KR20060028638A - Mobile communication device cover and method for its operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable radio communication device having an exchangeable cover. Specifically the invention relates to system of a mobile phone to provide multiple functionality and user interoperability to a mobile terminal device. The present invention provides a mobile communication device cover comprising a keyboard and a cover processor. The keyboard and said cover processor are interconnected. The cover is characterized by a bus interface, for connecting said cover processor to a mobile communication module, wherein said bus interface is adapted to operate with a plurality of mobile communication modules.

Description

Mobile communication device cover and method for its operation

The present invention relates to a portable radio communication device having a replaceable cover. The invention also relates to a replaceable lid for a mobile communication device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system of a mobile telephone that provides multiple functionality and user interoperability to a mobile terminal device.

Removable covers for mobile terminals are already known from mobile phones currently in use. Patent applications that disclose the relevant state of the art are for example WO 97/32423, WO 01/86922 A1, EP 1 198 110 A2 and US Pat. No. 6,118,986.

Document WO 97/32423 discloses a clip-on cover for a mobile phone, which has only decorative or design changing functions, so that the appearance of the mobile phone can be easily changed.

Document WO 01/86922 A1 discloses a clip-on cover for a mobile phone which includes a discriminating means for identifying so that the processor in the mobile phone can identify the characteristics of the cover. The mobile phone can therefore adapt its functionality and the functionality of its display to the functionality of the identified and personalized lid. The lid according to this document may comprise a microchip that alters the functionality of the mobile telephone.

EP 1 198 110 A2 discloses a clip-on cover for mobile telephones which includes other key arrangements which improves the usability of the telephone for applications of the desired use. Such a replaceable cover is for example applied to the 3610i Nokia phone.

U. S. Patent No. 6,118, 986 discloses small pager devices capable of providing complete telephone calculator or navigator functionality to a pager device using a small removable credit card size keypad. The credit card size keypad element may comprise a display applicable to other kinds of applications.

Personalization, internationalization and customization of telephones and communication devices requires a great deal of effort in various handling situations.

All of the above approaches for personalization, internationalization and customization are not common in the market where they are rapidly changing in communication device models as in the case of mobile phones or handheld computers. Because of the short cycle times in which a single phone of a communication device type is manufactured, the customization market has little time to react and some phone types disappear before the appropriately changed covers are developed.

Therefore, there is a need for a replaceable lid system that can overcome these problems.

It is therefore desirable to have a mobile phone architecture that can provide an optimized and in principle arbitrarily interchangeable cover for a mobile communication device.

The present invention is based on the idea of providing a new approach on the premise of mobile communication devices with exchangeable covers, by proposing a replaceable telephone or communication module instead of a replaceable cover.

The present invention begins with a first approach for interchangeable covers for modifying the appearance of mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones, to a second step of other shaped keys and keypads provided to press keys of the underlying communication device. It leads. In addition, the present invention recognizes that extension modules for basic wireless communication modules are being developed.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the state of the art by providing a replaceable lid with a keypad. The cover according to the present invention is characterized by a cover processor connected to the keypad. The lid according to the invention is a further feature that the lid processor is connected to a standardized bus or a standardized bus interface. The invention thus basically provides a device comprising two elements, a communication module and a cover module. Both elements include a bus interface for exchanging input and / or output data via a standardized interface. In this way, two important advantages can be provided. Firstly, the cover functionality and the phone module functionality can be developed independently without mutual preparation for additional modified functionality. Second, it would be sufficient to develop only one communication module for each desired application: two band GSM phones, three band GSM phones that may be used in the United States, or new UMTS or other subsequent standards. Modules comprising combinations of GSM and / or UMTS modules are also possible.

The present invention provides an intelligent cover having at least a keypad and characterized by a bus interface connecting the cover processor and the cover processor to the communication module together with the keypad. Preferably, a controller can be used. A controller can control the bus and the keypad. The preferred embodiment may have a display implemented in the telephone module.

In another example embodiment the cover further comprises a display, which is connected to the bus interface for connecting the display to a processor of the mobile communication device. Direct implementations of the keyboard and cover include the advantages of making it easier to implement input selection features such as menu keys or function keys that change the description on the display. Thus the modification (or adaptation) of the display functionality and keyboard functionality in an integrated (integrated) cover containing the display and keyboard is significantly simplified.

If the keyboard and display are implemented integrally as a touchscreen display, then this is a case where the retrofit is significantly simplified. Moreover, the display controller may be provided in the cover, and may be integrally implemented in the cover processor.

