GB2363290A

GB2363290A - Wristwatch communication device

Info

Publication number: GB2363290A
Application number: GB0013884A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Gilberg Rosenburg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-06-07
Filing date: 2000-06-07
Publication date: 2001-12-12
Also published as: GB0013884D0

Abstract

A wristwatch communication device comprises: a mobile telephone system 54,56; a microcontroller 50; a memory 52 for storage; a strap 14 which may contain a plurality of battery elements 70 for powering the device; and at least two screen displays. A first screen 22 is arranged to display alphanumeric characters or functions which may be accessed by selectors 38,40. A second screen display 24 is arranged for displaying messages which may be composed using characters, stored in memory or received through the telephone. A third screen displays the time, day or date. This arrangement provides a miniature user interface which may be used to access the internet.

Description

2363290 Miniature Communication Device The present invention relates to a

miniature communication device.

Increasingly people require devices which allow communication whilst they are on the move. Mobile telephones allowing access t o other telephone systems have been commonplace for some time and recently the development of Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)'has enabled mobile telephones to have access to the internet.

One demand placed upon manufacturers and designers is tha mobile communication devices are scaled down in size so that they are less heavy, less noticeable for security reasons, and less obtrusive for aesthetic reasons. This demand, previously constrained by technology, and in particular the size of the electronic components used in the manufacture of mobile telephones, is now satisfied to the extent that devices which sit in the palm of the hand and can be enveloped by the hand are available. For an example of such a device the applicant would point to a device known as the BlackBerry T" available from RIM in the USA.

This device and other small devices like it have out of necessity a small keypad arrangement. A problem with a small keypad arrangement is that it can lead to poor user performance. Double-key typing (where a first key is too close, considering the size of a finger, to a second key to miss it when the first key is struck) is a common mistake as is error typing. There is also evidence to show that an uncomfortably small keypad arrangement can frustrate the user leading to inaccurate typing.

Small keypad arrangements are also problematic in that they do not allow storage of as many characters and/or functions as a conventional size keyboard.

Keys can be representative of a double function, triple function, etc., so that the same number of characters and/or flinctions can be stored as on a keypad of larger size, but this tends to complicate usage of the device as a user must switch between modes to use the first function and second (or subsequent) fanction represented by a particular key.

Alternatively, the keys of a small keypad arrangement can be operated with an implement; say, a pin. However, that can slow operation, makes it less user friendly and the lack of change of grip can give rise 'to repetitive strain injury.

-6 1 Furthermore, if a pin is unavailable the device is no longer-usable.

One object of the invention is to provide a miniature communication device whereby the majority of the characters and/or functions are represented electronically as opposed to the prior art in which the majority of the characters/functions are represented by keys.

Another object of the invention is to provide a miniature communication device having easier and/or more efficient user control.

A ftuther object of the invention is to provide an improved miniature cormnunication device.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a miniature communication device comprising; a mobile telephone system, a microcontroller, 3 a memory for storage of a computer program which controls the microprocessor and other information; Means for supplying power to the components; a first screen display arranged to display menu items including alphanumeric characters and functions, a second screen display, separate from the first screen display, arranged to display a message composed using characters, or stored in memory, or incoming via mobile telephone system, and a selector means which can be used to navigate menu items and select appropriately.

In that way, the number of keys of the device can be substantially reduced. Since an area of the device (typically slightly larger than the area of a fingertip) is normally allocated to each key, the size of the device can be consequently reduced.

It will be appreciated that the first screen display can be provided with more characters or the like than could be individually selectable on a keypad of a known miniature communication device.

The screen display gives simple control of selection of characters and/or functions and the arrangement obviates errors associated with conventional keyboards such as mis-typing and double strike.

Miniature electronic devices have been hand held until now but now that very small sizes are being reached, the hand of a user can obscure a greater proportion of the device it holds, and important infonnation, control buttons, etc., can be hidden.

1n that regard, in a preferred embodiment, the miniature communication device has means for fastening the device in position. That arrangement is useful with such a small device and prevents user annoyance associated with constant holding and repositioning.

Preferably, the means for fastening the device in position comprises a strap, most preferably the device takes the form of a wristwatch. In that way, the device is easily fixed to a part of the body such as the wrist.

I A ftuther object of the invention is to provide an improved wristwatch.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a wristwatch comprising; a mobile telephone system, a microcontroller, a memory for storage of a computer program which controls the microprocessor and other information; a strap; Means for supplying power to the components; a first screen display arranged to display menu items including alphanumeric characters and functions; a second screen display, separate from the first screen display, arranged to display a message composed using characters, or stored in memory, or incoming via the mobile telephone system; The first screen display or second screen display is able to display the time and/or day and/or date; and, a selcctor means which can be used to navigate menu items and select appropriately.

