Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02591463 2007-06-13
POWER SAVING SYSTEM FOR A HANDHELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE
FIELD
This disclosure relates to a handheld electronic device with a trackball, and
more
particularly, to saving power when directional navigational sensors and a
bright display
are not required.
BACKGROUND
Handheld electronic devices continue to become more prevalent and advanced.
One of the features that continues to evolve is the navigation system of the
handheld
electronic device. Several navigation tools have been used including
trackwheels, 4-way
navigational pads, and joysticks. In the present description, a trackball is
disclosed as a
navigational tool.
The use of a trackball presents challenges and advantages not before
experienced
in the design of navigational tools. Current technology for trackballs
utilizes pairs of
sensors located about the trackball for sensing rotational motion of the
trackball which is
representative of the desired direction the user would like the cursor to move
on the
screen. The trackball is also equipped with a sensor for detecting that a
selection is being
made by the user depressing the trackball.
Furthermore, handheld electronic devices are evolving into smaller entities.
With
each new generation, these devices possess greater functional capabilities and
are more
responsive to the daily needs of their users. As reliance upon these devices
grows, the user
demands immediate access to them. Consequently, users are inclined to carry
them in their
pockets.
Since the trackball is exposed and rotates freely, it is susceptible to
unintentional
and usually undesirable rotation. As an example, this can occur when the user
places the
handheld electronic device in his or her pocket and the rubbing of the fabric
against the
trackball causes unintentional rolling of the trackball. The undesirable
nature of this
occurrence is at least partly attributable to the fact that actuation of a
device's navigation
tool traditionally restores power to the screen (after having entered a sleep
mode) because
it is usually interpreted as an indication that the user wants to use the
device in some
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capacity. Therefore, if the trackball is frequently unintentionally actuated,
the screen will
be lit unnecessarily, wasting battery power.
As described above, in the instance of a trackball being used as the
navigation tool,
sensors are required to detect motion of the trackball. Therefore, in order to
be able to
detect rollerball motion indicative of desired use, the sensors must always be
powered-on
which consumes energy and reduces the energy savings experienced because the
screen
has been put into sleep mode.
In response to these needs and deficiencies, the presently presented solutions
have
been developed in order to avoid the unnecessary consumption of power in
handheld
devices that utilize trackball navigation tools.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary methods and arrangements conducted and configured according to the
advantageous solutions presented herein are depicted in the accompanying
drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld communication device cradled in a
user's hand;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an auxiliary input in the form of a
trackball;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary wireless handheld
electronic device incorporating a trackball assembly as at the auxiliary
input;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary QWERTY keyboard layout;
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary QWERTZ keyboard layout;
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary AZERTY keyboard layout;
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary Dvorak keyboard layout;
FIG. 9 illustrates a QWERTY keyboard layout paired with a traditional ten-key
keyboard;
FIG. 10 illustrates ten digits comprising the numerals 0-9 arranged as on a
telephone keypad, including the * and # astride the zero;
FIG. Il illustrates a numeric phone key arrangement according to the ITU
Standard E. 161 including both numerals and letters;
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FIG. 12 is a front view of an exemplary handheld electronic device including a
full
QWERTY keyboard;
FIG. 13 is a front view of another exemplary handheld electronic device
including
a full QWERTY keyboard;
FIG. 14 is a front view of an exemplary handheld electronic device including a
reduced QWERTY keyboard;
FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the front face of another exemplary handheld
electronic device including a reduced QWERTY keyboard;
FIG. 16 is a detail view of the reduced QWERTY keyboard of device of FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a detail view of an alternative reduced QWERTY keyboard; and
FIG. 18 is a block diagram representing a wireless handheld communication
device
interacting in a communication network.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As intimated hereinabove, one of the more important aspects of the handheld
electronic device to which this disclosure is directed is its size. While some
users will
grasp the device in both hands, it is intended that a predominance of users
will cradle the
device in one hand in such a manner that input and control over the device can
be affected
using the thumb of the same hand in which the device is held. Therefore the
size of the
device must be kept relatively small; of its dimensions, limiting the width of
the device is
most important with respect to assuring cradleability in a user's hand.
Moreover, it is
preferred that the width of the device be maintained at less than ten
centimeters
(approximately four inches). Keeping the device within these dimensional
limits provides
a hand cradleable unit that users prefer for its useability and portability.
Limitations with
respect to the height (length) of the device are less stringent with
importance placed on
maintaining device hand-cradleablability. Therefore, in order to gain greater
size, the
device can be advantageously configured so that its height is greater than its
width, but
still remain easily supported and operated in one hand.
A potential problem is presented by the small size of the device in that there
is
limited exterior surface area for the inclusion of user input and device
output features. This
is especially true for the "prime real estate" of the front face of the device
where it is most
advantageous to include a display screen that outputs information to the user
and which is
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preferably above a keyboard utilized for data entry into the device by the
user. If the
screen is provided below the keyboard, a problem occurs in being able to see
the screen
while inputting data. Therefore it is preferred that the display screen be
above the input
area, thereby solving the problem by assuring that the hands and fingers do
not block the
view of the screen during data entry periods.
To facilitate textual data entry, an alphabetic keyboard is provided. In one
version,
a full alphabetic keyboard is utilized in which there is one key per letter.
This is preferred
by some users because it can be arranged to resemble a standard keyboard with
which they
are most familiar. In this regard, the associated letters can be
advantageously organized in
QWERTY, QWERTZ or AZERTY layouts, among others, thereby capitalizing on
certain
users' familiarity with these special letter orders. In order to stay within
the bounds of a
limited front surface area, however, each of the keys must be commensurately
small when,
for example, twenty-six keys must be provided in the instance of the English
language. An
alternative configuration is to provide a reduced keyboard in which at least
some of the
keys have more than one letter associated therewith. This means that fewer
keys can be
included which makes it possible for those fewer keys to each be larger than
in the
instance when a full keyboard is provided on a similarly dimensioned device.
Some users
will prefer the solution of the larger keys over the smaller ones, but it is
necessary that
software or hardware solutions be provided in order to discriminate which of
the several
associated letters the user intends based on a particular key actuation; a
problem the full
keyboard avoids. Preferably, this character discrimination is accomplished
utilizing
disambiguation software accommodated within the device. As with the other
software
programs embodied within the device, a memory and microprocessor are provided
within
the body of the handheld unit for receiving, storing, processing, and
outputting data during
use. Therefore, the problem of needing a textual data input means is solved by
the
provision of either a full or reduced alphabetic keyboard on the presently
disclosed
handheld electronic device.
