EP1709785A1 - Portable device comprising alarm means which are controlled by movement detection means - Google Patents

Portable device comprising alarm means which are controlled by movement detection means

Info

Publication number
EP1709785A1
EP1709785A1 EP05717513A EP05717513A EP1709785A1 EP 1709785 A1 EP1709785 A1 EP 1709785A1 EP 05717513 A EP05717513 A EP 05717513A EP 05717513 A EP05717513 A EP 05717513A EP 1709785 A1 EP1709785 A1 EP 1709785A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
control means
alert signal
signals
detect
emission
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Withdrawn
Application number
EP05717513A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Philippe Decotignie
Jean-Baptiste Nouvel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sierra Wireless SA
Original Assignee
Wavecom SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wavecom SA filed Critical Wavecom SA
Publication of EP1709785A1 publication Critical patent/EP1709785A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M19/00—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems
    • H04M19/02—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone
    • H04M19/04—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone the ringing-current being generated at the substations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/72454—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M19/00—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems
    • H04M19/02—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone
    • H04M19/04—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone the ringing-current being generated at the substations
    • H04M19/048—Arrangements providing optical indication of the incoming call, e.g. flasher circuits

Definitions

  • Portable device with alert means controlled by motion detection means The field of the invention is that of portable electronic devices or devices, and in particular radiotelephones. More specifically, the invention relates to the control of the alert means, and in particular of generation of sound signals corresponding for example to an incoming call. In certain situations, such an audible signal can be nuisance, or at the very least disturbing. This is for example the case when you are in a meeting, at the table ... Solutions have already been proposed to solve this problem, or at least limit it. Thus, vibrators have been provided, which warn the user by producing only a limited noise. It was also proposed to define several operating modes
  • an objective of the invention is to provide a technique making it possible to effectively and simply reduce the nuisances due to the emission of warning signals by devices such as radiotelephones, in particular when the user is in a group or in society.
  • a particular objective of the invention is thus to reduce the nuisance due to a ringing which is prolonged while a user searches for his radiotelephone in his pockets or in a bag, while allowing him to have sufficient time to decide whether to take or not a communication.
  • Another particular objective of the invention is to allow an effective change of alert mode, in particular in meetings or in similar situations, without particular manipulation via a keyboard.
  • the invention also aims to provide techniques to overcome the use of a keyboard, and any somewhat complex operation, requiring a specific approach.
  • the object of the invention is in particular to simplify the use of a device such as a radiotelephone, and to make its use more respectful of the surroundings.
  • a portable device comprising means for transmitting at least one alert signal, depending on at least one predetermined event.
  • this device comprises control means said means for transmitting at least one alert signal, as a function of at least one item of information delivered by motion detection means, of position of said device and / or of at least one angle formed by said device, relative to a plane or a reference line.
  • the generation of signals by the device is adapted or controlled as a function of information linked to the movement or to the position of the latter.
  • said movement and / or position detection means comprise at least one accelerometer.
  • said control means comprise means for analyzing and processing said information, ensuring at least one of the operations belonging to the group comprising: - filtering of parasitic movements, corresponding for example to walking; - analysis of the direction and / or range of motion; - recognition of predetermined movements; - determining the position of said device in space; - Determining at least one angle formed between said device and a plane or a reference line.
  • the one or more warning signals may in particular belong to the group comprising: - the sound signals; - signals emitted by a vibrator; - light signals. They can in particular be representative of a situation belonging to the group comprising: - an incoming telephone call; - a message received; - a programmed alarm; - an alert representative of a state of said device, such as a predetermined level of battery charge.
  • said control means act on said emission means so as to interrupt the emission and / or reduce its intensity.
  • said control means detect a grip of said device by a user.
  • said control means preferentially interrupt the emission of this sound signal as soon as said device is taken in hand, before said user performs a command to off hook.
  • said control means can, advantageously, activate the lighting of a screen, when a grip of said device is detected.
  • said control means detect a substantially horizontal position associated with an orientation of the main face of said device downwards, and decide on a predetermined mode change in this case. Said change of mode can for example cut the generation of sound signals.
  • said control means are programmable.
  • said control means can detect violent movements corresponding to theft of said device during communication, and consequently command at least one action in said device and / or to an operator.
  • - Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a radiotelephone according to the invention
  • - Figure 2 illustrates the principle of implementation of a first characteristic of the invention
  • - Figure 3 illustrates the principle of implementation of a second characteristic of the invention.
  • the invention proposes an improvement in the implementation of warning signals, in particular sound signals, in devices such as radiotelephones, by using movement and / or position information.
  • the embodiment described below applies to a radiotelephone, and in particular proposes two characteristics: - the suppression (or the limitation) of the ringing when the apparatus is turned over and posed on a table or a desk; - the interruption of the ringing as soon as the device is taken in hand (without waiting for the user to actually pick up).
  • the invention can also be applied to other similar devices, and in particular PDA type devices.
  • the radiotelephone of the invention comprises means 11 for generating ringtones, acting on a loudspeaker 12.
