Electronic device and automatic warning method thereof

• US 8,717,189 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2010
• Issued: 05/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Dai, Lung
• Primary Examiner(s): Lau, Hoi
• Application Number:
  US12/961,462
• Publication Number:
  US 20110260881A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,247 Days
• Field of Search: 340/686.6, 340/540, 340/573.1, 340/539.13, 726/19, 726/21, 713/200, 348/155, 348/553, 348/730, 725/10, 725/12, 725/142
• US Class Current: 340/686.6
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/316 by observing the pattern of computer usage, e.g. typical user behaviour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/554 involving event detection and direct action
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2111 Location-sensitive, e.g. geographical location, GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2151 Time stamp

Abstract

An electronic device includes a detection unit, a comparison unit, and a warning unit. The detection unit generates a detection signal. The comparison unit determines whether the detection signal exceeds a predetermined detection signal. If it is determined that the detection signal exceeds the predetermined detection signal, the comparison unit generates a first comparison signal indicating the proximity of an object to the electronic device. The warning unit sends a warning message in response to the first comparison signal.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising:

a detection unit for generating a detection signal;

a comparison unit for determining whether the detection signal exceeds a predetermined detection signal, if it is determined that the detection signal exceeds the predetermined detection signal, the comparison unit generates a first comparison signal indicating the proximity of an object to the electronic device;

a warning unit;

a timing unit for generating an elapsed time value in response to the first comparison signal, and further for keeping timing until the first comparison signal disappears;

a determination unit for determining whether the elapsed time value exceeds a predetermined value, if so, the determination unit generates a first determination signal; and

a control unit for generating a driving signal in response to the first determination signal;

wherein the warning unit generates a warning message in response to the driving signal.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a control unit for generating a driving signal in response to the first comparison signal, the driving signal used for driving the warning unit to send the warning message.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing the predetermined detection signal which is capable of being renewed.

4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein if it is determined that the detection signal is below the predetermined detection signal, the comparison unit generates a second comparison signal indicating the absence of the object is not near enough to gather information entered or displayed on the electronic device.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, further comprising a determination unit, when the determination unit receives one of the driving signal and the second comparison signal, the determination unit determines whether the detection unit is needed to continue detecting others in the vicinity of the electronic device, if so, the determination unit further generates a returning signal for driving the detection unit to be activated.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further used for determining whether the warning unit is turned on, if so, the control unit directly outputs the driving signal to the warning unit, if not, the control unit activates the warning unit to receive the driving signal.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein if it is determined that the detection signal is below the predetermined detection signal, the comparison unit generates a second comparison signal, if it is determined that the elapsed time value is below a predetermined value, the determination unit generates a second determination signal, when the determination unit receives one of the driving signal, the second comparison signal, and the second determination signal, the determination unit further accordingly determines whether the detection unit is needed to continue detecting others in the vicinity of the electronic device, if so, the determination unit further generates a returning signal in order to activate the sending unit.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein if it is determined that the detection unit is not needed to continue detecting others in the vicinity of the electronic device, the determination unit generates an ending signal, the control unit controls the warning unit to be automatic turned off according to the ending signal.

9. An automatic warning method used in an electronic device, the method used for sending a warning message by a warning unit of the electronic device if others are in the vicinity of the electronic device, the method comprising:

generating a detection signal;

determining whether the detection signal exceeds a predetermined detection signal;

if it is determined that the detection signal exceeds the predetermined detection signal, generating a first comparison signal indicating the proximity of an object to the electronic device;

generating an elapsed time value in response to the first comparison signal, and further for keeping timing until the first comparison signal disappears;

determining whether the elapsed time value exceeds a predetermined value, if it is determined that the elapsed time value exceeds a predetermined value, generating a first determination signal indicating the proximity of an object to the electronic device;

generating a driving signal in response to the first determination signal; and

sending a warning message in response to the driving signal.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

generating a driving signal, which is used for driving the warning unit to send the warning message, in response to the first comparison signal.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

if it is determined that the detection signal is below the predetermined detection signal, generating a second comparison signal indicating the object is not near enough to gather information entered or displayed on the electronic device.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

when one of the driving signal and the second comparison signal is received, determining whether to continue detecting others in the vicinity of the electronic device; and

if it is determined to continue detecting others in the vicinity of the electronic device, generating a returning signal to the step of generating a detection signal.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

determining whether the warning unit is turned on; and

if it is determined that the warning unit is turned on, directly outputting the driving signal to the warning unit.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

if it is determined that the warning unit is turned off, activating the warning unit to receive the driving signal.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

if it is determined that the elapsed time value is below a predetermined value, generating a second determination signal indicating the object is not near enough to gather information entered or displayed on the electronic device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

if it is determined that the detection signal is below the predetermined detection signal, generating a second comparison signal indicating the object is not near enough to gather information entered or displayed on the electronic device.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

when one of the second comparison signal, the driving signal, and the second determination signal is received, determining whether to continue detecting others in the vicinity of the electronic device accordingly; and

if it is determined to continue detecting others in the vicinity of the electronic device, generating a returning signal in order to the step of generating a detection signal.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

if it is determined not to continue detecting others in the vicinity of the electronic device, generating an ending signal; and

controlling the warning unit to be automatic turned off according to the ending signal.