EP1417773A1 - Couvercle interchangeable avec touches pour la personnalisation de dispositifs de communications electroniques mobiles - Google Patents

Couvercle interchangeable avec touches pour la personnalisation de dispositifs de communications electroniques mobiles

Info

Publication number
EP1417773A1
EP1417773A1 EP02752435A EP02752435A EP1417773A1 EP 1417773 A1 EP1417773 A1 EP 1417773A1 EP 02752435 A EP02752435 A EP 02752435A EP 02752435 A EP02752435 A EP 02752435A EP 1417773 A1 EP1417773 A1 EP 1417773A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mobile electronic
communication device
electronic communication
covering
interchangeable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP02752435A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1417773A4 (fr
Inventor
Gary N. Mager
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wildseed Ltd
Original Assignee
Wildseed Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/908,213 external-priority patent/US7095986B2/en
Application filed by Wildseed Ltd filed Critical Wildseed Ltd
Publication of EP1417773A1 publication Critical patent/EP1417773A1/fr
Publication of EP1417773A4 publication Critical patent/EP1417773A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0279—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics
    • H04M1/0283—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics for providing a decorative aspect, e.g. customization of casings, exchangeable faceplate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/7246—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions by connection of exchangeable housing parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/3888—Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to mobile electronic communication devices, and in particular but not exclusively, relates to coverings for mobile electronic communication devices.
  • Mobile electronic communication devices such as, for example, cellular telephones, pagers, hand-held computers and personal digital assistants are generally sold to consumers with a standard housing that does not include any significant functionality other than as a container that houses the internal electronics and perhaps some ornamental designs and/or markings that label buttons or indicate trademarks or trade names.
  • a user may be able to change the external appearance of some mobile electronic communication devices through the use of interchangeable faceplates that form part of the housing.
  • These faceplates do not have any significant functionality beyond its ornamental design (including color, texture, and contours).
  • These faceplates are typically formed from molded plastic with holes or openings to accommodate user-operation of buttons, displays, microphones and speakers of the mobile electronic communication devices. Such faceplates do not otherwise interact with the electronics of the mobile electronic communication device.
  • an interchangeable covering for a mobile electronic communication device includes an electronic component having a switch unit, a personalization unit and an interface unit.
  • the switch unit is implemented ith buttons or keys that are accessible to the user when the covering is fitted to the mobile electronic communication device.
  • the personalization unit includes a memory that stores personalization information.
  • the personalization information can include music data files, audio ring files, screen animation files, data files (e.g., telephone numbers, email addresses, URLs, radio channels, credit card numbers, etc.) and/or commands or instructions that can be executed by a processor in the mobile electronic communication device and/or in the covering itself.
  • the user can use the switch unit to access or use (e.g., execute commands or instructions) the information in the personalization unit.
  • the personalization unit interacts with the electronics of the mobile electronic communication device via the interface unit. This aspect advantageously allows a user to add new features to the user's currently owned mobile electronic communication device in a relatively inexpensive manner.
  • the electronic component of the interchangeable covering provides functionality that is substantially independent of the electronics of the mobile electronic communication device.
  • the electronic component also includes an audio unit that allows the user to play music or transmit other audio signals (e.g., short entertaining message, wolf whistle, or amusing or embarrassing sound effect, etc.) associated with information in the personalization unit.
  • the electronic component may be configured to receive power from the power source in the mobile electronic communication device, but does not otherwise need to use its other components.
  • the electronic component of the interchangeable covering interoperates with components of the mobile electronic communication device. For example, by pressing a button (or sequence of buttons) on the interchangeable covering, the user may provide a music data file stored in the personalization unit to the mobile electronic communication device, which then plays the music data file using its own audio unit. In another example, by pressing a button (or sequence of buttons) on the interchangeable covering the user may provide a telephone number stored in the personalization unit to the mobile electronic communication device along with a command to dial the telephone number.
  • the interchangeable coverings are used as part of a method of doing business.
  • the information in the personalization unit may include information that is related to a selected theme such as, for example, an event, activity, business, promotion, product, etc.
