WO2013050857A1 - Wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices comprising a centralized device (2) of the pocket-size or wearable type, equipped with specific hardware with a complex logic and dedicated applications, able to process data and interact exclusively in a wireless mode with personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of user interface, whose hardware and software are simplified being pre-set for the remote use of the centralized common functions.

Description

WIRELESS SYSTEM AND DEVICE OF INTERCONNECTION.

COMMUNICATION, CONTROL AND CENTRALIZED MANAGEM ENT OF REMOTE INTERFACE MULTIMEDIA ELECTRONIC DEVICES

[0001 ] This invention relates to a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices, particularly of the wearable type, it being of a compact size.

[0002] The invention finds particular but not exclusive application in the sector of the industry of production of telecommunication devices, in particular in the sector of production and marketing of multimedia communication and data processing devices.

[0003] Today many users use at the same time a smartphone, a tablet and a computer and, widely, distinct multimedia communication and data processing instruments of the portable type, if necessary also able to interconnect with analogous devices of the fixed type. At the present state of technology these devices are substantially autonomous and independent, sometimes some models being synchronizable in order to share some information such as: addresses, e-mails or appointments. Moreover, on each of them, the same or similar hardware is mostly replicated. For example, functionally, the processor, the memory, and the radio module are replicated in the same way both in the smartphone and in the tablet; they essentially distinguish themselves for the display only, which is larger in the tablet than in the smartphone. The same situation occurs with the computer, which similarly presents, in an at least assimilable way, almost all the hardware elements of a smartphone or of a tablet. The hardware

l architecture of the current multimedia and data processing devices, highlighting the mentioned repetition for each device of common electronic components, has been a basis for the solution as in the present invention substantially comprising a sub-system of remote interface devices of the type with simplified hardware that connect to a single centralized device of processing, management, control and interface, which contains all the hardware and the applications that at the present state are, on the other hand, replicated on each known device taken individually.

Prior art

[0004] The known prior art includes numerous solutions for data and information transmission, for example the standards used in cellular telephony, such as UMTS, are widely known, and widely known are also the connections among personal computers according to protocols such as, for example, Ethernet for wired systems and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for wireless systems. In particular, the Internet is widely known as well as the possibility to access it by means of evolved portable devices of the type called smartphone or of the type called tablet, which integrate within the same device the functions of a cellular phone and those of data processing and management, also multimedia and also with specific software applications in such a way as to make them assimilable to personal computers although with different sizes, weights and interaction modes, for example by means of an extended display of the interactive type, being mainly directed to the portable use of said applications and of the Internet.

[0005] It is also possible to consider widely known the conventional solutions of portable personal computers, also called laptops or notebooks, which integrate a display, a keyboard, a pointing device and a connection module of the wireless type. In the same way desktop computer solutions substantially of the conventional type but compact and of reduced size are known, shaped like a closed box and with a reduced number of physical components of interaction with the user, such as keys, connection ports, compact disk or memory card slots, being generally cable connected to an external display and also wireless connected to other conventional personal peripheral devices such as, for example, the keyboard, the mouse, the printer or the data storage devices. Solutions of networks among personal computers interconnected and managed by a device with privileged access, called administrator, are also widely known, as well as solutions of computers used in the networks for the remote storage of data, called data servers, or computers used in networks for managing complex and centralized functions with remote access by peripheral computers, according to a server-client logic.

[0006] Solutions of portable electronic devices, also wearable, are also known, which are able to send, receive or re-process information; among them there are the systems for detecting the personal parameters for medical or sports use that are connected wirelessly to peripheral devices of detection on the body, such as sensors or accelerometers, being able to transmit their data via phone or GPS network to suitable receiving devices in such a way that the respective data can be accessed by the user in a remote way as well.

[0007] Furthermore, portable electronic devices of the type called "media player" are also widely known, which are able to download, store and reproduce multimedia files, via Internet as well, being of extremely limited size and also wearable around the neck, the arm or applicable to clothes in such a way as to allow users to move freely also during the sporting activity, such as the well-known products called "Zen" from Creative Technology Ltd - Singapore (www.creative.com), or "i-Pod" from Apple Inc, Cupertino CA - USA (www.apple.com).

