WO2009070415A1

WO2009070415A1 - A wireless communication device and method op disabling an idle of one operational mode

Info

Publication number: WO2009070415A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/082321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Swee Aun Khor; Raymond Chow; Ting Fook Tang; Gregory Redmond Black
Original assignee: Motorola, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-11-27
Filing date: 2008-11-04
Publication date: 2009-06-04

Abstract

A wireless communication device (200) and method (300), including: providing (310) a wireless communication device, configured to send and receive wireless signals, the wireless communication device including a controller configured to control the operations of the wireless communication device; controlling (320) at least one operational mode of the wireless communication device with a programmable power saving module; and monitoring (330) use of the at least one operational mode and disabling an idle at least one operational mode after a set duration of idle time. The device (200) and method (300) can automatically turn off an operational mode after a certain period of idle time has elapsed. A warning signal can be provided, before a disable command is triggered, to allow a user to reset and continue using a desired operational mode before a time out.

Description

A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD OP DISABLING AN IDLE OF

ONE OPERATIONAL MODE

BACKGROUND

1. Field

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a wireless communication device and method, and particularly for ones using energy storage devices.

2. Introduction [0002] Wireless computing devices may provide multiple operational modes of varying importance to the user, each operational mode having active and idle states. For example a wireless computing device may have wide area communication modes which are of high importance, having active states such as phone calling, uploading and downloading of data, etc, and idle states in which the device simply monitors the wide area network for incoming messages or controls. The wireless computing device may also have operating modes of lesser importance such as local area communications, personal area communications, games, media players, etc., which also have active and idle states. The importance of the operational mode may be inherent to the operational mode, or a matter of a user's personal preference. The importance may also be dependant on the recent state of the operational mode. For example, a local area network which has been in idle mode for a long time is of lesser importance as compared to a local area network in an active mode or has recently been in active mode. [0003] Wireless computing devices, such as mobile devices, operate with a limited energy supply, such as a battery, fuel cell or the like. While the energy supply is generally rechargeable, it may not always be convenient or even possible for a user to recharge the energy supply. Accordingly, there is a need to maximize the useful time of device operation. Thus, there is a need for disabling of operational modes, in order to conserve energy or prolong useful battery life. For a mobile computing device having several operational modes, this disabling may not be convenient or easy for a user. There is a need for a method and device for automatically disabling operational modes, for example, according to its importance and recent state. [0004] Thus, there is a need for a method and device for prolonging the useful life of an energy storage device in wireless communication devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0006] Fig. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a communication system according to one embodiment;

[0007] Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of a wireless communication device according to one embodiment; [0008] Fig. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of a wireless communication according to one embodiment;

[0009] Fig. 4 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of a wireless communication device according to another embodiment;

[0010] Fig. 5 is an exemplary display showing the operation of a wireless communication device according to another embodiment;

[0011] Fig. 6 is an exemplary display showing the operation of a wireless communication device according to another embodiment; and

[0012] Fig. 7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Fig. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a system 100 according to one embodiment. The system 100 can include a network 110, a terminal 120, and a base station 130. The terminal 120 may be a wireless communication device, such as a wireless telephone, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a personal computer, a selective call receiver, or any other device that is capable of sending and receiving communication signals on a network including wireless network. The network 110 may include any type of network that is capable of sending and receiving signals, such as wireless signals. For example, the network 110 may include a wireless telecommunications network, a cellular telephone network, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Third Generation (3G) network, a satellite communications network, and other like communications systems. Furthermore, the network 110 may include more than one network and may include a plurality of different types of networks. Thus, the network 110 may include a plurality of data networks, a plurality of telecommunications networks, a combination of data and telecommunications networks and other like communication systems capable of sending and receiving communication signals. In operation, the terminal 120 can communicate with the network 110 and with other devices on the network 110 by sending and receiving wireless signals via the base station 130.