According to another aspect of the invention the controller may comprise a keypad abstraction controller. Optionally, a separate display controller is provided. The controller (s) communicate with the phone itself via a designated bus and a designated protocol. This protocol may be based, for example, on ASCII code, Unicode or any other suitable code. By introducing this abstraction layer, other functionality, such as internationalization, keypad functionality, additional gamepads or joysticks, such as an internet pad, surf- or navigation pad, or eg a GPS- or map It would be possible to operate the phone with other covers having an implementation of the pad device.

Note that the present invention goes beyond the basic approach for mobile device cover based on a mobile device as a means of changing the appearance of the phone. The invention is further based on a cover device having a replaceable communication module. In the state of the art, it is always emphasized which part is the "main part" and which part is the "replaceable part". In the present invention, this strict boundary is blurred. Until now, different interchangeable covers have been provided for a single phone module, but it was not possible to select more than one different phone module for just one single cover. Thus, in contrast to the state of the art, the user may change the communication module to, for example, a UMTS phone and keep his old cover as desirable as he uses it.

In another example embodiment, the cover further includes a battery module. By integrating the battery module into the cover (or a subset of features integrated into the cover), the battery module need not be attached to or integrated with the communication module. Another advantage of integrating the power source into the lid is that the power consumption (power consumption) can be estimated. If many power consumption modules are integrated into the lid, the lid can primarily determine the required battery capacity. Another advantage is the fact that the communication module can be used for large and small telephones unless it is designed to carry huge batteries or power packs.

In another example embodiment, the cover further includes slots for receiving the communication module. The cover may substantially surround the communication module. The cover may also include two or more slots or receiving interfaces for the communication modules. The cover surrounds the cellular telephone module and the wireless module and can be connected to the telephone line. Thus, the user can fit his communication device (cover) with other communication modules to connect to other cellular base station systems / standards and / or other radiotelephone base stations. Therefore, the user can fit his personal cover with the GSM-, UMTS and radio system telephone modules, and thus can talk on the telephone when and where they can reach the cells of the wireless communication network.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module comprises a radio interface for connecting to a mobile telephone base station or a wireless telephone base station, for example, for connecting to a communication network. The mobile communication module is for connecting the mobile communication module to the cover and features a standardized bus interface having at least a key-based input device, such as a navigation button, keypad or keyboard.

By using a standardized bus system to communicate with the communication module, personalization, internationalization and customization of the device can be performed by simply adopting the functionality of the lid with different handling with minimal effort. So different layouts for a single telephone can be provided by a standard interface and multiple feature-standard interface covers for the same telephone module. The telephone module itself will remain the same for several variants. This reduces the number of other phone variants. Thus, extensive testing and development efforts will be unnecessary.

As a conclusion of the proposed solution, the telephone processor does not have to deal with the full functionality of the other phone covers since all possible signals on the bus are already determined. This entails that all cover variants must be designed and tested to meet bus standards. So other covers and cover designs can be developed after the phone launches. Thanks to the standard interface, intelligent covers are independent of the design cycle.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the mobile communication module further comprises a display. This embodiment represents the idea of another principle of incorporating only the key into the lid. The cover is connected to the communication module via the bus system.

In a further example embodiment the wireless interface of the mobile communication module comprises a wireless telephone interface. This allows the user to adapt the look of his cordless home phone to his preferred style. Another advantage of such a system is that the user can simply access his own home telephone and adapt to his preferred telephone system in terms of appearance, design and the like. The advantage of the user is that it forms well-known menu structures for phone applications. Another advantage is that the user can use the same components for home and outdoor telephone applications so that the user can build a closer relationship with the producer of his communication equipment.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, said communication module comprises a mobile or cellular telephone interface. The communication device can thus be used as a cellular telephone.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the mobile communication module further includes a microphone and a loudspeaker. Both microphones and loudspeakers may be implemented in the cover.

In another example embodiment, the mobile communication module includes a battery module and a minimal user interface that provides basic telephone functionality. Thus, even if the cover is damaged, the user can use the telephone module. The battery module may be provided as a module that can be integrated in the cover or in the communication module. It is also possible to provide a battery in the form of an adapter or in the form of a connector using a bus system and a mechanical interface, for example, between the cover and the telephone module. It is also possible to connect the telephone modules and the covers of the other telephone series using adapters.

The mobile phone interface may be provided with individual batteries, individual keypads, menu keys or similar basic communication features even when the cover is not actually attached.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device is characterized by an intelligent mobile communication device cover as described in the foregoing specification and a mobile communication module according to the foregoing detailed description.

