WO2012008922A1

WO2012008922A1 - A handheld device for either enhancing or adding on at least one feature to a smartphone device and a corresponding method

Info

Publication number: WO2012008922A1
Application number: PCT/SG2011/000054
Authority: WO
Inventors: He Dong
Original assignee: Fore-Tech (S) Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2011-02-08
Filing date: 2011-02-08
Publication date: 2012-01-19
Also published as: SG178275A1

Abstract

There is provided a handheld device configured to functionally couple to a smartphone device. The handheld device is for either enhancing or adding on at least one feature for the smartphone device. A corresponding method pertaining to use of the handheld device is also disclosed.

Description

A HANDHELD DEVICE FOR EITHER ENHANCING OR ADDING ON AT LEAST ONE FEATURE TO A SMARTPHONE DEVICE AND A CORRESPONDING METHOD FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of consumer devices, particularly in relation to an apparatus for a smartphone device which either enhances or adds on at least one feature to the smartphone device.

BACKGROUND

The popularity of mobile phones which have features akin to that of a portable computer (such phones are also known as smartphone devices) has surged as a perception of their simplicity of use has pervaded into the public consciousness of mainstream consumers. Similarly, the popularity of tablet computers has also surged for nearly the same reasons.

However, many features of the smartphone devices and the tablet computers overlap, and it is undeniable that some features are more usable with smartphone devices because of the smaller size of the smartphone devices while other features are more usable with tablet computers because of the bigger screen of the tablet computers. Given that there is no device which straddles the space between smartphone devices and tablet computers, many consumers simply purchase both a smartphone device and a tablet computer which amounts to a substantial expense. The expense may be magnified several fold when parents have several children who want/need both a smartphone device and a tablet computer. In addition, given the compact form factor of smartphone devices, it is typical for tablet computers to have more features compared to the smartphone devices.

However, it is undeniable that the compact form factor and ease of carrying of smartphone devices is one of the main reasons that the popularity of smartphone devices exceeds that of tablet computers.

In this regard, since consumers are more likely to own a smartphone device rather than a tablet computer, it would be desirable if smartphone devices could be enhanced to a level (feature-wise) similar to that of tablet computers without incurring the substantial expense of purchasing a separate tablet computer. It would also be desirable if limitations of the smartphone devices could be minimized such that smartphone devices are perceived to be more versatile.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, there is provided a handheld device configured to functionally couple to a smartphone device. The handheld device is for either enhancing or adding on at least one feature for the smartphone device.

The handheld device includes a touch panel display screen having a housing for enclosing the touch panel display screen, the housing including a receptor for placement of the smartphone device; an arrangement of electronic circuitry coupled to the touch panel display screen configured to both receive data from the smartphone device and transmit data to the smartphone device when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device; an interface coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for the functional coupling of the handheld device and the smartphone device; a plurality of ports coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for providing additional connectivity for the smartphone device when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device; at least one camera module coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for capturing images when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device; a voice capturing module coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for capturing audio signals when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device; an audio reproduction apparatus coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for playing back audio signals when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device; and an identification module coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for determining an identity of a user of the handheld device when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device.

It is advantageous that the smartphone device, which is functionally coupled to the handheld device, carries out all data processing during use of the handheld device. It is also advantageous that a look-and-feel of the smartphone device is replicated on the handheld device when the smartphone device is functionally coupled to the handheld device.

The handheld device may further include a power source coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for providing power to the handheld device and for charging a power module of the smartphone device when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device.

Preferably, the at least one feature is, for example, display size for content on the screen of the smartphone device, power longevity of the smartphone device, connectivity options of the smartphone device, quality of images captured by the smartphone device, quality of audio signals captured by the smartphone device, quality of audio signals reproduced by the smartphone device and so forth. It is preferable that the receptor allows secure placement of the smartphone device and the power source comprises a plurality of batteries. A power module of the smartphone device may be charged by either direct connection or induction. It is also preferable that the audio reproduction apparatus comprises a plurality of speakers.

