GB2543738A

GB2543738A - A holder for a mobile communication device

Info

Publication number: GB2543738A
Application number: GB1516472.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Selim Fattal Fouad; Munir Nasr Nabil
Original assignee: Krimston Sal
Current assignee: Krimston Sal
Priority date: 2015-09-17
Filing date: 2015-09-17
Publication date: 2017-05-03
Also published as: GB201516472D0

Abstract

A holder for a mobile communication device, the holder comprises an identification interface for coupling to a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), a mobile communication network module arranged to manage a connection to a mobile communication network, a Personal Area Network (PAN) module arranged to manage a connection to the mobile communication device and an audio module adapted to enable input and output of audio signals. The holder / sleeve or cover for a mobile communication device provides additional functionality using a SIM connected to the holder. Voice calls can be facilitated using the audio module and the mobile network in combination with the SIM, while the wireless PAN module enables communication with the mobile device. The device may thus receive data from and send data to the holder, for example to display information relating to the operation of the holder or to facilitate control of the functionality of the holder through the mobile communication device. An application is loaded on the mobile device to provide an interface with the holder with communications being managed between holder and device using the PAN (e.g. Bluetooth (RTM)) or WI-FI (RTM)).

Description

A Holder for a Mobile Communication Device

Field

The present disclosure relates to a holder for use with a mobile communication device and a method of operation of the same. In particular, the disclosure relates to a holder which can provide independent connection to a mobile communication network to that provided by the mobile communication device itself.

Background

The link between a mobile communication device and the network on which it operates is mediated by the use of a subscriber identification module (SIM) often provided on a removable card (i.e. a SIM card). The SIM allows the communication network to identify the device and provide services to that device which can then be charged to user on the basis of that identification.

As each SIM is tied to a particular service provider, the user will typically choose the SIM they consider to offer the best services for their requirements. However, service providers, and different offerings by the same service provider, often have different strengths. One widely understood example of this is when “roaming” (i.e. when connecting to a mobile communication network outside the host country/coverage of the network for which the SIM was provided). Sometimes a service provider will facilitate access to alternative networks using the existing SIM when a user is roaming, but such access is often relatively expensive, particularly for data connections.

Some providers offer SIM cards associated with payment plans designed specifically for roaming, which may offer improved terms over conventional SIM cards in this context. However, there are likely to be restrictions regarding the countries and networks to which such a plan applies.

To avoid data charges in particular, the user of a mobile communication device may prefer to access data via wireless local area network (such as Wi-Fi) hotspots, which provide local areas of wireless internet access. However, such hotspots are not always available, and may also be associated with charges for using their facilities.

There are therefore circumstances in which a single SIM card does not provide the range of functionality that the user of the device desires. A user may wish to combine the features available from a plurality of SIM cards. However, replacing a SIM card within a typical device is often a cumbersome procedure, and the user may wish to have more ready access to the services associated with more than one card.

To this end, some mobile communication devices are designed to carry more than one SIM card. However, most devices do not offer this functionality and thus user choice of device is severely restricted if they require “dual-SIM” operation of this type. In general, the majority of devices sold today do not offer this functionality.

Some covers or sleeves for mobile communication devices have been designed to provide this additional functionality to existing devices. However, such holders typically fail to allow simultaneous operation of multiple SIMs, and furthermore the interface between such holders and the host device software and hardware can create difficulties. Device manufacturers may be wary of allowing external peripherals to access to host device’s core communications functionality, meaning that seamless integration of such holders is difficult to achieve.

There remains a desire to improve the functionality of mobile communication devices, particularly in view of the limits associated with SIM mediated connection to communication networks as outlined above.

Summary

According to a first aspect, there is provided a holder for a mobile communication device, the holder comprising: an interface for coupling to a subscriber identification module; a mobile communication network module arranged to manage a connection to a mobile communication network; a personal area network module arranged to manage a connection to the mobile communication device; and an audio module adapted to enable input and output of audio signals.

