WO2011064460A1

WO2011064460A1 - Device operating by radio technology in a cellular network and hands-free set attachable thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2011064460A1
Application number: PCT/FI2010/050979
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olli Onninen; Petri VÄNTTINEN
Original assignee: Ihf Finland Oy
Priority date: 2009-11-30
Filing date: 2010-11-30
Publication date: 2011-06-03
Also published as: FI122482B; FI20096260A0; FI20096260A; EP2507976A4; EP2507976A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (110), which is capable of operating by radio technology in a cellular network and which is adapted to attach a hands-free set (140), which comprises an earphone, detachably to the device at least partially within (120) outer dimensions of the device, such that the earphone is within the outer dimensions of the device while the hands-free set is in attachment with the device, and to establish a first electrical communication (130, 150) between the device and the hands-free set while the hands-free set is in attachment with the device.

Description

DEVICE OPERATING BY RADIO TECHNOLOGY IN A CELLULAR NETWORK AND HANDS-FREE SET ATTACHABLE THERETO

Technical field

The application relates to a device operating by radio technology in a cellular net- work and to a hands-free set attachable thereto.

Background

The purpose of hands-free earphones developed for cell phones is to liberate both hands of a cell phone user for the duration of a phone call, thus enabling that person for example to drive a car, read a newspaper, type with a computer, and surf the internet while speaking on the cell phone.

A problem, regarding particularly wireless hands-free earphones, is that the user may easily forget or misplace a hands-free earphone, whereby it is not available for example when driving a car. Consequently, the driver of a car does not have a chance to make or receive a phone call as the road traffic legislation bans the use of a cell phone without a hands-free earphone. If the user nevertheless operates a cell phone while driving, he or she is guilty of a traffic violation and increases the risk of a traffic accident as at least part of his or her attention is focused on operating the cell phone.

In addition, the use of a cell phone by the driver or a passenger in a moving ve- hide without a hands-free earphone increases exposure of the user to radiation emitted by the cell phone. With the automobile traveling on the road, the cell phone is moving within the range of several base stations in a cell phone network and is in communication with base stations having fields that are weak due to distance or terrain related obstacles. In an attempt to sustain a communication with these base stations, the cell phone is forced to increase its power, thus increasing also the amount of radiation received by the user from the cell phone.

The hands-free earphones are usually provided with function keys, by means of which the user is able to answer and terminate a phone call, to select again the number dialed last, and, if necessary, to adjust the sound volume. However, a problem with these hands-fee earphone's own function keys is the deterioration of their operating reliability due to use-related wear and, because of a small size of the function keys, the fault sensitivity thereof which results from dirt or moisture occurring between the function keys. Furthermore, because of their small size, the use of function keys may cause problems for example for elderly persons or children.

Summary

One objective of the invention is to alleviate the foregoing drawbacks and to present a cell phone, which enables integrating a hands-free set so as to make it both a physical and a functional part of the cell phone.

One objective of the invention is achieved by a device of claim 1 , and one objective is achieved by a hands-free set of claim 10.

One embodiment of the invention concerns the device of claim 1 and one embo- diment concerns the hands-free set of claim 10.

Other embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a cell phone is adapted to attach a hands-free set in a detachable manner to the cell phone partially or completely within the outer dimensions of the cell phone and to establish a first electrical communication between the cell phone and the hands-free set while the hands- free set is in attachment with the cell phone.

The term "cell phone" is used in reference to a device which operates by radio technology in a cellular network and, in addition to the cell phone, said term comprises for example a smart phone, a navigator, a palm computer, a portable com- puter, a computer, and a game console, which are capable of operating by radio technology in a cellular network.

