WO2014003773A1

WO2014003773A1 - Method for setting up a communication connection

Info

Publication number: WO2014003773A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/044812
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark WHITTON; William M. Shvodian
Original assignee: NII Holdings, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-06-29
Filing date: 2012-06-29
Publication date: 2014-01-03
Also published as: AR092848A1

Abstract

A push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone is provided, comprising: a button configured to have a first position and a second position; a button controller configured to generate a button status signal indicating whether the button is in the first position or the second position; a connection element configured to pass the button status signal to the mobile telephone through a data connection between the connection element and the mobile telephone; and a securing element configured to secure the push-to-talk extension to the mobile telephone,

Description

METHOD FOR SETTING UP A COMMUNICATION CONNECTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[O0¾)I] The present claimed invention relates in general to mobile telephone

communications. More specifically it relates to a push-to-talk (PTT) extension for a mobile telephone that enables PTT communication when the mobile telephone does not include an integral PTT button or integral PTT functionality. The PTT extension accomplishes this by providing a PTT button, which works in conjunction with a PTT application that runs on the mobile telephone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0082] In the past decade, mobile phone communications have become increasingly prominent in the marketplace, providing, fast and easy duplex communication between two parties. However, in many situations, full duplex communication is not required. Instead, an alternative has been provided, called push-to-talk (PTT) communication.

[0003] PTT communication is a regime in which two or more handsets (e.g., mobile phones) can enter into half-duplex communication with each other, where only one party can transfer voice data at a time, rather than full duplex communication in which multiple parties can transmit voice data at the same time. In this way PTT operates similar to walkie-talkies in which one person must push a button to claim the air space to talk and then release it to allow the other party the option to push the corresponding button on their handset to pass their voice over the transmission medium. [Θ004] PTT can be cheaper to operate since half-duplex communication is typically simpler to operate than fall duplex, and less greedy of bandwidth. Also, PTT typically offers a quicker connection protocol, allowing for more instantaneous and casual conversations.

[0005] However, in order to make PTT communication easy to use, it is preferable to have a prominent button to push on a mobile telephone. Many mobile telephones are made with such a button integral to the design, and PTT functionality built into the phone, Users of such telephones can engage in PTT communications without any additional functionality being added to the mobile telephone.

1800 1 However, some mobile telephones are created without built-in PTT functionality. Many of these phones are physically capable of PTT operation, even if they do not have a PTT button or FIT functionality designed into the phone. This is particularly true with modem smart phones, which are mobile phones built on a mobile computing platform, and have more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a feature phone. Examples of smart phones include those that employ iOS, Android, webOS, BlackBerry, Symbian, or Windows phone operating systems, and which account for an increasing percentage of mobile phone sales. Such smart phones offer a wide range of potential functionality and allow users to run applications that take advantage of this functionality.

[0007] it would therefore be desirable to provide a system and method to allow an existing mobile telephone to employee PTT communication even when the mobile telephone was not specifically designed to accommodate such communication,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone is provided, comprising: a button configured to have a first position and a second position; a button controller configured to generate a button status signal indicating whether the button is in the first position or the second position; a connection element configured to pass the button status signal to the mobile telephone through a data connection between the connection element and the mobile telephone; and a securing element configured to secure the push-to-talk extension to the mobile telephone,

The push-to-talk extension may further comprise: a power source configured to provide power to the button controller and the connection element. The power source may be one of: a battery and a line connected to the mobile telephone,

[0010] The securing element may be a mobile telephone case, The connection element may be a wireless connection element and the data connection m y be a wireless data connection. The wireless connection element may be a Bluetooth connection element and the data connection may be a Bluetooth data connection.

[OOli] The connection element may be configured to connect to a charging jack or charging/communications connector on the mobile telephone, and the data connection may be a wired data connection. Alternatively, the connection element may he configured to connect to an earphone jack on the mobile telephone, and the data connection maybe a wired data connection,

[0012] The connection element may be configured to pass control data to or from the mobile telephone. The connection element may be configured according to one of a USB-On- The~Go protocol or Apple External Accessory Framework protocol.

[0013| A push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone is provided, comprising: a mobile telephone case configured to secure to the mobile telephone; a button formed on the mobile telephone case, configured to have a first position and a second position; a button controller formed in the mobile telephone case, configured to generate a button status signal indicating whether the button is in the first position or the second position; and a connection element formed in the mobile telephone case, configured to pass the button status signal to the mobile telephone through a data connection between the connection element and the mobile telephone.

[0014] The push-to-talk extension may further comprise: a power source formed in the mobile telephone case, configured to provide power to the button controller and the connection element The power source may be one of: a battery or a line connected to the mobile telephone.

[0015] The connection element may he a wireless connection element and the data connection maybe a wireless data connection. The wireless connection element may be a Bluetooth connection element and the data connection may be a Bluetooth data connection.

[0016] The connection element may be configured to connect to a charging jack or charging/communications connector on the mobile telephone, and the data connection maybe a wired data connection. Alternatively, the connection element may be configured to connect to an earphone jack on the mobile telephone, and the data connection may be a wired data connection.

