GB2426148A - Hand held portable device having a plurality of modes of operation - Google Patents
Hand held portable device having a plurality of modes of operation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2426148A GB2426148A GB0507967A GB0507967A GB2426148A GB 2426148 A GB2426148 A GB 2426148A GB 0507967 A GB0507967 A GB 0507967A GB 0507967 A GB0507967 A GB 0507967A GB 2426148 A GB2426148 A GB 2426148A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- mode
- optimal
- performance
- portable electronic
- modes
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/06—Receivers
- H04B1/16—Circuits
- H04B1/1607—Supply circuits
- H04B1/1615—Switching on; Switching off, e.g. remotely
-
- H04Q7/182—
-
- H04Q7/3247—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W52/00—Power management, e.g. TPC [Transmission Power Control], power saving or power classes
- H04W52/02—Power saving arrangements
- H04W52/0209—Power saving arrangements in terminal devices
- H04W52/0251—Power saving arrangements in terminal devices using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity
- H04W52/0254—Power saving arrangements in terminal devices using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity detecting a user operation or a tactile contact or a motion of the device
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
- H04W88/02—Terminal devices
- H04W88/06—Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02D—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
- Y02D30/00—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks
- Y02D30/70—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks in wireless communication networks
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Telephone Function (AREA)
Abstract
A hand-held portable electronic device 1, comprising a power source 3 and having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein; in the first mode of operation power consumption is optimal and performance of the device is non-optimal, in the second mode of operation performance of the device is optimal and power consumption is non optimal, and the device comprises switching means for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
Description
TITLE
A hand-held portable electronic device having a plurality of modes of operation.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hand-held portable electronic device having a plurality of modes of operation. In particular, they relate to a hand-held portable electronic device having a plurality of modes of operation wherein the different modes allow for different levels of power consumption and performance.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Current hand-held portable electronic devices have many functions which a user can individually adjust for example, the volume of a loudspeaker or the brightness of a display.
The devices may also be designed so that other functions cannot be or cannot easily be adjusted by a user because they are complex, confusing and affect the performance of the device in perhaps unforeseen ways.
The user is not always aware of the consequences of making individual adjustments on for example the performance of the device and/or the power consumption of the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment of the invention there is provided a handheld portable electronic device, comprising a power source and having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein; in the first mode of n operation power consumption is optimal and performance of the device is non-optimal, in the second mode of operation performance of the device is optimal and power consumption is non optimal, and the device comprises switching means for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
This provides the advantage that the device can be configured in either of the two modes depending on whether the user of the device wishes to conserve power from the power source or optimize performance.
This also allows a user to adjust several functions at the same time, rather than having to adjust each function separately.
In one embodiment the switching means is user operable so that the user can choose whether the device is in the first mode or the second mode. In other embodiments the switching means may be automatic so that the device is automatically switched into the first mode if power in the power source is running low.
According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a handheld portable electronic device, comprising a power source and having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein; in the first mode of operation power consumption is low and performance of the device is low, in the second mode of operation performance of the device is high and power consumption is high, and the device comprises switching means for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a handheld portable electronic device, comprising a power source and having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein; in the first mode of operation power consumption is at a first level and the device is operable to perform a first set of functions, in the second mode of operation power n consumption of the device is at a second, different level and the device is operable to perform a second set of functions, and the device comprises switching means for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
The first set of functions and the second set of functions may both include the same radiotelephone function. The device is then operable to place and receive calls when in the first and second modes using the same frequency band(s).
In one implementation, the second level is greater than the first level and the second set of functions is larger than the first set of functions. The second set of functions may include within it the first set of functions.
The switching means may be dedicated for use only in switching between the first and second modes of operation.
According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of operating a handheld portable electronic device comprising presenting to a user an option to switch between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein in the first mode of operation power consumption is optimal and performance of the device is non-optimal, and, in the second mode of operation performance of the device is optimal and power consumption is non-optimal, and, in response to selection of the option switching between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.
