KR20020068364A - System and method for time-based information management in a wireless communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

The wireless communication device 100 can include a display 122, an incoming call alert device 130, a call processor 128, and other features. Scheduler 126 selectively generates control signals to provide intelligent control over how these features of wireless communication device 100 operate. In one embodiment, receiver 110 receives a time-related data message from a remote location and sets timer 124 to a current time that includes a date. This current time is compared to a predetermined time-cycle, and the scheduler 126 generates alternating control signals that control these features for a predetermined time-cycle.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TIME-BASED INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE}

Field of invention

The present invention relates generally to wireless communication devices, and more particularly, to a system and method for time-based information management of a wireless communication device.

Background of the Invention

Wireless communication devices, such as cellular phones, generally include a keyboard, a display, and an incoming-call alert device, such as a ringer or vibrator. In addition, many wireless communication devices can be configured to operate in different modes, such as a power saving or deep sleep operating mode that conserves battery power. In addition, some wireless communication devices optionally include a scheduling software program known as a personal information manager or calendar.

Frequently, a user of a wireless communication device will want the device to operate in a particular manner based on a specific time of day or specific day of the week. The costs associated with using a wireless communication device change frequently based on the type of call and the time / day of the call. In order to operate the wireless communication device in a particular way, the user must manually configure each feature, such as an incoming call alert, to the desired mode of operation whenever the user wants to change the way that feature works. . It is inconvenient for the user to frequently reconfigure the wireless communication device during the day or week. Therefore, it can be appreciated that the need for time-based automatic control of the operation method of the wireless communication device is urgent. The present invention provides several advantages, as will be apparent from the following description and drawings.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is embodied in a system and method for time-based control of the manner of operation of a wireless communication device. In one embodiment, the system includes features such as a housing, a timer, and an incoming call alert device or display. The system also includes a scheduler. This feature can operate in one or more ways, and the scheduler generates control signals that select how this feature will operate. For example, the incoming call alerting device may indicate the arrival of the call by signaling the arrival of the call or by sounding or vibrating a certain level based on these control signals.

Brief description of the drawings

1 is a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device implementing the present invention.

2 illustrates the operation of FIG. 1 using data received from external sources.

3 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the system of FIG. 1 to automatically control an incoming call alert device of a wireless communication device based on time-related data.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

The present invention provides automatic control over the features of the wireless communication device, i.e., the functions, thus reducing the user's involvement in setting the manner of operation of the features, i.e. the functions. The present invention can be implemented in any wireless communication device. Although the embodiments presented herein refer to cellular phones, the principles of the present invention may be applied to any wireless communication device including, but not limited to, analog and digital cellular phones, personal communication system (PCS) devices, and the like. . The present invention is embodied in the system 100 shown by the functional convex of FIG. The system 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102 that controls the operation of the system. Memory 104 may encompass both read-only memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM), and provides instructions and data to CPU 102. In addition, the memory 104 portion may include a nonvolatile RAM.

In addition, the system 100 is generally implemented in a wireless communication device such as a cellular phone, and transmits data, such as voice communication and programming data, between a system 100 and a remote location, such as a base station 150 (BTS). And a housing 106 for receiving the transmitter 108 and the receiver 110 (see FIG. 2). The transmitter 108 and receiver 110 can be integrated into the transceiver 112. Antenna 114 is attached to housing 106 and electrically connected to transceiver 112. The operation of transmitter 108, receiver 110, and antenna 114 are well known and need not be described here. 1 shows that the antenna 114 protrudes from the housing 106, but some designs may include an internal antenna fully contained within the housing. However, the transmitter 108, receiver 110, and antenna 114 operate in a conventional manner regardless of the position of the antenna.

A user input device 116, such as a microphone 118 or keypad 120, is attached to the housing 106 and operated in a conventional manner by the user. The user input device 116 provides a convenient means by which the user can input the destination telephone number, command, and data. Although FIG. 1 shows that the user input device 116 is configured as a microphone 118 and a keypad 120, other user input devices including data input jacks (not shown) and the like may also be used in various combinations. have.