Note that the subscriber identity module (ie SIM card) can be inserted into the cover or telephone module. If a SIM card is installed in the telephone module, the system can be regarded as a telephone with a replaceable lid. If a SIM card is installed in the cover, the system can be considered as an electronic device with a plug-in telephone module.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for handling input data in mobile communication devices having a removable intelligent mobile communication device cover and a mobile communication module. The method includes receiving input from the cover, converting the input to conform to a specified protocol, transferring the converted input to the mobile phone module via a designated bus, and transferring the transferred input to the mobile phone module. Processing or executing in the telephone.

Input is received by keys, touch screens, and the like, pressed by the user in the lid. The input is then converted according to the standardized bus protocol and sent to the phone module for execution.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises generating or receiving data to be output from the communication module, converting the output according to a protocol specified in the communication module, and converting the converted output through a designated bus. Transmitting to the removable intelligent mobile communication device cover, and outputting the received output through the display of the intelligent cover.

This part of the method describes the basic functionality of sending output data to the cover via a standardized bus. The direction of this method is used to operate a display on the lid or to operate a sound generator that generates a call signal.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a software tool comprising program code means for performing the method of the above detailed description when the program returns from an intelligent cover or telephone module of a chip-on cover mobile phone.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product downloadable from a server for performing the method of the foregoing detailed description. The computer program means comprises program code means for performing all of the steps of the foregoing methods when the program returns from the intelligent cover or telephone module of the clip-on cover mobile phone.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising program code means stored on a computer readable medium. The program code means is for carrying out the methods of the above detailed description when the program product is returned on the intelligent cover or telephone module of the "clip on" cover mobile phone.

Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

1 is a block diagram of a mobile communication device having a communication module and a replaceable cover interconnected via a standardization bus,

2 is a block diagram of a mobile communication device in another embodiment,

3 is an exemplary flowchart of data transmission from a cover of a mobile communication device to an individual device;

4 is an exemplary flowchart of data transmission from a mobile communication device to an individual intelligent cover;

5 shows a basic implementation of the data flow between the lid and the device itself,

6A-6C illustrate the data flow of other implementations of lids,

7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a character recognition algorithm,

8 illustrates an example implementation of a word matching algorithm,

9-11 illustrate example implementations of subalgorithms that may be used to implement the word matching algorithm.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile communication device. For a vivid description, this communication device is described with an example of a mobile phone. The mobile communication device comprises a telephone module 22 and a replaceable lid 2 interconnected via a standardization bus 10. The lid 2 comprises at least a display 4, a user input device 6 drawn as a keypad and a lid processor or controller 8. The cover processor 8 is configured to translate or convert the signals received via the bus 10 into signals for the display 4. The cover processor 8 is further configured to translate or convert signals received from the keypad into signals to be transmitted to the mobile phone module 22 via the bus 10. The display 4 may be provided with its own display processor (not shown) which may be directly connected to the bus 10. Alternatively, the cover 2 may provide an alternative interface between the display 4 and the communication module 22. The display may optionally provide information about its capabilities to itself or the module 22 via a standardized display interface.

The telephony module 22 comprises at least a controller 24, a wireless interface module 28 and a memory 30, which can control (at least partially) the traffic of the bus 10 and further It is configured to control the wireless interface module 28 and the memory 30. The wireless interface module 28 is, for example, a mobile communication transceiver, a telephone engine or a telephone modem (or individual packet radio equipment modules (GPRS, etc.)) of GSM, UMTS or one of the future mobile telephone standards. The controller 24 can control access to the bus and operates with cover-specific software. The present invention does not describe a specific way in which the cover specific software can be uploaded to the telephone module. This software can be downloaded from the server, from the lid itself or via any other interface. It is also possible to provide an extensible number of prestored lid configurations to the telephone module. Downloading can be performed by sending an SMS with the identifier of the cover (and the module) to a separate server.

With these two modules, the basic functionality of a mobile phone with an intelligent exchangeable cover can be provided.

In the drawing, the GPS module 14, the MP3 player module 18, the Bluetooth module 16, the camera module with software for handling images, serial I / F-, universal serial bus (USB)-, Firewire-, A part 12 is also provided that includes a controller 15 for controlling a memory card reader and an interface module or other modules such as an infrared interface module 19. These modules are connected to the bus 10 via a controller 15. An additional plug-in or plug-on module may be provided in which the modules 14, 16, 18, 19 are individually assigned to the cover of the telephone module and which carry the desired functionality. Thus, if one of the additional modules is implemented in the cover of the telephone module, processor 8 or controller 24 may implement the functionality of controller 15 separately. The position of drawing the dividing line (s) exactly between the cover 2 and the mobile telephone module is not important to the present invention.