  • a radio station may sponsor or distribute interchangeable coverings loaded with information related to concerts, contests, merchandise, music samples, video samples, animations, information hotlines, etc. that are related to the radio station's business and music format.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of an interchangeable covering as used with a mobile electronic communication device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the interior surface of the interchangeable covering depicted in Figure 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating the interior surface of the lower portion of the interchangeable covering depicted in Figure 2.
  • Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an electronic component of the interchangeable covering depicted in Figure 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation flow of the electronic component depicted in Figure 3, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a simplified block diagram illustrating in more detail the personalization unit depicted in Figure 3, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a business method using interchangeable coverings, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an interchangeable covering, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Embodiments of a system and method for personalizing a mobile electronic communication device are described herein.
  • numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention.
  • One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc.
  • well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an interchangeable covering 100 as used with a mobile electronic communication device 138, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • interchangeable covering 100 is implemented as the front covering (i.e., "front” when viewing the face or display) for essentially the entire front side of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • This embodiment of interchangeable covering 100 is implemented with a rigid material such as, for example, plastic, metal, wood, paper, laminates or suitable combinations of these materials.
  • a user of this embodiment of interchangeable covering 100 can snap fit the covering onto a base or framework of mobile electronic communication device 138 to securely but detachably attach interchangeable covering 100 to the framework of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • other embodiments may use different mechanisms to interchangeably attach interchangeable covering 100 to mobile electronic device 138.
  • interchangeable covering 100 may cover a portion of the front side of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • interchangeable covering 100 can serve as the back covering for essentially the entire back side of mobile electronic communication device 138, or a portion of the back side, or a combination of front and back coverings.
  • interchangeable covering 100 may be implemented as a conformal elastomeric membrane or covering that is fitted around the mobile electronic communication device 138 that has a fixed covering.
  • the term "fixed" is used in this context to mean that the covering is not intended to be removed once attached. A fixed covering may be attached by adhesive, screws, press fit, etc.
  • interchangeable covering 100 includes an electronic component.
  • the electronic component includes one or more buttons or buttons 140 that allow the user to operate the electronic component and/or interact with mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • two buttons 140 are located near the bottom of interchangeable covering 100.
  • Buttons 140 are part of a switch unit (shown in Figure 3) embedded in or attached to the interior surface of interchangeable cover 100.
  • buttons 140 may be arranged at any suitable location or locations on interchangeable covering 100.
  • interchangeable covering 100 may be formed with sides wide enough to hold one or more buttons 140 that extend laterally outward.
  • a user can actuate buttons 140 using a thumb or a fingertip.
  • these lateral buttons would tend to be easily accessible and operated using the thumb or fingers (which would wrap around the back of mobile electronic communication device 138) when holding mobile electronic communication device 138 in the palm.
  • mobile electronic communication device 138 includes keys 142 and a display 144 (e.g., a liquid crystal display) by which the user operates the device.
  • Mobile electronic communication device 138 may also include a transparent shield 145 to protect display 144.
  • mobile electronic communication device 138 typically includes an earpiece mounting 146 to hold an audio transducer (not shown) to transmit audio signals (e.g., voice signals).
  • mobile electronic communication device 138 includes a fixed back covering (not shown) with a fitting for at least one key.
  • the fixed back covering may partially cover the back side of mobile electronic communication device.
  • the term fitting is used in this context to refer to either an opening to receive a key integrated with mobile electronic device 138, or mounting for a key that is integrated with the fixed back covering (e.g., a membrane type key).
  • the key may be an ON/OFF key. This configuration can be advantageous in that the user typically uses the ON/OFF key to begin and end an operating session and does not need to view the display to facilitate the operation. This can advantageously free up valuable surface area on the front side of the mobile electronic device.
  • the key or keys on the back side of the mobile electronic communication device may be used for other functions. This aspect of the present invention can be used together with interchangeable covering 100.
  • Interchangeable covering 100 includes openings 158 and 160 through which keys 142 and transparent shield 145 extend when interchangeable covering 100 is fitted to mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • interchangeable covering 100 includes openings 164 to improve audio signal transmission from the audio transducer to the user.
  • interchangeable covering 100 includes an electronic component.