  • These means 11 can also control a vibrator 13 and light means 14 (light-emitting diodes for example) .
  • They are controlled by control means 15, which conventionally take account of programming 16 defined by the user (types of ring, volume, operating modes, etc.).
  • these control means 15 also use information 170 delivered by means 17 of motion and position detection. It may for example be one or more accelerometers, determining accelerations in one or more directions.
  • the information 170 can comprise acceleration information in two or three directions, with indications of amplitude and direction (angles for example).
  • the control means 15 include means 151 for analyzing this information 170, making it possible to filter “parasitic” accelerations (for example movements simply due to walking) and to detect the movements sought, from among a set of movements sought.
  • “parasitic” accelerations for example movements simply due to walking
  • the control means pass into a silent mode (or another preselected mode), without any other operation on the part of the user. .
  • the device can therefore remain active, and the user be notified of a call by a light signal or the vibrator, but there will be no ring. It will suffice to take over the device to return to normal mode. This principle is summarized in Figure 2.
  • the device being in a normal mode (ringing activated), the user places it on a table, facing the table. Analysis of the movement makes it possible to detect (21) this situation. This results, possibly after a time delay 22 of confirmation during which it is checked that the device remains stationary, the passage 23 in a silent mode. If, during this delay, the device is resumed, it remains in the normal mode. If a call 24 is received, there is generation 25 of a light signal, but not of a sound signal. The user can take control of his device, which is detected by analyzing the movement, and decide to pick up or on the contrary refuse the call. A time delay 26 allows time to perform this operation, without reactivating the ringer. Advantageously, when this handling is detected, the device can automatically activate (210) the lighting of the screen.
  • the same timer 26 is activated if the user simply takes over the device, for example because the meeting is over. At the end of this time delay 26, it remains in silent mode if the device is returned to its inverted position on the table (test 27). Conversely, normal mode (with bell) is reactivated if the device is put in another position (for example in a pocket). It is thus possible to change the ringing modes simply, efficiently and intuitively.
  • the two modes can be programmed, conventionally, both for their activation and for the commands they generate.
  • the accelerometers can be replaced by other means, making it possible to detect the movements and / or the position of the device.
  • the invention indeed proposes to separate the stopping of the ringing and the taking (or rejection) of the communication. More specifically, the ringing is interrupted as soon as the device has detected that it is in the hand. This second characteristic is activated when there is an incoming call 31, or another predetermined event. Analysis of movement 32 performs processing aimed at detecting this grip, and in particular at distinguishing it from other movements such as walking, transporting in a bag. This analysis may take into account in particular the regularity and periodicity of the movements, their amplitude and / or their direction. As soon as a grip 321 is detected, the ringing is interrupted 33.
  • this application can be programmable, and in particular deactivable. Again, the detection of the grip 321 can cause the screen 35 to light up, and more generally any other suitable action which can for example increase the comfort of use.
  • the same approach can be applied to other types of event than incoming calls, and for example to the reception of messages, to an indication of the state of the device (battery for example), to a preprogrammed alarm, ...
  • the movement analysis operations can at least in part be shared by the two applications described, or by other applications. This is particularly the case for filtering and detection of handling operations.
  • the motion detection means can also be used for other operations, new or already described in the literature (for example to replace the use of the keyboard). This synergy thus makes it possible to introduce at a reduced cost the functions described above, by using the motion detection means already integrated for other functions.
  • the application for lighting the screen, and if necessary other elements such as the keyboard can be implemented independently of the applications linked to the warning signals.
  • the means for analyzing the movement may include means for detecting a grip, and associating with this command various actions, such as those already described or others.
  • the device may initiate a certain number of security or deterrent actions, such as: - the interruption of the communication in progress (possibly with a pre-programmed message warning the caller of the situation); - activation of the ringer at a very high level (can only be interrupted by switching off the device, which will then ask for the personal PIN code to restart); - blocking of the device; - the transmission of a message informing the flight to the operator;

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable device comprising: means for emitting at least one alarm signal as a function of at lest one pre-determined event, and means for controlling said alarm signal-emitting means according to at least one datum delivered by means for detecting the movement or position of the device and/or at least one angle formed by said device in relation to a reference line or plane.

