GB2407234A - Multi-purpose videophone module - Google Patents

Multi-purpose videophone module Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2407234A
GB2407234A GB0324406A GB0324406A GB2407234A GB 2407234 A GB2407234 A GB 2407234A GB 0324406 A GB0324406 A GB 0324406A GB 0324406 A GB0324406 A GB 0324406A GB 2407234 A GB2407234 A GB 2407234A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
mobile phone
display portion
display
handset
stand
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Withdrawn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
GB0324406A
Other versions
GB0324406D0 (en
Inventor
Anthony Martinez
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.)
ICE 21 Ltd
Original Assignee
ICE 21 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
Application filed by ICE 21 Ltd filed Critical ICE 21 Ltd
Priority to GB0324406A priority Critical patent/GB2407234A/en
Publication of GB0324406D0 publication Critical patent/GB0324406D0/en
Publication of GB2407234A publication Critical patent/GB2407234A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
    • H04N7/142—Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4113—PC
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/41407—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/4223—Cameras
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
    • H04N7/148—Interfacing a video terminal to a particular transmission medium, e.g. ISDN
    • 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
    • H04M1/04—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
    • H04N7/142—Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
    • H04N2007/145—Handheld terminals

Abstract

A mobile phone comprises a handset portion 10 and a display portion 19, wherein the handset portion 10 incorporates audio input means 14 and output means 12 and control means 16, and wherein the display portion 18 includes an outwardly facing screen portion 20, a transceiver for the mobile phone 24 and support means (30 and 32) operable to allow the display portion 18 to be secured to a suitable attachment point or supported on a surface for viewing. A digital camera 22 or PC card slot 28, may be contained within display portion 18. The handset portion 10 may comprise a wireless communications link to the display portion 18. Apparatus is suitable for video telephony calls and can be adapted to receive video signals such as from a DVD player.

