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`US 20090195497Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Fitzgerald et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0195497 Al
`Aug. 6, 2009
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) GESTURE-BASED POWER MANAGEMENT
`OF A WEARABLE PORTABLE ELECTRONIC
`DEVICE WITH DISPLAY
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Alissa M. Fitzgerald, Menlo Park,
`CA (US); Ely K. Tsern, Los Altos,
`CA (US); David J. Mooring, Los
`Altos Hills, CA (US); James A.
`Gasbarro, Pittsburgh, PA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`STRATEGIC PATENT GROUP, P.C.
`P.O. BOX 1329
`MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94042 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`PILLAR VENTURES, LLC, Los
`Altos, CA (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/356,457
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jan.20,2009
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/025,703, filed on Feb.
`1, 2008.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G09G 5100
`(2006.01)
`G06F 3/038
`(2006.01)
`G06F 3/033
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................... 345/156; 345/211; 715/863
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`
`Methods and systems for providing gesture-based power
`management for a wearable portable electronic device with
`display are described. An inertial sensor is calibrated to a
`reference orientation relative to gravity. Motion of the por(cid:173)
`table device is tracked with respect to the reference orienta(cid:173)
`tion, and the display is enabled when the device is within a
`viewable range, wherein the viewable range is a predefined
`rotational angle range in each of x, y, and z axis, to a user
`based upon a position of the device with respect to the refer(cid:173)
`ence orientation. Furthermore, the display is turned off if an
`object is detected within a predetermined distance of the
`display for a predetermined amount of time.
`
`Receptacle
`22
`
`1.Q
`
`Modular
`Movement
`12
`
`Body
`16
`
`Movement
`Subassembly
`,,....___
`20
`
`Case
`14
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 6, 2009 Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`Receptacle
`22
`
`1Q
`
`. N
`. '"¼.
`
`w
`
`~~
`~
`
`Movement
`Subassembly
`20
`,,,,7-___
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`Case
`14
`
`Modular
`
`FIG. 1 B
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 6, 2009 Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
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`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 6, 2009 Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`I
`
`,,,v /
`
`Non(cid:173)
`Volatile
`Memory
`626
`
`Computer 600
`
`Power
`Manager 608
`
`Voltage
`Controller
`636
`
`Charging
`Controller
`638
`
`:
`
`Processors 602
`
`Micro-
`processor ~
`614
`
`DSP
`616
`
`GPS
`618
`
`I
`Clock
`(MBMS)
`620
`
`•
`
`I/Os 606
`
`Display
`Controller
`630
`
`Audio
`Chip
`632
`
`Touch
`Controller 634
`
`Communications
`Interface 610
`
`I WiFi 640 I
`I Cellular 642 I
`I Bluetooth 644 I
`I Passive RFID 6461
`:
`
`Memories 604
`
`I RAM 622
`
`User Interface
`Application
`623
`
`Gesture Store
`625
`
`t
`Sensors 612
`
`Inertial Sensor
`648
`
`I Sensor 1 I
`I Sensor n I
`
`FIG. 3
`
`PCB
`504
`
`/
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 6, 2009 Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`Calibrate the inertial sensor to a reference
`orientation that is relative to a user's body
`angle
`400
`
`1J
`
`Track motion of the electronic device with
`respect to the reference orientation
`402
`
`1J
`
`Enable the display of the electronic device
`when the electronic device is within a viewable
`range, wherein the viewable range is a
`predefined rotational angle range in each of x,
`y, and z axes, to a user based upon a position
`of the device with respect to the reference
`orientation
`404
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 6, 2009 Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`z
`
`y
`
`18
`
`X
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0006
`
`

`

`
`
`t Application Publication Paten
`
`Aug.
