FR2791154A1 - Hands free adapter for a mobile phone for car use has a blocking shutter that prevents access to the phone keypad while the phone is in the adapter cradle - Google Patents

Abstract

An adapter (10) has a cradle for supporting a mobile phone (12) with means for guiding the phone into position and means for assuring connection between the phone and the adapter circuits. The adapter has a shutter (16) which allows the temporary blocking off of the phone keypad (34), only allowing the adapter keys to be accessed.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of accessories for radio

  mobile phones, which will hereinafter be simply referred to as

  term "portable". More specifically, it relates to the use of

  tables in the car, which imposes special ergonomics due to the obvious safety constraints when such an appliance is used in a

moving vehicle.

  Various types of so-called "hands-free" adapters are known, making it possible to

  hold a telephone conversation with the mobile phone installed in a

  port on the dashboard, this support comprising means of con-

  connection to a microphone, a loudspeaker, to the power supply to the circuit

  on board the vehicle and possibly an external antenna.

  Also known, in particular from WO-A-98/45997 (Parrot), is an improved hands-free adapter which also makes it possible to control a large number of radiotelephone functions (off-hook, search

  a number in a directory, dialing, double call switch, redial

  spitting, etc.) via voice commands and a key

particular unique multifunction.

  One of the aims of the present invention is to provide an improvement

  ment to the adapter described in this document, so as to increase

  core safety imposed by the use in a moving vehicle-

  while offering the user the best ergonomics, that is to say the

  greater ease of use, possible.

  More specifically, the present invention provides an adapter of the known type described in the aforementioned WO-A-98/45997, that is to say comprising a cradle capable of removably receiving a radiotelephone, and radiotelephone support means for guiding and holding the radiotelephone in place in the cradle, as well as connection means ensuring the connection between radiotelephone circuits and adapter circuits when the radiotelephone is placed in the cradle with its

  keyboard keys on the front facing the driver, this

  tor with at least one main circuit control key

  of the adapter allowing the control of radiotelephone functions

do in hands-free mode.

  According to the invention, this adapter comprises a shutter for concealing all

  keypad on the radiotelephone, leaving accessible only the adapter control button (s), preferably a movable flap

  between a first open position authorizing the installation of the radio

  telephone in the cradle and a second folded position, in which

  the shutter obscures the keys on the radiotelephone keyboard.

  Advantageously, the movable flap comprises on its internal face auxiliary keys for controlling the circuits of the adapter and / or display means, accessible only in the open position of the movable flap. According to various other advantageous subsidiary characteristics: - the shutter is a protective shutter comprising a shock absorbing material; - The support means are adjustable means, adjustable according to the external dimensions, width and depth, of the radiotelephone; - The support means are means capable of pressing the front face of the radiotelephone against the internal face of the flap of the adapter; - the adapter comprises on the rear means for fixing to a front element of the dashboard of the vehicle, in particular removable means; - the main button for controlling the adapter circuits is a

  function control key including off-hook, on-hook

  chage, voice recognition dialing, and dual toggle

  ble call; - two main keys for controlling the circuits are provided

  the adapter, with a first touch to control the number

  rotation by voice recognition, off-hook and double call toggle, and a second key for controlling the on-hook

  simple and on-hook with double call toggle.

  We will now describe an example of implementation of the invention in its various aspects and variants, with reference to the accompanying drawings,

  o the same reference numerals designate functional elements-

generally similar.

  FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the adapter according to the invention.

  tion, with a laptop inserted in the support cradle.

  Figure 2 is a front view of the adapter of Figure 1.

  Figure 3 is a top view, in schematic section, of the adapter

of the invention.

  Figure 4 shows the buttons and the display on the inside

movable flap.

  FIG. 5 is equivalent to FIG. 1, showing in transparency the po-

  relative position of the laptop in the adapter, as well as the location of the

various circuits of the latter.

  Figures 6 and 7 are two schematic perspective views of the adapt

inventor.

  Figures 8 and 9 are homologous views of Figure 7, illustrating the

green of the movable flap.

  FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the constraints of positioning the mobile in the adapter, to allow the latter to receive

laptops of various sizes.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjustable lateral positioning and holding device for the laptop in its support.

  Figure 12 shows, in isolation, the part allowing to realize the posi-

aforementioned adjustable operation.

  Figures 13 to 15 illustrate an example of a positioning device

  adjustable in depth from the laptop to the holder.

  FIG. 16 illustrates a possible variant of the positioning devices.

  the laptop in its holder.

  In the figures, the reference 10 designates the adapter according to the invention which,

  in a manner known per se, forms a support cradle for a

portable telephone 12.

