System and method for display timeout on mobile communication devices

A mobile communication device includes executable instructions for carrying out a method including setting a time duration for an application, receiving a first input, receiving a second input, determining the elapsed time between the first and second inputs, modifying the time duration based upon the elapsed time, and dimming a screen of the mobile device when the elapsed time exceeds the time duration.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to mobile communications devices, and relates more particularly to power management of mobile communications devices.

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication devices are becoming more useful in terms of available features, data processing, and Internet connectivity. However, this growth in usefulness is accompanied by increased power consumption and reduced battery life. The reduced battery life and the corresponding reduced time between battery recharges can result in a poor user experience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A mobile communication device is a portable, battery operated electronic device used for mobile voice and data communication applications over a wireless (radio) network. A non-limiting example of a mobile communication device includes a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet personal computer (PC), an ultra-mobile PC, or other mobile computing or communication devices. A mobile communication device can typically include voice communication applications and other telephony applications such as caller identification, conference calling, Personal Communications Services (PCS), walkie-talkie, other telephony applications, or any combination thereof. A mobile communications device can also include data communication applications like text messaging, e-mail, file transfer, on-demand or continuous Internet access, other data communication applications, or any combination thereof. Further, a mobile communications device can include special applications like digital camera, music player, picture storage, voice and video recorder, flashlight, other special applications, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 1illustrates a non-limiting example of a block diagram of a mobile communication device that embodies aspects of the present disclosure, shown generally as100. The mobile communication device100includes a digital processor110, an identity module112, a memory114, an input116, a timeout control module118, a screen120, a backlight122, an analog processor130, a microphone132, a speaker134, a transceiver136, an antenna138and a battery140. The digital processor110is coupled to the identity module112, the memory114, the input116, the timeout control module118, the screen120, and the backlight122. The mobile communication device100is also coupled to the analog processor130. The analog processor130is also coupled to the microphone132, the speaker134and the transceiver136. The transceiver136is also coupled to the antenna138. The battery140supplies power to all of the parts of the mobile communication device100.

The digital processor110functions to control the parts of the mobile communication device100, manage data communication between the parts of the mobile communication device100, and execute the applications of the mobile communication device100. The identity module112provides a storage medium for user information, such as wireless network account information, personal data (e.g., contact information, calendar, etc.), photos, other user information, or any combination thereof. A non-limiting example of an identity module112can include a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM card), a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), another module or card with user information contained therein, or any combination thereof. The memory114operates to store code that is executable by the digital processor110to perform the various applications of the mobile communication device100(e.g., voice and data communication applications, special applications, etc.) The memory114can also operate to store data (e.g., audio and video file, text message, etc.) that is used by the various applications of the mobile communication device100.

The input116provides a way for a user of the mobile communication device100to interact with the mobile communication device100. The input116can include devices disposed within the mobile communications device100, such as a number pad, a QRTY keyboard, a touch screen, a position sensor, a proximity sensor, another input device or any combination thereof. The input116can also include a data device that is coupled externally to the mobile communications device100(not illustrated), such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, a personal area network device (e.g., IEEE 802.15, Bluetooth, etc.), another external data device, or any combination thereof. The timeout control module118dynamically updates application timeouts for improved power management, and improved user experience.

The screen120provides a way to display information to the user of a mobile communication device100. The screen120can display a menu page, a screensaver, personal data, other information, or any combination thereof. The screen120can be a light emitting diode (LED) matrix type display, an LCD screen, another suitable display type or any combination thereof. The backlight122functions to increase the contrast between the contents displayed on the screen120and the background of the screen120. The backlight122can include a lamp element, an LED, another suitable light source, or any combination thereof. The backlight122can also be included as part of the screen120, as, for example, when the screen120is of an LED matrix type. In such cases, a procedure can control the brightness of the screen120to increase or decrease contrast between the contents displayed on the screen120and the background.