[0008] Wearable wireless electronic devices of interaction are also known, such as in US201 1 /0090148 (Li et al.) that describes a pointing device of the trackpad - joystick type shaped like a wrist-watch in such a way as to facilitate the sending of information to a remote device, also to activate control functions in remote mobility.

[0009] Portable computers are also known, which are shaped in such a way as to be fastened to the user's arm or wrist, also being equipped with a display and keyboard, such as, for example, in WO9624093 (Lookofsky) or the recent model Zypad WL1 500 from the company Eurotech Spa, Amaro UD - Italy (www.eurotech.com) that allows an easy use also in uncomfortable working environments or in mobility, being of a limited size and also equipped with wireless connectivity in order to access remote information and data, among which the GPS system.

[001 0] Wearable computers are also known, which are not controlled by means of direct interface of the keyboard - display type but with a voice system, such as in US7562020 (Le et al.) that proposes a computer shaped like a box to be carried fastened to the belt being connected to at least one microphone fastened near the user's mouth in such a way as to record the voice and recognize the voice instructions. Among the most innovative solutions there is the device commercially called i'm Watch from the company BLUE SKY srl, Milan - Italy, which describes a wrist device of interconnection and communication to a mobile smartphone device, with a relative interconnection and communication system able, following activation and in a wireless mode, to interact functionally, also actively, with a mobile phone device.

Prawbacks

[001 1 ] Therefore, complex systems are known, which provide the use of a plurality of devices for data reception and transmission, which are also able to interconnect wirelessly, and which, however, have, although to a different extent, defects and/or limitations.

[001 2] A first characteristic limitation of the conventional and known solutions, in the opinion of the applicant, consists of the detected circumstance that the complex systems having a plurality of personal mobile devices that are interconnectable in a wireless mode, generally provide that each device is endowed with the complete hardware equipment for all its functions, each device being pre-set for the reception, sending or processing of information or instructions in a substantially autonomous way.

[001 3] A second characteristic limitation, linked to the previous one, consists of the detected circumstance that often personal mobile devices that are different in the physical conformation and also in the use and interaction modes, such as smartphones or tablets, are often used by the same person to perform the same functions such as, for example: telephoning, sending and receiving text messages, using the e-mail, surfing and downloading data from the Internet, interacting with other users by means of the "social networks", reproducing multimedia files or using the satellite navigator; in particular, said different devices include hardware that is partly substantially replicated with the aim of performing the same function, with a consequent increase in the relative production and ^' marketing costs.

[001 4] A third characteristic limitation consists of the detected circumstance that sometimes said personal mobile devices including complete hardware equipment are heavy and bulky.

[001 5] Another limitation consists of the detected circumstance that the various conventional and known personal mobile devices, although individually synchronizable and connectable in a wireless mode, are unable to reciprocally interact functionally in a complete way, also in order to simultaneously perform the same function, for example with the processing of the same data, and also to act as an I/O peripheral device with a bi- directional and interchangeable logic, so that a reciprocal and complete remote control in transmission and reception is carried out.

[001 6] An additional limitation, linked to the previous ones, consists of the detected circumstance that said personal devices do not allow to carry out a complex system of the personal mobile network type that is completely connected in a wireless mode, centralized in the functions and with a plurality of peripheral devices that interact with each other in a complete and interchangeable way, easily transportable or wearable, with reduced costs, weight and size as well.

[001 7] Another characteristic limitation consists of the detected circumstance that said various personal devices used by the same person are difficult to update in a simultaneous and contextual way, also with high costs and times.

[001 8] A further characteristic limitation consists of the detected circumstance that said known and conventional personal devices, including complete hardware equipment, generally have high energy consumption and require powerful, bulky and high-cost rechargeable batteries.

[001 9] A further characteristic limitation consists of the detected circumstance that sometimes said known and conventional personal devices, including complete hardware equipment, have overheating problems.

[0020] Therefore, there is the need for the companies of the sector to find some optimal solutions for achieving the following preset aims.

Summary of the object of the invention

[0021 ] These and other aims are achieved by the present invention according to the characteristics as in the enclosed claims solving the above- mentioned problems by means of a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices comprising a centralized device (2) of the pocket-size or wearable type, equipped with specific hardware with a complex logic and dedicated applications, able to process data and interact exclusively wirelessly with personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of user interface, whose hardware and software are simplified being pre-set for the remote use of the centralized common functions. Aims

[0022] By the considerable creative contribution the effect of which constitutes an immediate technical progress, aims and advantages are achieved.

