Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02812818 2016-08-19
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING THE POSITION OF A MOBILE DEVICE
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to mobile devices, and more specifically
to optimizing the
position of the mobile device by providing visual feedback.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Mobile devices are becoming more prevalent and more advanced. Mobile
devices can
include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, smart telephones,
wireless personal digital
assistants (PDAs), and laptop computers with wireless 802.11 or Bluetooth
capabilities. These
devices can run on a wide variety of networks from data-only networks such as
Mobitex and
DataTAC networks to complex voice and data networks such as GSM/GPRS, CDMA,
EDGE,
UMTS and CDMA2000 networks. As the technology associated with mobile devices
continues
to advance, users of these mobile devices are becoming more reliant on these
mobile devices.
For example, as technology advances are being made with respect to speakers,
conducting
conversations using a mobile device in speaker mode or hands free mode is a
feasible option due
to the improved quality of the audio. Typically, conventional mobile devices
are using multiple
microphones for noise cancellation and speakerphone algorithms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Implementations of the present disclosure will now be described, by way
of example
only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
[0005] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a mobile device in a communication
network in
accordance with an exemplary implementation;
[0006] Figure 2 is a front view of a mobile device displaying a visual
indicator indicating a yaw
change in accordance with an exemplary implementation;
1
CA 02812818 2013-03-27
WO 2012/040850
PCT/CA2011/050605
[0007] Figure 3 is a front view of a mobile device displaying a visual
indicator after a yaw
change in accordance with an exemplary implementation;
[0008] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a mobile device displaying a
visual indicator
indicating a roll change in accordance with an exemplary implementation;
[0009] Figure 5 is a front view of a mobile device displaying a visual
indicator after a roll
change in accordance with an exemplary implementation;
[0010] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a mobile device displaying a
visual indicator
indicating a pitch change in accordance with an exemplary implementation;
[0011] Figure 7 is a front view of a mobile device displaying a visual
indicator after a pitch
change in accordance with an exemplary implementation;
[0012] Figure 8 is a front perspective of a mobile device displaying a visual
indicator
indicating a yaw, roll and pitch change in accordance with an exemplary
implementation;
[0013] Figure 9 is a front view of a mobile device displaying a visual
indicator after yaw, roll
and pitch changes in accordance with an exemplary implementation; and
[0014] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method of providing a visual indicator on
a mobile
device in accordance with an exemplary implementation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] As will be appreciated for simplicity and clarity of illustration,
where appropriate,
reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate
corresponding
or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide
a thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However,
those of
ordinary skill in the art will understand that the implementations described
herein can be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods,
procedures and
components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related
relevant feature
being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the
scope of the
implementations described herein.
[0016] Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now be
presented. The
word "coupled" is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through
intervening
components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The
term
"communicatively coupled" is defined as connected whether directly or
indirectly though
intervening components, is not necessarily limited to a physical connection,
and allows for
2
CA 02812818 2013-03-27
WO 2012/040850
PCT/CA2011/050605
the transfer of data. The term "mobile device" is defined as any electronic
device that is
capable of at least accepting information entries from a user and includes the
device's own
power source. A "wireless communication" means communication that occurs
without wires
using electromagnetic radiation. The term "memory" refers to transitory memory
and non-
transitory memory. For example, non-transitory memory can be implemented as
Random
Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), flash, ferromagnetic, phase-
change
memory, and other non-transitory memory technologies. The term "media" is
defined as
visual, audio, or combined visual and audio data which can be outputted by a
mobile device.
[0017] The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing a
visual indicator
for optimizing the position of a mobile device when the mobile device is being
used in a
speaker mode. One or more position components in the mobile device can
determine the
position of the mobile device. The position of the mobile device can be
compared to optimal
positions for improved audio quality. A visual indicator can be provided to
indicate that the
mobile device should be adjusted. The visual indicator can show how the mobile
device
should be adjusted to obtain optimal or improved audio quality.