The analog processor130functions to control the analog information provided to or provided from the mobile communication device100. As such, the analog processor130can include analog-to-digital converters to translate analog information from the microphone132or from the transceiver136into a digital form and communicate the translated information to the digital processor110. The analog processor130can also include digital-to-analog converters to translate digital information from the digital processor110into an analog form and communicate the translated information to the speaker134or the transceiver136. The microphone132receives audible analog inputs from a user of the mobile communication device100. A non-limiting example of an audible analog input includes audio recording, voice communication, another audible analog input, or any combination thereof. The speaker134sends audible analog outputs to a user of the mobile communication device100. A non-limiting example of an audible analog output includes audio playback, voice communications, another audible analog output, or any combination thereof. The transceiver136functions to enable two-way voice and data communications over a specified radio band. The antenna138functions to broadcast and receive radio signals. The battery140provides operating power to the mobile communication device100. The battery140can be of a rechargeable type.

The mobile communication device100performs applications as requested by the user of the mobile communication device100. The applications take the form of code stored in the memory114and executed by the digital processor110. A typical application involves interaction with the user of the mobile communication device100, such as displaying information to the user on the screen120, and obtaining information from the user via the input116. Because the mobile communication device100is often used in situations where a high contrast is desired between the information displayed on the screen120and the background of the screen120, the mobile communication device100lights the backlight122to increase the contrast. Whether implemented as a light source, a procedure to increase contrast by brightening the information on the screen120, or some other means, lighting the backlight122can increase the amount of power required from the battery140.

The timeout control module118functions to reduce the amount of time that the backlight122is lit, and thereby improve battery140performance. Each application on the mobile communication device100is associated with an application timeout that controls how long the backlight122remains lit. While the user is interacting with the application, (by e.g., interacting with the input116, a voice command, a motion input, etc.), the backlight122will remain lit. When the user interaction ceases, the timeout control module118waits for an amount of time determined by the application timeout and then dims the backlight122. The timeout control module118also dynamically updates the application timeouts, to increase or decrease them based upon the user's particular usage patterns. In this way, battery140performance is improved, and the user experience is improved for the particular user.

FIGS. 2-4illustrate a cellular telephone200as an example of a mobile communication device100that embodies aspects of the present disclosure. The cellular telephone200includes a screen210and a keypad220.FIG. 2illustrates a normal mode214of operation where the cellular telephone200is being used to perform an application, the screen210is displaying content212, and the back-light (not illustrated) is on, resulting in a high image contrast between the content212and the screen210.FIG. 3illustrates a dimmed mode216of operation where the cellular telephone200is being used to perform an application, the screen210is displaying content212, and the back-light is off, resulting in a low image contrast between the content212and the screen210.FIG. 4illustrates a no-application mode218of operation where the cellular telephone200as not being used to perform an application, and the darkened screen indicates that both the screen210and the backlight are off.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can choose to perform one of the available applications with the cellular telephone200, and the appropriate content212can be displayed on the screen210in the normal mode214. While the user continues to provide input to the cellular telephone200, as, for instance, by pressing keys on the keypad220, the cellular telephone200can continue to display the appropriate content212in the normal mode214. However, the user can cease to provide input to the cellular telephone200, and a timeout control module (not illustrated) that can function similarly to the timeout control module118can determine an application timeout value for the chosen application, wait for an amount of time that is substantially equal to the application timeout value and then enter the dimmed mode216. If the user provides no further input, the timeout control module can determine a dimmed timeout value for the dimmed mode216, wait for an amount of time that is substantially equal to the dimmed timeout value and then exit the chosen application and enter the no-application mode218. On the other hand, if the user provides an input, the cellular telephone200can be returned to the normal mode214. The user can also choose to enter the no-application mode218by exiting the application (e.g., by providing a specified input that is distinct from other inputs that indicates a desire to exit the application).

The timeout control module118can include a different application timeout value for each application of the cellular telephone200. In this way, the application timeout values can be more closely matched to the needs of the user and the selected application. For example, the application timeout value for entering text in a text messaging application can be less than the application timeout value for reading a full screen210of e-mail in an e-mail application. Thus, the various application timeout values associated with each application can be customized to balance power savings with user satisfaction. The application timeout values can be pre-set at the factory, and can be customized by the user to suit personal preferences.