[0014] Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of a wireless communication device 200, such as the terminal 120, according to one embodiment. The wireless communication device 200 can include a housing 210, a controller 220 coupled to the housing 210, audio input and output circuitry 230 coupled to the housing 210, a display 240 coupled to the housing 210, a transceiver 250 coupled to the housing 210, a user interface 260 coupled to the housing 210, a memory 270 coupled to the housing 210, an antenna 280 coupled to the housing 210 and the transceiver 250, and a removable subscriber module 285 coupled to the controller 220. The wireless communication device 200 can include wireless communication device 200 also includes a monitoring module 290 and a dynamic scaling module 295, which are coupled to the controller 220. In more detail, they can reside within the controller 220, can reside within the memory 270, can be autonomous modules, can be software, can be hardware, or can be in any other format useful for a module on a wireless communication device 200.

[0015] The display 240 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a plasma display, or any other means for displaying information. The transceiver 250 may include a transmitter and/or a receiver. The audio input and output circuitry 230 can include a microphone, a speaker, a transducer, or any other audio input and output circuitry. The user interface 260 can include a keypad, buttons, a touch pad, a joystick, an additional display, or any other device useful for providing an interface between a user and an electronic device. The memory 270 may include a random access memory, a read only memory, an optical memory or any other memory that can be coupled to a wireless communication device. [0016] In more detail, the wireless communication device 200 shown in Fig. 2, includes: a housing 210; a controller 220 coupled to the housing 210, the controller 220 configured to control the operations of the wireless communication device; memory 270 coupled to the controller 220; memory 270 coupled to the controller 220; a transceiver 250 coupled to the controller 220; and a power saving module 290 configured to program and control at least one operational mode of the wireless communication device 200, including a monitor 292 for monitoring use of the at least one operational mode.

[0017] Advantageously, the power saving module can automatically turn off or disable the at least one operational mode after a certain period or idle time has elapsed. A user can reset before a time out is triggered. In one embodiment, a warning is provided to a user, before a disable command is triggered, to allow a user to reset and continue using the at least one operational mode before a time out, for example. This feature allows a user to dynamically manage current drain of a wireless communication device configured with an energy storage device such as a battery, a fuel cell or electrochemical capacitor. [0018] For example, in the event a battery operated wireless communication device is equipped with a wireless personal area network transceiver, such as a Bluetooth transceiver for operation with a Bluetooth accessory device, such as a Bluetooth headset, a first idle mode for pairing of the wireless communication device Bluetooth transceiver to a Bluetooth accessory transceiver will time-out after a certain period of unsuccessful pairing, if not reset. Similarly, once pairing to the Bluetooth headset is complete a second idle mode for maintaining a communication link to the Bluetooth headset will time-out if idle, after a certain period of idle time, if not reset. [0019] In more detail, the wireless communication device 200 has a plurality of operational modes of varying importance to the user, each operational mode having one or more active state and idle states, as should be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the wireless communication device 200, at a given time, may have wide area communication modes, which are of high importance, having active states such as phone calling, uploading and downloading of data, etc., and idle states in which the device 200 simply monitors the wide area network for incoming messages or controls. The wireless communication device may also have operating modes of lesser importance, such as local area communications, personal area communications, games, media players, etc., which also have active and idle states. A first example of an idle mode in a personal area networking device is a discoverable mode. In a discoverable mode, the device is searching for another personal area networking device to pair with. A second example of an idle mode in a personal area networking device is a paired idle mode, or sleep mode. In a paired idle mode the personal area networking devices maintains personal area network communications in readiness to begin an application. For example, a mobile phone having a Bluetooth transceiver may be in a paired idle mode with a Bluetooth headset without any application data being transferred between the two. In the event of an incoming phone call, for example, the devices are then ready to transition to an active mode in which audio data is transferred between the devices over the Bluetooth personal area network. In this case the unpaired idle mode may be of lesser importance to the user than the paired idle mode, which may be of lesser importance than the wide area network mode. The importance of the operational mode may be inherent to the operational mode, or a matter of a user's personal preference. The importance may also be dependant on the recent state of the operational mode. For example, a local area network which has been in idle mode for a long time is of lesser importance as compared to a local area network in an active mode or has recently been in active mode. [0020] Stated in another way, the wireless communication device 200 and method 300 provides a solution to automatically disable certain operational modes, for example, according certain criteria, such as its importance and recent state. This can result in prolonging battery life in communication devices and provide an enhanced user experience.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, at least one operational mode can include a default setting, which is not subject to being timed out and includes a settable "primary call" operational mode, so that at least one calling mode is substantially maintained and not timed out, even if idle for a long period of time. This mode is maintained to preserve a primary communication channel.