The plurality of ports is selected from, for example, USB, HDMI, IEEE1394,

RJ45, serial, parallel, audio I/O, video I/O and so forth. It is advantageous that the at least one camera module, the voice capturing module and the audio reproduction apparatus are used for video communications.

Preferably, the determination of an identity of the user enables either access to use of the handheld device or brightness and contrast settings of the touch panel display screen to be set to desired settings of the user.

The handheld device may be functionally connected to the smartphone device wirelessly through the interface.

In another aspect, there is provided a method for either enhancing or adding on at least one feature for a smartphone device by functionally coupling the smartphone device to a handheld device.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES In order that the invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only exemplary embodiments, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a handheld device of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of a preferred physical embodiment of the handheld device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the handheld device of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows the rear perspective view of Figure 3 without a back surface of a housing of the handheld device. Figure 5 shows the rear perspective view of the handheld device of Figure 2 with a smartphone device in a process of being located within a receptor of the handheld device.

Figure 6 shows the rear perspective view of the handheld device of Figure 2 with a smartphone device connected to the handheld device by a cable.

Figure 7 shows examples of the handheld device when used at a fixed location.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description will make references to any one/all of Figures 1 - 7 where necessary in order to describe the present invention in a clearest possible manner. A description for a device for the present invention is initially provided to provide a better understanding when applications of the device are described in later parts of the description.

There is provided a handheld device 20 configured to functionally couple to a smartphone device 22. The handheld device 20 is preferable able to be carried with one hand without too much effort. It should be noted that the handheld device 20 may also be mounted and used at a fixed location. Examples of the handheld device 20 being mounted and used at a fixed location is denoted in Figure 7, where the handheld device 20 is mounted on a wall 19 in Figure 7(a) and is mounted in a kiosk 49 in Figure 7(b). When the handheld device 20 is deployed in the fixed location, the handheld device 20 may be configured to only operate when monetary credits (eg. Physical monetary currency or electronic credits) are input to the handheld device.

The handheld device 20 is for either enhancing or adding on at least one feature for the smartphone device 22. For example, a display size for content on the screen of the smartphone device 22 is increased with the use of the handheld device 20; power longevity of the smartphone device 22 is increased with the use of the handheld device 20; connectivity options of the smartphone device 22 is added on with the use of the handheld device 20; quality of images captured by the smartphone device 22 is enhanced when the handheld device 20 is used; quality of audio signals captured by the smartphone device 22 is enhanced when the handheld device 20 is used; quality of audio signals reproduced by the smartphone device 22 is enhanced (for example, from monaural audio output to stereophonic output) when the handheld device 20 is used and so forth.

The handheld device 20 includes a touch panel display screen 24 having a housing 26 for enclosing the touch panel display screen 24. The touch panel display screen 24 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, an active matrix OLED (AMOLED) panel, and so forth. In addition, the touch panel display screen 24 may be either a capacitive or a resistive touch panel. A diagonal length of the touch panel display screen 24 can range from five inches to twenty inches. It is appreciated that when the touch panel display screen 24 is larger than twenty inches, they would be substantial difficulty in transporting the handheld device 20 and the handheld device 20 would also not be considered to be portable. It should be noted that a size of the touch panel display screen 24 will substantially affect a size of the housing 26 and correspondingly, an overall size of the handheld device 20. A weight of the handheld device 20 would also be highly dependent on the size of the touch panel display screen 24 as it is heavier compared to other components of the handheld device 20. The housing 26 also includes a receptor 28 for placement of the smartphone device 22. When the smartphone device 22 is located within the receptor 28, the smartphone device 22 is either secured within the receptor 28 or merely placed within the receptor 28 in a non-secured manner. While the receptor 28 is shown to be centrally located at a back surface 30 of the housing 26 in a preferred embodiment, the receptor 28 may be positioned at other positions of the housing 26. For example, the receptor 28 may be positioned at an edge of the housing 26 such that either a user of the handheld device 20 has a greater gripping area when holding the handheld device 20 or the receptor 28 acts as a stand for the handheld device 20 when the handheld device is placed on a flat surface like a tabletop. The receptor 28 may be sized to allow the placement of smartphone devices 22 of various makes and models. In addition, the receptor 28 may also be usable as a handle to carry the handheld device 20 when the handheld device 20 is not in use. There may also be a physical connector in the receptor 28 to enable a functional coupling between the smartphone device 22 located within the receptor 28 and the handheld device 20. The physical connector may be sufficient to secure the smartphone device 22 when the smartphone device 22 is located within the receptor 28. It should be noted that when there is no physical connector in the receptor 28 which allows the smartphone device 22 to be securely connected to the handheld device 20, the receptor 28 may either have a gripping/clamping mechanism or have a contact surface(s) with the smartphone device 22 which have a non-abrasive high friction coefficient to keep the smartphone device 22 securely located within the receptor 28.