[0017] The connection element may he configured to pass control data to or from the mobile telephone. The connection element may be configured according to one of a USB-On- The-Go protocol or Apple External Accessor)' Framework protocol

[0018] A method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone is provided, comprising: running a push-to-talk application in the background of the mobile telephone; detecting a position of a button on the push-to-talk extension between a first orientation and a second orientation; sending an information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone whenever the button is in the second orientation; and opening a push-to-talk interface on a screen of the mobile telephone when the button is in the second orientation. MI ] The method may further comprise: performing a push-to-talk function in the mobile telephone based on input from the push-to- talk interface.

[0§20] The method may further comprise: making a push-to-talk call from the mobile telephone based on input from the push-to-taik interface,

[Θ02Ϊ] The method may further comprise passing data between the mobile telephone and the extension for the mobile telephone.

[ΘΘ22] The operation of sending the information regarding the position of the button maybe performed by sending a wireless transmission to the mobile telephone. The wireless transmission may be a Bluetooth transmission,

[ΘΘ23] The operation of sending the information regarding the position of the button maybe performed by sending a signal over a wired connection between the push-to-talk extension and the mobile telephone.

[0Θ24] A method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone is provided, comprising: running a push-to-talk application in the background of the mobile telephone; detecting a position of a button on the push-to-talk extension between a first orientation and a second orientation; sending an information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone whenever the button is in the second orientation; receiving an incoming push-to- talk call request from a remote phone; accepting the incoming push-to-talk call request and entering into a push-to-talk communication between the mobile telephone and the remote phone if the push-to-talk extension sends the information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone within a set response time from the incoming push-to-talk call request: and declining the incoming push-to-talk call request if the push-to-talk extension does not send the information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone within a set response time from the incoming push-to-talk call request. [0025] The method may further comprise: sending a request to transmit from the mobile telephone to the remote phone if the push-to-talk extension sends the information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone during communication between the mobile telephone and the remote phone.

[0Θ26] The operation of sending the information regarding the position of the bu tton may be performed by sending a wireless transmission to the mobile telephone. The wireless transmission may be a Bluetooth transmission.

[0027] The operation of sending the information regarding the position of the button may be performed by sending a signal over a wired connection between the push-to-talk extension and the mobile telephone.

[0028J The method may further comprise passing data between the mobile telephone and the extension for the mobile telephone,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[ΘΘ29] The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate an exemplary embodiment and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone and mobile telephone extension according to disclosed embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone and mobile telephone extension according to first disclosed embodiments;

[0032] FIG, 3 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone and mobile telephone extension according to second disclosed embodiments; [0033] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone and mobile telephone extension according to third disclosed embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone and mobile telephone extension according to alternate disclosed embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mobile telephone and mobile telephone extension according to disclosed embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method of operating a push-to-talk (PTT) application and extension according to disclosed embodiments; and

[0037[ FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a method of performing a PTT operation from FIG, 7 according to disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[Θ038[ The instant disclosure is provided to further explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of performing one or more embodiments of the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the inventive principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention, The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[003 1 it is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like, if any, are used solely to distinguish one from another entity, item, or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities, items or actions. It is noted that some embodiments may include a plurality of processes or steps, which can be performed in any order, unless expressly and necessarily limited to a particular order; i.e., processes or steps that are not so limited may be performed in any order. [0040] Much of the inventive functionality and many of the inventive principles when implemented, may be supported with or in integrated circuits (ICs). It is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such ICs with minimal experimentation. Therefore, in the interest of brevity and minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts according to the present invention, further discussion of such ICs will be limited to the essentials with respect to the principles and concepts used by the exemplary embodiments,

[§Θ41] The following disclosure is made, by way of example, using a push-to-taik (FIT) communication network. However, the methods disclosed below could be equally applied to other communications regimes that require a guaranteed connection, but allow for some amount of low latency. Such regimes include, but are not limited to, internet gaming regimes and voice over IP (VOIP) regimes. Alternate embodiments could regulate the connection of a VOIP call or an internet gaming connection in a manner analogous to that shown below with respect to the connection of a PTT call.

[0042] Mobile Telephone with PTT Extension

[§843] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone 110 and mobile telephone extension 100 according to disclosed embodiments.

[0044J As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile telephone extension 100 includes an external button 1 15, an externa! button controller 120, a connection element 125, a power supply 130, and a securing element 135. The mobile telephone 1 10 includes a processor 140, a button input/output (I/O) element 145, an earphone I/O element 150, a speaker I/O element 155, a touch screen I/O element 160, a display 165, a charging I/O element 170, a battery 175, a memory element 178, a wireless I/O element 180, and an antenna 185. The mobile telephone 110 may be a smart phone, i.e., a mobile telephone fouiii on a mobile computing platform with more advanced computing ability and conductivity than a feature telephone.