The system 100 may also store data such as commands, user-entered data, outgoing or incoming phone numbers, applicable call rates, alphanumeric text, and other data. And a display 122 that can be conveniently used for display to the user. In an exemplary embodiment of system 100, display 122 displays time, date, and cost information for incoming and outgoing calls processed by transceiver 112. This information provides the user with visual cues and thus assists the user in the operation of the system 100.

In addition, the system 100 generally includes a timer 124 that may be included in the CPU 102. As described in more detail below, system 100 may use timer 124 to determine the time of day, date, day of week, and date of the month.

The timer 124 can be implemented in various ways. In one embodiment, the user enters time-related data using the user input device 116. The user-entered time-related data is used to set the timer 124, i.e., the clock, which time and date information may be displayed on the display 122. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, timer 124 receives time-related data messages from BTS 150 via a cell-site controller (not shown). The time-related data message is used to set the timer 124, ie clock, which time and date can be displayed on the display 122. Techniques used to send time-related data messages to system 100 are well known and need not be described in detail herein. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the timer 124 can be set based on a combination of user-input data and data messages received from a remote location.

In addition, the system 100 generally includes a scheduler 126 that may be included in the CPU 102. As described in more detail below, the system 100 may generate alternate control signals using the scheduler 126 to control the operation of features of the system 100 in one or more different ways. have.

The scheduler 126 may be easily implemented as a series of software instructions located in the memory 104 and executed by the CPU 102. Thus, the system 100 can be implemented with minor software changes to existing hardware.

System 100 includes a call processor 128 that handles incoming and outgoing calls and may be generally implemented by CPU 102. In one embodiment, the system 100 also includes an incoming call alert 130 for notifying the user of the arrival of an incoming call in a variety of different ways. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the incoming call alert 130 may be a ringer, a buzzer, a vibrator, a flashing light, a speaker playing a music melody, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof. [As described in more detail below, the scheduler 126 may generate an alternating control signal for selectively operating the incoming call alerting device 130 in a second manner based on time-related data.]

Electrical components of the system 100 receive power from a battery 132 attached to and supported by the housing 106. In an exemplary embodiment, this cell 132 is a rechargeable cell. In another embodiment, the system 100 may include a connector (not shown) for connection with an external power source, such as an automotive power adapter, an AC power adapter, and the like.

The various components of the system 100 are connected together by a bus system 134, which may include a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data bus. However, for clarity, these various buses are represented by bus system 134 in FIG. 1.

Scheduler 126 uses the time and date information from timer 124 to selectively generate alternating control signals for one or more features of system 100 during predetermined time periods. In one embodiment, the scheduler 126 is pre-programmed to generate an alternating control signal automatically based on default time-related data. In another embodiment, the user may program the scheduler 126 using the user input device 116 in the same manner as the method used to select other operating parameters of a typical cellular phone. In yet another embodiment, the scheduler 126 can receive a data message from the BTS 150. The data message is used to program the scheduler 126. The techniques used to send data messages to the system 100 are well known and need not be described in more detail herein. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the scheduler 126 can be programmed based on a combination of default data, user-input data, and data received from a remote location.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many operating features of a wireless communication device can function in different ways. For simplicity, the system 100 is described using a limited number of embodiments. In one embodiment, scheduler 126 may be programmed to generate an alternating control signal that selectively enables call processor 128 acknowledgment for a particular type of incoming and outgoing calls. For example, system 100 may be configured to enable call processor 128 granting outgoing long distance outgoing calls. Information related to the call charge may be stored in advance, manually entered by the user using the user-input device 116, or received from a remote location and stored in the memory 104. In this embodiment, the scheduler 126 may be programmed to selectively disable call processor 128 authorization to place a long distance call whenever the applicable call rate exceeds a predetermined amount. Selective enabling / disabling of such call processor 128 may be done based on time of day (eg, disabling long distance calls during the day and / or long distance calls after 11:00 pm). Able). Alternatively, the scheduler 126 may selectively enable / disable the call processor 128 based on the cost data itself (eg, disable long distance call if the current cost is above a first predetermined threshold). And enabling long distance call if the current cost is below the second predetermined threshold.

