Conveying commands to a mobile terminal through body actions

Interactions with a trigger device and/or body motions, such as motions detected with an accelerometer, may be used to augment user input interaction with a mobile terminal. In one implementation, logic senses when a first trigger device enters close proximity to the mobile terminal. A command for the mobile terminal is then executed based on the trigger device. The trigger device may be, for example, integrated with jewelry or clothing.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the operation of mobile communication devices and, more particularly, to controlling mobile communication devices.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Mobile communication devices, such as cellular telephones, have become increasingly versatile. For example, mobile telephones often support features in addition to voice communication. Such features may be implemented as software applications or programs on the communication device that enable the user to, for example, play music and games, obtain directions or maps to a place of interest, obtain sports scores, obtain weather information, or access email. Such additional features have made mobile terminals increasingly important to users.

Because of their relatively small size, mobile communication devices tend to have limited input and output capabilities. For example, most mobile communication devices have a fairly small visual display and a limited number of keys through which a user may physically interact with the device. Given the increasing array of features included in mobile communication devices, this limited ability to interact with the mobile communication device can be increasingly troublesome.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a mobile terminal includes first logic to sense a first trigger device when the mobile terminal enters close proximity to the first trigger device. The mobile terminal also includes second logic to execute a command associated with the first trigger device when the first trigger device is sensed by the first logic, the command relating to operation of the mobile terminal.

The first logic may sense the first trigger device when the first trigger device comes within a distance of approximately three centimeters or less of the mobile terminal.

Additionally, the first logic to sense may sense the first trigger device using a passive mode of operation in which the first trigger device receives power from the mobile terminal.

Additionally, the command associated with the first trigger device may be a command to dial a predetermined number.

Additionally, the first logic may include logic to identify the first trigger device from among a number of possible different trigger devices.

Additionally, the first trigger device may be embedded in jewelry or clothing.

Additionally, the first trigger device may be a ring and the command associated with the first trigger device may be a security related command that disables or hides functionality of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is not within close proximity of the first trigger device.

Additionally, the first logic may be based on near field communication (NFC) protocol.

Additionally, the first logic may be based on radio frequency identification (REID) techniques.

Additionally, the mobile terminal may further comprise logic to sense whether the mobile terminal is moved in one of a number of predefined motions and logic to execute a second command associated with a sensed one of the predefined motions when the predefined motion is sensed.

Additionally, the logic to sense may include an accelerometer.

Another aspect is directed to a security system for securing an electronic device. The security system includes a wearable device; first logic to sense the ring when the electronic device is within close proximity of the ring; and second logic to execute security related functions of the electronic device when the electronic device is not sensed by the first logic.

Additionally, the electronic device may be a finger-wearable ring.

Additionally, the electronic device may be a wireless mobile communication terminal.

Additionally, the first logic may sense the wearable device when the wearable device comes within a distance of approximately three centimeters or less of the electronic device.

Additionally, the wearable device may include logic to receive power from the first logic and to use the power to transmit a signal to the first logic.

Additionally, the first logic may be based on the NFC protocol.

Additionally, the first logic may be based on RFID techniques.

Another aspect is directed to a method implemented in a mobile terminal. The method may includes sensing a presence of a first trigger device when the first trigger device comes within close proximity of the mobile terminal; recording an output of an accelerometer beginning when the presence of the first trigger device is sensed; analyzing the output of the accelerometer to determine if the output corresponds to a command that is associated with the mobile terminal; and performing an action at the mobile terminal pursuant to the command.

Additionally, the method may include ceasing recording the output of the accelerometer when a presence of a second trigger device is sensed.

Additionally, the trigger device may be embedded in jewelry or clothing.

Additionally, close proximity of the mobile terminal may be a distance of approximately three centimeters or less to the mobile terminal.

Additionally, the first trigger device may not include an internal power supply.

Additionally, the command associated with the trigger device may be a command to dial a predetermined number or answer a ringing of the mobile terminal.

Additionally, automatically sensing the trigger device includes identifying the first trigger device from among a number of possible different trigger devices.