[0023] A first advantageous aim is to obtain a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices comprising a centralized device equipped with specific hardware with a complex logic and dedicated applications in such a way as to combine the functions at least of a powerful cellular phone and of a personal computer with access to the Internet, which is pre-set to connect in a wireless mode to a plurality of personal peripheral devices of interconnection and communication which are simplified from the electronic point of view, being of the input/output peripheral type for the reception or sending of information in a digital format, for example of the audio/video or data type, like multimedia computer "terminals", interconnected to each other as well; in particular, said personal peripheral devices being able to use the many functions of said centralized device.

[0024] A second advantageous aim is to obtain a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices that allows a plurality of different personal peripheral devices to be reciprocally connected to each other, also in a complete, synchronized and interchangeable, or integrable, way, in order to simultaneously perform the same function with the most suitable user interface depending on the specific use.

[0025] A third advantageous aim is to obtain a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices that uses personal peripheral devices of interconnection and communication which are simplified from the electronic point of view, less bulky and less heavy from the physical point of view, also being less expensive, with respect to the conventional and known solutions that allow similar functions and modes of use.

[0026] An additional advantageous aim is to obtain a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices that uses personal peripheral devices of interconnection and communication, which are able to adsorb less electric power with respect to the conventional and known solutions, also optimizing the battery system extending autonomy, with respect to the conventional and known solutions that allow similar functions and modes of use.

[0027] Another advantageous aim is to obtain a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices that uses personal peripheral devices of interconnection and communication, which are less bound by hardware and software technological evolutions, for example for processor performances, for applications update and for storage capacity.

[0028] An additional advantageous aim is to obtain a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices wherein the centralized device is compact and with reduced size with respect to the conventional and known devices, and also that does not need physical interfaces for direct control, such as displays or keyboards, being pocket- size or wearable, also in a not immediately accessible position.

[0029] Another advantageous aim is to obtain a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices wherein said various personal peripheral devices, having simplified electronics, allow to limit the operating costs of the system itself as a whole.

[0030] These and other advantages will appear from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments whose details of execution are not to be considered limitative but only illustrative.

Content of the drawings

Figure 1 is an illustrative scheme of the wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices.

Practical embodiment of the invention

[0031 ] Referring without limitation to Figure 1 as well, a wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices is described, as a whole indicated with number 1 , comprising a pocket-size centralized device (2), equipped with specific hardware with a complex logic and specific software with dedicated applications able to process data and interact exclusively wirelessly with personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of user interface and of the multimedia type, which are able, integrating reciprocally as well, to functionally interact with the centralized device (2) interfacing with the end user, in order to allow the latter at least: a) to receive and make a telephone call; b) to generate and reproduce multimedia files at least of the audio, video and/or audio/video type c) to process and view data; d) to access Internet services; e) to receive and send e-mails.

[0032] Said personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are suitable to perform at least said evolved functions although prescribing them to be individually without the conventionally necessary hardware equipment common in similar functional multimedia devices of the known type, which, considered individually too, are suitable for the use of at least part of the integrated functions of the centralized device (2), said personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) being pre-set for the use of part or all of the common and centralized functions present in the centralized device (2). More in detail, it is provided that the centralized device (2) comprises at least the hardware devices that usually make up the conventional and common equipment of the currently known personal multimedia devices of communication and data processing, individually taken, provided with the same functions that can be performed by the system of the present invention such as at least the functions of a smartphone, a tablet and a computer. Said centralized device (2) is able to manage and functionally interact with the personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) in a remote way also being able to put them in communication with each other in such a way as to build a synchronized "network" of input/output peripheral devices for the reception or sending of information in a digital format, for example of the audio/video type, data and instructions, like synchronized and multimedia computer "terminals", if necessary to perform the same function with the most suitable user interface depending on the specific use, preferably by means of the use of interfaces of the graphic type.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the components of said system of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), according to the present invention, include: a centralized device (2) and remote interface multimedia personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). The wireless centralized device (2) of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is able to operate for the processing, the control and the management of data. The centralized device (2), which constitutes the heart of the system, is made up of a box-like pocket-size and/or wearable container having extremely reduced size, in the described embodiment preferably of about 50x50x1 5 mm. Furthermore, the centralized device (2) itself is without physical communication and/or interface ports such as jack, usb, slot or others, also being without wirings, however equipped with suitable electrical contacts for the connection to a power supply base in order to allow it to get charged, it being suitably provided with a power supply device made up of a rechargeable battery preferably of the type with lithium polymers. Furthermore, the centralized device (2), for the purposes of its activation and operation, is provided with an ON/OFF button activating in a known way power supply commutation means, it also being equipped with a hardware apparatus, enclosed within the container, comprising at least:

- a radio module supporting at least the following standards: a) gsm, b) gprs, c) umts, d) hsdpa, e) wi-fi, f) bluetooth™; - flash internal memory device;

- CPU with a processor at least of the quadcore or higher type

- RAM memory device;

- drive/chip asic device.

[0034] Furthermore, said container that encloses the hardware apparatus of the centralized device (2) is preferably made of aluminium, for example of the type resisting to impacts, characterized by a simple ON/OFF button, by operating which and in a known way, the centralized device (2) itself is turned on and off with a relative status indicator of the LED type. In order to allow its easier portability, the centralized device (2) may be equipped with suitable additional hooking devices, such as bands, rings, clips, necklaces or belts.

[0035] Functionally interacting with the centralized device (2) is at least one among the following personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) all provided with a radio module for communication with the centralized device (2) and with a power supply device preferably of the type with a rechargeable battery:

- a first personal peripheral device (3a) consisting of a wrist device suitable to connect in a wireless mode to the centralized device (2) and provided with a touch display;

- a second personal peripheral device (3b) consisting of a portable device suitable to connect in a wireless mode to the centralized device (2) and equipped with a touch display of at least 4.3" of the wvga super amoled plus type with chip asic, bluetooth, wireless protocol for communication with the centralized device (2) for example shaped like a smartphone; - a third personal peripheral device (3c) consisting of a portable device suitable to connect in a wireless mode to the centralized device (2) and equipped with at least one touch display of at least 1 0, 1 " of the widescreen type and shaped like a tablet;

- a fourth personal peripheral device (3d) consisting of a portable device suitable to connect in a wireless mode to the centralized device (2) and equipped with at least one 21 ,5" display of the glossy widescreen TFT type, LED backlit and supporting millions of colours and a 1920-1080 pixel resolution.

[0036] Furthermore, for functional purposes, it is provided that the hardware apparatus of the centralized device (2) is instructed by means of suitable software which includes an operating system of the type called Android™, for example in the 3.2, 4.0 or higher versions, being customized in a particular version developed for specific use.

[0037] With the above-mentioned configuration the centralized device (2) is able to interact with each single personal peripheral device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and also allows said personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to interact with each other. Therefore, for example, the second personal peripheral device (3b) can act as an external keyboard of the third personal peripheral device (3c) or said third personal peripheral device (3c) can also act as a keyboard of the fourth personal peripheral device (3d) wherein, furthermore, said personal peripheral second device (3b) can also act as a pointing device, of the "trackpad" type, of said fourth personal peripheral device (3d).

[0038] Therefore, every personal peripheral device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) behaves interchangeably relatively to another one depending on which setting, made possible by the available software applications, the user wants to give it. The second personal peripheral device (3b), for example, can be a simple peripheral device in a telephone mode and therefore perform all the functions of a normal state-of-the art smartphone, or can become a keyboard or a trackpad. Considering all this, the centralized device (2), can act as a phone, tablet, computer, according to the user's needs; in particular, said centralized device (2) is able to manage at the same time and in real time each single personal peripheral device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) so that there is also the possibility that all the personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are reciprocally communicating and interacting with the centralized device (2) in such a way as to functionally become like a single device.

[0039] In an alternative configuration, only some of said personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are present and connected to the centralized device (2), such as, as a non-limiting example, only said second personal peripheral device (3b) with said fourth personal peripheral device (3d).

[0040] The centralized device (2) is battery powered when it is detached from its power supply base. When it is on the power supply base it is powered by the electrical network and at the same time the battery is charged. The operation combined with the fourth personal peripheral device (3d) is allowed only if it is connected to the power supply base for battery consumption reasons, as the full operation of the quadcore processor would determine its rapid run-down.