Description

Appareil portable à moyens d'alerte contrôlés par des moyens de détection de mouvement. Le domaine de l'invention est celui des appareils ou dispositifs électroniques portables, et en particulier des radiotéléphones. Plus précisément, l'invention concerne le contrôle des moyens d'alerte, et notamment de génération de signaux sonores correspondant par exemple à un appel entrant. Dans certaines situations, un tel signal sonore peut être intempestif, ou à tout le moins dérangeant. C'est par exemple le cas lorsque l'on se trouve en réunion, à table... Des solutions ont déjà été proposées, pour résoudre ce problème, ou à tout le moins le limiter. Ainsi, on a prévu des vibreurs, qui préviennent l'utilisateur en ne produisant qu'un bruit limité. On a également proposé de définir plusieurs modes de fonctionnement Portable device with alert means controlled by motion detection means. The field of the invention is that of portable electronic devices or devices, and in particular radiotelephones. More specifically, the invention relates to the control of the alert means, and in particular of generation of sound signals corresponding for example to an incoming call. In certain situations, such an audible signal can be nuisance, or at the very least disturbing. This is for example the case when you are in a meeting, at the table ... Solutions have already been proposed to solve this problem, or at least limit it. Thus, vibrators have been provided, which warn the user by producing only a limited noise. It was also proposed to define several operating modes
(« silence », « en réunion »...) du radiotéléphone, qui permettent d'adapter les signaux d'alerte à une situation particulière. Ces modes sont généralement programmables, et on peut par exemple choisir de couper le son, de le réduire, de le faire augmenter progressivement... En inconvénient de cette technique est qu'elle suppose une manipulation, via l'interface homme-machine, du radiotéléphone. Même si cette interface est simplifiée, cette manipulation n'est généralement pas directe, et la taille réduite des appareils et le nombre limité de touches peut la rendre peu aisée. En outre, il faut effectuer cette manipulation de façon volontaire, par exemple avant et une réunion, et ne pas oublié de revenir à l'état précédent ensuite. Souvent, c'est lorsque l'appareil sonne que l'on s'aperçoit que l'on a oublié de couper la sonnerie... II faut alors sortir l'appareil de sa poche ou de son sac, le cas échéant après l'avoir cherché. Pendant ce temps, il continue de sonner et de déranger l'entourage. L'utilisateur, confus et pressé, à alors tendance à décrocher rapidement, ou au contraire à raccrocher brutalement, pour couper le signal sonore, sans avoir pris le temps d'identifier l'appelant et de décider de l'importance réelle de l'appel. Dans d'autres cas, les utilisateurs décident, pour ne pas déranger, d'éteindre leur appareil. Ils risquent alors, cependant, de perdre un appel pouvant être important. Il existe donc un besoin d'optimisation du traitement des signaux d'alerte, notamment sonores, qui ne nécessite pas d'actions complexes, via le clavier, et qui puisse réduire le dérangement induit par les signaux sonores en certaines situations. L'invention a notamment pour objectif d'apporter des solutions dans ce sens. Plus précisément, un objectif de l'invention est de fournir une technique permettant de réduire efficacement et simplement les nuisances dues à l'émission de signaux d'alerte par des appareils tels que des radiotéléphones, notamment lorsque l'utilisateur se trouve en groupe ou en société. Un objectif particulier de l'invention est ainsi de réduire les nuisances dues à une sonnerie qui se prolonge pendant qu'un utilisateur cherche son radiotéléphone dans ses poches ou dans un sac, tout en lui permettant de disposer un temps suffisant pour décider de prendre ou non une communication. Un autre objectif particulier de l'invention est de permettre un changement de mode d'alerte efficace, notamment en réunion ou dans des situations similaires, sans manipulation particulière via un clavier. D'une façon générale, l'invention a d'ailleurs pour objectif de fournir des techniques permettant de s'affranchir de l'utilisation d'un clavier, et de toute opération un peu complexe, nécessitant une démarche spécifique. En d'autres termes, l'invention a notamment pour objectif de simplifier l'utilisation d'un dispositif tel qu'un radiotéléphone, et de rendre son utilisation plus respectueuse de l'entourage. Ces objectifs, ainsi que d'autres qui apparaîtront plus clairement par la suite, sont atteints à l'aide d'un appareil portable comprenant des moyens d'émission d'au moins un signal d'alerte, en fonction d'au moins un événement prédéterminé. Selon l'invention, cet appareil comprend des moyens de contrôle desdits moyens d'émission d'au moins un signal d'alerte, en fonction d'au moins une information délivrée par des moyens de détection de mouvement, de position dudit appareil et/ou d'au moins un angle formé par ledit appareil, par rapport à un plan ou une droite de référence. En d'autres termes ; selon l'invention, on adapte, ou on contrôle, la génération de signaux par l'appareil en fonction d'informations liées au déplacement ou à la position de ce dernier. Comme on le verra par la suite, cela peut notamment permettre : - de supprimer la sonnerie, lorsque l'appareil est dans une position donnée, et par exemple retourné sur une table ; - d'interrompre la sonnerie avant que l'utilisateur ait décroché. Selon une mies en œuvre de l'invention, lesdits moyens de détection de mouvement et/ou de position comprennent au moins un accéléromètre. De façon préférentielle, lesdits moyens de contrôle comprennent des moyens d'analyse et de traitement desdites informations, assurant au moins une des opérations appartenant au groupe comprenant : - le filtrage de mouvements parasites, correspondant par exemple à la marche ; - l'analyse de la direction et/ou de l'amplitude des mouvements ; - la reconnaissance de mouvements prédéterminés ; - la détermination de la position dudit appareil dans l'espace ; - la détermination d'au moins un angle formé entre ledit appareil et un plan ou une droite de référence. Le ou lesdits signaux d'alerte peuvent notamment appartenir au groupe comprenant : - les signaux sonores ; - les signaux émis par un vibreur ; - les signaux lumineux. Ils peuvent en particulier être représentatifs d'une situation appartenant au groupe comprenant : - un appel téléphonique entrant ; - un message reçu ; - une alarme programmée ; - une alerte représentative d'un état dudit appareil, tel qu'un niveau prédéterminé de charge de batterie. Selon une première application avantageuse de l'invention, lesdits moyens de contrôle agissent sur lesdits moyens d'émission de façon à interrompre l'émission et/ou à réduire son intensité. Avantageusement, lesdits moyens de contrôle détectent une prise en main dudit appareil par un utilisateur. Dans ce cas, et lorsque ledit signal d'alerte étant un signal sonore d'appel entrant, lesdits moyens de contrôle interrompent préférentiellement l'émission de ce signal sonore dès que ledit appareil est pris en main, avant que ledit utilisateur effectue une commande de décroché. Ainsi, on limite la gêne occasionnée par la sonnerie de l'appareil, tout en conservant un peu de temps pour décider de prendre ou refuser la communication. Dans le même temps, lesdits moyens de contrôle peuvent, de façon avantageuse, activer l'éclairage d'un écran, lorsqu'une prise en main dudit appareil est détectée. Selon une deuxième application avantageuse, lesdits moyens de contrôle détectent une position sensiblement horizontale associée à une orientation de la face principale dudit appareil vers le bas, et décident un changement de mode prédéterminé dans ce cas. Ledit changement de mode peut par exemple couper la génération de signaux sonores. De façon préférentielle, lesdits moyens de contrôle sont programmables. Selon une troisième application avantageuse, lesdits moyens de contrôle peuvent détecter des mouvements violents correspondant à un vol dudit appareil en cours de communication, et commander en conséquence au moins une action dans ledit appareil et/ou vers un opérateur. D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention, donnée à titre de simple exemple illustratif et non limitatif, et des dessins annexés, parmi lesquels : - la figure 1 présente un synoptique simplifié d'un radiotéléphone selon l'invention ; - la figure 2 illustre le principe de mise en œuvre d'une première caractéristique de l'invention ; - la figure 3 illustre le principe de mise en œuvre d'une seconde caractéristique de l'invention. Comme indiqué précédemment, l'invention propose une amélioration de la mise en œuvre de signaux d'alerte, notamment sonores, dans des appareils tels que les radiotéléphones, en exploitant des informations de mouvement et/ou de position. Le mode de réalisation décrit ci-après s'applique à un radiotéléphone, et propose notamment deux caractéristiques : - la suppression (ou la limitation) de la sonnerie lorsque l'appareil est retourné et posé sur une table ou un bureau ; - l'interruption de la sonnerie dès que l'appareil est pris en main (sans attendre que l'utilisateur ait réellement décroché). On dispose ainsi de deux améliorations réduisant les nuisances dues aux sonneries, et qui ne nécessitent aucune intervention via un clavier ou une autre interface (seconde caractéristique) ou une opération simple, instinctive ou facilement mémorisable (première caractéristique). L'invention peut également s'appliquer à d'autres appareils similaires, et notamment les appareils de type PDA. Comme illustré sur la figure 1, le radiotéléphone de l'invention comprend des moyens 11 de génération de sonneries, agissant sur un haut-parleur 12. Ces moyens 11 peuvent également piloter un vibreur 13 et des moyens lumineux 14 (diodes électroluminescentes par exemple). Ils sont contrôlés par des moyens de contrôle 15, qui tiennent compte classiquement d'une programmation 16 définie par l'utilisateur (types de sonnerie, volume, modes de fonctionnement...). Selon l'invention, ces moyens de contrôle 15 exploitent en outre des informations 170 délivrées par des moyens 17 de détection de mouvement et de position. Il peut par exemple s'agir d'un ou plusieurs accéléromètres, déterminant des accélérations dans une ou plusieurs directions. Notamment, les informations 170 peuvent comprendre des informations d'accélération dans deux ou trois directions, avec des indications d'amplitude et de direction (angles par exemple). Les moyens de contrôle 15 comprennent des moyens d'analyse 151 de ces informations 170, permettant de filtrer les accélérations « parasites » (par exemple les mouvements simplement dus à la marche) et de détecter les mouvements recherchés, parmi un ensemble de mouvements recherchés. Ainsi, lorsque l'analyse permet de détecter que l'appareil a été retourné et placé sur une table, les moyens de contrôle passent dans un mode silencieux (ou un autre mode présélectionné), sans aucune autre opération de la part de l'utilisateur. L'appareil peut donc rester actif, et l'utilisateur être averti d'un appel par un signal lumineux ou le vibreur, mais il n'y aura pas de sonnerie. Il suffira de reprendre en main l'appareil pour revenir dans le mode normal. Ce principe est résumé par la figure 2. L'appareil étant dans un mode normal (sonnerie activée), l'utilisateur le place sur une table, face vers la table. L'analyse du mouvement permet de détecter (21) cette situation. Cela entraîne, éventuellement après une temporisation 22 de confirmation pendant laquelle on vérifie que l'appareil reste immobile, le passage 23 dans un mode silencieux. Si, pendant cette temporisation, l'appareil est repris, on reste dans le mode normal. Si un appel 24 est reçu, il y a génération 25 d'un signal lumineux, mais non d'un signal sonore. L'utilisateur peut prendre en main son appareil, que l'on détecte 29 en analysant le mouvement, et décider de décrocher ou au contraire de refuser l'appel. Une temporisation 26 laisse le temps d'effectuer cette opération, sans réactiver la sonnerie. Avantageusement, lorsque cette prise en main est détectée, l'appareil peut automatiquement activer (210) l'éclairage de l'écran. La même temporisation 26 est activée si l'utilisateur reprend simplement en main l'appareil, par exemple parce que la réunion est terminée. A la fin de cette temporisation 26, on reste dans le mode silencieux si l'appareil est replacé dans sa position retournée sur la table (test 27). Inversement, le mode normal (avec sonnerie) est réactivé 28 si l'appareil est mis dans une autre position (par exemple dans une