[0045] The external button 1 15 is a button formed on the mobile telephone extension 100 that can be pressed to enter into a push-to- talk. (FTT) mode of operation. This can be to answer a PTT call, to initiate a PIT call, or to perform other PTT operations (e.g., manage contacts, change settings, etc.).

[0046] The external button controller 120 is formed in the mobile telephone extension 100 and is configured to determine whether the external button is in a first position or a second position and provide a signal to the mobile telephone 1.10 indicating the position of the external button. The first and second positions can be pressed and not pressed, or vice versa.

[0047] In particular, the connection element 125 operates to pass information from the external button controller 120 to the processor 140 regarding the status of the external button 115. This allows the processor 140 to use the external button 115 as if it were part of the button input element 145.

[0048] The connection element 125 operates to connect, the mobile telephone extension 100 to the mobile telephone 1 10. This can be via a wired connection or a wireless connection in various embodiments, if the connection element 125 is a wired connection, it can be through any of a variety of potential connection points on the mobile telephone 110, For example, the connection could be through a charging jack, a charging/communications connector, an earphone jack, or a designated data jack. I f the connection element 125 is a wireless connection, it can be through any suitable wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, 802.11, etc.). If it is a wired connection, it can be through any suitable wired protocol (e.g., USB On The Go, Apple's External Accessory Framework, etc.)

[0049] For example, USB On The Go allows a USB device such a mobile telephone to act as a host allowing a USB flash drive, mouse, keyboard, or other externa! device to be attached. t also connects USB peripherals directly and allows communication between them. In this way, the mobile telephone 110 can act as a host for the mobile telephone extension 00, allowing for all necessary communication between the two devices,

[ΘΘ5Θ] The power supply 30 provides power to the external button controller 120 and the connection element 125. In some embodiments it can be a button battery, a rechargeable battery or any suitable battery that can provide the necessary power for operating the mobile telephone extension 100. In alternate embodiments it can be any suitable power supply that can provide the required power for operating the external button controller 120 and the connection element 125,

[0051] In some alternate embodiments, the mobile telephone extension 100 could also obtain its power directly from the mobile telephone 1 10. For example, if the connection element 125 in the mobile telephone extension 100 was plugged into a charging jack, a charging/communications connector, or an earphone jack, the mobile telephone extension 100 could obtain power from either of those connections. In this case, the power supply 130 could be a power connection to the battery 175 of the mobile telephone 1 10 (e.g., via the earphone I/O element 150 or the charging I O element 170).

[ΘΘ52] The securing element 135 operates to secure the mobile telephone extension 100 to the mobile telephone 110 by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the mobile telephone extension 100 is a mobile telephone case that itself forms the securing element 135. In such a case there is no separate securing element, since the mobiie telephone 1 10 is contained within the mobile telephone case (i.e. the mobile telephone extension 100). In such embodiments, the other elements of the mobile telephone extension 100 are formed to be integral with the mobiie telephone case. In alternate embodiments, the mobile telephone extension 300 can be separate from the mobile telephone 110, and the securing element 135 can be eliminated. [0053 ] Turning now to the mobile telephone 1 0, the processor 140 is formed in the mobile telephone 110 and operates to control all of the functions of the mobile telephone 1 0. The processor 140 is capable of running a variety of applications, including an application that will facilitate PTT communication using the wireless I/O element ISO and the antenna 185.

[0054] The button input element 145 is connected to the processor 140 and includes one or more buttons and any circuitry needed to identify the status of these buttons, This status can be a simple indicator of pressed or not pressed, or maybe more complicated for buttons that pass more detailed information. For example a dial-type button may indicate a radial position along the dial These buttons are employed by the user of the mobile telephone 10 for entering information, for selecting objects on the display 165, or otherwise entering data into the mobile telephone 1 50.

[0055] The earphone input/output (170) element 150 operates to output sound signals via an earphone, jack (included as part of the earphone I/O element 150) formed in the mobile telephone 110, These sound signals could carry th sound from a cellular telephone network connection, the sound from a PTT connection, or sound from an audio or video file played by the mobile telephone 1 10. In addition to providing sound signal output, the earphone I/O element 150 may also be configured to receive input through the earphone jack. This information can include audio information and operational information (e.g., instructions to operate the processor 140 in a particular way). Typically, the earphone I/O element 150 also provides a small amount of power along with the sound signals.

[Θ056] The speaker output element 155 operates to output sound via an audio speaker (included as part of the speaker output element 155) formed in the mobile telephone 1 10. As with the earphone I/O element 150, this sound could be sound from a cellular telephone network connection, the sound from a PTT connection, or sound from an audio or video file played by the mobile telephone 1 10. in many mobile telephones 1 10, a user can operate the button input element 145 for the touch screen input 360 to temporarily silence the speaker output element 155,

[0057] The touch screen input element 160 operates to receive information via user touch using a touch screen (included as part of the touch screen input element 160) formed in the mobile telephone 110, In many embodiments, the touch screen will be the same screen as the display 165,

[0058] The display 165 operates to output visual information via a flat screen (e.g., LCD screen) formed in the mobile telephone 110, in many embodiments, the display 165 and the touch screen input element 160 operate together to allow a user to perform many functions such as changing settings, running applications, managing contacts, making telephone calls, and many other functions.