According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising program instructions for controlling the switching of a handheld portable electronic device in response to user input between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein in the first mode of operation performance of the device is nonoptimal and n power consumption is optimal, and in the second mode of operation performance of the device is optimal and power consumption is non-optimal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a hand-held portable electronic device according to the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a handheld portable electronic device comprising the invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The Figures illustrate a hand-held portable electronic device 1, comprising a power source 3 and having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein; in the first mode of operation power consumption is optimal and performance of the device 1 is non-optimal, in the second mode of operation performance of the device 1 is optimal and power consumption is non optimal, and the device 1 comprises switching means 7 for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
The device 1, illustrated schematically in Fig 1, in this example comprises a transceiver 9, a processing subsystem 5, a power source 3, a loudspeaker 21, user interface 11, Bluetooth circuitry 23 and camera circuitry 25. Only as many components are illustrated as are referred to in the following description. In other embodiments, different components may be used. Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the schematic device of Fig. 1. n
The transceiver 9 transmits and receives signals from a remote base station and allows the device 1 to function as a cellular radiotelephone.
The processing subsystem 5 controls the functions of the device 1. The processing subsystem typically comprises a number of sub-components some or all of which may have power saving operational states. For example one sub-component may be Bluetooth transceiver circuitry 23, which may have an off state', a low power state and a full power state. Another subcomponent may be a camera 25, which may be on' or off'. Other subcomponents may include infra-red circuitry and WLAN circuitry, for example. Typically the sub- components include a processor 36, a memory 37 and additional sub- components 39, for example. The processing subsystem 5 and/or its sub- components may be able to run at different speeds. When the processing subsystem 5 runs at a high speed it consumes more power than when it runs at a lower speed.
The power source 3 provides power to the processing subsystem 5 and to the other parts of the device 1. In this embodiment the power source 3 is a battery. Other types of power source could be used, for example, a fuel cell.
Preferably the power source is rechargeable.
The user interface 11 comprises a display 13 and user input means 17. The display 13 is controlled by the processing subsystem 5 and shows information to a user such as, the identity of an incoming caller or the amount of power remaining in the power source 3. The user input means 17 allows the user to input information into the processing subsystem 5, and to make or receive calls. This information may be shown on the display 13. The user input means 13 may be a keypad. Other user inputs could be used, for example, a joystick, a touch screen or voice input means.
The user interface 11 is illuminated by backlights 15 and 19 which are controlled by the processing subsystem 5. In this embodiment the backlights in are LEDs, other types of backlighting may be used. The display backlighting may be controlled separately to the input means backlighting 19 so that the display 13 may be illuminated when the input means 17 are not. The backlighting allows the user of the device 1 to use the interlace 11 in dim lighting conditions. The brightness of the backlights 15 and 19 may be adjustable. The brighter the backlighting 15, 19 the more power the backlighting consumes.
The loudspeaker 21 is controlled by the processor 5 and is used when making a call and also to alert the user that there is an incoming call or message.
The loudspeaker 21 may also be used to produce sound effects if the user is using the device to play games. The volume of the loudspeaker 21 may be
adjustable.
The device also comprises Bluetooth circuitry 23. This circuitry allows the device 1 to communicate with other Bluetooth enabled devices. The Bluetooth circuitry 23 is arranged to scan for messages at regular intervals.
The circuitry 23 may also be arranged to avoid transmitting on certain frequencies where interference may occur.
In this particular embodiment the device 1 also comprises camera circuitry 25.
The user input means 11 may be used to control the camera circuitry 25 and images taken by the camera may be displayed on the display 13.
The device 1 has two operational modes. The two modes are defined by the settings given to each of the functions of the device. In each of the modes the device us able to place and receive incoming calls from a cellular network.
In the first mode the device 1 is configured to operate as a basic cellular radiotelephone. All functions which are not necessary for the device to operate as a radiotelephone, for example, the Bluetooth circuitry 23 and the camera circuitry 25, are switched off. The remaining functions are configured in so as to minimize the power required from the power source 3. The processing subsystem 5 runs at its slowest speed, the loudspeaker 21 operates at its quietest volume and the backlighting 15, 19 may be completely turned off or it may operate on its dimmest setting.
In some embodiments the Bluetooth circuitry 23 may have a low power mode so that in the first mode the Bluetooth circuitry is not switched off but is in the low power mode.
In the second mode of operation, all the functions of the device 1 are configured so that the performance of the device 1 is optimized, the processing subsystem 5 runs at its maximum speed, the Bluetooth circuitry 23 operates to optimum performance. The loudspeaker 21 operates at its maximum volume and the backlighting 15, 19 of the display 13 and input means 17 is on its brightest setting. This second mode is performance optimal but requires a large amount of power from the power source 3.
