AU735496B2

AU735496B2 - Portable radio communication apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU735496B2
Application number: AU63608/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Osamu Yamashita
Original assignee: NEC Corp
Current assignee: NEC Corp
Priority date: 1997-04-25
Filing date: 1998-04-24
Publication date: 2001-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-24
Also published as: GB9808862D0; JPH10304031A; GB2325821B; GB2325821A; AU6360898A

Description

S F Ref: 418352

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

~r c rr r r Name and Address of Applicant: NEC Corporation 7-1, Shiba Minato-ku Tokyo

JAPAN

Osamu Yamashita Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Portable Radio Communication Apparatus The following statement is a full description best method of performing it known to me/us:of this invention, including the 5845 PORTABLE RADIO COMMUNICATION APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable radio communication Sapparatus and, more particularly, to a portable radio communication oooo apparatus including a display.

Description of the Related Art S. A portable radio telephone, for example, is usually powered by a battery or a rechargeable battery because it cannot be connected to an AC I o power source. The problem with the battery, whether it be rechargeable or not, is that it limits the operating time of the telephone. To use the battery over a longer period of time, it is a common practice with the telephone to turn offa transmitting section included in the telephone or to cause it to operate intermittently.

I -On the other hand, a portable radio telephone including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) has a drawback that although its transmitting section and receiving section may be disconnected from a power source, the LCD consumes current if connected to the power source and reduces the operating time of the telephone.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 5-102910, for -1example, teaches a radio telephone with a power saving feature for reducing the power consumption of an LCD driver and an LCD controller for controlling it. Specifically, the radio telephone taught in this document interrupts power supply to its LCD driver when a call incoming or a key r input does not occur over a preselected period of time. Further, when a call incoming or a key input does not occur on the elapse of another preselected period of time since the interruption of power supply to the LCD driver, the telephone interrupts power supply to its LCD controller.

On the occurrence of a call incoming or a key input, the telephone resumes g 0 power supply to the LCD driver and LCD controller. Such control over the LCD driver and LCD controller is assigned to a CPU (Central Processing unit) included in the telephone.

S However, the radio telephone having the above configuration brings about other problems, as follows. Once the power supply to the .1 r LCD driver or the LCD controller is shut off, the LCD does not operate at all unless a call incoming or a key input occurs. Therefore, when a long period of time expires since the interruption of power supply, the user of the telephone cannot determine whether or not the telephone is operating on the basis of the appearance of the telephone. Moreover, the user cannot o see information expected to appear on the LCD and representative of the charge condition of a battery and the electric field strength of a signal received from a base station. This prevents the use from determining the operating conditions of the telephone. In addition, because the CPU must control not only the telephone but also the power supply to the LCD, c" control assigned to the CPU is sophisticated and increases the load on the -2- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of at least the preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved portable radio communication apparatus capable of allowing the user to see its operating conditions, as well as other information, even in a power saving mode.

Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention provides a portable radio communication apparatus including a display in which a power supply to said display is interrupted when no incoming call and no key input occurs during a first preselected period of time following supply of power, and the power to the display is repeatedly supplied and interrupted at intervals of a second preselected period of time after an interruption of the power supply.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of supplying power to a display iricluded in a portable radio communication apparatus capable of holding communication by radio, said method comprising the steps of: 2interrupting power supply to said display when a first preselected period of time elapses without any incoming call or key input since power was .supplied; and repeatedly setting up and interrupting the power supply to said display at intervals of a second preselected period of time after an interruption of the power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS *ese and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig.1 is a block diagram schematically showing a portable radio communication apparatus embodying the present invention; Fig.2 is a flowchart demonstrating a specific operation of the illustrative embodiment; Fig.3 is a block diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figs. 4A-4C each shows switching means included in the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a particular condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, a portable radio communication apparatus embodying the present invention is shown. While the communication apparatus is implemented as a iortable telephone in the illustrative embodiment, it may alternatively be go *o gong *oo* implemented as a telephone belonging to a personal handy phone system (PHS), a cordless telephone or a pager, if desired.

As shown in FIG. 1, the portable telephone includes an antenna 1 and a transmitter/receiver 2. The transmitter/receiver 2 receives a radio r signal via the antenna 1 and amplifies it for frequency conversion. A baseband processing 3 executes baseband processing with the amplified signal output from the transmitter/receiver 2. A CPU 4 controls various sections constituting the telephone. A signal to be sent and processed by the baseband processing 3 is fed to the antenna via the transmitter/receiver oooo t a 2 and radiated therefrom. Fig. 1 does not show any of a microphone, a :speaker and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for an alert because they are not directly relevant to the understanding of the present invention.