Keys, typically of a push-button or push-pad nature, perform well as data
entry
devices but present problems to the user when they must also be used to affect
navigational control over a screen-cursor. In order to solve this problem the
present
handheld electronic device preferably includes an auxiliary input that acts as
a cursor
navigational tool and which is also exteriorly located upon the front face of
the device. Its
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front face location is particularly advantageous because it makes the tool
easily thumb-
actuable like the keys of the keyboard. A particularly usable embodiment
provides the
navigational tool in the form of a trackball which is easily utilized to
instruct two-
dimensional screen cursor movement in substantially any direction, as well as
act as an
actuator when the ball of the trackball is depressible like a button. The
placement of the
trackball is preferably above the keyboard and below the display screen; here,
it avoids
interference during keyboarding and does not block the user's view of the
display screen
during use.
In some configurations, the handheld electronic device may be standalone in
that it
is not connectable to the "outside world." One example would be a PDA that
stores such
things as calendars and contact information, but is not capable of
synchronizing or
communicating with other devices. In most situations such isolation will be
detrimentally
viewed in that at least synchronization is a highly desired characteristic of
handheld
devices today. Moreover, the utility of the device is significantly enhanced
when
connectable within a system, and particularly when connectable on a wireless
basis in a
system in which both voice and text messaging are accommodated.
This disclosure describes methods and arrangements for reducing power
consumption during periods of non-use by a handheld electronic device,
variously
configured as described above, and particularly one in which a trackball is
used to
navigate through the various screens of the device. A power-saving mode is
enabled
through disablement of the sensor(s) that detect motion of a ball of the
trackball navigation
tool and by also disabling the display screen of the handheld electronic
device. The power-
saving mode may be exited before disablement of the sensor when the display
screen is
disabled first.
In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors numbers two. One of the two
sensors
outputs signals indicative of x-component rolling motion of the trackball
relative to the
handheld electronic device and about the intersecting y-axis of the trackball.
The other of
the two sensors outputs signals indicative of y-component rolling motion of
the trackball
relative to the handheld electronic device and about the intersecting x-axis
of the trackball.
In this configuration, the two sensors are oriented circumferentially about
the trackball
with approximately ninety degree spacing therebetween. Each of the sensors may
take the
CA 02591463 2007-06-13
form of a hall effect sensor located proximate the trackball. Other types of
sensors can be
used as well including optical, capacitive, and mechanical sensors.
In another embodiment, the plurality of sensors numbers four. A first pair of
opposed sensors output signals indicative of x-component rolling motion of the
trackball
relative to the handheld electronic device and about the intersecting y-axis.
A second pair
of opposed sensors output signals indicative of a y-component rolling motion
of the
trackball relative to the handheld electronic device and about the
intersecting x-axis. The
four sensors are oriented circumferentially about the trackball with
approximately ninety
degree spacing between consecutive sensors.
In accordance with the accompanying figures, exemplary embodiments of the
handheld electronic device 300 are capable of reducing power consumption in a
variety of
ways, including adjusting the display properties and disabling power-consuming
sensors
160, 162, 164, 166 that detect motion of a ball 150 of the trackball
navigation tool 328.
Reference numeral 300 is used throughout the disclosure to generally refer to
exemplary
handheld devices, even where different specific embodiments are presented.
Similarly,
reference numerals 160, 162, 164, and 166 are used throughout to refer to the
sensors,
even where different specific embodiments are being described, as is reference
numeral
328, among others.
As used herein, the term "handheld electronic device 300" describes a
relatively
small device that is capable of being held in a user's hand. It is a broader
term that
includes devices that are further classified as handheld communication devices
300, which
interact with a communications network 319.
As depicted in FIG. 18, the handheld communication device 300 transmits data
to
and receives data from a communication network 319 utilizing radio frequency
signals, the
details of which are discussed more fully hereinbelow. Preferably, the data
transmitted
between the handheld communication device 300 and the communication network
319
supports voice and textual messaging, though it is contemplated that the
method for
reducing power consumption during periods of non-use is equally applicable to
single
mode devices; i.e., voice-only devices and text-only devices.
As may be appreciated from FIG. 1, the handheld electronic device 300 includes
a
lighted display 322 located above a keyboard 332 suitable for accommodating
textual
input to the handheld electronic device 300 when in an operable configuration.
Preferably,
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the screen 322 and keyboard 332 are located at the front face of the handheld
electronic
device 300. As shown, the device 300 is of unibody construction, but it is
also
contemplated that the device may be of an alternative construction such as
that commonly
known as "clamshell" or "flip-phone" style. Regardless, in operable
configuration of the
device 300, the navigation tool (auxiliary input) 328 is located essentially
between the
display 322 and the keyboard 332.
In one embodiment, the keyboard 332 comprises a plurality of keys with which
alphabetic letters are associated on one-letter-per-key basis. It is
contemplated that the
keys may be directly marked with letters, or the letters may be presented
adjacent, but
clearly in association with a particular key. This one-to-one pairing between
the letters and
keys is depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 and is described in greater detail below
in association
therewith. In order to facilitate user input, the alphabetic letters are
preferably configured
in a familiar QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or Dvorak layout, each of which is also
discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.
In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 1, the keyboard 332 comprises a
plurality of
keys with which alphabetic letters are also associated, but at least a portion
of the
individual keys have multiple letters associated therewith. This type of
configuration is
referred to as a reduced keyboard (in comparison to the full keyboard
described
immediately above) and can, among others come in QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and
Dvorak layouts.
As depicted in FIG. 1, the auxiliary input 328 is a trackball 150. The
trackball 150
is exposed for user manipulation at an exterior face of the device 300. The
ball 150 of the
trackball navigation tool is freely rotatable. Motion of the trackball 150 is
assessed using a
plurality of sensors 160, 162, 164, 166 that are positioned adjacent the
trackball navigation
tool 328 and determine increments of rotation of the ball 150 about a
particular axis of
rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors 160, 162, 164, 166 quantify
rotational
motion of the trackball 150 about an x-axis 152 and an intersecting y-axis 154
of the
trackball (see FIG. 2). The sensors 160, 162, 164, 166 require power to be
supplied to
detect motion of the ball 150. These sensors 160, 162, 164, 166 further output
a cursor
control signal based upon the sensed motion of the ball 150. Furthermore, the
trackball
150 utilizes a sensor (not shown) to detect depression of the ball 150.
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As illustrated in FIG. 4, when non-use of the device 300 has been determined,
the
handheld electronic device 300 enters a power-saving mode. As an example, non-
use of
the device 300 is detected when neither the device's applications nor its
features have been
utilized for a predetermined length of time. In yet another embodiment, the
determination
of non-use of the device 300 is based on a preselected period of time elapsing
between
sensor-detected movements of the ball 150 of the trackball navigation tool
328. In another
embodiment, a routine is used to detect when the device 300 is placed into an
environment
where use of the screen 322 and auxiliary input 328 is no longer required,
such as when
the device 300 is placed in a holster or pocket of the user. In yet another
embodiment, the
determination of non-use is based on user actuation of a preset key
combination;
preferably this is by depressing and holding the trackball navigation tool 328
for longer
than a preset time period.
