U.S. patent application number 10/977064 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-17 for user-specified outputs in mobile wireless communication devices and methods therefor.
Invention is credited to Cauwels, Patrick, Herbst, Steven, Roller, David, Wyatt, Peter.
Application Number | 20050059351 10/977064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31977180 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050059351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cauwels, Patrick ; et
al. |
March 17, 2005 |
User-specified outputs in mobile wireless communication devices and
methods therefor
Abstract
A mobile wireless communication device, and methods therefore,
including producing a temporary user-configurable sensory output
(620) of the mobile wireless communication device upon the
occurrence of some event on the mobile wireless communication
device, for example, upon entry into a wireless communication
service area. In some embodiments, the user-configurable sensory
output terminates (630) after a specified time period.
Inventors: |
Cauwels, Patrick; (South
Beloit, IL) ; Herbst, Steven; (Chester, NJ) ;
Roller, David; (Green Oaks, IL) ; Wyatt, Peter;
(San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MOTOROLA INC
600 NORTH US HIGHWAY 45
ROOM AS437
LIBERTYVILLE
IL
60048-5343
US
|
Family ID: |
31977180 |
Appl. No.: |
10/977064 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10977064 |
Oct 29, 2004 |
|
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|
10233212 |
Aug 30, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/67.7 ;
455/67.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/22 20130101; Y02D
30/70 20200801; H04W 52/0209 20130101; H04M 1/72427 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/067.7 ;
455/067.11 |
International
Class: |
H04B 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method in a mobile wireless communication device, comprising:
undergoing a change in reception of a radio signal from a source
other than a communications service provider; producing a
user-configurable sensory output of the mobile wireless
communication device upon the change in reception of the radio
signal from the source other than a communications service
provider.
2. The method of claim 1, receiving a radio signal from a source
other than a communications service provider by receiving a
Bluetooth signal at the mobile wireless communication device.
3. The method of claim 1, receiving a radio signal from a source
other than a communications service provider by receiving an IEEE
802.11b signal at the mobile wireless communication device.
4. The method of claim 1, terminating the sensory output after a
specified time period.
5. A method in a mobile wireless communication device, comprising:
receiving a communication signal upon entering a communication
service area; producing a temporary user-configurable sensory
output at the mobile wireless communication device upon receiving
the communication signal, the temporary user-configurable sensory
output indicating that the mobile wireless communication device has
entered the communication service area.
6. The method of claim 5, receiving the communication signal upon
entering the communication service area includes receiving a second
communication signal upon entering a second communication service
area while in a first service area, the first and second service
areas overlapping, producing the temporary user-configurable
sensory output upon receiving the second communication signal in
the second service area.
7. A method in a mobile cellular communication device capable of
receiving non-cellular signals, comprising: receiving a
non-cellular communication signal; producing a temporary
user-configurable sensory output at the mobile cellular
communication device upon receiving the non-cellular communication
signal, the temporary user-configurable sensory output indicating
that the mobile cellular communication device has entered a
non-cellular service area.
8. The method of claim 7, receiving a non-cellular communication
signal while the mobile cellular communication device is in a
cellular communication service area.
9. The method of claim 7, receiving the non-cellular communication
signal includes receiving a signal from a local area network.
10. The method of claim 7, receiving the non-cellular communication
signal includes receiving a Bluetooth signal.
11. The method of claim 7, receiving the non-cellular communication
signal includes receiving an IEEE 802 based signal.
12. The method of claim 7, associating a user-configurable sensory
output with the non-cellular communication signal before receiving
the non-cellular communication signal.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of
commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.
10/233,212 filed on 30 Aug. 2002, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference and from which benefits under 35
U.S.C. 120 are claimed.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present inventions relate generally to mobile wireless
communications devices, and more particularly to user enriching
events in wireless communications devices, for example in cellular
communications handsets, and methods therefor.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As consumers in the competitive wireless cellular
communications handset market become more sophisticated, the
successful marketing of cellular handsets depends upon the ability
of manufacturers and network providers to offer more than basic
features. Cellular handsets are now viewed by many consumers as
apparel items integrated as a part of the individual being.
Consumers also increasingly desire the ability to customize and
personalize their handsets as a form of self-expression to reflect
changes in mood or psychological disposition, to differentiate from
others, to associate with peers, etc.
[0004] It is known to generate audio sounds upon the occurrence of
specified events on cellular telephone handsets. The Motorola
Timeport 280, for example, produces a sound when a charger cable is
connected thereto. However, the user has no control over this
audible signal. The Motorola V60 cellular handset enables the
association of different user specified audio alerts with different
incoming communications including calls and e-mail.
