1-17. (canceled)
18. A handheld device to hold and wirelessly operate a camera of a mobile phone, wherein the handheld device comprises:
a spring-loaded holder configured to hold the mobile phone; and
a handle apparatus coupled to the spring-loaded holder, wherein the handle apparatus comprises:
a power supply module comprising one or more batteries;
a button that is selectable and corresponds to a camera feature of the mobile phone,
wherein the button is positioned on the handle apparatus such that a user is able to, with one hand, both hold the handle apparatus and select the button while the spring-loaded holder holds the mobile phone;
a wireless interface module configured to provide a wireless connection to the mobile phone,
wherein the wireless connection provides remote control of the camera feature of the mobile phone; and
a command key module configured to receive an indication of a selection of the button,
wherein, in response to the button being selected, the wireless interface module provides a remote control command to the mobile phone via the wireless connection such that the remote control command indicates to the mobile phone to perform the camera feature.
19. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the spring-loaded holder comprises a sliding member configured to allow one end of the spring-loaded holder to both move to hold the mobile phone and move to release the mobile phone, and wherein the sliding member uses one or more springs to slide the moveable end of the spring-loaded holder into a position such that the moveable end, using a force from the spring, holds the mobile phone in place.
20. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the moveable end of the spring-loaded holder holds the mobile phone in place using one or more springs.
21. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the handle apparatus comprises a Universal Serial Bus interface positioned at one end of the handle apparatus.
22. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the handle comprises a pattern of physical, anti-slip features within a gripping position of a user’s hand on the handle apparatus.
23. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the button is one of a plurality of buttons positioned on the handle apparatus, and wherein each of the plurality of buttons corresponds to a respective command.
24. The handheld device of claim 23, wherein the wireless connection is a Bluetooth connection.
25. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the camera feature corresponds to a video feature.
26. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the handle apparatus is configured to be held by a user of the mobile phone, and wherein the handle apparatus is configured to provide an alternative to the mobile phone being held directly by the user.
27. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the spring-loaded holder is configured to adjust, using the sliding member, to hold mobile phones of various sizes.
28. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the handheld device, when the spring-loaded holder holds the mobile phone, provides a stable and secure hold and control of the mobile phone.
29. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein when the spring-loaded holder holds the mobile phone, the handheld device transforms the mobile phone from a device configured for direct two-handed holding and operation to a device usable for indirect, one-handed holding and operation via the handheld device.
30. The handheld device of claim 18, wherein the handheld device provides remote control of the mobile phone irrespective of whether the spring-loaded holder is physically coupled to the mobile phone.
31. A handheld device to wirelessly operate a camera of a mobile device, wherein the handheld device comprises:
a holder configured to hold the mobile device; and
a handle apparatus coupled to the holder, wherein the handle apparatus comprises:
a power supply module comprising one or more batteries;
a command key that is selectable and corresponds to a camera feature of the mobile device, wherein the command key is positioned on the handle apparatus such that a user is able to, with one hand, both hold the handle apparatus and select the command key;
a wireless interface module configured to provide a wireless connection to the mobile device, wherein remote control of the camera feature of the mobile device is provided over the wireless connection; and
a command key module configured to provide, via the wireless connection, a control command to the mobile device such that the control command indicates to the mobile device to perform the camera feature.
32. The handheld device of claim 31, wherein the sliding member uses one or more springs to slide the moveable end of the spring-loaded holder to allow insertion of the mobile phone, and wherein, after allowing insertion of the mobile phone into the spring-loaded holder, and in response to release of the moveable end, the sliding member, using the one or more springs, provides a compressive force on the mobile phone to hold the mobile phone in place.
33. The handheld device of claim 31, wherein the moveable end of the holder holds the mobile phone in place using one or more springs.
34. The handheld device of claim 31, wherein the handle apparatus comprises a Universal Serial Bus interface positioned at one end of the handle.
35. The handheld device of claim 31, wherein the handle apparatus comprises a pattern of physical, anti-slip features within a gripping position of a user’s hand on the handle apparatus.
36. The handheld device of claim 31, wherein the command key is one of a plurality of command keys positioned on the handle apparatus.
37. A method comprising:
performing, using one or more computing devices within a handheld device, wherein the handheld device includes a handle apparatus with a command key positioned such that a user, with one hand, can hold the handle and select the command key, and wherein the handheld device also holds a mobile device using a spring-loaded holder during use, a plurality of operations comprising:
detecting a selection of the command key positioned on the handle of the handheld device,
wherein the command key corresponds to a camera or video feature of the mobile device;
establishing a wireless connection to the mobile device such that the wireless connection provides for remote control of the mobile device; and
in response to the command key being selected, sending, via the wireless connection, a remote control command to the mobile device,
wherein the remote control command indicates a command corresponding to the camera or video feature of the mobile device.