The key combination used to determine non-use of the device 300 can be preset
or
user definable. If a preset key combination is implemented, the keys used to
indicate non-
use are a set of keys that would not normally be entered by the user of the
device 300. The
key combination may further involve selecting a feature from a menu of items
or an icon
on the home screen of the device 300. The user defined key combination
preferably
informs the user that the device 300 is going into a non-use mode and allows
exit thereof
when the preset key combination is entered.
In one embodiment, the invention features a method for reducing power
consumption during periods of non-use by the handheld electronic device 300.
This
method involves a power-saving mode that disables a sensor 160, 162, 164, 166
that, as
described above is used to detect motion of the ball 150 of the trackball
navigation tool
328. Furthermore, the power consumption can further be reduced through the use
of a
display screen sleep mode. Preferably, the screen sleep mode is instituted
before
disablement of the sensors 160, 162, 164, 166. Thus, the power consumption is
stepwise
reduced in degree by an initial amount attributable to the institution of the
display screen
sleep mode. An incremental increase in power-savings is experienced by
disabling the
sensors 160, 162, 164, 166.
Implementation of the power-savings mode is further described in relation to
the
sensors 160, 162, 164, 166. When a device 300 implements one or more sensors
160, 162,
164, 166 for detecting movement of the trackball 150, power-savings can be
realized
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through disabling one or more of the available sensors 160, 162, 164, 166 on
the device.
Preferably, all sensors 160, 162, 164, 166 are disabled. When the sensors 160,
162, 164,
166 are disabled, rolling motion of the ball 150 will not cause an exit from
the power-
savings mode because no motion is recorded because the sensors 160, 162, 164,
166 are
disabled.
In a further embodiment, the method disables the display screen 322 of the
handheld 300 before disabling the sensor 160, 162, 164, 166. This is referred
to as a
display screen sleep mode which reduces the power consumed by the device 300
because
the screen 322 is not consuming power. By first disabling the screen 322 and
then
disabling the sensor 160, 162, 164, 166 it is possible to allow for an exit
from the display
screen sleep mode by moving the ball 150 of the trackball navigation tool 328.
Thus, when
motion of the ball 150 is detected before the sensor 160, 162, 164, 166 is
effected, an exit
from power-saving mode is effected. This delay is appropriate to allow a user
of the
device 300 a chance to abort entry into a power-saving mode, which may not be
desired at
that time. Preferably, the user is informed of entry into this power-savings
mode by having
the display 322 disabled before the sensor 160, 162, 164, 166.
As further illustrated in Figure 4, the screen sleep mode or power-saving mode
can
be exited through the use of a predefined routine. In a preferred embodiment,
a preset
wakeup key combination is used to restore the device 300 to a use-mode. This
preset
wakeup key combination can take the form of select button and "*" in
sequential order.
Another preferred key combination is depressing the trackball 150 and pressing
"*"
simultaneously or sequentially. Other key combinations are considered within
the scope of
this disclosure. Alternatively, the device 300 features a mechanism to detect
the proximity
of a human digit in relation to the trackball. When the digit is within a
predefined distance
from the trackball 150, the device 300 detects the presence of the digit and
the device 300
exits the power-saving mode.
In another embodiment, a method for power consumption savings for a handheld
electronic device 300 having a trackball navigation tool 328 is presented.
This involves
entering a screen sleep mode, receiving an input from one of the sensors 160,
162, 164,
166 associated with the trackball 150, and entering a low power display mode.
This low
power display mode utilizes the ability to reduce the intensity of the light
of the screen 322
in order to save power. Thus after the screen 322 was put into a sleep mode in
which the
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functionality of the device 300 continues to operate and only the screen 322
is turned off, a
selection input will cause the screen 322 to enter the low power state where
it does not
return to full brightness.
The input from the sensor used to exit the screen sleep mode can be either a
sensor
160, 162, 164, 166 or a selection sensor (not shown). Thus if a sensor 160,
162, 164, 166
is used to exit the screen sleep mode, a roll of the ball 150 such that it
actuates one of the
plurality of sensors 160, 162, 164, 166 will exit the screen sleep mode.
However, if the
input is from the selection sensor merely rolling the ball 150 will not exit
the screen sleep
mode. Using the selection sensor, will require a selection actuation of the
navigation tool
328 in order to exit the screen sleep mode. Alternatively, other keys,
combination of keys,
combination of a key and navigation tool, or combination thereof may be used
to exit the
screen sleep mode.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of going from a power save mode to a
full power mode is shown. Once the power save mode has been activated either
by the
user of the device 300 or by the device 300 itself, the sensors 160, 162, 164,
166 are
disabled. When a detection of either a key press or depression (selection
operation) of the
trackball 150 is made, the device is put into a low power mode. Alternatively,
one of the
above described inputs may be used to determine when to enter low power mode.
Once
the low power mode has been entered, the sensors 160, 162, 164, 166 will be
activated
again. Once another actuation of the trackball 150 or keys is detected the
device will then
enter full power mode.
Yet another embodiment is a handheld electronic device 300 having a trackball
navigation tool 328 and being adapted to reduce power consumption during
periods of
non-use. The trackball navigation tool 328 is the same as described above
along with the
sensor 160, 162, 164, 166, which is able to effect corresponding cursor
movement on a
display screen. The device 300 has a processor 338 that is capable of being
programmed to
reduce power consumption during periods of non-use by instituting a power-
saving mode
that disables the sensor 160, 162, 164, 166 when non-use of the device 300 is
determined.
The handheld electronic device 300 in one embodiment makes use of a standby
mode to save power. This mode can be entered either automatically by not
detecting a
level of activity for a given period of time or through a key sequence. Some
of the
examples of the key sequence that can be entered include depressing the power
button for
CA 02591463 2007-06-13
a short amount of time (not long enough to turn off the device) or depressing
the mute key
while not on a phone call. This standby mode can likewise be exited through
the same set
of key presses or a different set when standby mode is no longer desired.
When the device 300 has entered the standby mode, the screen 322 is put into a
sleep mode in which the screen 322 is no longer illuminated. The screen 322
remains in
this sleep mode unless the keys required to exit standby mode are depressed.
When
entering the standby mode, a message is presented on the display 322 informing
the user
that a standby mode is going to be entered and the key presses required to
exit the mode.