poche). II est ainsi possible de changer de modes de sonnerie simplement, efficacement et intuitivement. Bien sûr, les deux modes peuvent être programmés, classiquement, aussi bien pour leur activation que pour les commandes qu'ils génèrent. On notera par ailleurs que les accéléromètres peuvent être remplacés par d'autres moyens, permettant de détecter les mouvements et/ou la position de l'appareil. La figure 3 illustre une autre caractéristique de l'invention, qui vise à limiter le temps pendant lequel un radiotéléphone sonne, notamment lorsqu'un appel entrant est reçu. L'invention propose en effet de désolidariser l'arrêt de la sonnerie et la prise (ou le rejet) de la communication. Plus précisément, la sonnerie est interrompue dès que l'appareil a détecté qu'il était pris en main. Cette seconde caractéristique est activée lorsqu'il y a un appel entrant 31, ou un autre événement prédéterminé. L'analyse du mouvement 32 effectue un traitement visant à détecter cette prise en main, et notamment à la distinguer d'autres mouvements tels que ceux de la marche, du transport dans un sac. Cette analyse peut tenir compte notamment de la régularité et de la périodicité des mouvements, de leur amplitude et/ou de leur direction. Dès qu'une prise en main 321 est détectée, la sonnerie est interrompue 33.("Silence", "in a meeting" ...) of the radiotelephone, which allow the warning signals to be adapted to a particular situation. These modes are generally programmable, and one can for example choose to cut the sound, to reduce it, to make it increase progressively ... The disadvantage of this technique is that it supposes a manipulation, via the man-machine interface, of the radiotelephone. Even if this interface is simplified, this manipulation is generally not direct, and the reduced size of the devices and the limited number of keys can make it not very easy. In addition, this manipulation must be carried out on a voluntary basis, for example before and during a meeting, and do not forget to return to the previous state afterwards. Often, it is when the device rings that we realize that we have forgotten to cut the ringer ... We must then take the device out of its pocket or bag, if necessary after l 'have searched. Meanwhile, it continues to ring and disturb the surroundings. The user, confused and in a hurry, then tends to pick up quickly, or on the contrary to hang up abruptly, to cut the sound signal, without having taken the time to identify the caller and to decide on the real importance of the call. In other cases, users decide, in order not to disturb, to turn off their device. They may, however, lose a potentially important call. There is therefore a need to optimize the processing of warning signals, in particular sound signals, which does not require complex actions, via the keyboard, and which can reduce the disturbance induced by the sound signals in certain situations. The invention particularly aims to provide solutions in this direction. More specifically, an objective of the invention is to provide a technique making it possible to effectively and simply reduce the nuisances due to the emission of warning signals by devices such as radiotelephones, in particular when the user is in a group or in society. A particular objective of the invention is thus to reduce the nuisance due to a ringing which is prolonged while a user searches for his radiotelephone in his pockets or in a bag, while allowing him to have sufficient time to decide whether to take or not a communication. Another particular objective of the invention is to allow an effective change of alert mode, in particular in meetings or in similar situations, without particular manipulation via a keyboard. In general, the invention also aims to provide techniques to overcome the use of a keyboard, and any somewhat complex operation, requiring a specific approach. In other words, the object of the invention is in particular to simplify the use of a device such as a radiotelephone, and to make its use more respectful of the surroundings. These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly below, are achieved using a portable device comprising means for transmitting at least one alert signal, depending on at least one predetermined event. According to the invention, this device comprises control means said means for transmitting at least one alert signal, as a function of at least one item of information delivered by motion detection means, of position of said device and / or of at least one angle formed by said device, relative to a plane or a reference line. In other words; according to the invention, the generation of signals by the device is adapted or controlled as a function of information linked to the movement or to the position of the latter. As will be seen below, this can in particular allow: - to suppress the ringing, when the apparatus is in a given position, and for example returned on a table; - to interrupt the ringing before the user has picked up. According to an implementation of the invention, said movement and / or position detection means comprise at least one accelerometer. Preferably, said control means comprise means for analyzing and processing said information, ensuring at least one of the operations belonging to the group comprising: - filtering of parasitic movements, corresponding for example to walking; - analysis of the direction and / or range of motion; - recognition of predetermined movements; - determining the position of said device in space; - Determining at least one angle formed between said device and a plane or a reference line. The one or more warning signals may in particular belong to the group comprising: - the sound signals; - signals emitted by a vibrator; - light signals. They can in particular be representative of a situation belonging to the group comprising: - an incoming telephone call; - a message received; - a programmed alarm; - an alert representative of a state of said device, such as a predetermined level of battery charge. According to a first advantageous application of the invention, said control means act on said emission means so as to interrupt the emission and / or reduce its intensity. Advantageously, said control means detect a grip of said device by a user. In this case, and when said alert signal being an incoming call sound signal, said