  • the electronic component is embedded in the material of interchangeable covering 100 and is not visible to the user except for buttons 140 and electrical contacts (shown in Figure 2) that electrically connect the electronic component to the electronics of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • mobile electronic communication device 138 includes electrical contacts 147 that are arranged to physically contact the electrical contacts (see Figure 2) of interchangeable cover 100 when interchangeable cover 100 is attached to mobile electronic communication device 138. Via these electrical contacts, the electronic component of interchangeable cover 100 can interact with the electronics of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • the electronic component stores personalization information.
  • the personalization information can include music data files, audio ring data files, screen animation data files, alphanumeric data files (e.g., telephone numbers, email addresses, universal resource locators (URLs), radio channels, credit card numbers, etc.) and/or commands or instructions that can be executed by a processor in mobile electronic communication device 138 and/or in the electronic component itself.
  • the user can use buttons 140 to access or use (e.g., execute commands or instructions) the personalization information in the electronic component.
  • This aspect advantageously allows a user to add new features to mobile electronic communication device 138 in a relatively inexpensive manner.
  • this aspect can provide buttons 140 that are closely linked to specific data in the personalization information, thereby simplifying the process by which a user can access or use the personalization information.
  • FIG 2 illustrates (not to scale) the interior surface of interchangeable covering 100 ( Figure 1).
  • interchangeable covering 100 includes a connector element 210 located on a lower portion 212 of the covering.
  • An enlarged view of lower portion 212 is illustrated in Figure 2A.
  • connector element 210 includes electrical contacts 222 arranged to come into physical contact with electrical contacts 147 ( Figure 1 ) of mobile electronic communication device 138 when fitted with interchangeable covering 100.
  • Figure 1 electrical contacts 222
  • other portions of the electronic component are embedded in interchangeable covering 100.
  • portions of the electronic component e.g., an integrated circuit device
  • One embodiment of the electronic component is described below.
  • Electrical contacts 222 can be used to electrically connect electronic component 300 to power and signal lines of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an electronic component 300 attached to or embedded in interchangeable covering 100, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • electronic component 300 includes a switch unit 310, a personalization unit 312 and an interface unit 314.
  • Switch unit 130 includes buttons, such as buttons 140 ( Figure 1) that are electrically connected to personalization unit 312.
  • One embodiment of personalization unit 312 (described below in conjunction with Figure 5) is implemented in the form of an integrated circuit that includes memory and associated addressing circuitry that can store the aforementioned personalization information.
  • personalization unit 312 and interface unit 314 may be implemented on a single circuit device, or as separate sub components, or each with component circuitry distributed over two or more circuit devices. In light of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will be able to design other hardware implementations without undue experimentation.
  • Interface unit 314 serves as a transceiver to transmit signals from personalization unit 312 to mobile electronic communication device 138 and vice versa.
  • interface unit 314 may be implemented with a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) device.
  • interface unit 314 may be implemented with a low power "blue tooth" transceiver for wirelessly communicating with mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • electrical contacts 147 and 222 may be simplified to connect to the power source of mobile electronic communication device 138. Electrical contacts 147 and 222 may be eliminated in embodiments in which interchangeable covering 100 includes its own power source.
  • mobile electronic communication device 138 includes mobile communication electronics 320, a power source 322 and an interface unit 324.
  • Mobile communication electronics 320 can include a display 330 (e.g., a LCD), an audio unit 331 (e.g., a speaker), a radio frequency (RF) unit 332 (i.e., a RF transceiver, antenna, etc.), and a keypad 333.
  • a display 330 e.g., a LCD
  • an audio unit 331 e.g., a speaker
  • RF radio frequency
  • mobile communication electronics can include a central processing unit (CPU) 335 (or other processor or controller that can execute software/firmware programs), memory 336 (e.g., random access memory, non-volatile memory, etc.) accessible by CPU 335, and a digital signal processor (DSP) 337 to process signals to and from RF unit 332 (e.g., modulate and demodulate signals).
  • CPU central processing unit
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • some mobile electronic communication devices can include a subscriber identity module (SIM).