The device 300 will, however, continue to receive messages and phone calls. If
a phone
call is received by the device 300, it can be answered without exiting the
standby mode or
by temporarily disabling the standby mode. Once the phone call is finished the
device 300
will again resume the standby mode.
If the device 300 is subsequently put into a holster, the device 300 will
sense the
holster position and this will override the standby mode. Thus, when the
device 300 is
holstered while in standby mode, it will respond based upon the holster
settings for the
device 300. When removed from the holster it will resume normal operation and
ignore
the earlier entered standby mode operation. Likewise, if the device 300 is
placed into
standby mode and the device 300 is also enabled with a security timeout mode,
the device
300 will enter the security timeout mode at the appropriate time as controlled
through the
security timeout mode.
The motion of the navigation tool 328 commands a cursor to move on the display
screen 322 of a handheld electronic device 300. While "cursor" movement is
referred to
herein, it shall be appreciated that any resultant motion that is directed by
the navigation
tool 328 is contemplated. Other such motions include but are not limited to
scrolling down
through a view on a webpage and scrolling through menu options. It should be
appreciated
that all such types of navigational motion on the display screen 322 is
exemplarily
described herein in terms of a cursor (such as a pointing arrow) movement
across a display
screen 322; however, those persons skilled in the art will also appreciate
that "cursor"
movement or navigation on a screen can also be descriptive of successively
highlighting
presented menu items, screen icons and the like.
Further aspects of the environments, devices and methods of employment
described hereinabove are expanded upon in the following details. An exemplary
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embodiment of the handheld electronic device 300 as shown in FIG. 1 can be
cradled in
the palm of a user's hand. The size of the device 300 is such that a user is
capable of
operating the device using the same hand that is holding the device. In a
preferred
embodiment, the user is capable of actuating all features of the device 300
using the thumb
of the cradling hand. While in other embodiments, features may require the use
of more
than just the thumb of the cradling hand. The preferred embodiment of the
handheld
device 300 features a keyboard 332 on the face of the device 300, which is
actuable by the
thumb of the hand cradling the device 300. The user may also hold the device
300 in such
a manner to enable two thumb typing on the device 300. Furthermore, the user
may use
fingers rather than thumbs to actuate the keys on the device 300. In order to
accommodate
palm-cradling of the device 300 by the average person, it is longer (height as
shown in
FIG. 1) than it is wide, and the width is preferably between approximately two
and three
inches, but by no means limited to such dimensions.
The handheld electronic device 300 includes an input portion and an output
display
portion. The output display portion can be a display screen 322, such as an
LCD or other
similar display device.
The input portion includes a plurality of keys that can be of a physical
nature such
as actuable buttons or they can be of a software nature, typically constituted
by virtual
representations of physical keys on a display screen (referred to herein as
"software
keys"). It is also contemplated that the user input can be provided as a
combination of the
two types of keys. Each key of the plurality of keys has at least one actuable
action which
can be the input of a character, a command or a function. In this context,
"characters" are
contemplated to exemplarily include alphabetic letters, language symbols,
numbers,
punctuation, insignias, icons, pictures, and even a blank space. Input
commands and
functions can include such things as delete, backspace, moving a cursor up,
down, left or
right, initiating an arithmetic function or command, initiating a command or
function
specific to an application program or feature in use, initiating a command or
function
programmed by the user and other such commands and functions that are well
known to
those persons skilled in the art. Specific keys or other types of input
devices can be used to
navigate through the various applications and features thereof. Further,
depending on the
application or feature in use, specific keys can be enabled or disabled.
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In the case of physical keys, all or a portion of the plurality of keys have
one or
more indicia displayed at their top surface and/or on the surface of the area
adjacent the
respective key, the particular indicia representing the character(s),
command(s) and/or
function(s) typically associated with that key. In the instance where the
indicia of a key's
function is provided adjacent the key, it is understood that this may be a
permanent
insignia that is, for instance, printed on the device cover beside the key, or
in the instance
of keys located adjacent the display screen, a current indicia for the key may
be
temporarily shown nearby the key on the screen.
In the case of software keys, the indicia for the respective keys are shown on
the
display screen, which in one embodiment is enabled by touching the display
screen, for
example, with a stylus to generate the character or activate the indicated
command or
function. Such display screens may include one or more touch interfaces,
including a
touchscreen. A non-exhaustive list of touchscreens includes, for example,
resistive
touchscreens, capacitive touchscreens, projected capacitive touchscreens,
infrared
touchscreens and surface acoustic wave (SAW) touchscreens.
Physical and software keys can be combined in many different ways as
appreciated
by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, physical and software keys are
combined
such that the plurality of enabled keys for a particular application or
feature of the
handheld electronic device 300 is shown on the display screen 322 in the same
configuration as the physical keys. Thus, the desired character, command or
function is
obtained by depressing the physical key corresponding to the character,
command or
function displayed at a corresponding position on the display screen, rather
than touching
the display screen 322. To aid the user, indicia for the characters, commands
and/or
functions most frequently used are preferably positioned on the physical keys
and/or on
the area around or between the physical keys. In this manner, the user can
more readily
associate the correct physical key with the character, command or function
displayed on
the display screen 322.
The various characters, commands and functions associated with keyboard typing
in general are traditionally arranged using various conventions. The most
common of these
in the United States, for instance, is the QWERTY keyboard layout. Others
include the
QWERTZ, AZERTY, and Dvorak keyboard configurations of the English-language
alphabet.
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The QWERTY keyboard layout is the standard English-language alphabetic key
arrangement 44 (see FIG. 5). In this configuration, Q, W, E, R, T and Y are
the letters on
the top left, alphabetic row. It was designed by Christopher Sholes, who
invented the
typewriter. The keyboard layout was organized by him to prevent people from
typing too
fast and jamming the keys. The QWERTY layout was included in the drawing for
Sholes'
patent application in 1878.
The QWERTZ keyboard layout is normally used in German-speaking regions. This
alphabetic key arrangement 44 is shown in FIG. 6. In this configuration, Q, W,
E, R, T and
Z are the letters on the top left, alphabetic row. It differs from the QWERTY
keyboard
layout by exchanging the "Y" with a "Z". This is because "Z" is a much more
common
letter than "Y" in German and the letters "T" and "Z" often appear next to
each other in the
German language.
The AZERTY keyboard layout is normally used in French-speaking regions. This
alphabetic key arrangement 44 is shown in FIG. 7. In this configuration, A, Z,
E, R, T and
Y are the letters on the top left, alphabetic row. It is similar to the QWERTY
layout,
except that the letters Q and A are swapped, the letters Z and W are swapped,
and the
letter M is in the middle row instead of the bottom one.