[0005] The various aspects, features and advantages of the present
disclosure will become more fully apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon careful consideration of the following
Detailed Description with the accompanying drawings described
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exemplary mobile cellular communications
handset having a pivoting panel.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exemplary cellular handset housing
configuration detection switch.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic electrical block diagram for an
exemplary cellular communications handset.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for one exemplary cellular
handset mode of operation.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exemplary process follow diagram for
associating sensory output with event occurring on a wireless
communications handset.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram for another exemplary
cellular handset mode of operation.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram for yet another exemplary
cellular handset mode of operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In FIG. 1, an exemplary cellular handset 100 includes a
housing having a cover portion, or flip, 110 pivotally coupled to a
housing portion 120. A user interface is exposed upon opening the
flip 110. The exemplary user interface includes a display 112 and
an audio output 114 on the cover portion, and an input keypad 122
including an alpha/numeric keys and other controls on the housing
portion 120.
[0014] In FIG. 1, the housing includes a switch for sensing whether
the pivotal cover portion 110 is opened or closed relative to the
housing. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a housing portion 220
including a cover position-detecting switch 222 disposed near the
cover hinge. The switch is actuated upon pivoting the cover 210,
which includes a protruding member 212 for engaging an actuating
the switch. The switch and its location are exemplary and not
intended to limit the disclosure, as many other switches and
configuration are suitable for detecting the position of the
pivoting cover.
[0015] In other embodiments, the housing may have a portion that
rotates, for example, a blade that rotates to cover and expose a
user interface. The blade position may be detected by a switch or
by a rotary encoder, or by some other position detecting device.
Other handset housings include sliding housing covers or portions,
the position of which may also be detected by a sensor or
switch.
[0016] In FIG. 3, an exemplary schematic block diagram of a mobile
wireless communications device 300 includes a processor 310 coupled
to memory 320, a display 330, and a radio frequency (RF)
transceiver 340. In one embodiment, the transceiver is for
communicating within service provider network infrastructures. In
other embodiments the wireless device receives and transmits over
small area networks, for example, Bluetooth, and IEEE 802.11b.
[0017] In FIG. 3, user inputs 350, for example, a microphone,
keypad, scrolling input device, joystick, data input jack, infrared
signal input, accessory connectors, etc., are also coupled to the
processor 310. The processor is coupled to outputs 360, for
example, a speaker, audio output jack, etc. The exemplary
configuration is not intended to limit the disclosure, as other
architectures may be implemented.
[0018] In FIG. 3, a housing actuation input 370 is also coupled to
the processor for indicating the position of a mechanically
actuatable portion of the mobile wireless communications device,
for example, a user interface cover or some other actuating
portion. The housing actuation input 370 of FIG. 3 corresponds, for
example, to the position-detecting switch 222 of FIG. 2, or to any
other mechanically actuatable housing portion. The switch is not
required in all embodiments of the invention, for example, some
embodiments thereof do not include an actuatable user interface
cover.
[0019] In the process flow diagram of FIG. 4, at block 410, a
mechanical portion of the wireless device is actuated. This
actuation may be the translating or pivoting or rotating action of
a housing cover portion, or some other mechanically actuatable
portion thereof. The actuation of the mechanical portion may also
be the depression of one or more input keys, or the actuation of a
switch, the extension of a retractable antenna, or the connection
of an accessory, for example, a plug-in charger, a camera, ear
phones, etc.
[0020] In FIG. 4, at block 420, a user-configurable sensory output
of the mobile wireless communication device is produced upon
actuating a mechanical portion of the mobile wireless communication
device.
[0021] In the process flow diagram 500 of FIG. 5, at block 510, the
user selects a sensory output from a plurality of sensory outputs,
for example, at a user configuration menu. At block 520, the
selected sensory output is associated with a particular event on
the wireless communication device.
[0022] The event selected at block 520 may be the mechanical
actuation of a portion of the device, examples of which are
discussed above, including the rotation or translation of a cover
portion, or the depression of one or more input keys, the extension
or retraction of a whip antenna, the opening or removal of a
compartment, for example, a battery compartment cover or a face
place, or the actuation of some other mechanical portion of the
device. In another embodiment, the user may select, or re-map, one
or more sensory outputs associated with the depression of each
input key.
[0023] In one embodiment, the user-configurable sensory output is
an audio output, for example, a melodic sound, or an audio message,
or some other sound clip. In some embodiments, the sound produced
is related to the action performed, for example, a "Creeeeeak"
sound may be produced as the cover pivots open, or a "Zzzzzzzip"
sound may be produced as an antenna whip is withdrawn or
retracted.
[0024] In other embodiments, the user-configurable sensory output
is a tactile sensation, which may be in the form of a buzz or it
may be a more melodic or rhythmic tactile sensation. In some
embodiments, the tactile output is produced in concert with some
other sensory output, for example, in synchronization with a
melodic audio output.
[0025] The user-configurable sensory output may also be the
production of some visual stimulation, for example, an image on the
display. The visual image may be a still image or a dynamic video
image, like a short video clip.