`
`
`
`6 2009 Sheet 6 of 7 ,
`
`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
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`C>
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`
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`r--
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0007
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 6, 2009 Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`Gesture
`Store
`625
`
`Device
`10
`
`□
`
`Display
`Profile
`720
`
`Customizable
`Gesture
`Profile
`
`Server
`724
`
`Profile Web
`Service
`726
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0008
`
`

`

`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`Aug. 6, 2009
`
`1
`
`GESTURE-BASED POWER MANAGEMENT
`OF A WEARABLE PORTABLE ELECTRONIC
`DEVICE WITH DISPLAY
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi(cid:173)
`sional Patent Application No. 61/025, 703, filed Feb. 1, 2008,
`assigned to the assignee of the present application, and incor(cid:173)
`porated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Over the last decade, the rapid improvement of sili(cid:173)
`con, packaging, integration, battery, wireless, and display
`technologies has enabled a wide variety of small, portable
`electronic devices with vastly improved levels of functional(cid:173)
`ity, form factor, and performance. Much of these advances
`have been driven by the popularity of pocket-sized devices,
`such as cell phones and MP3 players. These devices now
`utilize high-resolution color displays, high performance pro(cid:173)
`cessors, fast and large capacity memories, wireless intercon(cid:173)
`nectivity, and rich user interfaces. However, few of these
`advanced technologies have crossed over into small wearable
`devices, such as watches. Because of severe size and battery
`constraints, wearable electronic devices have had limited
`functionality and have typically used low power, simplistic
`electronic displays, such as monochrome LCD or segmented
`LED. In the past, efforts to incorporate greater performance
`and functionality into wearable devices have led to large,
`bulky designs that were awkward to use, expensive, and lim(cid:173)
`ited in battery life. To integrate these advanced technologies
`into wearable form factors, innovation is required, particu(cid:173)
`larly in the area of power management.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Methods and systems for providing gesture-based
`power management for a wearable portable electronic device
`are described. An inertial sensor is calibrated to a reference
`orientation relative to gravity. Motion of the portable device is
`tracked with respect to the reference orientation, and the
`display is enabled when the device is within a viewable range,
`wherein the viewable range is a predefined rotational angle
`range in each of x, y, and z axis, to a user based upon a position
`of the device with respect to the reference orientation. Fur(cid:173)
`thermore, the display is turned off if an object is detected
`within a predetermined distance of the display for a predeter(cid:173)
`mined amount of time.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF
`THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0004] The drawings illustrate the design and utility of
`embodiments of the invention, in which similar elements are
`referred to by common reference numerals. In order to better
`appreciate the embodiments, reference should be made to the
`accompanying drawings that illustrate these embodiments.
`However, the drawings depict only some embodiments of the
`invention, and should not be taken as limiting its scope. With
`this caveat, embodiments of the invention will be described
`and explained with additional specificity and detail through
`the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
`[0005] FIGS. lA-lB are diagrams illustrating exemplary
`embodiments of a wearable portable electronic device having
`gesture-based power management.
`
`[0006] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exploded view of the
`portable device and components thereof when implemented
`as a computer-based electronic modular movement according
`to one exemplary embodiment.
`[0007] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating computer com(cid:173)
`ponents on the PCB comprising the wearable portable elec(cid:173)
`tronic device having gesture-based power management
`according to an exemplary embodiment.
`[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a
`process for gesture-based power management for a wearable
`portable electronic device.
`[0009] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a reference orienta(cid:173)
`tion for calibration.
`[0010] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating exemplary types of
`wearable portable electronic device form factors that could be
`used with modular movement and receptacle and the power
`management scheme of the exemplary embodiment.
`[0011] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating communication
`between an exemplary wearable portable electronic device
`and an exemplary profile web service including at least one
`customizable gesture profile for the wearable portable elec(cid:173)
`tronic device.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0012] The present invention relates to a method and sys(cid:173)
`tem for gesture-based power management for a wearable
`portable electronic device with display. The following
`description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the
`art to make and use the invention and is provided in the
`context of a patent application and its requirements. Various
`modifications to the preferred embodiments and the generic
`principles and features described herein will be readily appar(cid:173)
`ent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not
`intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be
`accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
`features described herein.
`[0013]
`In the following description, for purposes of expla(cid:173)
`nation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a
`thorough understanding of various embodiments. It is impor(cid:173)
`tant to note that the invention can be practiced without all of
`these details. Reference in this specification to "one embodi(cid:173)
`ment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature,
`structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
`embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
`invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodi(cid:173)
`ment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily
`all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or
`alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodi(cid:173)
`ments. Moreover, various features are described which may
`be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Simi(cid:173)
`larly, various requirements are described which may be
`requirements for some embodiments but not other embodi(cid:173)
`ments.
`[0014] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention
`provides a method and system for managing power consump(cid:173)
`tion of a wearable portable electronic device (the "portable
`device"). To make the portable device easy and natural to use,
`it would be ideal if such a device appeared like a regular
`mechanical watch, which always presents a clock face, rather
`than the dark screen of an electronic display that needs to be
`manually turned on. However, high-resolution color displays
`consume a large amount of power. Leaving these displays on
`all the time is impractical, as it would quickly drain an already
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0009
`
`

`

`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`Aug. 6, 2009
`
`2
`
`small battery. In fact, the display typically has the highest
`power consumption of all components in a portable system.
`[0015] The exemplary embodiment automatically turns on
`the portable device and/or its display when the device is in a
`viewable orientation without any efforts such as pushing a
`button or touching the device with the other hand.
`[0016]
`In an exemplary embodiment, the portable device
`may include a portable data and communications device that
`is implemented as a modular movement (the "module") that
`can be removably inserted within a case of a portable device.
`In the exemplary embodiments shown, the portable device
`comprises a watch although the bands are not shown, but the
`portable device may represent other types of devices, as
`described below. The module may be fully-functional stan(cid:173)
`dalone and thereby retain functionality after removal from the
`portable device, but may also be easily user-interchangeable
`with other portable devices.
`[0017]
`In an alternative embodiment, the portable device
`10 functions as a stand-alone device, without using a module
`to provide the below-described power management function(cid:173)
`ality.
`[0018] FIGS. lA-lB and 2 are block diagrams illustrating
`exemplary embodiments of a portable device 10 having a
`module where like components have like numerals have like
`reference numerals. According to the exemplary embodi(cid:173)
`ments, the module 12 includes a body 16 that houses a plu(cid:173)
`rality of layers, including an integrated display 18 (which
`may be touchscreen) and a movement subassembly 20, for
`displaying information, including time. FIG. lA is a diagram
`of module 12 shown with a semitransparent body 16 for
`convenience so that subassembly 20 can be seen through case
`16.
`[0019] As used herein, the term "modular" means that the
`body 16 of the module 12 includes all parts necessary for
`operation and power of the module 12. Thus, the module 12 of
`the exemplary embodiment is fully functional in a standalone
`state. However, according to the exemplary embodiment, the
`case 14 of the portable device 10 includes a receptacle 22 for
`removably receiving the module 12 without need for a tool,
`such that the module 12 can be either used with the case 14 of
`the portable device 10 and/or is user interchangeable with the
`cases of other electronic devices having the same or similar
`types of receptacles.
`[0020]
`In one embodiment, the body 16 may be constructed
`to provide the module 12 with a degree of water resistance and
`dust protection. For example, the body 16 may be a single
`shell except for an opening for the display 18 and once the
`display 18 is in place, the display 18 may by sealed with the
`body 16 using traditional waterproofing methods. In another
`embodiment, the body 16 may be assembled in separate
`pieces but then sealed once assembled.
`[0021]
`In one exemplary embodiment, the module 12 and
`the receptacle 22 in the case 14 are made industry standard
`sizes, such that different modules 12 manufactured and sold
`by a one set of manufacturers fit within the receptacles of
`different cases manufactured and sold by another set of manu(cid:173)
`facturers, for example.