The Dvorak keyboard layout was designed in the 1930s by August Dvorak and
William Dealey. This alphabetic key arrangement 44 is shown in FIG. 8. It was
developed
to allow a typist to type faster. About 70% of words are typed on the home row
compared
to about 32% with a QWERTY keyboard layout, and more words are typed using
both
hands. It is said that in eight hours, fingers of a QWERTY typist travel about
16 miles, but
only about 1 mile for the Dvorak typist.
Alphabetic key arrangements in full keyboards and typewriters are often
presented
along with numeric key arrangements. An exemplary numeric key arrangement is
shown
in FIGS. 5-8 where the numbers 1-9 and 0 are positioned above the alphabetic
keys. In
another known numeric key arrangement, numbers share keys with the alphabetic
characters, such as the top row of the QWERTY keyboard. Yet another exemplary
numeric key arrangement is shown in FIG. 9, where a numeric keypad 46 is
spaced from
the alphabetic/numeric key arrangement. The numeric keypad 46 includes the
numbers
"7", "8", "9" arranged in a top row, "4", "5", "6" arranged in a second row,
"1 ", "2", "3"
arranged in a third row, and "0" in a bottom row, consistent with what may be
found on a
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known "ten-key" computer keyboard keypad. Additionally, a numeric phone key
arrangement 42 is also known, as shown in FIG. 10.
As shown in FIG. 10, the numeric phone key arrangement 42 may also utilize a
surface treatment on the surface of the center "5" key. This surface treatment
is such that
the surface of the key is distinctive from the surface of other keys.
Preferably the surface
treatment is in the form of a raised bump or recessed dimple 43. This bump or
dimple 43 is
typically standard on telephones and is used to identify the "5" key through
touch alone.
Once the user has identified the "5" key, it is possible to identify the
remainder of the
phone keys through touch alone because of their standard placement. The bump
or dimple
43 preferably has a shape and size that is readily evident to a user through
touch. An
example bump or dimple 43 may be round, rectangular, or have another shape if
desired.
Alternatively, raised bumps may be positioned on the housing around the "5"
key and do
not necessarily have to be positioned directly on the key, as known by those
of skill in the
art.
Handheld electronic devices 300 that include a combined text-entry keyboard
and a
telephony keyboard are also known. Examples of such mobile communication
devices
include mobile stations, cellular telephones, wireless personal digital
assistants (PDAs),
two-way paging devices, and others. Various keyboards are used with such
devices
depending in part on the physical size of the handheld electronic device 300.
Some of
these are termed full keyboard, reduced keyboard, and phone key pads.
In embodiments of a handheld electronic device 300 having a full keyboard,
only
one alphabetic character is associated with each one of a plurality of
physical keys. Thus,
with an English-language keyboard, there are at least 26 keys in the
plurality, one for each
letter of the English alphabet. In such embodiments using the English-language
alphabet,
one of the keyboard layouts described above is usually employed, and with the
QWERTY
keyboard layout being the most common.
One device that uses a full keyboard for alphabetic characters and
incorporates a
combined numeric keyboard is shown in FIG. 12. In this device, numeric
characters share
keys with alphabetic characters on the top row of the QWERTY keyboard. Another
device
that incorporates a combined alphabetic/numeric keyboard is shown in FIG. 13.
This
device utilizes numeric characters in a numeric phone key arrangement
consistent with the
CA 02591463 2007-06-13
ITU Standard E.161, as shown in FIG. 10. The numeric characters share keys
with
alphabetic characters on the left side of the keyboard.
In order to further reduce the size of a handheld electronic device 300
without
making the physical keys or software keys too small, some handheld electronic
devices
300 use a reduced keyboard, where more than one character/command/function is
associated with each of at least a portion of the plurality of keys. This
results in certain
keys being ambiguous since more than one character is represented by or
associated with
the key, even though only one of those characters is typically intended by the
user when
activating the key.
Thus, certain software usually runs on the processor of these types of
handheld
electronic device 300 to determine or predict what letter or word has been
intended by the
user. Predictive text technologies can also automatically correct common
spelling errors.
Predictive text methodologies often include a disambiguation engine and/or a
predictive
editor application. This helps facilitate easy spelling and composition, since
the software is
preferably intuitive software with a large word list and the ability to
increase that list based
on the frequency of word usage. The software preferably also has the ability
to recognize
character letter sequences that are common to the particular language, such
as, in the case
of English, words ending in "ing." Such systems can also "learn" the typing
style of the
user making note of frequently used words to increase the predictive aspect of
the
software. With predictive editor applications, the display of the device
depicts possible
character sequences corresponding to the keystrokes that were entered.
Typically, the most
commonly used word is displayed first. The user may select other, less common
words
manually, or otherwise. Other types of predictive text computer programs may
be utilized
with the keyboard arrangement and keyboard described herein, without
limitation.
The multi-tap method of character selection has been in use a number of years
for
permitting users to enter text using a touch screen device or a conventional
telephone key
pad such as specified under ITU E 1.161, among other devices. Multi-tap
requires a user
to press a key a varying number of times, generally within a limited period of
time, to
input a specific letter, thereby spelling the desired words of the message. A
related method
is the long tap method, where a user depresses the key until the desired
character appears
on the display out of a rotating series of letters.
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A "text on nine keys" type system uses predictive letter patterns to allow a
user to
ideally press each key representing a letter only once to enter text. Unlike
multi-tap which
requires a user to indicate a desired character by a precise number of presses
of a key, or
keystrokes, the "text-on-nine-keys" system uses a predictive text dictionary
and
established letter patterns for a language to intelligently guess which one of
many
characters represented by a key that the user intended to enter. The
predictive text
dictionary is primarily a list of words, acronyms, abbreviations and the like
that can be
used in the composition of text.
Generally, all possible character string permutations represented by a number
of
keystrokes entered by a user are compared to the words in the predictive text
dictionary
and a subset of the permutations is shown to the user to allow selection of
the intended
character string. The permutations are generally sorted by likelihood of
occurrence which
is determined from the number of words matched in the predictive text
dictionary and
various metrics maintained for these words. Where the possible character
string
permutations do not match any words in the predictive text dictionary, the set
of
established letter patterns for a selected language can be applied to suggest
the most likely
character string permutations, and then require the user to input a number of
additional
keystrokes in order to enter the desired word.
The keys of reduced keyboards are laid out with various arrangements of
characters, commands and functions associated therewith. In regards to
alphabetic
characters, the different keyboard layouts identified above are selectively
used based on a
user's preference and familiarity; for example, the QWERTY keyboard layout is
most
often used by English speakers who have become accustomed to the key
arrangement.
