WO2008099167A1

WO2008099167A1 - Media device

Info

Publication number: WO2008099167A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/000492
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Davies
Original assignee: Tcl Products Limited
Priority date: 2007-02-13
Filing date: 2008-02-13
Publication date: 2008-08-21
Also published as: GB2442772A; GB2442772C; GB2442772B; GB0702761D0

Abstract

A media device (1) comprises a housing (2), a chargeable battery, an electric generator, and a lever (16). In use, rotation of the lever (16) causes the generator to generate electrical energy which is stored by charging the chargeable battery, and the chargeable battery provides power for the media device.

Description

Media Device

The present invention relates to a media device, more specifically to an MPEG player, for example an MP3 and/or MP4 player.

Within the context of this specification the word "comprises" is taken to mean "includes, among other things". It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only".

Within the context of this specification the term "MPEG" is taken to mean "any of a group of computer file formats for the compression and storage of digital video and/or audio data". Specific examples described herein include MP3 (MPEG-I Audio Layer-3) and MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) file formats.

Conventional media devices are powered by batteries and they suffer from the disadvantage that typically batteries are not chargeable, and must be discarded after their electric energy has been consumed. Re-chargeable batteries are available, and may be reused a plurality of times. However, typical rechargeable batteries suffer from the problem that they must be removed from a media device, and placed into chargers for a long period of time while charging takes place. A disadvantage is that time is wasted while the batteries are removed from the media device, charged and then replaced because these batteries may not be charged and used immediately. In addition, chargers can be lost or electric power sources for the chargers may be unavailable. Conventional media devices may be used irregularly and during periods of non- use their power source can become discharged. In addition, their power source can be entirely consumed during use. However, replacement batteries may be unavailable and, in view of the weight and bulk of conventional batteries, it is inconvenient to carry replacement batteries.

Recent media device - designs have tended to move towards extreme miniaturisation. Many devices are smaller than a matchbox. Such devices are rather awkward to operate and have very few, or extremely small, control buttons.

Thus, there is a need for a media player that does not suffer from the problems associated with the provision of replacement batteries or the need to remove rechargeable batteries from the media player for recharging. There is a further need for a media player that does not suffer from the problems of extreme miniaturisation.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a media device for playing media files such as MP3 and/or MP4 files, comprising a housing, a chargeable battery, an electric generator and a lever wherein, in use, rotation of the lever causes the generator to generate electrical energy which is stored by charging the chargeable battery, and the chargeable battery provides power for the media device. Preferably, the media device includes an MP3 player. In one embodiment, the media device includes an MP4 player.

Preferably, the media device includes a radio receiver. In preferred embodiments, the radio receiver is configured for receiving analogue FM, AM and/or digital radio signals.

Preferably, the media device includes a sound recorder. In one embodiment, the media device includes an image recorder for recording still and/or moving images.

In preferred embodiments, the media device includes a viewing screen, more preferably a colour viewing screen. In some embodiments, the viewing screen comprises an LCD.

Preferably, the media player comprises a lamp comprising a light source and a lens that provides a focused beam of light.

Preferably, the light source of the lamp comprises a plurality of LEDs. More preferably, the light source comprises five LEDs. This provides the advantage that minimal energy is used compared to a conventional filament bulb to generate a similar amount of light.

Preferably, the media device is provided with a switch for switching electrical energy to the light source on or off. Preferably, the light source includes at least one LED that is "always lit" while electrical energy is provided by the battery. It will be understood that this term is interpreted to mean that the LED generates light of a low light intensity and under typical conditions it may stay lit for at least about one year. This provides the advantage of enabling the media device to be found easily in low light conditions.

Preferably, the media device includes a clock. Preferably the clock is a digital clock having a stopwatch function. Preferably, a button, a further light source and electrical circuitry is provided to enable back lighting of the clock at the press of the button so that the clock can be read in low light conditions.

Preferably a first socket can receive a plug which may be wired to a mobile telephone or other device to provide electrical energy for charging the mobile telephone or other device. Of course, various connectors can be provided for connection to various types of mobile telephone.

Preferably, the first socket is provided with a resilient flap for reversibly sealing the socket. Advantageously, the flap can prevent ingress of moisture into the housing of the media device.

