CA2562145C

CA2562145C - System and method for monitoring a mobile computing product/arrangement

Info

Publication number: CA2562145C
Application number: CA2562145A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Thomas Wulff; Alistair Hamilton; Sudhir Bhatia; David Bellows; Kevin Cordes
Original assignee: Symbol Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Symbol Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2004-04-06
Filing date: 2005-03-31
Publication date: 2016-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2025-03-31
Also published as: US20110205376A1; US20100100623A1; US20110221673A1; JP2013178806A; CA2562145A1; US20110205076A1; EP1733242A2; AU2005233951A1; JP2007537507A; WO2005101028A2; US20050222801A1; EP2381335A1; JP2012094164A; US8773260B2; EP1733242A4; WO2005101028A3; EP2381334A1; TW200611516A

Abstract

Described is a system and method for monitoring a mobile computing Arrangement. The arrangement may include a sensor and a processor. The sensor detects first data of an event including a directional orientation and a motion of the arrangement. The processor compares the first data to second data to determine if at least one predetermined procedure is to be executed. The second data may include a predetermined threshold range of changes in the directional orientation and the motion. If the predetermined procedure is to be executed, the processor selects the predetermined procedure which corresponds to the event as a function of the first data. Subsequently, the predetermined procedures is executed.

Description

System and Methed for.ldordtoring:a Mobile COmpUting PrednctlArrengement SackgroUnd InforMatien:
, .
00011 Businese and individuals today rely on mobile Computing productsiarrangeMenta (11MCP'si bar code readers', Mike, laptOps, two, way4egers, mobile phones, digital cameras, mobile optical read') in a multitude of situatienc ranging from basic everyday tasks to highly specialized procedures. 4s: virtues and, benefits of utilizing HCPs Cohtinne to be realized across inCitesinely diverse industries, the featUresand capabilities of these products are expanding at a corraelPendinglYraPidPaCe. -In many 'industries, MCPs have gone from feshionableaccePPeriesto essential business components used by 411 levels of personnel - 00021 Atcordingiy, a great need has developed for MCPs to perform complicated tasks quickly,. efficiently and reliably. However, as conventional MCps are fitted with more advanced gadgetry and software features sacrifices are often made with. respect to durability, power management and user,friendliness.. While many methods have been devised attempting to resolve these diffieUities. MCPe currently continue to euffer from problems of inefficient power usage; complicated operational procedures and-on-screenHmenuso and the inability to tolerate the harsh induatrial Conditions to which the products may be subjected.
[0003] In the ongoing search for solutions to these problems, one aspect of McPsthat has remained overlooked is a product 'z kinetic state, .from an Malts motions, valuable information may be extracted from which various predetermined procedures directed at accomplishing some useful end or preventing some harmful result may be executed. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to detect, interpret and utilise the movements experienced by McPs.
gmattailrof the Invention 100041 .According to 4 first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile computing arrangement comprising.: a sensor detecting first data of an event including a motion and directional orientation of the arrangement; and a processor comparing the first data to second data to determine if at least one predetermined procedure it to be executed, the second data including a predetermined threshold valued wherein, if the predetermined procedure i.e to be executed, the processor stores the first data in a non-volatile meMory of the arrangement, wherein a plurality of associated stored first data forms an event history of the arrangement.
t00051 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method Of determining abuse of a mobile oomPuting arrangement comprising: detecting first data of an event including 'a motion and directional orientation of the mobile computing arrangement using a sensor; comparing the first data to second data to deterMine if at least one predetermined procedure is to be executed, thefl second data including a predetermined threshold value;
and storing a plurality of first data if the predetermined procedure is to be executed, the plurality of fitst data forming an event history of the arrangement.
[0005-11 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is Provided a mobile comPuting arrangement comprising: a sensor detecting first data of an event including a motion and directional orientation of the arrangement; and a processor comparing the first data to second data, the second data being at least one threshold value, the processor storing a plurality of first data to an event history of the arrangement based on the comparison, the event history only accessible to an authorized user of the arrangement, wherein the arrangement is at least one of a bar code scanner, a handheld personal digital assistant, a laptops a digital camera, an optical reader, a data capture device and a mobile communication arrangement.
r0005-21 The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, givenby way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Brief Deacrivtioga of the nrawiajo (00061 Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mobile network according to the present invention.

