WO2008117098A1

WO2008117098A1 - A mobile telephone comprising a projector and a separable handset

Info

Publication number: WO2008117098A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/000992
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gert Frederik Meyer
Original assignee: Gert Frederik Meyer
Priority date: 2007-03-27
Filing date: 2007-04-17
Publication date: 2008-10-02
Also published as: WO2008117102A1; WO2008117103A1; WO2008117100A1; WO2008117101A1

Abstract

A mobile telephone having associated therewith a projector is provided and characterised in that a handset is provided which is separable from the projector. The handset permits telephone calls to be made and the projector to be operated simultaneously. A docking station and a control unit for a mobile telephone having an integral projector are also provided. The control unit allows telephone calls to be made through the mobile telephone from a remote location.

Description

A MOBILE TELEPHONE COMPRISING A PROJECTOR AND A SEPARABLE HANDSET

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a mobile telephone.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Mobile telephones are increasingly being improved to perform a diverse range of functions. These include viewing television, performing PDA functions and acting as a GPS receiver.

It is also proposed to use mobile telephones to project images onto screens or other suitable surfaces. An example of such a telephone is described in US patent no 6,489,934. Miniature projectors proposed for use in mobile telephones have been demonstrated but not yet commercialised. One type makes use of high-intensity LED's whilst another makes use of colour lasers. It is envisaged that the projector could be used to project presentations, television programmes, photographs, video clips and the like. Whilst it may be convenient to have a portable projector of this nature, this proposed application also entails a great deal of inconvenience for the user of the mobile telephone in that it is not possible to move the unit to make or receive calls whilst projecting images.

The use of currently available "handsfree" devices, such as Bluetooth and Wibree headsets, does not alleviate this problem as these devices have limited capability and generally only allow calls to be answered. Some mobile telephones permit voice dialing using handsfree devices but this too is of limited use as it requires that each number to be dialed have a pre-recorded voice clip associated with it. This is generally inconvenient and often ineffective. As a consequence, this feature will not either permit full use of the mobile telephone whilst the projector is in use.

In this specification, "projector" shall have its widest meaning and include any means for generating and projecting an image, including by means of 3LCD, Digital Light Processing ("DLP") and laser, and these could include the use of LED's or bulbs.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a mobile telephone which will at least partially alleviate the abovementioned problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a mobile telephone having associated therewith a projector, characterized in that a handset is provided which is separable from the projector.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided for the telecommunications network transceiver of the mobile telephone to be separable from the handset; for the transceiver to be associated with the projector; and for the handset to communicate with the transceiver through a wireless link, including a Bluetooth and Wibree link.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided for the network transceiver to be associated with the handset; and for the projector to communicate with the transceiver through a wireless link, including a Bluetooth and Wibree link.

Further features of the invention provide for the handset and projector to be operable simultaneously; for the handset to include controls to operate the projector; for the controls to be separable from the handset; for a camera to be provided on the handset; for there to be a control unit for the projector associated therewith; for the control unit to be separable from the projector; and for the control unit to include a display monitor.

Still further features of the invention provide for the handset to be uniquely paired to the transceiver; for there to be multiple handsets communicable with the projector; and for each of the multiple handsets to be uniquely paired to the transceiver.

Yet further features of the invention provide for there to be a docking station configured to receive the projector; for the docking station to include a power supply to the projector; for the docking station to include a telecommunications network signal amplifier; for the docking station to include a further telecommunications network transceiver communicable with the projector or the handset; for the docking station to have separate ports for each of the projector and handset; for the docking station to have means for receiving signals, including audio-visual signals, from external sources and relaying these to the projector; and for the docking station to further include means for sending signals to external devices, including speakers, amplifiers and audio-visual centres.

Further features of the invention provide for the projector to include communication means for communicating with devices including computers, mobile telephones, audio-visual devices, including HiFi's, optical disc players and cameras; and for the communication means to include wireless and wired communication protocols including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wibree, USB and Fire wire; for each of the projector and handset to have means for communicating with peripheral devices, including headsets.

Yet further features of the invention provide the handset to have a display for viewing images projected by the projector; for the display to be separable from the handset; and for the projector to include means for indicating or monitoring handset activity.

