GB2517791A

GB2517791A - Signal enhancer

Info

Publication number: GB2517791A
Application number: GB1315616.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tom Mizutani; Leon Hurst
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-03
Filing date: 2013-09-03
Publication date: 2015-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-03
Also published as: GB2517791B; GB201315616D0

Abstract

A signal enhancer 10, or a method of installing or adapting a signal enhancer, comprises: indicating a location on a support 20 for a selected type of wireless device 100 where a coupling antenna 40 in the support 20 is arranged such that it is aligned with an antenna 102 of the said device 100. The location on the support 20 may be indicated by a flexible mat insert 50 made of rubber, or another suitable material, which has an aperture 60 cut, stamped or moulded into it, which may be selected for a specific-type of device. An appropriate mat 50 may be selected to replace an existing one such that the signal enhancer can be adapted to accommodate different types of devices. A key arrangement may be used to orientate the mat 50 relative to the support 20. Alternatively, an image, such as a device outline, may be formed on the support 20 to indicate the optimum device location. The said image may be provided by an on-board computer system of a vehicle. The signal enhancer can be adapted for use with different types of devices in an easy, cheap and simple manner.

Description

SIGNAL ENHANCER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a signal enhancer that is adaptable for use with wireless devices of different types. In particular, although not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a signal enhancer for use in a motor vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a signal enhancer, to a method of installing the signal enhancer, and to a method of adapting the signal enhancer for use with a new type of wireless device.

BACKGROUND

Signal enhancers are commonly used to boost communications signals to and from wireless devices. In particular, signal enhancers are often provided in, or integrated into, vehicles to boost signals from wireless devices such as mobile telephones when a user is travelling in areas in which signal strength is low.

A conventional signal enhancer for use in a vehicle includes a coupling antenna that, in use, is coupled to an existing device antenna in the wireless device. The coupling antenna may be connected to a vehicle antenna via a signal amplifier. In this way, signals to and from the wireless device are enhanced, providing greater signal strength.

To optimise the coupling between the coupling antenna and the device antenna, it is desirable to align the two antennas so that they are located as close together as possible. To this end, it is known to provide the coupling antenna in a device-specific cradle designed to support a particular type of wireless device, such as a particular make and model of mobile telephone. The cradle is shaped to locate a device of that particular type in a specific position and orientation, such that its device antenna is aligned with the coupling antenna.

However, such device-specific cradles are only suitable for use with one particular type of wireless device. To use a different type of device, the entire cradle must be removed and a new cradle installed. The cradle is a relatively expensive component, and so replacing a cradle simply to use a different type of device is costly.

Users tend to change wireless devices often, and a large number of wireless devices will typically be used during the life cycle of the vehicle. Furthermore, many users own multiple wireless devices and need to change among them frequently. It would therefore be desirable to provide means of enhancing a signal of a wireless device that can be easily and inexpensively changed to accommodate different types of wireless devices, and it is against this background that the present invention has been devised.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

S Aspects of the invention relate to a signal enhancer, to a device locator, to a method and to a vehicle, as claimed in the appended claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a signal enhancer adaptable for use with wireless devices of different types. Each type of wireless device may comprise a device antenna. The signal enhancer may comprise a support for supporting wireless devices of different types. The support may comprise a coupling antenna for coupling to the device antenna of a wireless device supported by the support and for connecting to an external antenna. The signal enhancer may also comprise a device locator configured to indicate a device location for positioning a specific type of wireless device relative to the support such that the device antenna of the specific type of wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.

In this way, embodiments of the invention provide a signal enhancer that can provide signal enhancement for different types of wireless device. The support is capable of supporting different typos of wireless device, while the device locator is type-specific to locate a particular type of wireless device relative to the support. The device locator indicates a device location specific to the device type, and when the device is placed in that location, the device antenna of the selected type of wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the support. When the device antenna and the coupling antenna are aligned, coupling can take place between the device antenna and the coupling antenna through their electromagnetic fields (without there necessarily being a physical connection) and communication signals to and from the wireless device are therefore enhanced.

