GB2528587A

GB2528587A - Telephone desk set

Info

Publication number: GB2528587A
Application number: GB1515288.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roland Irving; Daron Hutt
Original assignee: 4COM PLC
Current assignee: 4COM PLC
Priority date: 2014-01-29
Filing date: 2015-01-23
Publication date: 2016-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-23
Also published as: GB2528587B; GB201515288D0; GB2528588B; GB201515289D0; GB2528588A

Abstract

A telephone desk set is disclosed, the desk set comprising a touch screen 2, a base 4 which supports the touch screen, the base having at least two side portions and a bottom portion 4, a data processor 28 housed within the base which processes incoming and outgoing telephonic data, and a telephone handset (3, Fig. 3) in data communication with the data processor. The data processor is mounted upside down (i.e. on the underside of the motherboard), and the base is arranged to conduct heat away from the processor to the side portions through the bottom portion. The bottom of the base is integral with or connected to flanking portions (14, Figure 3) which flank the base and which act as heatsinks for the base. This can allow heat to be transferred away from the processor using structural components of the desk set, rather than requiring active cooling using separate heat sinks and/or fans. The processor may be connected to the base by way of a raised platform 42 in the base. The bottom of the base is conducted from heat conducting material such as die-cast aluminium.

Description

TELEPHONE DESK SET

The present invention relates generally to telephone equipment, and in particular to telephone desk sets.

Conventional telephone desk sets comprise a base which is designed to rest on a flat surface such as a desk, and a handset which rests on the base. It has been proposed to provide such telephone desk sets with a touch screen display, to allow information to be presented to the user, and to allow the user to control the desk set. An example of a telephone desk set with a touch screen display is disclosed in WO 2007/022776.

Touch screen displays require a screen display driver module, which is usually provided on a main board mounted behind the screen. In products that are designed to be always on, or which use a lot of processing power, the main board is actively cooled by means of a heatsink and a fan. However, the fan may generate noise, increase the size of the casing, increase power use, and increase the cost of manufacture. If active cooling is not used then problems with overheating may arise. For example, heat from the main board may transfer to the screen, which may reduce its effectiveness and/or reduce its efficiency over time.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a telephone desk set with a touch screen, in which the screen is designed to be left on for extended periods of time and in which effective cooling can be achieved without the need for a fan. It would also be desirable to for the touch screen to be thin and inexpensive to manufacture.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a telephone desk set comprising: a touch scroon which is arrangod to display visual information and to provide a user interface to allow a user to input data by tactile contact with the screen in relation to displayed visual information; a base which supports the touch screen; a data processor housed within the base which processes incoming and outgoing telephonic data; a telephone handset comprising a microphone and a speaker, the handset in data communication with the data processor; and a screen display driver module for controlling the touch screen, wherein the touch screen is upstanding from the base, and the screen display driver module is housed within the base.

The present invention may provide the advantage that, by arranging the touch screen to be upstanding from the base, and the screen display driver module to be housed within the base, the touch screen and the driver module may be physically separated. This may facilitate cooling of both components, and avoid or reduce heat transfer from one to the other. This in turn may allow the desk set to function as an always-on device without the need for active cooling, and may help to prevent a reduction in the life span of the components. The present invention may also allow the touch screen to be thin and inexpensive to manufacture, in comparison to the case where a driver module is located behind the screen.

The desk set may comprise a rigid frame which supports the touch screen and attaches to the base. This may help to strengthen the screen, while allowing it to be held in an upstanding position and maintaining a thin profile. The frame is preferably provided to the rear of the screen, in order to allow the dimensions of the screen itself to be maxim ised. The frame is preferably provided adjacent to the side and/or top edges of the screen. For example, the part of the frame which supports the touch screen may have an inverted "U" shape, although other shapes could be used instead. Preferably the lower ends of the frame extend around the base.

As well as supporting the screen, the frame may be arranged to conduct heat away from the screen. This may help to prevent the screen from overheating, without the need for a fan. Thus the frame is preferably constructed from a material having high strength and good heat conduction properties. A suitable material is a metal such as aluminium, although other materials could be used instead.

The screen itself may be held in a back plate, which may be located to the rear of the screen. Preferably, heat is transferred from the screen, through the back plate, and to the frame. The back plate is preferably constructed from a material which is light weight and easy to manufacture, while having reasonable heat conduction properties. Suitable materials are thermoplastic polymers such as polycarbonates, although other materials could be used instead.

The telephone desk set may further comprise flanking portions which flank the base. Preferably the flanking portions are connected to or integral with a lower part of the frame. The flanking portions may help to stabilise the base and protect it from impacts.