Additionally, automatically sensing the trigger device is based on the NFC protocol.

Additionally, automatically sensing the trigger device is based on RFID techniques.

Yet another aspect is directed to a device comprising means for automatically sensing a presence of a trigger device when the trigger device comes within close proximity of the device; means for issuing a command that was previously associated with the trigger device by a user of the device; and means for performing an action at the device pursuant to the command.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description. The embodiments shown and described provide illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary Communication Device

FIG. 1is a diagram of an exemplary implementation of a device consistent with the invention. The device can be any type of portable electronic device. The device will particularly be described herein as a mobile terminal110that may include a radiotelephone or a personal communications system (PCS) terminal that may combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing, a facsimile, and/or data communications capabilities.

Mobile terminal110may include housing160, keypad115, control keys120, speaker130, display140, and microphone150. Housing160may include a structure configured to hold devices and components used in mobile terminal110. For example, housing160may be formed from plastic, metal, or composite and may be configured to support keypad115, control keys120, speaker130, display140and microphone150.

Keypad115may include devices and/or logic that can be used to operate mobile terminal110. Keypad115may further be adapted to receive user inputs, directly or via other devices, such as via a stylus for entering information into mobile terminal110. In one implementation, communication functions of mobile terminal110may be controlled by activating keys in keypad115. The keys may have key information associated therewith, such as numbers, letters, symbols, etc. The user may operate keys in keypad115to place calls, enter digits, commands, and text messages, into mobile terminal110. Designated functions of keys may form and/or manipulate images that may be displayed on display140.

Control keys120may include buttons that permit a user to interact with communication device110to cause communication device110to perform specified actions, such as to interact with display140, etc.

Speaker130may include a device that provides audible information to a user of mobile terminal110. Speaker130may be located anywhere on mobile terminal110and may function, for example, as an earpiece when a user communicates using mobile terminal110. Speaker130may also include a digital to analog converter to convert digital signals into analog signals. Speaker130may also function as an output device for a ringing signal indicating that an incoming call is being received by communication device110.

Display140may include a device that provides visual images to a user. For example, display140may provide graphic information regarding incoming/outgoing calls, text messages, games, phonebooks, the current date/time, volume settings, etc., to a user of mobile terminal110. Implementations of display140may be implemented as black and white or color flat panel displays.

Microphone150may include a device that converts speech or other acoustic signals into electrical signals for use by mobile terminal110. Microphone150may also include an analog to digital converter to convert input analog signals into digital signals. Microphone150may be located anywhere on mobile terminal110and may be configured, for example, to convert spoken words or phrases into electrical signals for use by mobile terminal110.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating additional exemplary details of mobile terminal110. Mobile terminal110may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna210, transceiver220, modulator/demodulator230, encoder/decoder240, processing logic250, memory260, input device270, output device280, near field communication (NFC) logic285, and an accelerometer290. These components may be connected via one or more buses (not shown). In addition, mobile terminal110may include one or more power supplies (not shown). One skilled in the art would recognize that the mobile terminal110may be configured in a number of other ways and may include other or different elements.

RF antenna210may include one or more antennas capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals. In one implementation, RF antenna210may include one or more directional and/or omni-directional antennas. Transceiver220may include components for transmitting and receiving information via RF antenna210. In an alternative implementation, transceiver220may take the form of separate transmitter and receiver components, instead of being implemented as a single component.

Modulator/demodulator230may include components that combine data signals with carrier signals and extract data signals from carrier signals. Modulator/demodulator230may include components that convert analog signals to digital signals, and vice versa, for communicating with other devices in mobile terminal110.

Encoder/decoder240may include circuitry for encoding a digital input to be transmitted and for decoding a received encoded input. Processing logic250may include a processor, microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) or the like. Processing logic250may execute software programs or data structures to control operation of mobile terminal110. Memory260may include a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by processing logic250; a read only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for use by processing logic250; and/or some other type of magnetic or optical recording medium and its corresponding drive. Instructions used by processing logic250may also, or alternatively, be stored in another type of computer-readable medium accessible by processing logic250. A computer-readable medium may include one or more memory devices.