[0022] The power saving module 290 can include a timer 294 configured to provide at least one of a warning signal before time out and a disable signal at time out. [0023] In a preferred embodiment, the timer 294 is programmable by a user to allow a user to dynamically and proactively manage the current drain of a battery operated wireless communication device. Conversely, the timer 294 can be provided with a default time out.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the power saving module 290 is coupled to a user interface 260 configured to provide at least one of ease of programming and access for resetting before a time out. This feature provides for an enhanced user experience, by providing simple and intuitive interaction between a user and a communication device, to program and/or reset as desired.

[0025] As should be understood by those skilled in the art, the power saving module 290 can provide any number of potential warning signals prior to a time out. For example, the warning signal can include at least one of a display, audible signal and vibration activity. In more detail, the warning signal can include a display with the time remaining before time out, a pop-up window, a flashing backlight, such as an light emitting diode (LED), a different color LED, a display warning that flashes a liquid Crystal display (LCD) backlight, display warning that is indicated with a desired LED color, such as an LED located on the top right hand corner of the wireless communication device 200, whereby this LED can emit blue, green or red in color, with each color being assigned to a different operational mode, such as blue representing the Bluetooth operational mode, green representing wireless local area network (WLAN), an audible warning signal with a buzzer or short beep, an audible warning signal with a message tone.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the warning signal provides at least one of a display warning that shows the remaining time until time out, an audible signal, such as a short beep played at a desired interval and vibration activity.

[0027] As an example, if a communication device is in a video playback operational mode, a short warning message can pop up on top of the video display playback, preferably with a short beep played at a desired interval and/or with vibration activity. [0028] As should be understood by those skilled in the art, the audible signal is dependent on the communication device's current ringing profile, such as ringing, silent or loud, and is contemplated and accommodated by this disclosure. [0029] In addition, the power saving module 290 can be configured to provide a warning signal prior to the time out of an idle at least one operational mode and the warning signal is configured to provide a grace period to allow the user to reset and provide a new time out, in response to a key stroke on a user interface.

Advantageously, this provides an enhanced user friendly experience for simple resetting, as desired, by a use.

[0030] In connection with operational modes, at least one operational mode is configured to communicate with at least one of an accessory, wireless headset and local area network (LAN).

[0031] In one embodiment, the communication device can be coupled to a WLAN, such as Wi-Fi, through an access point. This operational mode can be timed out after a certain period of time has elapsed, to minimize current drain, while maintaining a primary or lower current draining or primary operational mode to remain on. [0032] Likewise, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, certain operational modes controlling and/or communicating with data communication on cellular and other technologies, such as GPRS, EDGE, 3G, HSDPA, Wimax, Bluetooth and the like, can be utilized herein and can be programmed to time out after a certain period of time, for improved power management of a communication device, while maintaining a desired communication link through the transceiver.

[0033] As an example, in the case where the communication device 200 is a multi- band communication device, in the event a user wishes to down load large files of data from a high speed access point, such as a Wi-Fi access point in one operational mode, the instant communication device is adapted to allow this for a period of time before times out (which of course, can be reset), while maintaining a desired connection (not subject to time out, as defined herein) on a desired band on a different or primary operational mode, such as in GSM or CDMA. In more detail, after a period of time or when this user leaves a library or Starbucks with a high speed wireless connection, this so-called Wi-Fi operational mode will time out, if not reset, thus preserving battery life. As should be understood by those skilled in the art, this concept has applicability to a wide number of various communication devices, methods and protocols .