`[0022] FIGS. lA and lB show an embodiment where the
`receptacle 22 is formed as an opening in the back of the case
`14 and where the top or front of the case 14 includes an
`opening. In this embodiment, the module 12 is inserted into
`the case 14 from the bottom or back of the case 14, and once
`inserted the display 18 of the module 12 is visible through the
`opening in the top of the case 14. When the module 12 is used
`
`in an portable device 10, such as a watch, the display 18 of the
`module of movement 12 becomes the display 18 of the por(cid:173)
`table device.
`[0023] The display 18 can include a display assembly
`including a color LCD display, a glass overlay and a touch
`overlay. The display 18 may form the top of the portable
`device 10 in an exemplary embodiment. The display 18 can
`be color, monochrome, black and white, or grayscale. The
`glass in the display 18 can be a number of different materials,
`including glass, tempered glass, quartz, plastic, soda lime
`glass, white soda lime glass, aluminosilicate, and/or sapphire.
`The glass represents some transparent barrier between the
`outside world and the display area. In some embodiments, the
`display includes an active viewable area of 25 .4 (H)x25 .4 (V)
`mm, with a display resolution between approximately 128
`(H)x128 (V) and 200 (H)x200 (W) pixels. Other embodi(cid:173)
`ments include other display resolutions. The display 18 may
`also include a wireless antenna for communications with, for
`example, a Bluetooth headset. In some embodiments the dis(cid:173)
`play 18 has an active area that measures less than 2.5" diago(cid:173)
`nally (in other embodiments, less than 2" diagonally).
`[0024]
`In one embodiment, the depth or thicknesses of the
`module 12 and the case 14 may be designed to be substan(cid:173)
`tially similar, so that when the module 12 is inserted, the side
`of the module 12 facing the open end of the receptacle 22 is
`coplanar with the back of the case 14 (and the wearer's arm),
`as shown in FIG. lA. Once the module 12 is inserted into the
`receptacle 22, in one embodiment, no closure is necessary to
`seal the case 14 unlike with traditional watches.
`[0025] Also, once inserted, the display 18 of the module 12
`that is open through the top of the case 14 may be designed to
`be approximately coplanar with, slightly above, or slightly
`below, the top of the case 14.
`[0026] As used herein, the portable device 10 may include
`a combination of both the case 14 and the module 12. But the
`term case 14 may denote the body of the portable device 10
`into which the receptacle 22 is formed and into which the
`module 12 is to be inserted. Thus, for small portable devices
`10, such as a watch, the proportionate size of the portable
`device/case to the receptacle 22 is small (FIGS. lA and lB).
`But for larger portable devices, the size of the portable device/
`case to the receptacle 22 may be larger.
`[0027] According to another aspect of the exemplary
`embodiment, the module 12 is implemented as a computer(cid:173)
`based electronic movement that is used to power the portable
`devices into which it is inserted, as described below.
`[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exploded view of the
`module 12 and components thereof when implemented as a
`computer-based electronic modular movement according to
`one exemplary embodiment. As shown, the module 12
`includes body 16 that houses multiple layers of components,
`which in this exemplary embodiment, may include a plastic
`internal chassis 200, a rechargeable-type battery 202, a
`printed circuit board (PCB) 204, a touchscreen 206, and an
`optional second plastic internal chassis 208 and protective
`covering 212. In this embodiment, the module 12 has six
`sides, but the side with the touchscreen 206 is substantially all
`display space.
`[0029] The PCB 204 may include components ( described
`below) such as a memory and processor for executing soft(cid:173)
`ware that displays a user interface on the touchscreen 206 and
`that operates the module 12; and an optional communications
`interface for receiving data remotely, which may be displayed
`and updated on the touchscreen 206.
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0010
`
`

`

`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`Aug. 6, 2009
`
`3
`
`[0030] Other components of the module 12 may include an
`antenna (not shown) that wraps around the body 16 (alterna(cid:173)
`tively embedded in case 14 ), and a set of contacts 210 inserted
`into the body 16 and in contact with the PCB. The contacts
`may be used for recharging the battery (the contacts are both
`power and ground) and/or for serialized communications.