38. A handheld device to hold and wirelessly operate a camera of a mobile phone, wherein the handheld device comprises:
a holder that, during use, holds a mobile phone; and
a handle apparatus coupled to the holder, wherein the handle apparatus comprises:
a selectable button that corresponds to a camera feature of the mobile phone,
wherein the button is positioned on the handle apparatus such that a user, during use, is able to use one hand to both hold the handle apparatus and select the selectable button;
a wireless interface module that, during use, provides a wireless connection to the mobile phone,
wherein the wireless connection provides remote control of the camera feature of the mobile phone; and
a command key module that during use and in response to the selectable button being selected, sends, via the wireless connection, a remote control command to the mobile phone indicating to the mobile phone to perform the camera feature.
39. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the spring-loaded holder, using a sliding member, allows one end of the spring-loaded holder to both move to hold the mobile phone and move to release the mobile phone, and wherein the sliding member, during use, uses one or more springs to slide the moveable end of the spring-loaded holder into a position such that the moveable end, using a force from the spring, holds the mobile phone in place.
40. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the moveable end of the spring-loaded holder holds the mobile phone in place using one or more springs.
41. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the handle apparatus comprises a Universal Serial Bus interface positioned at one end of the handle apparatus.
42. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the handle comprises a pattern of physical, anti-slip features within a gripping position of a user’s hand on the handle apparatus.
43. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the button is one of a plurality of buttons positioned on the handle apparatus, and wherein each of the plurality of buttons corresponds to a respective command.
44. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the wireless connection is a Bluetooth connection.
45. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the camera feature corresponds to a video feature.
46. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the handle apparatus, during use, provides an alternative to the mobile phone being held directly by the user.
47. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the spring-loaded holder, during use and using the sliding member, adjusts to hold mobile phones of various sizes.
48. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein when the spring-loaded holder holds the mobile phone, the handheld device transforms the mobile phone from a device configured for direct two-handed holding and operation to a device usable for indirect, one-handed holding and operation via the handheld device.
49. The handheld device of claim 38, wherein the handheld device provides remote control of the mobile phone irrespective of whether the spring-loaded holder is physically coupled to the mobile phone.
50. A handheld device to wirelessly operate a camera of a mobile device, wherein the handheld device comprises:
a holder that, during use, holds the mobile device; and
a handle apparatus coupled to the holder, wherein the handle apparatus comprises:
a command key that, during use, is selectable and corresponds to a camera feature of the mobile device,
wherein the command key is positioned on the handle apparatus such that a user is able to, with one hand, both hold the handle apparatus and select the command key;
a wireless interface module that, during use, provides a wireless connection to the mobile device,
wherein remote control of the camera feature of the mobile device is provided over the wireless connection; and
a command key module that, during use, provides, via the wireless connection, a control command to the mobile device such that the control command indicates to the mobile device to perform the camera feature.
51. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the holder, using a sliding member, allows one end of the holder to both move to hold the mobile phone and move to release the mobile phone, and wherein the sliding member, during use, uses one or more springs to slide the moveable end of the holder into a position such that the moveable end, using a force from the spring, holds the mobile phone in place.
52. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the moveable end of the holder holds the mobile phone in place using one or more springs.
53. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the handle apparatus comprises a Universal Serial Bus interface positioned at one end of the handle apparatus.
54. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the handle comprises a pattern of physical, anti-slip features within a gripping position of a user’s hand on the handle apparatus.
55. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the command key is one of a plurality of command keys positioned on the handle apparatus, and wherein each of the plurality of command keys corresponds to a respective command.
56. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the wireless connection is a Bluetooth connection.
57. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the camera feature corresponds to a video feature.
58. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the handle apparatus, during use, provides an alternative to the mobile phone being held directly by the user.
59. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein the holder, during use and using the sliding member, adjusts to hold mobile phones of various sizes.
60. The handheld device of claim 50, wherein when the holder holds the mobile phone, the handheld device transforms the mobile phone from a device configured for direct two-handed holding and operation to a device usable for indirect, one-handed holding and operation via the handheld device.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A marine propulsion control system for controlling a set of propulsion units carried by a hull of a vessel, wherein the set of propulsion units comprise a first propulsion unit, a second propulsion unit and a third propulsion unit, wherein the second propulsion unit is provided as a center propulsion unit between the first and third propulsion unit, the marine propulsion control system comprising a control unit configured to:
receive an input command from a steering control instrument for operating the vessel;
determine a desired delivered thrust, gear selection and steering angle for the first, second and third propulsion unit respectively, based on the input command, and
provide a set of control commands for controlling the desired delivered thrust, gear selection and steering angle for the first, second and third propulsion unit,
wherein if the input command indicates a sway command the first propulsion unit is set to have a forward gear selection and the third propulsion unit is set to have a reverse gear selection, each with a selected thrust level, and only after the thrust level for at least one of the first and the third propulsion unit exceeds a predetermined thrust level the second propulsion unit is set to have a reverse gear selection with a thrust level depending on the selected thrust level of at least one of the first and the third propulsion unit.