In another embodiment, scheduler 126 may be programmed to selectively disable call processor 128 acknowledgment of receiving long distance incoming calls every weekend. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the form and time period of the foregoing call are merely examples and that the present invention is not limited to a particular call type or operating time period.

Many cellular phone charging schemes are known to be based on a fixed number of minutes over a certain time period. Other call schemes are based on different call rates for different time periods, such as lower rates for evenings or weekends.

In another embodiment of the system 100, the scheduler 126 causes the display 122 to display time-related information such as the number of minutes already used during a given time period or call rates applicable at the time of making or receiving a call. It can be programmed to generate an alternating control signal to cause display. For example, the scheduler 126 disables call processor 128 acknowledgment of placing an outgoing call or receiving an incoming call when the number of minutes of calls in a particular time period exceeds the number of minutes provided in the call scheme. The call processor 128 may be programmed to re-enable acknowledgment in the next time period. For example, the scheduler 126 disables the call processor 128 acknowledgment if the number of minutes of use per month exceeds 500 minutes and re-injects the call processor 128 acknowledgment at 12:01 am on the first day of the next month. Can be programmed to enable. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the form of call, form of call, and time period described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to any particular call type, call form, or operating time period. As such, call processor 128 may be selectively enabled or disabled to process incoming calls and outgoing calls. The scheduler 126 generates control signals that control the operation of the call processor 128 based on various different factors such as time of day, day of week, date, call cost, and the like. Call processor 128 operates in a variety of different ways based on control signals generated by scheduler 126, where the control signals may be based on each of one or more factors as described above, or a combination thereof. .

In another embodiment, the system 100 may be configured to generate a control signal that allows the incoming call alert device 130 to operate in a first manner upon receiving an incoming call. The scheduler 126 is an alternating control signal that causes the incoming call alert 130 to operate in a second manner based on various factors, such as an incoming call arriving between 7:00 pm and 9:00 am during the week. In addition, the scheduler 126 may be programmed to generate alternating control signals that cause the incoming call alert device 130 to operate in a third manner while receiving an incoming call on the weekend. . For example, the system 100 vibrates when it receives an incoming call between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, and at a low volume between 7:00 PM and 9:00 AM Monday through Friday. Ringing, and can be programmed to activate the incoming call alert 130 to ring at high volume from Friday 7:00 pm to Monday 9:00 am. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the time and manner of activation of the incoming call alerting device 130 described above are merely examples and the present invention is not limited to any particular time or manner of operation.

In the above embodiments, one feature was controlled in a plurality of different ways. In another embodiment, the scheduler 126 may be programmed to generate alternating control signals for controlling the plurality of features. For example, the scheduler 126 generates an alternating control signal that disables call processor 128 acknowledgment for long distance calls between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am and between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Can be programmed to generate an alternating control signal for operating the incoming call alert device 130 in a vibrating mode. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the above-described operating time, features, and manner of operation of the features are merely examples and that the present invention is not limited by any particular time, features, or manner of operation.

In yet another embodiment, the scheduler 126 may be programmed to generate alternating control signals that control a plurality of features in a set. For example, scheduler 126 may be programmed to generate an alternating control signal that places system 100 in a specific operating mode, such as a dormant state, for a specific time, such as throughout the weekend. For a time period selected for the dormant state, for example, the scheduler 126 may be programmed to disable the call processor 128 acknowledgment of operating the incoming alert device 130 in a low power mode and receiving a long distance call. have. The scheduler 126 may also select a vibrator as an example of how to enable long distance calls between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, for example, Monday through Friday, and notify the arrival of an incoming call. -day) can be programmed to generate an alternating control signal that places the system 100 in mode. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the time period, mode, feature, and manner of operation are merely examples and that the present invention is not limited by the specific time period, mode, feature, or manner of operation described above.