[0059] The charging I/O element 170 operates to receive power from an external source to charge the battery 175. In addition, the charging I/O element 170 can also be configured to pass information to and from the processor 140 and the memory.178, In this way, the charging I/O element 170 operates as a data conduit for the mobile telephone 110. In many embodiments, the charging I O element 170 can also provide some power from the battery 1 5 to a device connected to it.

[0060] In alternate embodiments the features of charging and I/O may be separated. In such embodiments a separate charging element and I/O element could be provided. For example, in one embodiment the I/O element could be a USB port and the charging element could be a dedicated charging port.

[0061] The battery 175 provides power for all of the elements on the mobile telephone 110, and is generally a rechargeable battery. It is recharged via the charging I/O element 170, which is plugged in to an external power supply. [0062] The memory element 178 stores information needed by the processor 140, This can include applications that are run by the processor 140, such as an application to facilitate PIT communication.

[Θ063] The wireless I/O element 180 allows the mobile telephone to communicate with external networks. Primarily, its function is to connect the mobile telephone 110 to a cellular telephone network. However, it can also be configured to process PTT calls via the cellular telephone network, in addition, in some embodiments, the wireless I/O element 180 is also configured to pass data to and from other networks, e.g., local networks. In such case, the wireless I/O element 180 can have the functionality to connect to one or more different network types (e.g., Bluetooth, 802.1 1. etc.).

[0064] If the wireless I/O element 180 can connect to multiple different networks (e.g., a cellular network and a local network), it may be split up into multiple wireless I/O elements, one for each separate network. However, for ease of description, a single wireless i O element 180 will be described that provides ail of the wireless functionality for the mobile telephone 110.

[Θ065] The antenna 185 is connected to the wireless I/O element 180, and is used to transmit and receive wireless signals. If the wireless I/O element 180 can connect to multiple wireless networks, the antenna 1 5 may actually be multiple antennas, one for each network. For example, one antenna may be provided for connection to a mobile telephone network, while another antenna may be provided for connection to a local network. However, for ease of description, a antenna 185 will be described that provides for ail of the wireless connections for the mobile telephone 1 10.

[0(166] FIGs. 2-5 disclose specific examples of a mobile telephone extension according to various embodiments. In FIGs. 2-4, the mobile telephone extension is a mobile telephone case 200, 300, 400 configured to enclose and attached to the mobile telephone 110. In FIG. 5, the mobile telephone extension 500 is separate from the mobile telephone 1 10.

[0067] In each of FIGs. 2-5, the mobile telephone extension/mobile telephone case 200, 300, 400, 500 has elements corresponding to those in the mobile telephone extension 100 of FIG. 1, except where specifically noted. However, for ease of description, some of these elements are omitted from the drawings. Likewise, the cell phone 110 shown in FIGs. 2-5 has all of the elements disclosed in FIG, 1. However, for ease of description, some of these elements are omitted from the drawings.

[0068 J FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone 1 10 and mobile telephone extension 200 according to first disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile telephone extension is a mobile telephone case 200 that includes an externa! button 1 15, an external button controller 120, a wireless connection element 225, and an antenna 290.

[006 j The mobile telephone case 200 is configured to receive and secure the mobile telephone 1 10. It may do this by any conventional means. This can include having an opening with a soft rubber lip around the edge, having two pieces that attach together around the mobile telephone 1 10, etc.

[ 07OJ The external button 1 15 and the external button controller 120 operate as described above with respect to FIG. 1 .

[0Θ7Ϊ ] The wireless connection element 225 is formed integral to the mobile telephone ease 200 and operates to wirelessly connect the mobile telephone case 200 to the mobile telephone 1 10 via the wireless I/O element 1 80 and the antenna 185.

[0072] In particular, the wireless connection element 225 operates to pass information from the external button controller 120 to the processor 140 regarding the status of the external button 1 15. This allows the processor 140 to use the external button 1 15 as if it were part of the button input element 145. [0073] The antenna 290 is connected to the wireless connection element 225, and is used to transmit and possibly receive wireless signals,

[0074] In various embodiments, the wireless connection element 225 and the antenna 290 can be configured to use a Bluetooth protocol, an 802.11 protocol, or any wireless protocol suitable for short-range communication,

[ 75| By making the connection element 125 a wireless connection element 225, this embodiment allows for easy communication between the mobile telephone case 200 and the mobile telephone 1 10. It also allows for ease in placing the mobile telephone 110 into the mobile telephone case 200 and removing it again, since there will be nothing to plug or unplug during these operations.

[ΘΘ76] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone 1 10 and mobile telephone extension 300 according to second disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3. the mobile telephone extension is a mobile telephone case 300 that includes an external button 1 15, an external button controller 120, and a wired connection element 325.