The device locator may be exchangeable with a different device locator specific to a different type of wireless device. In this way, the device locator can be removed and replaced with a different device locator, so as to adapt the signal enhancer for use with a different type of wireless device.

The device locator may be configured to indicate the device location by indicating an outline of the particular type of wireless device. The user may align the wireless device with the outline to locate the wireless device on the support.

To deter a user from placing a wireless device on the support in an incorrect orientation, the device locator may be configured to indicate a device orientation that orientates a wireless device of the particular type relative to the support, such that the device antenna of the wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.

In one embodiment, the device locator is supported by the support. Embodiments are also envisaged where the device locator is, for example, an image, such as an electrically, electronically or digitally produced image, provided on the support.

In embodiments where the device locator is supported by the support, the support may comprise a recess configured to receive the device locator. In this way, the device locator may be securely positioned in the support, for example by a push fit, to guard against movement of the device locator relative to the support. In this case, the recess of the support and the device locator may comprise cooperating keyed features to orientate the device locator correctly relative to the support.

The device locator may be removable from the support to allow the device locator to be exchanged for a different device locator. However, embodiments are also envisaged in which the device locator is not removable. For example, in embodiments where the device locator is an image provided on the support, the device locator can be changed to be suitable for an alternative wireless device by changing the image to indicate a different device location. For example, the image may be changed via the on-board vehicle computer which allows programming of the device type, and the relevant image, to indicate different device locations.

For ease of manufacture, the device locator may be made of an elastomer material, a polymer material or a rubber material. The device locator may be a flexible mat.

The device locator may comprise an aperture or recess configured to receive the particular type of wireless device. In this way, the device locator dictates, as well as indicates, the location of the wireless device, and the wireless device can be securely held in the recess for use. To hold the wireless device particularly securely, the aperture or recess may be shaped substantially as a footprint of the particular type of wireless device.

To enhance communication signals even further, the signal enhancer may comprise a signal amplifier connected between the coupling antenna and the external antenna.

The support of the signal enhancer may comprise an aperture or recess for receiving a power cable for the particular type of wireless device. In this way, the signal enhancer allows the wireless device to be easily connected to a power supply when in use with the signal enhancer.

The wireless device may be a mobile telephone. Alternatively, the wireless device may be another suitable wireless device having a device antenna, such as a Bluetooth device or a

portable computer.

The signal enhancer may be for use in a vehicle. In this case, the support may be disposed in a vehicle. The support may be disposed in a vehicle surface, such as a dashboard or armrest. In this case, the support may be formed as a separate piece from the vehicle surface, or alternatively the support may be formed integrally with the vehicle surface.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a signal enhancer as described above.

The vehicle may comprise an external vehicle antenna, and the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer may be connected to the external vehicle antenna.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device locator for use in a signal enhancer as described above, the device locator being configured to indicate a device location for positioning a wireless device of the particular type relative to a support comprising a coupling antenna such that a device antenna of the wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the support.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a signal enhancer in a vehicle, for use with a selected type of wireless device, the selected type of wireless device comprising a device antenna, and the signal enhancer comprising a support for supporting different types of wireless device. The support comprises a coupling antenna for coupling to the device antenna of the selected type of wireless device, and the method comprises indicating a device location on the support for which the wireless device of the selected type is positioned with respect to the support such that the device antenna of the wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.

In this way, the invention provides a simple means for installing a signal enhancer so that the signal enhancer is suitable for use with a selected type of wireless device. It is only necessary to indicate the device location on the support to ensure that the signal enhancer is suitable for use with the selected type of wireless device.

The device location may be indicated by fitting a device locator to the support to indicate the device location which results in optimum alignment between the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer and the device antenna.

In alternative embodiments, the device location may be indicated by displaying an image on the support to indicate the device location. For example, a digital image appropriate to the selected type of wireless device may be programmed into an on-board vehicle computer to produce the image.