The first mode of operation optimizes the life of the power source 3 but is not performance optimal. This mode may be preferred by users who are concerned with the power consumption of the device 1 but not the performance. For example, a user who is not able to recharge the power source 3 very easily. The second mode of operation may be preferred by users who are more concerned with the performance of the device 1. For example the user may be able to recharge the power source 3 easily and may wish to use the device 1 to play games which may require the processing subsystem 5 to run at a high speed.
The processing subsystem 5 comprises switching means 7 which are used to switch the device 1 between the two modes. The switching means 7 may be provided by a computer program which is stored in a memory and loaded into the processing subsystem 5. The computer program may provide for the switching means to be operable in response to actuation of the user input means 17.
In one embodiment the switching means 7 are user operable the user can use the input means 17 to switch the device 1 between the two modes as desired.
In an alternative embodiment the switching means 7 may be automatic, for example, if the power in the power source 3 falls below a threshold level then the switching means 7 may automatically switch the device 1 into the first, power saving, mode.
The user may be able to reconfigure the settings of the two modes in order to suit their own needs. For example the user may wish to use the device 1 in the power optimal mode in order to save power but still want the Bluetooth circuitry 23 to be enabled so that they can communicate with other Bluetooth devices. The user may use the input means 17 to adjust the setting of the power optimal mode so that the Bluetooth circuitry 23 is operable in the power optimal mode, the user may be able to choose the period of scan for the Bluetooth circuitry 23 and how much power is consumed avoiding frequencies where there may be interference. This new personalized setting replaces the optimal power consumption mode. The user may be able to rename the mode.
In other embodiments the user may be able to save a plurality of different personalized modes. For example a user might wish to have a normal' mode in addition to the low power mode and the high performance mode.
In response to actuation of the on/off toggle switch of the input means 17 a list of the plurality of different profiles may be displayed for user selection.
Typically these profiles' include, for a mobile telephone, for example, silent', normal', loud' etc. If silent' is selected, the telephone is mute, if normal is selected, it operates within mid-range loudness and if loud' is selected it operates at the highest loudness. The modes of operation may be presented n to the user on the display 13 within this list for example as high performance' and low power'. The user may use the user input means 17 to select one of the different modes from the list.
A visual indicator 29 may be shown on the display 13 to indicate to the user which mode the device 1 is in. The visual indicator 29 may be a bar, one end 33 of the bar represents the first, power saving mode and the other end 35 represents the second, high performance mode. When the device is in a personalized mode an arrow or pointer 31 could indicate the power consumption or performance level relative to the two optimal modes.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. I,-
Claims (21)
1. A hand-held portable electronic device, comprising a power source and having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein; in the first mode of operation power consumption is optimal and performance of the device is non-optimal, in the second mode of operation performance of the device is optimal and power consumption is non optimal, and the device comprises switching means for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the switching means are user operable to allow a user of the device to switch the device between modes.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the switching means automatically switches from the second mode to the first mode when power in the power source falls below a threshold level.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a display with backlighting of adjustable brightness and in the first mode the backlighting is on its dimmest setting and in the second mode the backlighting is on its brightest setting.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a keypad with backlighting of adjustable brightness and in the first mode the backlighting is on its dimmest setting and in the second mode the backlighting is on its brightest setting.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a loudspeaker and the volume of the loudspeaker is adjustable and in the first mode the volume of the loudspeaker is on its quietest setting and in the second mode the volume of the loudspeaker is on its loudest setting.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a central processing unit and the processor runs at a higher speed in the first mode than in the second mode.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein in the first mode all non-critical functions are switched off and only the core cellular circuitry is operable.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises Bluetooth circuitry and in the first mode the circuitry is switched off and in the second mode the circuitry operates to give maximum performance.
10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the user can configure the first and/or second mode to alter the settings of the device from the optimal settings.
11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim where the user can configure the settings of the device to create a third mode of operation.
12. A hand-held portable electronic device, comprising a power source and having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein; in the first mode of operation power consumption is relatively low and performance of the device is relatively low but includes the performance of at least a first function, in the second mode of operation power consumption is relatively high and performance of the device is relatively high and includes the performance of at least a first function, and the device comprises switching means for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
13. A hand-held portable electronic device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first function is a radiotelephone function and the device is operable to place and receive calls when in the first and second modes.