The handheld device 20 also includes an arrangement of electronic circuitry 32 coupled to the touch panel display screen 24 configured to both receive data from the smartphone device 22 and transmit data to the smartphone device 22 when the handheld device 20 is functionally coupled to the smartphone device 22. It should be noted that the electronic circuitry 32 merely acts as a conduit for data transmitted to and from the smartphone device 22 and does not process data in any way. The handheld device 20 is a non-processing apparatus which relies completely on data processing capabilities of the smartphone device 22. In this regard, the handheld device 20 would be able to be manufactured at lower cost compared to a tablet computer which can independently process data. This is because the handheld device 20 is only used as a plug-and-play accessory for a smartphone device 22 and not an independent apparatus. In this regard, the handheld device 20 is able to provide users with an experience similar to a tablet computer at a lower cost. There is also an interface 34 coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry 32 for the functional coupling of the handheld device 20 and the smartphone device 22. The interface 34 may be the physical connector in the receptor 28 as described in a preceding paragraph. Alternatively, the handheld device 20 is functionally connected to the smartphone device 22 in a wireless manner, and the interface 34 may be a wireless communications module. The wireless communications module may use wireless technologies such as, for example, Bluetooth (RTM), infra-red, wi-fi, and so forth. Figure 6 shows the handheld device 20 being connected to the smartphone device 22 using a cable 23. It should be appreciated that the cable 23 may be coupled to the interface 34. As such, the smartphone device 22 does not need to be located within the receptor 28 to functionally couple with the handheld device 20.

The handheld device 20 further includes a power source 36 coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry 32 both for providing power to the handheld device 20 and for charging a power module of the smartphone device 22 when the handheld device 20 is functionally coupled to the smartphone device 22. Figure 4 shows the power source 36 comprising two separate batteries. The two separate batteries being shown in Figure 4 are merely illustrative as it should be noted that a capacity of the power source 36 is dependent on parameters such as, for example, a number of batteries, a milli-ampere-hour (mAh) rating of each of the batteries, an arrangement of the batteries, use of capacitors, and so forth. In addition, the power module of the smartphone device 22 is charged using the power source 36 by either direct connection or induction (when the smartphone device 22 is placed in close proximity to the power source 36). The use of induction to charge the power module of the smartphone device 22 would depend upon a position of the receptor 28 in relation to a position of the power source 36. There is also a plurality of ports 38 coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry 32 for providing additional connectivity for the smartphone device 22 when the handheld device 20 is functionally coupled to the smartphone device 22. The plurality of ports is selected from, for example, USB, HDMI, IEEE! 394, RJ45, serial, parallel, audio I/O, video I/O and so forth. Many models of smartphone devices 22 do not have any of the aforementioned ports as such ports would typically increase a thickness of the smartphone device 22. As such, it is evident how the handheld device 20 would enable more connectivity options for the smartphone device 22 when the smartphone device 22 is functionally connected to the handheld device 20.