[0034] In one embodiment, external accessories, such as a certain headsets having a microphone and speaker, are directly coupled and connected, via hard wires, for example, to a communication device and draw power from the battery. It is contemplated herein, that such an accessory can be timed out, as detailed herein. Likewise, in a preferred embodiment, an operational mode connected to a self- powered wireless headset, such as a Bluetooth headset, is subject to time out, as well. [0035] Also in connection with operational modes, the at least one operational mode is configured to control and communicate with and at least one of an MP-3 player, a wireless headset, multimedia devices having at least one of video streaming, video playback, audio playback, FM radio and streaming capabilities, data communication devices with internet browsing capabilities, device capable of file transfer over personal area networks (PAN), device capable of file transfer over Bluetooth, device capable of inter-device communication over Bluetooth or PAN and devices with at least one of word processing capabilities and e-book processing. [0036] In one embodiment, the personal area network includes ZIGBEE, which refers to an IEEE Standard 802.15.4. As should be understood by those skilled in the art, the applications detailed above are intended to be exemplary, and other applications are contemplated in this disclosure. [0037] In a preferred embodiment, the set period is determined automatically, for example, factory set, set as a default, etc. by disabling at least one operational mode based on elapsed time as a percentage of maximum time, assuming the battery energy were fully depleted. The timeout period may be a function of the amount of energy available for use by the device, which depends on the state of charge of the device. The state of charge may depend on whether a charging supply is connected to the device, and the charge state of the supply. For battery operated devices, the charging supply may be an electrical voltage or current source, or a wireless source employing electromagnetic fields. For fuel-cell operated devices the charging supply may be a fuel source. In the case that a charging supply is not connected, the state of charge may be a function of the remaining energy available from the supply. In the case of a battery, the charge state may be determined by a look-up-table method employing a measured battery voltage as an index, by integration of the power or current drain from the battery, or by other means. In the case of a fuel cell, the charge may be determined by an amount of fuel, a fuel pressure, integration of the power or current drain from the fuel cell, or by other means.

[0038] For example, the timeout period for the Bluetooth transceiver in an idle mode, T_BT, may be determined by calculating time in which a percentage of the total energy, X_%, is depleted, where 0 < X<>_/0 < 1. For example a Bluetooth transceiver in an idle mode may draw an amount of power, P_Bτ, from the battery having an amount of stored energy, E_BAT- NOW, it is well known that the energy used by the device is equal to the power multiplied by the time, hence TBT = X%*E_BAT/PBT, and more generally, for any mode m, (1) T_m= Xo_/o,_m*E_BAτ/Pm.

[0039] Where the timeout period for mode m, T_m, is determined as a function of X._%, a preference variable which indicates a percentage of energy allocated to the Bluetooth idle mode. X<>_/0 may be a default preference, or programmed by the user. The other variables in (1) are defined as follows: E_BAT, is the total energy available from the battery, and P_m is the mode power drain. While energy is often characterized in units of Joules or Watt-hours, and power in terms of Watts, it is conventional for battery operated devices to characterize energy in units of Amp-hours, and power in units of Amps, in which case multiplication by the nominal battery voltage is implicit. [0040] Alternatively, the timeout period can be determined as a table-lookup, as shown in Table 1 below, which may not exactly follow from equation 1. In the case of Table 1 , E_BAT is the energy state variable, which may simply be the discrete levels determined from a voltage based capacity meter: EBAT Ii charging no limit no limit no limit

5 bars 90 min 20 min 5 min

4 bars 72 min 16 min 4 min

3 bars 54 min 12 min 3 min

2 bars 36 min 8 min 2 min

1 bars 18 min 4 min 1 min

0 bars 1 min 0 min 0 min

Table 1 An E_BAT state of 'charging' is employed for the condition of the device being connected to a charger, and indicates essentially unlimited energy. For cases in which the charger is not connected the energy state comprises one of five discrete values corresponding to five ranges of available energy. For example, '5 bars' may indicate a range of energy between 80% and 100% of the rated capacity, 4 bars may indicate a range of energy between 60% and 80% of rated capacity, etc. Thus for varying energy state, E_BAT, represented in column 1, Table 1 provides set times T₁, T₂ and T₃ which set the timeout periods for modes 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Thus, table 1 provides a lookup table method for calculating T_m as a function of independent variable E_BAT, for a given value of E_BAT, just as equation 1 provides a method of calculating T_m as a function of independent variables X%,_m, E_BAT, and P_m. It should be evident that the different lookup tables may be employed for different values of Xo_/O, which may change according to operating conditions or by direct entry from the user. Xo_/O may also be changed according to user tendencies, history, or context. Similarly P_m may change according to operating conditions. As should be understood by those skilled in the art, these variables can be changed, while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0041] Conversely, the set period can be programmed by a user, as detailed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the communication device 200 is configured with a battery. As detailed previously, it can include: a housing 210; a controller 220 configured to control the operations of the wireless communication device; memory 270 coupled to the controller 220; a transceiver 250 coupled to the controller; and a power saving module 290 configured to program and control at least one operational mode of the wireless communication device, including a monitor 292 for monitoring use of the at least one operational mode and disabling an idle at least one operational mode after a set duration of idle time, wherein at least one operational mode includes a settable calling mode configured to maintain a primary communication channel. Advantageously, in this embodiment, a settable primary call operational mode is provided, retained and/or restricted, so that at least one calling mode is substantially maintained (and not timed out, even if idle for a prolonged period of time). This can be set as a default setting. This operational mode is configured to preserve at least one primary communication channel, notwithstanding being idle for a long period of time. [0042] Referring to Fig. 3, a wireless communication method 300 is shown. In its simplest form, it can include: providing 310 a wireless communication device, configured to send and receive wireless signals, the wireless communication device including a controller configured to control the operations of the wireless communication device; controlling 320 at least one operational mode of the wireless communication device with a programmable power saving module; and monitoring 330 use of the at least one operational mode and disabling an idle at least one operational mode after a set duration of idle time.

[0043] Advantageously, the method can automatically turn off or disable the at least one operational mode after a certain period of idle time has elapsed. A user can reset before a time out is triggered. In one embodiment, a warning is provided to a user, before a disable command is triggered, to allow a user to reset and continue using the desired at least one operational mode before a time out, for example. Advantageously, this feature can allow a user to dynamically manage current drain of wireless communication device with an energy storage device, such as a battery. [0044] For example, in the event a battery operated wireless communication device is equipped with a wireless headset, such as a Bluetooth headset, the operational mode that communicates and operates this feature will time out if idle, after a certain period of idle time, if not reset. This helps to prolong the useful life of the battery. [0045] In one embodiment, a step of providing a timer and interface configured to simplify programming and resetting before time out, for an enhanced user friendly experience. In a preferred embodiment, the timer is programmable by a user, via a user interface, to allow a user to dynamically and proactively manage the current drain of a battery operated wireless communication device.

[0046] In one embodiment, a step of providing a warning signal prior to a time out is included, which is another user feature, as detailed previously. The warning signal can be one or more of a visual signal, audible signal and tactile activity. In more detail, the warning signal can provide a grace period to allow a user sufficient time to reset a time out, if desired, by actuating a key on a user interface. Advantageously, this provides an enhanced user friendly experience for simple resetting, if desired by a user. [0047] Fig. 4 is an exemplary flowchart 400 illustrating the operation of the power saving module, according to one embodiment. In step 405, the flowchart begins. In decision box 410, the inquiry is: Is an operational mode, such as Bluetooth, enabled? If yes, proceed to decision box 415. In decision box 415, the inquiry is: Data communication? (More specifically, in connection with the inquiry in decision boxes 415, 465 and 485, the question essentially is, is an application running that requires data communication between the communication device and another device.) If yes, proceed to step 420, where both mode timer and idle timer is set. Continuing down the "yes" path, proceed to step 425 where the mode timer is started. In decision box 430, the inquiry is: Is data transmitting or being received? If yes, proceed to step 435 where the idle timer is reset. Continuing down this path will lead to decision box 440. In decision box 440, the inquiry is: Is it one minute before the mode timer time out? If yes, proceed to step 445, where a warning signal is started. In decision box 450, the inquiry is: Prompt user with message, ask if user wants to continue? If no or no reply, proceed to step 455 to turn off operational mode after a certain grace period, for example one minute, and the flowchart ends.

