WO2017009739A2

WO2017009739A2 - Digital device

Info

Publication number: WO2017009739A2
Application number: PCT/IB2016/054015
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohammad Taghi Daneshvar
Original assignee: Mohammad Taghi Daneshvar
Priority date: 2015-07-10
Filing date: 2016-07-05
Publication date: 2017-01-19
Also published as: WO2017009739A3

Abstract

The present invention is about manufacturing a laptop shaped keyboard and display screen. The said keyboard and screen can be encased in metal, composite material, polymer and plastic materials and /or a combination of some or all of the mentioned materials or indeed, any other materials. The keyboard, display screen and case can be of different sizes or weights. The display screen can be of different resolutions and types. It is advisable to use less energy consuming one. Different coating also can be applied. The case can have its own rechargeable battery to power the display screen, keyboard and other peripherals such as memory and or different possible digital and/or analogue outlets.

Description

DIGITAL DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to computer and communication equipment and, more particularly to a combination of functionality of disparate equipments.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Our lives and habits have changed dramatically during the past three decades. Most of these changes can be contributed to computing and communication digital

technology advances. Smart phones are becoming more

powerful with more capabilities and storages day by day and most people have migrated from being standard mobile phone users to smart phones.

[0003] Another trend is the shift from desktop computers to laptop and tablets. Larger smart phones, that is a cross between smart phones and tablets, are gaining some

popularity. Having a smart phone usually does not remove the need for tablets or laptops. It is a familiar scene to see people owning at least two forms of these devices if not all of them.

[0004] The investment in owning phone, tablet, laptop etc together is usually high and the logistics of having different items of equipment can be a headache as well. On the other hand, today' s smart phones are more potent than the best desktops of a decade ago and future smart phones are expected to be still more powerful and potent than today's laptops and at parity with laptops then current.

[0005] Operating systems that once were very different for phones, tablets and computers, are becoming closer and migrating to application based ones. There have been some efforts to convert smart phones and tablets to become more like laptops in appearance by developing cases and

keyboards etc, but none have really gained wide acceptance. [0006] It is an object of the present invention

address or at least ameliorate some of the above

disadvantages or provide a useful alternative.

Notes

[0007] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of".

[0008] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

[0009] The term "smart phone" as used in this

specification, refers to a mobile phone device which incorporates a display/touch screen no matter of the size, microprocessor/s and data storage, operating system, applications and other softwares and ports. The term "smart phone" as used in this specification also includes the same devices without sim cards.

[00010] The term "application" as used in this

specification, refers to a piece of software resident in the memory of a smart phone.

[00011] The term "phablet" as used in this specification refers to an integrated device incorporating smart phone communication functionality with a keyboard and display screen .

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[00012] This invention is intended to maximize smart phones and phablets usages by a new device for converting phones and/or phablets to laptops or tablet-like devices, which in return saves money and logistics for users.

[00013] Accordingly in one broad form of the invention there is provided a digital device for use with a smart phone; the device including an electronic interface for releasable communication with the smart phone, a display screen, a keyboard, and a recess for insertion of a smart phone .

[00014] Preferably the recess includes terminals or a cable for electronic interconnection to the electronic interface .

[00015] Preferably the electronic interface is

implemented using microprocessor/s or other electronic components .

[00016] Preferably the microprocessor is secondary in operation to a processor located within the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged within the digital device and in electronic communication via the electronic interface.

[00017] Preferably the digital device includes a WiFi and/or Bluetooth communication module for communication with the smart phone.

[00018] Preferably the smart phone includes an

application to adapt the display/touch screen of the smart phone to selectively act as a cursor pointing device; the cursor visible on the digital device display screen when the smart phone is docked in the recess. [00019] Preferably output of applications resident on th smart phone and in use are displayed on the display screen of the digital device.

[00020] Preferably the microprocessor feeds keyboard inputs to the smart phone and feeds smart phone cursor commands to a cursor displayed on the display screen of th digital device.

[00021] Preferably instead of having a cursor and pointing function, the display of the laptop case (digital device) mirrors the smart phone display image and by touching and controlling the smart phone display in a normal way as it is done when smart phone is used plus the keyboard of the laptop case (digital device) the casing is controlled and acts as a laptop or phablet device.

[00022] Preferably the keyboard and the recess are mounted in a first case element of the digital device; the display screen being mounted in a second case element of the digital device.

[00023] Preferably either the first case element or the second case element further contains a battery/batteries inserted providing power to a power module for powering at least the display screen and the keyboard.