In embodiments where a device locator is arranged on the support, the method may comprise selecting an appropriate device locator from a plurality of different device locators specific to different types of wireless devices, and fitting the selected device locator to the support.

The method may comprise placing the device locator in a recess or aperture provided in the support, so that the device locator is held in place in the aperture or recess.

The signal enhancer may be installed in a vehicle. In this case, the method may comprise installing the support in a vehicle surface, such as a dashboard, a central console, or an arm rest.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of adapting a signal enhancer as described above for use with a new type of wireless device. The method comprises exchanging the device locator of the signal enhancer for a new device locator, the new device locator being configured to indicate a new device location for positioning a wireless device of the new type with respect to the support such that the device antenna of the wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.

The method may comprise removing the device locator from the support, and fitting the new device locator to the support. In alternative embodiments, for example where the device locator is an image provided on the support, the device locator may be exchanged by changing the image.

The method may comprise selecting an appropriate new device locator from a plurality of device locators specific to different types of devices, and fitting the selected new device locator to the support.

In embodiments where the device locator is an image provided on the support that indicates the device location, the method may comprise changing the image to indicate the new device location. The image may be changed, for example, by using an on-board computer to change a digitally displayed image, for example by selecting a new device type from a menu of device types.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a signal enhancer according to an embodiment of the invention, in use with a wireless device; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the signal enhancer of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view, from the front right and above, of a tray forming part of the signal enhancer of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view, from the front left and below, of the tray of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising the signal enhancer of Figures 1 and 2.

Throughout the description, terms such as upper', lower', horizontal', vertical' and so on relate to the orientation of the signal enhancer as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated, however, that the signal enhancer may be used in any suitable orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 show a signal enhancer 10 disposed in a vehicle 200 (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) in use for enhancing the signal of a wireless device 100. The signal enhancer 10 is adaptable for use with wireless devices of different types, such as mobile telephones of different makes and models. Each different type of wireless device comprises a device antenna 102 for receiving and transmitting communication signals.

The signal enhancer 10 comprises a support 20 for supporting wireless devices of different types. The support 20 comprises a coupling antenna 40 for coupling to the device antenna 102 of the wireless device 100 supported by the support 20. The signal enhancer 10 also comprises a type-specific device locator 50 configured to indicate a device location for positioning a wireless device 100 of a particular type relative to the support 20, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the support 20 is suitable for supporting wireless devices of different types. The support 20 comprises a main body 22 having a recess 24 for receiving the device locator 50. The recess 24 is defined by a base wall 26 and upstanding sidewalls 28. The recess 26 is larger than the size of most wireless devices, so that most wireless devices can be accommodated in the recess 26.

The support 20 is made from a plastics material or another suitable material by injection moulding or another suitable method. In this way, the support 20 is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. When installed in a vehicle for use, the support 20 is installed in a dashboard 204 or other vehicle surface (see Figure 5) such as the surface of a vehicle arm rest.

As seen in Figure 1, a corner 29 of the recess is truncated to provide a key that cooperates with a corresponding key 59 on the device locator 50. As is visible in Figures 3 and 4, a lower side wall 28a of the main body 22 comprises an aperture 30 that, when installed, allows cables such as power cables for the wireless device to pass into the recess 24.

Figure 4 shows that the coupling antenna 40 is located beneath the base wall 26, such that the base wall 26 separates the coupling antenna 40 from the recess 24. As best seen in Figure 2, in the region of the base wall 26 immediately above the coupling antenna 40, the base wall 26 is relatively thin, around 1 mm to 2 mm thick, so that the vertical separation between the coupling antenna 40 and the wireless device 100 when received in the recess 24 is relatively small.

An example of a suitable coupling antenna 40 is a wideband, FOB-based, elliptical dipole antenna with a frequency response suited to the wireless devices that are to be used with the signal enhancer 10 (for example, a frequency response covering the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for use with mobile telephone supporting 800 MHz, 1800 MHz or 2100 MHz carriers). For example, an AG 205 GPS & GSM antenna is a suitable coupling antenna.