14. A hand-held portable electronic device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the switching means is only used for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
15. A hand-held portable electronic device, comprising a power source and having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein; in the first mode of operation power consumption is at a first level and the device is operable to perform a first set of functions, in the second mode of operation power consumption of the device is at a second, different level and the device is operable to perform a second set of functions, and the device comprises switching means for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
16. A hand-held portable electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first set of functions and the second set of functions both include a radiotelephone function and the device is operable to place and receive calls when in the first and second modes.
17. A hand-held portable electronic device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the second level is greater than the first level and the second set of functions is larger than the first set of functions.
18. A hand-held portable electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the second set of functions includes within it the first set of functions.
19. A hand-held portable electronic device as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the switching means can only be used for switching between the first and second modes of operation.
20. A method of operating a handheld portable electronic device comprising presenting to a user an option to switch between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein in the first mode of operation power consumption is optimal and performance of the device is non-optimal, and, in the second mode of operation performance of the device is optimal and power consumption is non-optimal, and, in response to selection of the option switching between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.
21. A computer program comprising program instructions for controlling the switching of a handheld portable electronic device in response to user input between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein in the first mode of operation performance of the device is non-optimal and power consumption is optimal, and in the second mode of operation performance of the device is optimal and power consumption is non-optimal.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0507967A GB2426148A (en) | 2005-04-20 | 2005-04-20 | Hand held portable device having a plurality of modes of operation |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0507967A GB2426148A (en) | 2005-04-20 | 2005-04-20 | Hand held portable device having a plurality of modes of operation |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0507967D0 GB0507967D0 (en) | 2005-05-25 |
| GB2426148A true GB2426148A (en) | 2006-11-15 |
Family
ID=34630977
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0507967A Withdrawn GB2426148A (en) | 2005-04-20 | 2005-04-20 | Hand held portable device having a plurality of modes of operation |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2426148A (en) |
Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6058164A (en) * | 1995-03-01 | 2000-05-02 | Fujitsu Limited | Mode-switchable telephone and mode setting and switching methods for the same |
| GB2347592A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-09-06 | Nec Corp | Portable telephone with backlit display |
| US6141568A (en) * | 1997-02-07 | 2000-10-31 | Nec Corporation | Battery saving in portable radio apparatus |
| GB2350754A (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-12-06 | Sagem | Calibration of slow clock signal |
| US20010013854A1 (en) * | 2000-02-03 | 2001-08-16 | Nec Corporation | Electronic apparatus with backlighting device |
| EP1143686A1 (en) * | 1999-10-28 | 2001-10-10 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Portable information communication terminal |
| JP2004153756A (en) * | 2002-11-01 | 2004-05-27 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Portable apparatus |
| US20040158747A1 (en) * | 2003-02-08 | 2004-08-12 | Kim Han-Jong | Processor having high-speed control circuit and low-speed and low-power control circuit and method of using the same |
| EP1453212A2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2004-09-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Electronic apparatus and system control method for the electronic apparatus |
-
2005
- 2005-04-20 GB GB0507967A patent/GB2426148A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6058164A (en) * | 1995-03-01 | 2000-05-02 | Fujitsu Limited | Mode-switchable telephone and mode setting and switching methods for the same |
| US6141568A (en) * | 1997-02-07 | 2000-10-31 | Nec Corporation | Battery saving in portable radio apparatus |
| GB2347592A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-09-06 | Nec Corp | Portable telephone with backlit display |
| GB2350754A (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-12-06 | Sagem | Calibration of slow clock signal |
| EP1143686A1 (en) * | 1999-10-28 | 2001-10-10 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Portable information communication terminal |
| US20010013854A1 (en) * | 2000-02-03 | 2001-08-16 | Nec Corporation | Electronic apparatus with backlighting device |
| JP2004153756A (en) * | 2002-11-01 | 2004-05-27 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Portable apparatus |
| US20040158747A1 (en) * | 2003-02-08 | 2004-08-12 | Kim Han-Jong | Processor having high-speed control circuit and low-speed and low-power control circuit and method of using the same |
| EP1453212A2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2004-09-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Electronic apparatus and system control method for the electronic apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0507967D0 (en) | 2005-05-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |