JP4724349B2 - Removable housing cover for portable wireless communication device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
(Technical field)
The present invention relates to a portable wireless communication device, and more particularly to a removable cover for a portable wireless communication device.
[0002]
(Background technology)
The removable cover as disclosed in GB 2,324,929 by the applicant is different from the end-user of the mobile phone disclosed in the above-mentioned patent application by selecting the front housing cover of the mobile phone according to the user's preference. A function to replace the cover is provided. Thus, if the end-user wants to change the appearance of the mobile phone or wants to replace a housing cover that is damaged or scratched, use the service of a skilled professional in any case Without it, it is possible to replace the housing cover.
[0003]
In contrast to this background art, the present invention provides a removable housing cover that is detachably connected to a portable wireless communication device, a removable cover having an associated ID means, and a removable cover. A portable wireless communication device having a sensor for detecting the ID means and a processor for controlling the operation characteristics of the device, and a removable cover is attached to the portable wireless communication device when in use, and the sensor detects and detects the ID means. A configuration for outputting the parameters of the ID means to the processor is provided. The processor is responsive to the detected parameter to change the selected one of the operating characteristics of the portable wireless communication device.
[0004]
In other words, the present invention includes a removable housing cover for a portable wireless communication device, which is related to certain operating characteristics of the portable wireless communication device. When the removable cover is attached to the portable wireless communication device, it is adapted to reconfigure the operational characteristics of the portable wireless communication device according to the operational characteristics associated with the removable cover.
[0005]
According to the present invention, the user of the portable wireless communication device can not only change the appearance of the telephone, but can also change the operation characteristics of the device himself, both of which have one housing cover and another different housing cover. Can be easily replaced. That is, different removable housing covers have associated operating characteristics of different portable wireless communication devices, and by changing the cover, the user can change the operating characteristics of the portable wireless communication device according to the new replaceable housing cover Can do. As a result, the user's feeling of uniqueness and order-madeness of the portable wireless communication device such as a cellular phone is increased.
[0006]
A preferred embodiment is a consistent link or theme shared between the removable cover and the configuration software associated with the cover. In this way, the “individuality” of the mobile phone can be completely changed from the housing cover to the housing cover, since the housing cover and the configuration software are coupled together to convey a complete single user interface to the phone. That is, the present invention can associate aspects of telephone operating characteristics such as audio and / or graphics with different telephone covers.
[0007]
As a general condition, the approach taken in the present invention is as follows. The removable housing cover comprises several ID means in the form of a characteristic ID function. When the user desires to change the user interface, the user removes the housing cover currently attached to the telephone, for example using removable attachment means. This attachment means is described in Applicant's patent with reference to the above-described removable attachment aspect and is referenced for reference. Then, a housing cover that the user wants to newly attach to the telephone is placed on the telephone, fixed in place, and re-detachable attachment means is used. Once the position is determined, the characteristic ID function of the removable housing cover is registered in a sensor reader attached to the telephone. When the sensor reads the characteristic ID function of the removable housing cover (eg, when the phone is powered up or simply when the phone detects a change in the cover), the operating characteristics of the phone are characteristic of the removable housing cover The ID function can be changed in accordance with the ID function.
[0008]
For example, a user can purchase a removable housing cover for a favorite music band. The removable housing cover is printed with graphics associated with the band, such as a band logo, which can change the appearance of the phone to depict the user's favorite music band. When a housing cover is connected to the phone, the phone can change various operating characteristics according to aspects associated with the music band. For example, the band's logo is in the startup menu, or one of the band's hit songs sounds in the ringtone. The user interface is consequently well adapted to reflect the user's musical taste and provides a complete, single visual and manipulable interface for the music band.
