GB2440007A

GB2440007A - Mobile phone recharging locker with sound sensor and key fob communication device

Info

Publication number: GB2440007A
Application number: GB0613801A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Colin Peter Moughton
Original assignee: STAY MOBILE TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Current assignee: STAY MOBILE TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Priority date: 2006-07-12
Filing date: 2006-07-12
Publication date: 2008-01-16
Also published as: GB0613801D0

Abstract

A mobile telephone recharging locker 1 having a plurality of individual recharging compartments 3 with doors lockable via a key and fob 6, a processor 2 a wireless transmitter 23 and a user interface comprising a keypad 52, a display 51 operative to accept a telephone number as a personal identification number, PIN. An interface 4 for hosting external services is provided. Each of the compartments comprises one or more mobile phone power lead charging adaptors, a key operated lock and a sound / noise sensor that is activated if the phone having its battery charged receives a signal, i.e. from an incoming call. Said sensor transmits a signal via a wireless link to said key fob thereby informing the holder, via vibratory, light or audible alert on the fob that a message has been received on the phone. Said locker, cabinet or booth may be capable of accepting cash, money, credit card payment.

Description

SERVICE FACILITY FOR MOBILE TELEPHONES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a service facility for mobile telephones and more particularly to an apparatus and method for charging mobile telephones and transmitting incoming call alerts and other information to users.

As facilities for vending recharging facilities become more common there is a significant business advantage to be gained from providing customers with a secure and convenient user interface and access to information services. The prior art contains many examples of recharging facilities that provide means for alerting users to incoming calls by sending an alert signal to a key fob. For example Japanese Patent Publication No. 09172404 by Katsutoshi discloses a phone recharging vending facility that provides customers with secure compartments containing rechargers for all well-known telephone types. When an incoming call is detected the user is alerted by means of a vibrating fob and data display.

The benefits of a key fob extend beyond the ability to receive call alerts. A fob is of great symbolic value to the customer as, for a while, it replaces their mobile phone. It also provides venue manages and advertisers with a potentially powerful bond with site users and potential consumers. From the venue manager's perspective the fob offers scope for communicating a wide range of data to customers such as advertising, details of venue services or information aimed at improving venue efficiency while the customer benefits from a more rewarding experience of the venue. Examples of data include phone identity confirmation, updates on charging status including notification that charging is completed; and notification of an incoming message or call.

I

A range of data display facilities can be implemented on a fob ranging from simple alphanumeric displays to miniature LCD panels. Audio data may also be provided in association with or as an alternative to visual information displays.

Since telephones tend to be very high value items there is interest in more secure user interfaces than those typically provided by schemes based on coin or token entry. A more desirable customer interface would rely on using the telephone as a deposit in a phone and pin transaction.

Although the prior art address many of the problems that the present application aims to solve, the prior art suffers from the problem that it fails to provide users with an integrated facility that provides a phone and pin interface for accessing the service, a portable communications and display fob, means for charging phones in a secure compartment, means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place, and means for transmitting high information content data to the fob.

Thus there exists a need for an integrated mobile phone recharging vending service characterized by a phone and pin interface for accessing the service, a portable communications and display fob, means for charging phones in a secure compartment, means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place, and means for transmitting high information content data to the fob.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated mobile phone recharging vending service characterized by a phone and pin interface for accessing the service, a portable communications and display fob, means for charging phones in a secure compartment, means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place, and means for transmitting high information content data to the fob.

In a first embodiment of the invention there is provided an integrated mobile phone recharging vending service comprising a locker, which further comprises a processing module and a multiplicity of cabinets. The processing module comprises a central processing unit, power supply and transmitter module. The transmitter module will typically include some signal processing capability and an antenna for transmitting wireless signals. The locker communicates with host external services (HES) by means of the communications interfaces.

A user input device comprises an information display and a key panel. Input data from the user interface is collected via the communications interface. The user interface may further comprise an interactive display screen.

Each cabinet is equipped with a key incorporating a fob. The key performs three functions, firstly locking and unlocking locking the cabinet, secondly providing a wireless communications receiver and thirdly providing a display means.

In certain embodiments of the invention the key comprises an insertable portion, a handle, a displays device, a fob, and a communications link linking the fob to the display.