In another embodiment, the timeout control module118can dynamically update the application timeout values based upon the usage habits of the user. Here, when the user chooses to perform an available application with the cellular telephone200, the timeout control module118can start a counter to measure the amount of time that the user spends using the cellular telephone200for the chosen application. An input to the cellular telephone200that occurs while the cellular telephone200is in the normal mode214can operate to reset and restart the counter. An input to the cellular telephone200that occurs while the cellular telephone200is in the dimmed mode216can operate as described above to return the cellular telephone200to the normal mode214. However, when the cellular telephone200enters the no-application mode218, the timeout control module118can update the application timeout value for the chosen application based upon the value of the counter. In this way, the timeout control module can update the application timeout values to more closely match the way the user uses the cellular telephone200.

In one embodiment, the timeout control module118can update the application timeout values in several ways. For example, the application timeout value for a particular application may be updated to substantially equal the counter value less the dimmed timeout value each time the cellular telephone enters the no-application mode218. Here,
TONEW≈C−TODM−K
where TONEWis the new application timeout value, C is the counter value, TODIMis the dimmed timeout value and K is a correction factor. The correction factor, K, can be predetermined value defined by the manufacturer of the mobile communication device100, or can be a user setting on the mobile communication device100. When K equals zero (0), TONEWfor a particular application will substantially reflect the time duration of the previous use of the particular application. When K is greater than zero (>0), and TONEWfor a particular application will substantially reflect the previous use of the particular application shortened by a duration equal to K.

In another embodiment, the application timeout value for a particular application may also be updated to substantially equal the average of the counter value less the dimmed timeout value and the previous application timeout values. Here,

TONEW≈(C-TODIM)+TON-1+TON-2+…+TO1N-K
where TON−1, TON−2, . . . , TO1, are the application timeout values from the N−1 previous calls to the particular application. When K equals zero (0), TONEWfor a particular application will substantially reflect the average time duration of the previous N uses of the particular application. When K is greater than zero (>0), and TONEWfor a particular application will substantially reflect the average time duration of the previous N uses of the particular application shortened by a duration equal to K.

FIG. 5illustrates a non-limiting example of a logical block diagram of a timeout control module118that embodies aspects of the present disclosure, shown generally as500. The timeout control module500includes an application-control502, a counter504, an application-timeout-table510, an input-control520, a timer522, a compare-operation524, a dimmer526, a timer528, a compare-operation530and an exit-application-operation532. The application-control502is coupled to the counter504, the application-timeout-table510, and the timers522and528. The input-control520is coupled to the counter504, the timers522and528, the dimmer526, and the exit-application-operation532. The counter504is coupled to the application-timeout-table510. The application-timeout-table510is coupled to the compare-operations524and530. The timer522is coupled to the compare-operation524. The compare-operation524is coupled to the dimmer526and to the timer528. The timer528is coupled to the compare-operation530. The compare-operation530is coupled to the exit-application-operation532. The exit-application-operation532is coupled to the counter504.

The mobile communication device100can operate to perform a first application A1, and one or more additional applications, generally designated as an nthapplication AN. The application-timeout-table510includes a table-entry512for the first application A1, and one or more additional table-entries514for each of the one or more additional applications ANimplemented on the mobile communication device100. Each table-entry512through514contains an application timeout value that is associated with each application (e.g., table-entry512contains an application timeout value TOA1for the first application A1, and table-entry514contains an application timeout value TOANfor the nthapplication AN). The application-timeout-table510also includes a table-entry516for a screen dimming application ADIMthat contains a dimmed timeout value TODIM. The compare operation524is coupled to a selected table-entry512or514, and the compare-operation528is coupled to table-entry516, as described below.

When a user of the mobile communication device100chooses to perform an application on the mobile communication device100, the application-control502recognizes that an application has been chosen, sets the mobile communication device100into a normal mode similar to the normal mode214, resets the counter504, and the timers522and528, and starts the counter504and the timer522. The application-control502also recognizes which application is chosen and directs the application-timeout-table510to select a table entry512through514and send the associated application timeout value to the compare-operation224. For example, if the user chose A1, then the application-control202directs the application-timeout-table210to select table entry512and send the application timeout value TOA1to the compare-operation224. The application-timeout-table510also sends the dimmed timeout value TODIMfrom the table-entry516to the compare-operation530.

