Method and apparatus for automatically changing operating modes in a mobile device

• US 8,886,252 B2
• Filed: 02/13/2009
• Issued: 11/11/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: HTC Corporation
• Original Assignee: HTC Corporation
• Inventors: Luke, Hok-Sum H., Chen, Yu-Chuan, Tsuei, Yuan-Mao, Chang, Wen-Chi, Kao, Yih-Feng
• Primary Examiner(s): Sorowar, Golam
• Application Number:
  US12/371,477
• Publication Number:
  US 20100159998A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,097 Days
• Field of Search: 4555691-5692, 4555561-5562, 455/550.1, 455566-567, 455/575.1, 455/418
• US Class Current: 455/550.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72448 with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/04 the ringing-current being generated at the substations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/68 with means for recording information, e.g. telephone number during a conversation recording of telephone conversations H04M1/656

Abstract

A method and system for automatically changing the operating mode of a mobile device in response to changes in positioning or the use of the device includes multiple sensors that provide information relating to the mobile device and its environment. The sensors determine positioning information, incident light intensity, and object proximity and detect the presence of a pointer device. The system monitors the sensors and applications executed by the operating system. Based on the monitoring, the system changes the operating mode of the mobile device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for changing an operating mode of a mobile device, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having a form factor suitable for hand-held use, wherein the housing has a front face and a back face;

a call notification component contained in the housing configured to provide an incoming call notification in response to an incoming telephone call from a wireless network, wherein the incoming call notification comprises an audible component;

one or more sensor components contained in the housing configured to provide information associated with the physical environment of the mobile device,

wherein the one or more sensor components comprises a G sensor configured to provide positioning information associated with a position of the mobile device;

a memory contained in the housing; and

a processor contained in the housing and coupled among the call notification component, the one or more sensor components, and the memory;

wherein the processor is configured to execute various components, wherein the components comprise;

a sensor monitor component configured to;

monitor, while the telephone call is incoming, the one or more sensor components to detect an object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device, and

determine based on a set of positioning information whether the orientation of the mobile device is in a face-up state, wherein the face-up state exists when the front face of the mobile device is facing in a upward direction; and

a mode control component configured to change the operating mode of the mobile device based on the detection of the object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device and determining that the orientation of the mobile device is in the face-up state, wherein changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification prior to the conclusion of the incoming call notification.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensor components comprises a proximity sensor and wherein detecting an object comprises using the proximity sensor to determine if the object is within a specified distance from the front face of the mobile device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensor components comprises a light sensor and detecting the object comprises:

determining a first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

determining a second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

comparing the first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device and the second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device; and

detecting the object based on the comparison of the first intensity level and the second intensity level.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a silent mode or a vibrate-only mode.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises muting the audible component of the incoming call notification.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a speakerphone mode.

7. A method for changing an operating mode of a mobile device, the mobile device having at least a front face and a back face, the method comprising:

receiving a notification of an incoming telephone call from a wireless network;

providing an incoming call notification for the incoming telephone call to a user, wherein the incoming call notification comprises an audible component;

while providing the incoming call notification to the user,

detecting an object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device, and

determining based on a set of positioning information whether the orientation of the mobile device is in a face-up state, wherein the face-up state exists when the front face of the mobile device is facing in an upward direction; and

changing the operating mode of the mobile device based on detecting the object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device and determining that the orientation of the mobile device is in the face-up state, wherein changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification prior to the conclusion of the incoming call notification.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein detecting the object comprises using a proximity sensor to determine if the object is within a specified distance from the front face of the mobile device.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein detecting the object comprises:

determining a first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

determining a second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

comparing the first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device and the second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device; and

detecting an object based on the comparison of the first intensity level and the second intensity level.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein automatically changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing the mobile device to a silent mode or a vibrate-only mode.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein automatically changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises muting the audible component of the incoming call notification.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a speakerphone mode.

13. A method for changing an operating mode of a mobile device that is configured to communicate using a wireless network, the method comprising:

receiving information from a user defining a set of high-priority mobile applications,

establishing a telephone call between the mobile device and a remote device;

during the telephone call between the mobile device and the remote device, monitoring the mobile device to detect the activation of a specified mobile application, wherein detecting the activation of the specified mobile application comprises detecting the activation of an application from the set of high-priority mobile applications; and

in response to activating the specified mobile application, determining whether the specified mobile application is found within a predetermined set of mobile applications, wherein each mobile application in the predetermined set of mobile applications is configured to directly change the operating mode of the mobile device; and

in response to finding the specified mobile application within the predetermined set of mobile applications, automatically changing the operating mode of the mobile device, wherein the operating mode is changed while the telephone call is in progress.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein automatically changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing the mobile device to a speakerphone mode.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the specified mobile application is a notepad application.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring the mobile device comprises:

polling an operating system of the mobile device to determine if the specified mobile application has been activated, or

receiving an event notification from the operating system of the mobile device, wherein the event notification comprises information specifying that the specified mobile application has been activated.

17. An apparatus for automatically changing an operating mode of a mobile device, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having a form factor suitable for hand-held use;

a memory contained in the housing,

wherein the memory stores information received from a user defining a set of high-priority mobile applications; and

a processor contained in the housing and coupled to the memory;

wherein the processor is configured to execute various components, wherein the components comprise;

a call monitor component configured to receive information associated with a telephone call between the mobile device and a remote device;

an application monitor component configured to;

monitor the mobile device to detect the activation of a specified mobile application during the telephone call between the mobile device and the remote device,

wherein detecting the activation of the specified mobile application comprises detecting the activation of an application form the set of high-priority mobile applications;

in response to activating the specified mobile application, determining whether the specified mobile application is found within a predetermined set of mobile applications, wherein each mobile application in the predetermined set of mobile applications is configured to directly change the operating mode of the mobile device; and

a mode control component configured to;

in response to finding the specified mobile application within the predetermined set of mobile applications, automatically change the operating mode of the mobile device, wherein the operating mode is changed while the telephone call is in progress.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein automatically changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing the mobile device to a speakerphone mode.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the specified application is a notepad application.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the application monitor component is configured to:

monitor the mobile device by polling an operating system on the mobile device to determine if the specified mobile application has been activated, or

receive an event notification from the operating system of the mobile device, wherein the event notification comprises information specifying that the specified mobile application has been activated.