control means preferentially interrupt the emission of this sound signal as soon as said device is taken in hand, before said user performs a command to off hook. Thus, we limit the discomfort caused by the ringing of the device, while keeping a little time to decide to take or refuse the call. At the same time, said control means can, advantageously, activate the lighting of a screen, when a grip of said device is detected. According to a second advantageous application, said control means detect a substantially horizontal position associated with an orientation of the main face of said device downwards, and decide on a predetermined mode change in this case. Said change of mode can for example cut the generation of sound signals. Preferably, said control means are programmable. According to a third advantageous application, said control means can detect violent movements corresponding to theft of said device during communication, and consequently command at least one action in said device and / or to an operator. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and of the appended drawings, among which : - Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a radiotelephone according to the invention; - Figure 2 illustrates the principle of implementation of a first characteristic of the invention; - Figure 3 illustrates the principle of implementation of a second characteristic of the invention. As indicated above, the invention proposes an improvement in the implementation of warning signals, in particular sound signals, in devices such as radiotelephones, by using movement and / or position information. The embodiment described below applies to a radiotelephone, and in particular proposes two characteristics: - the suppression (or the limitation) of the ringing when the apparatus is turned over and posed on a table or a desk; - the interruption of the ringing as soon as the device is taken in hand (without waiting for the user to actually pick up). We thus have two improvements reducing the nuisance caused by ringtones, and which do not require any intervention via a keyboard or another interface (second characteristic) or a simple, instinctive or easily memorized operation (first characteristic). The invention can also be applied to other similar devices, and in particular PDA type devices. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the radiotelephone of the invention comprises means 11 for generating ringtones, acting on a loudspeaker 12. These means 11 can also control a vibrator 13 and light means 14 (light-emitting diodes for example) . They are controlled by control means 15, which conventionally take account of programming 16 defined by the user (types of ring, volume, operating modes, etc.). According to the invention, these control means 15 also use information 170 delivered by means 17 of motion and position detection. It may for example be one or more accelerometers, determining accelerations in one or more directions. In particular, the information 170 can comprise acceleration information in two or three directions, with indications of amplitude and direction (angles for example). The control means 15 include means 151 for analyzing this information 170, making it possible to filter “parasitic” accelerations (for example movements simply due to walking) and to detect the movements sought, from among a set of movements sought. Thus, when the analysis makes it possible to detect that the device has been turned over and placed on a table, the control means pass into a silent mode (or another preselected mode), without any other operation on the part of the user. . The device can therefore remain active, and the user be notified of a call by a light signal or the vibrator, but there will be no ring. It will suffice to take over the device to return to normal mode. This principle is summarized in Figure 2. The device being in a normal mode (ringing activated), the user places it on a table, facing the table. Analysis of the movement makes it possible to detect (21) this situation. This results, possibly after a time delay 22 of confirmation during which it is checked that the device remains stationary, the passage 23 in a silent mode. If, during this delay, the device is resumed, it remains in the normal mode. If a call 24 is received, there is generation 25 of a light signal, but not of a sound signal. The user can take control of his device, which is detected by analyzing the movement, and decide to pick up or on the contrary refuse the call. A time delay 26 allows time to perform this operation, without reactivating the ringer. Advantageously, when this handling is detected, the device can automatically activate (210) the lighting of the screen. The same timer 26 is activated if the user simply takes over the device, for example because the meeting is over. At the end of this time delay 26, it remains in silent mode if the device is returned to its inverted position on the table (test 27). Conversely, normal mode (with bell) is reactivated if the device is put in another position (for example in a pocket). It is thus possible to change the ringing modes simply, efficiently and intuitively. Of course, the two modes can be programmed, conventionally, both for their activation and for the commands they generate. It should also be noted that the accelerometers can be replaced by other means, making it possible to detect the movements and / or the position of the device. FIG. 3 illustrates another characteristic of the invention, which aims to limit the time during which a radiotelephone rings, in particular when an incoming call is received. The invention indeed proposes to separate the stopping of the ringing and the taking (or rejection) of the communication. More specifically, the ringing is interrupted as soon as the device has detected that it is in the hand. This second characteristic is activated when there is an incoming call 31, or another predetermined event. Analysis of movement 32 performs processing aimed at detecting this grip, and in particular at distinguishing it from other movements such as walking, transporting in a bag. This analysis may take into account in particular the regularity and periodicity of the movements, their amplitude and / or their direction. As soon as a grip 321 is detected, the ringing is interrupted 33.