The features of the first aspect can enable a holder, such as a sleeve or cover, for a mobile communication device to provide additional functionality using a SIM connected to the holder. Voice calls can be facilitated using the audio module and the mobile communication network in combination with the SIM, while the wireless personal area network module enables communication with the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may thus receive data from and send data to the holder, for example to display information relating to the operation of the holder or to facilitate control of the functionality of the holder through the mobile communication device.

Accordingly, the benefits of an additional SIM over that coupled directly to the mobile communication device may be realised without disconnecting the existing SIM. As such, simultaneous operation of multiple SIMs may be possible, enabling, for example, calls to be received using whichever SIM corresponds to the number dialled by an external caller. Furthermore, the holder may not rely on core components of the mobile communication device (such as its microphone, speaker or network communication electronics) to provide this facility, thereby enabling seamless integration without compromising the security of such aspects of the mobile communication device.

In preferred embodiments, the holder further comprises a wireless local area network module for establishing a wireless local area network. Such a network may be particularly beneficial in providing internet access to the mobile communication device or other suitable devices in proximity to the holder. This can facilitate a data connection for the mobile communication device which is not reliant upon the SIM directly coupled to that device.

The holder may be arranged to modify the nature of the connection to the mobile communication network in dependence on a rate of data traffic through the wireless local area network. In this way, battery usage can be controlled by selecting a mode of operation suitable to the required data traffic. For example, when a high level of data traffic is required a high-speed internet connection, such as a 3G or 4G connection, may be established while when a low level of data traffic is required a less power-consuming low-speed internet connection, such as a 2G connection, may be established. There may be provided a threshold value for the data traffic to determine the level of traffic at which the connection to the mobile communication network is modified.

The holder may be arranged to, at least in some modes of operation, intermittently establish the wireless local area network, wherein intervals between periods in which the wireless local area network is established are set by a predetermined time value, and the periods in which the wireless local area network are established are determined in dependence upon the time required to fulfil a desired task. The desired task may be to download all pending notifications, for example. In this mode of operation, the wireless local network is not always “on” and there is thus a corresponding reduction in battery usage.

The holder may further comprise a device power interface for providing power to the mobile communication device. As such, the holder may be used to power the mobile communication device or to recharge its battery. For example, the power interface may be a male thunderbolt connector for interfacing with devices produced by the Apple Corporation. In other examples, the device power interface may take alternative forms.

The holder may further comprise a holder power interface for receiving power from a power source. For example, the holder power interface may be a universal serial bus (USB) interface designed to receive power from a source. The holder power interface may therefore receive the power necessary to operate the holder and/or the mobile communication device.

The holder may further comprise a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery. This may provide the necessary power to the mobile communication device and may additionally offer a supplementary power source to the mobile communication device in addition to that device’s internal battery.

In preferred embodiments, the personal area network module is a wireless personal area network module. For example, the personal area network module may be a Bluetooth module. Thus a wireless personal area network may be established to provide a connection over Bluetooth with the mobile communication device. Alternative personal area networks such as INSTEON, IrDA or ZigBee may alternatively or additionally be supported by the wireless personal area network module.

In preferred embodiments, the wireless local area network module is a Wi-Fi module. Accordingly, the wireless local area network module may enable a data connection between the holder and the device over a Wi-Fi network. The wireless local area network module may support one or more of the IEEE 802.11 standards for example.

In some embodiments, the personal area network module may provide a connection via any other appropriate physical or wireless means.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a system comprising the holder of the first aspect and a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may be a mobile telephone. The system may further comprise a subscriber identification module coupled to the identification interface of the holder.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for facilitating connection to a mobile communication network, comprising: providing a mobile communication device in communication with a holder for the mobile communication device through a personal area network; wherein the holder comprises an identification interface for coupling to a subscriber identification module; a mobile communication network module arranged to manage a connection to a mobile communication network; a personal area network module arranged to manage a connection to the mobile communication device; and an audio module adapted to enable input and output of audio signals.

The holder may further comprise a wireless local area network module for establishing a wireless local area network, and the method may further comprise: establishing a connection between the holder and the mobile communication device through the wireless local area network.