Description

Multi-purpose Videophone Module This invention relates to a mobile phone,
in particular a mobile phone incorporating separate handset and display portions.
Mobile phones have been developed which have the ability to transmit video images of a user from a camera and also for a user to browse images on the Internet using a screen portion of the mobile phone.
With this existing type of device a separate camera must be used to allow the mobile phone to be used as a videophone, because a user will usually wish to transmit video images from the videophone, whilst simultaneously viewing a video display received by the mobile phone.
Thus, separation of the camera portion of the videophone and the image display portion of the mobile phone is advantageous. However, disadvantages arise with devices having separate handsets for voice/audio use because locating the video display/camera section in a suitable position is often difficult.
It is an object of the present invention to address the above mentioned disadvantages.
According to a first aspect of the invention a mobile phone comprises a handset portion and a display portion, wherein the handset portion incorporates audio input and output means and control means, and wherein the display portion includes an outwardly facing screen portion, a transceiver for the mobile phone and support means operable to allow the display portion to b^ secured to a suitable attachment point or supported on a surface for viewing.
The support means may include a hook portion, which preferably points downwards, preferably to allow the display means to be hooked onto a generally upwardly extending projection or edge. Such an edge may be a pocket of a case or bag, such as an interior or exterior pocket of a case. The hook portion is preferably located at an upper portion of the display means, preferably at an upper edge thereof, preferably centrally.
The support means may alternatively or additionally include a stand portion, which may comprise at least one support leg. The stand portion is preferably pivotally attached to a body of the display portion, preferably by a hinge. The stand portion is preferably pivotable from a first position substantially against the body of the display to a second position pivoted at one end thereof away from the body.
The stand portion is preferably located towards a lower end of the body. The stand portion may have a bent or curved shape, and may bend outwards from its attachment to the body. The stand portion may be flexible.
The display portion may be incorporated into a case or bag, preferably in a sidewall thereof. The screen portion may have a removable cover.
The display portion may advantageously have a larger heat sink than is typically the case with a handheld mobile phone.
The mobile phone may be adapted to receive signals from a DVD player connected thereto, or to receive video signals.
The handset portion may have a wireless communications link, preferably a Bluetooth link, with the display portion.
The display portion may incorporate a digital camera, preferably a stills camera. The camera may use a lens of the display portion used for a video camera of the mobile phones. The digital camera may have an additional lens, which may be a zoom lens. The digital camera may be pivotally secured to the rest of the display portion.
The display portion, or preferably the digital camera, may incorporate a PC card slot.
The display portion may form a sealed unit, preferably a waterproof and/or dustproof unit. The display portion may be contained within a rugged, preferably waterproof, case.
Communication with the handset portion in this case may be via a wireless link. Alternatively a waterproof hardwired link to the handset portion may be used.
According to a second aspect of the present invention a method of operating a mobile phone comprises securing a display portion of the phone to a suitable attachment point with support means of the phone or supporting the display portion on a surface for viewing, and operating the phone with a separate handset portion having audio input and output means and control means.
The method may include hooking the display portion on a suitable projection or edge, which may be a pocket of a bag or case.
The method may include extending a leg portion from the display portion and supporting the display portion therewith.
All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.
Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la is a schematic perspective view of a mobile phone comprising a handheld audio portion and a separate display/camera portion; Figure lb is a schematic side view of the display/camera portion shown in Figure la; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of mobile phone incorporating an additional digital camera to the device shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a schematic rear view of the device shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1 shows a mobile phone, operable to be used as a videophone, which comprises a handheld unit 10 having a speaker 12, microphone 14 and keypad 16 in the usual manner for a telephone handset. The videophone also s includes a display portion 18 comprising an LCD screen 20, a video camera 22, an antenna 24, a battery compartment 26, PC card slot 28, hinged foot 30 (see Figure lb), holding clip 32 and related circuitry (not shown) including transceiver enclosed in housing 34.
The videophone can be used using the 2G/2.5G/3G infrastructure currently under construction, or any other structure capable of using/transmitting video data streams.
The display portion 18 comprises a self-contained module consisting primarily of the screen 20, a transceiver (not shown), the antenna 24, as well as the additional hardware and corresponding software to achieve the specification of a videophone working within the infrastructure referred to above.
Communication between the handheld unit 10 and the display portion 18 is achieved by means of "Bluetooth" RF link.
All references to a Bluetooth standard could be replaced with other suitable RF links. Thus, the usual functions of a mobile phone are conducted through the handheld unit 10, i.e. speaking and listening to transmitted sounds, as well as dialling and general control of the mobile phone.
The handheld unit 10 transmits and receives signals from the display portion 18, which have been received or are transmitted by the antenna 24.
The screen may have a size in the region of approximately 12 to 22 cm, which offers a good quality display, when used as a videophone, or alternatively to browse the Internet, or to compose, send and receive emails via the mobile phone.
The display portion 18 may also additionally incorporate a video socket for receiving video signals for playback from an external unit. In addition, the display portion 18 may be used as a small display for a portable DVD player, potentially connected via the above mentioned video socket.
The holding clip 32 and hinged foot 30 are important parts of the mobile phone, because they allow the display portion 18 to be conveniently held in position.
For example, the display portion 18 may be clipped, with the holding clip 32, to the inside pocket of a briefcase.
Alternatively, the display portion 18 may be stood on any suitable flat surface by means of the hinged foot 30.
The display portion 18 may also be carried in a bag, such as a handbag, and clipped to the outside of the bag, with the clip 32, when required for use.
The use of a larger screen than is typical for a portable videophone makes the display portion 18 particularly advantageous for browsing the Internet and exchanging messages.
When used as a videophone, users can be seen and see the display via the screen 20 more comfortably than would be the case with a typical videophone having a screen size of only a few centimetres.
The handheld unit 10 is considerably simplified by containing only the microphone, speaker and keypad, together with the wireless Bluetooth/other RF connection, which could potentially be replaced with a hardwired connection.
Health benefits may also be achieved because the transceiver for the mobile phone is located within the display portion 18, which is not held close to a user's head when in use.
Additional functionality can be achieved by use of the PC card slot 28, which can be used to incorporate images stored on a PC card in to videophone transmissions or to store for future use images or information received by the mobile phone, or many other uses possible with a PC card.
The alternative embodiment as shown in Figures 2 and 3 has many features in common with the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and like parts are given like reference numerals.
The primary difference in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 is that a digital camera 36 for still pictures is secured to the side of the display portion 18. Camera controls 38 are incorporated on an upper side of the digital camera 36 and the PC card slot 28 mentioned above is incorporated on the side of the digital camera 36.
The digital camera 26 may receive images via the video camera input lens at 22, and may alternatively/additionally have a separate lens 40, which could also be a zoom lens, located on the rear of the digital camera 36. By placing the zoom lens 40 on the rear, the screen 20 can be used as a display for images received at the lens 40.
The digital camera 36 functions in the usual way of known digital cameras.
The digital camera 36 may optionally be rotatable with respect to the display portion 18 to allow the lens 40 to be used on the same side of the mobile phone as the screen 20, or rotated to be on the opposite side, as shown in Figure 3.
One of the advantages of the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 is that when the videophone is in use, a user can either transmit pictures of the subject via the video camera lens 22, or scan through various images that have been stored in a PC card inserted in the PC card slot 28, view those images on the screen 20 and transmit them via the videophone.
The cost of charge-coupled devices (CCD) and other light sensors, which would be required for the digital camera 36 and video camera 22 are both improving in performance and prices are falling, so having two sensors using the same video processing circuitry within the display portion 18 is a very cost effective and flexible solution.
Although not shown in Figure 3 for simplicity, the hinged foot 30 and holding clip 32 as shown in Figure lb may also be incorporated into the device shown in Figures 2 and 3.
The display portion 18 shown in any of the Figures referred to above may have a rugged transparent waterproof case made of plastics material. Given that the screen 20 is on the exterior of the device it is visible even through the case. This applies to any device where the screen 20 is on the exterior. This feature is very relevant for uses in unwelcoming environments, e.g. for
field application by the services, army, police,
ambulance, fire service etc. Thus, the screen, transceiver, processor, and camera eta are in a sealed unit and are linked to the handheld unit by means of the Bluetooth/other RF connection referred to above. It is also possible to hardwire a connection to a handheld unit into the sealed unit display portion 18.
Further details of the mobile phone disclosed herein may be as disclosed in the present applicant's co-pending application PCT/GBO1/01753, as yet unpublished, but annexed hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
Both embodiments described above advantageously allow the display portion to be secured temporarily to a suitable edge with the holding clip, used as a hook, or rested on a surface. This is not possible with existing devices. The advantage of easily and securely locating the display portion greatly assists the user-friendliness and scope of application of the device.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (18)