Said fob further comprises a wireless signal-receiving device for receiving communication signals from the locker and a processor In other embodiments of the invention the key comprises a display device, a fob, and a communications link linking the fob to the display. A first portion of the card may incorporate a magnetic strip. A second portion of the card contains the fob, display device and communications link. The magnetic strip may be used to encode information used in a locking mechanism. Said magnetic strip may also be used to encode data relating to the phone and other types of data. At least a portion of the card may be insertable into a card reading apparatus.

The key may further comprise means for generating a simple alerting signal comprising at least one of a flashing light, a vibration emitted by said fob or an auditory emission. Said alerting signal means may be incorporated within the display device.

Alternatively said alerting device may be provided as a separate device. Said flat panel display device may be an alphanumeric display. Said fiat panel display may present information in a scrolling fashion. Alternatively, said flat panel display device may be a high-resolution pixelated displays such as an LCD. The invention is not restricted to any particular type of display technology.

The key is removable by a customerafter they have inserted coinage equal to that deemed necessary for a charge or deposit. After a phone is attached to a recharger head and a deposit has been inserted, the compartment door can be locked and the key will be released to the customer. In embodiments using card keys the card is released from a card dispenser.

Each compartment of the locker contains a selection of device recharger heads. Each compartment has a sound activated sensor capable of detecting the ringing or bleeping tones emitted by a telephone when an incoming call or message is received. The processing module further comprises the central processing unit power supply and wireless transmitter module. Said power supply may comprise at least one electrical transformer attached to an electrical mains supply via a plug.

When the deposited telephone receives an incoming call or message the sound activated sensor detects the ringing or bleeping tones emitted by the telephone. The sound sensor sends a first alerting signal to the wireless transmitter via the communication links indicated by the dotted lines. The transmitter in turn sends a second alerting signal to the fob on the appropriate key via a wireless link.

The HES is essentially an electronic database and information processing system. In certain embodiments of the invention the HES is external to the locker. Typically an external HES would be provided by the host venue. In larger venues the HES may communicate with more than one locker. The type of data provided by the HES may comprise advertising, details of venue services, information aimed at improving venue efficiency or any other type of high information content data likely to be of interest to the customer.

In certain embodiments of the invention the HES may collect data from the phone such as battery data, defect information, incoming call status and augment it with additional host specific information.

In further embodiments of the invention the HES may include a transmitter for transmitting data to the customer.

In yet further embodiments of the invention the HES may be an electronic database and information processing system integrated within the locker.

In a first embodiment of the invention a two-way communication link is provided between the HES and the locker. Phone status data is transmitted from the locker to the HES. Augmented phone status data is transmitted from the HES to the locker. Said augmented information is transmitted to the fob by mean of the antenna.

In a second embodiment of the invention a one-way communication link is provided from the HES to the locker. Information is transmitted to the fob from the locker.

In a third embodiment of the invention a two-way communication link is provided between the HES and the locker. Information is transmitted to the fob from the locker and the HES. In such embodiments of the invention the locker and HES are each equipped with an antenna.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention a one-way communication link is provided from the locker to the HES. Information is transmitted to the fob from the 1-IES.

Examples of the data to be transmitted to the fob may include: confirmation that the correct the pin code or phone number has been entered, updates on the charging status including notification that charging is completed; and notification of an incoming message or call. Other higher information content data may be provided by external data sources provided by the venue A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like index numerals indicate like parts. For purposes of clarity details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG.2A is a schematic illustration of a first fob device used in embodiments of the invention.

FIG.2B is a schematic illustration of a second fob device used in embodiments of the invention.

FIG.3 is a schematic front elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG.4 is a schematic front elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG.5 is a schematic front elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG.6 is a schematic front elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG.7 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the invention showing a front view of the locker with the door of one compartment open FIG.8 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the invention showing the open compartment of FIG.1 exposing the recharger heads and the sensor FIG.9 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the invention showing the electrical design of a typical locker FIG. 10 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the invention illustrating the data communication process.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a first method for charging mobile telephones and transmitting information to users.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a second method for charging mobile telephones and transmitting information to users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A schematic front elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus comprises a locker 1 further comprising a processing module 2 indicated by a dashed line and multiplicity of cabinets 3 of which one cabinet is indicated by 31. An external processor and information database, to be referred to as Host External Services (HES), is indicated by 4. Said HES will be described in more detail below. The processing module 2 comprises a central processing unit 21, power supply 22 and transmitter module 23. The transmitter module will typically include some signal processing capability to identify the compartment within which the incoming call signal was detected. There is further provided an antenna 24 for transmitting wireless signals 25 to a key fob, which will be described below. The locker communicates with the HES by means of the communications interfaces 25, 26.

