terminal is on and the inputs are substantially locked, the mobile terminal may still receive and send data as necessary for the functionality of applications or services available to the mobile terminal.
Example embodiments of the present invention may allow an input to “wake-up” or enable a particular set of functions while the key guard feature of the mobile terminal is on. Such limited functionality may include enabling some or most of the available inputs or sensors a mobile terminal may have. The functions enabled through the “wake-up” may be a sub-set of functions normally available on a mobile terminal when the key guard is off and optionally, the functions enabled may be a set of functions that is only available when the key guard is on and the “wake-up” feature has been accessed. It is noted that the term “wake-up” is used herein to describe a state of a mobile device involving partial functionality and is differentiated from when a key guard is off and the inputs of the mobile terminal are unlocked such that the mobile terminal permits full functionality. The “wake-up” feature may allow use of any number of inputs available on the mobile terminal but is less than all of the inputs available on a mobile terminal.
Examples of inputs that may correspond to an “unlock” sequence (e.g. where the key guard is turned off) may be a touch and drag event across a region of a touch-screen, a sequence of two or more keys on a keypad or virtual keypad, a press-and-hold of a key or virtual key for a predetermined amount of time, or a particular motion of the mobile terminal as sensed through motion sensors among others. Similar inputs may be used for the “wake-up” sequence; however it may be desirable for the “wake-up” input sequence to be sufficiently different from the “unlock” sequence such that the two are not confused.
An example embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the flowchart of
Once woken up, the mobile terminal of one embodiment may remain in the wake-up mode with the third level of functionality indefinitely until an unlock sequence or a lock sequence is received. Optionally, the mobile terminal may include a wake-up timer that may be initiated by the processor at 330 upon the mobile terminal being woken up. The wake-up timer of this embodiment may determine how long the wake-up functionality will last. This timer may be user-adjustable and may help to prevent unintended input. In this embodiment, the processor may monitor the wake-up timer and return the terminal to a locked, key guard on, first level of functionality after the expiration of the wake-up functionality timer (e.g., 10 seconds). Alternatively, the processor may only provide the third level of functionality until a certain function, such as the first function, has been executed in the wake-up functionality mode, with the processor then returning the mobile terminal to a first level of functionality. Still further, the processor may transition from the third level of functionality to the first level of functionality in an instance in which the “unlock” sequence of input is detected at 340.
As noted above, there are at least three levels of functionality for the inputs of a mobile terminal according to example embodiments of the present invention: A first functionality in the key guard locked mode wherein the only input available is a “wake-up” input or an “unlock” input; A second level of functionality which is achieved after receiving the “unlock” input from the locked mode, wherein substantially full functionality of the mobile terminal is enabled; And a third level of functionality which is achieved after receiving the “wake-up” input from the locked mode, wherein partial functionality is enabled on the mobile terminal.
The third level of functionality may be user-defined such that particular functions are available to a user without fully unlocking the phone and restoring full functionality. Such partial functionality may include, for example, an input corresponding to “play” or “pause” in a music player application, or a message query function among others.
The third level of functionality may also include functions that are not available or not used in the second level of functionality where the mobile terminal has substantially full functionality. Such functions may include functions that are duplicative in nature to some functions available in the second level of functionality. An example embodiment of such functionality may include a message-box function that enables a user to determine if they have unread messages (e.g., text, voice, email, etc.) and if so, how many. In the second level of functionality the user may view an icon on a display that indicates the number of messages and/or the number of unread messages. In the third level of functionality, the user may, for example be able to shake the mobile terminal and the terminal may respond with an audible and/or tactile indication of the number of messages and/or the number of unread messages. An example of an audible indication may include a voice telling the user how many messages there are. Another example of an audible indication may include the sound of a number of ball bearings bouncing around as if inside the mobile terminal and responding to the shaking motion, wherein the number of ball bearings corresponds to the number of messages. An example of a tactile indication may include a vibratory response of pulses indicating the number of messages or the feel of the ball bearings bouncing around in addition to the sound of said bearings above. Any number of audible and/or tactile indications may be used for such functionality. Further, any combination of inputs may be used to elicit the functions available in the third level of functionality. Example inputs may include the depression of a key for a predetermined amount of time, an extended touch of a particular area of a touch screen, a shaking of the mobile terminal, or a simultaneous depression of buttons on opposite sides of a mobile terminal among many other possible inputs or combinations of inputs.
Example embodiments of the present invention may enable features of a mobile terminal to be used while in environments that are not conducive to using the full functionality of a mobile terminal. Such environments may include theaters, meetings, or meals where it may be viewed as impolite to view and use a mobile terminal. In such environments, the third level of functionality may include functions that enable a user to ascertain information or otherwise access a mobile terminal discretely. In the third level of functionality, a user may be able to depress a button or use another available input to elicit a response from the mobile terminal indicative of the information or function a user is trying to achieve. Such functions may include a vibration for number of unread messages, changing the notification functions of a mobile terminal to be in a “silent” or “vibrate” mode, or a tactile indication of the time (e.g., two series of vibrations, one for hours and one for minutes). Optionally in the third level of functionality, a user may be able to provide a prepared response to incoming voice calls, text messages, or emails. Such a function may include operating an input corresponding to a reply message of either a text message or email with prepared text such as “In a meeting until 4:00 pm. Will respond afterwards.”
Another example embodiment of the present invention may include activation of the third level of functionality by pressing and holding an input, such as a sensor or key on a keypad. The third level of functionality may only be available while the input is being depressed. Once the sensor or key is released, the mobile terminal may return to the locked, first level of functionality.
The third level of functionality may also be enabled in example embodiments of the present invention while the mobile terminal is executing software or an application that does not require full functionality that is available when operating with the second level of functionality. Such software or applications that may use the third level of functionality may include a mobile terminal executing a music player application. In a music player application, limited functionality may be desirable such that motion, such as when the device is in a pocket of a user that is running or cycling, does not cause unintended input to the mobile terminal. In such example embodiments, the third level of functionality may include inputs such as specific motions of the mobile terminal that would be unlikely to be replicated unintentionally (e.g., a spinning motion of the mobile terminal). The third level of functionality in such embodiments may also include some, but not all inputs or sensors of the mobile terminal that effect operations associated with the application. For example, a spinning motion of the mobile terminal while operating with the third level of functionality while executing a music player application may select a random song from a database of songs. Further, the depression of an easily accessed button or key may mute or pause the music player application.
As described above and as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be configured as a system, method or electronic device. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of various means including entirely of hardware or any combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