FIG. 14 shows a handheld electronic device 300 that carries an example of a
reduced keyboard using the QWERTY keyboard layout on a physical keyboard array
of
twenty keys comprising five columns and four rows. Fourteen keys are used for
alphabetic
characters and ten keys are used for numbers. Nine of the ten numbers share a
key with
alphabetic characters. The "space" key and the number "0" share the same key,
which is
centered on the device and centered below the remainder of the numbers on the
keyboard
332. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54,
and a fourth
row 56. The five columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a
third column
64, a fourth column 66, and a fifth column 68. Each of the keys in the first
row 50, second
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row 52, and third row 54 is uniformly sized while the keys in the fourth,
bottom row 56
have different sizes relative to one another and to the keys in the first
three rows 50, 52,
54. The rows and columns are straight, although the keys in the fourth row 56
do not align
completely with the columns because of their differing sizes. The columns
substantially
align with the longitudinal axis x-x of the device 300.
FIG. 15 shows a handheld electronic device 300 that has an example physical
keyboard array of twenty keys, with five columns and four rows. A detailed
view of the
keyboard 332 is presented in FIG. 16. Fourteen keys on the keyboard 332 are
associated
with alphabetic characters and ten keys are associated with numbers. The four
rows
include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56.
The five
columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a
fourth
column 66, and a fifth column 68. Many of the keys have different sizes than
the other
keys, and the rows are non-linear. In particular, the rows are V-shaped, with
the middle
key in the third column 64 representing the point of the V. The columns are
generally
straight, but the outer two columns 60, 62, 66, 68 angle inwardly toward the
middle
column 64. To readily identify the phone user interface (the second user
interface), the
numeric phone keys 0-9 include a color scheme that is different from that of
the remaining
keys associated with the QWERTY key arrangement.
In this example, the color scheme of the numeric phone keys has a two tone
appearance, with the upper portion of the numeric keys being a first color and
the lower
portion of the numeric keys being a second color. In the example, the upper
portion of the
keys is white with blue letters and the lower portion of the keys is blue with
white letters.
Most of the remaining keys associated with the QWERTY key arrangement are
predominantly the second, blue color with white lettering. The first color may
be lighter
than the second color, or darker than the second color. In addition, the
keyboard 332
includes a "send" key 6 and an "end" key 8. The "send" key 6 is positioned in
the upper
left corner of the keyboard 332 and the "end" key 8 is positioned in the upper
right corner.
The "send" key 6 and "end" key 8 may have different color schemes than the
remainder of
the keys in order to distinguish them from other keys. In addition, the "send"
and "end"
keys 6, 8 may have different colors from one another. In the example shown,
the "send"
key 6 is green and the "end" key 8 is red. Different colors may be utilized,
if desired.
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FIG. 17 shows a similar format for the reduced QWERTY arrangement of
alphabetic characters 44 as presented in FIG. 14, but the numeric phone key
arrangement
42 is positioned in the first 60, second 62, and third 64 colunms instead of
being centered
on the keyboard 332. The first row 50 of keys includes in order the following
key
combinations for the text entry and telephony mode: "QW/1", "ER/2", "TY/3",
"UI", and
"OP". The second row 52 includes the following key combinations in order:
"AS/4",
"DF/5", "GH/6", "JK/,", and "L/.". The third row 54 includes the following key
combinations in order: "ZX/7", "CV/8", "BN/9", "M/sym" and "backspace/delete".
The
fourth row 56 includes the following key combinations in order: "next/*",
"space/O",
"shift/#", "alt" and "return/enter". The keys in each of the rows are of
uniform size and the
rows and columns are straight.
Another embodiment of a reduced alphabetic keyboard is found on a standard
phone keypad. Most handheld electronic devices 300 having a phone key pad also
typically include alphabetic key arrangements overlaying or coinciding with
the numeric
keys as shown in FIG. 11. Such alphanumeric phone keypads are used in many, if
not
most, traditional handheld telephony mobile communication devices such as
cellular
handsets.
As described above, the International Telecommunications Union ("ITU") has
established phone standards for the arrangement of alphanumeric keys. The
standard
phone numeric key arrangement shown in FIGS. 10 (no alphabetic letters) and 11
(with
alphabetic letters) corresponds to ITU Standard E.161, entitled "Arrangement
of Digits,
Letters, and Symbols on Telephones and Other Devices That Can Be Used for
Gaining
Access to a Telephone Network." This standard is also known as ANSI TI.703-
1995/1999
and ISO/IEC 9995-8:1994. Regarding the numeric arrangement, it can be aptly
described
as a top-to-bottom ascending order three-by-three-over-zero pattern.
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The table below identifies the alphabetic characters associated with each
number
for some other phone keypad conventions.
Number on ITU E.161 Australia Mobile Phone Keypad
Key #1 #11 #111
(Europe) (Europe)
I QZ ABC ABC
2 ABC ABC ABC DEF DEF
3 DEF DEF DEF GHI GHI
4 GHI GHI GHI JKL JKL
JKL JKL JKL MNO MNO
6 MNO MNO MN PQR PQR
7 PQRS PRS PRS STU STU
8 TUV TUV TUV UVW VWX
9 WXYZ WXY WXY XYZ YZ
0 OQZ
It should also be appreciated that other alphabetic character and number
combinations can
be used beyond those identified above when deemed useful to a particular
application.
As noted earlier, multi-tap software has been in use for a number of years
permitting users to enter text using a conventional telephone key pad such as
specified
under ITU E 1.161 or on a touch screen display, among other devices. Multi-tap
requires a
user to press a key a varying number of times, generally within a limited
period of time, to
input a specific letter associated with the particular key, thereby spelling
the desired words
of the message. A related method is the long tap method, where a user
depresses the key
until the desired character appears on the display.
An exemplary handheld electronic device 300 is shown in the assembly drawing
of
FIG. 3 and its cooperation in a wireless network is exemplified in the block
diagram of
FIG. 18. These figures are exemplary only, and those persons skilled in the
art will
appreciate the additional elements and modifications necessary to make the
device work in
particular network environments.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing some of the typical components found in the
assembly of the handheld electronic device 300. The construction of the device
benefits
from various manufacturing simplifications. The internal components are
constructed on a
single PCB (printed circuit board) 102. The keyboard 332 is constructed from a
single
CA 02591463 2007-06-13
piece of material, and in a preferred embodiment is made from plastic. The
keyboard 332
sits over dome switches (not shown) located on the PCB 102 in a preferred
embodiment.
One switch is provided for every key on the keyboard in the preferred
embodiment, but in
other embodiments more than one switch or less than one switch per key are
possible
configurations. The support frame 101 holds the keyboard 332 and navigation
tool 328 in
place above the PCB 102. The support frame 101 also provides an attachment
point for the
display (not shown). A lens 103 covers the display to prevent damage. When
assembled,
the support frame 101 and the PCB 102 are fixably attached to each other and
the display
is positioned between the PCB 102 and support frame 101.