The method may further comprise modifying the nature of the connection to the mobile communication network in dependence on a rate of data traffic through the wireless local area network.

In some preferred embodiments, the method may comprise intermittently establishing the wireless local area network, wherein intervals between periods in which the wireless local area network is established are set by a predetermined time value, and the periods in which the wireless local area network are established are determined in dependence upon the time required to fulfil a desired task. The desired task may be to download all pending notifications, for example.

It can also be appreciated that aspects of the disclosure can be implemented using computer program code. Indeed, according to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is therefore provided a computer program product comprising computer executable instructions for carrying out the method of the third aspect. The computer program product may be a physical / tangible storage medium. For example, the storage medium may be a Read Only Memory (ROM) or other memory chip. Alternatively, it may be a disk such as a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD-ROM) or Compact Disk (CD-ROM) or other data carrier. It could also be a signal such as an electronic signal over wires, an optical signal or a radio signal such as to a satellite or the like. The disclosure also extends to a processor running the software or code, e.g. a computer configured to carry out the method described above.

Brief Description of the Figures

An embodiment of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a holder according to a preferred embodiment; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the holder of Figure 1 together with a mobile communication device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the holder of Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 4A to 4J illustrate the operation of the holder; and

Figure 5 illustrates a relationship between states of operation of the holder.

Description

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a holder 100 according to a preferred embodiment is designed for coupling to a mobile communication device 200. The holder comprises an on/off button 110, an answer button 120, a Wi-Fi button 130, a SIM slot tray 140, a status indicator 150, a Wi-Fi indicator 160, a device power interface 170 and holder power interface 180.

The on/off button 110 enables a user to turn power to the holder on and off. In particular, in the preferred embodiment a 4 second push of the on/off button 110 causes the holder 100 to either power up or down. The on/off button can also be used to perform a battery check by activating the status indicator 150 when it is briefly pushed (for example, for less than one second).

The status indicator 150 is a three colour LED indicator, which when activated by the on/off switch 110 lights up in a colour associated with the current level of battery charge for the battery of the holder 100. For example, the status indicator 150 may emit green light when the battery status is fully or nearly fully charged, blue when the battery status is around 50% charged and red when the battery is almost depleted of charge. The status indicator 150 may also be used to provide other information. It may, for example: blink when unanswered activity has occurred relating to a SIM in the holder 100 (missed calls, SMS), blink when hardware is powered up or powered down, blink when the holder 100 pairs with the mobile communication device 200, blink when the holder 100 is charging, blinks when the holder 100 is in power banking mode (i.e. a mode in which it provides power to the mobile communication device 200). All the above-mentioned modes can be differentiated by the blinking colour and speed.

The answer button 120 may be used to answer an incoming call to a SIM inserted in the holder 100 (for example, by pressing the button for 1 sec or less). The answer button may also be used to put the hardware in Bluetooth pairing mode (for example, by selecting the button for 4 seconds).

The Wi-Fi button 130 may be used to activate or deactivate a wi-fi hotspot feature of the holder 100. The Wi-Fi indicator 160 may be an LED indicator which indicates whether the Wi-Fi is on or off.

The SIM slot tray 140 allows the user to insert or remove a SIM card to or from the holder 100.

The device power interface 170 in the preferred embodiment is a male thunderbolt connector: this connects the holder 100 to the mobile communication device 200 allowing the power bank feature (i.e. the provision of power to the mobile communication device 200 from a battery of the holder 100) as well as “simultaneous” charging in case mobile communication device 200 and holder 100 are mated and the holder 100 is plugged to a power source.

The holder power interface 180 enables power to be received by the holder from an external source. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the holder power interface is a Female Micro USB port.

In Figure 2, a mobile communication device 200 is illustrated coupled to the holder 100. The mobile communication device 200 may be any device capable of network communications. In particular, the mobile communication device 200 may be a device capable of communication with a mobile communication network. The mobile communication device may receive a SIM card directly to facilitate such communications. The mobile communication device 200 may be a mobile telephone, particularly a smartphone.