[00024] Preferably either the first case element or the second case element includes a charging port which can power the digital device and/or charge the battery of the digital device when connected to the main through a charge or to other charging means such as batteries or USB ports of other devices.

[00025] Preferably the digital device further includes a charger module or mechanism; the charger module or

mechanism providing power to the smart phone and/or the battery module of the smart phone when the smart phone is inserted into the recess. The source of power is the power provided to the charging port of the digital device and/or the power in the digital device's battery.

[00026] Preferably the first case element and the second body element are hingedly connected together so as to allow folding of the second case element against the first case element such that the display screen mounted in the second case element overlies the keyboard and recess of the first case element.

[00027] Preferably folding the second case element against the first case element turns the off the display screen of the digital device and/or the smart phone if is in the recess.

[00028] Preferably the battery of the smart phone may be charged by the battery of the digital device or by mains when connected to the main power when the smart phone is inserted or connected in the digital device.

[00029] Preferably back up can be done remotely through wifi when both the smart phone and the digital device are connected to the internet.

[00030] Preferably the digital device may have storage means such as flash storage or hard disk drive to back up the data of the smart phone when the smart phone is inserted or connected into the case.

[00031] Preferably digital device has input/output ports where is different input/output devices including external storage means can be connected to the relevant ports to back up the data or otherwise.

[00032] Preferably the smart phone can be inserted from the top of the recess on the digital device or from the beneath the recess.

[00033] Preferably the digital device is inserted from beneath, all or part of the smart phone display will be exposed and be used as a touch pad/track pad. [00034] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of using a smart phone as a laptop or a phablet; the method including the steps of

- Providing a digital device comprising at least a first case element; the digital device incorporating a recess in the first case element for insertion of a smart phone in a way and place that resembles a touch pad/ track pad of a laptop.

- Providing the first case element of the digital device with a keyboard and a recess for the smart phone,

- Providing the second element of the digital device

with a display screen,

- Arranging for mirroring the image on the smart phone' s display on the display screen of the digital device,

- Arranging for the image on the smart phone to be

displayed on the display of the digital device.

- Arranging for inputting text and functions to the

smart phone by stroking the keys of the digital device' s keyboard,

- Arranging the keyboard on the digital device to act as an external keyboard for the smart phone,

- Working with the smart phone in a normal way by

touching and tapping the touch screen of the smart phone,

- Alternatively Arranging an application on the smart phone for the display/touch screen of the smart phone to drive a cursor displayed on the display screen of the digital device,

- Arranging for output of any application resident on the smart phone to be displayed on the display of the digital device.

[00035] Preferably when the smart phone is inserted into the recess, the smart phone connects with a docking

connection provided in the recess. [00036] Preferably the docking connection can be

different changeable male connector to suit different female ports of different smart phone makes and models.

[00037] Preferably the smart phone interfaces with the digital device via one or more microprocessors incorporated within the digital device.

[00038] Preferably the microprocessor/s feeds keyboard inputs to the smart phone and feeds output data from any application in use on the smart phone to the display screen of the digital device.

[00039] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a methodology for utilisation of the processing hardware of a smart phone when in communication with a casing whereby the smart phone will insert/dock into the casing in such a way so that a touch screen of the smart phone acts as a touch pad/mouse for the casing.

[00040] Preferably there is caused to display a cursor on the display of the laptop case (digital device) , tapping, touching and moving fingers on the smart phone screen produce same effect as it does in the laptop touch pads.

[00041] Preferably instead of having a cursor and

pointing function, the display of the laptop case (digital device) mirrors the smart phone display image and by touching and controlling the smart phone display in a normal way as it is done when smart phone is used plus the keyboard of the laptop case (digital device) the casing is controlled and acts as a laptop or phablet device.

[00042] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for enabling a casing which houses basic input/output devices to act as a laptop computer or equivalent device by the step of using a smart phone's capabilities such as the main processor,

microprocessor/s, catch, memory, programs and applications, video and graphic hardware and software for activation of input/output devices of the casing and wherein the smart phone may act as a touch pad when installed in the case.

[00043] Preferably the casing comprises a digital device which has a display, keyboard, battery and may have different input and outputs ports such as USB, HDMI, DVI, Ethernet, Digital or analogue audio and may have slots for memory cards.

[00044] Preferably the casing (digital device) may have bluetooth, WIFI or other wireless connectivity abilities.

[00045] Preferably the casing (digital device) may have stereo speakers more powerful than those used in smart phones .

