Patent Publication Number: US-2013237292-A1

Title: Handheld Electronic Device with Dedicated Standby Key

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to handheld electronic devices, and more particularly, to improvements in arrangements that allow a user to enable and disable certain features of the handheld electronic devices. 
     Numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known. Examples of such handheld electronic devices include, for instance, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like. Such handheld electronic devices are generally intended to be portable, and thus are relatively small. Many handheld electronic devices also features wireless communication capability, including wireless voice and data communication. With advances in technology, handheld electronic devices are being configured to include greater numbers of features while having relatively small form factors that may be readily stored (e.g. in a pocket or purse). 
     While convenient for mobility, storage and handling of the devices in and out of pockets or purses may increase the likelihood that a user may inadvertently actuate one or more keys, resulting in excessive power consumption (battery drain) or unintended operations being carried out, such as making accidental calls or sending out inadvertent messages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding, analogous or similar elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of various components that may be found in a handheld mobile communication device; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an illustrative handheld electronic device in accordance with an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 3  to  FIG. 5  show illustrative flowcharts of methods in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As noted above, the present invention relates generally to improvements in systems and methods for allowing a user to enable and disable certain device features. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, the invention may be practiced with a handheld mobile communication device in a wireless operating environment. Shown in  FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative mobile communication device  100 . The communication device  100  may comprise a number of components, including a main processor  102  which controls the overall operation of communication device  100 . Communication functions, including data and voice communications, may be performed through a communication subsystem  104 . The communication subsystem  104  may receive messages from and sends messages to a wireless network  200 . 
     The main processor  102  may also interact with additional subsystems such as a random access memory (RAM)  106 , a flash memory  108 , a display  110 , an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem  112 , a data port  114 , a keyboard  116 , a trackball  117 , a speaker  118 , a microphone  120 , short-range communications  122  and other device subsystems  124 . 
     Some of the subsystems of the communication device  100  may perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions. By way of example, the display  110  and the keyboard  116  may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over the network  200 , and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list. The trackball  117  may be used for various navigation functions, such as navigating through a graphical user interface (GUI) menu displayed on display  110 . The trackball  117  may also be configured with a secondary actuation feature, such as allowing a user to depress the trackball, to allow selection of a highlighted item. 
     Operating system software used by the main processor  102  is typically stored in a persistent store such as flash memory  108 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as the RAM  106 . 
     The communication device  100  may send and receive communication signals over the wireless network  200  after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Network access may be associated with a subscriber or user of the communication device  100 . 
     The communication device  100  may be a battery-powered device and may include a battery interface  132  for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries  130 . In some embodiments, the battery  130  may be a smart battery with an embedded microprocessor. The battery interface  132  is coupled to a regulator (not shown), which assists the battery  130  in providing power V+ to the communication device  100 . 
     The main processor  102 , in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of software applications  134  on the communication device  100 . The subset of software applications  134  that control basic device operations, including data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on the communication device  100  during its manufacture. 
     The software applications  134  may include a messaging application  136 . The messaging application  136  can be any suitable software program that allows a subscriber or user of the communication device  100  to send and receive wireless text communications. Various alternatives exist for the messaging application  136  as is well known to those skilled in the art. Messages that have been sent or received by the user are typically stored in local storage such as flash memory  108  of the communication device  100 , or in some other suitable storage element in the communication device  100 . In an alternative embodiment, some of the sent and received messages may be stored remotely from the device  100  such as in a data store of an associated host system that the communication device  100  communicates with. 
     The software applications  134  may also include a standby mode module  137  for providing arrangements for entering into and exiting out of a device standby mode. In accordance with various embodiments, the standby mode module  137  may be used to disable certain functional features of the device, such as the keyboard  116  and the trackball  117 . Illustrative examples will be described in detail further below. 
     Another program that may be executed by the communication device  100  is a password approval module  138  that may provide approval for user passwords. The password approval module  138  may execute a password approval method to determine whether the user password specified by the user of the communication device  100  is approved. 
     The communication device  100  may further include a device state module  140 , an address book  142 , a Personal Information Manager (PIM)  144 , and various other modules  146 . Additional applications may also be loaded onto the communication device  100  through at least one of the wireless network  200 , the auxiliary I/O subsystem  112 , the data port  114 , the short-range communications subsystem  122 , or another subsystem  124 . 