A user input device 5 comprises an information display 51 and a key panel 52. Input data from the user interface is collected via the communications interface 27. The user interface may further comprise an interactive display screen.

Each cabinet is equipped with a key incorporating a fob. The key performs three functions, firstly locking and unlocking locking the cabinet, secondly providing a wireless communications receiver and thirdly providing a display means. A key providing the above functions may be configured in many different ways. The invention is not restricted to any particular type of key configuration or technology. For the purposes of explaining the invention the term key also includes cards incorporating magnetic strips and any other type of portable locking device.

FIG.2A shows one example of a key that may be used with the invention. The key generally indicated by 6 comprises an insertable portion 61 a handle 62, a displays device 63, a fob 64, and a communications link 65 linking the fob to the display. Said fob 64 further comprises a wireless signal receiving device and a processor which are not illustrated.

FIG.2B shows another example of a key that may be used with the invention. The key generally indicated by 6 is a card or token comprising a display device 63, a fob 64, and a communications link 65 linking the fob to the display. Said fob 64 further comprises a wireless signal receiving device and a processor which are not illustrated. A first portion of the card labelled by 61 may incorporated a magnetic strip 66. A second portion of the card labelled by 62 contains the fob 64, display device 63 and communications link 65. The magnetic strip if provided may be used to encode information used in a locking mechanism. Said magnetic strip may also be used to encode data relating to the phone and other types of data. At least portion 61 of the card may be insertable into a card reading apparatus.

The key may further comprise means for generating a simple alerting signal comprising at least one of a flashing light, a vibration emitted by said fob or an auditory emission. Said alerting signal means may be incorporated within the display device 63.

Alternatively said alerting device may be provided as a separate device. The details of the display device 63 are not illustrated but will comprise electronics required to convert signal into a displayed image and a flat panel display device. Said flat panel display device may be an alphanumeric display. Said flat panel display may present information in a scrolling fashion. Alternatively, said flat panel display device may be a high-resolution pixelated displays such as an LCD. The display may be based on technologies such as Light Emitting Polymers. The invention is not restricted to any particular type of display technology.

The key 6 is removable by a customer after they have inserted coinage equal to that deemed necessary for a charge or deposit. After a phone is attached to a recharger head and a deposit has been inserted, the compartment door can be locked and the key will be released to the customer. In embodiments using card keys the card is released from a card dispenser.

The HES is essentially an electronic database and information processing system. In the embodiments shown in FIG.l and FIGS.3-6 the HES is external to the locker.

Typically an external HES would be provided by the host venue. For example the HES may be a venue information system. In larger venues the HES may communicate with more than one locker. The type of data provided by the HES may comprise advertising, details of venue services, information aimed at improving venue efficiency or any other type of high information content data likely to be of interest to the customer. In certain embodiments of the invention to be described below the HES may collect data from the phone such as battery data, defect information, incoming call status and augment it with additional host specific information. In certain embodiments of the invention to be described below the HES may include a transmitter for transmitting data to the customer.

FIG.1 and FIGS.3-6 show further embodiments of the invention that differ only in respect of the configuration of the HES and locker and the way in which information is exchanged between the two. In other embodiments of the invention the HES may be an electronic database and information processing system integrated within the locker.

In a first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 a two-way communication link is provided between the HES and the locker via the interfaces 25 and 26. Phone status data is transmitted from the locker to the HES via the communications link 42 using the communications interface 26. Augmented phone status data is transmitted from the HES to the locker via the communications link 42 using the interface 25. Said augmented information is transmitted as the signal 29 to the fob by mean of the antenna 28.

In a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.3 a one-way communication link is provided from the HES to the locker via the communications link 42 using the interface 25. Information is transmitted to the fob from the locker.

In a third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.4 a two-way communication link similar to that shown in FIG.! is provided between the HES and the locker. Information is transmitted to the fob from the locker and the HES. Specially, information from the locker is transmitted as the signal 29 by mean of the antenna 28 and information'from the HES is transmitted as the signal 44 by means of the antenna 43.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.5 a one-way communication link is provided from the locker to the HES. Information 44 is transmitted to the fob from the HES by means of the antenna 43.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.6 the HES is eliminated.