The term "within/inside the outer dimensions of the cell phone" refers to the fact that the cell phone has its external surface or at least two external surfaces provided with at least one recess, in which a hands-free set can be attached in a re- movable fashion (integrated). The recess is provided for example with a coupling interface for establishing an electrical connection between the cell phone and the hands-free set.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a hands-free set is adapted to be attached to a cell phone in a removable manner at least partially inside the outer dimensions of the cell phone and to establish a first electrical communication between the hands-free set and the cell phone while in attachment with the cell phone. The combination of a cell phone and a hands-free set according to embodiments of the invention enables improving road safety and reducing the exposure of a user to cell phone-emitted radiation by ensuring that the user has always a hands- free device with him or her and by forcing the cell phone user to speak or use cell phone applications, intended for example for listening to music, through the intermediary of a hands-free set. Naturally, the exposure to cell phone-emitted radiation in the case of cell phone users other than motorists, for example children, will also be substantially reduced since the cell phone is not in direct contact with a user's ear while the user is speaking. The cell phone and hands-free set according to embodiments of the invention enable improving the durability of a hands-free set's function keys by executing the initiation and termination of a phone call to be carried out over a hands-free set by detaching the hands-free set from the cell phone and by attaching the hands-free set to the cell phone, thus being able to reduce the stress applied to the hands- free set's own function keys and to prevent finely divided dirt or liquid, for example sweat or rainwater, released from the user's hands, from migrating to the function keys, thereby reducing the number of malfunctions thereof.

In addition, the combination of a cell phone and a hands-free set according to the invention improves the usability of a hands-free set, since at least some of its func- tion are capable of being carried out by detaching the hands-free set from the cell phone or by attaching it to the cell phone.

The cell phone and the hands-free set according to embodiments of the invention are also capable of ensuring that the power sources of a cell phone and a hands- free set provide power for an equally long time as the hands-free set's battery is capable of being recharged by means of the cell phone's battery. Thus, situations are avoided, in which the hands-free set is not in working order because of a drained battery, even though the cell phone's batter would still have enough power.

The cell phone and the hands-free set according to embodiments of the invention also facilitates putting the same into service, because there is no need for the buyer to separately introduce a cell phone and a hands-free set to each other (matchmaking) but, instead, this is taken care of by the cell phone and hands-free set manufacturer or manufacturers before the cell phone and hands-free set end up in the service of a buyer. The cell phone and the hands-free set according to embodiments of the invention enable also a reduction in the number of speaker components installed in a cell phone at its manufacturing stage, resulting in a simpler and less expensive manufacturing process. It is also worthwhile to notice that the cell phone and the hands-free set according to embodiments of the invention enable coping with just the cell phone power cord, thus reducing the number of power cords and associated transformers present in households. Another thing less to worry about is that, when going on a trip, the user need not remember to bring along the hands-free set's power cord. It is enough to remember to take the cell phone's power cord.

Brief description of the figures

In the detailed description of the figures, preferred embodiments of the invention will be discussed slightly more precisely with reference to the accompanying figures, in which figs. 1 a-1 b show exemplary schematic views of one cell phone of the invention and a cordless hands-free set attachable to the same, figs. 2a-2b show exemplary schematic views of one cell phone of the invention and a corded hands-free set attachable to the same, figs. 3a-3b show exemplary schematic views of one cell phone of the inven- tion, which is equipped with a hands-free set and functionally con- nectable to a portable computer, and fig. 4 shows an exemplary schematic view of one cell phone of the invention.

Detailed description of the figures Fig. 1a shows one system 100 according to the invention of a cell phone and a cordless hands-free set, including a cell phone 110 provided with a recess 120, i.e. a docking station, indicated with dashed lines and having attachment means and a coupling interface 130 for docking to the cell phone 110 a cordless hands-free set 140, which includes a coupling interface 150 as well as an earphone and a micro- phone. The cell phone keypad may also continue on top of the recess 120 as opposed to the figure. Alternatively, the recess 120 can also be provided in some other location, depending on the layout of cell phone components, as well as on the shape and size of a cell phone. It should further be noted that the system can also be implemented with a smart phone and that the dimensional scale of this, as well as those of subsequent figures, do not match the real situation.

The cell phone's coupling interface 130 and the cordless hands-free set's coupling interface 150 have a function of establishing an electrical connection between the cell phone 110 and the cordless hands-free set 140. The coupling interfaces 130, 150 can be implemented for example by an USB connector pair or by some other connector pair provided with at least one pin. Wireless data transfer between the cell phone 110 and the hands-free set 140 can be established by a short range ra- dio frequency link, for example by a bluetooth link.

