IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,207,846
Granted Patent B2
US 8,207,846 · App. 12/415,851 · Granted Jun 26, 2012

Input/output interface and functionality adjustment based on environmental conditions

Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,207,846
App. No.
12/415,851
Filed
Mar 31, 2009
Granted
Jun 26, 2012
Kind
B2
Art Unit
2612
USPC
340/539.28
Abstract

In an electronic device having a graphical output device, a method of controlling input/output characteristics of the output device includes sensing at least one environmental condition, selecting display characteristics of the electronic device based on the environmental condition, and selectively altering size of text displayed on the graphical output device in response to the selected display characteristics.

Claims (29)

1. In an electronic device having a graphical output device, a method of controlling input/output characteristics of the output device, comprising:

sensing at least one environmental condition;

selecting display characteristics of the electronic device based on the at least one environmental condition; and

selectively altering sizes of text displayed on the graphical output device in response to the selected display characteristics,

wherein the sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing at least one of temperature, pressure, altitude, location, acceleration, speed, availability of a network, or power-source data.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising selectively altering input settings based on the at least one environmental condition.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein altering input settings based on the at least one environmental condition includes selectively altering sensitivity to input received by an input interface.

4. In an electronic device, a method of controlling input/output characteristics, the method comprising:

sensing at least one environmental condition, wherein the sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing at least one of a temperature condition, pressure condition, altitude condition, location condition, acceleration condition, speed condition, availability of a network condition, or power-source data condition;

comparing the at least one environmental condition to at least one environmental parameter to select input and output settings; and

selectively implementing the input and output settings when the at least one environmental condition meets the at least one environmental parameter.

5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising applying an input/output setting hierarchy prior to the step of selectively implementing the input and output settings.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing a pressure condition, wherein comparing the at least one environmental condition to at least one environmental parameter includes comparing the pressure condition to a pressure parameter, and wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the pressure condition meets the pressure parameter includes disconnecting the device from connected networks.

7. The method of claim 4 , wherein sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing a speed condition, wherein comparing the at least one environmental condition to at least one environmental parameter includes comparing the speed condition to a speed parameter, and wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the speed condition meets the speed parameter includes altering a size of displayed text relative to a default text setting.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the speed condition meets the speed parameter includes altering a sensitivity of the device to input relative to a default sensitivity setting.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing a speed condition, wherein comparing the at least one environmental condition to at least one environmental parameter includes comparing the speed condition to a speed parameter, and wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the speed meets the speed includes enlarging text relative to a default text setting.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the speed condition meets the speed parameter includes reducing the sensitivity of the device to input relative to default a default sensitivity setting.

11. The method of claim 4 , wherein sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing a network availability condition, wherein comparing the at least one environmental condition to at least one environmental parameter includes comparing the network availability condition to a network availability parameter, the network availability parameter having a group of input and output setting associated therewith, and wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the network availability condition meets the network availability parameter includes implementing the input and output settings associated with the network availability parameter.

12. The method of claim 4 , wherein sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing a power source condition, wherein comparing the at least one environmental condition to at least one environmental parameter includes comparing the power source condition to a power source parameter, and wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the power condition meets the power parameter includes enlarging text relative to a default text setting.

13. The method of claim 4 , wherein sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing a network availability condition, wherein comparing the at least one environmental condition to at least one environmental parameter includes comparing the network availability condition to a network availability parameter, the network availability parameter having a group of input and output setting associated with each available network, and wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the network availability condition meets the network availability parameter includes implementing the input and output settings associated with the available network.

14. The method of claim 4 , wherein sensing at least one environmental condition includes sensing a location condition, wherein comparing the at least one environmental condition to at least one environmental parameter includes comparing the location condition to a locational parameter, the locational parameter having a group of input and output setting associated at least one location, and wherein selectively implementing input and output settings if the location condition meets the locational parameter includes implementing the input and output settings associated with the location.

15. An electronic device, comprising:

a graphical output display for displaying media content to a user;

an input interface for receiving an input from the user; and

at least one sensor for sensing an environmental condition that provides an indication of an external situation, wherein the device is configured to selectively vary settings of the graphical output display and of the input interface based on sensed environmental data that corresponds to the environmental condition, wherein sensing the at least one environmental condition includes sensing at least one of a temperature condition, pressure condition, altitude condition, location condition, acceleration condition, speed condition, availability of a network condition, or power-source data condition.

16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the device is configured to disconnect from available networks when the sensed environmental data corresponds to environmental conditions present when the device is in use on an airplane.

17. The device of claim 15 , wherein the device is configured to vary the size of displayed text on the graphical output device and reduce sensitivity of input received from the input interface when sensed environmental data corresponds to environmental conditions present when the device is in use in a moving automobile.

18. The device of claim 15 , wherein the device is configured to alter the size displayed text on the graphical output device and vary sensitivity of input received from the input interface when sensed environmental data corresponds to environmental conditions present when the device is being used in an exercise environment.

19. The device of claim 15 , wherein the device is configured to implement input and output settings associated with a set location when the environmental data indicates the device is within a predetermined distance of the set location.