The manufacturer may provide other communication modules and other cover modules with different capabilities and other features. Therefore, the cover module and the communication module may occur to include implementations in which certain features are similar or even identical. For example, an MP3-capable cover may be connected to an MP3-capable phone. The combination of cover and telephone module may include not only one dedicated module but also double or triple (one telephone module, one cover and one additional module). Note that these triple devices offer increased functionality so users can benefit from the redundant presence of functional modules. Music-loving users may purchase MP3 phone modules, MP3-capable covers and MP3-capable plug-on devices (eg, memory extensions). In this case, the user may benefit from overlapping certain features, for example by increasing the memory to store more different music titles. In the event of a duplicate media player, the replaceable cover is used as a replaceable storage medium to replace the covers and to copy or transfer data from the communication module (short-term fixed "storage medium") to the cover or vice versa. Alternatively, other data may be transferred between communication devices. Higher quality implementations may have a combination of both features for lower energy consumption or higher quality output, even if other applications that may benefit the user form the features presented in the communication module and in the lid. An embodiment is being selected.

The power supply is not drawn in the figures, because it does not matter which part of the at least two parts (cover and telephone module) is located or whether the resources are allocated. It is possible for two parts to have their own power supply. It is possible to provide additional power modules to the modular telephone. It is possible to provide modules of additional features to modular telephones. Additional feature modules may be GPS module 14, MP3 player module 18, Bluetooth module 16, or serial I / F-, USB (Universal Serial Bus)-, Firewire- or infrared interface module 19. Can be. Therefore, this may be a preferred module that may provide a power pack module. The power module may exchange information with at least one of the controllers 8, 15 or 24 to control the actual power consumption depending on the power actually provided.

With this architecture, problems tied to the state of the art of interchangeable covers with different functionality while maintaining the same telephony module can be easily solved. There are advantages.

Replacing the cover allows you to exchange phone functionality. For example, the same telephone module can be used as a small pack telephone, as a messaging telephone, or as a large communicator with a full QWERTY keypad and large display. The only difference could be made by the user but would be a change of cover.

Because of the standard interface, additional covers can be designed even when phones with existing architectures are already on the market, since the phone module must cover full cover functionality. Therefore, all extensions must be known during the telephone design phase. Thus, even if no idea was presented for such a device during the design phase of the telephone module, the telephone module can be inserted into an audio recorder, for example, capable of transmitting the received audio files. Thus, there will be fewer telephony module variations, as species-richness will be provided by differentiated covers.

Upper items of parentheses 2 may be provided inside the intelligent cover. It includes a display 4, a keyboard or keypad 6, and a lid processor 8. The cover processor 8 handles all traffic to the user. It deals with full keyboard 6 management, stores display layouts and handles display 4 traffic. The cover itself is connected to the telephone module via a standardization bus 10 (eg Unicode for keyboard input). The cover can thus be connected to any type of telephone module.

The telephony module 22 itself may consist of several logic blocks. Within the controller 24 there may be some UI specific blocks selected according to the lid 2 mounted. In addition, there are hardware building blocks such as GSM / UMTS telephone engine 28. Also, GPS module 14, MP3 player module 18, Bluetooth module 16, which are integrated into the telephone module or cover. Or serial I / F-, USB (Universal Serial Bus)-, FireWire- or infrared interface module 19.

By inserting a standardized interface and an additional cover processor, the phone configuration will be changed to a modular approach. One single telephone module can handle more than one function simply by changing the cover. The user may do so. The lid itself may contain a processor that owns memory or has operating software.

The cover provides a complete abstract interface to the phone. The design and layout of the keyboard 6 therefore does not require the adoption of telephone software or hardware. The telephone and the cover processors communicate via predetermined signals or messages. The phone can select different modes of operation. Some examples of other modes are editor mode (for numeric, text (or T9) input), gaming mode, menu navigation (navigation) and key protection control. For example, in a keyboard layout, the intelligent cover can handle key entry caps locks and control keys. A more detailed description of these modes follows the description of FIGS. 5-11.

In FIG. 1, the intelligent lid also provides an interface to the display. The cover processor tells the phone what kind of display is connected (eg screen size, resolution and number of colors available). Another option can be that the cover processor itself can handle some display-related presentation-like UI reconstructions.

Intelligent cover can deal with much different additional functionality. Gaming inputs, for example via joystick or display light manipulation, lighting alignment and display contrast adjustment, may also be addressed.