[09071 Fig.' 2 shows an exemplary eMbodiment of a 'Mobile computing prOdUctiArtangement according to the present invention.
[00081 Fig, 3 shows at, exemplary embodiment ofI a Method for Monitoring a mobile computing produCt/Arrangement According to the present inVentiQfl paled. Descriptiork [00091 The:preSent invention :May be further understood .with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, Wherein like eleMents are provided with the same reference.
numerals. The present invention relates to an MCP which includes , a sensor that monitors the MCP's directional orientation and motion. In particular, the sensor may measure the MCP's =acceleration, Velocity, or angular velocity in any direction, orientation with respect to the user, the forces on the MP? upon impact, the direction of impact, or any other Shocks or movements to which the MCP may. be subjected. These measurements may be.
contrasted with prerecorded movement patterns or predefined levels of acceptable and unacceptable movement. As will be deSoribed beloW, predetermined procedures may then be executed that may be useful in a:Wide range of applications, including but not limited to abuse indication, power management, gesture Input, compensating for undesired motion, display orientation, and security.
[0010.] Fig, 1 shows an: exemplary embodiment of A mobile network 10-0 According to the present invention. In this embodiment, the mobile network 100 may be operating within, 4 Wireless Local Area Network (MAILANli) 40 in an infrastructure mode. The mobile network .100 may also include an access point . .