     The data port  114  enables a subscriber or user to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of the communication device  100  by providing for information or software downloads to the communication device  100  other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto the communication device  100  through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to provide secure device communication. 
     For voice communications, the overall operation of the communication device  100  is substantially similar, except that the received signals are output to the speaker  118 , and signals for transmission are generated by the microphone  120 . Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, can also be implemented on the communication device  100 . Although voice or audio signal output is accomplished primarily through the speaker  118 , the display  110  can also be used to provide additional information such as the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2 , shown is an illustrative handheld mobile communication device  200  which may contain the various components illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As shown, device  200  may include a keyboard  116  having a plurality of keys for entering text and for operating various functional features of the device  200 . Keyboard  116  may also include special function keys, such as a call answer key  212  and a call disconnect key  214 . These special function keys  212 ,  214  may be dedicated to their particular function, or alternatively they may be multi-function keys having different functions depending on the particular operating mode of device  200 . 
     Device  200  may further include a navigation actuator, such as a trackball  117 , for allowing a user to perform various navigation and selection functions as previously described with reference to  FIG. 1 . For example, trackball  117  may allow navigation and selection of a GUI menu displayed in display  110 . 
     Because the trackball  117  experiences high utilization when the user is interacting with the device  200 , it is advantageous for the trackball  117  to be centrally located on the front face of device  200 . In the present illustrative embodiment, the trackball  117  is between the upper display  110  and lower key field  116 . Given this prominent central location, the trackball  117  may be especially prone to inadvertent user activation during handling and storage (e.g. in a pocket or purse), which may result in an undesired operation being executed. Keys in the keyboard  116 , such as the call answer key  212  and the call disconnect key  214 , may also be prone to inadvertent user activation when the device is handled and stored. 
     In order to avoid inadvertent user actuation of the trackball  117  and keyboard  116 , it is advantageous to place the trackball  117  and keyboard  116  into a standby mode before storage (e.g. in a pocket or purse). However, in order to do so easily, the inventor has found it to be especially advantageous to provide a dedicated standby key  220  in a location that is less prone to inadvertent activation. 
     In this illustrative example, standby key  220  is provided along one edge of device  200  and is the only key provided along that edge. Preferably, standby key  220  is a single-action key that allows the device  200  to initiate the standby mode without the need to actuate any other key. 
     Standby key  220  may also be recessed so that it is substantially flush with the edge of device  200 . Due to its location, the recessed standby key  220  is more difficult to actuate accidentally, and requires a more definitive user action. 
     In an embodiment, the standby key  220  may also be located such that it is easily identified simply by handling the device  200 . For example, a user may identify that a key situated along the edge closest to the smooth display  110 , and opposite the edge closest to the keyboard  116 , is the standby key  220 . Thus, as a user is slipping the device  200  into a pocket or purse, or taking the device  200  out of the pocket or purse, the user may actuate the standby key  220  without having to visually confirm that it is the correct key. 
     In another embodiment, a key other than the standby key  220  may be designated to exit the standby mode. For example, the call disconnect key  214  may be designated. In this case, in order to avoid inadvertent actuation, a “press-and-hold” may be required for a predetermined period of time before the device  100  exits standby mode using this alternative key. 
     In another embodiment, the trackball  117  may be used in combination with another key to exit the standby mode. The combination may be sequential (within a predefined period of time), or simultaneous. For example, a combination of rolling trackball  117  and pressing a designated key other than the standby key  220  may trigger an exit from standby mode. Alternatively, pressing trackball  117  and a designated key other than the standby key  220  may trigger an exit from standby mode. Generally speaking, the combination of actions should be a combination that requires deliberate action and that is not likely to result accidentally. 
     Methods of entering and exiting standby mode in device  200  in accordance with various embodiments are now described with reference to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3 , shown is a method  300  in accordance with an embodiment. Method  300  starts and, at block  302 , monitors standby key  220  for user operation of the key  220 . 