Still further features of the invention provide for each of the handset and projector to have a processor associated therewith; and for at least the projector processor to be capable of displaying media of different formats through the projector.

Further features of the invention provide for there to be information storage media associated with each of the projector and handset; for the docking station to have storage media associated therewith; and for each of the storage media to be removable.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the handset to include Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) functionality; for the PDA functionality to be controlled by a processor operating on machine instructions stored on a memory associated with the handset, alternately the projector.

Still further features of the invention provide for each of the handset and projector to operate from a battery and wherein each has separate means for charging the battery associated therewith from an external source.

Further features of the invention provide for the mobile telephone to be configured to allow games to be played thereon, preferably through the projector; and for at least one remotely operable handheld game controller to be associated therewith. The invention also provides a control unit for a mobile telephone having a projector operable remotely from the mobile telephone.

Further features of the invention provide for the control unit to be capable of making and receiving telephone calls through the mobile telephone; for the control unit to have the further functions associated with mobile telephones; for the control unit to have a camera; for the control unit to be capable of operating the projector; and for the control unit to communicate through a wireless protocol with the mobile telephone.

Still further features of the invention provide for the mobile telephone to be configured to allow games to be played thereon, preferably through the projector; and for at least one remotely operable handheld game controller to be associated therewith.

The invention still further provides a docking station for a mobile telephone substantially as defined above.

The invention yet further provides a mobile telephone having a transceiver with a number of handsets associated therewith and independently operable to make and receive telephone calls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mobile telephone; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the mobile telephone in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a mobile telephone; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a mobile telephone; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a control unit for a mobile telephone; and Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the control unit in Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A mobile telephone (1) is shown in Figures 1 and 2 and is a unit formed by a handset (2) and a projector (3). Importantly, the handset (2) and projector (3) are separable from each other and independently operable in the separated condition.

In the embodiment shown, the projector (3) has a slim box-like housing (5) with major opposed sides (6, 7), a top (8) and bottom (9) and minor opposed sides (10, 11). A projection lens (12) extends from side (10) near the top (8).

The handset (2) has a similar shape to the projector (3) but is scaled down in size. A cavity (14) extends from the side (11) into the side (6) of the projector (3) and is of a complementary shape to the handset (2) such that the outer surface (16) and side (17) of the handset (2) are flush with the corresponding sides (6, 11) of the projector (3) with handset (2) seated in the cavity (14). Complementary securing formations (18) secure the handset (2) in position in the cavity (14). These may be disengaged to release the handset (2) by depressing a button (19) on the side (6).

A full set of controls (20) for the handset (2) are provided on the side (16) and these allow operation of the handset (2) as a mobile telephone in conventional fashion. The controls (20) thus include a key pad and display, which includes a scrolling device, which allows a number to be entered into the handset (2) or selected from a list, often referred to as an address book, and for the selected number then to be dialed and the call terminated. The controls (20) also include a sound volume control, a mute button and the like.

Controls (22) for the projector (3) are provided on a small remote control unit (23) which, similarly to the handset (2) provides a complementary fit in a slot (25) in the top (8) and is releasable therefrom by button (26). These controls (22) include a keypad which provide the normal functions of play, stop, pause, fast forward, rewind and the like. They further include a scroll device for allowing selections to be made from a menu.

Both the handset (2) and remote control unit (23) have sets of contacts (not shown) which cooperate with corresponding contacts (27) (only shown on the handset) on the projector). However, both the handset (2) and remote control unit (23) also include wireless communications means (28) for communicating with the projector (3) when separated therefrom. In this embodiment, both use a Bluetooth wireless communication protocol which is automatically activated upon removal from the projector (3) and deactivated once the devices are secured together.

Each of the handset (2) and projector (3) has a slot (not shown) for receiving removal storage media (30, 31), in the embodiment mini SD cards. Each further has a processor (32, 33) controlling the functioning thereof and a battery (34, 35) to provide power. The projector (3) additionally has an image generator means (36), in this embodiment a light source (37) and a transmissive micro LCD display (38). The light source is a high intensity LED but any suitable light source, including, for example, a high intensity discharge xenon bulb, could be used.

