GYROSCOPIC ALERTING MECHANISM FOR PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE

摘要

A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. A gyroscopic mechanism is coupled to a housing of the portable communications device and controlled by a processor. The processor is configured to control a spin velocity of the gyroscopic mechanism based on receiving an alert of an incoming call or message, or detecting a fall. The gyroscopic mechanism may spin up or change a spin state to provide a tactile signal via the housing of the communications device, by imparting stabilizing force to the housing that can be felt by a person wearing the communications device, or to change an orientation of the device while falling.

主权项

1. A wireless communications device, comprising:
a transceiver circuit configured to transmit and receive wireless communication signals, the circuit comprising a processor configured to detect an incoming signal in response to input received by the transceiver circuit; a housing enclosing the transceiver circuit; and a gyroscopic mechanism fixed to the housing and coupled to the processor for exerting a stabilizing force on a user, wherein the processor is configured to control a rotational velocity of the gyroscopic mechanism in response to detecting the incoming signal, based at least in part on a rigidity needed to signal the user.