The coupling antenna 40 is connected to an external antenna in the form of an external vehicle antenna 202 (see Figure 5), such as a roof-mounted GSM antenna. A signal amplifier 203 is connected between the external vehicle antenna 202 and the coupling antenna 40 to amplify signals received and transmitted by the external vehicle antenna 40. A suitable signal amplifier is a bi-directional channel-select or broadband booster, such as a Novero Dabendorf Multimode Compenser®.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the device locator 50 comprises a mat 52 having upper and lower major surfaces 54, 56 joined by sidewalls 58. A corner 59 of the mat 52 is truncated to provide a key that cooperates with the key 29 of the recess 22 to orientate the mat 52 with respect to the support 20.

An aperture 60 is provided in the mat 52. The aperture 60 extends through the thickness of the mat 52, between the major surfaces 54, 56. In use, the aperture 60 receives the wireless device 100 and holds it in place in the recess 24.

The device locator 50 is type-specific, in that it is configured for use with a particular type of wireless device. Firstly, the aperture 60 is shaped and dimensioned substantially as the footprint of the particular type of wireless devices so as to receive a wireless device of that type snugly in the aperture 60. Secondly, the aperture 60 is positioned in the mat 52 such that when a device 100 of that specific type is held in the aperture 60, the device antenna 102 of the device 100 is located above the coupling antenna 40 and ideally in a position relative to the coupling antenna 40 that affords minimal coupling loss between the device antenna 102 and the coupling antenna 40 at the desired operating frequency.

In this way, the device locator 50 is configured to locate a wireless device 100 of a particular type relative to the support 20 such that the device antenna 102 of the device 100 is aligned with the coupling antenna 40 of the signal enhancer 10.

The device locator 50 is made from rubber or another suitable material by cutting or stamping a sheet, or by moulding.

Figure 5 shows a vehicle 200 comprising the signal enhancer 10 disposed in a dashboard 204 of the vehicle 200. A method of installing the signal enhancer 10 in the vehicle 200 will now be described, with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5 of the drawings.

The signal enhancer 10 is installed in a vehicle 200 that comprises an external vehicle antenna 202. The external vehicle antenna 202 is connected to a signal amplifier. To install the signal enhancer 10 for use, the coupling antenna 40 is fixed to the underside of the support 20 and connected to the signal amplifier. The support 20 is installed in the vehicle dashboard 204 or other vehicle surface in the course of manufacture of the vehicle 200. The signal amplifier 203 is coupled to the vehicle antenna 202.

When the type of wireless device that is to be used in the signal enhancer is known, a device locator 50 configured for that particular type of wireless device is selected. The key 59 of the device locator 50 is aligned with the key 29 of the recess 24, and the device locator 50 is fitted to the support 20 by placing the device locator 50 in the recess 24, such that the lower major surface 56 of the mat 52 lies against the base wall 26 of the recess 24, and the sidewalls 58 of the mat 52 face the sidewalls 28 of the recess 22. Being made of rubber, the lower major surface 56 of the mat 52 grips the base wall 26 of the recess 24, to prevent the mat 52 slipping.

When a user wishes to use the signal enhancer 10 to enhance signals to and from a wireless device of the selected type, the user inserts a wireless device 100 into the aperture in the device locator 50. The wireless device 100 fits snugly into the aperture 60, to lie against the base wall 26 of the recess 24. The wireless device 100 is supported in place by the base wall 26 of the recess 24 and the mat 52 surrounding the aperture 60.

Because the device locator 50 is configured for use with that particular type of wireless device, when the device 100 is placed in the device locator 50, the device locator 50 locates the wireless device 100 such that the device antenna 102 of the wireless device 100 is aligned with the coupling antenna 40 of the signal enhancer 10.