The navigation tool 328 is frictionally engaged with the support frame 101,
but in a
preferred embodiment the navigation tool 328 is removable when the device is
assembled.
This allows for replacement of the navigation tool 328 if it becomes damaged
or the user
desires replacement with a different type of navigation tool 328. In the
exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 3, the navigation tool 328 is a trackball 150 based device.
When the
navigation tool 328 has a trackball 150, the trackball 150 itself can be
removed without
removal of the navigation tool 328. The removal of the trackball 150 is
enabled through
the use of an outer removable ring 123 and an inner removable ring 122. These
rings 122,
123 ensure that the navigation tool 328 and the trackball 150 are properly
held in place
against the support frame 101.
A serial port (preferably a Universal Serial Bus port) 330 and an earphone
jack 140
are fixably attached to the PCB 102 and further held in place by right side
element 105.
Buttons 130, 131, 132, 133 are attached to switches (not shown), which are
connected to
the PCB 102.
Final assembly involves placing the top piece 107 and bottom piece 108 in
contact
with support frame 101. Furthermore, the assembly interconnects right side
element 105
and left side element 106 with the support frame 101, PCB 102, and lens 103.
These side
elements 105, 106 provide additional protection and strength to the support
structure of the
device 300. In a preferred embodiment, backplate 104 is removably attached to
the other
elements of the device.
The block diagram of FIG. 18, representing the communication device 300
interacting in the communication network 319, shows the device's 300 inclusion
of a
microprocessor 338 which controls the operation of the device 300. The
communication
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subsystem 311 performs all communication transmission and reception with the
wireless
network 319. The microprocessor 338 further connects with an auxiliary
input/output (I/O)
subsystem 328, a serial port (preferably a Universal Serial Bus port) 330, a
display 322, a
keyboard 332, a speaker 334, a microphone 336, random access memory (RAM) 326,
and
flash memory 324. Other communications subsystems 340 and other device
subsystems
342 are generally indicated as connected to the microprocessor 338 as well. An
example of
a communication subsystem 340 is that of a short range communication subsystem
such as
BLUETOOTH communication module or an infrared device and associated circuits
and
components. Additionally, the microprocessor 338 is able to perform operating
system
functions and preferably enables execution of software applications on the
communication
device 300.
The above described auxiliary UO subsystem 328 can take a variety of different
subsystems including the above described navigation tool 328. As previously
mentioned,
the navigation tool 328 is preferably a trackball based device, but it can be
any one of the
other above described tools. Other auxiliary I/O devices can include external
display
devices and externally connected keyboards (not shown). While the above
examples have
been provided in relation to the auxiliary I/O subsystem, other subsystems
capable of
providing input or receiving output from the handheld electronic device 300
are
considered within the scope of this disclosure.
In a preferred embodiment, the communication device 300 is designed to
wirelessly connect with a communication network 319. Some communication
networks
that the communication device 300 may be designed to operate on require a
subscriber
identity module (SIM) or removable user identity module (RUIM). Thus, a device
300
intended to operate on such a system will include SIM/RUIM interface 344 into
which the
SIM/RUIM card (not shown) may be placed. The SIM/RUIM interface 344 can be one
in
which the SIM/RUIM card is inserted and ejected.
In an exemplary embodiment, the flash memory 324 is enabled to provide a
storage location for the operating system, device programs, and data. While
the operating
system in a preferred embodiment is stored in flash memory 324, the operating
system in
other embodiments is stored in read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage
element (not
shown). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the operating system,
device application
or parts thereof may be loaded in RAM 326 or other volatile memory.
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In a preferred embodiment, the flash memory 324 contains programs/applications
358 for execution on the device 300 including an address book 352, a personal
information
manager (PIM) 354, and the device state 350. Furthermore, programs 358 and
other
information 356 can be segregated upon storage in the flash memory 324 of the
device
300. However, another embodiment of the flash memory 324 utilizes a storage
allocation
method such that a program 358 is allocated additional space in order to store
data
associated with such program. Other known allocation methods exist in the art
and those
persons skilled in the art will appreciate additional ways to allocate the
memory of the
device 300.
In a preferred embodiment, the device 300 is pre-loaded with a limited set of
programs that enable it to operate on the communication network 319. Another
program
that can be preloaded is a PIM 354 application that has the ability to
organize and manage
data items including but not limited to email, calendar events, voice
messages,
appointments and task items. In order to operate efficiently, memory 324 is
allocated for
use by the PIM 354 for the storage of associated data. In a preferred
embodiment, the
information that PIM 354 manages is seamlessly integrated, synchronized and
updated
through the communication network 319 with a user's corresponding information
on a
remote computer (not shown). The synchronization, in another embodiment, can
also be
performed through the serial port 330 or other short range communication
subsystem 340.
Other applications may be installed through connection with the wireless
network 319,
serial port 330 or via other short range communication subsystems 340.
When the device 300 is enabled for two-way communication within the wireless
communication network 319, it can send and receive signals from a mobile
communication service. Examples of communication systems enabled for two-way
communication include, but are not limited to, the GPRS (General Packet Radio
Service)
network, the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service) network, the
EDGE
(Enhanced Data for Global Evolution) network, and the CDMA (Code Division
Multiple
Access) network and those networks generally described as packet-switched,
narrowband,
data-only technologies mainly used for short burst wireless data transfer.
For the systems listed above, the communication device 300 must be properly
enabled to transmit and receive signals from the communication network 319.
Other
systems may not require such identifying information. A GPRS, UMTS, and EDGE
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CA 02591463 2007-06-13
require the use of a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) in order to allow
communication
with the communication network 319. Likewise, most CDMA systems require the
use of a
RUIM (Removable Identity Module) in order to communicate with the CDMA
network.
The RUIM and SIM card can be used in multiple different communication devices
300.
The communication device 300 may be able to operate some features without a
SIM/RUIM card, but it will not be able to communicate with the network 319. In
some
locations, the communication device 300 will be enabled to work with special
services,
such as "911" emergency, without a SIM/RUIM or with a non-functioning SIM/RUIM
card. A SIM/RUIM interface 344 located within the device allows for removal or
insertion
of a SIM/RUIM card (not shown). This interface 344 can be configured like that
of a disk
drive or a PCMCIA slot or other known attachment mechanism in the art. The
SIM/RUIM
card features memory and holds key configurations 351, and other information
353 such
as identification and subscriber related information. Furthermore, a SIM/RUIM
card can
be enabled to store information about the user including identification,
carrier and address
book information. With a properly enabled communication device 300, two-way
communication between the communication device 300 and communication network
319
is possible.