Information is transmitted to the fob from the locker, Information 29 is transmitted to the fob by mean of the antenna 28.

The details of the locker are shown in FIGS.7 -10, which show schematic three-dimensional views of the locker according to a first embodiment of the invention. As detailed in FIG.7 the locker I comprises a multiplicity of compartments generally indicated by 1002. In FIG.7 one particular compartment labelled 1020 is shown with its door open.

Each compartment comprises a unique locking mechanism 1003. A payment slot 1004 for inserting coins for a deposit and a refund slot 1005 are provided at a convenient position close to the user interface 5. In alternative embodiments the payment and refund slots may be form part of the user interface. In other embodiments of the invention separate payment and refund slots may be provided for each compartment. Each compartment contains device recharger heads 1006. The recharger heads and electrical leads are not shown in FIG. 7 but are illustrated in detail in FIGS.8-10. Each compartment has a sound activated sensor 101 1 capable of detecting the ringing or bleeping tones emitted by a telephone when an incoming call or message is received. The processing module indicated by 2 further comprises the central processing unit 21, power supply 22 and wireless transmitter module 23 as illustrated in F1GS.1-6. Said power supply 22 may comprise at least one electrical transformer attached to an electrical mains supply via a plug. The details of the power supply are not shown in FIGS.7-10. The invention does not rely on any particular means for distributing electrical power to the charging compartments.

FIG.8 is a schematic three-dimensional view of one compartment of the locker showing the open compartment exposing the recharger heads 1006 and the sound sensor 1011. One or more recharger heads, generally indicated by 1006, are provided. Each charger head is applicable to a specific type of phone. Desirably, the recharger heads correspond to the most widely used mobile phones Although the sound sensor is shown attached to the compartment door in FIGS.7-10, the sensor may be configured to operate at other locations inside the compartment.

FIG.9 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the locker showing the electrical design of a typical locker. As detailed in FIG.9 the recharger heads in each compartment are connected to hidden electrical leads generally indicated by the dashed lines 1007. The hidden electrical leads are connected to power supply 22 as shown in FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 10 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the locker showing the incoming call alerting mechanisms. The apparatus for alerting the customer to an incoming call will now be described with reference to FIG. 10. When the deposited telephone receives an incoming call or message the sound activated sensor 1011 detects the ringing or bleeping tones emitted by the telephone. As detailed in FIG. 10 the sound sensor sends a first alerting signal to the wireless transmitter via the communication links indicated by the dotted lines 1015. The transmitter in turn sends a second alerting signal to the fob on the appropriate key via a wireless link indicated by 1016.

Examples of the data to be transmitted to the fob may include: confirmation that the correct the pin code or phone number has been entered, updates on the charging status including notification that charging is completed; and notification of an incoming message or call. Other higher information content data may be provided by external data sources provided by the venue in typical operational embodiments the locker further comprises a set of mounting brackets 1010.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each compartment contains mechanisms such as a wheel or bevel, which supports a number of mobile recharger heads.

In a further embodiment of the invention the locker is securely mounted on a wall by means of a frame structure.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention the locker is mounted on a stand.

In a yet further operational embodiment of the invention, the locker and its constituent components, including the compartments and the key, may provide surfaces to be used for advertising purposes. For example, said surfaces may be used to display static images using a variety of printed media. To give a further example, said surfaces may be used to display dynamic images with the aid of electronic image display. As a yet further example, the surfaces may be used to display advertising information displayed using a combination of static and dynamic display media. It will be clear a wide range of advertising opportunities is provided by the invention. The details of how the locker surfaces are to be used for advertising do not form part of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the number and disposition of the compartments within the locker will vary depending on the size and shape of the locker. The number and disposition of the compartments within the locker may also vary to accommodate the requirements of advertisers.

The invention does not rely on any particular type of component or material -technology. The locker structure, compartment structure, key fob, recharger, and the sensor and wireless communications circuits may be fabricated using a range of standard components, materials and processes. Exemplary components and materials that could be used in a practical embodiment of the invention are summarised in the following paragraphs.

The basic locker structure would typically consist of a sheet metal back plate and a sheet metal electronics enclosure for housing the transformer. Exemplary sheet metal materials are manufactured by Oneto Metal Products Corporation (Sacramento, CA). The front cover could be formed from moulded fibreglass using fabrication processes provided by W. L. Cunliffe Limited (Skelmersdale, Lancashire, UK). The compartment could be fabricated from an injection-moulded polycarbonate using moulding processes such as those provided by Americhem Incorporated. (Cuyahoga Falls, OH). The compartment doors could be fabricated from injection-moulded polyurethane using moulding processes such as those provided by Armstrong Mold Corporation (East Syracuse, NY). The lock could be a classic coin operated lock as supplied by ASSA Limited (Croydon, Surrey, UK).

