U.S. patent application number 11/965401 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for effecting a predetermined communication connection.
This patent application is currently assigned to Palm, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark Kruger, Stephane Maes, Ryan Robertson, Eric Williams.
Application Number | 20080102890 11/965401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25291993 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080102890 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robertson; Ryan ; et
al. |
May 1, 2008 |
EFFECTING A PREDETERMINED COMMUNICATION CONNECTION
Abstract
A handheld computing device includes a housing, a processor
supported by the housing, a wireless telephony device coupled to
the processor, a display having a graphical user interface coupled
to the processor, and a plurality of input keys. The device is
programmed to effectuate a predetermined communications connection
when a user depresses two or more input keys simultaneously.
Inventors: |
Robertson; Ryan; (Seattle,
WA) ; Maes; Stephane; (Mountain View, CA) ;
Kruger; Mark; (Seattle, WA) ; Williams; Eric;
(University Place, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5306
US
|
Assignee: |
Palm, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
25291993 |
Appl. No.: |
11/965401 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09844164 |
Apr 27, 2001 |
7346333 |
|
|
11965401 |
Dec 27, 2007 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/556.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0235 20130101;
G06F 1/1698 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101; H04M 1/677 20130101;
H04M 1/72424 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/556.2 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Claims
1-24. (canceled)
25. A computing device comprising: a processor; a wireless
telephony device coupled to the processor; a display having a
graphical user interface coupled to the processor; and at least one
input key; wherein the computing device is configured to effectuate
a predetermined communications connection with an emergency service
when a user depresses a single input key for a predetermined period
of time.
26. The computing device of claim 25, wherein the computing device
is configured to effectuate the predetermined communications
connection when the wireless telephony device is powered on and
when the wireless telephony device is powered off.
27. The computing device of claim 25, wherein the computing device
is configured to effectuate the predetermined communications
connection when the state of any software on the device is in a
communications mode and when the state of the software on the
device is in a non-communications mode.
28. The computing device of claim 27, wherein the software on the
computing device includes software configured to run an electronic
calendar in a non-communications mode.
29. The computing device of claim 25, wherein the computing device
is a handheld computing device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Handheld computing devices, "palmtops," "palmhelds,"
personal digital assistants (PDAs), or handheld computers typically
weigh less than a pound and fit in a pocket. These handhelds
generally provide some combination of personal information
management, database functions, word processing, and spreadsheets
as well as communications network connectivity, internet
connectivity, voice memo recording, and telephony functions.
Because of the small size and portability of handhelds, strict
adherence to hardware constraints, such as input hardware must be
maintained. It is conventional to have buttons or switches on the
handheld computer for providing user input to the handheld
computer.
[0002] Handheld computing devices may include a wireless telephony
device permitting the user to make wireless communications such as
mobile telephone calls or data downloads or uploads to a computer
network. It is conventional to employ a touch pad, touch screen, or
handwriting recognition area and/or device to provide input to the
handheld computer. If no dialing device such as a keypad is
included, the user may use the touch pad, touch screen, or
handwriting recognition area to control the wireless telephony
device.
[0003] The ways in which handheld computers may permit wireless
phone calls without the use of a conventional telephone keypad
include using the touch screen to select the numbers from those
displayed on the screen, using the address book function of the
device to choose the desired number to call, and using a voice
recognition system.
[0004] If the handheld computing device does not include a
conventional telephone keypad, the user may encounter difficulty
and/or delay making phone calls when the touch screen is not
functioning or is updating slowly, and when the operating system is
not in the dialer or phone mode. Further, even when the handheld
computing device has a classic telephone keypad, the user may
encounter difficulties in making a phone call when one or more of
the mechanical keys loses functionality.
[0005] If the user is having difficulty making a phone call because
the touch screen is not functioning well or if the user does not
know how or remember how to get to the proper location in the user
interface to make a phone call, problems may arise, especially in
the case of an emergency when the user desires to make a call to an
emergency service such as 911. Accordingly, there is a need for an
alternative ability to call an emergency service when conventional
methods are unavailable on a handheld computing device. There is
also a need for an alternative dialing method and apparatus
relating to a handheld computer that enables simplified dialing of
specified telephone numbers, such as but not limited to emergency
service numbers. Further, there is a need for a handheld computer
that includes a computer program configured to automatically dial
an emergency service number when a certain combination of user
inputs is applied.
[0006] The teachings herein below extend to those embodiments that
fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether
they accomplish one or more of the above mentioned needs.
SUMMARY
[0007] An exemplary embodiment relates to a handheld computing
device. The handheld computing device includes a housing and a
processor supported by the housing. The handheld computing device
also includes a wireless telephony device coupled to the processor,
a display having a graphical user interface coupled to the
processor, and a plurality of input keys. The device is programmed
to effectuate a predetermined communications connection when a user
depresses two or more input keys simultaneously.