  • SIM subscriber identity module
  • one embodiment of electronic component 300 operates as follows. Operation can begin when interchangeable covering 100 is attached to mobile electronic communication device 138. In a block 402, the user enables electronic component 300. In one embodiment, attaching interchangeable covering 100 to mobile electronic communication device 138 automatically enables electronic component 300. In other embodiments, the user may actuate an ON/OFF button on switch unit 310 to enable electronic component 300.
  • Block 404 electronic component 300 and mobile electronic communication device 138 perform a "hand shaking" or initialization operation in which information is exchanged to verify that electronic component 300 is interoperable with mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • Block 404 may include an authentication or verification procedure to add security. For example, in one embodiment, the user may be prompted to enter a password or security code via keypad 333 of mobile electronic communication device 138. In this exemplary embodiment, mobile electronic communication device 138 and/or electronic component 300 would only allow the user to access to the personalization information if the user enters a valid password. Although not shown in Figure 4, if these elements are not interoperable, operation terminates.
  • electronic component 300 can be configured to determine whether the user has actuated the optional ON/OFF button of switch unit 310 to turn off the electronic component 300. If the user has actuated the ON/OFF button, the operation terminates, but if not, the operation proceeds to a block 406 in which electronic component 300 monitors switch unit 310 for an output signal that indicates that a user has actuated a button.
  • each button when actuated, provides an output signal to personalization unit 312.
  • each button provides an output signal to CPU 335 of mobile communication device 138, and, in response, CPU 335 executes instructions to perform the indicated operation.
  • CPU 335 in response to receiving an output signal from switch unit 310, accesses corresponding personalization data.
  • CPU 335 may access the personalization data from personalization unit 312 or it may access personalization data in mobile communication device 138 that has previously been transferred from personalization unit 312.
  • a button actuation is detected when an output signal from switch unit 310 is detected. In this embodiment, if personalization unit 312 does not detect a button actuation, the operation loops back to block 405. In an alternative embodiment, the operation may loop back to block 406 instead. However, if in block 410 personalization unit 312 does detect a button actuation, the operation proceeds to a block 412.
  • personalization unit 312 accesses personalization information (stored in personalization unit 312) corresponding to the button actuation.
  • the actuated key may have been preconfigured to start the process of playing a music data file.
  • the actuated button generates a signal that is interpreted by personalization unit 312 to access the music data file, which is stored in personalization unit 312.
  • personalization unit 312 may download the personalization information to mobile electronic communication device 138 as part of the handshaking or initialization operation. Mobile electronic communication device 138 then stores the personalization information in memory 336. Then in block 412, personalization unit 312 sends a command to mobile electronic communication device 138 to access personalization information stored in memory 336.
  • personalization information may be stored in SIM 340 in addition to or instead of memory 336.
  • the personalization further processes the accessed personalized information.
  • personalization unit 312 sends the accessed personalized information to mobile electronic communication device 138 via interface unit 314.
  • Mobile electronic communication device 138 then processes this information to perform a preprogrammed function or operation.
  • the personalized information may include a music data file and a command to play the music data file.
  • mobile electronic communication device 138 could play the music data file using audio unit 331 and a software music player implemented by CPU 335 and memory 336.
  • the personalized information may be a graphics, animated graphic, video data file etc. to be presented via display 330 and/or audio unit 331 when executed by a software media player implemented in mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • the personalized information may include a telephone number, email message, SMS message etc. that mobile electronic communication device 138 would dial or execute via RF unit 332.
  • the personalized information may include a URL, email box, etc. from which mobile electronic communication device 138 would retrieve desired information via RF unit 332.
  • the personalized information may include security information (e.g., passwords, codes, keys, etc.), file names, and/or address specifications designating locations on a network for accessing and retrieving data.
  • security information e.g., passwords, codes, keys, etc.
  • file names e.g., floppy disks, etc.
  • address specifications designating locations on a network for accessing and retrieving data.
  • the personalized information may include various combinations of the above- described types of information to be performed by mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • the processing of block 414 may include further user input via the user interface (which can include a microphone (not shown), display 330, and keypad 333 ) of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • the personalized information may include a URL of a web page that will be displayed on display 330. The user can then navigate the web page via keypad 333.