The key fob could incorporate; a vibrating motor of similar specification to the devices currently used in mobile phones and pagers such as the components supplied by Sanko Electric Company Limited. (Taichung Hsien, Taiwan), for example; one or more Light Emitting Diodes; an injection moulded plastic casing and a standard printed circuit board similar to those supplied by Advanced Circuits Incorporated (Aurora, CU).

The recharger circuit would typically consists of recharger heads such as the standard recharger components supplied by the Elcomm Accessories Company Limited (Shen Zhen, China), recharger leads also supplied by the Elcomm Accessories Company Limited and a standard transformer.

The sensor and wireless communication circuit would typically consist of a sound detector, a transmitter and a printed circuit board similar to the type supplied by Advanced Circuits Incorporated (Aurora, CU).

A method of vending phone charging services in accordance with the basic principles of the invention wherein there is provided a secure storage compartment, interfaces for recharging a range of phone types, and means for transmitting incoming call alerts and other information to the user while recharging is taking place, and a portable key fob operative to receive and display said information is shown in FIG. 11. Referring to the flow diagram 100, we see that the said method comprises the following steps.

At step 101 a mobile phone recharging locker comprising: a plurality of individual recharging compartments with lockable doors; a processor; a wireless transmitter; and a user interface comprising a keypad and a display. Each said compartment comprises one or more mobile phone recharging adaptors, a locking mechanism and a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment receives a call or message. A mechanism for receiving a coin deposit from a customer is provided. A key fob comprising a communications receiver and a data display is provided. A release button to initiate release of the said key fob from the locker is provided.

At step 101 the user enters the phone number as a PIN via said user interface.

At step 102 the user selects a telephone brand via said user interface.

At step 103 the compartment door unlocks and opens.

At step 104 a mobile phone is attached to one of said recharger heads.

At step 105 the processor detects the telephone number and sends a message to the phone either confirming that the number entered is correct or prompting user to re-enter the number if the number entered is incorrect.

At step 106 a coin deposit from said user is received.

At step 107 the user closes and locks the compartment.

At step 108 the user is prompted to press the fob-release button.

At step 109 a fob is released. At step 110 the phone starts to charge.

At step 111 the fob displays a message confirming that charging is in progress.

At step 112 an incoming call or text message is detected by means of said sensor.

At step 113 a signal is transmitted from said sensor to said wireless transmitter.

At step 114 a wireless signal is transmitted from said transmitter to said key fob.

At step 115 a signal emitted from said key fob alerts the user to an incoming phone call.

At step 116 the user returns to the locker and enters their PIN code.

At step 117 the user is instructed to insert the fob.

At step 118 the compartment door unlocks and opens.

At step 119 the telephone is released from said recharger head.

At step 120 the door closes and locks.

In a further embodiment of the invention step 105 further comprises transmitting an advertising text message.

In a further embodiment of the invention step 105 is carried out using the user interface display.

In a further embodiment of the invention step 111 is replaced by one in which said message is displayed on user interface.

In a further embodiment of the invention step 111 is replaced by one in which said message is an audio message emitted from the fob.

In another embodiment of the invention the following group of steps which may be inserted at any point in the sequence of steps after step 109.

At step 121 the user loses the fob and is directed to the host venue management.

At step 122 the user takes details of a management code.

At step 123 the user returns to the locker and enters the management code.

At step 124 the user enters their PIN code.

A further method of vending phone charging services in accordance with the basic principles of the invention wherein there is provided a secure storage compartment, interfaces for recharging a range of phone types, and means for transmitting incoming call alerts and other information to the user while recharging is taking place, and a portable key fob operative to receive and display said information is shown in FIG. 12. Referring to the flow diagram 200, we see that the said method comprises the following steps.

At step 201 a mobile phone recharging locker comprising: a plurality of individual recharging compartments with lockable doors; a processor; a wireless transmitter; and a user interface comprising a keypad and a display. An interface to a HES is provided. Each said compartment comprises one or more mobile phone recharging adaptors, a locking mechanism and a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment receives a call or message. A mechanism for receiving a coin deposit from a customer is provided. A key fob comprising a communications receiver and a data display is provided. A release button to initiate release of the said key fob from the locker is provided.