[0018] Referring to Figure 1, a block diagram of a mobile device in a
communication
network in accordance with an exemplary implementation is illustrated. As
shown, the
mobile device 100 can include a microprocessor 338 that controls the operation
of the mobile
device 100, such as facilitating communications, providing a graphical user
interface,
executing programs, and so forth. A
communication subsystem 311 performs
communication transmission and reception with the wireless network 319. The
microprocessor 338 further can be coupled with an auxiliary input/output (I/O)
subsystem
328 that can be coupled to the mobile device 100. Additionally, in at least
one
implementation, the microprocessor 338 can be coupled to a serial port (for
example, a
Universal Serial Bus port) 330 that facilitates communication with other
devices or systems
via the serial port 330. A display 322 can be communicatively coupled to the
microprocessor
338 to facilitate display of information to an operator of the mobile device
100. When the
mobile device 100 is equipped with a keyboard 332, which may be physical or
virtual (for
example, displayed), the keyboard 332 can be communicatively coupled to the
microprocessor 338. The mobile device 100 can include one or more speakers 334
and one
or more microphones 336, which may advantageously be communicatively coupled
to the
microprocessor 338 and discussed in further detail below. Additionally, a
vibrator 360, such
as a vibrator motor, can be communicatively coupled to the microprocessor 338
to generate
3
CA 02812818 2013-03-27
WO 2012/040850
PCT/CA2011/050605
vibrations in the mobile device 100. Other similar components can be provided
on or within
the mobile device 100 and are optionally communicatively coupled to the
microprocessor
338. Other communication subsystems 340 and other communication device
subsystems 342
are generally indicated as communicatively coupled with the microprocessor
338. An
example of a communication subsystem 340 is a short-range communication system
such as a
BLUETOOTH communication module or a WI-FI communication module (a
communication module in compliance with IEEE 802.11b) and associated circuits
and
components. Additionally, the microprocessor 338 can perform operating system
functions
and executes programs or software applications on the mobile device 100. In
some
.. implementations, not all of the above components are included in the mobile
device 100. The
auxiliary I/O subsystem 328 can take the form of one or more different
navigation tools
(multi-directional or single-directional), external display devices such as
keyboards, and other
subsystems capable of providing input or receiving output from the mobile
device 100.
[0019] The mobile device 100 can be equipped with components to enable
operation of
.. various programs, as shown in Figure 1. As shown, the memory 324 can
provide storage for
the operating system 350, device programs 358, data, and so forth. The
operating system 350
can be generally configured to manage other programs 358 that are also stored
in memory
324 and executable on the processor 338. The operating system 350 can handle
requests for
services made by programs 358 through predefined program 358 interfaces. More
specifically, the operating system 350 can typically determine the order in
which multiple
programs 358 are executed on the processor 338 and the execution time allotted
for each
program 358, manages the sharing of memory 324 among multiple programs 358,
handles
input and output to and from other device subsystems 342, and so forth. In
addition,
operators can interact directly with the operating system 350 through a user
interface,
typically including the keyboard 332 and display screen 322. The operating
system 350,
programs 358, data, and other information can be stored in memory 324, RAM
326, read-
only memory (ROM), or another suitable storage element (not shown). An address
book 352,
personal information manager (PIM) 354, and other information 356 can also be
stored.
[0020] The mobile device 100 can be enabled for two-way communication within
voice,
data, or voice and data communication systems. A Subscriber Identity Module
(SIM) or
Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) can be utilized to authorize
communication with
the communication network 319. A SIM/RUIM interface 344 within the mobile
device 100
can interface a SIM/RUIM card to the microprocessor 338 and facilitates
removal or insertion
4
CA 02812818 2013-03-27
WO 2012/040850
PCT/CA2011/050605
of a SIM/RUIM card (not shown). The SIM/RUIM card features memory and can hold
key
configurations 351, and other information 353 such as identification and
subscriber related
information. The mobile device 100 can be equipped with an antenna 318 for
transmitting
signals to the communication network 319 and another antenna 316 for receiving
communication from the communication network 319. Alternatively, a single
antenna (not
shown) can be utilized to transmit and receive signals. A communication
subsystem 311 can
include a transmitter 314 and receiver 312, one or more antennae 316, 318,
local oscillators
(L0s) 313, and a processing module 320 such as a digital signal processor
(DSP) 320.