  The adapter is mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle by

  means also known, not shown. This mounting can be

  handle (for example by screw or adhesive) or, preferably, temporary (for example by magnet, stirrup, suction cup, screw, spring clip, serrated clamp, etc.) so as to allow easy removal of the adapter in order to store it when not in use, or allow it to be used by

  example at home in combination with a power supply unit.

  The mounting of the adapter to the dashboard can be achieved by a swiveling attachment (by ball joint, flexible, etc.) or, conversely, consist of an integration of the adapter to the dashboard of the car , this adapter then being provided "as original equipment" by the manufacturer on

the vehicle.

  In a manner also known, the adapter includes a connector allowing, when the laptop is placed on the support of the adapter,

  ensuring ipso facto connection to a certain number of incorporated circuits

  res adapter, microphone, speaker, external antenna

  power supply from the vehicle's on-board network, etc.

  The adapter 10 also comprises a certain number of partial circuits.

  culiers allowing the recognition and voice control functions described in the aforementioned WO-A-98/45997 to be implemented, with their

  different hardware and software. We can refer to this document

  for further details on these circuits and the functions they

allow to implement.

  Characteristically of the invention, the adapter consists of a part 14 forming the support cradle of the laptop 12 with the connectors

  associated, and a flap 16 on the front face.

  In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the flap 16 is a movable flap connected to the par-

  fixed tie 14 by a hinge 18, which allows it to be articulated between a posi-

  open position 20 and a folded position 22.

  In this example, the hinge 18 is a vertical hinge, allowing

  a lateral opening of the movable flap. This configuration is not

  not limiting, and other implementations are possible, for example-

  ple a horizontal hinge allowing an opening of the shutter downwards, or a pivoting of the shutter relative to the fixed part 14 by

  via a movable arm, or any other functional configuration-

similarly.

  When the flap 16 is in its open position 20, the portable 12 can be placed from the front in the support cradle of the fixed part 14, in the same way as with a conventional car adapter. In addition, in this open position, the movable flap 16 reveals a facade,

  illustrated in FIG. 4, comprising a certain number of keys 24 and a display

  cheur 26, carried by a circuit 28 internal to the shutter and whose role will be explained below. The circuit 28 is connected to the circuit 30 of the fixed part, for example by means of a flexible conductor sheet 32. It will be noted that the keys 24 and the display 26 being arranged on the face

  inside the shutter, they are visible and accessible only when it

this is in the open position 20.

  In the folded-down position 22, the flap closes the support cradle of the carrier.

ble 12, which has the effect of:

  - to lock in place the laptop 12 in its support, preventing it

  it does not inadvertently come off and fall into the passenger compartment, obscuring the keys of the keyboard 34 (see Figure 5) of the laptop 12, or at least the major part of the keys of this keyboard, thus prohibiting the use of that -this other than in "hands-free" mode, to constitute a volume interposed between the laptop 12 and the rest of the passenger compartment, thus contributing to passive safety by absorbing any shocks of the passenger against the car adapter, which is often a protruding element in the passenger compartment. To this end, the flap 16 is advantageously made of a thick and flexible material capable of absorbing shocks, similar to that used for example to produce

  vehicle dashboards.

  The movable flap is of course provided with an appropriate locking system.

  property avoiding any untimely opening under the effect of various stresses

  quotes to which the adapter and the laptop may be subjected in

a moving vehicle.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the movable flap 16 has on its external face

  re a reduced number of keys, which are the only accessible in position

  folded down, to allow hands-free operation in combination

  naison with a voice recognition and synthesis system.

  These control keys can be reduced to a single key 38, which is a multifunction key such as that which has been described in the

WO-A-98/45997 cited above.

  Note that in a version of the adapter with a level

  of higher integration, this key can be located elsewhere than on the a-

  adapter, in another location where it can be conveniently used

  read by the driver, for example integrated into the dashboard, steering wheel, etc. The button can also be arranged on the fixed part 14 of the adapter 10, although its location on the external facade of the movable flap 16 is more advantageous, since it is only intended to be used in "hands" mode free ", and this location is usually the most accessible while driving, as well by the driver

only by the passenger.

  In an implementation variant, the "one-touch" ergonomics described for example in the aforementioned WO-A-98/45997 can be replaced by a

  "two-touch" ergonomics, more natural for some users.

  Two clearly distinguished keys are then provided (for example a

green button and a red button).

  The first key performs the following functions: - "push-to-talk", that is to say launching voice recognition in order to execute dialing, when the mobile is in the inactive state; - off-hook upon detection of an incident call, when the mobile rings; - switch from one contact to another, in the case of a consultation call (or

multi-call).