Such a device can be fitted to the body and concealed by clothing such as a shirt to minimise the risk of theft.

Preferably, the mobile telephone system has a modem associated therewith to allow access to the Internet.

Preferably, one of the first and second screen display is adapted to show the time in a first mode and the menu items or message respectively in a second mode.

The means for supplying power to the components may comprise circuitry adapted to supply power to the components when a power supply means such as a battery, is arranged in said circuitry. Altematively the means for supplying power to the components may comprise a power supply. The power supply means preferably comprises a phirality of batteries spaced along the length of the strap, most preferably encased therein so as not to be visible to a user through the outer surface of the strap (that is the surface which faces the user when worn on said user). Spacing a plurality of batteries around the strap avoids additional bulk to the wristwatch and maintains the aesthefic of the wristwatch.

The power supply means may be rechargeable in situ which is advantageous in that the power supply means does not need to be removed, recharged and reinserted periodically.

Preferably the first screen display and second screen display are housed in respective first and second sections which are movable relative to one another, most preferably the first and second sections are movable from an open position where both screen displays are visible to a closed position where the first and second screen displays are enclosed by the first and second sections.

Alternatively, the first screen display and second screen display may be arranged immovably adjacent to each other, preferably in substantially coplanar fashion.

The device preferably comprises a third screen display to display time and/or day and/or date.

The third screen display may be solely dedicated to performing standard watch functions.

The third screen display is preferably on a side of one of the two sections opposite to either the first screen display or second screen display, i.e. where the device is arranged so that the first screen display or second screen display is on the front of the section the third screen display is on the back of the section.

The third screen display is preferably arranged on the device to face outwards when wom by the user when the first and second sections are in the closed position.

The first screen display may have an area less than 16 centimetres squared, preferably less than 9 centimetres squared, and most preferably an area less than 5 centimetres squared. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement can provide more operating characters and functions per unit area than a workable miniature keypad because it is not necessary to provide space around each key for a finger.

The device may comprise a microphone/speaker arranged on one of the sections so that it is usable to permit two-way oral communication when the device is in the closed position. Additionally and/or alternatively a microphone/speaker is arranged on one of the sections so that it is usable when the device is in the open position.

The screen display preferably comprises at least one four-state switch being used to scroll through the menu items in two directions, select a menu item, and a state in which the switch is inoperative.

In the preferred embodiment two four-state switches are provided, one being dedicated to menu items, the other being dedicated to editing a message on the second screen display.

Preferably, the screen displays can be lit to allow usage in the dark.

A miniature communication device will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure I is a plan view of a wristwatch communication device in accordance with the invention in a closed condition, Figure 2 is a plan view of the wristwatch communication device of Figure I in an open condition, 8 Figures 3 to 5 are cross sections of part of the wristwatch communicalion device showing different selectors for operation of the device, Figure 6 is a simple block diagram of the wristwatch communication device;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a ftuther wristwatch communication device invention in a closed condition; and Figure 8 is a plan view of the wristwatch communication device of Figure 7 in an open condition.

Referring to Figures I and 2 there is shown a miniature communication device 10 according to the invention in the form of a wristwatch.

The miniature cornmunication device 10 comprises a communication unit 12 on a strap 14. The strap 14 has means (not shown) for fastening said strap on a user's wrist. The communication unit 12 comprises a first section 16 and a second section The'two sections 16,18 are of similar size and joined at a hinge 19 of the like.

The two sections 16, 18 conveniently forni, respectively, a lid and a base.

The communication unit 12 comprises a first screen display 20, a second screen display 22 and a third screen display 24. The first screen display 20 is on an outwardly-facing surface 25 of the first section 16. The second screen display 22 is on the inside surface of the first section 16. The third screen display 24 is on the user-facing surface 27 (as shown in Figure 2) of the second section 18.

The first screen display 20 is a wristwatch type screen display. Typically, it can display time and/or day and/or date. Other functions such as chronograph/timer are possible.

The second screen display 22 is for menu items. such as alphanumeric characters, symbols or the like and functions. In particular, cells 28 are provided which each display a character, symbol or the like. Cells 28 are marked with boundaries in Figure I but in practice the cell boundaries need not be visible.

Function keys 30, 32, 34 and 36 are provided, preferably at another part of the screen display 22. A first function key 30 represents a "dial" function. A second function key 32 represents a 'tediar' ftuiction. It will be appreciated that the second screen 22 substitutes a conventional cellphone keypad. A third function key 34 represents a "save data" function. A fourth function key 36 represents a "recall memory" function. A different number of keys may be used and other functions may be represented by said above or other function keys.