[0021] The mobile device 100 can include a touch-sensitive display or
touchscreen 224 that
includes one or more touch location sensors 364, an overlay 226, and a display
322, such as a
liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) display, such as
shown in Figure
2. The touch location sensor(s) 364 can be a capacitive, resistive, infrared,
surface acoustic
wave (SAW), or other type of touch-sensitive sensor and can be integrated into
the overlay
226. The overlay 226, or cover, can be comprised of laminated glass, plastic,
or other
suitable material(s) and is advantageously translucent or transparent. A
touch, or touch
contact, can be detected by the touchscreen 224 and processed by the processor
338, for
example, to determine a location of the touch. Touch location data can include
the center of
the area of contact or the entire area of contact for further processing. A
touch may be
detected from a contact member, such as a body part of a user, for example a
finger or thumb,
or other objects, for example a stylus, pen, or other pointer, depending on
the nature of the
touch location sensor.
[0022] The mobile device 100 can include a position component 366 which can
detect the
position of the mobile device 100. For example, the position component 130 can
detect the
position or one or more angles of the mobile device 100. The angles can
include the roll,
pitch, and yaw angles. The position component can be an accelerometer, a
gyroscope, a
mercury switch, or any other device than can determine the position of the
mobile device
100.
[0023] By knowing the position of the mobile device 100, position data from
the position
component 366 can be compared to one or more predetermined position data, for
example,
ideal or optimal positions of the mobile device 100. For example, the
processor 338 can
compare the position data such as the yaw, roll, and pitch angles with one or
more
predetermined position data such as acceptable ranges for each angle. Based on
the
comparison, the processor 338 can provide a visual indicator to a user
informing a user
5
CA 02812818 2013-03-27
WO 2012/040850
PCT/CA2011/050605
whether the position of the mobile device is in an acceptable position based
at least in part on
the comparison.
[0024] Referring to Figures 2-9, various front views of a mobile device in
accordance with
exemplary implementations are illustrated. As shown, the mobile device 100 can
include a
first speaker 214, a second speaker 216, a first microphone 218, and a second
microphone
220. The first speaker 214 and the second speaker 216 can be on opposite sides
of each other
and on the short portions of the mobile device 100. For example, the first
speaker 214 can be
on the first short portion 204 and the second speaker 216 can be on the second
short portion
206. The first microphone 218 and the second microphone 220 can be on opposite
sides of
each other and on the short portions of the mobile device 100. For example,
the first
microphone 218 can be on the first short portion 204 and the second microphone
220 can be
on the second short portion 206. In a speaker or hands free mode, one or both
speakers 214,
216 and one or both microphones 218, 220 can be activated. For example, a
first transducer
can be on the first short portion 204 and a second transducer can be on the
second short
portion 206.
[0025] As shown in Figures 2-9, each audio component 214, 216, 218, 220 is
shown on a top
surface 222 of the mobile device 100. Although the audio component 214, 216,
218, 220 are
shown on the top surface 222, one or more audio components 214, 216, 218, 220
can be on or
about one or more of the top surfaces 222, side, bottom surface or any
combination thereof
In one or more implementations, the mobile device can include more or less
audio
components. In one or more implementations, the audio components can be
transducers
which can be configured to provide a speaker function or a microphone
function.
[0026] The mobile device 100 can include one or more position components 366
to detect the
position of the mobile device 100. For example, a position component 366 can
detect the
current position of the mobile device 100 which can include yaw, pitch and
roll angles. A
single position component 366 can determine all three angles or one or more
positions
components 366 can detect each angle of the mobile device 100. For example,
each angle
can have a dedicated position component 366. The position component 366 can
include one
or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, mercury switches, any combination thereof,
or any other
.. device or devices that can detect the position of the mobile device 100.
[0027] By knowing the position of the mobile device 100, the determined
position can be
compared with one or more predetermined or optimal positions. The optimal
positions can
6
CA 02812818 2013-03-27
WO 2012/040850
PCT/CA2011/050605
be positions of a mobile device 100 which provide optimal or acceptable
performance or
quality. The predetermined positions can be stored in the memory 324 of the
mobile device.