The flanking portions may function as a heat sink, in order to store and dissipate heat produced by other parts of the desk set, such as the screen, the processor or the driver module. For example, heat produced by the screen may be conducted through the rigid frame to the flanking portions, and then transferred to the atmosphere. This may allow heat to be stored and passively dissipated using structural components of the desk set, without the need for separate heat sinks and/or fans. Transfer of heat to the atmosphere may be though conduction, convection and/or radiation.

The flanking portions are preferably made from solid metal, such as aluminium.

This can allow the flanking portions to act as a heat sink while also adding weight and stability to the base and protecting it from impacts. If desired, the flanking portions may be provided with cooling fins.

The base may be removable from the flanking portions. This can allow components inside the base to be accessed for servicing or replacement.

The base is preferably arranged to be placed on a flat, horizontal surface, such a desk. The base may have a substantially flat profile, that is, its width and depth may be greater than its height. Preferably the base defines a chamber for housing the data processor, driver module and/or main board. Preferably the base extends rearwardly from the lower edge of the touch screen.

Preferably the screen is upstanding from and at an angle to the base. For example, the screen may have an angle to the base which is at least 45°, 50° or 600, and/or less than or equal to 85°, 80°, or 75°. For example, the screen may be at an angle of around 70°, although other angles could be used instead if desired. Thus, viewed from the side, the touch screen and the base may form a "V' shape. This arrangement may help to ensure stability of the desk set while maintaining the screen at a convenient viewing angle.

Preferably a void is provided behind the screen and above the base. This may help with cooling of the screen and/or base, by ensuring physical separation of the two and providing a greater surface area.

The screen display driver module may be provided on a main board, which is housed within the base. Preferably the data processor is also provided on the main board. This may avoid the need for separate boards, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The main board may be substantially horizontal when the desk set is placed on a horizontal surface. Thus the main board may be at an angle to the screen.

The telephone desk set may further comprise a cable for transmitting signals between the screen display driver module and the screen. Typically USB and/or LVDS cables are used to transmit signals to and from a touch screen. However, since the driver module is located in the base rather than behind the screen, standard cable lengths may not be long enough. Thus the cable may comprise a lengthened USB and/or [VUS cable. In this case, the desk set may further comprise an LVDS transmitter for transmitting signals, and the LVDS transmitter may be arranged to transmit signals at a power level beyond its normal operating parameters.

If a lengthened cable is used to transmit signals between the driver module and the touch screen, the amount of electromagnetic interference produced by the cable may be increased. Thus various measures may be taken in order to mitigate the effects of any electromagnetic interference. For example, the LVDS cable may be formed from twisted pairs, instead of straight. Furthermore, the LVDS cable and/or USB cable may be shielded, for example with flexible aluminium shielding, or any other suitable shielding material. In addition, the touch screen circuitry, such as the screen display driver module, may be shielded, for example with self-adhesive copper foil or any other suitable material.

Preferably the desk set is passively cooled. In order to deal with the issue of heat dissipation, the desk set may be arranged to conduct heat away from heat producing components.

Typically the main heat source on the main board is the processor. In a conventional arrangement, heat is conducted away from the processor by means of a heatsink which then dissipates heat by means of active cooling or airflow over its fins. However this may add to the size and cost of the desk set.

In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the base is constructed from a heat conducting material, for example, a metal such as aluminium. Preferably, the bottom of the base is arranged to have a relatively large mass, and to conduct heat from within the base to the sides of the base. This may allow heat produced by components within the base to be stored and passively dissipated using structural components of the desk set, without the need for separate heat sinks and/or fans. Furthermore, the mass of the bottom of the base may improve the stability of the desk set.

Preferably the bottom of the base is integral with or connected to flanking portions which flank the base. Heat may be dissipated from the base to the atmosphere through the flanking portions, and/or exposed areas of the base or other com ponents.

In conventional telephone desk sets, the processor is provided top of a main board with a separate heat sink over which air is allowed to flow. However this may add to the size and cost of the desk set.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processor is mounted upside down on the main board. Thus, when the telephone desk set is placed on a flat surface, the processor may face downwards towards the flat surface. This may allow heat from the processor to be conducted away through the base, without requiring a separate heat sink. Thus the base may be arranged to conduct heat from the processor to the sides of the base, preferably to flanking portions.

This feature of the invention may also be provided independently, and thus, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a telephone desk set comprising: a touch screen; a base which supports the touch screen, the base having at least two side portions and a bottom portion; a data processor housed within the base which processes incoming and outgoing telephonic data; and a telephone handset in data communication with the data processor; wherein the data processor is mounted upside down, and the base is arranged to conduct heat away from the processor to the side portions through the bottom portion.