The mobile communication device 200 comprises a user interface which in the embodiment shown in a touchscreen interface. Through the personal area network established between the mobile communication device 200 and the holder 100, a user can control the holder 100 through the user interface of the mobile communication device 200.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic diagram of the electronic components of the holder 100. Figure 3 shows logical relationships but should not be understood to imply any particular physical configuration of the various illustrated components.

It can be seen that the holder 100 further comprises a battery 210 and printed circuit board 220 on which various modules are mounted, an audio module 230 and an antenna 240.

The printed circuit board (PCB) 220 (in this example, an eight layer PCB) has mounted upon it: a Wi-Fi module 222, a Bluetooth module 224, a microcontroller 226 and a network communication module 228. The Wi-fi module 222 is a wireless local area network module allowing the invention to broadcast a Wi-Fi using the data retrieved from a communications network using the SIM card inserted in the holder 100. The Bluetooth module 224 is a wireless personal area network module responsible for pairing the mobile communication device 200 with the holder 100 so that they may exchange information and instructions, particularly whenever the network communication module 228 is active in communication with a communication network. The microcontroller 226 is a chip that analyses all the activities happening on the holder 100 and redirects signals to the appropriate components.

The mobile communication network module 228 arranged to manage a connection to a mobile communication network. For example, the mobile communication network may be a GSM, 3G or 4G network. The mobile communication network module 228 may be capable of managing connections to multiple mobile communication networks, and therefore may select an appropriate network according to functionality required or observed signal strength, for example. Further details of an approach to network selection which reduces unnecessary battery load will be described below. The mobile communication network module 228 of the illustrated embodiment facilitates both voice calls and data services. The mobile communication network module 238 may communicate with the SIM slot tray 140 to enable data from a SIM card inserted into this tray to be used to authenticate connections with the mobile communication network(s).

Battery 210 is provided to provide power to the electronic components of the invention. The battery 210 may also provide power to the mobile communication device via device power interface 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery is a rechargeable battery and may be charged through power received at the holder power interface 180.

The holder 100 further comprises an audio module 230 enabling audio input and output. This facilitates communication (during, for example, voice calls) without requiring access to equivalent features of the mobile communication device 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio module comprises a microphone 232 for receiving an audio input from the user. A speaker 234 is provided to provide an audio output at low volume when the holder is held up to the user’s ear, while loudspeaker 236 provides an audio output at a higher volume for use when the holder 100 is used in a loudspeaker mode in which the user operates the device at a distance.

Also shown in Figure 3 is an antenna 250 to for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to the mobile communication network and memory 260 which is provided to hold firmware and boot loaders together with any temporary buffers required for operation of the holder 100.

Operation of the holder will now be described with reference to Figures 4A to 4J. An application is loaded on the mobile communication device 200 to provide an interface with the holder 100, with communications being managed between holder 100 and mobile communication device 200 using the personal area network (such as a Bluetooth connection) established using Bluetooth module 224. The holder 100 and mobile communication device 200 may also communicate with one another across wireless local area network managed by Wi-Fi module 222 in order to transfer data.

The application consists of a full controller of the holder 100, allowing the user to manipulate all of the holder’s functionality and be updated on the holder’s status at all times using the interface of the mobile communication device 200. It is developed based on public APIs and libraries.

The application and the holder 100 communicate with each other on two levels: Wifi for data thanks to Internet tethering, and low power Bluetooth for (in particular) telephony: all incoming and outgoing calls, incoming and outgoing sms which are transmitted/received by the holder 100 are notified using the low power Bluetooth module. Pop ups will appear on the screen of the mobile communication device 200 notifying the activity happening. When the pop up notification is clicked on, it will directly link to the application allowing the user to answer or read the incoming call/sms related to the sim in the holder 100.