For example, the predetermined positions can be loaded during or after the
mobile device 100
is manufactured. The predetermined positions can be determined via testing,
for example,
bench testing, of the mobile device 100 to determine one or more positions in
which the
quality of audio of the mobile device 100 is determined to be optimal or above
acceptable
criteria. After comparing the detected position of the mobile device 100, the
processor 338
can provide a visual indication whether the detected position of the mobile
device 100 is
acceptable. The visual indication can take several forms, including but not
limited to
providing an illustration showing how the mobile device 100 should be
adjusted, an
animation showing how the mobile device 100 should be adjusted, one or more
light emitting
diodes indicating whether the detected position is acceptable or not, or any
other visual
indicator providing an indication whether the detected position is acceptable
or how to move
the mobile device 100 into an acceptable position. In one or more
implementations, an audio
indicator can be used to provide an indication whether the detected position
is acceptable or
not.
[0028] Referring to Figures 2-9, various front views of a mobile device
displaying a visual
indicator in accordance with an exemplary implementation are illustrated. As
shown, the
processor 338 can display an image of a mobile device with three sets of
arrows: a first yaw
arrow 230, a second yaw angle 232, a first roll arrow 234, a second roll arrow
236, a first
pitch arrow 238, and a second pitch arrow 240. To provide an indication of how
to move the
mobile device 100, the arrows can be shown in different sizes, color, or both.
For example,
as shown in Figure 2, the second yaw arrow 232 is shown as being larger than
the first yaw
arrow 230 to indicate the yaw angle of the mobile device 100 needs to be
adjusted, for
example, lowered. In another example, as shown in Figure 4, the first roll
arrow 234 is
shown as being larger than the second roll arrow 236 to indicate the roll
angle of the mobile
device 100 needs to be adjusted, for example, twisted. In another example, as
shown in
Figure 6, the second pitch arrow 240 is shown as being larger than the first
pitch arrow 242 to
indicate the pitch angle of the mobile device 100 needs to be adjusted, for
example, tilted
backwards. In yet another example, as shown in Figure 8, the second yaw arrow
232, the
first roll arrow 234, and the second pitch arrow 240 are shown as being larger
than the first
yaw arrow 230, the second roll arrow 236, and the first pitch arrow 238,
respectively, to
indicate that the yaw, roll and pitch angles of the mobile device 100 need to
be adjusted.
7
CA 02812818 2013-03-27
WO 2012/040850
PCT/CA2011/050605
After the device is adjusted as suggested in Figures 2, 4, 6, and 8 another
image of a mobile
device 100 can be displayed as shown in Figures 3, 5, 7, and 9 indicating that
the mobile
device 100 is in an acceptable position.
[0029] In one or more implementations, the arrows 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240
can be
shown in different manners, for example, lengths or sizes, to provide an
indication of the
relative amount the mobile device 100 should be moved into an acceptable
position. In one or
more implementations, the arrows 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240 can be shown in
different
colors to indicate how the mobile device 100 should be moved. For example, a
red arrow can
indicate that the angle (yaw, roll, pitch or any combination thereof) should
be moved and a
green arrow can indicate that the angle is in an acceptable position. In one
or more
implementations, an animation can be displayed to show how the mobile device
100 should
be adjusted. For example, the display can switch back and forth between the
images shown
in Figures 2 and 3, Figures 4 and 5, Figures 6 and 7, or Figures 8 and 9.
[0030] Referring to Figures 2-9 again, the mobile device 100 can include one
or more light
emitting diodes (LED) 242, 244 to provide an indication whether the mobile
device 100 is in
an acceptable position. For example, a first colored LED 242, for example, a
red LED, can
indicate that the mobile device 100 is not in an acceptable position and a
second colored LED
244, for example, a green LED, can indicate that the mobile device 100 is in
an acceptable
position. In one or more implementations, a multicolored LED (not shown) can
be used. For
example, the multicolored LED can be illuminated in a first color, for
example, green, to
indicate that the mobile device 100 is not in an acceptable position and a
second color, for
example, red, to indicate that the mobile device 100 is not in an acceptable
position. As
shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, and 8, the first colored LED 242 is illuminated
indicating that the
mobile device 100 is not in an acceptable position. As shown in Figures 3, 5,
7, and 9, the
second colored LED 244 is illuminated indicating that the mobile device 100 is
in an
acceptable position.