In order to help with heat transfer, the processor may be connected to the bottom of the base. For example, the processor may be connected to the bottom of the base by way of a raised platform in the base. A heat conducting material, such as conducting gel, may be provided between the processor and the base to assist with heat transfer.

In one preferred embodiment, the telephone desk set is operable as a conference phone. Thus, the desk set may comprise a speaker for hands free operation.

Preferably the speaker is located in the base and below the screen.

In order to achieve high quality and high volume audio, it is desirable to maximise the volume of air behind the speaker. However this presents a challenge in the restricted space of a telephone desk set. In a preferred embodiment, in order to maximise the volume of air behind the speaker without increasing the size of the desk set, the speaker is located in the same physical space as that in which the main board is mounted. Thus the base may define a chamber for housing a main board, and the speaker may be located in the chamber.

A port may be provided to connect the chamber with the atmosphere. The port may be provided, for example, in the front wall of the base, for example on the side opposite the speaker. The port may help to tune the frequency response of the chamber and/or allow airflow through the chamber for cooling purposes.

If the speaker is located in the same chamber as the main board, the main board may be subject to vibrations from the speaker. In order to reduce the effect of such vibrations, the area and rigidity of mountings for the main board may be increased, in order to increase its resonant frequency. Preferably the desk set comprises a main board having a resonant frequency which is higher than frequencies delivered by the speaker.

A faceplate below the screen may be provided as a radiating baffle to decrease the directionality of sound from the speaker, thereby enhancing sound quality.

The telephone desk set may further comprise a microphone for hands free operation. This may allow the desk set to function as a conference phone.

As discussed above, the speaker for hands free operation may be located in a chamber defined by the base. In this case, if the microphone were also mounted in the base, then feedback from the speaker to the microphone may occur. Thus, it may be desirable for the microphone to be mounted away from the base.

It has been found that a suitable location for the microphone is adjacent to the screen, and set back from the front of the screen. Such an arrangement may help to avoid feedback from the speaker to the microphone.

In a preferred embodiment, the telephone desk set comprises a holder for the handset, and the microphone is located in a channel between the screen and the holder. It has been found that such an arrangement is particularly effective in avoiding feedback from the speaker to the microphone, while making use of existing components of the desk set.

This arrangement may also be provided independently, and thus, according to another aspect of the invention there is provided a telephone desk set comprising: a touch screen which is arranged to display visual information and to provide a user interface to allow a user to input data by tactile contact with the screen in relation to displayed visual information; a base which supports the touch screen; a holder for a telephone handset; and a microphone for hands free operation; wherein the touch screen is upstanding from the base, the holder is adjacent to the touch screen, and the microphone is located in a channel between the screen and the holder.

The microphone is preferably located behind a hole in the channel. The size of the hole may be chosen to attenuate frequencies below the normal operating range of the telephone desk set. For example, the hole may have a diameter of around 3mm, which may attenuate frequencies below about 100Hz, although other sizes may be chosen as appropriate.

Preferably the desk set includes a speaker, in order to allow the desk set to be used as a conference phone. Preferably the microphone is recessed with respect to the screen and/or the holder. This may help to avoid feedback from the speaker.

If a person or object is located in front of the desk set, then sound from the speaker may be reflected back into the microphone. It has been found that this can be mitigated by creating a waveguide in front of the microphone. The width of the waveguide is preferably between about 4mm and 7mm, in order to pass the frequencies of human speech. The depth of the waveguide may be between about 2mm and 6mm, for example around 3mm. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the edge of the screen and the edge of the holder form a waveguide, and the microphone is mounted in the waveguide. The waveguide is preferably able to attenuate sound which is reflected back to the microphone from an object in front of the desk set. &

Preferably the microphone is mounted in a rubber boot. This may help to ensure that the microphone is acoustically isolated from the frame. The rubber boot may be arranged to dampen frequencies generated by a speaker in the desk set.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a telephone desk set comprising a touch screen display and user interface which is arranged to display visual data and to allow a user to input data by tactile contact with the screen in relation to displayed visual information, and the desk set comprising a base which supports the screen and housed within the base there is provided a data processor which processes incoming and outgoing telephonic data a handset comprising a microphone and a speaker, the handset in data communication with the data processor, and the telephone desk set comprising a base housing which accommodates the data processor, and supports the touch screen.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a telephone desk set comprising a touch screen display which is arranged to display visual data and to provide a user interface to allow a user to input data by tactile contact with the screen in relation to displayed visual information a base which supports the screen there is provided a data processor housed within the base which processes incoming and outgoing telephonic data; a telephone handset comprising a microphone and a speaker, the handset in data communication with the data processor, wherein the base provides support to the touch screen, and the touch screen upstanding from the base.