Preferably, the housing of the media device is provided with a second socket for receiving a plug which may be wired to an electrical energy source. Preferably, the second socket is provided with a resilient flap for reversibly sealing the second socket. In addition, preferably, electrical circuitry is provided to enable the electrical energy source to provide energy to the media device for energising the media device and/or recharging the battery of the media device.

Preferably, the media device includes a third socket for receiving a plug which may be wired to a PC or hand held computer. In preferred embodiments, the third socket is for receiving a USB plug. Preferably, the third socket is provided with a resilient flap for reversibly sealing the socket.

Preferably, the media device includes a fourth socket for receiving a plug which may be wired to a pair of headphones. In preferred embodiments the fourth socket is provided with a resilient flap for reversibly sealing the socket

Preferably, the media device includes a speaker.

Preferably, the media device includes a lever having a first end and a second end. Preferably, the first end is attached to the axle of a generator. Preferably, a grip is fixed to the second end of the lever by an axle and the grip is capable of rotating about the axle. In use, the grip is held in the hand of an operator and facilitates rotation of the lever about its first end.

Preferably, a hinge is provided at the first end of the lever. Advantageously, the hinge enables the lever to project from the housing of the media device for operating the generator and to be folded flat against the housing of the media device when not in use. Preferably, the generator is brushless. This provides the advantage that electrical energy is generated by induction. Preferably, magnetic elements are fixed to the axle of the generator and field coils are provided that remain stationary with respect to the housing of the media device. In addition, preferably, the generator is at least a three phase generator. This provides the advantage that more energy per revolution of the lever is generated compared to a two phase generator.

Preferably, an indicator is provided to indicate when electrical energy is being generated by the generator. Preferably, the indicator comprises a light source, for example an LED, positioned in the housing of the media device.

Preferably, the media device includes a clip for attachment to a belt.

Preferably, the media device includes an internal memory storage device for storing media files.

Preferably, the media device includes one or more control buttons for controlling one or more functions of the media device. In preferred embodiments, the one or more control buttons are suitably sized for receiving substantially the entire surface area of the distal end of an index finger or thumb of a user. For the purposes of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are described below with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a first view of a media device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a second view of a media device according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a third view of a media device according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows the first view of the media device according to the present invention with the addition of resilient flaps provided to the sockets.

Figure 5 shows the second view of the media device according to the present invention with the addition of resilient flaps provided to the sockets. Figure 6 shows the third view of the media device according to the present invention with the addition of resilient flaps provided to the sockets and the presence of a clip for attachment to a belt.

An embodiment of a media device according to the invention is shown in figures 1 to 6. The media device 1 comprises a housing 2, a chargeable battery, an electric generator, and a lever 16, wherein, in use, rotation of the lever 16 causes the generator to generate electrical energy which is stored by charging the chargeable battery, and the chargeable battery provides power for the media device.

A viewing screen 3 is provided for viewing colour pictures and/or videos on the media device. In the embodiment shown the viewing screen is an LCD, however, it will be appreciated that any suitable type of viewing screen may be used.

Data relating to the pictures and/or videos is stored on an internal memory storage device. The internal memory storage device may be of any suitable capacity, for example, a IGB to 2GB internal flash memory. This allows for fast access to the files and also provides a durable and spacious memory capacity.

A first socket 5 can receive a plug which may be wired to a mobile telephone or other device so to provide electrical energy for charging the mobile telephone or other device. This optional feature of the present invention has been found to be remarkably advantageous and represents a significant improvement over known devices. Various connectors can be provided for connection to various types of mobile telephone.

A second socket 6 is provided in the housing 2 of the media device 1 for receiving a plug which may be wired to an electrical energy source. In addition, electrical circuitry is provided to enable the electrical energy source to provide energy to the media device for energising the media device and/or recharging the battery of the media device.

The media device further includes a third socket 4 for receiving a USB plug which may be wired to a PC or hand-held computer, and a fourth socket 7 for receiving a plug which may be wired to a pair of headphones. Each socket is provided with a resilient flap (20, 21, 22, 23), shown in situ by the hatched areas in figures 4 to 6, for reversibly sealing the socket.