[ΘΘ77] The mobile telephone case 300 is configured to receive and secure the mobile telephone 110. it may do this by any conventional means. This can include having an opening with a soft rubber !ip around the edge, having two pieces that attach together around the mobile telephone 1 10, etc.

( 7§| The external button 1 15 and the external button controller 120 operate as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0079] The wired connection element 325 is formed integral to the mobile telephone case 300 and operates to connect the mobile telephone case 300 to the mobile telephone 110 via the earphone I/O element 150. For example, the mobile telephone case 300 could have a plug configured to be inserted into a telephone jack in the mobile telephone 1 10. [0080] In particular, the wired connection element 325 operates to pass information from the external button controller 120 to the processor 140 regarding the status of the external button 115, This allows the processor 140 to use the external button 115 as if it were part of the button input element 145,

[ΘΘ81] FIG. 4 is a block diagram, of a mobile telephone 110 and mobile telephone extension 400 according to third disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile telephone extension is a mobile telephone case 400 that includes an external button 115, an external button controller 120, and a wired connection element 425,

[0082| The mobile telephone case 400 is configured to receive and secure the mobile telephone 1 10. It may do this by any conventional means. This can include having an opening with a soft rubber lip around the edge, having two pieces that attach together around the mobile telephone 1 10, etc.

|0083] The externa! button 1 15 and the external button controller 120 operate as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0084] The wired connection element 425 is formed integral to the mobile telephone case 300 and operates to connect the mobile telephone case 300 to the mobile telephone 110 via the charging I/O element 170.

[0085] In particular, the wired connection element 325 operates to pass information from the external button controller 120 to the processor 140 regarding the status of the external burton 115. This allows the processor 140 to use the external button 115 as if it were part of the button input element 145, For example, the mobile telephone case 300 could have a plug configured to be inserted into a charging jack or a charging/communications connector in the mobile telephone 1 10.

By making the connection element 125 a wired connection element 325, 425, the embodiments of FIGs. 3 and 4 allow for secure communication between the mobile telephone case 300₃ 400 without a concern for interference with a wireless signal. In addition, a wired connection element 325, 425 may also be cheaper to implement as compared to a wireless connection element 225, allowing for a less expensive device. Also, a wired connection element 325. 425 will generally require less power than a wireless connection element 225, thereby reducing power requirements for the mobile telephone case 300, 400 as compared to a mobile telephone case 200 with a wireless connection element 225.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile telephone 110 and mobile telephone extension 500 according to alternate disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile telephone extension 500 includes an external button 11 , an external button controller 120, and a wireless connection element 225 and an antenna 290,in the alternate embodiments described by FIG. 5, the mobile phone extension 500 is not physically secured to the mobile phone 110.

[0088] In particular, so long as the mobile phone extension 500 includes a wireless connection element 225 and antenna 290, artd the mobile te's lephone 1 10 includes a wireless I/O element 180 and antenna 185, the mobile telephone extension 500 ca potentially be remote from the mobile telephone 110.

[0089] For example, in some embodiments, the mobile telephone extension 500 could be a Bluetooth earpiece. In such a case, the external button 115 would be on the Bluetooth earpiece and would be pushed to facilitate PTT communication, in other embodiments, the mobile telephone extension 500 could be an attachment that clips onto a user's belt and wirelessly facilitates PTT communication.

[Θ090] Mobile Telephone Case with PTT Functionality

[0091] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mobile telephone 610 and mobile telephone extension 600 according to disclosed embodiments. In these particular embodiments, the mobile telephone extension 600 is a mobile telephone case. However, this is by way of example only. Alternate embodiments could be provided in which a mobile telephone extension is attached to the mobile telephone 610 in a different manner, or was entirely separate from the mobile telephone 610.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 6, a mobile telephone 610 includes a display screen 620, a charging jack 630, and a button 640. A mobile telephone case 600 includes a charging jack connector 650 and a push-to-taik (PIT) button 660.

[0093J The display screen 620 is a flat screen (e.g., LCD screen) formed in the mobile telephone 610 that operates to output visual information to a user. In many embodiments, the display 620 is also a touch screen input element that allows a user to input data by tapping the screen or swiping the screen with a finger. In this way the display 620 allows the user to perform many functions such as changing settings, running applications, managing contacts, making telephone calls, etc.

[0094] The charging jack 630 is a connection element that allows the mobile telephone 610 to both receive power to recharge an integral battery, and to send and receive data to an external device, in many embodiments, the charging jack 630 is configured to connect via a USB cord to a personal computer for both data exchange and battery charging. This charging jack could also be considered a charging/communications connection.