  • the personalized information accessed by personalization unit 312 can be processed independently from mobile communication electronics 320 of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • electronic component 300 of interchangeable covering 100 may include a simple audio unit (not shown) that can play an audio file.
  • a user can, for example, play a sound effect, song, voice sample, etc. without using the electronics of mobile electronic communication device 138.
  • electronic component 300 can selectively process the accessed information independently from mobile electronic communication device 138 or send the accessed information to mobile electronic communication device 138 to be processed as described in the previous paragraph.
  • Figure 5 illustrates personalization unit 312 ( Figure 3), according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • personalization unit 312 includes a memory unit 510.
  • Memory unit 510 in turn includes a memory array and associated addressing and control circuitry for accessing the memory array.
  • a signal from switch unit 310 can initiate the proper sequence of timing and control signals to access a preselected memory location or locations in the memory array and output information stored at these locations onto a bus 511.
  • interface unit 314 has its input port connected to bus 511 to receive information retrieved from memory unit 510.
  • personalization unit 312 can include other elements such as, for example, an audio unit 514, a controller 515 or a SIM 516, which are illustrated in dashed lines to indicate that they are optional.
  • audio unit 514 can be used as described above for block 414 ( Figure 4).
  • Controller 515 may be implemented with a microprocessor or microcontroller device configured to access memory unit 510 via bus 511.
  • switch unit 310 may be connected to controller 515 instead of memory unit 510.
  • the signals from switch unit 310 may serve as interrupt signals for controller 515.
  • Controller 515 is programmed to respond to these interrupts to perform the functions as described above in conjunction with block 414 ( Figure 4).
  • SIM 516 could be a standard SIM to allow a user to move particular personalization information to another interchangeable covering as desired.
  • interface unit 314 includes a UART device 520 configured to receive personalization information from memory unit 510 via bus 511 and transmit this information to mobile electronic communication device 138 via a bus 521.
  • Suitable UARTs are available from many commercial vendors.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a business method using interchangeable coverings, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the personalized information loaded in electronic component 300 includes information that is related to a selected theme, event, activity, business, promotion, product, etc.
  • a television network may sponsor or distribute interchangeable coverings loaded with information such as the television network's channel in the local area, new shows, upcoming episodes of particular shows, contests, merchandise, music samples, video samples, animations, information hotlines, etc. that are related to the television network's business and programming.
  • the entity practicing the method creates personalized information related to a desired theme.
  • a radio station may want to use the method with a theme related to an upcoming event sponsored by the radio station.
  • the radio station may create personalized information such as the radio station's channel (i.e., frequency), upcoming concerts, contests, merchandise, music samples, video samples, animations, information hotlines, etc. that are related to the radio station's business and music format.
  • the entity practicing the method also creates a design for the physical appearance of interchangeable covering 100 ( Figure 1 ).
  • the entity may design the interchangeable covering to have multiple colors in a specific design, logos of advertisers, images of performers, objects or other graphical designs, a specific texture or contours, etc.
  • the interchangeable coverings display text and/or images (e.g., likenesses of performing artists, logos of sponsors, etc.) on the face of the buttons on the interchangeable coverings.
  • blocks 610 and 612 may be performed in a different order or concurrently.
  • the entity practicing the method manufactures a suitable number of interchangeable coverings personalized according to blocks 610 and 612. In one embodiment, large quantities of interchangeable coverings are manufactured to reduce the per item costs.
  • the personalized interchangeable coverings are distributed to the target audience or demographic.
  • the entity may pass out interchangeable coverings free to concertgoers as they enter a venue.
  • the cost of the interchangeable coverings may be viewed as advertising/promotional costs, and can be defrayed by advertisers or sponsors. For example, advertisers may be required to pay a fee to have their logos displayed on the interchangeable covering.
  • the entity may choose to sell the interchangeable coverings to consumers who wish to purchase the interchangeable covering for the appearance of and/or personalized information in the interchangeable covering.
  • the entity can track usage of the interchangeable coverings.