To implement the present invention, by implementing a cover containing a processor and defining a protocol for proper interaction between the phone module and the intelligent cover, the protocol allows for proper functional freedom, and the keypad in the cover from the phone. Sends key control to an abstraction processor that implements different UI styles in the phone that are automatically selected if another display is selected or connected and the display signals are routed through the standardized display interface by direct interface or by the cover processor. It is proposed to use an approach.

In FIG. 2, the display has a display processor 8 ′ connected to the bus 10 ′. Alternatively, the telephone module may provide an alternative interface to the display 4. The display 4 may optionally provide itself or a module with information about its capabilities via a standardized display interface. By using the dedicated display controller 8 ', other tasks of the display controller 8' and the lid processor 8 can be considered. Other task specific processors and controllers 8, 8 'can be more easily optimized. If the bus needs to transmit video data, for example, the bus should be able to be implemented as a high performance bus 10 'with an increased data rate.

The architecture disclosed above may include a solution to such unobtrusive problems that arise when using T9 logic or when entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This problem is caused by the fact that the input to the communication device (PIN "26580") and the individual content displayed (*****) are significantly different. In the disclosed architecture, the cover processor 8 can generate two different bus signals, one for the display controller 8 '(*****) and one for the controller 24 (26580). have. Another possibility is that the cover processor 8 generates only one bus signal 26580 at the controller 24 and the controller 24 generates a bus signal ***** for the display controller 8 '. have. The bus architecture can be used to solve almost any problem that arises in the implementation of additional hardware blocks or features in a modular communication device. The display may be embodied in the cover 2 or in the communication module 22. The combination of a displayless cover and a displayless communication module can lead to inexpensive implementation of a completely displayless communication device, for example for the blind.

As in FIG. 1, hardware building blocks 14 and 18 are connected directly to the bus via a controller 15. The hardware building blocks 16 and 19 are connected directly to the bus 10 'via the controller 15', indicating that a single hardware block can be distributed between the cover and the communication module.

In order to implement the present invention, a cover having a keyboard and a processor is implemented, defining a protocol for proper interaction between the telephone module and the intelligent cover, allowing the protocol to allow appropriate functional freedom, thereby allowing the cover to be used as a keypad abstraction processor. It is proposed to use an approach to implement key keypad UIs in the phone that transmit key control, automatically selected and suitable for the actual keys on the lid.

The other elements are the same as in FIG. 1 and are therefore not explicitly described in order not to obscure the description of the figures.

For clarity, in all the figures, the same or similar elements and functionality are referred to by the same or similar reference numerals.

3 and 4 are exemplary flowcharts of data communication between the telephone module and the individual intelligent cover. If the user wants to perform an input by pressing a button on the cover 2, the cover 2 receives an input for one of the keys of the keypad (40). The cover's controller translates this input into standardized signals or messages (42). These signals or messages may use, for example, Unicode ™, ASCII, etc. to identify the characters associated with the pressed key. In contrast to the telephone module, the cover will not necessarily require any information about the telephone or communication module. The generation of the input is carried out in the lid. If the cover does not have the ability to generate a full set of code signs, the cover device draws the correct conclusion, e.g. numeric or short for Short Messages (SMS) or Multi Media Messages (MMS). You should be able to enter characters. The standardized code is then transmitted to the telephone module via bus 10 (44) and converted to an input signal to be processed or executed (46). In this example, this may be an input of text to record an SMS, to accept or reject a call, or to select or change one of the settings of the mobile phone.

In basic output functionality, telephony module 22 may generate 48 incoming call display content relating to receiving a display output, such as an incoming call. If the display is integrated (or integrated) into the communication module, this can be done in a conventional manner. If the display is integrated in an intelligent lid, this can be done as follows. In a next step, the controller in the telephone module generates a signal output according to the information the controller has about the display size and the display dimensions (50). Information about the display dimensions should be supplied by the user or the cover. In the next step, the signal output is transmitted to the cover module 2 through the same standard bus 10 connection as in FIG. The bus may be a standardized communication bus or a personally developed telephone-cover-bus. In the lid 2, the signal output is received by the display controller and processed 54 and displayed on a display connected to the controller. If the user does not notice the incoming call, the method ends here.

5 shows a schematic diagram of a key input abstraction according to an embodiment of the invention. Thus, the design and layout of the keyboard does not require adaptation (or adaptation) of the phone software or hardware. The telephone and cover processors communicate via predetermined signals or messages. The phone can select different modes of operation. Some examples of other modes are editor mode (for entering numbers, text (or T9)), gaming mode, menu navigation and key protection control. For example, keyboard layout, key entry caps lock and control keys can be handled by the intelligent lid.