In some embodiments, the second socket 6 and the third socket 4 are combined to form a single socket such that DC-IN facility is provided via a USB socket.

The media device 1 can be connected to a PC or handheld computer and so there is no need for a user to learn any special software. For example, a user can utilise Microsoft™ Windows to transfer files between the media device 1 and a PC or handheld computer. No complicated music management software is required. Very simple "Drag and Drop" menus are used so a user can easily copy MP3, OGG and WMA files into the media device 1. The media device 1 includes internal software support for MP3, OGG vorbis and WMA audiofiles, together with Playlist support. A user can delete local files and/or local folders via a function menu without the need to connect to a PC. A graphic equalizer menu is included and the internal memory can be used for general purposes to store files and to move data between different PCs.

The media device 1 includes internal software support for a variety of image files, for example, JPEG, BMP, GIF, WMV and MP4 files.

The media device 1 may typically have dimensions of about 120mm x about 65mm x about 25mm.

The media device 1 may be rechargeable via the third socket 4 connected to a USB plug and PC or hand-held computer. In other examples, the media device is rechargeable via a mains charger or 12v car charger.

The third socket 4 is suitable for receiving a USB 2.0 high speed connection.

The media device 1 is able to play MP3 and MP4 files. Audio output from the media device 1 can be directed to headphones via the fourth socket 7, or via a speaker 14.

Audio reproduction quality is of a high standard due to the use of leading decoder chips and high quality earphones. The media device 1 further includes a radio receiver which is able to receive and play both analogue and digital signals. The radio receiver can receive FM signals and is provided with PLL digital tuning.

A sound recorder is provided in the media device 1 for recording sound received by a microphone 17. Thus, the media device 1 can be used as a dictaphone. The media device 1 may include an image recorder, for example a camera, for capturing still or moving images.

A first LED indicator 19 is provided to indicate when sound or images are being recorded by the sound recorder or image recorder.

A lamp 10 is provided in the media device 1. The lamp 10 includes at least one LED and is provided with an "on/off" switch 18 positioned in the housing 2. The media device 1 can, therefore, function as a 0.3w LED torch.

The media device 1 includes a digital clock which is presented on the viewing screen 3. The clock may have a stopwatch function.

The media device 1 is provided with a switch 8 for switching electrical energy to the media device on or off.

A lever 16 having a first end 10 and a second end 11 is provided. The first end 10 of the lever 16 is attached to the axle of a brushless three-phase generator and a grip 13 is fixed to the second end 11 of the lever 16 by an axle wherein the grip 13 is capable of rotating relative to the axle. In use, the grip 13 is held in the hand of an operator and facilitates rotation of the lever 16 about its first end 10. The brushless three-phase generator is highly reliable and efficient resulting in less winding required for a larger supply of electrical energy. The generator is able to produce up to about 150OmAh.

The user can recharge the battery by turning the lever. 1 min of winding will provide approximately 30 mins of MP3 audio function, or approximately 30 mins of lamp light or approximately 15 mins of simultaneously operation of both lamp and MP3 audio.

The rechargeable battery can be an internal 3.6v NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable battery which is designed for many years of use but is user replaceable in the event of eventual failure. This prolongs the useful life of the media device 1. It will be appreciated that alternative batteries can be used whilst still achieving the desired effect.

A hinge 12 is provided at the first end 10 of the lever 16. The hinge 12 enables the lever 16 to project from the housing 2 of the media device 1 in a first position for operating the generator and to be folded flat against the housing 2 of the media device in a second position when not in use.

Magnetic elements are fixed to the axle of the generator and field coils are provided that remain stationary with respect to the housing 2 of the media device 1. A second LED indicator 9 is provided to indicate when electrical energy is being generated by the generator.

A clip 24 may be provided for attachment of the media device 1 to a belt.

An arrangement of buttons 15 is provided for controlling the functions of the media device 1. In this way, a variety of menus can be viewed and selected on the viewing screen 3 allowing a user to select and play stored images and videos on the media device 1. A user can select a choice of radio station to be listened to via the speaker 14 or headphones connected to the fourth socket 7.