On limite ainsi la nuisance générée par celle-ci, et on laisse le temps à l'utilisateur de consulter son écran, pour décider de prendre ou de refuser la communication 34, par exemple en regardant le numéro de l'appelant. On augmente ainsi le confort de l'utilisateur et celui de son entourage, sans ajouté de complexité d'utilisation : aucune action autre que la prise en main n'est nécessaire. Bien sûr, cette application peut être programmable, et notamment désactivable. A nouveau, la détection de la prise en main 321 peut entraîner l'éclairage 35 de l'écran, et plus généralement tout autre action adéquate pouvant par exemple augmenter le confort d'utilisation. Bien sûr, la même approche peut s'appliquer à d'autres types d'événement que les appels entrants, et par exemple à la réception de messages, à une indication d'état de l'appareil (batterie par exemple), à une alarme préprogrammée,... Il est à noter que les opérations d'analyse du mouvement peuvent au moins en partie être partagées par les deux applications décrites, ou par d'autres applications. C'est notamment le cas des opérations de filtrage et de détection de prise en main. On notera par ailleurs que les moyens de détection de mouvement peuvent également être utilisés pour d'autres opérations, nouvelles ou déjà décrites dans la littérature (par exemple pour remplacer l'utilisation du clavier). Cette synergie permet ainsi d'introduire à coût réduit les fonctions décrites ci-dessus, en utilisant les moyens de détection de mouvement déjà intégrés pour d'autres fonctions. Par ailleurs, l'application d'éclairage de l'écran, et le cas échéant d'autres éléments tel que le clavier, peut être mise en œuvre indépendamment des applications liées aux signaux d'alerte. Plus généralement, les moyens d'analyse du mouvement peuvent comprendre des moyens de détection d'une prise en main, et associer à cette commande diverses actions, telles que ceux déjà décrites ou d'autres. D'autres applications peuvent également être mises en œuvre, à partir de l'analyse du mouvement. Par exemple, on peut prévoir une application de lutte contre le vol, en détectant un mouvement violent alors qu'une communication est en cours. Une analyse des mouvements pourra permettre de détecter que cela correspond à un vol de l'appareil (« grab and run » en anglais). L'analyse devra bien sûr être suffisamment précise pour ne pas assimiler à un vol d'autres mouvements, tels qu'une simple chute de l'appareil. Lorsqu'un vol est détecté, l'appareil pourra engager un certain nombre d'actions de sécurité ou de dissuasion, telles que : - l'interruption de la communication en cours (éventuellement avec un message pré-programmé avertissant l'interlocuteur de la situation) ; - l' activation de la sonnerie à un niveau très élevé (ne pouvant être interrompue qu'en éteignant l'appareil, qui demandera ensuite le code personnel PIN pour redémarrer) ; - le blocage de l'appareil ; - la transmission d'un message informant du vol à l'opérateur ; We thus limit the nuisance generated by it, and we give the user time to consult his screen, to decide whether to take or refuse the communication 34, for example by looking at the caller's number. This increases the comfort of the user and that of those around him, without adding any complexity of use: no action other than getting started is necessary. Of course, this application can be programmable, and in particular deactivable. Again, the detection of the grip 321 can cause the screen 35 to light up, and more generally any other suitable action which can for example increase the comfort of use. Of course, the same approach can be applied to other types of event than incoming calls, and for example to the reception of messages, to an indication of the state of the device (battery for example), to a preprogrammed alarm, ... It should be noted that the movement analysis operations can at least in part be shared by the two applications described, or by other applications. This is particularly the case for filtering and detection of handling operations. It will also be noted that the motion detection means can also be used for other operations, new or already described in the literature (for example to replace the use of the keyboard). This synergy thus makes it possible to introduce at a reduced cost the functions described above, by using the motion detection means already integrated for other functions. Furthermore, the application for lighting the screen, and if necessary other elements such as the keyboard, can be implemented independently of the applications linked to the warning signals. More generally, the means for analyzing the movement may include means for detecting a grip, and associating with this command various actions, such as those already described or others. Other applications can also be implemented, based on movement analysis. For example, we can provide an anti-theft application, by detecting a violent movement while a communication is In progress. An analysis of the movements will make it possible to detect that this corresponds to theft of the device (“grab and run” in English). The analysis will of course have to be precise enough not to equate other movements with a flight, such as a simple fall from the device. When a theft is detected, the device may initiate a certain number of security or deterrent actions, such as: - the interruption of the communication in progress (possibly with a pre-programmed message warning the caller of the situation); - activation of the ringer at a very high level (can only be interrupted by switching off the device, which will then ask for the personal PIN code to restart); - blocking of the device; - the transmission of a message informing the flight to the operator;

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Appareil portable comprenant des moyens d'émission d'au moins un signal d'alerte, en fonction d'au moins un événement prédéterminé, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de contrôle desdits moyens d'émission d'au moins un signal d'alerte, en fonction d'au moins une information délivrée par des moyens de détection de mouvement, de position dudit appareil et/ou d'au moins un angle formé par ledit appareil, par rapport à un plan ou une droite de référence.1. Portable device comprising means for transmitting at least one alert signal, as a function of at least one predetermined event, characterized in that it comprises means for controlling said means for transmitting at least an alert signal, as a function of at least one item of information delivered by motion detection means, of position of said device and / or at least of an angle formed by said device, with respect to a plane or a straight line of reference.
