Input Routing in Converged Portable Communication Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable communication devices used in public safety environments face challenges in managing user-selectable features across different operating platforms, particularly during power-up conditions, where mission-critical communications must take priority over non-mission critical features, and providing an improved user interface for increased awareness.
Innovation Solution
A converged portable communication device employing a primary processor for mission-critical functions on a land mobile radio (LMR) platform and a secondary processor for non-mission critical functions on platforms like LTE or WiFi, with input routing management and user feedback mechanisms to ensure seamless feature handling and priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user selectable features running on different platforms are incorporated to expand functionality, then device versatility is improved, but input routing management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input routing management by creating separate input detection mechanisms for each processor platform. The primary processor detects inputs related to its native features, while the secondary processor detects inputs for its features. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex centralized routing system, as each processor independently manages its own input detection and feature activation.
2Reliability
If mission critical communications are prioritized over non-mission critical features during power up, then communication reliability is improved, but feature availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by configuring the primary processor to power up and become operational before the secondary processor. This ensures that mission-critical communication features are available and prioritized during the power-up sequence. Once the primary processor is fully operational and has established reliable communication capabilities, the secondary processor is then activated to provide additional non-mission-critical features, thereby maintaining both reliability and feature availability.
3Device complexity
If a unified input detection system is used for both processors, then device complexity is reduced, but input routing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning each processor its own dedicated input detection capabilities tailored to its specific feature set. The primary processor has input detection optimized for mission-critical communication features, while the secondary processor has input detection optimized for non-mission-critical features. This localized approach ensures high precision in input routing for each processor without requiring a complex unified system, as each processor's input detection is customized to its specific operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved management of user based input to a converged portable communication device is provided. A primary processor is configured to detect a user input feature request in response to a user interface control being activated. The primary processor determines whether the user input feature request is one of: a primary processor-centric request or a secondary processor-centric request. The primary processor retains primary requests and routes secondary requests to a secondary processor. If the secondary processor is unable to perform the requested feature, a check is made whether the primary processor is available and can fulfill the request as a secondary request. Positive user feedback is generated in response to determine that requests can be handled, and negative user feedback is generated when a requested feature cannot be handled.