(AP") 10, a plurality of MCPs 20, 25, a communications network SP, a server 60, and a client computer 70. The MCP 20 is height hl from the ground 30, and, the MCP 25 is height h2 from the Both MCPs 20, 25: are sitpated on a three dimensional plane in which they may translate, rotate, pivot, Accelerate or otherwise be :in motion. Those of skill in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be used With any 71ObiP network and that the mobile network 100 is only exeMplary-,,:,- .
EOM] 'The MALT 40 may use a version of the IEEE 802..11 or a similar pnOt000l. One benefit of using vetslon of the IEEE
802.11 standardia that existing infrastructures using 1...14#
, standard may be adapted to $PPPort the systeMWith minimal modifications. With only a simple software. Upgrade, most MCPs 243, -.215 supporting that standard may operate according to the present invention. In alternative exemplary embodiments, different wireless protocols or technologies (e.g., BluetOoth, WAN, WPAN, infratea may Also he utilized.
.0012 Referring back to the mobile network 100, the AP 10 may be, for example, :a router, switch or bridge that forms the connection between the MAN 40 and the communications network 50.
Coupled to the. IN 40 are the MCPs 20, '25, and Coupled to the communications network SO are the server 60 and the client computer 70:, The'Oomthunications network 50 is utilized to transmit data between the various components of the mobile network 10-0. ThiS communications network ,50 can be any network usable to transmit data, such as between microprocessors, and May be a local area network (LAIT/)., a Wide area network (µTAN19 or .the Internet, The range of the MCPS 20, 25 are restricted only by the extent of the communications network 50. When the communiCations network 50 includes the Internet, the range can be essentially unlimited, as long as the AP 10 connected to the communications network 50 is within of each of the MCPs 20, 25, Therefore, the AZ 10 does not have to physically be in the vicinity Of the server 60 or the client computer 70, as it may be remotely located by extending network Cabling or through the Internet-.
100231 The MCPs 2.0, 25 maybe any type of computer or processor based mobile device .(e.g., a bar code reader, a PDA, a laptop 4 two-way pager, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a.
:mobile optical reader). :Since the MCPs 20, 25 are portable, they are capable of Connecting :to a wireless network, and are sufficiently small to be easily 'carried. The MCPs 20, 25 may be ilesigned for epeCific purposes, Such as reading barcodes, or may =
be handheld devices with different purposes, to which various fUnctionalitieb have been added through separate software modules.. In one exemplary embodiment, the MCPs 20, 25 are based on a mUlti-PUrpoSe personal digital assistant (9)DA") such as those -running the Microsoft Pocket PC 2003 operating system, or similar.
00.14] Fig. 2 shows :an exemplary embodiment of an MCP 20, 25 according: to the present invention, In this etbodiment, the MVP
. 20, 25 may include 4-processor 110, a sensor 120, a non-retovable memory 130) a removable memory 140, and an antennae 150. The processor 110. is a central :processing unit ('ICPT,1 ) that executes instructions on meaaureMents taken by the sensor 120 and: performs . procedures such as storing the: result in memory or transmitting the testlt to remote devices: through the Antennae 150. The non-removable memory 130 is any type of memory component integrated into the electronie.architecture of the MCP 20, 25 and may be Pages temporary (e.g.., random access memory, or RAM) or permanent a hard-disk drive).. The removable memory 149 may be any type of detaohablememory component that May connect to the MCPs õ20, 25 through an expansion interface (e,g, a FLASH interface, a USB interface, a fixewire interface, etc.).
C00-15I In the exemplary ettbodimentof Fig, 2, the sensor 120 is integrated into the MCPs 20, 25. This sensor 120 may be a = device coupled to at electronic architecture of the MCPs, 20, 25 = that dispatches data to a separate memory device, or it may be coupled to at least a: potion of another device In arChiteCture. 'For 141144nc,,, in.. the latter eMbodiment, the sensor 120 May be coUpled to a memory -arrangement in, which event data (e.g., a first, data of an...event relating to the MCP' 20, 25.'s 'movements with .values above a Certain threshold) is stpred. In an alternative 'aMP-1.047Y embodiment, the sensor 120 may be a separate external devidethat connects to the MCPs 20, 25 through -.4n expansion slot (e.g., a sensor with a FLASH, USB, firewite or similar interfaCe)..
100161 The sensor 120 may be any type of measurement device, capale. of ::monitoring directional Orientation and motion, and may be based 611:=, for example. a 07shook sensor, a switch, an accelerometer, a'atrain gage, a pie.zo, MEMS technologies, or cotbiations of the The directional orientation may ine14de any angular movement value with respect to at least one three-diMensional axis of the MCPs 20, 25. The motion may include, for exaMplt, a velocity value, an acceleration value, or an angular velocity value. Although the sensor 120 May be of any -_sJ-zei the sensor 220 is preferably small enough so that any added Weight and space occupied on the MCPs 29, 25 are negligible.
Seoatte the MCPs 29, 25 usually operate on batteries, the sensor , = 120 should also have a low power consumption. In addition, the sensor 12.0 should be durable enough to withstand the abusive environments of which its purpose is to monitor.
[0017) The sensor 120 detects changes in the directional :orientation and motion of the MCP 20, 25 and generates the first data. The -firet data is provided to the processor 110 which comparea the first: data to predetermined second data Which includes threshold range values. or example, the second data.
may be a prerecorded rotation of the MCP 20, 25 by ninety degrees, the detection of which may indicate of the occurrence of an event. The second data may be a maximum height from Which the JiCp 20, 25 is dropped subsequently, based on the first data, a particular predetermined procedure is selected and executed.
100181 The first data may be retained for each instance where the-measUrements of the sensor 120 are Above or below thesecond data which specifies an acceptable threshold level:. The processor I1.0 may also appendadditional information to the retained first data including Sequential numbering of the events, time and. date for each event, acceleration data, data corresponding to a status of the:MCPs 20, 25 at the date/time of the event, environmental factors', a direction of the Shock, etc.
00191 Depending bn the application of the present invention, various predetermined procedures may he performed based ,on the 4rst data. For example, if desired, the first data Ilia:1i- be stored in the non-removable memory 130 ana/or the removable memory 140 prior to executing any other procedures.
Alternatively, the first data may not need to be stored locally at all, instead it is transmitted in teal-time for storage and/or further processing by a central server or 4 remote device. Such A transmission may be accomplished via the communication arrangement of the mobile network 100 of Fig- 1. The WIIAN 40 and communications network $0 comprise the communication arrangement, and the server n5.4 and the client computer 70 comprise the central server Or the remote device, [00201 The foregoing etbodiments Of the mobile network. 100 and the MCPs 20, 25 are not to be construed so as to limit the :present invention in anyway. As will be apparent tá those skilled in the art, different types of ,MCPs 20, 25 maybe used to communicate over the same data netwOrk, as long as they work -44dor compatible protocols. Other configurations with different nuMbers of MCPs, APS, or client, and server computers may also be used, taiavlement the system and method of the present invention, 00211 In an alternative exemplary embodiment of: the mobile network 'pp, the MCPs 20, 25 may connect to the communications network 50 diredtly via wires despite being portable_ For :example, rather than, real-time reporting, the MCPs 20,25 may ..0#1.y be required to COnnectsperiodically to the mobile network 100 for updates on their movements as monitored by their respective sensors 120. Furthermore, no Wireless Capabilities or communications: network 50 may be needed entirely. In such a situation, the sensor 120 Makes measurements to be processed internaIly for use locally by the users or manufacturers. For eµx4mplrei the measurementa may be used to suggest teEil4oinq or repairing- the MCP 20, 25 because it has exceeded a threshold of abuse and it in danger of TtlAlfunotioning, 00221 iligH 3 shows an exAmplary method 300 for:Monitoring:the MCPs 2.O 25_ In the step 310, certain distinct characteristics of events (e.g., second data) are identified and programmed -Page_ 8 into the MCPs 20, 25, The second data may include 4 specific threshold value and/or 4 threshold range of changes in the directional orientation and motion of the:MCPe 20, 25. The characteristics may include, for example, maximum Or minimum threshold values or prerecorded motions. The user (e.g., the manufacturer, a system administrator or any other authorized person) May designate or, if desired, make changes to these characteristics. For instance,., the MCPS 20, 25 may be prepackaged by the manufacturer with static] abuse maximum values that 'are inaccessible or not editable by the user.
AlternativelY, the threshold may simply be dynamic: default 1741-ae0 adjustable to future specifications..
f0p221 In the step 320, the MC? 20, 25 is continuously Monitbred by the sensor 120 for changes in the 'directional orientation and/or motion/Movements that may Constitute the occurrence of 4 predefined event. An event may include, tOr example, the 14C2," 20, 25 being dropped, jerked, tugged, shaken a.
certain nutber of times within a certain time period, or retraining stilLfOr a specified duration. Whenever the MCp: 204.