An LCD controller 5 causes information to appear on an LCD 8 in accordance with the operation of keys 6. Also, the LCD controller r causes a call incoming, a received message, the receipt condition of the antenna 1 and so forth to selectively appear on the LCD 8 in response to a command output from the CPU 4. An LCD driver 7 feeds a drive signal to the LCD 8 under the control of the LCD controller A power source controller 9 delivers a voltage output from a power source 10 to the various sections in accordance with a power source control signal output from the CPU 4. The power source 10 should preferably be implemented by a rechargeable battery removably mounted to the telephone.

A timer 11 receives the voltage of the power source 10 via the t power source controller 9 and is reset by a signal output from the LCD controller 5. Further, the timer 11 feeds switching control signals to switches 12 and 13 constituting switching means in combination. The LCD driver 7 receives the voltage output from the power source 10 via the power source controller 9 and switches 12 and 13, as will be described S specifically later. Preferably, the switch 13 should be a three-point switch having two inputs and one output.

As stated above, the illustrative embodiment includes the timer 11 and switches 12 and 13, or switching means, for controlling the LCD driver 7 by using the output signal of the LCD controller 5. It is therefore r possible to control the power supply to the LCD driver 7 only if the timer 11 and switching means 12 and 13 are added to a conventional portable telephone.

S. A specific operation of the illustrative embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown, when a power switch, not r shown, provided on the telephone is turned on (step S101), the power oooo source controller 106 starts feeding the output voltage of the power source 10. Then, the telephone registers its location at a base station and enters into a waiting mode. At this instant, the output voltage of the power source 10 is applied to the LCD driver 7 via the switches 12 and 13.

1o Specifically, the switch 12 is held in its closed position while a first terminal included in the switch 13 and connected to the output terminal of the switch 12 is held in connection with the output terminal of the switch 13. In this condition, the LCD 8 remains in its ON state (step S115).

In response to the turn-on of the power switch, the timer 11 tr starts counting time (step S102). Then, the CPU 4 references the output -6of the LCD controller 5 in order to determine whether or not conversation is under way, whether or not a call has been received, whether or not any one of the keys 6 is pressed, and so forth (steps S103-S105). Assume that conversation is under way on the telephone. Then, information S representative of the conversation appears on the LCD 8, so that the CPU 4 feeds a signal representative of the conversation to the LCD controller In response, the LCD controller 5 delivers a control signal assigned to conversation display to the LCD driver 7. This control signal output from the LCD controller 5 resets the timer or counter 11. A call incoming is oooo 0o also displayed on the LCD 8; the timer 11 monitors a control signal output from the LCD controller 5. Further, the operation of any one of the keys 6 is displayed on the LCD 8; the timer or counter 11 is reset by the output *signal of the LCD controller S"The timer 11 started counting time counts a first preselected r period of time T, preferably 5 minutes. On the elapse of the first period of time T (YES, step S106), the timer 11 causes the switch 12 to open. As a result, the power supply to the LCD driver 7 is interrupted, so that the 0.

LCD 8 is brought into its OFF state (step S109). Preferably, whether or not a call has been received (step S 107) and whether or not any key 6 has Sbeen operated (step S108) should be determined again on the elapse of the period of time T.

Even after opening the switch 12, as stated above, the timer 11 continuously counts time until a second period of time 2T expires (step S112). When a call is received or any key 6 is pressed before the second Sr period of time 2T-expires (YES step S1l10 or S111), the timer 11 selects -7a second input terminal included in the switch 13. As a result, the output voltage of the power source 10 is fed to the LCD driver 7 via the switch 13.

On the elapse of the period of time 2T, the timer 11 closes the s7 switch 12 in order to feed the voltage to the LCD driver 7 and thereby turns on the LCD 8 (step S113). At the same time, the timer or counter 11 is reset.

Of course, the timer 11 capable of counting the period of time 2T may be replaced with a timer capable of counting only the period of oooo o time T, in which case whether or not to feed the voltage will be determined at intervals ofT. This alternative configuration is practicable with a single switch. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, when a timer 14 turns on or turns offa switch 15 at every interval T, the power supply to the LCD controller 7 can be controlled. In Fig. 3, the same structural elements as the elements i shown in Fig. 1 are designated by identical reference numerals and will not be described specifically in order to avoid redundancy.