Substantially all data processing capability of the desk set may reside within the base. The touch screen is preferably purely a slave device, which does not incorporate a data processor. The touch screen may comprise a communications interface connectable with the data processor, through which signalling and data are conveyed between the screen and the data processor.

The touch screen may be maintained at an incline from the base.

The desk set may comprise a handset holder to receive and detachably retain the handset. The holder may be located to a side portion of the touch screen.

The handset may be in data communication with the data processor by way of a wired connection, or by way of an air-interface connection (such as Bluetooth®).

The base preferably extends rearwardly of the touch screen.

The handset may comprise a generally elongate body which is provided with a speaker region at one end and a microphone region at an opposite distal end.

The desk set may be substantially entirely controlled by the user by way of tactile contact with the touch screen. This may be supplemented by voice control commands which are vocalised by a user and recognised by the data processor.

The desk set preferably comprises a screen display driver module, either hardware or software, which may include one or more sub-modules, configured to drive the touch screen to present on said touch screen one or more interactive visual displays to allow various telephonic functions be to performed by the user, such as the ability to select a party to be called, dial a number, display the identity of a calling party, selection of a stored number from an address book or list of stored numbers, type alpha numeric data. Other telephonic functionalities may also be enabled by data presented on the touch screen by the module. The screen display module may also present options to the user to control settings of the desk set, as well as control or configuration of connection settings with devices or ports external of desk set. The user can use the touch screen to react to what is displayed and to control how it is displayed (for example by zooming the text size).

The touch screen may include a sensor to determine at which point or region on the touch screen a touch interaction is made. The touch screen is preferably, but not essentially, a capacitive touch screen. The data processor of the desk set may receive a signal from the sensor indicative where the screen has been touched, and can map that region, location or gesture to the particular functionality or input option displayed which relates to that location. The data processor can then execute the selected functionality and perform the task.

Features of one aspect of the invention may be applied to any other aspect.

The telephone desk set may comprise any feature described in the detailed

description and/or shown in the drawings.

Various 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 perspective view of a telephone desk set; Figure 2 is a front elevation of the telephone desk set of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the telephone desk set of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the telephone desk set; Figures 5A and SB show parts of the telephone desk set in more detail; and Figure 6 shows a cross section through the telephone desk set.

With reference to Figures 1 to 6 there is shown a novel telephone desk set 1, which includes a touch screen display 2 and a handset 3. As will be described below, the desk set 1 not only provides optimum functionality, usability, but also significant customisation variants which can be easily implemented at the system operator's or user's requirements. The desk set 1 represents a new genus of telephone desk set in the development of telephone desk set technology.

The touch screen of the desk set 1 is supported by a base 4. The base 4 houses a data processor, a memory, and one or more hardware modules. The memory is loaded with an operating system platform, such as Android®, which causes various software applications and hardware or firmware modules to be executed.

The base 4 may also house other components and sub-systems such as power regulation and loudspeakers. An internal data and signalling interface of the data processor is provided which connects to an interface of the touch screen 2. The data processor serves to control output and process (interactive) input from the touch screen by way of the connection between the respective interfaces.

The base 4 houses a central processing unit (CPU) and the associated mother board, thus ensuring that all, or at least the bulk, of data processing is performed within the base.

The touch screen 2 is preferably a capacitive touch screen which includes a sensor to determine at which point or region on the touch screen a touch interaction is made.

The data processor of the desk set receives a signal from the sensor indicative of where the screen has been touched, and can map that region, location or type of tactile gesture to the particular functionality or input option displayed which relates to that location. The data processor can then execute the selected functionality and perform the task. The touch screen 2 is capable of displaying text, images and moving images, with a high degree of visual clarity. Broadly, the data processor of the desk set receives a signal from the sensor indicative where the screen has been touched, and can map that region, location or gesture to the particular functionality or input option displayed which relates to that location.

The rearward facing end 10 of the base 4 is provided with a plurality of connector ports ba, lOb, bc, lOd, be, lOf and log for data and/or signalling inputs and outputs, and power input. The ports provided may include a RJ11c socket, a USB socket (or variants thereof such as micro USB), an RJ45 socket, a headphone socket and a power cable socket.

The desk set 1 comprises a screen display driver, which is run or initiated by the data processor, which is configured to drive the touch screen to present on said screen one or more interactive visual displays to allow various telephonic functions be to performed by the user, such as the ability to select a party to be called, dial a number, display the identity of a calling party, selection of a stored number from an address book or list of stored numbers, type alpha numeric data.

Many other telephonic functionalities may also be enabled by data presented on the touch screen by the module. The screen display driver may also present options to the user to control settings of the desk set 1, as well as control or configuration of connection settings with devices or ports external of desk set.