The buttons 15 are of a size which allows a user to operate one button without the inconvenience of operating an adjacent button at the same time. Thus, each button is either suitably sized for receiving substantially the entire surface area of the distal end of a user's index finger or thumb, or is positioned such that an adjacent button is not present on at least one of its sides. The media device 1 is, therefore, easy to operate and so is ideal for those new to MP3 technology. The large buttons enable easy operation without the need for extreme dexterity. In order to further assist those new to the technology, the buttons can be suggestive of a traditional "tape deck", for example including STOP, PLAY, PAUSE, FF and RW buttons.

The media device 1 may further include a stereo line-in port for easily converting old tapes or records into a digital format. Th e media device 1 incorporates contemporary styling with large form controls, thus making the product appealing and practical for both young and elderly users.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications of the preferred embodiments will be possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A media device for playing media files such as MP3 and/or MP4 files, comprising a housing, a chargeable battery, an electric generator and a lever wherein, in use, rotation of the lever causes the generator to generate electrical energy which is stored by charging the chargeable battery, and the chargeable battery provides power for the media device.

2. A media device according to claim 1, comprising an MP3 player.

3. A media device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an MP4 player.

4. A media device according to any preceding claim, comprising a radio receiver.

5. A media device according to claim 4, wherein the radio receiver is configured for receiving analogue and/or digital radio signals.

6. A media device according to any preceding claim, comprising a sound recorder.

7. A media device according to any preceding claim, comprising an image recorder for recording still and/or moving images.

8. A media device according to any preceding claim, comprising a viewing screen.

9. A media device according to claim 8, comprising a colour viewing screen.

10. A media device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the viewing screen comprises an LCD.

11. A media device according to any preceding claim, comprising a lamp.

12. A media device according to claim 11, wherein the lamp comprises one or more LEDs.

13. A media device according to any preceding claim comprising a clip for attachment to a belt.

14. A media device according to any preceding claim comprising a switch for switching electrical energy from the chargeable battery on or off.

15. A media device according to any preceding claim comprising a first socket for receiving a plug which may be wired to a mobile telephone or other device so to provide electrical energy for charging the mobile telephone or other device.

16. A media device according to claim 15 wherein the first socket is provided with a resilient flap for reversibly sealing the socket.

17. A media device according to any preceding claim comprising a second socket for receiving a plug which may be wired to an electrical energy source.

18. A media device according to claim 17 wherein the second socket is provided with a resilient flap for reversibly sealing the socket.

19. A media device according to claim 17 or 18 wherein electrical circuitry is provided to enable the electrical energy source to provide energy to the media device for energising the media device and/or recharging the battery of the media device.

20. A media device according to any preceding claim, comprising a third socket for receiving a plug which may be wired to a PC or hand held computer.

21. A media device according to claim 20, wherein the third socket is for receiving a USB plug.

22. A media device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the third socket is provided with a resilient flap for reversibly sealing the socket.

23. A media device according to any preceding claim comprising a fourth socket for receiving a plug which may be wired to a pair of headphones.

24. A media device according to claim 23, wherein the fourth socket is provided with a resilient flap for reversibly sealing the socket.

25. A media device according to any preceding claim wherein the lever has a first end and a second end, the first end of the lever being attached to the axle of the generator and the second end of the lever being fixed to a grip, the grip being fixed to the second end of the lever by an axle and being capable of rotating about the axle.

26. A media device according to claim 25 wherein a hinge is provided at the first end of the lever wherein, in a first position the lever projects from the housing of the media device for operating the generator and in a second position it is folded flat against the housing of the media device when not in use.

27. A media device according to any preceding claim wherein the generator is three-phase and brushless, wherein magnetic elements are fixed to the axle of the generator and field coils are provided that remain stationary with respect to the housing of the media device.

28. A media device according to any preceding claim wherein an indicator is provided to indicate when electrical energy is being generated by the generator.

29. A media device according to claim 28 wherein the indicator is an LED.

30. A media device according to any preceding claim comprising an internal memory storage device for storing media files.

31. A media device according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more control buttons for controlling one or more functions of the media device.

32. A media device according to claim 31 wherein the one or more control buttons are suitably sized for receiving substantially the entire surface area of the distal end of an index finger or thumb of a user.

33. A media device substantially as described herein with reference to or as illustrated in any of the figures of the accompanying drawings.