Abstract:
A method of operating a portable computing device in a first mode uses a rechargeable energy source while transferring data between the portable computing device and a computer network in response to user actions. The portable computing device is operated in a second mode using a non-rechargeable energy source while transferring data between the portable computing device and the computer network free from user actions. The portable computing device automatically changes from the first mode to the second mode in response to engaging the portable computing device with a stand supporting the portable computing device and providing the non-rechargeable source.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a portable computing device with local and distance browsing modes. 
     Laptop computers are frequently used by placing them on a desktop or the user&#39;s lap, and operating computer software, including browsing the Internet for information. In this manner, the information presented to the user is suitable for viewing at an arm lengths distance. The user may conveniently view the information presented thereon and perform the desired tasks. Because most laptop computers are powered by a battery the screen will go blank after an extended period of inactivity in order to extend the use of the battery between charges. In addition, much of the circuitry and devices of the laptop computer, such as the hard drive, will also be de-energized to further reduce power usage, normally referred to as a power saving mode. Normally the power saving mode is deactivated if the user presses a key or otherwise attempts to use the laptop computer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention, in a first aspect, provides a method of operating a portable computing device in a first mode using a rechargeable energy source while transferring data between the portable computing device and a computer network in response to user actions. The portable computing device is operated in a second mode using a non-rechargeable energy source while transferring data between the portable computing device and the computer network free from user actions. The portable computing device automatically changes from the first mode to the second mode in response to engaging the portable computing device with a stand supporting the portable computing device and providing the non-rechargeable source. 
     In a second aspect of the present invention the portable computing device automatically changes from the second mode to the first mode in response to dis-engaging the portable computing device from the stand. 
     In a third aspect of the present invention the portable computing device operates in a third mode using the non-rechargeable energy source while transferring data between the portable computing device and the computer network in response to user actions. The portable computing device automatically changing from the third mode to the second mode in response to no user action for a predetermined period of time with the portable computing device. 
    
    
     The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The FIGURE is an exemplary illustration of the different browsing modes for the network device of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the FIGURE a portable network device  10 , such as a web-pad, screen phone, personal data assistant (PDA), laptop, or other computing device includes a display  12  thereon and a power button  16 . The network device  10  preferably includes a touch screen display for interactivity with the user. The network device  10  may include any other type of input system, such as for example, a keyboard, a keypad, voice recognition system, a mouse or a pointing device. The network device  10  may include both a power cable connection for relatively “non-mobile” use and batteries for relatively “mobile” use. The network device  10  includes network connectivity computer software such as a browser. The browser may be any type of software, such as for example, Netscape Navigator™ or Internet Explorer™, that permits connectivity for the transfer of data between the network device  10  and a computer network. The computer network may be any type of computer network, such as for example, a local area network, a wide area network, a cellular network, and the Internet. 
     With a compact form, the network device  10  is suitable for use while on the user&#39;s lap. The user may pick up the network device  10 , connect to the computer network, and perform the desired task, such as ordering a pizza. This mode of operation is generally referred to herein as a leisure browsing mode  20 . Thereafter, the device may be set aside until the user desires to perform another task. After a period of inactivity, such as 10 minutes, the network device  10  automatically enters a power management mode, generally referred to as leisure standby mode  22 . The non-essential powered devices, such as the screen, hard drive, speakers, etc., are de-energized to conserve power while the network device is in the leisure standby mode  22 . After some action by the user, such as pressing a button on the network device, moving the network device  10 , or touching the screen  12 , the leisure standby mode  22  is exited and the leisure browsing mode  20  is again activated. Normally when such an action is taken by the user he desires to again use the network device  10  which automatically enters the appropriate mode of operation. 
     With the combination of the leisure browsing mode  20  and the leisure standby mode  22 , with automatic changing between the two modes, the network device  10  is suitable to leave unplugged from a power cable for extended periods of time. Accordingly, the network device  10  is suitable to leave laying on a table or on a desk when not in use and available for any person who may desire to use the network device  10 . 