In Fig. 5 the key input is indicated by the key " 2 / abc " This key is located on the cover indicated by brackets 2 as in FIGS. 1 and 2. Following this input, a timing element 62 is added. Input 60/62 is then filtered and repetition is detected (64). Following that, it is determined if the input is to be processed further (66). Both features or elements 64 and 66 operate according to the actual input mode 76 received from the telephone module 22. These steps can be carried out in the intelligent lid 2, so that individual hardware elements must be provided in the lid.

The input can be further processed (67), for example, by the entry process 68, the word match algorithm 70, or at all as indicated by arrow 67 '. Not processed.

Next, a letter writing algorithm 68 and / or word matching algorithm 70 may be performed (within the lid and / or phone module).

Independent of the additional processing actually performed, output processing 72 is performed in the telephone module. The output 74 itself may be performed via the telephone module or through the cover module, depending on where the display is actually mounted.

In the described embodiment, the keyboard layout and keyboard language will be handled within the cover. The cover requires feedback 76 and 78 from the telephone module depending on the actual input mode.

6A-6C illustrate data flow for different implementations of lids and according to different input modes.

6A illustrates a data flow for a lid implementation that includes a QWERTY keyboard. By using a QWERTY keyboard, the commonly needed features and hardware elements for timing 62, letter writing algorithms 68, and word matching algorithms 70 can be saved. Modes with a "Typewriter" interface only require complex additional processing. Therefore, the input is simply detected, filtered, translated into buscode and passed directly to the output post-processing of the telephone module via shortcut 67 '. The mode signals 76 from the telephone indicate that no further processing is needed. Any kind of language choice can be saved.

6B shows a data flow for a lid implementation that includes an ITU-T keypad known in standard mobile phones. In order to enter the characters, the lid requires features and hardware elements for timing 62 and character writing algorithms 68. The word matching algorithm 70 can be saved and therefore drawn in dotted lines. Any kind of language selection can be saved. As in the mode with the "typewriter" interface, a simple one-to-one relationship is required between user input and characters transmitted via the bus. Therefore, the input is simply detected, filtered, translated into buscode and passed through further processing of the character writing algorithms 68. An implementation of the character writing algorithm "translates" the input of three keys "4" and two keys "6" to the word "in". All these steps can be performed in the cover in such a way that the telephone module does not distinguish between signals received from the cover of FIG. 6A or 6B.

Signals from the telephone 76 are alphanumerical input for the text entry (SMS, memos), not just numeric input (calculator, dialing), so that a character entry algorithm may be required. Can be indicated.

6C shows a data flow for a lid implementation that includes a T9 logic capable ITU-T keypad, also known in standard mobile phones. In order to enter the characters, the cover requires features and hardware elements for timing 62 and word matching algorithms 70. A letter writing algorithm 68 may be required to support the writing of mismatched words.

In contrast to the above embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the definition of language selection is It is essential. In contrast to the "typewriter" interface, it is clear that the T9 logic will suggest the most likely word for a sequence of (possibly ambiguous) ITU-T key inputs based on the recognition of user input. The cover will only employ a single language so "selection" is performed when purchasing the cover. Therefore, the input is detected for other possible words stored in the library and based on the selection input to be performed by the user, filtered and analyzed to select one of the different possible words that can be formed from the input sequence. . In this implementation of the word matching algorithm, the input of one key "4" and one key "6" generates the word "in". An additional key "*" can be pressed 61 to select one of the other possible combinations such as "go", "ho" or "hm". All these steps can be performed in such a way that the telephone module does not distinguish between signals received from the cover of Figs. 6A, 6B or 6C within the cover.

The signals 76 from the telephone may indicate that the text entry algorithm may be required since the expected input is alphanumeric input for text entry (SMS, memos) and not just numeric input (calculator, dialing). .

Other input modes and applicable characters may vary depending on the active application running in the telephone module.

The telephone module knows the possible, expected or actionable input options.

Numbers such as "0 ... 9, '+', '*', '#', ..." can be applied to any kind of telephone or calculator application.

-Text input requires monks and alphabets 1, 2, 3, ... + 'a' ... 'z'.

T9 logic requires an ITU-T keyboard and control keys.

Gaming applications may use control keys.

7 illustrates an example implementation of a text writing algorithm for an ITU-T keypad.

This algorithm distinguishes between three different input events: single character write, multiple character write, and repetition.