The application is extremely user friendly, giving the user simple yet smart control of the device. In addition to the status bar reflecting statuses related to the cover such as the signal strength of the SIM in the cover, data type (Edge or 3G), battery status of the cover etc., the user can have full control of the cover through five main tabs Recents, SMS, Contacts, Keypad and Dashboard. 1- Recents

All incoming and outgoing calls are recorded and displayed (as illustrated in Figure 4A), sorted by time and date.

Every record consists of: • An icon indicating whether it is an incoming or outgoing call • Number or Contact display • Number description (i.e. mobile, work, home etc. as saved in contacts) • Time and date of the record • Colour indicator whether it’s a missed call (red) or no • Clicking on one of the records will give the user the option to call or sms the record number from the page itself (as illustrated in Figure 4B). • The user has the power to delete any log if needed. 2- Messages

This tab of the application allows users to manage all the sms’s sent or received to the holder 100 (see Figure 4C).

All sms communication between the holder 100 and the recipients are recorded here in forms of conversation. Every conversation is related to a contact or a group of contacts. A conversation record consists of: • Contact(s) name(s) or number(s) • Date related to the last sms sent or received • Preview of the last sms User Can: • Send a new SMS (Figure 4D) • By clicking on the new message icon, user can enter a phone number manually or select one from the contact list of the application, then enter a text in the sms text box and send the content by clicking on send. • Read /Manage conversations along with their corresponding sms (Figure 4E) • Delete conversation / sms (Figure 4F). 3- Contacts

When the application is launched, all smartphone contacts (i.e. contacts stored on the mobile communication device 200) are synched to the application allowing the user to have access to all of his personal contacts while navigating through the application (see Figure 4G).

The application will automatically update any new contact added by the user on his mobile communication device 200. This can also be forced manually by using the sync feature in the setting tab of the application.

User can search for a contact using either the search box, or the index on the right of the contact list, or by simply scroll through his contact list.

Once a contact is selected, the user can choose to call or sms the number he wishes to communicate with. 4- Dialer

User can enter any alphanumerical sequence to call, charge or get info of the sim card inserted in the holder 100 (see Figure 4H). 5- Dashboard:

The dashboard is illustrated in Figures 4I and 4J and gives a visual interface to the main features a user frequently uses. It allows control of six features in particular:

Power Off Bluetooth Pairing Hotspot SmartHotspot Powerbank

Settings (This is the interface the user will use to configure all settings needed for the sim inserted in the holder 100 to guarantee proper functionality (i.e. APN configuration, hotspot username and password etc.)

Bluetooth pairing relates to the connection of the holder 100 to the mobile communication device 200 across the Bluetooth connection. Hotspot and SmartHotspot relate to the provision of a wireless local area network by the holder 100 to allow internet access by the mobile communication device 200. The SmartHotspot differs from the Hotspot through to provision of improved power management to reduce battery usage (for example, by switching on and off automatically at intervals so as to enable download of notifications without being constantly switched on), as will be explained in more detail below. “Powerbank” relates to the use of the holder 100 to provide power to the mobile communication device 200 via device power interface 170. When this feature is switched on, the battery of the mobile communication device 100 can be charged in this manner, while when switched off, the holder 100 does not transfer power.

The “SmartHotspot” optimises battery usage within the holder 100 given the fact that hot-spotting battery consumption is known to be extremely high (since it involves the use of the two most power consuming components in today’s technology: Wi-Fi and the mobile communications network module). The Smarthotspot works with two main variables: 1. Switch between high speed data (3G) and low speed data (Edge) depending on data traffic. 2. Power On and Power Off the holder 100 for a certain time lapse defined by the user making sure to switch to get all the pending data once it is up and going back to shut down mode unless the user engages in data activity.

In order to fully understand the battery management provided for the holder, a number of operational states may be defined as follows. In these definitions: BLE refers to the Bluetooth module 224; GSM (Call) refers to telephone call facilities of the mobile communication network module 228; GPRS (data) refers to data facilities of the mobile communication network module 228; Wifi refers to the Wi-Fi module 222I Earpiece refers to speaker 234; loudspeaker refers to loudspeaker 236 and microphone refers to microphone 232.