1. A mobile phone comprising a handset portion and a display portion, wherein the handset portion incorporates audio input and output means and control means, and wherein the display portion includes an outwardly facing screen portion, a transceiver for the mobile phone and support means operable to allow the display portion to be secured to a suitable attachment point or supported on a lO surface for viewing.
2. A mobile phone as claimed in claim l, wherein the support means includes a hook portion which points downwards, to allow the display means to be hooked onto a generally upwardly extending projection or edge.
3. A mobile phone as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hook portion is preferably located at an upper portion of the display means.
4. A mobile phone as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support means includes a stand portion, which comprises at least one support leg, wherein the stand portion is pivotally attached to a body of the display portion.
5. A mobile phone as claimed in claim 4, wherein the stand portion IS pivotable from a first position substantially against the body of the display to a second position pivoted at one end thereof away from the body.
6. A mobile phone as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein the stand portion is located towards a lower end of the body, and the stand portion has a bent or curved shape, and the stand portion bends outwards from its attachment to the body.
7. A mobile phone claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display portion is incorporated into a case or bag.
8. A mobile phone as claimed in claim 7, wherein the display portion is incorporated into a sidewall of the lo case or bag.
9. A mobile phone as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mobile phone is adapted to receive signals from a DVD player connected thereto, or to receive video signals.
10. A mobile phone as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handset portion comprises a wireless communications link with the display portion.
11. A mobile phone as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display portion incorporates a digital camera
12. A mobile phone as claimed in claim 11, wherein the digital camera is pivotally secured to the rest of the display portion.
13. A mobile phone as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the display portion, or the digital camera, incorporates a PC card slot.
14. A method of operating a mobile phone comprises securing a display portion of the phone to a suitable attachment point with support means of the phone or supporting the display portion on a surface for viewing, and operating the phone with a separate handset portion having audio input and output means and control means.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the method may include hooking the display portion on a suitable projection or edge.
lo
16. A method as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the method includes extending a leg portion from the display portion and supporting the display portion therewith.
17. A mobile phone substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
18. A method of operating a mobile phone substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.
GB0324406A 2003-10-18 2003-10-18 Multi-purpose videophone module Withdrawn GB2407234A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0324406A GB2407234A (en) 2003-10-18 2003-10-18 Multi-purpose videophone module

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0324406A GB2407234A (en) 2003-10-18 2003-10-18 Multi-purpose videophone module

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0324406D0 GB0324406D0 (en) 2003-11-19
GB2407234A true GB2407234A (en) 2005-04-20

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0324406A Withdrawn GB2407234A (en) 2003-10-18 2003-10-18 Multi-purpose videophone module

Country Status (1)

Country Link
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5857157A (en) * 1995-06-06 1999-01-05 Sony Corporation Portable communication terminal apparatus
US6115618A (en) * 1998-02-24 2000-09-05 Motorola, Inc. Portable electronic device with removable display
WO2001006344A1 (en) * 1999-07-15 2001-01-25 Khyber Technologies Corporation Handheld computer with detachable handset
JP2003209603A (en) * 2001-11-06 2003-07-25 Seiko Epson Corp Electronic device and mobile phone
JP2003289265A (en) * 2002-03-28 2003-10-10 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Wireless mobile terminal device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5857157A (en) * 1995-06-06 1999-01-05 Sony Corporation Portable communication terminal apparatus
US6115618A (en) * 1998-02-24 2000-09-05 Motorola, Inc. Portable electronic device with removable display
WO2001006344A1 (en) * 1999-07-15 2001-01-25 Khyber Technologies Corporation Handheld computer with detachable handset
JP2003209603A (en) * 2001-11-06 2003-07-25 Seiko Epson Corp Electronic device and mobile phone
JP2003289265A (en) * 2002-03-28 2003-10-10 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Wireless mobile terminal device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0324406D0 (en) 2003-11-19

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)