2. Appareil portable selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de détection de mouvement et/ou de position comprennent au moins un accéléromètre.2. Portable device according to claim 1, characterized in that said movement and / or position detection means comprise at least one accelerometer.
3. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de contrôle comprennent des moyens d'analyse et de traitement desdites informations, assurant au moins une des opérations appartenant au groupe comprenant : - le filtrage de mouvements parasites, correspondant par exemple à la marche ; - l'analyse de la direction et/ou de l'amplitude des mouvements ; - la reconnaissance de mouvements prédéterminés ; - la détermination de la position dudit appareil dans l'espace ; - la détermination d'au moins un angle formé entre ledit appareil et un plan ou une droite de référence.3. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said control means comprise means for analyzing and processing said information, ensuring at least one of the operations belonging to the group comprising: - movement filtering parasites, corresponding for example to walking; - analysis of the direction and / or range of motion; - recognition of predetermined movements; - determining the position of said device in space; - Determining at least one angle formed between said device and a plane or a reference line.
4. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le ou lesdits signaux d'alerte appartiennent au groupe comprenant : - les signaux sonores ; - les signaux émis par un vibreur ; - les signaux lumineux.4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said alert signal (s) belong to the group comprising: - the sound signals; - signals emitted by a vibrator; - light signals.
5. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le ou lesdits signaux d'alerte sont représentatifs d'une situation appartenant au groupe comprenant : - un appel téléphonique entrant ; - un message reçu ; - une alarme programmée ; - une alerte représentative d'un état dudit appareil, tel qu'un niveau prédéterminé de charge de batterie.5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said alert signal or signals are representative of a situation belonging to the group comprising: - an incoming telephone call; - a message received; - a programmed alarm; - an alert representative of a state of said device, such as a predetermined level of battery charge.
6. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de contrôle agissent sur lesdits moyens d'émission de façon à interrompre l'émission et/ou à réduire son intensité.6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said control means act on said emission means so as to interrupt the emission and / or reduce its intensity.
7. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de contrôle détectent une prise en main dudit appareil par un utilisateur.7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said control means detect a grip of said apparatus by a user.
8. Appareil selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que, ledit signal d'alerte étant un signal sonore d'appel entrant, lesdits moyens de contrôle interrompent l'émission de ce signal sonore dès que ledit appareil est pris en main, avant que ledit utilisateur effectue une commande de décroché.8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, said alert signal being an audible incoming call signal, said control means interrupt the emission of this audible signal as soon as said apparatus is taken in hand, before said user performs a hook command.
9. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 et 8, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de contrôle activent l'éclairage d'un écran, lorsqu'une prise en main dudit appareil est détectée.9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said control means activate the lighting of a screen, when a grip of said device is detected.
10. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 9, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de contrôle détectent une position sensiblement horizontale associée à une orientation de la face principale dudit appareil vers le bas, et décident un changement de mode prédéterminé dans ce cas.10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that said control means detect a substantially horizontal position associated with an orientation of the main face of said apparatus downward, and decide a change of predetermined mode in this case.
11. Appareil selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit changement de mode coupe la génération de signaux sonores. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that said change of mode cuts the generation of sound signals.
12. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de contrôle sont programmables.12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said control means are programmable.
13. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de contrôle peuvent détecter des mouvements violents correspondant à un vol dudit appareil en cours de communication, et commander en conséquence au moins une action dans ledit appareil et/ou vers un opérateur. 13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said control means can detect violent movements corresponding to theft of said apparatus during communication, and consequently command at least one action in said apparatus and / or to an operator.
EP05717513A 2004-01-28 2005-01-28 Portable device comprising alarm means which are controlled by movement detection means Withdrawn EP1709785A1 (en)

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FR0400820A FR2865602B1 (en) 2004-01-28 2004-01-28 PORTABLE APPARATUS WITH ALERT MEANS CONTROLLED BY MOVEMENT DETECTION MEANS.
PCT/FR2005/000194 WO2005076586A1 (en) 2004-01-28 2005-01-28 Portable device comprising alarm means which are controlled by movement detection means

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