If the communication device 300 is enabled as described above or the
communication network 319 does not require such enablement, the two-way
communication enabled device 300 is able to both transmit and receive
information from
the communication network 319. The transfer of communication can be from the
device
300 or to the device 300. In order to communicate with the communication
network 319,
the device 300 in a preferred embodiment is equipped with an integral or
internal antenna
318 for transmitting signals to the communication network 319. Likewise the
communication device 300 in the preferred embodiment is equipped with another
antenna
316 for receiving communication from the communication network 319. These
antennae
316, 318 in another preferred embodiment are combined into a single antenna
(not shown).
As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the antenna or antennae 316, 318
in another
embodiment are externally mounted on the device 300.
When equipped for two-way communication, the communication device 300
features a communication subsystem 311. As is well known in the art, this
communication
subsystem 311 is modified so that it can support the operational needs of the
device 300.
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The subsystem 311 includes a transmitter 314 and receiver 312 including the
associated
antenna or antennae 316, 318 as described above, local oscillators (LOs) 313,
and a
processing module 320 which in a preferred embodiment is a digital signal
processor
(DSP) 320.
A signal received by the communication device 300 is first received by the
antenna
316 and then input into a receiver 312, which in a preferred embodiment is
capable of
performing common receiver functions including signal amplification, frequency
down
conversion, filtering, channel selection and the like, and analog to digital
(A/D)
conversion. The A/D conversion allows the DSP 320 to perform more complex
communication functions such as demodulation and decoding on the signals that
are
received by DSP 320 from the receiver 312. The DSP 320 is also capable of
issuing
control commands to the receiver 312. An example of a control command that the
DSP
320 is capable of sending to the receiver 312 is gain control, which is
implemented in
automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 320. Likewise, the
communication device 300 is capable of transmitting signals to the
communication
network 319. The DSP 320 communicates the signals to be sent to the
transmitter 314 and
further communicates control functions, such as the above described gain
control. The
signal is emitted by the device 300 through an antenna 318 connected to the
transmitter 314.
It is contemplated that communication by the device 300 with the wireless
network 319 can be any type of communication that both the wireless network
319 and
device 300 are enabled to transmit, receive and process. In general, these can
be classified
as voice and data. Voice communication is communication in which signals for
audible
sounds are transmitted by the device 300 through the communication network
319. Data is
all other types of communication that the device 300 is capable of performing
within the
constraints of the wireless network 319.
In the instance of voice communications, voice transmissions that originate
from
the communication device 300 enter the device 300 though a microphone 336. The
microphone 336 communicates the signals to the microprocessor 338 for further
conditioning and processing. The microprocessor 338 sends the signals to the
DSP 320
which controls the transmitter 314 and provides the correct signals to the
transmitter 314.
Then, the transmitter 314 sends the signals to the antenna 318, which emits
the signals to
CA 02591463 2007-06-13
be detected by a communication network 319. Likewise, when the receiver 312
obtains a
signal from the receiving antenna 316 that is a voice signal, it is
transmitted to the DSP
320 which further sends the signal to the microprocessor 338. Then, the
microprocessor
338 provides a signal to the speaker 334 of the device 300 and the user can
hear the voice
communication that has been received. The device 300 in a preferred embodiment
is
enabled to allow for full duplex voice transmission.
In another embodiment, the voice transmission may be received by the
communication device 300 and translated as text to be shown on the display
screen 322 of
the communication device 300. The communication device 300 is also capable of
retrieving messages from a voice messaging service operated by the
communication
network operator. In a preferred embodiment, the device 300 displays
information in
relation to the voice message, such as the number of voice messages or an
indication that a
new voice message is present on the operating system.
In a preferred embodiment, the display 322 of the communication device 300
provides an indication about the identity of an incoming call, duration of the
voice
communication, telephone number of the communication device, call history, and
other
related information. It should be appreciated that the above described
embodiments are
given as examples only and one skilled in the art may effect alterations,
modifications and
variations to the particular embodiments without departing from the scope of
the
application.
As stated above, the communication device 300 and communication network 319
can be enabled to transmit, receive and process data. Several different types
of data exist
and some of these types of data will be described in further detail. One type
of data
communication that occurs over the communication network 319 includes
electronic mail
(email) messages. Typically an email is text based, but can also include other
types of data
such as picture files, attachments and html. While these are given as
examples, other types
of messages are considered within the scope of this disclosure as well.
When the email originates from a source outside of the device and is
communicated to the device 300, it is first received by the receiving antenna
316 and then
transmitted to the receiver 312. From the receiver 312, the email message is
further
processed by the DSP 320, and it then reaches the microprocessor 338. The
microprocessor 338 executes instructions as indicated from the relevant
programming
26
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instructions to display, store or process the email message as directed by the
program. In a
similar manner, once an email message has been properly processed by the
microprocessor
338 for transmission to the communication network 319, it is first sent to the
DSP 320,
which further transmits the email message to the transmitter 314. The
transmitter 314
processes the email message and transmits it to the transmission antenna 318,
which
broadcasts a signal to be received by a communication network 319. While the
above has
been described generally, those skilled in this art will appreciate those
modifications
which are necessary to enable the communication device 300 to properly
transmit the
email message over a given communication network 319.
Furthermore, the email message may instead be transmitted from the device 300
via a serial port 330, another communication port 340, or other wireless
communication
ports 340. The user of the device 300 can generate a message to be sent using
the
keyboard 332 and/or auxiliary UO 328, and the associated application to
generate the
email message. Once the email message is generated, the user may execute a
send
command which directs the email message from the communication device 300 to
the
communication network 319. In an exemplary embodiment, a keyboard 332,
preferably an
alphanumeric keyboard, is used to compose the email message. In a preferred
embodiment, an auxiliary I/O device 328 is used in addition to the keyboard
332.
While the above has been described in relation to email messages, one skilled
in
the art could easily modify the procedure to function with other types of data
such as SMS
text messages, internet websites, videos, instant messages, programs and
ringtones. Once
the data is received by the microprocessor 338, the data is placed
appropriately within the
operating system of the device 300. This might involve presenting a message on
the
display 322 which indicates the data has been received or storing it in the
appropriate
memory 324 on the device 300. For example, a downloaded application such as a
game
will be placed into a suitable place in the flash memory 324 of the device
300. The
operating system of the device 300 will also allow for appropriate access to
the new
application as downloaded.
Exemplary embodiments have been described hereinabove regarding handheld
electronic devices 300 and wireless handheld communication devices 300 as well
as the
communication networks within which they cooperate. It should be appreciated,
however,
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that a focus of the present disclosure is the enablement of power-saving mode
for a
handheld electronic device 300.
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