Input device270may include any mechanism that permits an operator to input information to mobile terminal110, such as microphone150or keypad115. Output device280may include any mechanism that outputs information to the operator, including display140or speaker130. Output device280may also include a vibrator mechanism that causes mobile terminal110to vibrate.

NFC logic285and accelerometer290may provide additional input mechanisms for input device270. NFC logic285is generally used to sense user input to mobile terminal110based on the location of mobile terminal110relative to other devices. NFC logic285may implement the known near field communication (NFC) protocol. Accelerometer290may be generally used to sense user input to mobile terminal110based on movement of mobile terminal110by the user. In some implementations, both NFC logic285and accelerometer290may be implemented within mobile terminal110. In other implementations, only one of NFC logic and accelerometer290may be implemented.

NFC logic285may include circuitry for communicating with other devices using the NFC protocol. The NFC protocol is a short-range wireless connectivity standard that uses magnetic field induction to enable communication between devices when they are touched together or brought within a few centimeters of each other (e.g., approximately three centimeters or less). NFC includes a passive communication mode in which, when two devices are communicating, one of the two may be a passive device that not require a power supply. Instead, the passive NFC device may receive a carrier field from another device and use the power from that carrier field to transmit information back to the other device. In alternate implementations, instead of using the NFC protocol to interact with other devices, mobile terminal110may use radio frequency identification (RFID) techniques to interact with or receive information from other devices that include RFID tags.

Accelerometer290may be an accelerometer that senses and outputs signals indicative of acceleration. Accelerometer290may be implemented to sense acceleration in one, two, or three directional axes. Accelerometers are generally known in the art and additional details relating to the operation of an accelerometer will not be described further herein.

Mobile terminal110may perform processing associated with, for example, operation of the core features of mobile terminal110or operation of additional applications associated with mobile terminal110, such as software applications provided by third party software providers. Mobile terminal110may perform these operations in response to processing logic250executing sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory260. It should be understood that a computer-readable medium may include one or more memory devices and/or carrier waves. Execution of sequences of instructions contained in memory260causes processing logic250to perform acts that will be described hereafter. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement processes consistent with the invention. Thus, implementations consistent with the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

Operation of Mobile Terminal with NFC Logic285

Consistent with aspects of the invention, mobile terminal110can receive commands based on gestural interaction with a user in which the user moves the mobile terminal near predetermined trigger devices associated with the user. The trigger devices may be passive NFC devices “disguised” in jewelry, clothing, or user accessories.

FIG. 3is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations of mobile terminal110in receiving commands based on gestural interaction with a user.

A user may issue a command to mobile terminal110by moving mobile terminal110to a location associated with a trigger device (act301). The particular location may be a location at which one of a number of corresponding electronic trigger devices are placed that are designed to communicate with NFC logic285using the NFC protocol. The trigger devices may be placed within or on, for example, jewelry, clothing, a wrist watch, a belt, or even on the user's body. The trigger devices may be passive electronic devices that do not contain any internal power supply. Instead of an internal power supply, the trigger devices may use magnetic field induction using energy received from NFC logic285to transmit a response back to NFC logic285. The response may include, for example, identification information through which mobile terminal110may identify the trigger device.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an exemplary deployment of trigger devices. The electronic circuitry that enables the trigger devices may be relatively small, allowing the trigger devices to be effectively hidden in jewelry or clothing. As shown inFIG. 4, a user405may interact with a mobile terminal110with the assistance of a number of trigger devices410,415, and420. In this example, trigger device410may be a decorative earring that includes circuitry for implementing NFC with NFC logic285of mobile terminal110, trigger device415may be a patch attached to the user's skin or embedded in a shirt that includes circuitry for implementing NFC with NFC logic285, and trigger device420may be a ring that includes circuitry for implementing NFC with NFC logic285. In some implementations, a single item, such as a shirt, may include a number of different trigger devices.