  The second key performs the following functions: - hanging up at the end of the call; - in the event of a double call (or multi-call), hanging up the call with

  the current contact and automatically switches to the next contact

boast.

  The function of each key is defined by the state of the standby phone, communication, incident call detection, double call operation in progress. In this way, at a given time a single function

  corresponds to each of the two keys.

  Another control key that can be provided is a

  che "memo" 40 allowing to memorize and listen to a personal announcement

  nelle (when the laptop is switched off or in standby) or to record the

  conversation in progress (when the mobile is in communication

  tion). Opening the shutter in position 20 allows several actions: first, from the mechanical point of view, the removal of the laptop 12; then access to the laptop keyboard, if the user wants to use this

  last in a traditional way with the usual specific definition-

  the of each key on the keyboard; - last but not least, the possibility of accessing keys 24 and the display

  26 located on the inside of the flap.

  The interior facade of the shutter, normally intended to be accessed uni-

  only stopped by the driver, may include various commands

  navigation and directory management tools such as those described in EP-A-0 650 283 (Parrot), which describes a device forming a directory

  and telephone dialer, and implemented in the Voice Rec- product

  ognition Organizer Parrot Plus marketed by Parrot SA, Paris, which also includes calendar management functions, etc., taking into account that, in the case of the present invention, it is possible to use

  the radiotelephone keypad, which is connected to the adapter, for intro

  to deduce numbers and numerical values.

  Speech recognition can be practiced in several ways.

  nières, corresponding to increasing degrees of efficiency (but also of complexity):

  - prior learning of names pronounced by a speaker, and resti-

  tution of learned names, - implementation of a first multilocutor algorithm with a syntax with eleven entries (ten digits from "zero" to "nine", plus a "call ..." command) allowing either to directly dial a number whose

  the figures are stated, or to ensure the sequence with a se-

  cond algorithm, single speaker, for dialing numbers

  from voice commands made up of contact names

dants previously learned;

  - automatic discrimination between names and numbers, without specific syntax

  particular (the algorithm no longer imposes, in the case of the utterance of a

  name, to precede it with the word "call ...").

  It will also be noted that the opening of the flap, from the folded position 22 to the open position 20, makes it possible to switch the circuits of the adapter into a "learning" mode allowing the introduction of new telephone numbers, this mode of learning and its activation by opening a flap being described in the aforementioned EP-A-0 650 283, to which

  refer for further details.

  Thus, depending on the position of the movable flap 16, it may or may not be possible to

  yield to the keyboard of the portable 12, to the programming and navigation buttons

  vigation 24 and on display 26, the architecture of the adapter according to the invention

  dissuading the driver from using the vehicle while driving

  certain functions which require more sustained attention. In position

  folded down, it is not possible to use the laptop 12 other than

  of "hands free", and this use is allowed by maneuver of a single

  and single button 38, advantageously placed so as to be accessible

  ble to touch intuitively, without looking at the adapter and TV

  phone. Various alternative embodiments can be envisaged, for example by integrating a loudspeaker 44 into the adapter as illustrated in FIG. 6, the position of this loudspeaker being chosen so as to interfere the least

  possible with microphone also connected to adapter and porta-

  corn. To improve comfort, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the movable flap 16 carrying the buttons 24 and the display 26 can be orientable in various

  positions, around its pivot axis (vertical) and perpendicular-

  lie to this axis (horizontally) so that the user, driver

  or passenger, can direct the interior facade of the shutter in an opti-

  male. In another variant, provision can also be made for the flap 16 to be

  a fixed flap, the adapter then being in the form of a receptacle

  key in which the laptop 12 is inserted from above. Here again, the keys 34 of the portable are hidden, which prohibits use in a mode other than "hands-free". The shutter being fixed, the front carrying the buttons 24 and the display 26 is then placed in another location of the adapter, either in a fixed location or on a mobile element,

  which in the latter case no longer has the mechanical role of closing the

ceptacle of the portable.

  Referring to Figures 10 to 15, we will now describe examples of mechanical means for adapting the dimensions of the cradle

  support for various portable models, the adapter then being a

  universal device that can accommodate laptops of different brands and models (the only necessary adaptation possibly being that of

associated connectors).

  A device is thus provided which makes it possible to firmly hold telephones of different sizes. It will be noted that the quality of the maintenance is important, because it gives the product its quality of perception during handling and, above all, its safety of use because in the event of impact it is essential that the portable remains well maintained in the adapter. , without being

ejected from it.