The holder 100 can be in one of the following different states: 1- Off: No power at all. Holder 100 is completely shut down.

2- On: Holder 100 is turned on manually by clicking the On/Off button.

3- Sleep: Low power Bluetooth is active keeping the GSM line up and running. Data/GPRS is off

4- Call 2G (earpiece): Active GSM in 2G mode on earpiece

5- Call 2G (Loudspeaker): Active GSM in 2G mode on loudspeaker 236

6- Call 4G: Active GSM in 4G mode

7- Call 4G (Loudspeaker): Active GSM in 2G mode on loudspeaker 236

8- Access Point 2G (Stand by): When data activity is low, keep data on 2G

9- Access Point 4G: When high speed internet is in use, activate 4G

At least the following processes may be put into effect using the holder: 1- Turn On: On/Off Button is pressed for 4 seconds and sleeve is turned on. 2- Turn Off: On/Off Button is pressed for 4 seconds and sleeve is turned off. 3- Activate Access Point (Hotspot): Wireless Button is pressed where initial state was OFF or Hotspot is switched ON from application. 4- Deactivate Access Point (Hotspot): Wireless Button is pressed where initial state was ON or Hotspot is switched OFF from application. 5- Low data activity (GPRS data consumption is below DL) 6- High data activity (GPRS data consumption is above DL) 7- Incoming Call / Call Answer 8- Incoming Call /Reject Call 9- Outgoing Call 10- Activate Loudspeaker

Variables which may contribute to the setting of the states of the holder 100 during use may include:

Data Limit (DL): This is a threshold value for data traffic that determines whether a 2G or 4G data connection is selected.

Data Consumption (DC): This is the data traffic required to fulfil the user’s requests.

Timer: This is a counter used to automatically trigger actions The timer is reset to “0” and stopped every time the sleeve moves from one state to another.

Wireless connection time (WCT): This is the time needed to establish a wifi connection between the holder 100 and the mobile communication device 200.

Hotspot Value: Number of minutes the user sets as interval between hotspots waking moments when in smarthotspot mode.

Data Fetch Value (DFV): The time required to fetch the data needed to get all pending notifications/complete pending tasks.

The operation of the Hotspot and SmartHotspot functions of the holder 100 including battery management algorithms can be understood with reference to Figure 5 and the following “Use Cases” described below. The three Use Cases which will now be described are: Use case 1: Turning hotspot ON; Use case 2: Smarthotspot mode ON without user disruption; and Use case 3: Smarthotspot mode ON with user disruption.

Use case 1: Access point is turned ON A user decides to activate the holder 100 hotspot by pressing the wifi button or by switching hotspot to ON from the app. As long as this mode is ON, user you should be online getting all the data info on his apps (notifications, mails etc.)

The power optimization in that case consists in switching the GPRS from 4G to 2G depending on data traffic.

States involved: Sleep / AP 4G ZAP 2G / OFF

Initial State: Sleep Mode

Triggers: - Pressing the Hardware wifi button - Activating Hotspot from the App

Cycle description: a- Switch wifi ON b- Switch AP4G ON c- Reset Timer to “0” d- If DC<DL, start timer e- If DC< DL and Timer>30 sec, change from AP 4G to AP 2G or else, if timer <30sec and DC > DL, reset timer to “0” f- If sleeve is in “AP2G” and DC>DL, switch to “AP4G”

The above-mentioned cycle ends when user switches hotspot Off either by pressing the sleeve button or through the application.

Use case2: Smart hotspot mode is on without user disruption (DC<DL)

User decides to activate smarthotspot from the application. The following cycle describes basic functionality of smart hotspot without any user interruption. The power optimization is that case consists of turning ON and OFF the AP in different modes.

States involved: Sleep / AP 4G /AP 2G

Initial State: can be any of Sleep, AP 4G or AP 2G. 1- Initial state: Sleep

User decides to activate smarthopspot while access point was not ON. Sleeve will then go once to a AP4G state then loop between Sleep and AP2G.