The handheld device 20 also further includes at least one camera module 40 coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry 32 for capturing images when the handheld device 20 is functionally coupled to the smartphone device 22. The camera module 40 may include either a convex lens or a wide-angle lens and may also include an imaging sensor which is able to capture images in high definition format. Alternatively, the camera module 40 may be a standalone IP camera unit. Wide angle images which are captured using the wide-angle lens may be optically warped, but correction of the images may be carried out by processing at the smartphone device 22. There is also a voice capturing moclule 42 coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry 32 for capturing audio signals when the handheld device 20 is functionally coupled to the smartphone device 22. The voice capturing module 42 should include at least one microphone for the capture of audio signals and may also include echo- cancellation features. In addition, there is also an audio reproduction apparatus 44 coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry 32 for playing back audio signals when the handheld device 20 is functionally coupled to the smartphone device 22. The audio reproduction apparatus 44 comprises a plurality of speakers 44(a), 44(b). The audio reproduction apparatus 44 may also include audio processing capabilities to enhance a quality of output audio (for example, from monaural audio output to stereophonic output). It should be appreciated that the camera module 40, the voice capturing module 42 and the audio reproduction apparatus 44 may be used together for video communications, whereby the handheld device 20 becomes a. video-conferencing device when the smartphone device 22 is functionally coupled to the handheld device 20. Finally, the handheld device 20 also includes an identification module 46 coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry 32 for determining an identity of the user of the handheld device 20 when the handheld device 20 is functionally coupled to the smartphone device 22. The identification module 46 may rely on recognition of biometric parameters of the user such as, for example, fingerprints, retinas and so forth. The determination of an identity of the user enables either access to use of the handheld device 20 or brightness and contrast settings of the touch panel display screen 24 to be set to desired settings of the user. It should be noted that the identification module 46 has a critical role when the handheld device 20 is a shared device and all users sharing the handheld device 20 has varying preference levels of brightness and contrast settings of the touch panel display screen 24. Similarly, the identification module 46 may safeguard against unauthorised use of the handheld device 20.

When the handheld device 20 is in use, it is preferable that the smartphone device 22 which is functionally coupled to the handheld device 20 carries out all data processing where only a screen of the smartphone device 22 is inactive. All other functionalities of the smartphone device 22 such as, for example, voice call connectivity, data network connectivity, global positioning system (GPS) location capability, media playback functionality and so forth. In addition, use of the handheld device 20 would substantially mimic a manner that the smartphone device 22 is used as graphical user interfaces shown on the screen of the smartphone device 22 would be replicated on the touch panel display screen 24 of the handheld device 20. As such, a look-and-feel with regard to usage of the smartphone device 22 is reproduced when the handheld device 20 is in use. To the user, a usage experience would be just like using the smartphone device 22 through the handheld device 20. This minimises a learning curve and improves adaptability for users who use the handheld device 20 after they have been experienced users of the smartphone device 22. While physical controls 48 are shown on the handheld device 20, it is not mandatory as having the physical controls 48 would change the look-and-feel of the handheld device 20 in comparison to the smartphone device 22.

It should also be noted that the smartphone device 22 usable with the handheld device 20 is not limited to any particular make or model. This aspect is important when the handheld device 20 is shared amongst a number of users and the various users have different smartphone devices 22.

Some examples of instances where the handheld device 20 is deployed will be provided in the subsequent paragraphs.

The handheld device 20 may be used (possibly on a rental basis) in transportation hubs (for example, airports, bus stations, ferry terminals, train stations), government buildings, eating establishments, hotels/service apartments, vehicles for long distance transport, or places of interest which may require the handheld device 20 to provide a more desirable user experience compared to using a smartphone device 22 and/or to charge their smartphone device 22. The handheld device 20 may also be used in a corporate environment for instances such as, for example, taking notes during meetings, as a video conferencing apparatus, as a presentation tool during meetings, and so forth. Similarly, the handheld device 20 may be usable in a learning environment, where students in a class may use the handheld device 20 for instances such as, for example, taking notes during lessons, as a video conferencing apparatus, as a presentation tool during lessons, and so forth. It is evident that in both the corporate and learning environments, the use of a smartphone device 22 would be inappropriate whilst the use of the handheld device 20 would be more desirable in relation to user experience.