[00046] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for conversion of a casing housing basic input and output devices into a functioning laptop computer or equivalent by the step of inserting a smart phone into at least a portion of the casing and docking it to the digital device thus formed and wherein the smart phone and the casing communicate through wired or wireless connection and wherein the smart phone' s

capabilities such as processing power, operating system, software and applications, graphic, video and audio, cache and memory are used to the maximum possible in the digital device .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00047] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein :

[00048] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first

preferred embodiment of A digital device according to the invention,

[00049] Figure 2 is a view of a second preferred

embodiment of the digital device. [00050] Figure 3 is a block, electronic diagram of a further application of an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Preferred Embodiment

[00051] With reference to Figure 1, a digital device 10 according to the invention is adapted for use with a smart phone 12. The device 10 includes at least a first case element 14 and a second case element 16 hingedly connected together in the likeness of laptop computers, well known in the art.

[00052] The digital device 10 further includes a

microprocessor (not shown) , a display screen 18 mounted in the second case element 16, and a keyboard 20 and recess 22, for insertion of the smart phone 12, mounted in the first case element 14.

[00053] The recess 22 is sized to suit at least a

particular smart phone but could be arranged with

adjustable peripheral retaining elements to suit a range of phone sizes.

[00054] The recess 22 includes a docking connector 24 for the smart phone 12 to interface with the microprocessor. In one preferred arrangement, the digital device 10 may be supplied with a selection of interchangeable docking connectors to suit a range of smart phones.

[00055] Alternatively, or in addition, the digital device 10 may further include a WIFI and/or Bluetooth

communication module (not shown) for communication with the smart phone .

[00056] For use with the digital device 10, the smart phone 12 includes an application to adapt the display/touch screen 26 of the smart phone to selectively act as a cursor pointing device, to control a cursor 28 visible on the digital device display screen 16 when the smart phone 12 is docked in the recess 22.

[00057] Further to act as a cursor, it also can act as a touch pad as it is in the digital device 10 now functional as a laptop computer to do different functions by the movement of on or more fingers on the smart phone display 26 such as clicking, selecting, focusing, rotating etc.

[00058] In another preferred form there may not be a cursor on the laptop screen but the lap top screen may mirror what is shown in the smart phone display 26 and functions will be controlled by touching the smart phone display 26 in a normal manner when using the smart phone in which the laptop display will act as the major viewing display and the smart phone display plus the keyboard will act as the input and control of executing commands, functions and data.

[00059] The default display/touch screen 26 image of the smart phone 12, or the output of any application resident on the smart phone and currently in use, may be displayed on the display screen 18 of the digital device 10.

[00060] The microprocessor functions to feed keyboard 20 inputs to the smart phone 12 and feeds the smart phone cursor commands generated on the display/touch screen 26 to the display screen 18 of the digital device.

[00061] Either the first case element 14 or the second case element 16 further contains a battery compartment 30. Batteries inserted into the battery compartment 30 provide power to a power module (not shown) for powering at least the display screen 18. Batteries inserted into battery compartment 30 may also be arranged to charge the smart phone battery when the digital device 10 is placed in communication with the docking connector 24.

[00062] Either the first case element 14 or the second case element 16 includes a mains power inlet socket 32; mains power being directed to the power module of the digital device 10 when a suitable power cord is connected between a mains power supply and the mains power inlet socket 32. Either the first case element 14 or the second case element 16 further may contain different input and output means such as HDMI, USB, digital audio or slots for different memory cards.

[00063] Preferably, the digital device 10 further includes a charger module (not shown) which may provide power to a battery module of the smart phone 12 when the smart phone is docked in the recess 22 and mains power is provided to the digital device.

[00064] The hinged interconnection of the first case element 14 and the second case element 16 allows the folding of the second case element 16 against the first case element 14 such that the display screen 18, mounted in the second case element 16, then overlies the keyboard 20 and recess 22 of the first case element.

[00065] The hinge may be implemented by way of a number of different mechanisms such as mechanical, magnetic or otherwise .

Second Preferred Embodiment

[00066] In a second preferred embodiment of the invention and with reference to Figure 2, the digital device 100 is comprised of a single case element 116, generally of similar shape and size to those devices known as "tablets" or "phablets".

[00067] In this instance, a display screen 118 similar to that of the first embodiment described above, is mounted in the upper region 112 of the single case element 116.

[00068] A keyboard 120 is mounted below the display screen 118, and below that in the lower region 114, is a recess 122 configured in like manner to the recess

described above.