     A stand  30  may be used to recharge the battery (e.g., a rechargeable energy source) of the network device  10 , which includes a powered interconnection to the network device  10  when the network device  10  is engaged therewith. The stand  30  is preferably powered by a cable to a 110 volt electrical outlet (e.g., non-rechargeable energy source). The present inventor came to the realization that if the stand  30  was suitable to support and orient the network device  10  with the display  12  in a generally upright position while being charged, then the same network device  10  that is designed as an interactive browsing device may be used for other non-traditional functions. With the display  12  of the network device  10  in a generally upright position, e.g. not a horizontal position, then the display  12  of the network device  10  may be used to present information to the user. While the network device  10  is in the stand (cradle) it is anticipated that the user is unlikely to engage in interactive browsing activities. When in the distance browsing mode  24  the network device  10  is preferably connected to the computer network so that data may be received from (or transmitted to) the computer network. In this manner, the computer network may “push” data to be presented on the display  12 . The information presented on the display while operating in the distance browsing mode  24  may be any suitable type of information, such as for example, the weather, a clock, the temperature, outdoor conditions, advertisements, e-mail arrival, alerts (such as announcements to start a television program), and stock ticker information. In addition, the information may be customized for the particular user or people who are likely to observe the network device  24  while in the distance browsing mode  24 . The distance browsing mode  24  may be automatically exited to the leisure browsing mode  20  by simply detaching the network device  10  from the stand  30 . In addition, with the combination of the power source being provided when the network device  10  is engaged with the stand  30 , the duration of which the distance browsing mode  24  may be active is potentially unlimited. 
     The combination of the leisure browsing mode  20  and the distance browsing mode  24 , together with automatic switching between the two modes, the network device  10  is especially suitable for active network communications by the user and passive display of potentially desirable information while being charged. In this manner, the network device  10  may likewise be used as a source of potential revenue by the presentation of advertisements or other content paid for by the party desiring the information to be presented on the network device  10 . 
     The user may actively use the network device  10  while it is engaged with the stand  30  by some action by the user, such as pressing a button on the network device, moving the network device  10 , or touching the screen  12 , the distance browsing mode  24  is exited and a desktop browsing mode  26  is activated. Normally when such an action is taken by the user he desires to again use the network device  10  which automatically enters the appropriate mode of operation, namely, the desktop browsing mode  26 . The desktop browsing mode  26  permits operation of the network device in a manner similar to the leisure browsing mode  20 . After a period of inactivity, such as 10 minutes, the network device  10  automatically enters the distance browsing mode  24 . In this manner, after use of the network device  10  it automatically enters a mode suitable for the presentation of information thereon. If the network device  10  is removed from the stand  30  while in the desktop browsing mode  26  it automatically enters the leisure browsing mode  20 . 
     The combination of the desktop browsing mode  26  and the distance browsing mode  24 , together with automatic switching between the two modes, the network device  10  is especially suitable for active network communications by the user and passive display of potentially desirable information while being charged. In this manner, the network device  10  may likewise be used as a source of potential revenue by the presentation of advertisements or other content paid for by the party desiring the information to be presented on the network device  10 . 
     The network device  10  may enter an off mode  28  by turning off the power or otherwise turning off the network device  10 . It is to be understood that when the network device  10  is not interconnected to the computer network then the distance browsing mode  24  will provide information stored locally. It is also to be understood that the leisure browsing mode  20  and the desktop browsing mode  26  may be any active use of the network device, such as playing games, whether or not the network device  10  is interconnected to the computer network. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the transition from the leisure browsing mode  20  to the distance browsing mode  24  may be accomplished by engaging the device  10  with the stand  30  to enter the desktop browsing mode  26 . Thereafter, a shortened period of inactivity, such as 30 seconds, may be used as a basis for the automatic transition to the distance browsing mode  24 . This permits the automatic transition from the leisure browsing mode  20  to the distance browsing mode  24  while still permitting desktop browsing by the user without entering the distance browsing mode  24  if the user interacts with the device  10  in a timely fashion. Preferably, the transition from the desktop browsing mode  26  to the distance browsing mode  24  after just previously being in the distance browsing mode  24  is a longer duration, such as 10 minutes, to permit typical browsing where the user normally has greater periods of inactivity with the device  10 . The two different time periods provides suitable transition times to provide a more pleasurable usage of the device  10  by the user. It is to be understood that any time durations may be used, as desired. 
     The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.