[0009]
(Preferred embodiment)
To assist in a more detailed understanding of the present invention, various embodiments of the present invention are described. These are not to be construed as being limited to the present invention, but are merely illustrative of specific methods in the present invention. In particular, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0010]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention of a removable cover 2 for a mobile phone. The removable cover 2 has graphics and other indications printed on the outer surface. In this embodiment, the removable cover 2 is a front cover of a mobile phone. Of course, in other embodiments, the removable cover may be the back cover of the phone. Both front and rear covers can be removably attached to a mobile phone to provide complete visual assistance for a particular theme, and in either case the front and rear covers can retain graphics for that particular theme. it can. These are releasably attached to the telephone in the manner of removable attachment, as disclosed in Applicant's pending UK patent application No. 9903260.9, which is referenced in FIGS. Connections between supplementary couplings indicated by numbers 34 and 27-29 are provided. In this way, the overall appearance of the telephone reflects the theme.
[0011]
The removable cover is provided with a characteristic ID function type ID means. In one form, a characteristic ID function is present in a memory chip patch that carries data combined with a specific removable cover. Other forms of the characteristic ID function will be described later. The memory chip is built into the inner surface of the cover that can be removed during manufacture, as shown at reference numeral 20 in FIG. 1, and there are two, more, or only one as shown.
[0012]
When a new removable cover is attached to the phone and secured in place, the memory chip patch of the removable housing cover will, in the case of the phone, replace the reader-type sensor shown at reference numeral 22 in FIG. Registered using. The reader detects a memory chip patch on the removable housing cover and proceeds with data reading. That is, an analog or digital input (provided by a characteristic ID function) is provided to sense (performed by a reader) the type of cover attached to the phone.
[0013]
In this embodiment, the reader reads a memory chip that carries the characteristic ID function and certain predetermined parameters of the removable housing cover and transfers the data to the controller / processor of the mobile phone. This transfer of data results in operational characteristics of the phone that change in accordance with the characteristic ID function of the removable housing cover. The operation characteristics mainly mean the surface of the telephone regarding the setup of ringtone, standby, wakeup animation, etc., but are not necessarily limited to this. These include, but are not limited to:
[0014]
1. Ringing tone and ringing tone For example, changing the cover changes the effective ringing tone and audible ringing tone.
2. Animation / Screensaver For example, changing the available graphics by changing the cover.
3. Mode (manner, bag, etc.)
For example, the phone can be set to silent mode by changing the cover, or set to vibration ringing only.
4). Bookmarks, browser preferences For example, changing the cover changes the bookmark associated with the user's browser service.
5. Phone memory preferences For example, changing the available electronic phone number book by changing the cover.
6). Refilling games or game elements, levels, more players, consumable items (eg bullets).
[0015]
Thus, the removable cover constitutes an aspect of the internal operational (or behavioral) characteristics of the phone to support external visual / mechanical characteristics. If the removable cover is changed, the internal structure can be changed. Other forms of characteristic ID function and methods related to cover ID detection include:
1. A mechanical peg that is provided on the inner surface of the removable cover and extends into the interior. The pegs in use press a switch on the surface of the phone so that the presence or absence of each peg allows a given cover option. For example, one peg on the cover that pushes the switch can provide two types of cover / phone configurations. Similarly, two pegs can have four types of configurations.
2. A resistance sensor on a removable cover associated with a telephone voltage divider that provides an analog to digital conversion input.
[0016]
3. An optical sensor provided in a telephone that detects the reflectivity, material density, or translucency of a variable peg provided in a removable cover of the variable width / thickness / reflective peg.
4). A telephone magnetic sensor that measures the strength / direction of the magnetic field of the corresponding magnetic ID function provided on the removable cover.
5. A silicon memory or processor chip that is provided on a removable cover and that reads only at power-on so that there is no detrimental impact during standby and then powers off.
6). Detachable cover holographic ID function and telephone holographic reader.
Each example listed above has an essentially different level of complexity and performance.
In addition, there are many different methods provided by the present invention to allow different internal configurations (eg, operating characteristics) for the mobile phone.