2.5 experiences detectable motion or an extended lack thereof, the first data is generated. The Sensor 120 may makeRQ effort to differentiate between or prioritize directional orientation Or Motion values, returning all results to the processor 119 for : processing.
p06241 In the step 330, the: processOr 110 Compares the measured first data with. the predetermined second data. If the characteristics of the first data Match those of the second data, the processor 110 deteimines that an event has occurred and a corresponding predetermined procedure needs to be selected. At the Occurrence of an event, the processor 110 may also attach to =

; the first data at least one of a time/date of each event, a status of the computing arrangement, a direction of the acceleration/ and environmental data. In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the above-described attachment may occur as a part of the predetermined =
procedure.
f0.0241 70r -example, when the sensor /20 detects that the MCP
20:, 25 CaMe to an ahruptttop after being accelerated for a short period of time, the processor 11.0, after Comparing that information to at least asportiOn of the preprogramme& second data, may conclude that the MCP 20, 25 dropped to the ground 30., From the magnitude and duration of acceleration, the processor may also determine whether the drop was forcibly included te.gõ an abusive user) and the distance hl or h2 of its displacement. Furthermore, from the direction of impact ad other data,, the processor 110 may also approximate the part of the MCP 20, 25 that initially made contact with the ground 30 and whether any critical components were directly impacted. Such information may be, attached. to the first data. and may be helpful in determining whether the fall poses a danger to the MCP 20, - 5f=-s continued operation.
19026] Due to practical considerations (e.g., memory limitations and processing power) and because not all event Occurrences may be significant, the reporting and recording of all Movements of the MCP 20, 25 no matter how minor, although possible, may in some instances be impractical. Movements within acceptable limits maybe superfluous and have no bearing to applications of the present invention. Therefore, in the step 34,0.., the first data is measured against threshold values contained in the Second data, The first data is retained only =