Fig. 1 b shows a situation, in which the cell phone 110 and the cordless hands-free set 140 are in attachment with each other by way of attachment means and the coupling interfaces 130, 150, such that the hands-free set 140 is docked entirely within the cell phone 110, thus providing a physically and functionally integrated assembly 100. Alternatively, the recess 120 may be shallower, in which case a part of the hands-free set 140 remains visible after attaching it in a movable manner and establishing an electrical connection.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone, which is adapted to attach a hands-free set in a detachable manner to the cell phone at least partially within the outer dimensions of the cell phone and to establish a first electrical communication between the cell phone and the hands-free set while the hands- free set is in attachment with the cell phone.

Attachment of the hands-free set 140 to the cell phone 110 can be effected mechanically, in which case, in the process of attaching the hands-free set 140, a re- taining clip or pin, which is included for example in the cell phone 110, controlled with a separate button and fitted with a spring, finds its way into a slot assigned therefor under the guidance of a user, a contour of the hands-free set 140, and a matching fit of the coupling clamps 130, 150. Optionally, the retaining clip or pin and the slot can also be positioned the other way round and there may be several of those, if necessary. In case its detachment is desired, the hands-free set 140 is released by pressing an appropriate separate button and by pulling out of the recess 120.

Attachment can also be effected magnetically or by a combination of a mechanical clip and magnets. By means of the above-mentioned attachment elements, the cell phone user is able to attach and detach the hands-free set 140 with one hand, whereby, for example when driving a car, the user can always use one hand to manage the car's controls and use the other hand to operate the cell phone 110 and the hands-free set 140.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone as set forth in the preceding embodiment, said cell phone having a hands-free set adapted to attach to the cell phone mechanically and/or magnetically.

In a basic condition, when the user does not speak on the cell phone 110, the hands-free set 140 is in attachment. If wishing to make a phone call, the user taps a number or selects it from the cell phone's address book and removes the hands- free set 140 from the cell phone 110, whereby the cell phone 110 makes a call to the desired number. Respectively, if the cell phone 110 alerts on an incoming call, the user will answer the call by removing the hands-free set 140. Detachment and attachment of the hands-free set 140 may also invigorate the cell phone 110 presently in a power save mode. On the other hand, the disconnection of a phone call occurs by attaching the hands-free set 140 back to the cell phone 110. The hands- free set 140 has its conventional functions available while it is in detachment and it is also possible to hear thereby sounds included in cell phone applications. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, said cell phone being adapted to execute at least one of the following: to create a speech mode or to pass the cell phone from a power save mode to an active mode upon detaching the hands-free set from the cell phone, to maintain the speech mode while the hands-free set is in detachment from the cell phone, and to disconnect the speech mode upon attaching the hands-free set to the cell phone.

When the hands-free set 140 is in attachment, the cell phone 110 can be used for speaking by way of its speaker, and the speaker can also be used for producing the sounds of program applications employed in the cell phone 140. In addition, the cell phone 140 can be used normally for sending text messages, listening to music, surfing the internet, playing games, and camera functions, for example.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, said cell phone being adapted to establish a speech mode by way of the cell phone's own speaker and/or to produce an audio re- sponse of applications used in the cell phone by way of the cell phone's own speaker while the hands-free set is in attachment with the cell phone.

The cordless hands-free set 140 equipped with a small rechargeable battery endures in working order with moderate use for example for a few days and in standby mode for slightly longer. If necessary, the cordless hands-free set can have its battery recharged from the cell phone's battery through the intermediary of an electrical connection and that can be carried out automatically upon coupling the hands-free set 140 to the docking station or recess 120.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, said cell phone being adapted to recharge the hands-free set's battery by means of the cell phone's battery.