In the first case,

A single letter key such as 'A' has been received:

For example char string = 'A'

index = 0; pos = pos + l; text [pos] = char_string [index].

That is, the received input is identified by the letter "A", the index is un-changed = 0 and the position of it (one character string) is increased by one step.

In the second case,

Multiple character keystrokes are received, for example 'D, G, J' received:

For example char_string = 'DGJ'

index = 0; pos = pos + l; text [pos] = char_string [index]

The received input is identified by the characters "DGJ" and the index is un-changed = 0 and the position of it (three character string) is increased by one step.

In the third case,

Two repeating symbols '&' are received:

For example, 'MNO', &, &

index = (index + 2) mod (length (char-String))

text [pos] = char_string [index]

That is, the received input was identified by the character sequence "'MNO', &, &" and the index changed to = 2 to indicate that the third letter 'O' of the string was selected and the position of it (one-character string) One step up.

Thus, the input sequence " ghi, &, mno, &, &" 67 is translated by the character writing algorithm 68 into the output sequence " ho " (71).

8 illustrates an example implementation of the word matching algorithm 70. The illustrated word matching algorithm 70 generates a single character sequence 71 representing a word from three input parameters 67, 78 and 61, including three sub algorithms 100, 110 and 120. . The first sub-algorithm 100 is one input iterative filter that removes the " &" received through the line 67 generated by the input iterative detection 64 of FIGS. The second sub-algorithm 110 is a word matching algorithm that selects the most likely word that can be generated from an ambiguous sequence of 3 and 4 character groups, eg, a 'best word' matching algorithm.

Best word matching algorithm 110 requires knowledge of the language used, provided by parameter 78. The match selection sub-algorithm provides a simple and quick way to look at all the words that sub-algorithm 110 provides.

9-11 illustrate example implementations of sub-algorithms that may be used to implement the word matching algorithm.

9 illustrates a repeating filter 100. The iterative filter 100 removes '&' which are the repetitive symbols generated by the input repetition detection 64 of FIGS. 5 and 6 and received via line 67. Basically, since the word matching algorithm 70, or better next best word matching algorithm 110, cannot cope with the repetition symbols, the repetition filter 100 eliminates the actions performed by the repetition detection 64. In more complex systems, the iterative filter may be replaced by disabling the input repeat detection 64 of FIGS. 5 and 6 via the mode display line 76. The iterative filter 100 receives a sequence 67 of character groups and a plurality of repeating symbols and replaces the repeating symbols with the previous sequence. In the example shown, the repeat symbol '&' is replaced with the previous sequence. Here, for example, 'G, H, I', '&', 'X', '&' and '&' are 'G, H, I', 'where' X 'represents any 3 or 4 character sequence. Replaced by G, H, I ',' X ',' X ',' X '.

10 illustrates an implementation of a 'best word' matching algorithm 110. The best word matching algorithm 110 selects the most likely word that can be generated from an ambiguous sequence of 3 and 4 character groups. In addition, the best word matching algorithm 110 generates all known words that can be combined from an ambiguous input sequence of three and four character groups.

The best word matching algorithm 110 requires knowledge of the language " English " used by the parameter 78 to minimize the user input needed by selecting and suggesting the most likely word to the user. Ambiguity increases and decreases with the length of the sequence, so the algorithm's ability increases with the length of the entered word.

This algorithm uses the following steps

Create a match list from an input sequence to / from the current dictionary / wordbook for the selected language,

Sort the list according to the order of matching (ordering),

Each time the 'match list' is updated, the entire match list is sent to

After the "space" character is received, delete the input sequence and start a new word,

Can be based on either.

FIG. 11 illustrates an implementation of a match selection subalgorithm 120 that provides a simple and quick method for a user to look roughly at all the words the subalgorithm 11 could generate.

On the assumption that the sequences 'a, b, c', 'jkl', 'tuv', 'd, e, f' have been input, the sub-algorithm 110 performs a Match_List:

blue (1)

clue (1)

Produced.

Match_List [(Match_Number) mod (length (Match_List))] selects matching items.

Match List [1] = Match List [3] = Match List [5] = ... = 'blue'

Match List [2] = Match List [4] = Match List [6] = ... = 'clue'

The user can change between two found entries in the list, for example by pressing 61 the button "*". In the figure, the match selection algorithm 120 selects one element from the match list 67 ". In the example shown, the selection can be approved by repetition of a space (not shown).