:when at least one. event and/or reading satisfies the threshold . values or matches the prerecorded motions of the second data;
otherwiee the first data is discarded and the method 300 is returned to the step 320 for the monitoring of new events.
= 00271 If the first data falls within the threshold Of the second data, the method 30-0 continues to the step 350 where the processor 110 Seleets, as a tutetion of the first data, at least , one predetermined procedure for execution. In. partionlar, the prOcesser 110 analyzes the measured first data and determines the corresponding' procedure of the plurality of predetermined precedures.
1.04203 In the-Step:350, the predetermined procedure is eXeOuted. The execution of the: predetermined procedure may depend upon the specific application of the present invention.
For example, the first data May be stored into the non-removable memory 130 or the removable memory 140; .,4. plurality of stored first data records. form WI event history of the.MCP-20, 2. The .
event history may be readily accessible to any -user of the MCP
20, 25, or may be password protected and/or encrypted so that only authorized personnel the network administrator or the manufacturer), may gain access.
[00293 Other examples of predetermined procedures include encrypting the first data so that it may'be accessible only by an authorized, tser, transmitting the first data to a remote computer, analyzing the event history of the MCP 20, 25 for service recommendations, reporting the cause of any damages, issuing precautionary warnings of the MCP 20, 25 s condition, changing the MCP 20, 25(a dispIaY, powering off, etc. After the predetermined procedure has been successfully executed, the method 2.00 may resume again at the step 220 to monitor forinew event occurrenCes, [0030J The examples discussed in the foregoing discussion are for illustrative purposes only and are not representative of all I)pesible applications of the present invention. Rather, the present invention ,may be applied across a diverse range of industries, practice areas, and Purposes. The description that follows further outline t the features and advantages of several exemplary applications of the present invention. IibWever, at will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the MCPs 20, 25 may benefit from and make use of an added motion sensor, component according to the present invention in many Other wayP, tn031) AsMCPs 20õ 25 are increasingly being integrated into = the daily operations of businesses today, a need has developed to = ensure that these MCP4 20, 25 can withstand the rugged:treat;ent -towhich they are often subjected Conventional design and .
construction techniques yield MCPS 2.0, 25 that exhibit levels of performance that Are only marginal in terms of reliability and durability tnderthe.demands of industrial environments. Damaged or malfuactioning14CPs 20, 25 may-have devastating effects 011 the numerous businesses Currently relying On mobile solutions. For exampal MCP0 20, 25. that are completely inoperable may result in costly delays while replacement pre-ducts are sought. Also, MCPs 20, 25 with latent malfunctions may cause undetectable coMputational errors that corrupt systems and induce further errors down the line, 0.032] Typi.cally, the user of the MCP 20, 25 has no reliable way of anticipating malfunctions and only discovers a problem as it Manifests itself., ):37 that time, damage has often already oCcurxed. Therefore, there is a great need for IT and customer service personnel be able to monitor and accurately determine When the MCP 20, 25 has surpassed an intolerable threshold of abuse, This may be accomplished by establishing measured levels of acceptable and unacceptable uSage profiles according to the exemplary embodiments of the.present invention. In this Walt, user profiles may be established and predictions may be made; of when the MCP 20, 25 should be:. replaced prior to it actually malfunctipning In instances where the MCP 20, 25 Is being abused, the Customer may intercede to minimize the abusive treatment, thereby reducing the amount of service to and/or replacement of the MCP 20, 25 required and lowering the total cost Of oWnership.
E0033] Referring to the exemplary method 300 of Fig. 3, for example, a Maximum level tolerable abuse may be defined in terms of the number of timesthe mcp 20, 25 is dropped to the ground 30. Thus, in the step 310, a minimum height: constituting A drop and maximum number of drops may be specified as a seCond data, The MCPs 20, 25 may be Configured to only record Values exceeding the predefined magnitudes. Accordingly, if a threshold for drop altitude were set somewhere between hi and h2, the MCP 20 dropping to the ground 30 from the height hi would not Appear in its eVent:history, but the MCP 25 dropping to the grOund 30 from the height h; would. In both cases, the sensor 120 generates a first data relating: to velocity and acceleratiOn values, and are forwarded:to the processor 110. The processor 110, after Comparing the first data to the second data, theft determines that a drop has occurred and attaches cert.ain other event data. After comparing the first data to the predefined threshold values, the first data is either retained or discarded:. Finally, a predetermined procedure is selected based on the first data and --secuted-7 1003.41 In other exemplary embodiments, the MCPs 20, 25 may similarly be directed to only retain and execute procedures when.
the first data indicates some form of an abuse, For example, the MCPs 20, 25 may be prograMmed to execute a procedure only after a predetermined number of events occurring within a predetermined time period has been detected. Furthermore, the MCPs 2,0, 2$ may instead only retain and perform operations when the first data Showa an impact to-certain critical components, or that are oriented in a certain predetermined direction andfor are of a certain predetermined force.
t00-53 As .previously mentioned, the predetermined procedure ,= =
may Vary depending on the specifiq application of the present 4.11tion-. For exaMple, it abuse indication, the predetermined :procedure may simply be 4:rea1-time on-Screen display Of the updated event=hietory of: the MCP 20, 25. If the MCP 2.0, 25is being exposed to usage profiles beyond its intended use, lt May also be desirable to alert the user through visible: warning (e.g., on-Screen precautionary displays, flashing LEDs), audible sirens (e,g.., using a speaker, headset, receiver) or mechanical alerts (e.g., vibrations., pager motors).
100361 Furthermore, usage profiles detrimental to the MCP 20, 25 may be brought to the attention of a remote party With an interest in it condition. IT and customerServide personnel, for example, may monitor the KT. 20, 25ts event history in real-time, on-site Or off-site, through the oomunioation links of the mobile network 100. In instances where real-time monitoring is impossible or impractical, updates may instead be made in periodic or predetermined intervals. For example, the MCP 20, 25 may have no wireless communication capabilities, may be beyond the wireless operating range of the AP 10, or it may be desirable to conserve the limited bandwidth of the mobile network 110. In such situations, the number and level of -unacceptable usage instances experienced by the scp 20, 2:5 may be archived for retrieval at 4 later time:. Aperiedic servicing and maintenance schedule may be-establiehed, during which remote Parties may obtain updates i The event history may also be downloaded at the fld of a shift When the MCP 20, 25 is returned to a docking Station or Charging cradle.
100371 With the MCP 20, 25cs event history, remote parties (e.g., IT and custerner service personnel) may perform operations beyOnd servicing the partidular MCP 20, 25. This: information_may be used by manufacturers for research and development for the benefit of later MCPs 20, 25. By establishing the usage patterns of MCPs 20, 25 operating under similar conditions, future specifications May be tailored to actual conditions of use, adjusting levels of durability based on the expected conditions to which the MCPs 204 25 maybe subjected. Acceptable standards of motion data may then be refined and monitored for excessive abuee according toe. new set of Criteria.
to.03.131 Still another advantage of the present invention to manUfactuters IS the ability to archive and retrieve warranty information. Manufacturers' warranties typically Only insure againat defects ariaing from production or out of the normal course of usage of the Dipp 20, 254 neither of which includes the MCP 20, 25 being dropped in a way that may violate its specifications or being otherwise abused by the customer.
However, withoUt any actual kneWledgeof the MCP 20, 25s usage, manufacturers presented by a customer with a malfunctioning MCP