Trigger: - First time trigger: Smart Hotspot activation from settings - Continuous trigger: “Timer” = “Hotspot Value”

Cycle definition: a- Switch from Sleep to AP4G b- Reset Timer to “0”, start timer c- When Timer = DFV, move from AP4G state to Sleep state d- Reset Timer to “0”, start timer e- When Timer= Hotspot value, switch from Sleep to AP2G mode f- Reset timer to “0”, start timer g- When Timer = DFV, move from AP2G to Sleep mode

Manual wifi wake up can happen anytime by clicking on the wifi button or activating hotspot from the app. The cycle from d to g repeats until the user turn off SmartHotpot mode. The Hotspot On/Off button in the app and hardware should always be synced with the sleeve state.

2- Initial State: AP2G

User decides to activate smarthotspot while sleeve is in AP2G. a- Move from AP2G to AP4G b- Loop the “1” cycle from “b” to “g”

3- Initial state: AP4G

User decides to activate smarthotspot while sleeve is in AP4G.

Start the “1” cycle from “b” to “g”

Use case3: Smart hotspot mode is on, user engages in data activity once hotspot is active (DC>DL)

User decides to use data the when AP is up with smarthotspot active.

States involved: Sleep / AP2G / AP4G

Initial state: AP2G

Trigger: - Data Consumption > Data Limit (in case user decides to use data) - Data Consumption < Data Limit (phone remains unused for 30 sec)

Cycle definition:

a- If DC>CL, switch from AP2G to AP4G b- If user stopped using data: DC<DL, reset timer to 0 and start timer c- If timer > 30 sec and DC< DL, switch to Sleep mode and loop usecase2.1, else, reset timer value to “0”

Variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features described herein. Features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, features which are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single feature may fulfill the functions of several features recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. It should also be noted that the Figures are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

It will be understood by the skilled person that where any reference to a specific technology is made, any other appropriate technology may also be used. For example, where reference is made to ‘4G’, any other appropriate technology may equally be used, for example 2G, 3G, WiMax or LTE.

Claims

1. A holder for a mobile communication device, the holder comprising: an identification interface for coupling to a subscriber identification module; a mobile communication network module arranged to manage a connection to a mobile communication network; a personal area network module arranged to manage a connection to the mobile communication device; and an audio module adapted to enable input and output of audio signals.

2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the personal area network module is a wireless personal area network module or wherein the said connection managed by the personal area network is a physical connection.

3. A holder according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wireless personal area network module is a Bluetooth module.

4. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless local area network module for establishing a wireless local area network.

5. A holder according to claim 4, wherein the wireless local area network module is a Wi-Fi module.

6. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder further comprises a device power interface for providing power to the mobile communication device.

7. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder further comprises a holder power interface for receiving power from a power source.

8. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery.

9. A system comprising: a holder according to any one of the preceding claims; and a mobile communication device coupled to the holder.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the mobile communication device is a mobile telephone.

11. The system of claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising a subscriber identification module coupled to the identification interface of the holder.

12. A method for facilitating connection to a mobile communication network, comprising: providing a mobile communication device in communication with a holder for the mobile communication device through a personal area network; wherein the holder comprises an identification interface for coupling to a subscriber identification module; a mobile communication network module arranged to manage a connection to a mobile communication network; a personal area network module arranged to manage a connection to the mobile communication device; and an audio module adapted to enable input and output of audio signals.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the holder further comprises a wireless local area network module for establishing a wireless local area network, and the method comprises: establishing a connection between the holder and the mobile communication device through the wireless local area network.

14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising: modifying the nature of the connection to the mobile communication network in dependence on a rate of data traffic through the wireless local area network.

15. A method according to either claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising: intermittently establishing the wireless local area network, wherein intervals between periods in which the wireless local area network is established are set by a predetermined time value, and the periods in which the wireless local area network are established are determined in dependence upon the time required to fulfil a desired task.

16. A computer program product containing computer executable code for carrying out the method of any one of claims 12 to 15.