[0008] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of making
an emergency request. The method includes providing a handheld
computing device having wireless communication capability and
having two or more user input devices. The method also includes
activating two or more user input devices simultaneously, whereby
the device effectuates a communications channel to an emergency
service.
[0009] Yet another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of
programming a handheld computer having a hardware abstraction
layer, an operating system, and wireless communication capability
to call an emergency service in response to user input. The method
includes the step of programming the hardware abstraction layer to
direct the operating system to dial the emergency service when a
user activates a certain combination of input devices
simultaneously.
[0010] Yet still another exemplary embodiment relates to a handheld
computer. The handheld computer includes a processor, a touch
screen coupled to the processor, a plurality of user input keys
coupled to the processor, a wireless telephony device coupled to
the processor, and an operating system running on the processor.
The operating system is configured to call an emergency service
when two or more user input keys are pressed simultaneously.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will become more fully understood from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exemplary front elevation view of a handheld
computer;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exemplary process diagram depicting a
conventional series of steps of making an emergency call using a
handheld computing device; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary process diagram depicting the step of
making an emergency call of the present specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a handheld computer 100 is depicted
according to an exemplary embodiment. Handheld computer 100 may
include Palm style computers manufactured by Palm, Inc., of Santa
Clara, Calif. Other exemplary embodiments may include Windows CE
handheld computers, or other handheld computers and personal
digital assistants, as well as mobile telephones, and other mobile
computing devices.
[0016] Preferably, handheld computer 100 includes interactive
hardware and software that performs functions such as maintaining
calendars, phone lists, task lists, note pads, calculator
applications, spreadsheets, games, and other applications capable
of running on a computing device. Further, handheld computer 100
may be configured for such functions as voice memo recording and
playback as well as communications network connectivity, internet
connectivity and wireless telephony.
[0017] Handheld computer 100, depicted in FIG. 1 includes a
plurality of input function keys 112 and a display 114 having
graphical user interface features. Display 114 may be provided with
a touch screen interface that allows a user to select and alter
displayed content using a pointer, such as but not limited to a
stylus, a pen tip, a fingertip, or other pointing devices.
[0018] Referring again to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment,
display 114 also includes a Graffiti.TM. (or other handwriting
recognition software) writing section 118 for tracing alpha-numeric
characters as input. A plurality of input icons 116 for performing
automated or preprogrammed functions maybe be provided on a portion
of display 114.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 100 may
include an integrated antenna 120 configured to transmit and
receive wireless communication signals, such as, but not limited
to, cellular telephone communication signals and other radio
frequency (RF) communications signal. Antenna 120 may further
include an indicator light 122 integrated into antenna 120 for
indicating the transmission and reception of wireless communication
signals. Further, light 122 may be used to indicate other states of
handheld computer 100.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 100 also
includes navigation buttons 124 that may be utilized for navigating
or scrolling of information displayed on display 114. Further,
navigation buttons 124 may be programmed for other uses depending
on the application running on handheld computer 100.
[0021] Handheld computer 100 may be used for any of a variety of
wireless communications, including, but not limited to,
communications with the World Wide Web, mobile telephone
communications, e-mail communications, etc. In an exemplary
embodiment, a user may use the wireless communication function by
interacting with display 114. Ways in which display 114 can be used
include using a stylus to select numbers on a displayed keypad,
selecting numbers from an address book, or having preprogrammed
numbers programmed into input icons 116.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, a conventional method of placing a
telephone call using handheld computer 100 may include the
following steps. First the user disengages a key lock if one is so
engaged (step 200). Many handheld computers 100 include such a key
lock or key guard to prevent operations due to accidental
depression of keys or buttons while the device is in storage such
as in a pocket, briefcase, or travel bag. Accordingly, such a key
lock device must be disengaged prior to utilizing the other
features of the handheld computer 100. Second, the user powers on
the telephone function of handheld computer 100 (step 202).
Typically, powering on the telephone function involves depressing a
key for a couple seconds. Once the telephone function is activated,
the user must navigate to an application that will permit use of
the phone (step 204). Step 204 may involve selecting an icon
displayed as part of an applications launcher or selecting an input
icon such as input icon 116. Some exemplary applications that can
be used to make phone calls on a typical handheld computer 100
include a speed dial application, an address book, a dialer
application, or a voice recognition application.
[0023] Depending on where the user is in the user interface,
navigating to a phone application can involve several separate
interactions with display 114. Once the user has selected a phone
application, the user must input the number to be dialed (step
206). The process used to select the number to be dialed by the
phone depends on the application the user is operating. Examples
include selecting a phone number from an address book application
after the user has searched for a particular name, tapping numbers
on a displayed keypad on display 114 if the user is operating a
dialer application, or writing numbers into writing section 118
using a stylus. After the user has selected a number to call, the
user must activate the phone call (step 208). Typically, activating
the call involves tapping a phone icon displayed on display
114.