In this embodiment too, a mobile telephone network transceiver (39), conveniently a quad band transceiver, is provided in the projector (3). A docking station (40) is provided for the projector (3) and includes a base (41) with a slot (43) in the upper side (44) thereof shaped to receive the side (9) and corresponding end of the projector (3). Contacts (45) in the slot (43) cooperate with complementary contacts (not shown) on the projector (3) with the projector seated in the slot (43). The docking station (40) is configured to support the projector such that its lens (12) is oriented in an operable condition, and includes a leveling device (46) for adjusting elevation. The leveling device (46) in this embodiment, is a knurled nut on a shank in screw threaded engagement with a socket in the bottom (47) of the base (41 )

In use, the handset (2) can be used to make telephone calls on a mobile telephone network (50) either secured to the projector (3) or separated therefrom. To this end the handset (2) communicates with the quad band transceiver (39) either through the contacts (27) when secured to the projector (3) or through the Bluetooth connection, as described above.

Associating the transceiver (39) with the projector (3) in this fashion allows the handset to have a small, lightweight construction. It also allows data from the network (50) to be directly relayed to the projector which is particularly useful where large amounts of information, such as streaming video or television, are downloaded from the network (50) for projection.

The handset (2) also includes means for wireless communication (51) with peripheral devices, such as a headset (52). In this embodiment again, the Bluetooth facility (28) is used for such communication. Such communication could, however, also take place through the projector (3) which also has means for wireless (55) or wired communication (56) with external devices including computers (57), audio-visual devices (58), such as HiFi's and DVD players, games consoles (not shown), speakers (59), transparent monitors (not shown) and robots or other automated devices. Where connected to devices which have a visual output, such as computers and games consoles, it will be understood that such visual output will preferably be displayed through the projector. It will be possible to control connected devices through the mobile telephone (1) and a number of devices can be simultaneously connected. Where more than one device is connected the controls on the mobile telephone can be used to select which images to project or whether to mosaic a number of images, such as one from each device.

These communications facilities are also included in the docking station (40). This allows devices to be left connected to the docking station (40) and ready for quick connection to the projector (3) once it is placed in the docking station (40) and thus avoids the inconvenience of repeatedly connecting and disconnecting devices.

As with the handset (2) and projector (3), for wireless communication any convenient protocol can be used, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wibree and infra red, whilst USB, Fire wire and standard audio-visual jacks, or any other convenient protocol, could be used for wired connections.

The docking station (40) includes a mains connection (60) for power which can be used to charge the battery (35) in the projector (3) in conventional fashion. To this end a further slot (62) is provided for independently charging the handset (2) battery (34). Both the handset (2) and projector (3) are, however, also supplied with individual charging ports (not shown) for receiving external chargers.

The docking station (40) further includes a transceiver (61) for receiving both communications network (50) signals and other audio visual signals, such as television signals, including satellite and analogue television signals, and feeding these through to the projector (3). An amplifier (62) is also provided for amplifying such signals. This is convenient particularly where signals are too weak for normal reception. The docking station (40) is also provided with a connection (65) to a cable television network (not shown), and an appropriate decoding device (66) where necessary, to enable cable television to be viewed through the projector (3).

The projector (3) can be operated through the remote control unit (22) but controls are also provided on the handset (2). Conveniently, the display (67) of the handset can be used to either preview or edit data to be displayed or to view data being projected. This can be done with the handset (2) secured to the projector or remote therefrom.

In the event that it is desired to preview or edit material whilst the handset (2) is being used for a telephone call, a further display (69) and controls (70) are provided on the side (6) within the cavity (14). The display (69) and controls (70) also serve to indicate and monitor handset (2) activity. However, the indicator function could be fulfilled by a simple light, such as an LED, on the projector (3).

The processors (32, 33), apart from performing functions normally associated with mobile telephones, are able to generate images and permit editing of media of different formats such as mp4, mp3, jpeg, PowerPoint, digital video and the like.

The processors also support Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and web browser functionality on the handset (2) with functionality controlled by either or both processors operating on machine instructions stored on a memory associated with the handset or the projector. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, this functionality enables the mobile telephone to function as a computer in all material aspects.

The handset (2) is uniquely paired to the transceiver in the projector to prevent other handsets from accessing the transceiver. It is however, possible that multiple handsets could be supplied which are paired to the transceiver to enable more than one person to make calls through the transceiver. Each handset will be provided with security features, if desired, to ensure that only authorized persons can use it. Such security features could include a personal identification number (PIN) or a form of biometric identification such as iris, retina, finger print and facial recognition, including three dimensional face recognition.