3 illustrates the operation of a system 100 that automatically controls an incoming call alert device of a wireless communication device based on time-related data. At startup 160, the wireless communication device is in a low power state. In step 162, the system 100 may receive from default data stored in the memory 104, the user-input device 116, the BTS 150 (see FIG. 2), or other source or combination of sources. Receive time-related data. In step 164, the system 100 sets an internal clock. As mentioned above, the timer 124 (see FIG. 1) also performs the function of an internal clock.

In step 166, the system 100 may receive default data stored in the memory 104, scheduling data that may be received from the user-input device 116, the BTS 150 (see FIG. 2), or other source or combination of sources. Receive As discussed above, this scheduling data may be programmed by the user to tailor the operation of the system 100 to one or more operating features. Alternatively, the system 100 may be preprogrammed for multiple modes of operation, ie modes of operation. The user can accept a pre-programmed mode of operation or fit one or more features individually or in sets.

At decision step 168, the system 100 determines whether there is an incoming call. If there is an incoming call, the result of decision step 168 is yes. If so, the system 100 proceeds to decision step 170. If there is no incoming call, the result of decision step 168 is no. If so, the system 100 returns to decision step 168 and waits for an incoming call.

In decision step 170, the system 100 should operate the incoming call alerting device 130 in a first manner or operate the incoming call alerting device 130 in a second manner based on clock and scheduling data. Determine whether or not. The actual time is compared with a predetermined time-cycle for operating the incoming call alerting device 130 in a second manner. The decision step 170 compares the actual time with the predetermined time period for operating the incoming call alerting device 130 in a second manner, and alternating control signals for operating the incoming call alerting device 130 in a second manner. Determine if it will occur.

If the actual time is not within a predetermined time period for operating the incoming call alerting device 130 in the second manner, the result of the determination step 170 is no. If so, the scheduler 126 does not generate an alternating control signal for operating the incoming call alerting device 130 in the second manner, and in step 172 the incoming call alerting device 130 is activated in the first manner.

If the actual time is within a time period for operating the incoming call alert device 130 in the second manner, the result of the determination step 170 is YES. If so, the scheduler 126 generates an alternating control signal for operating the incoming call alerting device 130 in a second manner, and at step 174, the incoming call alerting device 130 is activated in a second manner.

In step 176, the system 100 ends the operation. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that judgment step 168 and decision step 170 need not be performed in a particular order. For the sake of simplicity of FIG. 3, determination step 168 is indicated as occurring before decision step 170. In addition, the system 100 may be programmed to activate the incoming call alerting device 130 as a default value in a first manner (eg, step 172), or to activate the incoming call alerting device 130 as a default value in a second manner. May be activated (eg, step 174). 3 also shows the operation of the system 100 according to a particular embodiment of operating the incoming call alert device 130 in a first and second manner. The incoming call alert device 130 may operate in two or more ways based on other operating parameters that are user-selectable or pre-programmed. Data associated with the first and second modes of operation, and parameters used by the scheduler 126 (see FIG. 1), are already stored in the memory 104.

Similar flow diagrams may also be executed for other operating features, such as operating call processor 128 in one or more ways. For simplicity, the flowchart does not repeat here. However, one skilled in the art can easily implement this process based on the disclosure of the present invention. If the operating features are programmed to operate in a multiple manner as a set, memory 104 (see FIG. 1) may store various features and modes of operation related to selection criteria.