  Advantageously, as is apparent in particular in the view of FIG. 5, the front face of the laptop 12 is pressed against the internal face

  of the flap 16, so as not to leave a visible opening from the front.

  To do this, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the means for holding the porta-

  ble must allow a double adjustment, in width 46 and in depth

  deur 48, to adapt to laptops whose dimensions vary, typically

  between 45 and 62 mm in width and 15 and 33 mm in thickness.

  For width adjustment 46, means such as those can be used

  illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. This system comprises on either side of the door

  table 12 two identical elements 50, which are articulated elements

  comprising a bearing face 52 and an adjustment screw 54 adjusted to the first

  first installation of the laptop. The bearing surfaces 52 are covered

  on the side in contact with the laptop by a material such as an elastic

  mother to improve the holding and not to hurt the material of the

portable 12.

  In addition, the elements 50 are located towards the front of the laptop, in order to

  tighten around the keyboard region of the keyboard, which is

generally the widest.

  Figure 12 illustrates more precisely the structure of each of these elements.

  elements 50, which can be a deformable plastic part comprising on either side of the central support part 52 two movable elements 58

  linked to the latter by a material bridge 60 forming a hinge, the end

  opposite mite being connected to a fixed point for one of them 62, and to

  one part 66, movable by operation of the screw 54, for the other 64.

  For clamping in thickness, a system such as

  than that illustrated in Figures 13 to 15. This tightening system in pro-

  caster is centered in the lower part of the adapter and has

  a sliding plate 68, for example coated with an elastomer foam

  re, which slides, from the bottom forward, relative to the fixed element 14 of

  the adapter and the blocking of which can be ensured by a piece 70

  carrying two transverse plastic elements 72 which can be operated by finger through notches 74 formed in the plate 68. The part 70 comprises adjustment notches 76 cooperating with rectilinear grooves

  counterparts 78 formed in cheeks 80 of the fixed part 14 of the adapter

  tator. When the laptop is put in place for the first time, it will suffice for the user to press (FIGS. 14 and 15) on the transverse elements 72 to unlock the notches 76 and allow the depth adjustment of the plate 68 until the visible surface 80 thereof comes to bear against the face

  back of the laptop. As soon as the user releases the transverse elements

  72, the plate 68 remains held in place, which makes it possible to define the exact depth necessary for satisfactory maintenance of the laptop

in the adapter.

  Other holding devices are of course conceivable, for example

  example that illustrated in figure 16: lateral support is provided by

  movable tins 84 coming to press on the lateral faces of the portable under the effect of the stress of the springs 86, and the maintenance in depth is

  provided by a movable plate 88 biased by a spring 90.

Claims (10)

  1. A car adapter for portable radiotelephone, comprising a cradle capable of removably receiving a radiotelephone (12), this adapter (10) comprising radiotelephone support means for   guiding and holding the radiotelephone in place in the cradle, thus   if only connection means ensuring the connection between radiotelephone circuits and adapter circuits when the radiotelephone   is placed in the cradle with its keyboard keys on the front panel   born towards the driver, this adapter comprising at least one main key (38) for controlling the circuits of the adapter allowing the control of radio telephone functions in hands-free mode, adapter characterized in that it comprises a flap (16) d occultation of the keys of the keyboard (34) of the radiotelephone, not leaving accessible (s)   the adapter control button (s) (38).   2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the flap (16) is a movable flap between a first open position (20) allowing the setting   place the radiotelephone in the cradle and a second fold-down position   kills (22), in which the shutter obscures the keyboard keys of the radio telephone line.   3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the movable flap comprises   te on its inner face of the auxiliary keys (24) for controlling the   adapter and / or display means circuits (26), accessible only   LEMENT in the open position of the movable flap.   4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the shutter is a shutter of   protection comprising a shock absorbing material.   5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the support means   are adjustable means, adjustable according to the external dimensions   the width and depth of the radiotelephone.   6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the support means are means capable of pressing the front face of the radiotelephone against   the inside of the adapter flap.   7. The adapter of claim 1, comprising on the rear means for fixing to a facade element of the dashboard of the vehicle. 8. The adapter of claim 7, wherein the attachment means are removable means.   9. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said main key (38) for controlling the circuits of the adapter is a key for controlling functions comprising off-hook, on-hook, numbering   by voice recognition and the double call switch.   10. The adapter of claim 1, comprising two main keys   blades (38) for controlling the circuits of the adapter, with a first key for controlling dialing by voice recognition, off-hook and double call rocker, and a second key for   control of single hanging up and hanging up with double rocker call.