[0048] Returning to decision box 440, if the answer is no, proceed to decision box 480. In decision box 480, the inquiry is: Is the operational mode still on? If the answer is no, proceed to decision box 410 and start from there, as previously discussed. [0049] Returning to decision box 430, if the answer is no, proceed to step 490, where the idle timer counts down. Continuing down this path will lead to decision box 495. In decision box 495, the inquiry is: Idle timer time out? If yes, proceed to step 445 and start from there, as previously discussed. Returning to decision box 495, if the answer is no, proceed to decision box 440 and start from there as previously discussed.

[0050] Returning to decision box 480, if the answer is yes, proceed to decision box 485. In decision box 485, the question asked: Data communication? If yes, proceed to decision box 430 and start from there as previously detailed. Returning to decision box 485, if the answer is no, proceed to decision box 440 and start from there, as previously discussed.

[0051] Returning to decision box 415, if the answer is no, proceed to step 470 where the mode timer is set. Continuing down this "no" path, proceed to step 475 where the mode timer starts and then to decision box 440 and start from there, as previously discussed. In step 420 and step 470, the previously mentioned timer is set or reset as the case may be, and one would follow the flow chart at this starting point again. [0052] Returning to decision box 450, if the answer is yes, proceed to step 460. In step 460, user has the option to set new mode and/or idle time or reset mode and/or idle timer. Continuing down this path, proceed to decision box 465. In decision box 465, the question asked: Data communication? If yes, proceed to decision box 430 and start from there, as previously detailed. Returning to decision box 465, if the answer is no, proceed to decision box 440 and start from there as previously discussed. [0053] Figs. 5 and 6 provide exemplary displays, to reset, turn off and/or enter a new time out, according to an embodiment.

[0054] Fig. 7 is an exemplary flowchart 700 illustrating the operation of a power saving module, according to one embodiment. In step 705 the flowchart begins. In step 710, the energy state, E, is determined. This may comprise the steps of determining if a charger is connected, or of measuring the battery voltage and determining the corresponding level of stored energy. At step 715, the maximum operating time, T_MAX, is determined for each operating mode, m, and state, s, as a function of E. At step 720, the state, s, for each mode, m, is determined. For example m=l may correspond to a Bluetooth transceiver mode, and the Bluetooth transceiver state s=l may correspond to the transceiver being in a discoverable idle state. At step 725, a timer is started for each mode, m. In decision box 730, for each m the inquiry is whether T(m) > T_MAX (m). If the result of decision box 730 is 'yes' then at step 735 a disabling sequence is begun for mode m. This may be an alert with a message such as "The Bluetooth transceiver has consumed X%% of the battery. Would you like to disable Bluetooth?" This would also include the subsequent disabling, depending on a user response. In decision box 740, for each m the inquiry is whether the state, s, has changed. For example, the Bluetooth transceiver may have paired with another device and gone into a paired idle state corresponding to s=2. In this case, the result of decision box 740, is 'yes' and the flow proceeds to step 745 in which the T(m) is reset to zero. In decision box 750, the inquiry is whether the energy state has changed due to the device powering on, being removed from a charger, finishing charging, or any other change which is not due to the normal depletion of the energy from normal device operation. If the result of decision box 750 is 'y^es'_> then the flow returns to box 705, and if the result is no then it returns to decision box 730. [0055] The device 200 and method 300 are preferably implemented on a programmed processor. However, the controllers, flowcharts, and modules may also be implemented on a general purpose or special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an integrated circuit, a hardware electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device, or the like. In general, any device on which resides a finite state machine capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in the figures may be used to implement the processor functions of this disclosure.