  • the interchangeable coverings may include personalization information such as URLs, telephone numbers, email address, purchasing/ordering information, and other external links that users can execute after attaching the interchangeable coverings to their mobile electronic communication devices.
  • the entity can, for example, count the number of visits to a web site, the number of calls to a telephone number, the number of sale of particular merchandise, the number of emails to a particular address, etc. In this way, the entity may collect valuable marketing information that the entity can use to design future marketing campaigns, set advertising/sponsoring fees, etc.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a face 700 of interchangeable covering 100, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • This embodiment of interchangeable covering 100 is fitted to mobile electronic communication device (not shown) so that face 700 is on the backside of the mobile electronic device.
  • the interchangeable covering 100 is implemented as an elastomeric covering appropriate openings on the "front side" for the keys and display of the mobile electronic device.
  • this embodiment includes buttons 701-710.
  • buttons 701-710 are implemented using a relatively thin membrane keypad, which are commercially available.
  • the buttons are labeled using graphics that are related to a theme, as described above in conjunction with Figure 6.
  • button 701 is labeled with the stylized call letters of the sponsoring radio station. Pressing button 701 causes the mobile electronic communication device to receive the broadcast from that radio station.
  • button 702 is labeled with a graphic with the international "information" symbol and the text "hear info on concerts.” Pressing button 702 causes the mobile electronic communication device to receive information related to concerts by the performing artist.
  • Button 703 is labeled with a graphic of two people and the text "join chat group.” Pressing button 703 causes the mobile electronic communication device to connect to a chat group.
  • buttons 705-710 are labeled with graphics indicating features such as dialing the telephone number of the sponsoring radio station, getting snow conditions, playing songs or music samples by the performing artist or placing an order with a sponsor for merchandise or products (e.g., pizza).
  • buttons for sending email to the performing artist include "voting" buttons that users may be asked to use in response to announcements given during a concert, buttons that visit a website with information about the performing artist, products, sponsors and other theme- related information.
  • This embodiment advantageously provides, in effect, an "icon” or “shortcut” that allows users to easily learn what personalization information is stored in the interchangeable covering and to easily access or use desired personalization information.
  • the graphics on the buttons sufficiently explain the function invoked by the button so that there is no need for the user to view the display of the mobile electronic communication device to properly invoke the feature.
  • this embodiment of interchangeable covering 100 remains easy to operate even though buttons 701-710 are located on the back side of mobile electronic communication device.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un couvercle interchangeable (100) pour un dispositif de communication mobile électronique (dispositif mobile) comprenant un composant électronique (138) pourvu d'un commutateur (310), une unité de personnalisation et une unité d'interface. Le commutateur comprend une ou des touches (142) qui sont accessibles à l'utilisateur lorsque le couvercle est adapté sur le dispositif mobile. L'unité de personnalisation enregistre des informations telles que des fichiers de données musicales, des fichiers de sonneries audio, des fichiers d'animation sur écran, des fichiers de données (telles que des numéros de téléphone, des adresses électroniques, des adresses URL, des canaux radio, etc.) et/ou l'utilisateur peut utiliser le commutateur pour accéder aux informations de l'unité de personnalisation. L'unité de personnalisation a une interaction avec le système électronique du dispositif mobile via l'unité d'interface.
EP02752435A 2001-07-17 2002-07-17 Couvercle interchangeable avec touches pour la personnalisation de dispositifs de communications electroniques mobiles Withdrawn EP1417773A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/908,213 US7095986B2 (en) 2001-07-17 2001-07-17 Interchangeable covering with keys for personalizing mobile electronic communication devices
US908213 2001-07-17
PCT/US2002/022852 WO2003009485A1 (fr) 2001-07-17 2002-07-17 Couvercle interchangeable avec touches pour la personnalisation de dispositifs de communications electroniques mobiles

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1417773A1 true EP1417773A1 (fr) 2004-05-12
EP1417773A4 EP1417773A4 (fr) 2005-08-17

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02752435A Withdrawn EP1417773A4 (fr) 2001-07-17 2002-07-17 Couvercle interchangeable avec touches pour la personnalisation de dispositifs de communications electroniques mobiles

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1417773A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003009485A1 (fr)

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