Enabling the handset (2) to be operable separately from the projector (3) enables calls to be made without disturbing the projector (3) whilst in use. This enables the mobile telephone to simultaneously perform multiple functions, particularly when used with a docking station. Thus for example, the projector could be used to project a television show, with audio playing through an external amplifier and speakers, whilst the handset is used to make telephone calls, retrieve emails, run a diary and the like.

It is also envisaged that either or both of the projector and handset can be used to play games and the like with the other remaining available to simultaneously perform separate functions as described above. To this end the handset will be supplied with controls for games, including a vibrate function, or handheld game controller units will be available with which to play games and these will communicate remotely with the projector or handset or both. Two or more players could thus together play a game through the projector. Alternatively, as described above, a conventional games console, such as a Sony Play Station, Nintendo Wii or Microsoft X-Box, could be connected to the mobile phone with the visual output being displayed through the projector.

It will be appreciated, however, that many other embodiments of a mobile telephone exist which fall within the scope of the invention, particularly with respect to the configuration and functionality thereof.

As shown in Figures 3, where like numerals indicate like features, the mobile network transceiver (39A) could be in the handset (2), or as shown in Figure 4, a transceiver (39B, 39C) could be provided in each of the projector (3) and handset (2). In the latter instance it is preferable that both transceivers (39B, 39C) operated off a single SIM card (not shown) and this configuration may prove useful where high bandwidth is required for both the handset and projector. This may be the case where, for example, a game is being played with a remote party (70) over the Internet (71) through the network (50) with the images being projected onto a screen (not shown) with the projector (3), whilst a telephone call is being made on the handset (2). In order to play with a remote party over a network such as the Internet, the mobile telephone could require some form of identification, such as a PIN, from either party before permitting access to the game.

If desired, a separate SIM card could be used in each of the handset and projector, both operating off the same number. Clearly, any suitable transceiver can be used and may vary dependant on regional telecommunications network setup.

As also shown in Figures 3 and 4, external data storage (73) means, such as a file server, could be provided and be accessible through the network (50) on, for example, the Internet (71). Any suitable data storage means, removable or non- removable, could be used and each of the handset and projector could use different data storage means. Such data storage means could include hard disks, flash memory and memory cards.

The image generator (36) can make use of a laser (75) as shown in Figure 4 or any other suitable means for generating and projecting and image.

It should also be appreciated that the mobile telephone need not have all the functions described above. For example, it is not necessary to provide a separate remote control unit (23) or display (69) and controls (70). Furthermore, the projector and handset can have any suitable shape and could secure to each other and release in any convenient manner. A facility could also be provided on the projector to receive and play optical disks, including DVD's. In addition or alternatively, the docking station could have an optical disk player or recorder. Furthermore, the docking station can be supplied with speakers to supplement that of the projector and could also have a function to enable it to perform as a docking station for mp3 players and the like. By providing docking station with a data storage facility it can also be used to store television shows in the fashion of a recording device.

Also, the mobile telephone could be configured such that at least some of its functions, particularly those of the projector, can be controlled by a remote control unit normally associated with another device, such as a television or audio-visual centre. This would make it possible to control at least some of the functions of the projector with the remote control unit.

A camera (not shown) can also be provided on the handset for taking either still images, videos or the like. With the handset separated from the projector video or still images can be relayed to and projected by the projector whilst the handset is moved about. Similarly, a camera could also be provided on the projector. Also, more than one image generator and projection lens can be provided on the mobile telephone.

A camera will facilitate video conferencing with other parties with the projector configured to project the image received from the camera of the party speaking at any particular time. The camera could also be used to take images to be transmitted to security devices to, for example, unlock doors or data. Such images could include three dimensional images of difficult to capture structures.

It will also be appreciated that the mobile telephone could be provided with a wireless battery charging system, such as provided by Powercast, or with solar panels for charging. These will preferably be provided for each of the handset, projector and docking station.