The user can use the touch screen to react to what is displayed and to control how it is displayed (for example by zooming the text size). The touch screen and the visual displays presented thereby thus provide a convenient and user-friendly interface to enable a user to use, configure and interact with the desk set.

The telephone desk set 1 highly advantageously enables many different types of functionalities to be available to the user. Such functionalities may come pre-installed into the memory or firmware of the desk set; however, the user may easily augment the functionality by loading applications into the memory of the desk set. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the functionalities which the desk set 1 could be configured to implement: Speakerphone Voicemail Speaker volume Ring tone Call history Missed call alerts Conference calls Multi-call management Provisioning Call forwarding Email access Calendar Reminder system Video calls Dissemination of company-wide messages or announcements (visually and/or aurally) Internet access Third party application integration (such as Skype®) User help videos and user help pages Television interface The desk set 1 has incorporated therein a Wi-Fi® transmitter/receiver to enable the desk set to communicate with other Wi-Fi® enabled devices over an air interface.

The front facing surface of the touch screen 4, at an upper margin thereof, is provided with an integrated camera 12 which is controlled by the data processor.

The camera 12 advantageously allows video or still images to be captured thereby and transmitted to another party with whom the user is speaking using the desk set, for example by way of a video call or video conferencing. The inclusion of the camera also allows other highly beneficial functions including the use thereof as a camera to monitor activity in, for example, office space, for example during out-of-hours, and so could be configured to function as a security camera to monitor and record activity which is in the field of vision of the camera.

In that regard the telephone desk set could conveniently be linked to an external security system, such as a CCTV security system.

The touch screen 2 is conveniently maintained at a vertical incline by virtue of the supporting connection with the base 4. The desk set 1 comprises a rigid frame 15 which extends at the upper side margins of the base 4 and which extends upwardly at an incline to the vertical. The angle of incline is in the range 15 degrees to 45 degrees, and more particularly is in the range 20 degrees to 40 degrees. The incline results in the screen facing upwardly. Fasteners iSa secure the touch screen and the base to the frame 15.

The base 4 houses substantially all of the data processing capability of the desk set, as opposed to any, or any significant, data processing being incorporated into the touch screen, for example at the rear of the touch screen. This physical spacing of the data processor from the screen ensures that any potential detrimental effect caused by heat dissipated from the data processor acting on the screen, which over long periods may cause damage to the screen is avoided, or at least significantly minimised. As best seen in Figures 3 and 4 a void is located behind the screen 2 and above the base 4 and assists in maintaining thermal separation between the two components. It is also to be noted that the mass and material of the base allow the data processor to be cooled passively without the need for a fan. Furthermore, the mass of the base structure ensures that the desk set is stabilised in position.

With reference to Figure 3, the base structure comprises two portions 14, which flank (and receive) the base portion 4. The portions are each made of solid metal, for example die-cast Aluminium. The portions 14 advantageously serve as heat sinks. The portions 14 also serve as locators for the base portion 4 which is in effect the processing unit for the desk set. The base portion 4 can conveniently be slid into position between the portions 14, and the portions also protect the base unit 4 from any side impacts. The portions 14 are integral with a front positioned portion in which the speakers 17 are mounted, with the front portion (of solid metal) located adjacent to the basal portion of the screen 2. In this way the speakers are acoustically isolated from the microphone (for hands-free use), and so there is no requirement to alternate activation of the speakers and the microphone i.e. half-duplex mode, which can deteriorate the sound quality, due to the switch. With the desk set currently presented, it can function in full-duplex mode, and so obviate the need for switching and thereby improve the sound quality.

The portions 14 also conveniently serve as an acoustic barrier between the (handsfree) microphone and the front mounted speakers.

The handset 3 is detachably retained in a holder or cradle 20. Although not shown in the Figures the handset 3 is connected to the base 4 by way a cable or wiring which allows communication of data/signalling for the microphone and speaker incorporated into the headset. It will be appreciated that an alternative to a hardwired connection between the base 4 and the handset would be a connection over an air interface, such as by a Bluetooth® connection. The cradle is conveniently located at the side of the screen, the cradle may alternatively be provided at the opposite side, as shown by cradle 21 in broken line, and in that regard the cradle may conveniently be removably detachable to the screen so that the user can select whichever position is preferred.

The desk set comprises a hook switch in which a magnet and an induction coil or magnetically activated switch is provided in each of the handset and the cradle.

The magnet and coil are positioned so that they are sufficiently proximal to each other when the handset is placed on the cradle that the effect of the magnet is to cause an output of the coil/switch indicative of the handset being on the cradle.

The signal from the coil/switch is received by the processor so that an indication of whether the handset is on-or off-hook is provided.