While various embodiments and advantages of the invention have been described in the foregoing description, the foregoing disclosure is merely an example and may be modified in detail, but this is also within the broad principle of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (34)

A system for controlling a wireless communication device, housing; An operating feature of the wireless communication device whose operation is controlled in a first manner by control signals; And A scheduler for generating alternating control signals for controlling the operation of said feature in a second manner, The scheduler automatically generates the alternating control signals based on the determined characteristic. The method of claim 1, A user input device connected to the housing for receiving user input, The scheduler generates the control signals and the alternating control signals based at least on part of the user input. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a receiver for receiving communication signals from a remote location, The scheduler generates the control signals and the alternating control signals based on at least some of the received communication signals. The method of claim 1, The plurality of features are controlled by control signals that control the operation of each of the plurality of features in a first manner, The scheduler generates alternating control signals for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of features in a second manner. The method of claim 4, wherein The scheduler generates alternating control signals for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of features in a second manner based on the same determination characteristic. The method of claim 1, Call control processor, to handle calls A transmitter for transmitting communication signals to a remote location, and Further comprising a receiver for receiving communication signals from a remote location, And the feature is a call processor approval to place certain types of calls. The method of claim 1, Call control processor, to handle calls A transmitter for transmitting communication signals to a remote location, and Further comprising a receiver for receiving communication signals from a remote location, Wherein the feature is a call processor acknowledgment that receives a particular type of calls. The method of claim 1, A receiver for receiving communication signals from a remote location, and It is further provided with an incoming call alarm device, And the control signals control the operation of the incoming call alert device. The method of claim 1, The wireless communication device has a selectively activated power-saving mode, And the alternating control signals selectively activate the power save mode. The method of claim 1, Further equipped with a timer, And the determined characteristic is based at least in part on the timer. The method of claim 10, A user input device connected to the housing for receiving user input, And the timer is set based at least on part of the user input. The method of claim 10, Further comprising a receiver for receiving communication signals from a remote location, The timer is set based on at least some of the received communication signals. The method of claim 10, The timer tracks the time of day, The scheduler generates the alternating control signals based on at least a portion of the time of day. The method of claim 10, The timer tracks the days of the week, The scheduler generates the alternating control signals based on at least a portion of the day of the week. The method of claim 10, The timer tracks the date, The scheduler generates the alternating control signals based on at least a portion of the date. The method of claim 1, A display securely stored in the housing; The feature is information displayed on the display, And the control signals control the presentation of data on the display. The method of claim 16, Call control processor, to handle calls A transmitter for transmitting communication signals to a remote location, and Further comprising a receiver for receiving communication signals from a remote location, And the information displayed on the display includes an applicable call rate. The method of claim 16, Further comprising a user input device for receiving a user input, And the information is based at least in part on the user input. The method of claim 16, Further comprising a receiver for receiving communication signals from a remote location, And the information is based at least on some of the received communication signals. A method of automatically controlling operating features of a wireless communication device, Operating the feature in a first manner; Receiving scheduling data; And Automatically changing the behavior of the feature to cause the feature to operate in a second manner based at least on a portion of the scheduling data. The method of claim 20, Storing the scheduling data. The method of claim 20, Further comprising receiving time data, The feature operates in the second manner based at least in part on the time data. The method of claim 22, Sensing user input of data; Wherein the selected one of the scheduling data and the time data is based at least in part on user-entered data. The method of claim 22, At least one of said scheduling data or said time data is based at least in part on data received from a remote location. The method of claim 20, The scheduling data comprises a time of day. The method of claim 20, Wherein said scheduling data includes days of the week. The method of claim 20, And the scheduling data includes a date. The method of claim 20, Wherein said scheduling data comprises a call charge. The method of claim 20, Processing the calls further; Wherein the feature is an acknowledgment of placing a call of a particular type. The method of claim 20, Receiving an incoming call, and Signaling the incoming call; And wherein said feature is signaling said incoming call. The method of claim 20, Operating the wireless communication device in a power saving mode; The feature is the power save mode operation of the communication device. The method of claim 20, Displaying information on a display of the communication device, The feature is information to be displayed on the display of the communication device. The method of claim 20, And automatically controlling the plurality of operating features. The method of claim 33, wherein Wherein the plurality of operating features are automatically controlled as a set.