The displays on the mobile telephone can be of a touch screen or writing tablet type which allows functions to be performed, including controlling the projector, through the display. Where, for example, a newspaper is projected through the projector the display on the handset can be used to actively scroll through it. Any suitable scrolling device could be used though, including keys, a mouse, the PDA function and a stylus. Also, data depicted on any display could be projected through the projector and automatically saved. Furthermore, a laser pointer can be incorporated in the handset or control unit. Additionally, or alternatively, an electronic pointer in the form of a cursor which displays through the projector can be incorporated into either or both of these.

It will also be appreciated that many features commonly associated with mobile telephones are not specifically described, such as speakers and microphones, but would nevertheless be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Also falling within the scope of the invention is a control unit (80) for a mobile telephone (81) having an integral projector (82), as shown in Figure 5. The control unit (80) is capable of operating the mobile telephone (81) remotely through a wireless communications link and has all the functionality of a handset (2) as described above. Such functionality includes the ability to select a telephone number from an address book on the mobile telephone (81), to make and end calls to the selected numbers through the mobile telephone (81) or to make and end calls through the mobile telephone (81) to numbers entered on the control unit (80). Such functionality further includes controlling the operation of the projector (3).

The control unit (80) will be useful where the mobile telephone is itself not provided with a separable handset and could thus be used with many different types of mobile telephone. It could, however, be used in conjunction with a separable handset (2).

Additionally, the control unit (80) is able to remotely control a number of other devices through what is commonly referred to as a "universal remote control" facility. Such other devices include entertainment systems (85), garage doors (not shown), cars (not shown), boats (not shown), and house security devices (not shown) such as sensors and alarms. To this end it will be provide with more than one transmitter to enable it to send signals by more than one wireless protocol, including infra red, radio, Bluetooth and Wibree. The control unit (80) may also be provided with motion-sensitive navigation to detect where it is being pointed and so determine to which device it is being pointed. This simplifies the number of controls necessary. It may further be provided with a receiver to enable it to receive and display images, video and the like from cameras, particularly those forming part of a security system.

Other features may include a banking facility which allows a user to access a bank account through a secure link over the telecommunications network.

It is envisaged that the control unit (80) will not itself be a fully functioning mobile telephone, although it looks like one, and that its ability to make telephone calls will be dependent on that of the mobile telephone (81) which it controls. However, it is within the scope of the invention for the control unit (80) to be able to make telephone calls either through the mobile telephone (81) or independently of it.

Clearly, the control unit (80) can have any convenient shape and functionality and can make use of any suitable means for communicating with the mobile telephone.

A schematic illustration of the control unit (80) is provided in Figure 6. As shown, the control unit (80) has a processor (85) powered by a rechargeable battery (87) and linked to a set of controls (89). These may be included in a touch screen which varies the keys displayed depending on the device to be controlled, which in turn is determined by a motion-sensitive navigation unit (90). The touch screen could thus provide an individual graphical interface that could be stored or downloaded for each device to be controlled and these could be made to look like the actual remote control units for the devices. Further alternately, a number of pads having physical keys could be provided which could each be removably overlaid on touch screen and configured to provide controls for devices.

The processor (85) has a Bluetooth transceiver (92), a Wibree transceiver (93), a radio transceiver (94) and an infra red transceiver (95) linked to it to enable it to communicate with a range of other devices. Information received from, or relating to the devices can be displayed on the screen (89). In the case of a telephone call being made through a mobile telephone (81), a speaker (97) and microphone (98) are provided so that the control unit (80) can act as a handset as described above.

A camera (100) permits images, video and the like to be taken and sent to other devices, including a mobile telephone (81).

It should be apparent that it is not necessary to include all the above described features on a single mobile telephone or control unit and that features can be selected as desired whilst still falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A mobile telephone having associated therewith a projector, characterized in that a handset is provided which is separable from the projector.

2. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 1 in which there is provided for the telecommunications network transceiver of the mobile telephone to be separable from the handset.

3. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 2 in which the transceiver to be associated with the projector.

4. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 in which the handset communicates with the transceiver through a wireless link.

5. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 4 in which the wireless link is either or both of a Bluetooth link and a Wibree link.

6. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 1 in which the network transceiver is associated with the handset.

7. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 6 in which the projector communicates with the transceiver through a wireless link.

8. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 7 in which the wireless link is either or both of a Bluetooth link and a Wibree link.

9. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the handset and projector are operable simultaneously.

10. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the handset includes controls to operate the projector..

11. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 10 in which the controls are separable from the handset.

12. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a camera is provided on the handset.

13. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a control unit for the projector associated therewith.

14. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 13 in which the control unit is separable from the projector.

15. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 in which the control unit includes a display monitor.

16. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the handset is uniquely paired to the transceiver.

17. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which multiple handsets are communicable with the projector.

18. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 17 in which each of the multiple handsets is uniquely paired to the transceiver.

19. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes a docking station configured to receive the projector.

20. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 19 in which the docking station includes a power supply to the projector.

21. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 in which the docking station includes a telecommunications network signal amplifier.

22.A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 in which the docking station includes a further telecommunications network transceiver communicable with either or both of the projector and the handset.

23.A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 in which the docking station has separate ports for each of the projector and handset.

24.A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23 in which the docking station has means for receiving signals from external sources and relaying these to the projector.

25. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 24 in which the signals include data signals, audio signals and audio-visual signals.

26.A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25 in which the docking station includes means for sending signals to external devices.

27.A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 26 in which the external devices include any one or more of speakers, amplifiers, games consoles and audio-visual centres.

28. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which either or both of the projector and handset includes communication means for communicating with external devices.

29.A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 28 in which the external devices include any one or more of a headset, computer, mobile telephone, games console and audio-visual device, including a HiFi, optical disc player and camera.

30. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29 in which the communication means includes either or both of wireless and wired communication protocols.

31. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 30 in which the wireless communications protocols include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wibree and infra red.

32.A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 30 in which the wired communication protocols include USB and Fire wire.

33.A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the handset has a display for viewing images projected by the projector.

34.A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 33 in which the display is separable from the handset.

35.A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which for the projector includes means for indicating or monitoring handset activity.

36. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each of the handset and projector has a processor associated therewith.

37.A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 36 in which at least the projector processor is capable of displaying media of different formats through the projector.

38. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which information storage media is associated with each of the projector and handset.

39. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the claims 19 to 27 in which the docking station has storage media associated therewith.

40. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 38 or claim 39 in which each of the storage media is removable.

41. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the handset includes Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) functionality.

42. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 41 in which the PDA functionality is controlled by a processor operating on machine instructions stored on a memory associated with either or both of the handset and the projector.

43. A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the handset and projector each operate from a battery and wherein each has separate means for charging the battery associated therewith from an external source.

44.A mobile telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims configured to allow games to be played thereon.

45.A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 44 in which games can be played through the projector.

46. A mobile telephone as claimed in claim 44 or claim 45 in which at least one remotely operable handheld game controller is associated therewith.

47.A control unit for a mobile telephone having a projector, characterized in that the control unit is operable remotely from the mobile telephone.

48.A control unit for a mobile as claimed in claim 47 which is configured to make and receive telephone calls through the mobile telephone.

49.A control unit for a mobile as claimed in claim 47 or claim 48 which is configured to access and operate an address book on the mobile telephone.

50. A control unit for a mobile as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 49 which is configured to access and operate a PDA on the mobile telephone.

51.A control unit for a mobile as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 50 which is configured to operate the projector.

52. A control unit for a mobile as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 51 which is configured to communicate through a wireless protocol with the mobile telephone.

53. A control unit for a mobile as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 51 which is configured to control operation of one or more further devices.

54. A control unit for a mobile as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 51 which is configures to permit it to operate as a handheld game controller.

55.A docking station characterized in that it is configured to receive a mobile telephone having an integral a projector such that the projector is oriented in an operable condition.

56.A docking station as claimed in claim 55 which includes a power supply to the projector.

57.A docking station as claimed in claim 55 or claim 56 which includes a telecommunications network signal amplifier.

58. A docking station as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 57 which includes a telecommunications network transceiver communicable with the mobile telephone.

59.A docking station as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 58 having separate ports for each of a projector and a handset.

60. A docking station as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 59 which includes means for receiving signals from external sources and relaying these to the mobile telephone.

61. A docking station as claimed in claim 60 in which the signals include data signals, audio signals and audio-visual signals.

62.A docking station as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 61 which includes means for sending signals to external devices.

63.A docking station as claimed in claim 62 in which the external devices include any one or more of speakers, amplifiers, games consoles and audio-visual centres.