New Sony Ericsson bluetooth patent

Abstract
The invention relates to a portable device (1A) with a short range communication feature, and more particularly a portable device such as a mobile telephone having a man-machine interface enabling user friendly use of short range communication. With the present invention an item (6) may be selected and dragged on the display (2), e.g. towards another apparatus (1B). This action initiates an automatic data transfer procedure using short range communication.

Assignee Name and Adress: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication AB Lund

Description

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to a portable device with a short range communication feature, and more particularly a portable device such as a mobile telephone having a man-machine interface enabling user friendly use of short range communication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Portable devices such as mobile telephones and personal digital systems etc are often provided with means for direct communication with peripheral equipment and other devices, over a short range. In the case of mobile telephones, this direct communication is in addition to the normal communication over telecommunications networks. This short range channel may be used for sharing information with other users and devices. Data in one device, containing information about images, audio and video files, calendar and phone book information etc, is sent from one device to another over the short range channel. In this way, data may be shared by the two devices.

[0003]In a conventional sharing procedure, a user has to perform several actions to perform the data transfer. Typically, the user selects an item in a menu, selects send item, selects communication method or channel, and possibly activates the short range function. Thus, there is a need for a simplified procedure.

[0004]Near field communication as such is previously known. There exist several techniques, such as NFC, near field communication using RFID, radio frequency identification, short range radio (Bluetooth.TM.), and communication by means of infrared light.

[0005]With NFC, a communication channel for exchange of data is established automatically as soon as two devices are placed close to each other. With short range radio and infrared light the user often has to select the communication method, and then the device tries to establish communication with another device located in the vicinity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006]An object of the present invention is to provide a simplified procedure for establishing short range communication and transfer data. With the present invention an item may be selected and dragged on the display, e.g. towards another apparatus. This action initiates an automatic data transfer procedure using short range communication.

[0007]The invention provides a portable device comprising:

a storage means for storing items containing data;a user interface having display means for displaying an item, and having navigation means for inputting commands to a control unit;a communication interface capable of establishing a short range communication channel with another device;a control unit configured to receive commands from the navigation means, to control the display means and the communication interface, and to store and retrieve items in the storage means.

[0008]According to the invention, the control unit is configured to interpret a command for moving a representation of an item towards an edge of the display means as a command to send data associated with the item to the other device.

[0009]In one embodiment, the navigation means comprises a navigation device separate from the display means.

[0010]The navigation device may comprise a joystick and/or navigation keys.

[0011]In another embodiment, the navigation means is integrated with the display means.

[0012]The display means may comprise a touch screen.

[0013]The communication interface may be capable of establishing the communication channel by means of RFID, radio frequency identification.

[0014]In one embodiment, the device is configured to activate the communication interface, and to establish a near field communication channel with another device, automatically as soon as another device within RFID communication range is detected.

[0015]The communication interface may be capable of establishing the communication channel by means of short range radio, such as Bluetooth.TM..

[0016]In one embodiment, the device is configured to activate the communication interface, and to establish a near field communication channel with another device, automatically as soon as another device within short range radio communication range is detected.

[0017]The other device may be detected by means of RFID, radio frequency identification.

[0018]The communication interface may be capable of establishing the communication channel by means of infrared light.

[0019]The device may be a mobile telephone, a pager, a communicator, a smart phone, or an electronic organiser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a view of a typical mobile telephone, which may incorporate the present invention,

[0022]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of components involved in the present invention, and

[0023]FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate different steps of a transfer procedure according to the invention.