21. An apparatus for changing an operating mode of a mobile device, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having a form factor suitable for hand-held use, wherein the housing has a front face and a back face;

a call notification component contained in the housing configured to provide an incoming call notification in response to an incoming telephone call from a wireless network, wherein the incoming call notification comprises an audible component;

one or more sensor components contained in the housing configured to provide information associated with the physical environment of the mobile device, wherein the one or more sensor components comprises a G sensor configured to provide positioning information associated with a position of the mobile device;

a memory contained in the housing; and

a processor contained in the housing and coupled among the call notification component, the one or more sensor components, and the memory;

wherein the processor is configured to execute various components, wherein the components comprise;

a sensor monitor component configured to;

monitor, while the telephone call is incoming, the one or more sensor components to;

detect an object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device,

determine a first set of positioning information from the G sensor at a first time,

determine a second set of positioning information from the G sensor at a second time, wherein the second time occurs after the first time;

compare the first set of positioning information and the second set of positioning information; and

determine based on the comparison whether the orientation of the mobile device has changed to a face-down state, wherein the face-down state exists when the front face of the mobile device is facing in a downward direction; and

a mode control component configured to change the operating mode of the mobile device based on the detection of the object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device and determining that the orientation of the mobile device is in the face-down state, wherein changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification prior to the conclusion of the incoming call notification.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the one or more sensor components comprises a proximity sensor and wherein detecting an object comprises using the proximity sensor to determine if the object is within a specified distance from the front face of the mobile device.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the one or more sensor components comprises a light sensor and detecting the object comprises:

determining a first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

determining a second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

comparing the first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device and the second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device; and

detecting the object based on the comparison of the first intensity level and the second intensity level.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a silent mode or a vibrate-only mode.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises muting the audible component of the incoming call notification.

26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a speakerphone mode.

27. A method for changing an operating mode of a mobile device, the mobile device having at least a front face and a back face, the method comprising:

receiving a notification of an incoming telephone call from a wireless network;

providing an incoming call notification for the incoming telephone call to a user, wherein the incoming call notification comprises an audible component;

while providing the incoming call notification to the user,

detecting an object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device,

determining a first set of positioning information associated with a position of the mobile device at a first time;

determining a second set of positioning information associated with a position of the mobile device at a second time, wherein the second time occurs after the first time;

comparing the first set of positioning information and the second set of positioning information; and

determining based on the comparison whether the orientation of the mobile has changed to a face-down state, wherein a face-down state exists when the front face of the mobile device is facing in a downward direction, and

changing the operating mode of the mobile device based on detecting the object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device and determining that the orientation of the mobile device is in the face-down state, wherein changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification prior to the conclusion of the incoming call notification.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein detecting the object comprises using a proximity sensor to determine if the object is within a specified distance from the front face of the mobile device.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein detecting the object comprises:

determining a first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

determining a second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

comparing the first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device and the second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device; and

detecting an object based on the comparison of the first intensity level and the second intensity level.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein automatically changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing the mobile device to a silent mode or a vibrate-only mode.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein automatically changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises muting the audible component of the incoming call notification.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a speakerphone mode.

33. An apparatus for changing an operating mode of a mobile device, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having a form factor suitable for hand-held use, wherein the housing has a front face and a back face;

a call notification component contained in the housing configured to provide an incoming call notification in response to an incoming telephone call from a wireless network, wherein the incoming call notification comprises an audible component;

one or more sensor components contained in the housing configured to provide information associated with the physical environment of the mobile device, wherein the one or more sensor components comprises a light sensor;

a memory contained in the housing; and

a processor contained in the housing and coupled among the call notification component, the one or more sensor components, and the memory;

wherein the processor is configured to execute various components, wherein the components comprise;

a sensor monitor component configured to monitor, while the telephone call is incoming, the one or more sensor components to detect an object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device,

wherein the sensor monitor component is configured to detect the object by;

determining a first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

determining a second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device;

comparing the first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device and the second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device; and

detecting the object based on the comparison of the first intensity level and the second intensity level; and

a mode control component configured to change the operating mode of the mobile device based on the detection of the object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device, wherein changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification prior to the conclusion of the incoming call notification.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a silent mode or a vibrate-only mode.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises muting the audible component of the incoming call notification.

36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a speakerphone mode.

37. A method for changing an operating mode of a mobile device, the mobile device having at least a front face and a back face, the method comprising:

receiving a notification of an incoming telephone call from a wireless network;

providing an incoming call notification for the incoming telephone call to a user, wherein the incoming call notification comprises an audible component;

while providing the incoming call notification to the user, detecting an object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device,

wherein detecting the object comprises;

determining a first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device,

determining a second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device,

comparing the first intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device and the second intensity level of light incident on the front face of the mobile device, and

detecting an object based on the comparison of the first intensity level and the second intensity level; and

changing the operating mode of the mobile device based on detecting the object placed in proximity to the front face of the mobile device, wherein changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification prior to the conclusion of the incoming call notification.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a silent mode or a vibrate-only mode.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein automatically changing the operating mode of the mobile device comprises muting the audible component of the incoming call notification.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein changing at least the level of the audible component of the incoming call notification comprises changing the mobile device to a speakerphone mode.