At step 202 the user enters the phone number as a PIN via said user interface.

At step 203 the user selects a telephone brand via said user interface.

At step 204 the compartment door unlocks and opens.

At step 205 a mobile phone is attached to one of said recharger heads.

At step 206 the processor detects the telephone number and sends a message to the phone either confirming that the number entered is correct or prompting user to re-enter the number if the number entered is incorrect.

At step 207 a coin deposit from said user is received.

At step 208 the user closes and locks the compartment.

At step 209 the user is prompted to press the fob-release button.

At step 210 a fob is released.

At step 211 the phone starts to charge.

At step 212 the fob displays a message confirming that charging is in progress.

At step 213 an incoming call or text message is detected by means of said sensor.

At step 214 a signal is transmitted from said sensor to said wireless transmitter.

At step 215 a wireless signal is transmitted from said transmitter to said key fob.

At step 216 a signal emitted from said key fob alerts the user to an incoming phone call.

At step 217 the user returns to the locker and enters their PIN code.

At step 218 the user is instructed to insert the fob.

At step 219 the compartment door unlocks and opens.

At step 220 the telephone is released from said recharger head.

At step 221 the door closes on a spring and locks.

In a further embodiment of the invention based on FIG. 1 the method illustrated in FIG. 12 is modified by the following group of steps which may be inserted at any point in the sequence of steps from 211 to 216.

At step 301 phone status data is collected by the processor.

At step 302 phone status data is transmitted from the locker to HES via the locker communications interface.

At step 303 the phone status data is augmented with data from the HES At step 304 said HES and phone status data is transmitted from the HES to the locker.

At step 305 said HES and phone status data is transmitted from the locker to the key fob.

In a further embodiment of the invention based on FIG.3 the method illustrated in FIG. 12 is modified by the following group of steps which may be inserted at any point in the sequence of steps from 211 to 216.

At step 401 phone status data is collected by the processor.

At step 402 data is transmitted from the HES to the locker.

At step 403 said HES and phone status data is transmitted from the locker to the key fob.

In a further embodiment of the invention based on FIG.4 the method illustrated in FIG. 12 is modified by the following group of steps which may be inserted at any point in the sequence of steps from 211 to 216.

At step 501 phone status data is collected by the processor.

At step 502 phone status data is transmitted from the locker to the HES.

At step 503 the phone status data is augmented with data from the HES.

At step 504 said HES and phone status data is transmitted from the HES to the locker.

At step 505 at least one of said HES and said phone status data is transmitted from at least one of the locker and the HES to the key fob.

In a further embodiment of the invention based on FIG.] the method illustrated in FIG.12 is modified by the following group of steps which may be inserted at any point in the sequence of steps from 211 to 216.

At step 601 phone status data is collected by the processor.

At step 602 phone status data is transmitted from the locker to HES via the locker communications interface.

At step 603 the phone status data is augmented with data from the HES At step 604 said HES and said phone status data is transmitted from the HES to the key fob.

In a further embodiment of the invention based on FIG. I the method illustrated in FiG. 12 is modified by the following group of steps, which may be inserted at any point in the sequence of steps from 211 to 216.

At step 701 phone status data is collected by the processor.

At step 702 said phone status data is transmitted from the HES to the key fob.

Although the invention has been discussed in relation to mobile telephones it is equally applicable to other mobile electronic devices such as digital cameras and computers.

In another embodiment of the invention provide the locker may provide facilities for recharging fob batteries when a fob is not in use.

Although the invention has been described in relation to what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed arrangements, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS

What is claimed is: 1. A mobile telephone recharging vending locker comprising: a user interface operative to accept a telephone number as a personal identification number; a plurality of individual recharging compartments with lockable doors; at least one wireless signal transmitter; a processor; and a power supply; wherein each said compartment comprises: at least one substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors disposed within said compartment; a locking mechanism operated by a key; a sound sensor disposed inside said compartment; and at least one communications link between each said sensor and said transmitter; wherein said key comprises a communications signal detecting fob and a display device; wherein said sensor detects when a mobile telephone deposited in said compartment receives a call or message, wherein said sensor transmits a first signal to said transmitter via said communications link when a call or message has been detected; wherein said wireless transmitter emits a second signal after detection of said sensor signal; wherein said key fob is operative to emit an alerting signal after detecting said second signal.