Figs. 2a-2b illustrate a cell phone assembly 200, in which a cell phone 210 is provided with a corded hands-free set 240, the length of a cord 260 being controlled by means of a spring-equipped cord reel 270 associated with a recess 220, which reel can be mechanically clamped for some appropriate distance. Also found in the recess 220 is a coupling clamp 230, which is adapted to couple with a coupling clamp 250 of the hands-free set, and these enable the cell phone 210 to recognize when the hands-free set 240 is in attachment or detachment. For the sake of clarity, the figures do not include a keypad. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the hands-free set is a cordless hands-free set or a corded hands-free set, whereby within the cell phone's outer dimensions is provided a cord reel for the hands-free set, which is adapted to wind the cord around the cord reel as the distance between the cell phone and the hands-free set becomes shorter and to release the cord from the hands-free set's cord reel as the distance between the cell phone and the hands-free set becomes longer.

The cell phone may have a cordless earphone that can be connected in a removable manner to the cell phone by means of attachment elements and appropriate coupling clamps. The docking station is implemented as a recess equipped with coupling clamps and the earphone may fit in the recess either partly or completely. The earphone can be implemented for example in such a way that, upon being removed, the earphone begins to operate immediately over a Bluetooth link and the link can be switched off by attaching the earphone back to the cell phone. The earphone can be used for listening to music and transmitting the sounds of applications to the user. As a power supply, the earphone has its own battery which can be recharged by means of the cell phone's battery by way of coupling clamps as the earphone is in attachment with the cell phone. Alternatively, the earphone may also be corded, whereby its distance can be adjustable by means of a cord reel and a clamping pin.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, said cell phone being adapted to attach an earphone de- tachably to the cell phone at least partially within the outer dimensions of the cell phone and to establish a second electrical communication between the cell phone and the earphone while the earphone is in attachment with the cell phone.

In the event that the cell phone's cordless hands-free set is misplaced by a user, he or she has a chance of attempting to find it by using an alarm function. Therein, the user issues a command through the intermediary of the cell phone's user inter- face, for example through the intermediary of a key, a special key, or a key set which comprises a key set made up by at least two different keys, special keys, or a key and a special key.

The cell phone begins to transmit the alarm command to the cordless hands-free set, and, provided that it is within the range of coverage, the hands-free set pro- duces a sound signal, a light signal, or a combination thereof. On the other hand, if the hands-free set is outside the range of coverage, the cell phone continues transmitting the signal for the length of time or the number repetitions determined by the user.

It is also possible that the hands-free set be implemented in such a way that it enables transmitting an alarm command, activated for example by an appropriate special key of the hands-free set, for the length of time or the number of repetitions determined by the user, whereby the lost cell phone, provided it is within the range of coverage, responds by way of a sound signal, a light signal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, said cell phone being adapted, after receiving a predetermined command, to transmit to a cordless hands-free set an alarm command, on the basis of which the cordless hands-free set produces a sound signal or a light signal when the hands-free set is within the coverage range of a wireless communication in detachment from the cell phone, or being adapted to pass over to a search mode and, after detecting the hands-free set, which is in detachment from the cell phone within the coverage range of a wireless communication, to transmit to the cordless hands-free set an alarm command, on the basis of which the cordless hands-free set produces a sound signal or a light signal.

Naturally, it is also possible to implement an alarm function as described in the preceding embodiment in cell phone not including a dock of the invention for integrating a hands-free set with the cell phone.

Fig. 3a illustrates a system 300, including a cell phone 310, which is provided with an attachable and cordless hands-free set 340 as set forth in the preceding examples, and a desktop computer 360 with a central processing unit 362, a display 364, and a keyboard 366. The system can also be implemented with a portable computer. In addition to conventional components, the computer's central processing unit 362 includes a docking station 370, comprising an electrical coupl- ing interface 380 which is for example a coupling clamp.

Functions of the cell phone 310 and the cordless hands-free set 340 are implemented as set forth in the preceding embodiments by means of the cell phone's short range radio frequency link, a docking station 320, the cell phone's coupling interface 330, and the hands-free set's coupling interface 350. The cell phone fur- ther comprises a coupling interface 390, by means of which the combination cell phone and hands-free set is connected as a functional part of the central processing unit by way of a docking station 370.