The compare-operation524will compare the application timeout value from the table entry512or514with the value from the timer522. When the value from the timer522reaches the value from the table entry512or514(e.g., when TOA1or TOANamount of time has elapsed), the compare-operation524initiates the dimmer526to dim the backlight122, thus setting the mobile communication device100into a dimmed mode similar to the dimmed mode216, and starts the timer528. The compare-operation530will compare the application timeout value from the table entry516with the value from the timer528. When the value from the timer528reaches the value from the table entry516(e.g., when TODIMamount of time has elapsed), the compare-operation530initiates the exit-application-operation532. The exit-application-operation532functions to set the mobile communication device100into a no-application mode similar to the no-application mode218, stop the counter504, and write a new application timeout value TOA1or TOANinto the table entry512or514that is associated with the chosen application that is based upon the value of the counter (e.g., substantially equal the counter value less TODIM, substantially equal the average of the counter value less TODIMand the previous application timeout value, etc.)

When the input-control220recognizes that the mobile communication device100has received an input, the input-control220can determine if the compare-operation524has initiated the dimmer526to dim the backlight122, and started the timer528. If not, the input-control220can reset and restart the timer522and the counter504. In this way, the timeout control module500handles inputs to the mobile communication device100that happen before the application timeout as if the chosen application were restarted, and the time duration between inputs will not be added to the updated timeout value for the chosen application.

If the compare-operation524has initiated the dimmer526, and started the timer528, then the input-control520can reset and restart the timers522and528, and signal the dimmer526to un-dim the backlight122, thus setting the mobile communication device100into the normal mode. In this way, the timeout control module500handles inputs to the mobile communication device100that happen after the application timeout as if the chosen application were continuing, and the time duration between inputs will be added to the updated timeout value for the chosen application.

The input-control520can also function to recognize a specified input that is distinct from other inputs that indicate a desire to exit the application. In this case, the input-control520can initiate the exit-application-operation532to set the mobile communication device100into the no-application mode, stop the counter504, and write a new application timeout value TOA1or TOANinto the table entry512or514. The skilled artisan will recognize that the operation of the timeout control module500can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

The skilled artisan will further appreciate that the functionality of the timeout control modules118or500can be implemented in hardware, in software, in firmware, or in any combination thereof. In addition, the skilled artisan will recognize that the timeout control module500is a non-limiting illustration of a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, and that, without undue experimentation, other embodiments can be crafted by the skilled artisan. As such, the elements described are illustrative of functions performed by the timeout control modules118or500, and that such functions can be combined or split up to meet the particular needs of the mobile communication device100. For example, while the dimmer526is illustrated as an element of the timeout control module500, a similar functionality can be implemented wherein the dimmer526is included as a procedure call residing in the memory114, or another element of the mobile communication device100. Also, while the counter504, and the timers522and528are illustrated as separate elements of the timeout control module500, similar functionality can be implemented with a single timing element that is compared to the appropriate timeout values.

FIG. 6illustrates an embodiment of a method of dynamically updating application timeouts in a mobile communication device100in a flow chart form. An association between the applications on a mobile communication device100is made with the application timeouts in block602, and the application timeouts are set to initial values for the applications in block604. A screen dimmer timeout is set to an initial value for the screen dimmer procedure in block606. The mobile communication device100receives an input associated with a particular application, or the particular application is otherwise activated in block608. A counter is reset in block610, and the counter is started in block612.

A decision is made whether a subsequent input has been received by the mobile communication device in decision block614. If the decision condition of decision block614is satisfied, then processing continues in block610where the counter is reset. If the decision condition of decision block614is not satisfied, then a decision is made whether the value of the counter is greater than the application timeout value for the particular application in decision block616. If the decision condition of decision block616is not satisfied, then processing returns to decision block614. If the decision condition of decision block616is satisfied, then the screen is dimmed in block618.

A decision is made whether a subsequent input has been received by the mobile communication device in decision block620. If the decision condition of decision block620is satisfied, then the screen is relit in block622, and processing returns to block610. If the decision condition of decision block620is not satisfied, then a decision is made whether the value of the counter is greater than the sum of the application timeout value for the particular application and the screen dimmer timeout value in decision block624. If the decision condition of decision block624is not satisfied, then processing returns to decision block620. If the decision condition of decision block644is satisfied, then the counter is stopped in block626, the application timeout value for the particular application is modified in block628, and processing ends in block630.