The NFC protocol implemented between NFC logic285and triggers410,415, and420may be implemented with a very short range (e.g., a few centimeters or less). When the user moves mobile terminal110into range of an appropriate trigger device, NFC logic285may sense and identify the trigger device (act302). In one implementation, the sensing range of NFC logic285and the corresponding trigger devices may be designed to be a close proximity to one another, such as on the order of a few centimeters or less (e.g., three centimeters down to physical contact). Each trigger device may be associated with a command in mobile terminal110. Mobile terminal110may also allow the user to customize the command associated with any particular trigger device. When the trigger device is sensed, mobile terminal110may execute the command (act303). For example, the user may desire that placing mobile terminal110near his right ear causes mobile terminal110to answer the phone. Accordingly, the user may associate earring trigger device410with answering mobile terminal110. Alternatively, placing the mobile terminal near his left ear may indicate that the user is busy and may send the call directly to voicemail. Trigger devices415and420may alternatively be associated with other commands. For example, placing mobile terminal110near trigger device415may cause mobile terminal110to call a specific number, such as the number of a family member.

In one implementation, ring trigger device420may be associated with a security command that disables or hides functionality of mobile terminal110when the mobile terminal is not in range of ring trigger device420. For example, mobile terminal110may not allow a call to be placed or may not allow certain features to be used when the mobile terminal is not in range of ring trigger device420. In this manner, if the mobile terminal is lost or stolen, the user can be assured that the mobile terminal110will not be used to place unauthorized calls and/or that the user's personal data is safe from unauthorized access. On the other hand, during normal use of mobile terminal110by the authorized user, ring trigger device420will naturally be within range of mobile terminal110, and will thus fully enable mobile terminal110without requiring additional effort on the part of the user.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that protocols other than the NFC protocol may be used to identify proximity to triggers to mobile terminal110. For example, NFC logic may be replaced with RFID logic, and triggers410,415, and420may include RFID tags. Other wireless protocols may also be used.

In some implementations, the possible set of gestural or movement related interactions that are recognized by mobile terminal110may be customizable by the user. In other words, the user may be able to associate any compatible trigger device with a user chosen mobile terminal command. Such functionality may be obtained by a menu provided by display140. For example, display140and input device270may allow the user to enter information regarding particular commands. The display may then allow the user to identify particular trigger devices that will correspond to the particular command.

Operation of Mobile Terminal with Accelerometer290

FIG. 5is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations of mobile terminal110in receiving commands based on body actions in which mobile terminal110is moved in a predetermined motion.

A user may issue a command to mobile terminal110by moving mobile terminal in a predetermined motion (act501). For example, the user may hold mobile terminal110in front of the chest area (or some other beginning location) and move mobile terminal110in an upward motion to a location near the shoulder area.FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating such a motion with mobile terminal110.

Accelerometer290will generate one or more output signals based on the user's movement. These output signals may be analyzed to attempt to determine matches to movements that have been pre-programmed into mobile terminal110(act502). Techniques for analyzing acceleration signals from an accelerometer and matching the signals to predetermined “goal” signals are known in the art and will therefore not be described further herein.

Mobile terminal110may determine whether the movement analyzed in act502corresponds to a command that the user would like to execute (act503). If so, mobile terminal110may perform action dictated by the command (act504). For example, moving mobile terminal110in the motion shown inFIG. 6may cause the mobile terminal to open a contact list, dial a predetermined number, or begin playing music.

In some implementations, the possible set of motions that are recognized by mobile terminal110may be customizable by the user. In other words, the user may have a particular arbitrary motion that he would like to associate with a particular command. For example, the user may wish to associate quickly moving mobile terminal to the heart area of the chest with a command that initiates a telephone call with a particular loved one. The user may begin by “demonstrating” (performing) the motion one or more times. Mobile terminal110may then learn that the motion corresponds to the particular command. The user may then direct mobile terminal110to associate the newly trained motion with a particular command (i.e., calling a certain phone number).

