Mobile device with user interaction capability and method of operating same

摘要

In one embodiment a method of operating a mobile device includes sensing either an orientation or a movement of the mobile device, determining a command based on the sensed orientation or sensed movement, sensing a proximity of an object in relation to at least a portion of the mobile device, and executing the command upon the proximity of the object being sensed. In another embodiment, a method of operating a mobile device governs a manner of interaction of the mobile device relative to one or more other mobile devices. In at least some embodiments, at least one of the mobile devices includes an accelerometer and an infrared proximity sensor, and operation of the mobile device is determined based upon signals from those components.

主权项

1. A method of operating a mobile device having an accelerometer, an infrared proximity sensor, and a processor, wherein each of the accelerometer and the infrared proximity sensor is coupled to the processor, the method comprising:
sensing at least one of an orientation or a movement of the mobile device by way of the accelerometer, the accelerometer providing an accelerometer signal to the processor indicative of the sensed orientation or movement; determining, based at least in part upon the accelerometer signal, whether a criterion has been met; upon determining that the criterion has been met:
selecting a command based on the at least one of the sensed orientation or movement; andentering a state of readiness in which the processor is prepared the execute the command upon receiving an infrared proximity sensor signal; andwhile in the state of readiness:
sensing a proximity of an object in relation to at least a portion of the mobile device by way of the infrared proximity sensor, the infrared proximity sensor providing the infrared proximity sensor signal to indicate the proximity of the object; andexecuting the command upon the sensing of the proximity of the object.