`The contacts can also be used for orientation purposes for the
`user to tell which side of the module 12 is up or down when
`inserting the module 12 into the receptacle 22 of the case 14.
`In one embodiment, the contacts 210 are located on a side of
`the module 12 that is in the receptacle 22 opening so that the
`portable device 10 as a whole can be placed in a dock and the
`contacts 210 used to abut the contacts of the dock. In another
`embodiment, the contacts 210 are located on a side of the
`module 12 that face inward into the receptacle 22 for abutting
`with contacts in the receptacle 22. In yet another embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the contacts 210 may be located on the module 12 such
`that the contacts 210 wrap around at least two side of the
`module 12 to be used in both manners.
`[0031] During assembly, the contacts 210 are inserted into
`the body 16; and the layers of components are assembled as
`shown into a movement subassembly 20. The movement
`subassembly 20 is then inserted into the body 16 and the body
`is sealed, creating the computer-based module 12.
`[ 003 2] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating computer com(cid:173)
`ponents on the PCB comprising the module 12 according to
`an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the PCB 504
`containing computer 600 may be implemented as a single
`sided or double-sided PCB. In another embodiment, the PCB
`504 may be implemented as separate PCBs and stacked
`within the movement subassembly 514.
`[0033] Computer 600 may include components such as
`processors 602, memories 604, inputs/outputs 606, power
`manager 608, a communications interface 610, and sensors
`612. In one embodiment, one or more of the components of
`the computer 600 may be implemented on a single chip.
`[0034] The processors 602 may include at least one micro(cid:173)
`processor 614, a digital signal processor (DSP), a global
`positioning system (GPS) chip 616, and a clock 620. Micro(cid:173)
`processor 614 and/or DSP may be capable of concurrently
`executing multiple software routines, including system code,
`to control the various processes of the module 12. In one
`embodiment, microprocessor 614 may comprise an
`Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processor or the like may
`be used, for example. GPS 618 may process received satellite
`signals and with or without microprocessor 614 determine
`position information such as location, speed, direction, and
`time.
`[0035] Clock 620 may be used as an internal timing device
`for the computer 600. Clock 620, which may also be referred
`to as a real-time clock or system clock, inputs to the micro(cid:173)
`processor 614 a constant flow of timing pulses for operation
`of the microprocessor 614. Clock 620 may also keep track of
`the time of day and makes this data available to the software
`routines executing in microprocessor 614. In one embodi(cid:173)
`ment, clock 620 comprises a silicon oscillator clock imple(cid:173)
`mented using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
`technology. In another embodiment, clock 620 may utilize a
`quartz crystal oscillator.
`[0036] Memories 604 may include a random access
`memory (RAM) 622 and a non-volatile memory 626. RAM
`622 may be used as the main memory for microprocessor 614
`for supporting execution of the software routines and other
`selective storage functions. Non-volatile memory 626 is
`
`capable of holding instructions and data without power and
`may store the software routines for controlling module 12 in
`the form of computer-readable program instructions. In one
`embodiment, non-volatile memory 626 comprises flash
`memory. In alternative embodiments, non-volatile memory
`626 may comprise any type ofread only memory (ROM).
`[0037] The non-volatile memory 626 may contain a user
`interface application 623, which can provide functionality for
`the portable device 10 and can output a graphical user inter(cid:173)
`face on the display 18. The non-volatile memory 626 can
`include a gesture store 625 (e.g., a database, or a look-up
`table), which can contain definitions of different gestures in
`the form of combinations of sensor inputs, defined here as
`"gesture rules," and predetermined functions associated with
`the gestures that are executed upon identification of the ges(cid:173)
`tures. When executed, the user interface application 623 can
`access the gesture rules stored in gesture store 625 when
`movement of the portable device 10 is sensed. When the
`movement satisfies the rules in a gesture definition, the pre(cid:173)
`determined function may be executed.