[0095] The button 640 is an example of a button used to input data into the mobile telephone 610. Although not shown, the mobile telephone 610 will generally have more than just a single button 640. However, the button 640 in FIG, 6 is shown by way of example. {0096] The charging jack connector 650 in the mobile telephone case 600 is configured to connect to the charging jack 630 in the mobile telephone 600. In this way, the mobile telephone case 610 10 provide information to the mobile telephone 600 regarding the status of the PIT button 660. [0097] The PTT button 660 is formed on the side of the mobile telephone case 600 to allow it to operate as if it were a button attached to the mobile telephone 600, The location of the PIT button 660 is generally placed at a location on the mobile telephone case 600 where there is no corresponding button or switch on the mobile telephone 600. Although in this embodiment, the PTT button 660 is formed on the side of the mobile telephone case 600, in alternate embodiments it could be placed in an alternate location (e.g., on the top, on the front, or the back) as well.

[Θ098] Although not indicated in FIG, 6, the mobile telephone case 600 is configured to allow existing buttons or switches on the mobile telephone 610 to operate normally. In the case of buttons or switches on the face of the mobile telephone 610, no accommodation need be made, since the face of the mobile telephone 610 is open to the air. In the case of buttons or switches on the sides or the back of the mobile telephone 610, some accommodation need be made. This can take the form of an opening to allo w access to the buttons or switches, a soft covering to allow the buttons or switches to be operated, or the like.

[ΘΘ99] In alternate embodiments, however, the mobile telephone 610 could have additional buttons and additional data jacks. For example, the mobile telephone 610 could have an on/off button or volume control buttons. Likewise, the mobile telephone 610 could have an earphone jack or a designated data jack,

[001ΘΘ] Likewise, in alternate embodiments, the mobile telephone case 600 could replace the charging jack connection 650 with another means of connecting to the mobile telephone 610, For example, the mobile telephone case 600 could include an earphone jack connector or a wireless connector formed to be integral with the mobile telephone case 600.

[00101] in other alternate embodiments, a piggyback connector could be used for some of these connections. In such a piggyback connector, the relevant jack would be filled by the piggyback connector, but the piggyback connector would have an additional jack that could be used by an outside element in lieu of the jack filled by the piggyback connector,

[00102] For example, if the mobile telephone case 600 were configured to connect to a USB jack on the mobile telephone 10 via a piggyback connector, the piggyback connector would fill the USB jack on the mobile telephone 610. However, the piggyback connector would itself have a USB jack that would functionally connect to the U SB jack on the mobile telephone 610. In this way, a user could plug a USB connector into the USB jack on the piggyback connector and gain the same result as if she had connected to the USB jack on the mobile telephone 61 ,

[00103] Likewise, if the piggyback connector connected to a charging communications jack, it would have its own charging communications jack that would ailow a user to charge the mobile telephone 610, even though the charging/communications jack on the mobile telephone was filled.

[00104] Method of Operating PTT Extension

[0010S] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method 700 of operating a push-to-talk (PTT) application and extension according to disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, processing begins by having a mobile telephone run a push-to-talk (PTT) application in the background. (705) This is typically accomplished by installing the application in the mobile telephone, and then running it and selecting parameters such that it remains running in the background at all times,

[00106] The PTT application will then monitor for any incoming PTT calls to determine whether the mobile telephone is receiving a request, for a PTT call (710)

[00107] If the PTT application determines there are no incoming calls (in operation 710), the PTT application will then monitor a PTT button status signal to determine whether a PTT button on a mobile telephone extension has been pressed. (715) Absent, an incoming call the pressing of the PTT button is an indication that the mobile telephone user wishes to perform a PTT function.

[0δ19§] Therefore, if the PTT button is pushed, the PTT application will open itself on a display screen of the mobile telephone (720), and will allow the user to perform a PTT operation (725). This operation can include placing a PTT call, editing PTT contacts, changing PTT settings, etc.

[09109] Once the PTT operation (725) is complete, the PTT application will close on the mobile telephone display screen, and will return to running in the background on the mobile telephone, repeatedly monitoring for incoming PTT calls (710) or the pressing of the PTT button (715),

[OOll J If, however, the PTT application determines that the PTT button has not been pushed (in operation 715), it will continue to run in the background on the mobile telephone, repeatedly monitoring for incoming PTT calls (710) or the pressing of the PTT button (715).

[00111] if the PIT application determines that there is an incoming PTT call (in operation 710), it will process the incoming call (735), and then announce the incoming call (740), typically rising a visual, audio, or physical cue, such as a ring tone output through a speaker on the mobile telephone, vibration of the mobile telephone, display of call information on a video screen on the mobile telephone, or some combination of such sensory cues.

[ΘΘ112] The PTT application will then monitor the PTT button status signal to determine whether the PTT button is pushed within a set response time (745). The pressing of the PTT button is an indication by the mobile telephone user that the PTT call that has been requested should be answered.

[00113] If the PTT application does not detect that the PTT button has been pushed within the set response time, it processes the incoming call as a missed call (750), and returns to running in the background on the mobile telephone (705), repeatedly monitoring for incoming PTT calls (710) or the pressing of the PTT button (715). Processing an incoming call as a missed call can include shutting down the call, taking a message, sending information back to the calling telephone that the call has not been answered, etc,

[§0114] If, however, the PTT application determines that the PTT button has been pushed within the set response time, it opens itself on a display screen of the mobile telephone (755) and operates the mobile telephone to engage in PTT communication (760).