Underneath the touch screen and forwardly located of the desk set there are provided speakers 17 mounted behind grills 36, for example for use when hands-free functionality is selected. Alternatively a single speaker may be provided and the other grill may function as a port to allow airflow through the base.

Screen design In conventional touch screen displays, a main board with a screen display driver is mounted behind the screen. This requires power to be provided to the components mounted behind the screen. In products that are designed to be always on, or which use a lot of processing power, the main board is actively cooled by moans of a hoatsink and a fan. However, the fan generates noise, increases the size of the casing, increases power use, and increases the cost of manufacture.

In a preferred embodiment of the telephone desk set, various measures are taken which allow the screen to be always on while avoiding the need for active cooling.

These measures may also allow the screen to remain slim while being inexpensive to manufacture, and may help to prevent a reduction in the life span of the components.

To keep the form factor of the screen slim, the main board is moved from its usual location behind the screen, and placed into the base of the unit. In one possible arrangement, the board is substantially horizontal, and the screen is at an angle of approximately 70 degrees to the board.

Typically the main board comprises a data processor and a separate screen display driver. The screen display driver takes the display data out of memory, and converts it into signals which can be sent to the display. Typically a LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signalling) cable is used to send signals from the display driver to the screen. Typically, touch data is received from the screen via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. Cf course, other types of cable could bo used instead.

In the present embodiment, in order to move the main board from behind the screen and into the base of the unit, the length of the USB and LVDS cables is increased. In order to lengthening the LVDS cable, the power of the LVDS transmitter is increased beyond its normal operating parameters. However, increasing the power of the transmitter may increase the amount of interference emanating from the cable. In order to mitigate the effects of increasing the length of the LVDS cable, the following measures are taken: 1. The touch screen circuitry is covered with a self-adhesive copper foil 2. Twisted pairs are used for the LVDS cable (instead of the usual straight connections) 3. The LVDS cable and/or the USB cable is shielded with flexible aluminium shielding.

Heat dissipation The main heat source on the main board is the processor. Heat is normally conducted away from the processor by means of a heatsink which then dissipates heat by means of active cooling or airflow over its fins. However this may add to the size and cost of the telephone set.

In a preferred embodiment, the unconventional approach of mounting the processor upside down on the main board is taken. The processor is connected to the aluminium base by way of a raised platform cast into the base. The base under the processor is designed to have a large volume and to conduct heat to the sides of the base where the heat can be stored safely and passively radiated away. This can allow heat to be transferred away from the processor using structural components of the desk set, rather than separate heat sinks and/or fans. The increased size of the base also adds weight and stability to the desk set.

The sides of the base (flanking portions 14) are also used to mount the aluminium frame 15 that supports the screen. The screen itself is held by a back plate which is connected to the frame. The back plate is constructed from polycarbonate which is fairly heat conductive. This allows heat to be conducted away from the screen through the frame and to the sides of the base. The frame can be thermally bonded to the base if required.

Microphone mounting, audio shielding and channelling In one embodiment, the telephone desk set is operable as a professional conference phone. In order to achieve this, high quality audio output is required, for example, at levels of 70dB at 3m. Furthermore, it should be possible to detect sounds at a level of, for example, 20dB (assuming a full duplex conversation).

In order to produce high quality and high volume audio, the volume of air behind the speaker should ideally be maximised (the larger the volume of air, the better the lower audio frequencies are replayed). However this presents a challenge in the restricted space of a telephone desk set.

In one embodiment, the volume of air behind the speaker is maximised by using the same physical space as that in which the main board is mounted. In this way, the space in which the main board is mounted also functions as a chamber for the speaker. The space which is not occupied by the main board is filled with a medium density non-flammable fibre wadding which both increases the apparent volume and decreases internal reflections. A port is located diametrically opposite the speaker both to tune the frequency response of the chamber and to allow airflow through the chamber for cooling purposes.

As the board is subject to vibrations from the speaker, the area and rigidity of its mounting is increased to take its resonant frequency up above the frequencies delivered by the speaker. This is achieved by increasing both the number of screw points and the area of the base contacting them.

An aluminium faceplate below the screen is used as a radiating baffle to decrease the directionality of the sound.

In the arrangement described above, the entire base functions as an acoustic chamber. It is therefore undesirable for the microphone (however well shielded) to be situated in the same chamber, since this could lead to audio feedback.

Furthermore, the audio from the speaker and baffle radiates in all directions within 170 degree of a sphere. Therefore the microphone should preferably be placed behind the loudspeaker.

Referring back to Figure 2, the telephone desk set is provided with a microphone 22 which can be used for hands free or conference calling. The microphone 22 is separated from the speaker 17 by placing it halfway up the screen 2 and halfway back from the front of the screen.