20! 25 often has no. Method to accurately determine the cause of the maliunction. If usage information is available either within the MCP 20, 25's memory or in transmissions to the manufacturer, warranty claims may more easily be verified or discredited.
(.00391. In addition to interacting with:the user or remote parties, the MQPp 29, 25 of the present invention may also autonomously Monitor their own Condition and take Actions accordingly The probability of losing critical data increases snbstantially when the MCPs 20, 25 are used beyond their intended usage. profiles or environmental design specification's. The:
exemplary embodiments of the present invention allow the MCPs 20, 25 totake preventative measures to ensure against harm during an abusive eVent. POr example, while an MCP 20, 25 is experiencing excessive motion beyond a predetermined usage threshold Value as theJACP 20, 25 is dropping to the ground 30 from height ba r h2)4 the processor 110 in the step 350 may terminate programs containing critical information to prevent data cottnption. Access to the non-,removable memory 130 or the removable memory 140 by any other components may also be temporarily disabled, avoiding.:txy posSible loss of data. If necessary, the MCP 20, 25 may power off or switch into standby mode and not be allowed, to resume operations until the abusive event has passed or Subsided back within an. acceptable range.
1004n] Although the exemplary applications of the present inventiOn in foregoing description -has primarily focused on Abuse indication, the present invention may aISO be used in a variety =
of other settings. AS described below, these pettings include, for example, power management, gesture input, compensating for Undesired motion,. display orientation, and security.