`[0038]
`I/Os 606 may include a display controller 630, an
`audio chip 632, and a touchscreen controller 634. Display
`controller 630 may access RAM 622 and transfer processed
`data, such as time and date and/or a user interface, to the
`touchscreen 506 for display. The audio chip 632 is coupled to
`an optional speaker (not shown) and interfaces with micro(cid:173)
`processor 614 to provide audio capability for the module 12.
`In another embodiment, the audio chip 632 may be coupled to
`both a speaker and a microphone (not shown). In this embodi(cid:173)
`ment, a water resistant/proof speaker and microphone may be
`used to retain water resistance of the module 12. In an alter(cid:173)
`native embodiment, the module 12 may be implemented
`without sound capability, in which case no audio chip 632,
`speaker or microphone is necessary.
`[0039]
`In the embodiment where the audio chip 632 is
`coupled to both a speaker and microphone, the microphone
`may record voice input that is first processed by the audio chip
`and then input to the microprocessor 614 for further process(cid:173)
`ing. The audio chip 632 may include hardware and/or soft(cid:173)
`ware that converts analog voice into pulse code modulation
`(PCM) or Adaptive Differential PCM (AD PCM) digital code
`and vice versa, as well as for compressing and decompressing
`the PCM or AD PCM digital audio signal. In one embodiment,
`the processed voice input may be stored for subsequent play(cid:173)
`back. In another embodiment, the processed voice input may
`be transferred to communications interface 610 for wireless
`transmission.
`[0040] Touchscreen controller 634 may interface with the
`touchscreen 506 to detect touches and touch locations and
`pass the information on to microprocessor 614 for determi(cid:173)
`nation of user interactions. Another example I/O 606 may
`include a USB controller (not shown).
`[0041] Power manager 608 communicates with the micro(cid:173)
`processor 614 and coordinates power management for the
`computer 600 while the computer is drawing power from the
`battery 502 during normal operations. In one embodiment,
`the battery 502 may comprise a rechargeable, lithium ion
`battery or the like may be used, for example. The power
`manager 608 includes a voltage controller 636 and a charging
`controller 638 for recharging the battery 502. Voltage con(cid:173)
`troller 636 may regulate battery voltage to the rest of the
`computer 600, and charging controller 638 may manage
`appropriate voltage levels to properly charge the battery 502.
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1010, 0011
`
`

`

`US 2009/0195497 Al
`
`Aug. 6, 2009
`
`4
`
`Power manager 608 may further include a microcontroller
`(not shown) in one embodiment.
`[0042] The communications interface 610 may include
`components for supporting one-way or two-way wireless
`communications. In one embodiment, the communications
`interface 610 is for primarily receiving data remotely, includ(cid:173)
`ing streaming data, which is displayed and updated on the
`touchscreen 506. However, in an alternative embodiment,
`besides transmitting data, the communication interface 616
`could also support voice transmission. In an exemplary
`embodiment, the communications interface 610 supports low
`and intermediate power radio frequency (RF) communica(cid:173)
`tions. The communications interface 610 may include one or
`more of a WiFi transceiver 640 for supporting communica(cid:173)
`tion with a WiFi network, including wireless local area net(cid:173)
`works (WLAN), and WiMAX; a cellular transceiver 642 for
`supporting communication with a cellular network; Blue(cid:173)
`tooth transceiver 644 for low-power communication accord(cid:173)
`ing to the Bluetooth protocol and the like, such as wireless
`personal area networks (WPANs); and passive radio-fre(cid:173)
`quency identification (RFID) 646. Others wireless options
`may include baseband and infrared, for example. The com(cid:173)
`munications interface 610 may also include other types of
`communications devices (not shown) besides wireless, such
`as serial communications via contacts 510 and/or USB com(cid:173)
`munications, for example.
`[0043] The sensors 612 are representative of devices that
`can take information about the outside world and supply it to
`the device 10. The sensors 612 can also function with other
`components to provide user or environmental input and feed(cid:173)
`back to a user. Sensors 612 may include at least one of each of
`an inertial sensor 648, and any number of optional sensors
`1-n. Sensors 612 may include at least one of each of an inertial
`sensor 648, and any number of optional sensors 1-n. Inertial
`sensor 648 can include a MEMS accelerometer ( e.g., a 3-axis
`accelerometer from ST Microelectronics LIS302DL) that
`may be used to measure information such as position, motion,
`tilt, shock, and vibration for use by microprocessor 614.