[0026] In FIG. 1, the wireless device 100 includes a vanity light
130 disposed along a side thereof, or on some other portion of the
device, for emitting light upon the occurrence of a user specified
event. In one embodiment, the visual sensory output is the
illumination of one or more vanity lights upon the occurrence of
the event specified at block 520 in FIG. 5. The sensory output may
also be the illumination of the display alone or in addition to the
illumination of the vanity lights. The lights may be configured to
flash or to provide steady brightness depending on the user's
preference. The lighting may also be synchronized with other
sensory outputs, for example, with audio and tactile outputs.
[0027] In other embodiments, the user-sensory output may be a
thermal output, for example, a change in temperature of the
wireless device or a portion thereof, or an olfactory sensory
output. Generally, one or more of the user-configurable sensory
outputs may be produced in combination, either serially or in
parallel, in response to actuating the mechanical portion of the
wireless device.
[0028] In one embodiment at block 510 of FIG. 5, the user may also
configure properties of the sensory output selected, for example,
the audio volume, or the fade-in and fade-out of the sensory
output, among other properties.
[0029] In FIG. 4, at block 430, in some embodiments, the sensory
output terminates after a specified time period. In one embodiment,
the user may specify that the sensory output fade-out slowly, for
example, audio outputs may fade-out to an inaudible volume
level.
[0030] In another embodiment, the event specified at block 520 in
FIG. 5 is the transitioning of the wireless device between a
reduced power consumption mode and a relatively higher power
consumption mode, for example, between sleep and active modes.
Wireless handsets generally transition from active mode to sleep
mode after some period of inactivity to conserve power. The handset
transitions to the active mode in response to some user input, for
example, upon depressing an input key or upon actuating some other
mechanical portion thereof. The user may specify whether the
sensory output occurs when the device assumes the active or sleep
mode, or both. Also, different events may be associated with the
transition depending upon the direction the change in state.
[0031] In the process flow diagram 600 of FIG. 6, at block 610, the
mobile wireless communication device transitions between a reduced
power consumption mode and a relatively higher power consumption
mode. Many events prompt the wireless device to transition between
modes. The wireless device may transition between a sleep mode and
active mode upon actuating a mechanical portion of the mobile
wireless communications device, for example, by actuating a cover
portion, or depressing an input key or other button or switch.
[0032] In FIG. 6, at block 620, a user-configurable sensory output
of the mobile wireless communication device is produced upon
transitioning the mobile wireless communication device between
modes.
[0033] In another embodiment, the event selected at block 520 in
FIG. 5 is the transitioning between power-on and power-off modes of
operation of the mobile wireless communication device. The user may
specify whether the sensory output occurs when the device is turned
on and/or when it is turned off, and associate different events
depending upon the direction the transition. At block 520, one or
more user-specified sensory outputs are associated with the
transitioning between off and on modes. Thereafter, upon applying
or removing power, the associated sensory output is produced,
according to the user's selection. In some embodiments, the
user-configurable sensory output terminates after a specified time
period.
[0034] In another embodiment, the mobile wireless communication
device receives information from a communications service provider
associated with the occurrence of an event that occurs on the
mobile wireless communication device, whereby the occurrence of the
event initiates the production of the sensory output on the
wireless device. The temporary sensory output thus communicates
information received from the communications service provider upon
the occurrence of the event. In this embodiment, the service
provider selects the sensory output and associates it with an
event, for example, when the mobile wireless communication device
transitions between power-off and power-on modes of operation, or
some other event.
[0035] In one embodiment, the sensory output that communicates
information received from the communications network is the
displaying of visual information, for example, a still image or a
short video clip. In some embodiments corresponding audio and/or
tactile information, also received from the service provider, is
produced in concert with the visual information. According to this
embodiment, the sensory output is controlled by the network service
provider upon the occurrence of the specified event, for example,
to communicate important service related information to the user
from the service provider or from third parties. The service
provider may update the information by transmitting new information
to the wireless device, for example, in a broadcast message or in a
point-to-point message.
[0036] In another mode of operation, illustrated in the process
flow diagram 700 of FIG. 7, at block 710, the mobile wireless
communication device undergoes a change in reception of a radio
signal from a source other than the communications service
provider, for example, a Bluetooth signal, an IEEE 802.11b signal,
an infrared signal, or some other signal.
[0037] At block 720, a user-configurable sensory output of the
mobile wireless communication device is produced upon undergoing a
change in reception of the radio signal from the source other than
the communications service provider. The sensory output may be, for
example, an audio signal alerting the user that the wireless device
is receiving the signal or no longer receiving the signal. A block
730, the user-configurable sensory output is terminated after a
specified time period.
[0038] While the present inventions and what are considered
presently to be the best modes thereof have been described in a
manner that establishes possession thereof by the inventors and
that enables those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the
inventions, it will be understood and appreciated that there are
many equivalents to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and
that myriad modifications and variations may be made thereto
without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions,
which are to be limited not by the exemplary embodiments but by the
appended claims.
* * * * *