     Upon detecting actuation of the standby key  220 , method  300  proceeds to decision block  304  where method  300  determines if the standby key  220  has been depressed for more than a minimum duration. If no, method  300  assumes that the standby key was actuated inadvertently and returns to block  302  to continue monitoring for user operation of the standby key  220 . If yes, method  300  proceeds to block  306  where method  300  may display a confirmation message with an option to abort. For example, method  300  may display on display  100  a text message such as “Now entering standby mode. Press the standby key to exit”. Such a confirmation message may be displayed for a predetermined time period to allow a user to abort entering standby mode if the user had actuated the standby key  220  in error, or has changed his mind. 
     Method  300  then proceeds to decision block  308 , where method  300  determines if an abort instruction (e.g. the user presses any key) has been received in a specified amount of time. If yes, method  300  may proceed to block  310 , where method  300  aborts the standby routine and returns to block  302  to continue monitoring for actuation of the standby key  220 . If no, method  300  proceeds to block  312 . 
     At block  312 , method  300  enters standby mode and disables selected device features. For example, the trackball  117  and keyboard  116  of device  200  may be disabled for immediate actuation upon entering standby mode. 
     While the device  200  is in standby mode, it may be desirable for certain features of the device to become active upon occurrence of certain events. For example, the user may want an incoming telephone call to activate certain keys on the keyboard  116 . As another example, the user may initiate an exit from standby mode in order to use a feature of the device  200 . 
     Thus, at block  314 , while the device  200  is in standby mode, method  300  may monitor device  200  for incoming calls, and for user operation of the standby key  220  (or any other key designated for exiting the device) to exit the standby mode. At decision block  316 , if there is an incoming call method  300  proceeds to method  400  ( FIG. 4 ) as described below. At decision block  318 , if there is user operation of the standby key  220 , method  300  proceeds to method  500  ( FIG. 5 ) as described further below. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4 , shown is method  400  in accordance with an embodiment. Method  400  begins as method  300  ( FIG. 3 ) detects an incoming telephone call. In an embodiment, upon detecting the incoming call, method  400  enables selected keys for immediate actuation. 
     In one embodiment, method  400  may enable all keys of keyboard  116 . This may allow a user to retrieve the device  200  from a pocket or purse and answer the call by activating the call connect key  212  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     In another embodiment, method  400  may enable the trackball  117  to allow navigation of a menu displayed on display  110 . For example, the menu  110  may display the incoming call telephone number and an associated caller name (e.g. as provided by a carrier&#39;s call display function, or as retrieved from a local telephone directory), and allow the user to choose to take the call (e.g. by depressing the trackball  117 ) or not (e.g. by not taking any further action). 
     In another embodiment, method  400  may enable only certain keys of the keyboard  116  for immediate actuation. For example, method  400  may enable the call answer key  212  and the call disconnect key  214 , so that a user may select to answer the call (by actuating the call answer key  212 ) or to shorten the ringing or vibration of device  200  (by actuating the call disconnect key  214 ). 
     In yet another embodiment, method  400  may enable only the call answer key  212 , so that the user may only select to answer the call (by activating the call answer key  212 ) or not (by not taking any action). 
     At decision block  404 , method  400  may determine if the call answer key  212  is actuated by the user. If yes, method  400  may exit standby mode at block  406  and proceed back to block  302  of method  300  ( FIG. 3 ). If no, method  400  may exit and return to block  312  of method  300  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Now referring to  FIG. 5 , shown is a method  500  in accordance with an embodiment. Method  500  may begin upon detection of a user action to exit the device from standby mode at decision block  318  of  FIG. 3 . For example, the required user action may be activation of the standby key  220 , which in this case may act as a toggle key to initiate the exit from standby mode. 
     In an embodiment, rather than an instantaneous exit from standby mode, it has been found advantageous to provide a suitable delay. This may avoid an inadvertent exit from standby mode when the user accidentally hits the standby key  220 . Thus, at block  502 , upon user operation of the standby key  220 , a timer may start to time the duration for which the standby key  220  is depressed. 