The communication unit 12 comprises a first microphone/speaker 26 and a second microphone/speaker 42.

The first microphone and speaker 26 is on the outwardly facing surface 25 of the first screen display 20, preferably below the first screen display as shown in Figure 1. The second microphone and speaker 42 is on the userfacing surface 27 of the second section 18, preferably below the third screen display 24. Facias for both microphone and speakers 26 and 42 are of oval form.

The communication unit 12 comprises a first selector 38 and a second selector 40. Both selectors 38 and 40 are on the second section 18, preferably on the user-facing surface 27, and most preferably one each side of the second microphone and speaker 42.

The selectors 38 and 40 are in the form of one of buttons 43 shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Each button 43 sits in a cavity 45 with a manually engageable part protruding through a mouth 44 in the second section 18.

Each selector 38 and 40 has a contact means 46, consisting of three pairs of contacts. One inner contact 46 is arranged on one side of the button as shown in Figures 3 to 5, a second inner contact 46 is arranged on an opposite side of the button and a further inner contact 46 is positioned on an underside of the button.

The outer contacts 46 of the pairs are arranged on corresponding sides and an innerside of the cavity 45 so as to face the inner contacts 46.

Each selector 38, 40 has a biasing means 48 consisting, here, of three sets of springs. Each set of springs is arranged between one surface of the inner and outer contacts 46 as shown in Figures 3 to 5.

The arrangement of springs tends to bias the button 43 to a neutral position wherein the contact means 46 is open; that is, each of the pairs of contacts are not closed. The individual pairs of contacts when closed enable different activities. For example, the pairs of contacts on the side walls of the cavity 45 can enable movement of a visible cursor displayed on the second screen display 22. The pairs of contacts in the bottom of the cavity 45 can be used to select the appropriate letter, number, symbol and/or function as currently highlighted by the visible cursor by depression of the button 43 so is to close the bottom contact.

Each of the buttons 43 has a concave section 49. The concave section 49 improves side to side maneuverability of the button 43 as shown in Figures 3 to 5.

Referring now to Figure 6, a mobile telephone system 54 having an associated modem (not shown) communicates with screen dispays 20, 22, 24 11 selectors 38, 40 and microphone and speakers 26, 42 via a microcontroller 50. The microcontroller 50 is housed in the communication unit 12.

An antenna 56 provides the necessary signal for the mobile telephone system 5.

A memory 52 houses a computer program (not shown) which controls the microcontroller 50.

A power supply means 70 supplies power to the microcontroller 50.

The power supply means 70 is in the form of a plurality of batteries. Ybese would be encased in a non-conducting material and linked in series to the device. Conveniently, the batteries are spaced about the strap 14 such that the strap retains necessary maneuverability.

The batteries 70 are encased in the strap 14, preferably so as not to be seen through said strap.

Means (not shown) for lighting the screens 20, 22, 24 is provided so as to allow operation at night and in otherwise poor visibility.

In use, letters, numbers, symbols and functions displayed on the second screen display 22 can be accessed by (or selected) navigating the first selector 38 to that letter, number, symbol or fUndion by using the button 43. In that case, the cell 28 is highlighted, and then selected by depression of the navigation button 4_3 of the first selector. If the item accessed is a letter, number or symbol, it would then appear on the third screen display 24. If it is a function, such as "dial," 30, the dial (or other) function is performed. If one accesses data stored in memory 34, such as "phone book" the stored data would be displayed on the second screen 22. One 12 would then navigate to the appropriate item in the stored data, such, as a specific phone number, and click on "dial".

The third screen display 24 shows either a message which is input by the device user, or an incoming message. If the user is using the device as a conventional cell phone, one dials the telephone number desired, or if one is using it as an Internet access device, one dials the Internet access number. If the device is used as a cell phone, only the number being dialed is displayed on the second screen Jie 22 (or other telephone related information, such as time connected, etc.).

If the device is used as an Internet access device, either an incoming or outgoing message can be displayed. The second selector 40 is used to navigate the lower screen when composing a message. Existing technology permits the cursor to move one space to the right after a designated interval. However, it is necessary to navigate the third screen 24 if one wishes to either overwrite a number or letter or insert additional text anywhere on the third screen 24. Depressing the button of the second selector 40 would send the message on the second screen 24.

A battery charging port (not shown) and additional control buttons may be added to a side of the device (for volume, on-off, etc.) without significantly increasing its size.