Assignments (15)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (053546/0001) Recorded Jun 23, 2022
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
To: DELL MARKETING L.P. (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.); DELL INTERNATIONAL L.L.C.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL USA L.P.; EMC CORPORATION; DELL MARKETING CORPORATION (SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC. AND WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.); EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC
Reel/Frame 071642/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (045455/0001) Recorded May 20, 2022
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
To: DELL MARKETING CORPORATION (SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.); DELL MARKETING L.P. (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.); DELL USA L.P.; DELL INTERNATIONAL L.L.C.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL MARKETING CORPORATION (SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC. AND WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.); EMC CORPORATION (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO MAGINATICS LLC); EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO MOZY, INC.); SCALEIO LLC
Reel/Frame 061753/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (040136/0001) Recorded Apr 26, 2022
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
To: DELL MARKETING CORPORATION (SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.); DELL MARKETING L.P. (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.); DELL USA L.P.; DELL INTERNATIONAL L.L.C.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL MARKETING CORPORATION (SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC. AND WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.); EMC CORPORATION (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO MAGINATICS LLC); EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO MOZY, INC.); SCALEIO LLC
Reel/Frame 061324/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 3, 2021
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
To: ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; AVENTAIL LLC; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL USA L.P.; DELL INTERNATIONAL, L.L.C.; DELL MARKETING L.P.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; DELL SYSTEMS CORPORATION; EMC CORPORATION; EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; MAGINATICS LLC; MOZY, INC.; SCALEIO LLC; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
Reel/Frame 058216/0001 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 22, 2020
From: CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES INC.; DELL INTERNATIONAL L.L.C.; DELL MARKETING L.P.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL USA L.P.; EMC CORPORATION; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.; EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 053546/0001 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 21, 2019
From: CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL INTERNATIONAL L.L.C.; DELL MARKETING L.P.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL USA L.P.; EMC CORPORATION; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.; EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 049452/0223 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Sep 21, 2016
From: ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; AVENTAIL LLC; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL USA L.P.; DELL INTERNATIONAL L.L.C.; DELL MARKETING L.P.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; DELL SYSTEMS CORPORATION; EMC CORPORATION; EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; MAGINATICS LLC; MOZY, INC.; SCALEIO LLC; SPANNING CLOUD APPS LLC; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
To: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 040134/0001 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Sep 21, 2016
From: ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; AVENTAIL LLC; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL USA L.P.; DELL INTERNATIONAL L.L.C.; DELL MARKETING L.P.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; DELL SYSTEMS CORPORATION; EMC CORPORATION; EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; MAGINATICS LLC; MOZY, INC.; SCALEIO LLC; SPANNING CLOUD APPS LLC; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 040136/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 14, 2016
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: DELL MARKETING L.P.; ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; APPASSURE SOFTWARE, INC.; COMPELLENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL INC.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL USA L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; PEROT SYSTEMS CORPORATION; SECUREWORKS, INC.; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
Reel/Frame 040040/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 14, 2016
From: BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: DELL MARKETING L.P.; ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; APPASSURE SOFTWARE, INC.; COMPELLENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL INC.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL USA L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; PEROT SYSTEMS CORPORATION; SECUREWORKS, INC.; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
Reel/Frame 040065/0618 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 13, 2016
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: DELL MARKETING L.P.; ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; APPASSURE SOFTWARE, INC.; COMPELLANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL INC.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL USA L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; PEROT SYSTEMS CORPORATION; SECUREWORKS, INC.; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
Reel/Frame 040065/0216 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Recorded Jan 2, 2014
From: DELL INC.; APPASSURE SOFTWARE, INC.; ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; BOOMI, INC.; COMPELLENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL MARKETING L.P.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; DELL USA L.P.; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; GALE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; PEROT SYSTEMS CORPORATION; SECUREWORKS, INC.; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 031898/0001 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TERM LOAN) Recorded Jan 2, 2014
From: DELL INC.; APPASSURE SOFTWARE, INC.; ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; BOOMI, INC.; COMPELLENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL MARKETING L.P.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; DELL USA L.P.; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; GALE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; PEROT SYSTEMS CORPORATION; SECUREWORKS, INC.; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 031899/0261 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (NOTES) Recorded Jan 2, 2014
From: APPASSURE SOFTWARE, INC.; ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.; BOOMI, INC.; COMPELLENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; CREDANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DELL INC.; DELL MARKETING L.P.; DELL PRODUCTS L.P.; DELL SOFTWARE INC.; DELL USA L.P.; FORCE10 NETWORKS, INC.; GALE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; PEROT SYSTEMS CORPORATION; SECUREWORKS, INC.; WYSE TECHNOLOGY L.L.C.
To: BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS FIRST LIEN COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 031897/0348 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 14, 2009
From: VAN HOFF, ARTHUR ANTHONIE; BUCHER, TIMOTHY
To: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
Reel/Frame 022685/0156 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61047310 · Apr 23, 2008
Related Publication 20090267780A1 · Oct 29, 2009