[0056] While this disclosure has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or substituted in the other embodiments. Also, all of the elements of each figure are not necessary for operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art of the disclosed embodiments would be enabled to make and use the teachings of the disclosure by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the disclosure as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. [0057] In this document, relational terms such as "first," "second," and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "a," "an," or the like does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. Also, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including," "having," and the like, as used herein, are defined as "comprising."

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A wireless communication device configured with an energy storage device, comprising: a housing; a controller coupled to the housing, the controller configured to control the operations of the wireless communication device; memory coupled to the controller; a transceiver coupled to the controller; and a power saving module configured to program and control at least one operational mode of the wireless communication device, including a monitor for monitoring use of the at least one operational mode and disabling an idle at least one operational mode after a set duration of idle time.

2. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein the power saving module includes a timer configured to provide at least one of a warning signal before time out and a disable signal at time out.

3. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the power saving module is coupled to a user interface configured to provide at least one of ease of programming and access for resetting before a time out.

4. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the power saving module provides a warning signal prior to the time out.

5. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the power saving module provides a warning signal prior to the time out, the warning signal includes at least one of a display, audible signal and vibration activity.

6. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein the power saving module is configured to provide a warning signal prior to the time out of an idle at least one operational mode, and the warning signal is configured to provide a grace period to allow the user to reset and provide a new time out, in response to a key stroke on a user interface.

7. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the at least one operational mode is configured to communicate with at least one of an accessory, wireless headset, and local area network (LAN).

8. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the at least one operational mode is configured to control and communicate with and at least one of an MP-3 player, a wireless headset, multimedia devices having at least one of video streaming, video playback, audio playback, FM radio and streaming capabilities, data communication devices with internet browsing capabilities, device capable of file transfer over personal area networks (PAN), device capable of file transfer over Bluetooth, device capable of inter-device communication over Bluetooth or PAN and devices with at least one of word processing capabilities and e-book processing.

9. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the set duration of idle time varies automatically with the state of charge of the energy storage device in the wireless communication device.

10. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the energy storage device comprises at least one of a battery, a fuel cell, a fuel container and an electrochemical capacitor.

11. A wireless communication device configured with an energy storage device, comprising: a housing; a controller coupled to the housing, the controller configured to control the operations of the wireless communication device; memory coupled to the controller; a transceiver coupled to the controller; and a power saving module configured to program and control at least one operational mode of the wireless communication device, including a monitor for monitoring use of the at least one operational mode and disabling an idle at least one operational mode after a set duration of idle time, wherein the set duration of idle time varies automatically with the state of charge of a battery in the wireless communication device, and wherein at least one operational mode includes a settable calling mode configured to maintain a primary communication channel.

12. A wireless communication method, comprising: providing a wireless communication device, configured to send and receive wireless signals, the wireless communication device including a controller configured to control the operations of the wireless communication device; controlling at least one operational mode of the wireless communication device with a programmable power saving module; and monitoring use of the at least one operational mode and disabling an idle at least one operational mode after a set duration of idle time.

13. The wireless communication method of claim 12, further comprising varying the set duration of idle time based on the state of charge of an energy storage device in the wireless communication device.

14. The wireless communication method of claim 12, wherein at least one operational mode includes a settable calling mode configured to maintain a primary communication channel which is not subject to a time out.

15. The wireless communication method of claim 12, further comprising providing a timer and interface configured to provide at least one of ease of programming and user friendly access for resetting before time out.

16. The wireless communication method of claim 12, further comprising providing a warning signal prior to a time out.

17. The wireless communication method of claim 12, further comprising providing a warning signal prior to a time out, the warning signal being at least one of a visual signal, audible signal and tactile activity.

18. The wireless communication method of claim 12, further comprising providing a warning signal prior to a time out, and providing a grace period to allow a user sufficient time to reset the time out, if desired, by actuating a key on a user interface.

19. The wireless communication method of claim 12, wherein the at least one operational mode includes controlling and communicating with at least one of an accessory, wireless headset and LAN.

20. The wireless communication method of claim 12, further comprising automatically determining the set duration of idle time according to an energy state of the wireless communication device.