[0031] Referring to Figure 10, a flowchart of a method for providing a visual
indicator
whether a mobile device is in an optimal position for conducting a
conversation in a speaker
phone mode. The exemplary method 1000 is provided by way of example, as there
are a
variety of ways to carry out the method. The method 1000 described below can
be carried
out using the communication devices and communication network shown in Figures
1-9 by
way of example, and various elements of these figures are referenced in
explaining
exemplary method 1000. Each block shown in Figure 10 represents one or more
processes,
8
CA 02812818 2013-03-27
WO 2012/040850
PCT/CA2011/050605
methods or subroutines carried out in exemplary method 1000. The exemplary
method 1000
may begin at block 1002.
[0032] At block 1002, a position of a mobile device can be determined. For
example, the
processor 338 receives a position signal from the position component 366 or
one or more
position components 366. The position signal can include one or more of yaw,
pitch, and roll
angle data of the determined position of the mobile device 100. After
receiving the position
signal, the method 1000 can proceed to block 1004.
[0033] At block 1004, the determined position can be compared to one or more
predetermined positions. For example, in response to the processor 338
receiving the
position signal, the processor 338 compares the determined position to one or
more
predetermined or optimal positions of the mobile device 100. The predetermined
positions
can include positions that provide optimal audio performance of the mobile
device 100. The
processor 228 can select the closest match and determine how the mobile device
100 should
be adjusted. Other selection processes can be used. After comparing the
positions, the
method 1000 can proceed to block 1006.
[0034] At block 1006, a visual indicator or feedback can be provided. For
example, the
processor 338 can display an image of the mobile device with arrows indicating
how the
mobile device 100 should be moved into an acceptable position. For example,
Figures 2, 4,
and 6 include images showing how the yaw, roll, and pitch angles should be
adjusted,
respectively. Figures 3, 5, and 7 show that the mobile device 100 is in an
acceptable position.
After providing the visual indicator, the method 1000 can proceed to block
1002 to determine
the latest position of the mobile device 100 and repeat the method 1000 based
on the latest
position. The method 1000 can be performed at a predetermined rate, for
example, every five
seconds or in response to one or more position components 366 detecting a
change in the
position of the mobile device 100.
[0035] In the event a mobile device 100 is used in a speaker or hands free
mode, the mobile
device can cause inferior audio performance due to the position of the mobile
device. The
system and method described above provide several benefits to a user of a
mobile device 100
by providing a visual indicator indicating whether the mobile device is in an
optimal position.
The visual indicator can take several forms including an illustration showing
how the mobile
device should be moved, an animation showing how the mobile device should be
moved,
colors providing an indication whether the position is acceptable, or any
combination thereof
9
CA 02812818 2016-08-19
As a result of the visual indicator, the user can adjust the position of the
mobile device 100
thereby improving the audio performance of the mobile device 100. For example,
by adjusting
the position of the mobile device 100 in response to the visual indicator, the
signal to noise ratio
can improve. By adjusting the position of the mobile device 100 to improve the
audio
performance, a user of the mobile device 100 can elect to use the speaker mode
more frequently
due to the improved audio performance.
[0036] Examples of a mobile device 100 are shown in Figures 1-9. The
implementations
depicted in the figures show examples only, and persons skilled in the art
understand the
additional elements and modifications necessary to make the mobile device 100
operate in
particular network environments. Although the mobile device 100 comprises a
handheld
communication device, the mobile device 100 may comprise a handheld wireless
communication
device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop computer, desktop computer,
a server, other
communication device, or other portable computing device.
[0037] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from
its essential characteristics. The described implementations are to be
conportioned in all respects
only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is,
therefore, indicated by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that
come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims, as construed within the scope
of the present
disclosure, are to be embraced within their scope.
10