[0017]
As one configuration, a mobile phone can have a plurality of prestored internal configurations already included in the phone. This pre-storage can be performed and fixed by the telephone manufacturer. When a particular removable cover is attached to the phone, the characteristic ID function is read from the removable cover and a corresponding one of the pre-stored internal configurations is stored in a plurality of pre- Selected from stored internal configuration. In other words, by attaching the selected removable cover, the relevant internal configuration can be selected from a catalog of pre-stored internal configurations already included in the telephone. In such a configuration, a identifiable and executable predetermined link exists between the characteristic ID function and the corresponding previously stored internal configuration.
[0018]
Alternatively, the internal configuration can be pre-stored by the phone manufacturer and made selectable by the user to match a particular cover combination. With the appropriate removable cover on the phone, the user selects the internal configuration that he wants to use in connection with a specific suitable removable cover from a range of pre-programmed internal configurations, using a menu of driven options Is possible.
[0019]
Alternatively, the internal configuration can be retrieved / downloaded from a remote server / network such as an Internet website. In this configuration, the characteristic ID function is read from the cover and transmitted to the Internet website. In response, the Internet website downloads a new internal configuration associated with the removable cover to the mobile phone. That is, when the user changes the removable cover, an automatic download is performed (eg, using WAP) to provide a new internal configuration that matches the particular removable cover that is installed.
[0020]
In this configuration, the Internet website instructs how to start and read data between the removable cover and the phone. If this configuration is available on the website, for example, on a daily basis, the cover ID will bring up a new configuration to the phone for uploading from the Internet website. Downloads can be made from the phone manufacturer server or from a third party server that provides such removable covers, such as an operator or content provider.
Thus, in the music band example described above, attaching a removable cover associated with a music band also allows a user to access the band's website and download music.
[0021]
As a further example, the operating characteristics of the telephone are determined by a predetermined “profile” option. A “profile” specifies a group of operating characteristics linked to a given mode or situation in which the mobile phone is used. For example, in a “meeting profile”, if a user is attending a meeting and the meeting does not want to be interrupted, but wants to be aware of incoming calls, the mobile phone can only be used for a small volume ring tone or vibration Can be set. On the other hand, in the “home profile”, the mobile phone can be set to a large volume ringtone. Other modes relate to the situation in which the telephone is used, for example, “silent profile” is convenient for use in theaters and cinemas.
[0022]
In this embodiment, the removable cover of the present invention is related to the desired profile. That is, different profiles are linked to different removable covers. For example, for outdoor use, there is a profile setting called “Outside” that is associated with a light-colored cover, and when a light-colored cover is attached to a mobile phone, the “Outside” profile is It will be selected. In connection with the “outside” cover, mobile phones are set up to include transferring large volume ring tones and company phones (eg, defined by caller groups) to the user's mailbox. . Thus, if a light colored cover is attached to the mobile phone, the user immediately recognizes that an outside profile is available on the mobile phone. Instead, the dark colored cover is used to indicate an “office” profile for office use, and when attached to a mobile phone, it can be used to generate a small volume ringtone or private phone (again, eg, a call Set up an office profile that can be automatically transferred to the user's mailbox).
[0023]
Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user can change the profile setting of his / her mobile phone quickly and conveniently. Also, the user can always look at the mobile phone and immediately identify which profile settings are currently active without checking the display or searching the phone menu options.
[0024]
Different removable cases have their own respective mechanical switch actuators, and when attached to a mobile phone, the provided unique switch combination is closed. Thus, different profiles operate with different switch positions. Alternatively, the memory chip is built into a removable cover that conveys data relating to profile settings and is read by the phone sensor and installed in the phone when attached to the phone.
Of course, a menu with changing profiles is possible despite the presence of a specific profile cover. That is, the user can manually change the profile without having a specific desired phone cover for a specific situation.
[0025]
The present invention has a wide range of products, services, and joint branding applications such as e-commerce, e-banking, music distribution, and product sales promotion. Also, removable covers include themes including seasonal covers and event covers. The game cover can be easily worn by the user, for example, automatically setting up a new game installation on the mobile phone / handset or providing refills.
