Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Controlling the condition of display elements
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-29
2001-10-09
Bayerl, Raymond J. (Department: 2173)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Controlling the condition of display elements
C345S156000, C345S158000, C345S184000, C345S167000, C345S169000, C343S702000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06300946
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of portable computer systems. Specifically, the invention relates to a portable computer system that can be quickly turned on and that can access relevant information with a minimal user interaction.
2. Description of Related Art
Handheld computer systems are small compact computers that can fit within the palm of your hand. Handheld computer systems are usually used to provide personal information in such applications as an address book, a daily organizer and a to do list. User expectations have grown with the handheld computer technology developments, especially in terms of reducing the user interaction and wait time required for obtaining access to computer applications in the portable device.
Users of handheld computer systems want quick and simple access to the information stored in the handheld computer. Existing handheld computer systems often require the user to perform a number of steps to access the desired information. For example, to obtain information from a calendar date, a person may first need to turn the handheld computer system on. Some systems then require a “boot-up” time before the handheld computer system enters an operational state. After the handheld is on and ready, the person must then start the calendar application. Finally, the person must navigate the calendar application to locate the desired date. Although, those few steps may seem simple, such steps seem to be an unnecessary nuisance to a person that wants to quickly access the appropriate information. It would therefore be desirable to implement a handheld computer system that allows the user to very quickly access the required information.
Certain portable devices, such as pagers, provide users with information from data sources connected to wireless base stations. Two-way pagers communicating through such wireless base stations are now provided with stock quotes and news highlights. Handheld computer users increasingly rely on desktop access to Internet content when they have access to their desktop computers. However, as handheld computer users they also want access to such information even when their desktop computers are not available. These users want quick and simple access to information that is tailored to their dynamic and individual needs, even when they are not able to connect to the Internet using a desktop computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In some embodiments of the invention, a portable computer system has one or more mechanical buttons that combine the task of turning the portable computer system on and starting a particular computer application. Furthermore, the same mechanical buttons can be used to navigate the application to find the information that is most likely needed by the user. Additionally, external devices can be coupled to the portable computer system in a manner that allows the external hardware device to initiate specific computer applications that cooperate with the external hardware device.
Some embodiments of the invention have a wireless mode of operation and have a positionable antenna. In one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer system is designed so that certain movement of the antenna combines the tasks of powering-up the portable computer system, starting a particular computer application, and performing a base station coverage check. The operation of the positionable antenna is integrated with the operation of the mechanical buttons and information that resides within the portable computer system enabling the portable computer system to use the wireless services in a manner that conserves user cost and time.
One aspect of the invention is provided by a method of activating a first computer application in a portable computer system. The method comprises receiving a first signal which corresponds to a user input requesting execution of a first application. In response to receiving the first signal the portable computer system activates the first computer application.
A second aspect of the invention is provided by a portable computer system comprising a processor, a mechanism, and a computer application. The processor has a low power consumption sleep mode. The mechanism is adapted to transmit a first signal to the processor in response to a user input. The signal indicates that the user desires access to a first computer application. The signal awakes the processor from its sleep mode. The computer application is also activated by receipt of said first signal by the portable computer system.
A third aspect of the invention is provided by a method employing a portable computer system having an antenna positionable in a first position and a second position. User movement of the antenna from the first position to the second position generates a first (antenna interrupt) signal. The portable computer system receives the first signal and determines that the type of interrupt signal is an antenna movement interrupt and activates a first computer application.
A fourth aspect of the invention enhances the method of the third aspect whereby activating the first computer application further comprises activating a third (off-line base station coverage check) computer application. The off-line coverage check is adapted to determine whether wireless communications can occur between the portable computer system and a base station. The off-line coverage check is executed within the portable computer system and requires no communication with a base station. When the user indicates that all user inputs required for wireless communication with a base station are completed, a fourth (on-line base station coverage check) computer application is activated. The on-line coverage check is adapted to select a base station with which the portable computer system is to establish wireless communications.
A fifth aspect of the invention is provided by a wireless communications system comprising at least one base station and at least one portable computer system. Each base station comprises a transceiver adapted to send signals to at least one portable computer system and to receive signals transmitted from at least one portable computer system. Each base station also has a wireless interface adapted for coupling the transceiver to a base station processor. Each portable computer system comprises a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver is adapted to send signals to at least one base station and to receive signals transmitted from at least one base station. Each portable computer system also has a mechanism adapted to transmit a first signal to a processor in response to a user input. A first signal generated by the user indicates that the user desires access to a wireless computer application in the portable computer system. The processor has a sleep mode. When in its sleep mode, the processor awakens in response to the first signal. The wireless computer application is also activated by the receipt of the first signal by the portable computer system.
A sixth aspect of the invention is a method of continuous wireless communications using a portable computer system after an antenna movement towards the first position. The portable computer system has an antenna which is positionable in a first position and second position. The method comprises moving the antenna from the second position towards the first position, and returning to the antenna to the second position within a predetermined period of time. Returning the antenna to its second position within a predetermined period after inadvertent movement of the antenna away from the second position ensures that the wireless communication in not terminated. Therefore, needless repetition of computer program applications required for wireless communications access is avoided.
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Hawkins Jeffrey C.
Lincke Scott D.
Sipher Joseph K.
Bayerl Raymond J.
Hickman Palermo Truong & Becker
Mahamedi Van
Nguyen Thomas T.
Palm Inc.
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