It is also desirable to reduce the effect of any sound reflected back to the microphone from someone standing in front of the speaker. One way to achieve this is to create a waveguide in front of the microphone. In the arrangement of Figure 2, the edge of the screen 2 and the edge of the handset cradle 20 form a waveguide, and the microphone 22 is mounted in between them.

Figure SA shows part of the screen 2 and the handset cradle 20 in more detail.

Referring to Figure 5A, a channel 23 is created between the screen 2 and the handset 20. The channel 23 forms a waveguide for the microphone. The width of the channel is about 4-7mm, and the depth of the channel is about 3-6mm. A hole 27 is provided in the channel, behind which the microphone is mounted.

The hole has a diameter of approximately 3mm, which attenuates frequencies below about 100Hz.

Figure S is a cross section through part of the handset cradle, showing the position of the microphone. Referring to Figure 5B, the microphone 22 is located in the rear of the cradle 20 behind the hole 27. The microphone 22 is acoustically isolated from the frame 15 by mounting it inside a rubber boot 24. The rubber boot 24 is capable of damping some or all of the frequencies generated by the speaker. Signals from the microphone 22 are transmitted to the main board by means of cable 29.

In operation the waveguide 23 functions as a directional filter, to pass sound emanating from in front of the screen while attenuating sound arriving at an angle. Thus the voice of a person facing the screen will pass directly through the waveguide and into the microphone. However sound from the speaker which is reflected by an object in front of the screen will arrive at an angle, and thus be attenuated by the waveguide. The waveguide will also attenuate the voice of a person standing at an angle to the screen. As an example, the waveguide may attenuate sounds arriving at an angle of greater than about 45° to the normal.

The waveguide 23 and the hole 27 in combination also function to attenuate lower frequencies, for example frequencies below about 100-110 Hz, which are outside the operational frequency range of the desk set.

Figure 6 shows a cross section through the telephone desk set 1. Referring to Figure 6, the aluminium frame 15 is provided to support the screen 2 and hold it at an angle to the base 4. The screen itself is held in a back plate 44 which is connected to the frame. The back plate is constructed from polycarbonate which is strong, light weight and easy to manufacture, and is also fairly heat conductive.

The base 4 forms a hollow chamber 35. The main board 25 is located inside the base 4, and is supported by mounts 26. The mounts 26 are oversized for stability and to help conduct heat from the board to the base. The main board 25 includes a data processor 28 and a screen display driver module 30. A USB cable 32 and an LVDS cable 34 are used to connect the screen display driver module and the processor to the touch screen 2.

As can be seen from Figure 6, the processor 28 is mounted upside down on the main board 25. The processor 28 is connected to the aluminium base by way of a raised platform 42 in the base 4. A heat conducting gel is used between the processor and the raised platform.

The speaker 17 is mounted inside the hollow chamber 35. Sound is transmitted from the speaker 17 to the exterior through a speaker grill 36. The space in the chamber which is not occupied by the main board or other components is filled with a fibre wadding 38. A port (not shown) is provided opposite the speaker 17, both to tune the frequency response of the chamber and to allow airflow through the chamber for cooling purposes.

Although mention has been made of the telephone desk set 1 for use in a commercial or business environment, the telephone desk set also finds useful application for domestic and personal use, and is not limited to commercial or business use.

Advantageously, the base 4 comprises a detachably connectable access portion which can be removed by a user to access the internal space of the base. The access portion may be a panel or housing element which is held in place by fasteners. With the access portion removed, a user can conveniently remove a hardware component or module, such as the motherboard, and replace the same with new component/module.

Overall, it should be highlighted that the desk set is maintenance friendly, and facilitates parts interchangeability. Because the screen and the base can be removed individually, this results in a more environmentally friendly telephone desk set, since only a part/module (as opposed to the entire desk set) could be replaced or repaired.

