Eric Alan Lunsford

US Patent:

6457134, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Apr 21, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/296017

Inventors:

Steven C. Lemke - Sunnyvale CA
Scott R. Johnson - Sunnyvale CA
Eric M. Lunsford - San Carlos CA
Nicholas Twyman - San Francisco CA
Ronald Marianetti, II - Morgan Hill CA
Neal A. Osborn - Milpitas CA

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

G06F 132

US Classification:

713323, 713324

Abstract:

Embodiments of the invention provide for operating a handheld computer with multiple time-out periods in a manner that is more efficient and effective for conserving power than previous systems. In an embodiment, the handheld computer implements one or more additional time-out periods by identifying an occurrence of an event that requires the handheld computer to be in the high power state to perform a specific function. An event may include a function such as sounding an alarm, although other events are also encompassed by embodiments of this invention. When an event is identified, the power state of the handheld computer prior to identifying the event is recalled. The handheld computer then implements a time-out period based on its previous power state. In one embodiment, if the handheld computer was in a low-power state prior to the event occurring, the time-out period is shortened.

US Patent:

6523124, Feb 18, 2003

Filed:

Apr 23, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/298113

Inventors:

Eric M. Lunsford - San Carlos CA
Steven C. Lemke - Sunnyvale CA
Neal A. Osborn - Milpitas CA
Scott R. Johnson - Sunnyvale CA

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

G06F 132

US Classification:

713320

Abstract:

Embodiments of this invention provide for a portable computer that determines whether an accessory device is actively connected to it. In one embodiment, the portable computer may include a signal line accessible through an output of the portable computing device. The signal line may be connected to a communication device such as a communication cradle. The portable computer may detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the communication device is actively connected to the portable computer. If the communication device is actively connected, the portable computer suspends implementation of a time-out feature that would otherwise reduce power consumption of the portable computer.

US Patent:

6571343, May 27, 2003

Filed:

Feb 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/505446

Inventors:

Scott R. Johnson - Sunnyvale CA
Francis J. Canova - Fremont CA
Eric M. Lunsford - San Carlos CA
Nicholas Twyman - San Francisco CA
Neal A. Osborne - Milpitas CA

Assignee:

PalmSource, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

G06F 128

US Classification:

713340, 714 22

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus are provided for reserving power in a handheld computer by inducing a sleep mode when the energy supply of the handheld computer reaches a predetermined low level. A software is provided which operates a sleep mode when a device of the handheld computer detects a predetermined low battery voltage. A processor operates the software to place the handheld computer in a low energy-consuming shutdown state in which an interrupt controller operates to mask those interrupt signals thus providing an user with the impression that the device has entered an unresponsive sleep mode. In maintaining the sleep mode, the processor operates such that all input signals that request the handheld computer to power up remain active but so long as the battery voltage remains below a predetermined voltage the interrupt signals to power up selected applications and devices are masked. A method for returning the handheld computer to its normal operational mode once the energy supply has been replenished, is also provided.

US Patent:

6665803, Dec 16, 2003

Filed:

Nov 4, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/287990

Inventors:

Eric M. Lunsford - San Carlos CA
Steven C. Lemke - Sunnyvale CA
Neal A. Osborn - Milpitas CA
Scott R. Johnson - Sunnyvale CA

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Milpitas CA

International Classification:

G06F 132

US Classification:

713320

Abstract:

Embodiments of this invention provide for a portable computer that determines whether an accessory device is actively connected to it. In one embodiment, the portable computer may include a signal line accessible through an output of the portable computing device. The signal line may be connected to a communication device such as a communication cradle. The portable computer may detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the communication device is actively connected to the portable computer. If the communication device is actively connected, the portable computer suspends implementation of a time-out feature that would otherwise reduce power consumption of the portable computer.

US Patent:

6982962, Jan 3, 2006

Filed:

Apr 10, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/546887

Inventors:

Eric Michael Lunsford - San Carlos CA, US
Steve Parker - Centerville UT, US
David Kammer - Seattle WA, US
David Moore - Riverton UT, US

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Marlborough MA

International Classification:

H04B 7/005

US Classification:

370278, 455557

Abstract:

A system and method for selecting a network access provider using a portable information device (PID) includes considering the user's pre-stated preferences. The pre-stated preferences may include, but are not limited to, reliability, security, signal strength, cost or appropriateness of service provider. The network access providers may be chosen from, but not limited to, a network access server at a corporate office or a cellular telephone. A score is calculated for each available network access provider and a connection is made based on the optimum provider that fits with the preferences of the user.

US Patent:

7296107, Nov 13, 2007

Filed:

Oct 28, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/696153

Inventors:

Eric M. Lunsford - San Carlos CA, US
Steven C. Lemke - Sunnyvale CA, US
Neal A. Osborn - Milpitas CA, US
Scott R. Johnson - Sunnyvale CA, US

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

G06F 13/00

US Classification:

710304

Abstract:

Embodiments of this invention provide for a portable computer that determines whether an accessory device is actively connected to it. In one embodiment, the portable computer may include a signal line accessible through an output of the portable computing device. The signal line may be connected to a communication device such as a communication cradle. The portable computer may detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the communication device is actively connected to the portable computer. If the communication device is actively connected, the portable computer suspends implementation of a time-out feature that would otherwise reduce power consumption of the portable computer.

US Patent:

RE40236, Apr 8, 2008

Filed:

May 27, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/140526

Inventors:

Scott R. Johnson - Sunnyvale CA, US
Francis J. Canova - Fremont CA, US
Eric M. Lunsford - San Carlos CA, US
Nicholas Twyman - San Francisco CA, US
Neal A. Osborne - Milpitas CA, US

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

G06F 1/28

US Classification:

713340, 714 22

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus are provided for reserving power in a handheld computer by inducing a sleep mode when the energy supply of the handheld computer reaches a predetermined low level. A software is provided which operates a sleep mode when a device of the handheld computer detects a predetermined low battery voltage. A processor operates the software to place the handheld computer in a low energy-consuming shutdown state in which an interrupt controller operates to mask those interrupt signals thus providing an user with the impression that the device has entered an unresponsive sleep mode. In maintaining the sleep mode, the processor operates such that all input signals that request the handheld computer to power up remain active but so long as the battery voltage remains below a predetermined voltage the interrupt signals to power up selected applications and devices are masked. A method for returning the handheld computer to its normal operational mode once the energy supply has been replenished, is also provided.

US Patent:

7479943, Jan 20, 2009

Filed:

Jul 10, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/613028

Inventors:

Eric Michael Lunsford - San Carlos CA, US
Bruce Woodworth - Fremont CA, US
John Cook - Los Gatos CA, US
Amy Han - Palo Alto CA, US

Assignee:

PalmSource, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

G09G 5/08

US Classification:

345157, 345169

Abstract:

In an embodiment, an electronic system includes a data input device. The data input device includes a data input surface which is touch-sensitive. In addition, the data input device includes a removable template positioned over the data input surface. The removable template divides the data input surface into a first variable template input area and a second variable template input area. In an embodiment, the first input area comprises a handwriting recognition input area for detecting and facilitating recognition of one or more first gestures while the second variable template input area is configured to detect and facilitate recognition of one or more second gestures. The first and second variable template input areas can be implemented as any type of template. In another embodiment, a removable data input device includes a data input surface which is touch-sensitive. An electronic system includes the removable data input device.