2. The marine propulsion control system according to claim 1, wherein the first and third propulsion units’ steering angles are substantially inverted relative a longitudinal axis.
3. The marine propulsion control system according to claim 1, wherein the second and third propulsion units’ steering angles are substantially the same relative the longitudinal axis.
4. The marine propulsion control system according to claim 1, further comprising three independent Engine Control Unit (ECU) for providing an interface between the control unit and the first, second and third propulsion unit respectively.
5. The marine propulsion control system according to claim 4, wherein the three independent ECU are electrically connected to the control unit.
6. The marine propulsion control system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined thrust level for one of the first or third propulsion unit corresponds to a level less than where a reverse propulsion direction of the first or third propulsion unit causes cavitation.
7. The marine propulsion control system according to claim 1, further comprising a steering control instrument for providing the control unit with an input command.
8. A marine vessel, comprising:
a first propulsion unit;
a second propulsion unit;
a third propulsion unit, wherein the second propulsion unit is provided as a center propulsion unit between the first and second propulsion unit, wherein each propulsion unit are carried by a hull, and
a marine propulsion control system for controlling a set of propulsion units carried by a hull of a vessel, wherein the set of propulsion units comprises the first propulsion unit, the second propulsion unit and the third propulsion unit, the marine propulsion control system comprising a control unit configured to:
receive an input command from a steering control instrument for operating the vessel;
determine a desired delivered thrust, gear selection and steering angle for the first, second and third propulsion unit respectively, based on the input command, and
provide a set of control commands for controlling the desired delivered thrust, gear selection and steering angle for the first, second and third propulsion unit,
wherein if the input command indicates a sway command the first propulsion unit is set to have a forward gear selection and the third propulsion unit is set to have a reverse gear selection, each with a selected thrust level, and only after the thrust level for at least one of the first and the third propulsion unit exceeds a predetermined thrust level the second propulsion unit is set to have a reverse gear selection with a thrust level depending on the selected thrust level of at least one of the first and the third propulsion unit.
9. A method for controlling a set of propulsion units carried by a hull of a vessel, wherein the set of propulsion units comprise a first propulsion unit, a second propulsion unit and a third propulsion unit, wherein the second propulsion unit is provided as a center propulsion unit between the first and second propulsion unit, the method comprising:
receiving an input command from a steering control instrument operating the vessel;
determining a desired delivered thrust, gear selection and steering angle for the first, second and third propulsion unit respectively, based on the input command;
providing a set of control commands for controlling the desired delivered thrust, gear selection and steering angle for the first, second and third propulsion unit, and
setting the second propulsion unit to have a reverse gear selection with a thrust level if the input command indicates a sway command and the first propulsion unit is set to have a forward gear selection and the third propulsion unit is set to have a reverse gear selection, each with a thrust level, and only after the thrust level for one of the first or the third propulsion unit exceeds a predetermined thrust level.
10. The method for controlling a set of propulsion units according to claim 9, further comprising:
providing the predetermined thrust level for one of the first or the third propulsion unit so that it corresponds to a level less than where a reverse propulsion direction of the first or third propulsion unit causes cavitation.
11. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program means for causing a control unit to control a set of propulsion units carried by a hull of a vessel, wherein the set of propulsion units comprise a first propulsion unit, a second propulsion unit and a third propulsion unit, wherein the second propulsion unit is provided as a center propulsion unit between the first and second propulsion unit, wherein the computer program product comprises:
code for receiving an input command from a steering control instrument operating the vessel;
code for determining a desired delivered thrust, gear selection and steering angle for the first, second and third propulsion unit respectively, based on the input command;
code for providing a set of control commands for controlling the desired delivered thrust, gear selection and steering angle for the first, second and third propulsion unit, and
code for setting the second propulsion unit to have a reverse gear selection with a thrust level if the input command indicates a sway command and the first propulsion unit is set to have a forward gear selection and the third propulsion unit is set to have a reverse gear selection, each with a thrust level, and only after the thrust level for one of the first or the third propulsion unit exceeds a predetermined thrust level.