[0041 ] The centralized device (2) can functionally interact with one, with some or with all of the personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), in this mode it being possible to exemplify some modes of use defining some operating settings of the system:

- if all the personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are connected and configured as a phone, when a phone call comes in, all the personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) ring and the user can choose from which personal peripheral device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to answer.

- if a video call comes in, the user can decide, for example, to answer only with the fourth personal peripheral device (3d) to better see the person who is calling;

- if a call comes in while one is driving, one can decide to answer with the first personal peripheral device (3a) in order not to be distracted from driving;

- if an e-mail comes in, the user can decide to see the sender on the first personal peripheral device (3a) and then read it on the second personal peripheral device (3b), like a smartphone;

- if the user has to look at a website, s/he can advantageously use the third personal peripheral device (3c), like a tablet.

[0042] The configured system as described above, being based on said centralized device (2) that is equipped with specific hardware, is pre-set to be implemented with advantageous applications in order to connect in a simplified way the users of identical or similar systems, for example to call, video call or send messages to each other free of charge.

[0043] The configured system as described above, being based on said centralized device (2) that is equipped with specific hardware, is pre-set for operation in the "cloud" mode.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the centralized device (2) is comprehensive of a strap in such a way as to be wearable like a wrist watch, also being shaped for this purpose and able to display information, for example by means of a display integrated on the front surface or with a plurality of LED indicators. Therefore, the functions of a conventional watch are added to the centralized device (2), it being able to display at least the hours and the minutes and also, if necessary, some basic information, such as connection or the battery charge level. The proposed configuration preferably provides that the centralized device (2) is pre-set in such a way as to selectively connect only to the second personal peripheral device (3b) in such a way as to obtain a communication and multimedia production system that is extremely light, transportable and easy to use.

REFERENCE

(1 ) wireless system and device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices

(2) centralized device

(3a) first personal peripheral device

(3b) second personal peripheral device

(3c) third personal peripheral device

(3d) fourth personal peripheral device

Claims

1 . Wireless system of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices, characterised in that includes a pocket-size centralized device (2), equipped with specific hardware with a complex logic and specific software with dedicated applications able to process data, control and interact exclusively in a wireless mode with personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of user interface and of the multimedia type, which are able, integrating reciprocally as well, to functionally interact with the centralized device (2) interfacing with the end user, in order to allow the latter at least: a) to receive and make a telephone call; b) to generate and reproduce multimedia files at least of the audio, video and/or audio/video type; c) to process and view data; d) to access Internet services; e) to receive and send e-mails.

2. Wireless device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices of the rechargeable battery powered type, characterised in that it includes at least one pocket-size management and control centralized device (2) interacting exclusively in a wireless mode with personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of user interface, said centralized device (2) containing a hardware apparatus comprising at least:

- a radio module supporting at least the following standards: a) gsm, b) gprs, c) umts, d) hsdpa, e) wi-fi, f) bluetooth™;

- flash internal memory device;

- CPU with a processor at least of the quadcore type;

- RAM memory device; - drive/chip asic device.

3. Wireless device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices according to claim 2, characterised in that the centralized device (2) is without external ports and connection wirings, it being equipped with electrical contacts able to allow its connection to a charging base for charging.

4. Wireless device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices according to claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the centralized device (2) functionally interacts with at least one personal peripheral device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of user interface, which is without the hardware apparatus as in the centralized device (2) considered in the entirety of the component devices.

5. Wireless device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices according to claim 4, characterised in that said personal peripheral devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are at least:

- a first personal peripheral device (3a) consisting of a wrist device suitable to connect in a wireless mode to the centralized device (2) and provided with a touch display;

- a second personal peripheral device (3b) consisting of a portable device suitable to connect in a wireless mode to the centralized device (2) and equipped with a touch display of at least 4.3";

- a third personal peripheral device (3c) consisting of a portable device suitable to connect in a wireless mode to the centralized device (2) and equipped with at least one touch display of at least 1 0.1 " of the widescreen type

- a fourth personal peripheral device (3d) consisting of a portable device suitable to connect in a wireless mode to the centralized device (2) and equipped with at least one LED backlit 21.5" display of the glossy widescreen TFT type.

6. Wireless device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices according to claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the centralized device (2) is instructed by means of a customizable operating system of the Android™ type at least in the 4.0 version.

7. Wireless device of interconnection, communication, control and centralized management of remote interface multimedia electronic devices according to claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the centralized device is wearable.