Compared to the number of keys pressed using the QWERTY keyboard, the t9 logic causes the number of buttons pressed to increase slightly. Compared to the character writing algorithm, the number of keys that must be pressed can be almost half. When entering double characters or character combinations that occur as "one button triplet", t9-logic is not further affected by any kind of timer delay, as in the case of the character writing algorithm.

Note that the text of the specification does not disclose any mechanical aspects of the electrical or optical embodiments of how the interface between the telephone module and the cover module is actually implemented, since this is not important to the present invention. It may thus be possible to use eg Bluetooth as a non-galvanic data interface between the cover and the telephone module. In this case, since the cover module and the mobile communication module can be simply and reliably connected to each other, the mechanical interface can be saved. Another possibility is that it can be connected to an external keyboard entirely using the same protocol via a wireless or wired interface.

The advantages of the present invention are as follows:

Even after the sale of the new phone module, later customization is possible only by assembling other intelligent covers.

More diversification is possible due to different combinations of different phones and other intelligent covers due to the standardized interface.

The telephone module can be reused between telephones. Since major parts remain without replacement, GSM / UMTS type approval may not be required or the effort for type approval may be reduced. The engineering and testing effort can be much less in making other phones / versions.

The user can change and update the phone UI functionality. You don't have to buy another phone, you just buy another cover.

Users can change and update phone standards without changing UI (user interface) functionality. When the phone standard changes by purchasing another phone, it is not necessary to learn new UI functionality, only to learn about other covers.

The cover can store details about all the features of the telephony module's feature routine. For example, the telephony module can handle different display sizes or joysticks.

Alternatively, the cover may abstract the telephone module from the detailed feature implementation by providing an abstract interface. The lid may carry a driver (or download source) used to operate this feature or function.

All these advantages can be obtained under the disadvantage that the mechanical effort is slightly higher because the cover and the telephone are handled separately.

The present invention provides an improvement in the choice between a simple ITU-T keypad, a QWERTY-keyboard and between displays of different sizes and colors.

The overall design of the mobile communication devices can optionally be adapted to the preferences of the users. The manufacture of mobile communication equipment needs only to provide casings, keyboards and displays that can provide or produce mobile phone module holders.

Mobile phones that meet the needs of an incompetent person may be provided with minimal effort to create only a suitable UI or cover. So the user of cochlea implants or the blind using Braille interfaces or voice output based displays, new mobile phones as well known user interfaces can be used with future communication and telephony standards. There is no need to fear standards anymore.

This application describes embodiments and embodiments of the present invention with the aid of examples. Those skilled in the art are not limited to the details of the embodiments presented above and the invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the features of the invention. The embodiments presented above are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the possibilities of implementing and using the invention are limited only by the enclosed claims. As a result, various options for implementing the invention as determined by the claims, including equivalent implementations, are also within the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

A mobile communication device cover including a keyboard, comprising: a cover processor connected to the keyboard, and a bus interface adapted to operate with the plurality of mobile communication modules as a bus interface for connecting the cover processor to a mobile communication module. Characteristic, mobile device cover. The mobile device cover of claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the display is coupled to the bus interface to connect the display to a processor of the mobile device. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover comprises a controller. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover further comprises a battery module. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover further comprises a slot for receiving a communication module. And a standardized bus interface connecting the mobile communication module to a cover having at least a keypad, the wireless interface for connecting to a mobile communication network. The mobile communication module of claim 6, further comprising a display. 8. A mobile communication module according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the wireless interface comprises a cellular telephone interface. The mobile communication module according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said wireless interface comprises a wireless telephone interface. 10. The mobile communication module according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the mobile communication module further comprises a minimal user interface for providing a battery and basic communication functionality. A mobile communication device comprising an intelligent mobile communication device cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a mobile communication module according to any one of claims 6 to 10. In the method for processing input data in a mobile communication device having a removable intelligent mobile communication device cover and a mobile communication module, Receiving an input at the cover; Converting the input according to a specified protocol; Transmitting the converted input to the mobile communication module through a designated bus; And Processing the transmitted input in the mobile communication module. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, for processing output data. Generating / receiving data to be output in the communication module, Converts the data according to a protocol specified in the communication module, Transmitting the converted output to the cover of the mobile communication device through a designated bus, and And the possibility of outputting the received output via a display in the lid. A software tool, stored on a computer readable medium, comprising program code means for performing the method of claim 12 or 13 when the software tool is run on a computer or a network device. A computer program product stored on a computer readable medium and performing the method of claim 12 or 13 when the program product is run on a computer or a network device. A computer program product comprising program code, downloadable from a server and performing the method of claim 12 or claim 13 when the program product is run on a computer or network device.

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