Whilst for the desk set shown, the set is powered by an external power source, for example from mains power, in another embodiment, the set may be powered by a (rechargeable) battery. Indeed, one embodiment may include a mains power input and an internal battery, allowing the user to select which power source to use. Such an internal battery would be provided within the base 4.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above by way of example only, and various modifications will be apparent to the skilled person within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A telephone desk set comprising: a touch screen; a base which supports the touch screen, the base having at least two side portions and a bottom portion; a data processor housed within the base which processes incoming and outgoing telephonic data; and a telephone handset in data communication with the data processor; wherein the data processor is mounted upside down, and the base is arranged to conduct heat away from the processor to the side portions through the bottom portion.
2. A telephone desk set according to claim 1, wherein the processor is connected to the base by way of a raised platform in the base.
3. A telephone desk set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom of the base is constructed from a heat conducting material.
4. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom of the base is integral with or connected to flanking portions which flank the base.
5. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, the desk set comprising a rigid frame which supports the touch screen and attaches to the base.
6. A telephone desk set according to claim 5, wherein the frame is provided to the rear of the screen and adjacent to the side and top edges of the screen.
7. A telephone desk set according to claim S or 6, wherein the frame is arranged to conduct heat away from the screen.
8. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising flanking portions which flank the base.
9. A telephone desk set according to claim 8 when dependent on any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the flanking portions are connected to or integral with a lower part of the frame.
10. A telephone desk set according to claim 9, wherein the flanking portions function as a heat sink.
11. A telephone desk set according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the base is removable from the flanking portions.
12. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base extends rearwardly from the lower edge of the touch screen.
13. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein screen is at an angle to the base.
14. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims in which a void is provided behind the screen and above the base.
15. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the touch screen is upstanding from the base.
16. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a screen display driver module for controlling the touch screen, wherein the screen display driver module is housed within the base.
17. A telephone desk set according to claim 16, wherein the screen display driver module is provided on a main board.
18. A telephone desk set according to claim 17, wherein the data processor is provided on the main board.
19. A telephone desk set according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the main board is at an angle to the screen.
20. A telephone desk set according to any of claims 16 to 19, further comprising a cable for transmitting signals between the screen display driver module and the screen.
21. A telephone desk set according to claim 20, wherein the cable comprises a lengthened USB and/or LVDS cable.
22. A telephone desk set according to claim 21, further comprising an LVDS transmitter for transmitting signals, wherein the LVDS transmitter is arranged to transmit signals at a power level beyond its normal operating parameters.
23. A telephone desk set according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the LVDS cable comprises twisted pairs.
24. A telephone desk set according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the LVDS cable is shielded.
25. A telephone desk set according to any of claims 16 to 24, wherein the screen display driver module is shielded.
26. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a speaker for hands free operation.
27. A telephone desk set according to claim 26, wherein the speaker is located in the base and below the screen.
28. A telephone desk set according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the base defines a chamber for housing a main board, and the speaker is located in the chamber.
29. A telephone desk set according to claim 28, further comprising a port connecting the chamber with the atmosphere.
30. A telephone desk set according to claim 29, wherein the port is arranged to tune the frequency response of the chamber and/or allow airflow through the chamber for cooling purposes.
31. A telephone desk set according to any of claims claim 26 to 30, wherein the desk set comprises a main board having a resonant frequency which is higher than frequencies delivered by the speaker.
32. A telephone desk set according to any of claims 26 to 31, further comprising a faceplate below the screen, the faceplate functioning as a radiating baffle to decrease the directionality of sound from the speaker.
33. A telephone desk set according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a microphone for hands free operation.
34. A telephone desk set according to claim 33, wherein the microphone is located adjacent to the screen, and set back from the front of the screen.
35. A telephone desk set according to claim 33 or 34, further comprising a holder for the handset, wherein the microphone is located in a channel between the screen and the holder.
36. A telephone desk set according to claim 35, wherein the microphone is located behind a hole in the channel.
37. A telephone desk set according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the microphone is recessed with respect to the screen and the holder.
38. A telephone desk set according to any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the edge of the screen and the edge of the holder form a waveguide.
39. A telephone desk set according to claim 38, wherein the waveguide is able to attenuate audio which is reflected back to the microphone from an object in front of the desk set.
40. A telephone desk according to any of claims 33 to 39, wherein the microphone is mounted in a rubber boot.
41. A telephone desk set according to claim 40, wherein the rubber boot is arranged to dampen frequencies generated by a speaker in the desk set.
42. A telephone desk set as claimed in any preceding claim, in which substantially all data processing capability of the desk set resides within the base.
43. A telephone desk set as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the touch screen is purely a slave device, which incorporates negligible data processing capacity relative to the overall data processing capacity of the desk set.
44. A telephone desk set as claimed in claim 43, in which the touch screen comprises substantially no, or significant: data processing capacity.
45. A telephone desk set as claimed in any preceding claim, which comprises a telephone line port.
46. A telephone desk set as claimed in any preceding claim in which the touch screen comprises a communications interface connectable with a data processor, through which signalling and data are conveyed between the screen and the data processor.
47. A telephone desk set as claimed in any preceding claim in which the touch screen is maintained at an incline from the base, and from a vertical plane.
48. A telephone desk set as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises a handset holder to receive and detachably retain the handset.
49. A telephone desk set as claimed in claim 48 in which the holder is located to a side of the touch screen.
50. A telephone desk set as claimed in claim 48 or 49 which comprises a detector to determine whether or not the handset is in position on the handset holder.