[δθίί5] During this process of PTT communication, the mobile telephone user can use the

PTT button to request airtinie during the PTT connection. The PTT application wiil be able to detect the status of the PTT button exactly as if the PTT button were an integral part of the mobile telephone. In this way, PTT operations can proceed exactly as if the mobile telephone were designed with integral PTT capability.

[80116] During the course of the PTT communication, the PTT application will repeatedly check whether the call has ended. (765) If the call has not ended, it will allow for continued PTT communication (760).

[0©ί17] If, however the call has ended, the PTT application will proceed to shut down the PTT call (770) and close itself on the display screen on the mobile telephone (775). The PTT application wiil then continue to run in the background (705), detecting whether there are any incoming calls (7.10) or whether the PTT button has been pushed (715).

[θθί!8] It should be noted, however, that while the operation of FIG. 7 shows the determination of whether an incoming PTT call is being made (710) being performed before the determination of whether a PTT button is pushed (715), this is by way of example only. These two processes could easily be performed in the reverse order, or even performed at the same time.

[00119] FIG, 8 is a flow chart showing a method of performing a PTT operation 725 from FIG. 7 according to disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG, 8, the performing of a PTT operation (725) begins with the PTT application determining whether a new PTT call is to be made (805). Typically, this determination will be made by the PTT application determining whether the user enters a PIT telephone number and indicates the data input that the call should be placed to that number.

[00120] If a new P IT call is to he made, the PTT application will process the PTT call (810), and allow the mobile telephone user to engage in PTT communication (815).

[00121] During this process of FIT communication, the mobile telephone user can use the PTT button to request airtime during the PTT connection. The PTT application will be able to detect the status of the PTT button exactly as if the PTT button were an integral part of the mobile telephone. In this way, PTT operations can proceed exactly as if the mobile telephone were designed with integral PTT capability.

[00122] During the course of the PTT communication, the PTT application will repeatedly check whether the call has ended. (820) If the call has not ended, it will allow for continued PTT communication (815).

[00123] If, however the call has ended, the PTT application will proceed to shut down the PTT call (825) and end the PTT operation (770),

[00124] If, however, no new PTT call is to be made (in operation 805). then the PTT application will determine whether another function is to be performed (830). This can be a menu-driven determination, since at this point the PTT application is open on the mobile telephone display screen and can display a function menu, (See operation 765 in FIG, 7.) [ΘΘ125] If the user wishes to perform a function, the PTT application processes that function (835). Functions include manipulating a PTT contact list, changing FIT settings, and anything else related to PTT communications,

[Θ0126] Once a function is finished, or no other function is selected, the PTT application determines whether the mobile telephone user is finished with performing functions (840). This can be as simple as determining whether the user has manually indicated that the PTT application should be closed, has put the phone in a low-power mode, etc.

[00.1.27] If the user is not finished, processing continues with the determination as to whether a new PTT call should be made (805) or whether another function should be performed (830), If the user is finished, however, then processing of the PTT operation ends. [§0128] In the embodiment described in FIG. 8, the ending of a PTT call ends FIT operations. In alternate embodiments, however, the ending of the PIT call could return to a determination of whether the mobile telephone user was finished with PTT operations (840), allowing multiple calls or multiple functions to be performed at one time.

[00129] It should be noted, however, that while the operation of FIG. 8 shows the determination of whether an incoming PIT call is being made (805) being performed before the determination of whether another PTT function is to be performed (830), this is by way of example only. These two processes could easily be performed in the reverse order, or even performed at the same time. In some embodiments, the order could be entirely menu-driven.

[00130] Since the pushing of the PTT button (715) opens the PTT application on the screen (720), this can open up a menu to aiiow the mobile telephone user to determine whether to process a new call or perform some other function.

[00131] As shown in FIGs, 7 and 8, by having a PIT button formed integrally with a mobile telephone extension (e.g., a mobile telephone ease) that communicates with the mobile telephone, and having a PTT program running in the background of the mobile telephone, the combined system can operate as if it were a mobile telephone with integral PTT functionality. The mobile telephone user pushes the PTT button to answer or initiate calls, or to perform other PTT functions. The fact that the PTT button and application are separate from the mobile telephone's integral functions is entirely transparent to the user. [00132] In this way, it can be easy to provide PTT functionality to mobile telephones that are capable of PTT operation, but do not have functionality built into them. This is particularly true with modem smart phones.

[00133] In addition, although not shown in FIGs. 7 and 8, additional data can be passed between the mobile telephone and the mobile telephone extension. This can be done through whatever wired or wireless connection links the two. In various embodiments it can be a Bluetooth connection, a WiFi connection, a USB On The Go connection, an Apple External Accessory Framework connection, or any other suitable wired or wireless connection.

