US 8,135,432 B2 · Method and system for managing a communication link in a communication network

Abstract

A method and apparatus for managing a communication link in a communication network are provided. A continuous actuation button is configured to initiate a communication link between communication devices. The communication link is initiated when a force applied on the continuous actuation button exceeds a first force threshold. The force applied on the continuous actuation button is sampled at periodic time intervals. A release event of the continuous actuation button is detected when the force applied on the continuous actuation button reaches a second force threshold. The communication link is maintained for a predefined period of time after detecting the release event based on whether the sampled force indicates that the release event was unintentional. The predefined period of time is sufficient to allow a user to take action to avoid disconnection if undesired.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method for managing a communication link in a communication network to enable exchange of data between a first communication device and at least one second communication device in the communication network, the method comprising the steps of:

initiating the communication link through a continuous actuation button of the first communication device when an amount of force applied on the continuous actuation button exceeds a first force threshold;
sampling the amount of force applied on the continuous actuation button, via a pressure sensor coupled to the continued actuation button, at predefined periodic time intervals;
detecting a release event of the continuous actuation button when the amount of force applied on the continuous actuation button reaches below a second force threshold;
determining whether the release event was intentional or unintentional;
if the determination is that the release event was intentional, discontinuing the communication link;
and
if the determination is that the release event was unintentional, maintaining the communication link for a predefined period of time after detecting the release event, the predefined period of time sufficient to allow a user to take action to avoid an undesired disconnection.

4 more elements

A communication device for managing a communication link in a communication network to enable exchange of data between a first communication device and at least one second communication device in the communication network, the communication device comprising:

a continuous actuation button configured to initiate the communication link;
a pressure sensor coupled to the continuous actuation button, the pressure sensor configured to detect an amount of force applied to the continuous actuation button, and to detect a release event at the continuous actuation button when the detected amount of force applied to the continuous actuation button falls below a first threshold level;
and
a processing device operable to:
sample the amount of force applied on the continuous actuation button, via the pressure sensor, at predefined periodic time intervals;
in response to the release event being detected, determine whether the release event was intentional or unintentional;
if the determination is that the release event was intentional, discontinue the communication link;
and
if the determination is that the release event was unintentional, maintain the communication link for a predefined period of time after the release event, the predefined period of time sufficient to allow a user to take action to avoid an undesired disconnection.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and system for managing a communication link in a communication network

Life of this patent

Method and system for managing a communication link in a communication network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18