DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DATA TRANSFER DURING CHARGING OF A PORTABLE DEVICE

• US 20090191925A1
• Filed: 01/30/2008
• Published: 07/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: NEUZIL, DALE S., BRENNER, DAVID S., MOSELER, KATHY
• Granted Patent: US 8,565,729 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/573
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2757 by data transmission, e.g. downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72406 by software upgrading or downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces

Abstract

Described below are methods and devices to automatically effect data transfer, for example for backing up data of a device, between a mobile communication device and another device, upon detection by the mobile communication device of charging current received for example from a charger. When a charger or a charging current is detected, the mobile device detects what connectivity links, such as for example, USB, Bluetooth, and/or WiFi, are available between the mobile device and another device. An automated process selects an appropriate connectivity link and then initiates one or two-way transfer of data over the automatically selected connectivity link according to the data transfer rules set by the user or by a default mechanism or algorithm. In this manner backup and/or update of data may take place automatically upon connection of a user'"'"'s mobile communication device to a source of charging current.

Claims

1. A portable device configured to store data, comprising:

a controller configured to execute application instructions;

a power source configured to receive a charging current;

a memory coupled to the controller and configured to store data and applications;

a connectivity link determination application configured to determine a connectivity link for data transfer between the device and at least one of a plurality of other devices;

a charge detector configured to detect a charging current to recharge the power source of the device; and

a data exchange initiator configured to initiate data exchange between the device and at least one of a plurality of other devices, based on detection of a charging current to recharge the power source of the device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectivity link determination application is configured to determine a connectivity link for data transfer based on at least one of an algorithm and predefined criteria.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a data transfer rules setup application configured to receive rules input, the rules to govern data transfer between the device and the at least one of a plurality of other devices.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein:

the at least one of a plurality of other devices includes at least one additional device coupled to the device by at least one connectivity link;

wherein the data transfer rules setup application is further configured to receive rules input to govern data transfer between the device and the at least one additional device.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectivity link is a wireless link.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein a connectivity link comprises at least one of a cellular link, internet link, USB link, a Bluetooth link, a WiMAX link, a UWB link, and a WiFi link.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the charge detector is further configured to detect the presence of an external source of charging current.

8. A data transfer apparatus, comprising:

a controller configured to execute instructions;

a power source configured to receive a charging current;

a memory coupled to the controller and configured to store data and instruction modules;

a data transfer rules module stored in memory and configured to process data transfer between devices of the apparatus;

a connectivity detector module configured to detect at least one connectivity link between devices of the apparatus;

a connectivity selector module configured to select a connectivity link to use for data transfer in accordance with an automated selection determination; and

a data transfer initiator module configured to initiate data transfer between devices of the apparatus, based on detection of a charging current to the power source and based on data transfer rules.

9. The data transfer apparatus of claim 8, wherein a device of the apparatus includes a portable device.

10. The data transfer apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a charger detector module, configured to monitor the presence of a charging current; and

a charge initiator module configured to initiate charging of the power source upon detection of a charging current.

11. The data transfer apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a wireless transceiver coupled to the controller and configured to establish a connectivity link with a remote device.

12. The data transfer apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a charger detection handshake module configured to send an indication to a device that a charging current has been detected by a remote device.

13. The data transfer apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a charger detection handshake module configured to receive an indication from a device that a charging current has been detected by a remote device.

14. The data transfer apparatus of claim 8, wherein the automated selection determination is based on at least one of an algorithm and predefined criteria.

15. A method of data transfer between a portable first device and at least one second device, the method comprising:

detecting a charging current to recharge a power source of the first device;

monitoring at least one connectivity link between the first device and the at least one second device;

selecting a connectivity link between the first device and the at least one second device in accordance with an automated selection determination;

receiving data transfer rules to process a data transfer between the first device and the at least one second device; and

initiating data transfer via a selected connectivity link between the first device and the at least one second device, upon detection by the first device of a charging current to the power source of the first device according to data transfer rules.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

initiating data transfer by the first device upon detection of a charging current connected to the first device.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein initiating data transfer comprises initiating two-way transfer of data between the first device and the at least one second device.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

executing a handshaking process between the first device and the at least one second device by sending an indication of charger detection from the first device to the at least one second device upon detection of a charging current connected to the first device.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the data transfer rules comprise choosing a fastest connectivity link.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein detecting a charging current comprises detecting a presence of a charger cable.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the data transfer rules comprise choosing a most reliable connectivity link.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the data transfer rules comprise choosing a most available connectivity link.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein the data transfer rules comprise choosing a connectivity link having a most optimal quality of service.