Fig. 3b shows how the cell phone 310 is attached to the central processing unit's docking station 370, wherein the connection occurs by means of the appropriate electrical coupling interfaces 380, 390. Alternatively, it is also possible that, if the computer 360 is provided, as in the case of portable computers, with a bluetooth link, the computer 360 and the hands-free set 340 may communicate directly with each other.

The cell phone 310 can be connected to the computer 360, for example, for re- charging the cell phone's battery via the computer 360 or, in the case of a portable computer, by means of its battery, for synchronizing calendars and e-mail programs of the cell phone and the computer or for establishing an online voice link (Skype link) by means of the cell phone's hands-free set. the procedure can be automatic, in which case it is carried out when the devices recognize being electrical- ly in communication with each other, or the procedure can be effected by some predetermined command.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cell phone as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, said cell phone being adapted to attach by way of a third electrical communication to a computer for executing some procedure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cell phone 400 of the invention, which is provided with a Bluetooth feature and which includes a processor 410 carrying out instructions given to be executed thereby and processing data, a cell phone memory 420 for storing data, such as for example instructions and application data, as well as a user inter- face 430 for receiving control commands given by the user. The user interface 430 includes for example a keyboard and/or a touch surface. In addition, the cell phone 400 comprises data transfer elements 440, by means of which it is in communication for example with base stations and other Bluetooth devices, a speaker system 450, and a display 460. The memory 420 contains for example user interface related data 422 and display control data 424. In addition, it may house a docking application 426, which enables controlling the operation of a docking station 470, for example carrying out the charging of a hands-free set's battery, identifying the detachments and attachments of a hands-free set, as well as controlling the operation of the speaker system 450 while the hands-free set is in attachment with the cell phone 400.

Described above are just a few embodiments for a solution of the invention. The inventive principle can of course be modified within the scope of protection defined by the claims, regarding for example implementation details as well as fields of use.

Claims

1. A device (110), which is capable of operating by radio technology in a cellular network, characterized in that the device is adapted to attach a hands-free set (140), which comprises an earphone, detachably to the device at least partially within (120) outer dimensions of the device, such that the earphone is within the outer dimensions of the device, and to establish a first electrical communication (130, 150) between the device and the hands-free set while the hands-free set is in detachable attachment with the device at least partially within the outer dimensions of the device, such that the earphone is within the outer dimensions of the device.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hands-free set is adapted to be attached to the device mechanically or magnetically.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, which is adapted to create a speech mode or to transfer the device from a power save mode to an active mode upon detaching the hands-free set from the device, to sustain the speech mode while the hands-free set is in detachment from the device or to disconnect the speech mode upon attaching the hands-free set to the device.

4. The device of any of the preceding claims, which is adapted to establish the speech mode through a speaker of the device or to produce an audio response for applications used in the device via the speaker of the device while the hands-free set is in attachment with the device.

5. The device of any of the preceding claims, which is adapted to recharge a battery of the hands-free set by means of a battery of the device.

6. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the hands-free set is a cordless hands-free set (140) or a corded hands-free set (240), whereby within

(220) the outer dimensions of the device is provided a cord reel (270) for the hands-free set, which is adapted to wind a cord (260) around the cord reel as a distance between the device and the hands-free set becomes shorter and to release the cord from the cord reel of the hands-free set as the distance between the device and the hands-free set becomes longer.

7. The device of any of the preceding claims, which is adapted to establish a second electrical communication between the device and the earphone while the earphone is in attachment with the device.

8. The device of any of the preceding claims, which is adapted, after receiving a predetermined command, to transmit to the cordless hands-free set an alarm command, on the basis of which the cordless hands-free set produces a sound signal or a light signal while the hands-free set is within a coverage range of a wireless communication in detachment from the device, or which is adapted to proceed to a search mode and, after detecting a hands-free set which is in detachment from the device within the coverage range of the wireless communication, to transmit to the cordless hands-free set an alarm command on the basis of which the cordless hands-free set produces a sound signal or a light signal.

9. The device of any of the preceding claims, which is adapted to attach, through a third electrical communication (380, 390), to a computer (360) for executing some procedure.

10. A hands-free set (140), which is adapted to operate with the device (110) of any of claims 1-9.