Horizontally, the device antenna 102 is located above the coupling antenna 40 by virtue of the position of the aperture 60 in the device locator 50. Vertically, the device antenna 102 is separated from the coupling antenna 40 only by the thin base wall 26 of the support 20, and hence is separated from the coupling antenna 40 by only a very small distance of approximately 1 mm to 2mm. In this way, coupling between the device antenna 102 and the coupling antenna 40 is optimised. Signals are therefore transmitted with maximum efficiency and minimum signal loss from the device antenna 102 to the coupling antenna 40, through the signal amplifier 203 and on to the vehicle antenna 202, and in the opposite direction from the vehicle antenna 202 to the device antenna 102, allowing maximum enhancement of the signals to and from the wireless device 100.

To adapt the signal enhancer 10 for use with a different type of wireless device, the device locator 50 is removed from the recess 24 of the support 20 by peeling the mat 52 away from the base wall 26 of the recess 24. A different device locator (not shown), configured for use with the different type of wireless device and comprising an aperture of a different configuration, is then fitted to the support 20. The signal enhancer 10 is then ready for use with a wireless device of the different type. In this way, the signal adapter 10 may be quickly and easily adapted for use with a different type of wireless device without the need for specialist equipment or knowledge.

It will be appreciated that many variations of the invention are possible. For example, the signal amplifier need not be used, and the coupling antenna may instead be connected directly to the vehicle antenna.

Although in the embodiments described, the device locator 50 comprises an aperture 60 that receives the wireless device 100 to locate the wireless device 100 in the desired location, this need not be the case. For example, the device locator may alternatively comprise a recess having a thin base wall that lies against the base wall 26 of the support 20 in use, such that the base wall of the device locator lies between the wireless device 100 and the coupling antenna. In such embodiments, the base wall may comprise an orientation indicator that indicates the required orientation of the wireless device to maximise signal strength through the coupled antennas.

The aperture or recess may comprise features to facilitate insertion and removal of the wireless device, such as finger holes which may be arranged either side of the recess or aperture.

The device locator may comprise an additional recess or aperture that aligns with the recess on the support 20 to permit access for cables such as power cables for the wireless device.

Embodiments are also envisaged in which the device locator does not comprise an aperture or recess, but merely indicates a device location for aligning the antennas. For example, the device locator may be an image of an outline of the wireless device provided on a mat that supports the wireless device. Alternatively, the device locator may be an outline of a footprint of the wireless device provided on the support, for example by a digital display. The digital display may be changed to provide a different device locator configured to indicate a device location for a different type of wireless device, for example through programming an on-board vehicle computer. By way of example, the on-board computer may be programmed with a range of different orientation settings for different wireless device types which the user or manufacturer can then select, depending on the device which the vehicle user is intending to use. Once the device type has been selected, the required orientation is then presented to the user, for example by illuminating a location area for the device within the support or an outline of the ideal device position within the support.

Although in the embodiments described the wireless device is a mobile telephone, this need not be the case. For example, the device could be a tablet computer comprising an antenna for receiving Wi-Fi signals, or another device comprising an antenna for receiving and transmitting Bluetooth signals.

The signal enhancer described need not be used in a vehicle, but may be used in any suitable situation. For example, the signal enhancer may be used in a building such as a home or office. The coupling antenna may be linked to an antenna on the building to boost the signal to the device antenna of the wireless device.

Embodiments are envisaged where the support is integral with a surface. For example, in an embodiment where the signal enhancer is used in a vehicle, the recess may be moulded into the surface such as a vehicle dashboard or armrest, and the coupling antenna may be attached directly to the dashboard.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention could be modified to take many alternative forms without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Further aspects of the present invention are set out in the following numbered paragraphs: 1. A signal enhancer adaptable for use with wireless devices of different types, each type of wireless device comprising a device antenna and the signal enhancer comprising: a support for supporting wireless devices of different types, the support comprising a coupling antenna for coupling to the device antenna of a wireless device supported by the support and for connecting to an external antenna; and a device locator that indicates a device location for locating a specific type of wireless device relative to the support such that the device antenna of the specific type of wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.

2. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the device locator is exchangeable with a different device locator specific to a different type of wireless device.

3. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the device locator is configured to indicate the device location by indicating an outline of a specific type of wireless device.

4. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the device locator is configured to further indicate a device orientation that orientates a wireless device of the specific type relative to the support such that the device antenna is aligned with the coupling antenna.

5. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the device locator is supported by the support.

6. The signal enhancer of paragraph 5, wherein the support comprises a recess configured to receive the device locator.

7. The signal enhancer of paragraph 6, wherein the recess of the support and the device locator comprise cooperating keyed features to orientate the device locator correctly relative to the support.

8. The signal enhancer of paragraph 5, wherein the device locator is removable from the support.

9. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the device locator is made of a rubber material.

10. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the device locator is a flexible mat.

11. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the device locator comprises an aperture or recess configured to receive the specific type of wireless device.

12. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the aperture or recess is shaped substantially as a footprint of the specific type of wireless device.

13. The signal enhancer of any of paragraph 1, wherein the device locator comprises an image that indicates a device location.

14. The signal enhancer of paragraph 13, wherein the image is a digital image.

15. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, comprising a signal amplifier connected between the coupling antenna and the external antenna.

16. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the support comprises an aperture or recess for receiving a power cable for the particular type of wireless device.

17. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the wireless device is a mobile telephone.

18. The signal enhancer of paragraph 1, wherein the signal enhancer is for use in a vehicle.

19. The signal enhancer of paragraph 18, wherein the support is disposed in a vehicle.

20. The signal enhancer of paragraph 19, wherein the support is disposed in a vehicle surface.

21. The signal enhancer of paragraph 20, wherein the support is formed as a separate piece from the vehicle surface.

22. A vehicle comprising the signal enhancer of paragraph 1.

23. The vehicle of paragraph 22, wherein the external antenna is an external vehicle antenna, and the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer is connected to the vehicle antenna.

24. A device locator for use in the signal enhancer of paragraph 1, the device locator being configured to indicate a device location for positioning a wireless device of the particular type relative to a support comprising a coupling antenna such that a device antenna of the wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the support.

25. A method of installing a signal enhancer in a vehicle, for use with a selected type of wireless device, the selected type of wireless device comprising a device antenna, and the signal enhancer comprising a support for supporting different types of wireless device, the support comprising a coupling antenna for coupling to the device antenna of the selected type of wireless device and for connecting to an external vehicle antenna, the method comprising: indicating a device location on the support for which the wireless device of the selected type is positioned with respect to the support such that the device antenna of the wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.

26. The method of paragraph 25, comprising fitting a device locator to the support, the device locator being configured to indicate the device location.

27. The method of paragraph 26, comprising selecting an appropriate device locator from a plurality of device locators specific to different types of devices, and fitting the selected device locator to the support.

28. The method of paragraph 26, comprising placing the device locator in a recess or aperture provided in the support.

29. The method of paragraph 25, comprising installing the support in a vehicle surface.

30. The method of paragraph 29, wherein the vehicle surface is a dashboard or centre console.

31. A method of adapting the signal enhancer of paragraph 1 for use with a new type of wireless device, the method comprising; exchanging the device locator of the signal enhancer for a new device locator, the new device locator being configured to indicate a new device location for positioning a wireless device of the new type with respect to the support such that the device antenna of the new wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.

32. The method of paragraph 31, comprising removing the device locator from the support, and fitting the new device locator to the support.