There is also provided a method for either enhancing or adding on at least one feature for a smartphone device 22 by functionally coupling (either by a direct connection or a wireless connection) the smartphone device 22 to the handheld device 20 as described in the preceding paragraphs. For example, a display size for content on the screen of the smartphone device 22 is increased with the use of the handheld device 20; power longevity of the smartphone device 22 is increased with the use of the handheld device 20; connectivity options of the smartphone device 22 is added on with the use of the handheld device 20; quality of images captured by the smartphone device 22 is enhanced when the handheld device 20 is used; quality of audio signals captured by the smartphone device 22 is enhanced when the handheld device 20 is used; quality of audio signals reproduced by the smartphone device 22 is enhanced (for example, from monaural audio output to stereophonic output) when the handheld device 20 is used and so forth.

Whilst the foregoing description has described exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations in details of design, construction and/or operation may be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. A handheld device configured to functionally couple to a smartphone device, the handheld device being for either enhancing or adding on at least one feature for the smartphone device, the handheld device including:

a touch panel display screen having a housing for enclosing the touch panel display screen, the housing including a receptor for placement of the smartphone device;

an arrangement of electronic circuitry coupled to the touch panel display screen configured to both receive data from the smartphone device and transmit data to the smartphone device when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device;

an interface coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for the functional coupling of the handheld device and the smartphone device;

a plurality of ports coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for providing additional connectivity for the smartphone device when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device;

at least one camera module coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for capturing images when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device;

a voice capturing module coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for capturing audio signals when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device;

an audio reproduction apparatus coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for playing back audio signals when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device; and

an identification module coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for determining an identity of a user of the handheld device when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device,

wherein the smartphone device, which is functionally coupled to the handheld device, carries out all data processing during use of the handheld device and wherein a look-and-feel of the smartphone device is replicated on the handheld device when the smartphone device is functionally coupled to the handheld device.

2. The handheld device of claim 1 , further including a power source coupled to the arrangement of electronic circuitry for providing power to the handheld device and for charging a power module of the smartphone device when the handheld device is functionally coupled to the smartphone device.

3. The handheld device of either claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one feature is selected from a group comprising:

display size for content on the screen of the smartphone device;

power longevity of the smartphone device;

connectivity options of the smartphone device;

quality of images captured by the smartphone device;

quality of audio signals captured by the smartphone device; and quality of audio signals reproduced by the smartphone device.

4. The handheld device of any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the receptor allows secure placement of the smartphone device.

5. The handheld device of any one of claims 2 - 4, wherein the power source comprises a plurality of batteries.

6. The handheld device of any one of claims 2 - 5, wherein a power module of the smartphone device is charged by either direct connection or induction.

7. The handheld device of any one of claims 1—6, wherein the plurality of ports is selected from a group comprising: USB, HDMI, IEEE1394, RJ45, serial, parallel, audio I/O, and video I/O.

8. The handheld device of any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the audio reproduction apparatus comprises a plurality of speakers.

9. The handheld device of any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the at least one camera module, the voice capturing module and the audio reproduction apparatus are used for video communications.

10. The handheld device of any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the determination of an identity of the user enables either access to use of the handheld device or brightness and contrast settings of the touch panel display screen to be set to desired settings of the user.

11 : The handheld device of any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein the handheld device is functionally connected to the smartphone device wirelessly through the interface. 12. A method for either enhancing or adding on at least one feature for a smartphone device by functionally coupling the smartphone device to a handheld device of any one of claims 1 - 11.