A modified communication device 100 is shown in Figures 7 and 8 of the attached drawings. Ile second section 118 is elongate wi th respect to the first section 116. In that way, when the device 100 is closed, a lower part 119 of the second section I 18 of the communication device 100 is exposed. This lower part 119 contains selectors 138, 140 and a microphone and speaker 142. This modification permits the use of the same microphone and speaker 142 when the device is open and when it is closed. For "ample, a user can receive a telephone ca without opening the device, which is a convenience in many situations, such as 13 when driving a car. Also, device 100 allows easier answering of the phone when using it in the closed mode; and secondly, device 100 allows resetting of the time and date display 120. One of the selectors 138, 140 fiinctions as an "answer" button when the phone rings in the closed mode, and the other can trigger the "reset" mode when the communication unit 112 is closed, thereby enabling the user to then reset the date and time on the first screen display 120.

Since the selectors 138, 140 have different functions when the communication unit 112 is open and closed. The communication device 110 has a sensor (not shown) to detect if the communication unit 12 is open or closed, and thus determine which mode the selectors 138, 140 are in. The sensor can comprise a single switch which is in communication with microprocessor 50.

An additional benefit of providing the elongated lower part 119 of the communication unit 112 is that the larger size of the second section 119 permits a larger third screen display 124.

The device may have a spring or easily openable catch lock to keep it snapped shut when worn as a watch.

The strap may be modified to allow attachment to other parts of the body such as the waist, leg or neck, or indeed to allow attachment to objects such as a bicycle, etc.

14

Claims

Claims

I. A miniature communication device comprising; a mobile telephone system, a microcontroller, a memory for storage of a computer program which controls the microcontroller and other information; means for supplying power to the components; a first screen display an-anged to display menu items including alphanumeric characters and functions, a second screen display, separate from the first screen display, arranged to display a message composed using characters, or stored in memory, or incoming via mobile telephone system, and a selector means which can be used to navigate menu items and select appropriately.
2. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the device has means for fastening the device in position.
3. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the means for fastening the device in position comprises a strap.

is
4. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim J3), wherein the device takes the form of a wristwatch.
5. A miniature communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mobile telephone system has a modem associated therewith to allow access to the Internet.
6. A miniature communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second screen displays is adated to show the time in a first mode and the menu items or message respectively in a second mode.
7. A miniature communication device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 6, when dependant on Claim J3), wherein the power supply means comprises a plurality of batteries spaced along the length of the strap.
8. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the batteries are encased in the strap.
9. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the batteries are not visible through a outer surface of the strap which faces the user in use.
10. A miniature communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second screen display are mounted immovably adjacent each other.
11. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the first and second screen display are mounted in substantially coplanar fashion.
12. A miniature communication device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the first screen display and second screen display are housed in respective first and second sections which are movable relative to one another.
13. A miniature communication device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first and second sections are movable from an open position where both screen displays are visible to a closed position where the first and second screen displays are enclosed by the first and second sections.
14. A miniature communication device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a third screen display to display the time and/or day andlor date.
15. A miniature communication device as claimed in claim 14 when dependent on Claim 3 and Claim 12 or 13 when dependent on Claim 3, wherein the third screen display is on a side of one of the two sections opposite to either the first screen display or second screen display.
16. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 12 or 13 when dependent on Claim 3, wherein the third screen display is arranged to face outwardly on the strap when wom by the user when the first and second sections are in the closed position.
17. A miniature communication device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first screen display has an area less than 16 centimetres squared.
18. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the first screen display has an area less than 9 centimetres squared.

17
19. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the first screen display has an area less than 5 centimetres squared.
20. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, wherein the device comprises a microphone/speaker on one of the sections arranged so that it is usable when the device is in the closed position.
21. A miniature communication device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 19, wherein a mircrophonelspeaker is on one of the sections arranged so that it is usable when the device is in the open position.
22. A miniature communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the screen display comprises at least one four-state switch; usable in two states to scroll through the menu items in two respective directions, in one state to select a menu item, and another state in which the screen display is inoperative.
23. A miniature communication device as claimed in Claim 22, wherein a second four-state switch is provided, one four-state switch being dedicated to menu items, the other four-state switch being dedicated to editing a message on the second screen display.
24. A miniature communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the screen displays can be backlit.
25. A wristwatch communication device comprising; a mobile telephone system, a microcontroller, 18 a memory for storage of a computer program which controls the microcontroller and other information; a strap; means for supplying power to the components; a first screen display arranged to display menu items including alphanumeric characters and functions; a second screen display, separate from the first screen display, arranged to display a message composed using characters, or stored in memory, or incoming via mobile tclephone system; means for displaying the time and/or day and/or date; and a selector means which can be used to navigate menu items and select appropriately.
26 A wristwatch communication device as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the means for displaying the time first screen display or second screen display.
27. A wristwatch communication device as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the means for displaying the time is a third dedicated screen display.

28 A wristwatch communication device substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.