33. The method of paragraph 32, comprising selecting an appropriate new device locator from a plurality of device locators specific to different types of devices, and fitting the selected new device locator to the support.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A signal enhancer comprising: a support for supporting at least one wireless device, the support comprising a coupling antenna for coupling to a device antenna of a wireless device supported by the support and for connecting to an external antenna; and a device locator configured to indicate a device location for positioning a specific type of wireless device relative to the support such that the device antenna of the specific type of wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.
2. The signal enhancer of Claim 1, wherein the device locator is exchangeable with a different device locator specific to a different type of wireless device.
3. The signal enhancer of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the device locator is configured to indicate the device location by indicating an outline of a specific type of wireless device.
4. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, wherein the device locator is configured to further indicate a device orientation that orientates a wireless device of the specific type relative to the support such that the device antenna is aligned with the coupling antenna.
5. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, wherein the device locator is supported by the support.
6. The signal enhancer of Claim 5, wherein the support comprises a recess configured to receive the device locator.
7. The signal enhancer of Claim 6, wherein the recess of the support and the device locator comprise cooperating keyed features to orientate the device locator correctly relative to the support.
8. The signal enhancer of any of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the device locator is removable from the support.
9. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, wherein the device locator is made of a rubber material.
10. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, wherein the device locator is a flexible mat.
11. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, wherein the device locator comprises an aperture or recess configured to receive the specific type of wireless device.
12. The signal enhancer of Claim 11, wherein the aperture or recess is shaped substantially as a footprint of the specific type of wireless device.
13. The signal enhancer of any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the device locator comprises an image that indicates a device location.
14. The signal enhancer of Claim 13, wherein the image is a digital image.
15. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, comprising a signal amplifier connected between the coupling antenna and the external antenna.IS
16. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises an aperture or recess for receiving a power cable for the particular type of wireless device.
17. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, wherein the wireless device is a mobile telephone.
18. The signal enhancer of any preceding claim, wherein the signal enhancer is for use in a vehicle.
19. The signal enhancer of Claim 18, wherein the support is disposed in a vehicle.
20. The signal enhancer of Claim 19, wherein the support is disposed in a vehicle surface.
21. The signal enhancer of Claim 20, wherein the support is formed as a separate piece from the vehicle surface.
22. A vehicle comprising the signal enhancer of any of Claims 18 to 21.
23. The vehicle as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the external antenna is an external vehicle antenna, and the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer is connected to the vehicle antenna.
24. A device locator for use in the signal enhancer of any of Claims 1 to 21, the device locator being configured to indicate a device location for positioning a wireless device of the particular type relative to a support comprising a coupling antenna such that a device antenna of the wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the support.
25. A method of installing a signal enhancer in a vehicle, for use with a selected type of wireless device, the selected type of wireless device comprising a device antenna, and the signal enhancer comprising a support for supporting different types of wireless device, the support comprising a coupling antenna for coupling to the device antenna of the selected type of wireless device and for connecting to an external vehicle antenna, the method comprising: indicating a device location on the support for which the wireless device of the selected type is positioned with respect to the support such that the device antenna of the wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.
26. The method of Claim 25, comprising fitting a device locator to the support, the device locator being configured to indicate the device location.
27. The method of Claim 26, comprising selecting an appropriate device locator from a plurality of device locators specific to different types of devices, and fitting the selected device locator to the support.
28. The method of Claim 26 or Claim 27, comprising placing the device locator in a recess or aperture provided in the support.
29. The method of any of Claims 25 to 28, comprising installing the support in a vehicle surface.
30. The method of Claim 29, wherein the vehicle surface is a dashboard or centre console.
31. A method of adapting the signal enhancer of any of Claims 1 to 21 for use with a new type of wireless device, the method comprising; exchanging the device locator of the signal enhancer for a new device locator, the new device locator being configured to indicate a new device location for positioning a wireless device of the new type with respect to the support such that the device antenna of the new wireless device is aligned with the coupling antenna of the signal enhancer.
32. The method of Claim 31, comprising removing the device locator from the support, and fitting the new device locator to the support.
33. The method of Claim 32, comprising selecting an appropriate new device locator from a plurality of device locators specific to different types of devices, and fitting the selected new device locator to the support.
34. A signal enhancer substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.
35. A device locator for use with the signal enhancer of any of Claims ito 21 or Claim 34 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.
36. A method of installing a signal enhancer for use with a selected type of wireless device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.
37. A method of adapting the signal enhancer of any of Claims 1 to 21 or Claim 34 for use with a new type of wireless device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.