N0411 The power management properties of MCPs have always;
1Pe.ell 4 Primary focus of product design engineers. Due to their limited Size and weight and their mobile nature, MCPs usually have limitedpOwer supplies te.g., rechargeable or disposable battery packs). Developing MCPs that operate for long periods of time, without sacrificing mobility, is an ongoing design =Oballenge. eSigning a robust. power Management system that optimizes and cOnseryee power is- a critical element in addressing this Challenge.
100421 Understanding the MCP 20, 25 directional Orientation with respect to the user is possible- by incorporating the.
previously described sensor i120 As such, it is possible toc enhance current power management systems by turning on and off various systems when appropriate. For example, many MCPs 20, 25 have A display and backlight that use a large amount of the available power supply. Utilizing the orientation aspect Of the tensor May enable the MCP 20,, 25 to keep the display and .
backlight on only when the ditplay¨is within the user's viewing 'angle And range. By eMploying theexeMplary systeM and method of the present inventienYwhen the MCP 20, 25 is rotated past the viewing angle or brought beyond the visible distance for a predetermined time period, the. display and backlight may shut off to save power. When the MCP 20t 25 it rotated back within user's viewing angle or brought within the visible range, the display and ,backlight May instantaneously turn back on.
[0001 Another way in which the present invention may oPtimize the power: management of the MCP 20, 25 may be by switching it.
into a power conservative state when not in use. Conventional power management systems typioally shut 4010WA the MCP 20, 2$ or switch it into idle Mode after a preset amount of time transpires lff.j.th no interaction from the user.. The preset time period iS
usUally adjustable by the MCP 20, 25 software. The present invention uses the. lack Of motion as an additional trigger to switch the MCP 20, 25 into the idle or phut down modes, thus, taking advantage of tendency of the MCP0:20 25 to be in motion when in use, and conserving energy when at rept. The amount of motionless time. needeci to trigger the power saving state may also be adjustable by the MCP 20, 25 Software.
00441 ContinUing with some exemplary applications of the : present :invention, the Combined sensor and MCP 20, 25 of the present invention may also simplify the MCP 20, 25-1s operation through a gesture input. The advantages afforded by increasingly .advanced COMPuting products axe often offset by sacrifices to usability anduser-triendlitess, Elaborate menus, on-screen . buttons, procedures or the like frequently frustrate users and s.-4APIDede rather that adVanceptoduCtivity. The ability to sense and analyze motion, through the present invention enables the MCP
2-0, 25 to recognize and react to various motion's or user gestures. These motions or gestures may be pre-established to =trigger the MCP 20, 25 to perform various functions that would otherwise need to be actuated manually.
' [004,5] For example, if the MCP 20, 25 equipped with a display is in document Viewing mode and orientation, a quick flip of: the user's wrist detected by the sensor .120 may coincide with the software application flipping to the net page of the document.
in another example, when long lists of application options are being displayed to the user, a wrist roll gesture could trigger the MCP 20, 25 to start Scrolling down the list. In still anOther example, if the MCP 20, 25 is a device with data capturing capabilities (e.g., an imager, scanner., camera), a motion detected corresponding to a certain pre-recorded gesture :may trigger the MCP 20, 25 to turn on the data capture:
functionality. .
0007 Still another advantage of the present inventiOn is the , ability to compensate for an undesirable motion. 'Although not as detrimental to the MCPS 20, 25 as motion constituting abuse, minor motion :values may still adversely'affect applications that require as little mdtiot as poSsible. For example, MCPp 20, 25 with data :capture capabilities Utilizing various camera teChnologies produce blurted or out Of focus pictures when in = motion. Various methods have been developed attempting to of feet such undesirable effects, such as weights or stands that , minimizes or Cancels out extraneous motion, tp0471 The present invention may be utilized to address this . problem without the need for cumbersome physical attachments or - mechanical devices. Undesirable motion may be recognized, processed, and de-sensitized through various software . applications employed by the MCP 20, 25 under the exemplary embodiments of the present invention- The MCP 20, 25 may identify a non-acceptable Operating situation to the user due to Motion through the display or other alert mechanisms, and/or automatically have the software compensate for the motion diming the data capture event.
[00483 Furthermore, in MCPs 20, 25 equipped with displays, the orientation sensing Capability of the present inventionmayalso = conveniently adjust the display orientation with respect to the --. user.' MCPS 20, 25 typically format display data in landscape or ' portrait mode. Newer mobile software :applications enable the display data format to be manually switched 'between the two. The = Page 19 present invention allows the orientation of the MCP 20, 25 to he MonitOred relative to the user, enabling the MCP 20, 25 to automatically switch the display data format between the landscape and portrait modes.
E0049I As a final exemplary application of the present Invention, the combined sensor and MCP 204 25 of the present inVention may be used for Enirposes of security. Because the MCPs '204 25 ate portable, they are easily misplaced or stolen. By emPloying the exemplary system land method of the. present invention, the MCPs 20, 25 may be able to incorporate security features that indicate their location to the user Or prevent use by unauthorized personnel, For example, when the, MCP 20, 25 is = at rest for 4 preset period of time (eq., during recharge, overnight.atorage):, It may enter a secure mode and be programmed to trigger an alarm when Motion to the MCP 20, 25 is detected.
This alarm maybe local to the MCP 20, 2.5,. using-audible, or mechanical features: At the same time or as an: alternative, the alarm maybe triggered=ia 4 remote device on-site or off-site using the previously described communication systems.. If the MCP
20, 25 utilized'tracking technologies .(e,g., global positioning system), it may also. conyey it location. The security features May additionally lock .terminal applications, preventing the MCP
2,0., 25 from being used until an. authorized user password is entered.
[0050] Although exemplary embodiments of the present application are described herein, it should be understood that the scope of protection, as = defined by the appended claims, should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the specification as a whole.
=