[00134] Conclusion

[00135) This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the invention rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. The various circuits described above can be implemented in discrete circuits or integrated circuits, as desired by implementation.

Claims

What is claimed is: . A push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, comprising:

a button configured to have a first position and a second position;

a button controller configured to generate a button status signal indicating whether the button is in the first position or the second position;

a connection element configured to pass the button status signal to the mobile telephone through a data connection between the connection element and the mobile telephone; and

a securing element configured to secure the push-to-talk extension to the mobile telephone.

2. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a power source configured to provide power to the button controller and the connection element,

3. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 2, wherein the power source is one of: a battery and a line connected to the mobile telephone.

4. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim I, wherein the securing element is a mobile telephone case.

5. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 1 , wherein the connection element is a wireless connection element and the data connection is a wireless data connection,

6. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 5, wherein the wireless connection element is a Bluetooth connection element and the data connection is a Bluetooth data connection.

7. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 1 , wherein the connection element is configured to connect to a charging jack on the mobile telephone, and the data connection is a wired data connection.

8. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element is configured to connect to an earphone jack on the mobile telephone, and the data connection is a wired data connection.

9. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 1 , wherein the connection element is configured to pass control data to or from the mobile telephone.

10. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element is configured according to one of a USB-On-The-Go protocol or Apple External Accessory Framework protocol.

1 1. A push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, comprising:

a mobile telephone case configured to secure to the mobile telephone; a button formed on the mobile telephone case, configured to have a first position and a second position;

a button controller formed in the mobile telephone case, configured to generate a button status signal indicating whether the button is in the first position or the second position; and

a connection element formed in the mobile telephone ease, configured to pass the button status signal to the mobile telephone through a data connection between the connection element and the mobile telephone,

12, The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

a power source formed in the mobile telephone case, configured to provide power to the button controller and the connection element,

13, The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 12, wherein the power source is one of: a battery and a line connected to the mobile telephone.

14. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 1 1, wherein the connection element is a wireless connection element and the data connection is a wireless data connection.

15. The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 13, wherein the wireless connection element is a Bluetooth connection element and the data connection is a Bluetooth data connection. 16, The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 1 L wherein the connection element is configured to connect to a charging jack on the mobile telephone, and the data connection is a wired data connection,

17, The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 11, VYherein the connection element is configured to connect to an earphone jack on the mobile telephone, and the data connection is a wired data connection, 8, The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 11, wherein the connection element is configured to pass control data to or from the mobile telephone.

19, The push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 11, wherein the connection element is configured according to one of a USB-On-The-Go protocol or Apple External Accessory Framework protocol.

20, A method of operating a push-to-taik extension for a mobile telephone, comprising:

running a push-to-talk application in the background of the mobile telephone; detecting a position of a button on the push-to-talk extension between a first orientation and a second orientation:

sending an information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone whenever the button is in the second orientation; and

opening a push-to-talk interface on a screen of the mobile telephone when the button is in the second orientation.

21. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 20, further comprising:

performing a push-to-talk function in the mobile telephone based on input from the push-to-talk interface.

22. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 20, further comprising:

making a push-to-talk call from the mobile telephone based on input from the push- to-talk interface.

23. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 20, further comprising passing data between the mobile telephone and the extension for the mobile telephone,

24. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 20, wherein the operation of sending the information regarding the position of the button is performed by sending a wireless transmission to the mobile telephone,

25. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobi le telephone, as recited in claim 24, wherein the wireless transmission is a Bluetooth transmission.

26. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 20, wherein the operation of sending the information regarding the position of the button is performed by sending a signal over a wired connection between the push-to- talk extension and the mobile telephone.

27. A method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, comprising:

running a push-to-talk application in the background of the mobile telephone;

detecting a position of a button on the push-to-talk extension between a first orientation and a second orientation;

sending an information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone whenever the button is in the second orientation;

receiving an incoming push-to-talk call request from a remote phone:

accepting the incoming push-to-talk call request and entering into a push-to-talk communication between the mobile telephone and tlie remote phone if the push-to-talk extension sends the information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone within a set response time from the incoming push-to-talk call request; and

declining the incoming push-to-talk call request if the push-to-talk extension does not send the information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone within a set response time from the incoming push-to-talk call request.

28. The method of operating a push-to-taik extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 27, further comprising:

sending a request to transmit from the mobile telephone to the remote phone if the push-to-talk extension sends the information regarding the position of the button to the mobile telephone during communication between the mobile telephone and the remote phone.

29. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 27, wherein the operation of sending the information regarding the position of the button is performed by sending a wireless transmission to the mobile telephone,

30. The method of operating a push-to-talk, ex tension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 29, wherein the wireless transmission is a Bluetooth transmission.

31. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 27, wherein the operation of sending the information regarding the position of the button is performed by sending a signal over a wired connection between the push-to- talk extension and the mobile telephone,

32. The method of operating a push-to-talk extension for a mobile telephone, as recited in claim 27, further comprising passing data between the mobile telephone and the extension for the mobile telephone.