Many different aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described below. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are only illustrative, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with an aspect, a method can include setting a first time duration for a first application in a mobile device, receiving a first input for the first application, receiving a second input for the first application, determining a first elapsed time that is based upon the amount of time that elapsed between the first input and the second input, modifying the first time duration to equal a first modified first time duration based upon the first elapsed time, and dimming a screen disposed within the mobile device in response to the first elapsed time exceeding the first time duration. In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first time duration can be modified when the first elapsed time exceeds the first time duration, and the first modified first time duration can equal the first elapsed time.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the first modified first time duration can equal the average of the first time duration and the first elapsed time. In a different embodiment of the first aspect, the first modified first time duration can equal the average of the first time duration and the first elapsed time less a correction factor. In yet another embodiment of the first aspect, the method can include setting a second time duration for a second application in the mobile device, receiving a third input for the second application, receiving a fourth input for the second application, determining a second elapsed time that is equal to the amount of time that elapsed between the third input and the fourth input, and modifying the second time duration to equal a modified second elapsed time based upon the second elapsed time. In a further embodiment of the first aspect, the mobile device can be a cellular telephone. In still another embodiment of the first aspect, the method can further include halting the first application, receiving a third input for the first application that restarts the first application, receiving a fourth input for the first application, determining a second elapsed time that is based upon an amount of time that elapsed between the third input and the fourth input, modifying the first modified first time duration to equal a second modified first time duration based upon the second elapsed time, and dimming the screen in response to the second elapsed time exceeding the first modified first time duration.

In accordance with a second aspect, a mobile communication device can include a processor, a display, and a memory that includes processor-executable code that includes instructions executable by the processor for carrying out a method that can include setting a first time duration for a first application in the mobile communication device, receiving a first input for the first application, receiving a second input for the first application, determining a first elapsed time that is equal to the amount of time that elapsed between the first input and the second input, modifying the first time duration to equal a modified first time duration based upon the first elapsed time, and dimming the display when the first elapsed time exceeds the first time duration.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the method can be such that the first time duration is modified when the first elapsed time exceeds the first time duration, and the modified first time duration can equal the first elapsed time. In another embodiment of the second aspect, the method can be such that the modified first time duration can equal the average of the first time duration and the first elapsed time. In a further embodiment of the second aspect, the method can be such that the modified first time duration can equal the average of the first time duration and the first elapsed time plus a lag time. In still another embodiment of the second aspect, the method can further include setting a second time duration for a second application in the mobile communication device, receiving a third input for the second application, receiving a fourth input for the second application, determining a second elapsed time that is equal to the amount of time that elapsed between the third input and the fourth input, and modifying the second time duration based upon the second elapsed time. In another embodiment of the second aspect, the mobile communication device can be a cellular telephone.

In accordance with a third aspect, a method can include associating a time duration with an application of a mobile communication device, setting a value for the time duration, activating the application, determining the amount of time that elapses between the activating of the application and an input to the application, determining if the time that elapses exceeds the value for the timer duration, dimming a screen of the mobile communication device in response to determining that the time that elapses exceeds the value, and modifying the value to equal a modified value based upon the amount of time that elapses between the activating of the application and the input. In an embodiment of the third aspect, the value can be modified when the amount of time that elapses exceeds the value, and the modified value can be equal to the amount of time that elapses.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the modified value can equal the average of the value and the amount of time that elapses. In still another embodiment of the third aspect, the modified value can equal the average of the value and the amount of time that elapses plus a lag time. In a further embodiment, the lag time can be determined by a user. In yet another embodiment of the third aspect, the mobile communication device can be a cellular telephone.

In a fourth aspect, a method can include receiving a first input in a mobile communication device, starting a first counter in response to receiving the first input, dimming a screen disposed within the mobile communication device in response to the counter counting to a first value that is equal to a first threshold, receiving a second input in the mobile communication device, stopping the first counter in response to receiving the second input, determining a second value of the counter in response to stopping the first counter, and modifying the first threshold to equal a modified first threshold that is based upon the second value. In an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the method can further include stopping the first counter in response to the counter counting to a second value that is equal to a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold. In a further embodiment, the modified first threshold can equal the second value. In yet another embodiment, the modified first threshold can equal the average of the first threshold and the second value. In still another embodiment, the modified first threshold can equal the average of the first threshold and the second value plus a time lag.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosed subject matter. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosed subject matter is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.