Claims

What is claimed is

1. A system comprising:
a plurality of mobile computing devices, each of the plurality of mobile computing devices comprising:
a sensor detecting first data of an event including a motion and directional nervation of its respective mobile computing device;
a processor comparing the first data of ib respective mobile computing device to a second data to determine a level of abuse experienced by the respective mobile computing device, the second data including a predetermined threshold value;
a storage device storing at least the first data of the event of its respective mobile computing device to create an event history of the respective mobile computing device; and a wireless communication arrangement coupled to the processor, the wireless communication arrangement transmit' ting the event history of its respective mobile computing device to a remote computing device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein processor associates additional information with the first data, the additional information at least a status of its respective mobile computing device, environmental data of its respective mobile computing device, or date and 'dine of the event.

3. The system of Claim 1 comprising a plurality of mobile computing devices, each of the plurality of mobile computing devices further comprising a user interface for notifying a user of the determined level of abuse of its respective mobile computing device.

4. The system of Claim 1, wherein the first data comprises Velocity and acceleration values of the event and the second data comprises a minimum threshold value representing a drop event for a mobile computing device.

5. The system of Claim 1, wherein the processor determines a distance its respective mobile computing device has traveled based on at least the first data and level of physical impact of its respective mobile computing device.

6. The system of Claim 1, wherein the level of abuse is determined after at least one event occurs within a predetermined time period.

7. The system of Claim 1, wherein the event history of a mobile computing device is usable for comparison with warranty conditions associated with the mobile computing device.

8. The system of Claim 1, wherein the processor terminates a procedure executing on its respective mobile computing device when the first data exceeds the second data and the second data representing a predetermined usage threshold value for a mobile computing device.

9. A method of determining abuse of a first set of mobile computing devices in a mobile network comprising a plurality of mobile computing devices, the method comprising:
detecting, by each of a plurality of the mobile computing devices, first data of an event including a motion and directional orientation of its respective mobile computing device using a sensor;
comparing, by each of the plurality of the mobile computing devices, the first data to a second data, -the second data including a predetermined threshold value;
determining, by the first set of the plurality of the mobile computing devices, the abuse experienced by its respective mobile computing device based on the comparison of the first data of its respective mobile computing device to the second data;
and transmitting, by each of the first set of the plurality of the mobile computing devices, the first data of its respective mobile computing device to a remote computing device.

10. The method of Claim 9, further comprising associating additional information associated with the event to the first data, the additional information at least a status of the respective mobile computing device, environmental data of the respective mobile computing device, or date and time of the event.

11. The method of Claim 9, wherein the first data comprises velocity and acceleration values of the event and the second data comprises a minimum threshold value representing a drop event for a mobile computing device.

12. The method of Claim 11, comprising determining a distance the respective mobile computing device has traveled based on at least the first data and level of physical impact of the respective mobile computing device.

13. The method of Claim 9, further comprising comparing the first data to warranty conditions associated with the respective mobile computing device.

14. The method of Claim 9, further comprising terminating a procedure executing on the respective mobile computing device, the first data exceeding the second data and the second data representing a predetermined usage threshold value for a mobile computing device.

15. A system comprising: a plurality of mobile computing devices, each of the plurality of mobile computing devices comprising:
a sensor detecting first data of an event including a motion and directional orientation of its respective mobile computing device;
a processor comparing the first data of its respective mobile computing device to a second data, the second data being at least one threshold value, the processor storing a plurality of first data based on the comparison, the plurality of first data being related to level of abuse of the respective mobile computing device; and a wireless communication arrangement coupled to the processor, the wireless communication arrangement transmitting at least one of the plurality of first data to a remote computing device,

16. The system of Claim 15, wherein the first data comprises velocity and acceleration values of the event and the second data comprises a minimum threshold value representing a drop event for a mobile computing device.