2. The apparatus of Claim I further comprising an interface operative to transmit data from host external services to said locker.

3. The apparatus of Claim I further comprising an interface operative to transmit data from said locker to said host external services.

4. The apparatus of Claim I wherein said alerting signal is at least one of a flashing light emitted by said fob, a vibration emitted by said fob or an auditory emission from said fob.

5. The apparatus of Claim I wherein each said recharging adaptor is applicable to a particular type of mobile telephone.

6. The apparatus of Claim 2 wherein said mechanism for receiving payment or deposits provides a coin payment slot and a coin refund slot.

7. A method of vending telephone recharging services comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mobile phone recharging locker comprising a user interface operative to accept a telephone number as a personal identification number, a wireless signal transmitter, a processor and a plurality of individual and recharging compartments with lockable doors, wherein each said compartment comprises: at least one substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors; a locking mechanism; a key comprising a communications signal detecting fob and a display device and a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment receives a call or message; (b) entering a phone number as a personal identification number via said user interface; (c) selecting a telephone brand via said user interface; (d) opening the door of a compartment; (e) accepting attachment of a phone to one of said relevant recharger heads; (f) detecting the telephone number of said phone and sending a message to the phone either confirming that the number entered is correct or prompting user to re-enter said number if the number entered is incorrect; (g) accepting a coin deposit from a customer; (h) locking the compartment; (1) prompting said user to press said fob-release button; (j) releasing said fob; (k) charging said mobile telephone; (I) displaying a message on said fob confirming that charging is in progress; (m) detecting an incoming call or text message by means of said sensor; (n) transmitting a signal from said sensor to said wireless transmitter; (o) transmitting a wireless signal from said transmitter to said key fob; (p) emitting an alerting signal from said fob to advise said customer is alerted that they have received a phone call; (q) prompting said user to enter their PIN code; (r) instructing said user is instructed to insert the fob; (s) unlocking said compartment door; (t) releasing said telephone from said recharger head; (u) closing and locking said compartment door.

8. A method of vending telephone recharging services comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mobile phone recharging locker comprising a user interface operative to accept a telephone number as a personal identification number; a wireless signal transmitter; a processor; a plurality of individual and recharging compartments with lockable doors; and an interface to host external services; wherein each said compartment comprises: at least one substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors; a locking mechanism; a key comprising a 0 communications signal detecting fob and a display device; a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment receives a call or message; and an interface to Host External Service (HES); (b) entering a phone number as a personal identification number via said user interface; (c) selecting a telephone brand via said user interface; (d) opening the door of a compartment; (e) accepting attachment of a phone to one of said relevant recharger heads; (f) detecting the telephone number of said phone and sending a message to the phone either confirming that the number entered is correct or prompting user to re-enter said number if the number entered is incorrect; (g) accepting a coin deposit from a customer; (h) locking the compartment; (i) prompting said user to press said fobrelease button; (j) releasing said fob; (k) charging said mobile telephone; (1) displaying a message on said fob confirming that charging is in progress; (m) detecting an incoming call or text message by means of said sensor; (n) transmitting a signal from said sensor to said wireless transmitter; (o) transmitting a wireless signal from said transmitter to said key fob; (p) emitting an alerting signal from said fob to advise said customer is alerted that they have received a phone call; (q) prompting said user to enter their PIN code; (r) instructing said user is instructed to insert said fob; (s) unlocking said compartment door; (t) releasing said telephone from said recharger head; (u) closing and locking said compartment door.

9. The method of Claim 8 further comprising the group of steps: i) collecting phone status data by means of said processor.

ii)transmitting phone status data from said locker to said HES iii) augmenting said phone status data with data from said HES iv) transmitting said HES and phone status data from said HES to said locker.

v) transmitting said HES and phone status data from said locker to said key fob.

10. The method of Claim 8 further comprising the following group of steps: 1) collecting said phone status data by means of said processor.

ii) transmitting data from said HES to said locker; iii) transmitting HES and phone status data from said locker to said key fob; 11. The method of Claim 8 further comprising the following group of steps: i) collecting said phone status data by means of said processor.

ii) transmitting data from said locker to said HES; iii) augmenting said phone status data with data from said HES; iii) transmitting HES and phone status data from said HES to said key fob;