[0024] There are occasions in which the user may have difficulty
navigating back to a dialing application such that a wireless call
can be made. For example, in cold weather conditions, the LCD
screen can be slow to update, hampering the user's efforts to
navigate back to the dialer application, or to select numbers or
icons from display 114. In cold conditions, the LCD screen can lose
functionality, preventing the user from placing a call using
display 114 entirely. LCD touch screen functionality can also be
lost when handheld computer 100 is extremely hot.
[0025] When display 114 is not functioning effectively, it can be
difficult to use a voice dial application as well because the
handheld computer 100 may first require the selection of a voice
dial icon from an applications launcher prior to permitting the use
of the voice dial application.
[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 100
may be programmed to automatically place an emergency call to the
mobile phone infrastructure when all four input function keys 112
are depressed simultaneously. Accordingly, the user may place an
emergency call even when display 114 is functioning slowly or not
functioning at all, by depressing all four input function keys 112
simultaneously.
[0027] In a further exemplary embodiment, input function keys 112
must be simultaneously held down for a specified time, such as, but
not limited to one second, for example, before handheld computer
100 will place the emergency call. Function keys 112 must be
simultaneously depressed for an elongated period, such as one
second, so that an emergency call is not inadvertently placed by a
user accidentally simultaneously depressing function keys 112.
Typically, in the United States, handheld computer 100 will place
the emergency call by dialing 9-1-1. In Europe, the handheld
computing device can call 1-1-2 to place the emergency call.
Alternatively, other communications links may be effectuated by the
simultaneous key depression, such as, but not limited to
connections over other communications networks (e.g. the internet
or public service networks) directly to emergency service
providers.
[0028] In alternative embodiments of handheld computer 100 where a
telephone keypad (not shown) is included with handheld computer
100, handheld computer 100 may still be programmed to place the
emergency call when all four input function keys 112 are depressed
simultaneously, providing the user with another option to place an
emergency call, for example if the keys on the attached telephone
keypad are not functioning.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, a method of placing a call to an
emergency service provider is depicted. In an exemplary embodiment,
the user depresses all four input function keys 112 simultaneously
for one second (step 300). After the user executes step 300,
handheld computer 100 will place a call to an emergency service
provider regardless of the power state of the phone device, or the
location of the user in the user interface.
[0030] An exemplary manner of programming handheld computer 100 to
place an emergency call when, for example, all four input function
keys 112 are depressed, includes modifying the hardware abstraction
layer (which underlies the operating system for handheld computer
100) to start the appropriate process when all four input function
keys 112 are depressed simultaneously by the user. In an exemplary
embodiment, when all four input function keys 112 are depressed
simultaneously for one second, handheld computer 100 will
automatically place the emergency call or provide a communications
connection to an emergency service provider regardless of whether
the dialer application is launched. If the phone is turned off when
the four input function keys 112 are depressed, handheld computer
100 will turn the phone on and place the emergency call. Thus the
user can place an emergency call by depressing the four input
function keys 112 simultaneously regardless of where the user
currently is in the user interface or whether the phone is turned
on or off.
[0031] In a further exemplary embodiment, the hardware abstraction
layer may be programmed to automatically have the operating system
place an emergency call when the user depresses alternative
combinations of input function keys 112, for example depressing two
or three keys simultaneously for a certain period of time, or even
holding one input function key 112 down for a certain length of
time. Navigation buttons 124 may also be used as the input to place
the emergency call. The use of input function keys 112 and
navigation buttons 124 instead of requiring user interaction with
display 114 solves the problems discussed in the Background section
whereby the user can have difficulty placing a call when display
114 is non-functional or updating slowly. Further, it should be
noted that many configurations of handheld computers and other
mobile devices exist that may include other types and
configurations of input devices, such as, but not limited to
different button configurations, scrolling devices, knobs,
selectors, switches, temperature activated switches, pressure
activated switches, and the like. Alternative embodiments are
applicable to these and many other devices and configurations in
which a specific input device activation may be used to cause
automatic dialing of an emergency call or connection to an
emergency service provider. Further still, it should be noted that
many methods exist for programming the functionality of an
automatic emergency call upon a specified input device activation,
not limited to the programming of the hardware abstraction layer as
referred to above.
[0032] While the detailed drawings, specific examples and
particular formulations given describe exemplary embodiments, they
serve the purpose of illustration only. The hardware and software
configurations shown and described may differ depending on the
chosen performance characteristics and physical characteristics of
the computing devices. The systems shown and described are not
limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed.
Furthermore, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and
omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and
arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the
scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.
* * * * *