`Another example of an inertial sensor includes a gyroscope to
`provide information about movement of the portable device
`10. An inertial sensor 648 that can track can track motion in
`three dimensions such as those described above may be
`advantageous because rotational acceleration and absolute
`deflection may be detected, allowing for more precise track(cid:173)
`ing of the movement of the portable device 10.
`[0044] The optional sensors 1-n may include environmen(cid:173)
`tal sensors (e.g., ambient light (e.g., TPS851 from Toshiba),
`temperature, humidity, pressure (redundant, an altitude sen(cid:173)
`sor is a pressure sensor), magnetic (e.g., Hall Effect), com(cid:173)
`pass, etc), biological sensors ( e.g., pulse, blood oxygen satu(cid:173)
`ration, body temperature, blood pressure, body fat, etc.), and
`a proximity detector for detecting the proximity of objects.
`Other examples of sensors include touch screen sensors, hap(cid:173)
`tic sensors, and audio input. In the embodiment where the
`display 18 comprises a touch screen, the touch screen can be
`capacitance and/or resistance based, or any other touch sen(cid:173)
`sitive device that provides user touch information. In one
`embodiment, the proximity detector may be implemented as
`an infrared data Association (IRDA) proximity detector. The
`computer 600 may display the information measured from
`the sensors 612, analyze the information by microprocessor
`614 and display the analyzed information, and/or transmit the
`
`raw or analyzed information via the communications inter(cid:173)
`face 610. In one embodiment, not all of the sensors 612 may
`be located on PCB 504.
`[0045]
`In one exemplary embodiment, the computer 600
`includes a combination of the inertial sensor 648, which may
`be a MEMS accelerometer ( or other inertial sensor capable of
`motion tracking in at least two dimensions such as a gyro(cid:173)
`scope), the ambient light sensor, and the proximity sensor,
`such as an infrared reflective sensor. According to the exem(cid:173)
`plary embodiment, the combined information from these sen(cid:173)
`sors is used to provide feedback required to determine when
`the display 18 is visible to the user and should be turned on.
`[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a
`process for gesture-based power management for a wearable
`portable electronic device. First, the inertial sensor 648 is
`calibrated to a reference orientation that is relative to a user's
`body angle (block 400). The user's body angle may be defined
`as the angle substantially between the user's torso and the
`ground. In the exemplary embodiment, the reference orien(cid:173)
`tation for calibration is shown in FIG. 5, with the display 18
`facing up and the arm in front of the user. While the embodi(cid:173)
`ment shown in FIG. 4 uses the earth's gravity as a reference
`point, meaning the user's body angle is substantially vertical,
`for the reference orientation, the reference orientation may
`utilize different body angles to calibrate the inertial sensor
`648. In an exemplary embodiment, the portable device 10
`may, with or without a user's request, reset the reference
`orientation from gravitional (i.e., a substantially vertical body
`angle) to any other user-selected body angle. Examples of
`body angles may include a substantially horizontal angle
`( e.g., when the user is lying substantially on his or her back)
`and an inclined angle ( e.g., when the user is reclined in a chair
`or seat in a car or airplane).
`[0047] FIG. 5 shows the 3 reference axes, x, y and z, which
`form a reference coordinate system. The x-axis runs parallel
`to and in front of the body. The y-axis goes through the body
`(axis from chest to device). The z-axis runs up and down
`(from device to the ceiling). FIG. 5 also shows rotational
`angles a, b, and c, around each axis. Utilizing three-dimen(cid:173)
`sional sensing, may be advantageous over electronic devices
`using fewer sensing axes because angles and positions that a
`user would use to view the display 18 of the portable device
`10 can be more precisely sensed. This can lead to more
`efficient battery use because the display 18 may not be turne