Operation of Mobile Terminal with NFC Logic285and Accelerometer290

In some implementations, a user may issue commands using both gestural/movement interaction with NFC logic285and body motions with accelerometer290. For example, a first user motion that involves moving mobile terminal110from the chest area down to the belt area of the user may invoke a first command while a second user motion that involves moving mobile terminal110from the chest area down to the belt area and that moves in range of a particular trigger device placed on a belt, may invoke a second command. In this manner, the first and second motions by the user, which may be very similar or identical based on the output of accelerometer290, may be interpreted differently by mobile terminal110depending on whether the motion activates a trigger device.

FIG. 7is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations that may be performed when issuing commands using both gestural/movement interaction with NFC logic285and body motions with accelerometer290. A user may initiate issuance of a command to mobile terminal110by moving mobile terminal110to a location associated with a trigger device (act701). The particular location may be a location at which one of a number of corresponding electronic trigger devices are placed that are designed to communicate with NFC logic285using the NFC protocol. As an example, referring back toFIG. 4, the user may move mobile terminal near the decorative earring trigger device410. In response to the detection of act701, mobile terminal110may record the output of accelerometer290(act702) until the user moves mobile terminal110to the vicinity of a second trigger device (act703). For example, the second trigger device may be trigger device415(FIG. 4). The output of accelerometer290between the first and second trigger devices may define a command for mobile terminal110. For example, moving mobile terminal in a straight line between trigger device410and415may indicate a first command while making a circular loop between trigger device410and415may indicate a second command.

Mobile terminal110may determine whether the movement recorded in act702corresponds to a known command (act705). If so, mobile terminal110may perform the action dictated by the command (act706). For example, moving mobile terminal110in a circular loop motion between trigger devices410and415may cause the mobile terminal to open a contact list, dial a predetermined number, or begin playing music.

FIG. 8is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations that may be performed in a second embodiment when issuing commands using both gestural/movement interaction with NFC logic285and body motions with accelerometer290. The method shown inFIG. 8is similar to that shown inFIG. 7, except that instead of using a second trigger device to end the command, mobile terminal110continues to analyze the output of the accelerometer until a command is detected or until a predetermined time has elapsed.

More specifically, as shown inFIG. 8, a user may initiate issuance of a command to mobile terminal110by moving mobile terminal110to a location associated with a trigger device (act801). When the mobile terminal senses the presence of the trigger device, the mobile terminal may begin recording the output of accelerometer290(act801). A user may then issue a command to mobile terminal110by moving mobile terminal in a predetermined motion (act802).

The output of accelerometer290may be analyzed to attempt to determine matches to movements that have been pre-programmed into mobile terminal110(act803). Mobile terminal110may determine whether the movement analyzed in act502corresponds to a command that the user would like to execute (act804). If so, mobile terminal110may perform action dictated by the command (act805). In some implementations, mobile terminal110may only continue to record and analyze the output of the accelerometer for a predetermined period of time after the user has initiated issuance of the command by moving the mobile terminal to the location associated with the trigger device. If this predetermined period elapses without detection of a command, mobile terminal110may stop recording and/or analyzing the output of accelerometer290.

CONCLUSION

As described above, gestural/movement interactions with a trigger device and/or body motions, such as motions detected with an accelerometer, may be used to augment user interaction with a mobile terminal.

Further, while series of acts have been described with respect toFIGS. 3 and 5, the order of the acts may be varied in other implementations consistent with the invention. Moreover, non-dependent acts may be performed in parallel.

It will also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that aspects of the invention, as described above, may be implemented in cellular communication devices/systems, methods, and/or computer program products. Accordingly, the present invention may be embodied in hardware and software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement aspects consistent with the principles of the invention is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the aspects were described without reference to the specific software code—it being understood that one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to design software and control hardware to implement the aspects based on the description herein.

Further, certain portions of the invention may be implemented as “logic” that performs one or more functions. This logic may include hardware, such as a processor, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit or a combination of hardware and software.