     At decision block  504 , method  500  determines if the standby key  220  has been depressed for a sufficiently long duration. If yes, method  500  exits standby mode and proceeds to block  302  of method  300  ( FIG. 3 ). If no, method  500  exits and returns to block  312  of method  300  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     As will be appreciated, the systems and methods for providing a standby mode in handheld electronic devices as described above may allow a user to conveniently enter and exit standby mode for devices that may be prone to inadvertent actuation (e.g. when stored in or retrieved from a pocket or purse). 
     In an alternative embodiment, the device  100  may be placed in standby mode in other ways, such as an auto on/off triggering event. For example, when device  100  first turns on during an auto on event, and no key press is detected within a predetermined time period, the device  100  may be put into standby mode without having the user touch any key. As another example, during use of the device  100 , if there is no user operation for a predetermined period of time, device  100  may time out and enter standby mode automatically. 
     Thus, in an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for providing a standby mode in a handheld electronic device, comprising: a standby key for initiating the standby mode in the handheld electronic device; a display for displaying a confirmation message of entry into the standby mode; and a standby mode module for disabling at least one feature of the handheld electronic device upon entry into the standby mode. 
     In an embodiment, the standby key is actuable with a single action. 
     In another embodiment, the display is configured to further display a message providing an option to abort entry into the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the system further comprises user actuable means for aborting entry into the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the user actuable means for aborting entry into the standby mode comprises at least one of the standby key, another designated key, and a trackball. 
     In another embodiment, the standby key is located along a first edge of the handheld electronic device, and is the only key provided along the first edge of the handheld electronic device. 
     In another embodiment, the standby key located at a recessed portion of the first edge of the handheld electronic device, such that the standby key is substantially flush with or recessed from the surface of the first edge of the handheld electronic device. 
     In another embodiment, the at least one disabled feature is at least a portion of the keyboard and any navigation actuator provided on the handheld electronic device. 
     In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for enabling at least one of a call answer key and a call disconnect key when an incoming telephone call is detected by the standby mode module. 
     In another embodiment, the system further comprises user actuable means for exiting the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the user actuable means for exiting the standby mode comprises at least one of the standby key, another designated key, and a trackball. 
     In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a standby mode in a handheld electronic device, comprising: initiating a standby mode upon actuation of a standby key in the handheld electronic device; displaying a confirmation message of entry into the standby mode; and disabling at least one feature of the handheld electronic device upon entry into the standby mode. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises initiating the standby mode upon actuation of the standby key using a single action. 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprises displaying a message providing an option to abort entry into the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprises aborting entry into the standby mode upon actuation of a user actuable means. 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprises configuring at least one of the standby key, another designated key, and a trackball as the user actuable means. 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprises disabling at least a portion of the keyboard and any navigation actuator provided on the handheld electronic device upon entering into the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprises enabling at least one of a call answer key and a call disconnect key when an incoming telephone call is detected by the standby mode module. 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprises configuring user actuable means for exiting the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprises configuring at least one of the standby key, another designated key, and a trackball as the user actuable means. 
     In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a data processor readable medium storing data processor code that when loaded into a handheld electronic device adapts the device to provide a standby mode, the readable medium comprising: code for initiating a standby mode upon actuation of a standby key in the handheld electronic device; code for displaying a confirmation message of entry into the standby mode; and code for disabling at least one feature of the handheld electronic device upon entry into the standby mode. 
     In an embodiment, the data processor readable medium further comprises code for initiating the standby mode upon actuation of the standby key using a single action. 
     In another embodiment, the data processor readable medium further comprises code for displaying a message providing an option to abort entry into the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the data processor readable medium further comprises code for aborting entry into the standby mode upon actuation of a user actuable means. 
     In another embodiment, the data processor readable medium further comprises code for configuring at least one of the standby key, another designated key, and a trackball as the user actuable means. 
     In another embodiment, the data processor readable medium further comprises code for disabling at least a portion of the keyboard and any navigation actuator provided on the handheld electronic device upon entering into the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the data processor readable medium further comprises code for enabling at least one of a call answer key and a call disconnect key when an incoming telephone call is detected by the standby mode module. 
     In another embodiment, the data processor readable medium further comprises code for configuring user actuable means for exiting the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, the data processor readable medium further comprises code for configuring at least one of the standby key, another designated key, and a trackball as the user actuable means. 
     While illustrative embodiments have been described above, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made. More generally, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.