Further, the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 uses the two different .i periods of time T and 2T. In another alternative arrangement, on the elapse of the period of time T (preferably 5 minutes), the switch 12 is opened to set up a power saving mode. Thereafter, the switch 13 is operated at intervals of T1 (preferably 1 minute). It is to be noted that such an arrangement would sophisticate the circuitry if implemented by a single switch.

Figs. 4A-4C each shows a particular condition of the switches t- 12 and 13. As shown in Fig. 4A, when the power switch is turned on, the -8switch 12 is closed while the first input terminal of the switch 13 connected to the output of the switch 12 is connected to the output terminal. Fig. 4B shows a first condition to occur at the interval of T1 after the period of time T has expired. As shown, the switch 12 is opened r- and prevents the output voltage of the power source 10 from being fed via the switching means. Fig. 4C shows a second condition to occur at the interval of T1 after the period of time T has expired. As shown, the second input terminal of the switch 13 is connected to the output terminal, S'so that the output voltage of the power source 10 is fed via the switch 13.

S* o As stated above, the telephone is selectively held in its usual :mode or in the power saving mode by the operation of the switch 12. The other switch 13 selectively feeds the output voltage of the power source after the power saving mode as been set up.

The above operation can be implemented by the following r procedure. In the flowchart of Fig. 2, the timer or counter 11 is reset and the switch 12 is operated on the elapse of the period of time T (YES, step 106). Then, on the elapse of the period of time T1 short of the period of time T, the switch 13 is operated. On the elapse of the period of time T (YES, step S112), the timer 11 is reset and started again. Alternatively, 1o the timer 11 may included two counters, one responsive to the period of time T and the other responsive to the period of time T1. In such a case, on the elapse of the period of time T counted by one timer, the switch 13 will be controlled by the other timer. Subsequently, the two counters will be reset in the event of a call incoming or a key input.

2 The times to be set by the timers should preferably be variable -9by the user of the telephone on the keys 6.

In summary, it will be seen that the present invention provides a portable radio communication apparatus capable of turning on its display at preselected intervals even after turning it off for a power saving purpose. This allows the user of the apparatus to see whether or not the telephone is operating. In addition, the apparatus of the invention is capable of controlling power supply in accordance with the output signal of an LCD controller. Therefore, a power saving feature and control over the power supply to the display are achievable at the same time with a load on simple circuitry.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous various, modifications and embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (which term includes the claims) and/or shown in the drawings may be incorporated in the invention independently of other disclosed and/or illustrated features.

The description of the invention with reference to the drawings is by way of example only.

The text of the abstract filed herewith is repeated here as part of the specification.

A portable radio communication apparatus of the present invention includes a timer for counting a preselected period of time since the turn-on of a power switch providing on the apparatus. On the elapse of the preselected period of time, the apparatus automatically sets a power saving mode. In the power saving mode, the apparatus repeatedly turns on and (s turns off its display at preselected intervals. In this configuration, the display is automatically N> turned on and turned off while the apparatus is in its waiting state, thereby saving power while Sdisplaying necessary information for the user of the apparatus intermittently.

10

Claims

1. A portable radio communication apparatus including a display in which a power supply to said display is interrupted when no incoming call and no key input occurs during a first preselected period of time following supply of power, and the power to the display is repeatedly supplied and interrupted at intervals of a second preselected period of time after an interruption of the power supply.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising timer means for counting said first period of time and said second period of time, and switching means controlled by an output of said timer means for selectively setting up or interrupting the power supply to said display. S

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said switching means comprises a first switch and a second switch, said first' switch being controlled during said first period of time, said second switch being controlled at the intervals of said second period of time on the elapse of said first period of time.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising means for controlling said display, said timer means being reset in response to an output signal of said control means.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a timer for counting said first period of time and said second period of time, and a switch controlled by an output of said timer for setting up and interrupting power supply to said "%isplay.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said switch comprises a first switch and a second switch, said first switch being controlled during an interval between the turn-on of a power switch of the apparatus and an elapse of said first period of time, said second switch being controlled at the intervals of-said second period of time on the elapse of said first period of time.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising control means for controlling said display, said timer being reset in response to an output signal of said control means.

8. A method of supplying power to a display included in a portable radio communication apparatus capable of holding communication by radio, said method comprising the steps of: interrupting power supply to said display when a first preselected period of time elapses without any incoming call or key input since power was supplied; and repeatedly setting up and interrupting the power supply to said display at intervals of a second preselected period of time after an interruption of the power supply. or Apparatus or a method substantiallng as herein described with reference to or as shown in any of the accompanying drawings. -12-