Accordingly, the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Regarding the scope of the invention, reference should be made to the appended claims and other general descriptions within this specification rather than the foregoing description.
[0026]
Further, each function disclosed in this specification (which includes claims) and / or shown in the drawings may be incorporated into the present invention independently of other disclosure and / or example functions. In this regard, the present invention is clearly set forth herein regardless of whether it relates to the claims or whether to alleviate any or all of the related problems. Or any novel feature or combination of features disclosed in any general form.
The accompanying abstract filed here is hereby incorporated by reference.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the back surface of a removable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper side of the portable wireless communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (9)

A user-replaceable housing cover that can be detachably attached to a portable wireless communication device having a plurality of operating characteristics , the housing cover comprising:
An identification means for identifying the housing cover, the identification means having readable data stored in a memory;
A user of the portable wireless communication device, attaching and detaching means for attaching or removing the housing cover to the portable wireless communication device;
With
The portable radio communication device has a sensor for detecting the identification means of the housing cover, and a processor for controlling the operating characteristics of the portable radio communication device,
When the housing cover is attached to said portable radio communication device, the sensor reads the readable data from the identification means detected with detecting the presence of said identification means, said processor on the basis of the read-out data Configured to output data to
Wherein the processor in response to the output data, the portable wherein configured to modify those selected from the operation characteristics of the wireless communication device, exchangeable housing cover by the user. The readable data stored in the identification means has a plurality of pre-stored operation characteristic data defined in advance for the portable wireless communication device,
The sensor, in order to download the operating characteristics data, the reading of the readable data from the identification means, wherein the operating characteristics data to be the download is to the processor, one or more of the downloaded operating characteristics configured configured to cause change the operating characteristics of the portable radio communication device using,
The housing cover according to claim 1. The identification means permits the portable wireless communication device to access a predetermined server or network and download data including an operation characteristic mode for the portable wireless communication device. Housing cover as described in.   The housing cover according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined server or network corresponds to an Internet website. Said identification means comprises a memory or processor chip, the sensor housing cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a reader for reading said memory or the processor chip. The operating characteristics of the portable wireless communication device are:
-Ringtone and / or music ringtone,
-Animation / screen saver,
− Mode,
-Bookmarks and / or browser preferences,
-Telephone memory preferences,
-Games and / or game elements,
-UI screen color and / or UI style,
-Input method,
-Audio setup,
-Default message,
-Display language,
-Agent and / or agent setup,
-Security key,
-Push message filters and / or accounts,
-Setup and / or configuration settings are possible,
-Sensor weight,
-Outgoing call regulation,
The housing cover of claim 1, comprising one or more of:   The housing cover according to claim 1, wherein a display or graphics is printed on a surface thereof and covers all or a part of the portable wireless communication device. A user-replaceable housing cover that can be detachably attached to a portable wireless communication device having a sensor, the housing cover comprising:
A user of the portable wireless communication device, detachable means for detachably attaching the housing cover to the portable wireless communication device;
An identification means having readable data stored in a memory;
And when the housing cover is attached to the portable wireless communication device, the identification means is connected to a sensor of the portable wireless communication device, and the sensor can read the readable data from the identification means. is the by the readable data read out, the internal functions of the portable radio communication apparatus is characterized in that it is dependent on the identification means, the housing cover. A portable wireless communication device having a housing cover replaceable by a user,
A sensor for reading data from the housing cover ;
A processor for controlling the operating characteristics of the device,
The housing cover includes identification means having readable data stored in a memory, and attachment / detachment means for a user of the portable wireless communication device to attach or remove the housing cover to the portable wireless communication device ,
The sensor of the portable radio communication apparatus, together with reading the readable data from said identification means of said housing cover, to provide input to the processor based on the readable data,
The processor is configured to be controlled to switch one or more operational characteristics of the portable wireless communication device according to the readable data of the identification means upon being provided with the input .
Portable wireless communication device.

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