[00069] In this embodiment also, the digital device 100 is provided with a microprocessor, battery compartment 130 and a mains power inlet socket 132, and is functionally similar to the digital device of the first embodiment above .

Third Preferred Embodiment

[00070] With reference to figure 3 there is illustrated a further preferred embodiment. In this instance the

smartphone 201 comprises a smartphone casing 202 in which is housed at least a microprocessor 203 in communication with a memory 204. The microprocessor and memory

combination allow the execution of programs within the casing 202. Communication with the outside world including with a user of the smartphone 201 is effected via a smart phone input output device 205 which typically interfaces with a number of devices including, in this instance, a touchscreen 206, a GPS transceiver 207, a Bluetooth radio facility 208 and a Wi-Fi facility 209. In this instance the smart phone 201 is rendered "smart" by the fact that this functionality extends well beyond that of merely telephonic communication between two users.

[00071] Also shown in figure 3 is a casing 220 which, in this instance, houses a touchscreen 221 and Qwerty keyboard 222, both of which are in communication with an casing input output device 223.

[00072] In this instance the casing 220 further includes a mechanical receiver 224 for mechanical reception of smartphone casing 202. In a preferred form the mechanical receiver 224 permits orientation of the smartphone casing 202 such that the touchscreen 206 of the smartphone casing 202 is oriented in a substantially upward direction relative to a working surface 225 of the casing 220. In a particular preferred form the touchscreen 206, when received within mechanical receiver 224 lies substantially flush with the working surface 225.

[00073] In use the input output device 205 of smartphone 201 is in communication with input output device 223 of casing 220.

[00074] The smart phone 201 may slot into the rear of the casing 220 or to the front as described above or, indeed, may slide in horizontally into the casing 220.

[00075] The casing 220 may take the form of a traditional laptop with the touch screen/screen 221 mechanically, pivotally connected to the base portion which houses the keyboard 222 and the 10 223 as illustrated. In an

alternative form the touch screen 221 may be mechanically disassociated from the base and be set up to operate in a manner similar to the "Surface" tablet marketed by

Microsoft Corporation.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[00076] The digital device of the invention provides an additional level of functionality and convenience of use for the power now available in smart phones. The device effectively enables a smart phone to act either as a laptop or phablet, while unlike a phablet, allowing the use of a smart phone as a standalone communication device.

Summary

[00077] The present invention is about manufacturing a laptop shaped keyboard and display screen. The said

keyboard and screen can be encased in metal, composite material, polymer and plastic materials and/or a

combination of some or all of the mentioned materials or indeed, any other materials. The keyboard, display screen and case can be of different sizes or weights.

[00078] The display screen can be of different

resolutions and types. It is advisable to use less energy consuming one. Different coatings also can be applied. The case can have its own rechargeable battery to power the display screen, keyboard and other peripherals such as memory and or different possible digital and/or analogue outlets .

Alternative embodiment

[00079] In a further alternative form a mobile phone may be converted to a tablet with touch screen and battery by means of insertion of the smart phone in a recess

preferably in the back intended specifically for the smart phone. In this form the display in the tablet will act as the touch screen for the mobile phone.

Claims

1. A digital device for use with a smart phone; the device including an electronic interface for releasable communication with the smartphone, a display screen, a keyboard, and a recess for insertion of a smart phone.

2. The digital device of claim 1 wherein the recess includes terminals or cable/s for electronic

interconnection to the electronic interface.

3. The digital device of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the electronic interface is implemented using microprocessor/s or other electronic components.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the microprocessor is secondary in operation to a processor, microprocessors and other electronic components located within the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged within the digital device and in electronic communication via the electronic

interface .

5. The digital device of claim 1 wherein the digital device includes a WiFi and/or Bluetooth and or other wireless form of communication module for communication with the smart phone.

6. The digital device of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the smart phone includes an application to adapt the display/touch screen of the smart phone to selectively act as a cursor pointing device; the cursor visible on the digital device display screen when the smart phone is docked/inserted in the recess.

7. The digital device of any previous claim wherein output of applications resident on the smart phone and in use are displayed on the display screen of the digital device .

8. The digital device of any previous claim wherein the microprocessor/s feeds keyboard inputs to the smart phone and feeds smart phone cursor commands to a cursor displayed on the display screen of the digital device.

9. The digital device of any claims 1 to 7 wherein the display of the laptop case (digital device) mirrors the smart phone display image and by touching and controlling the smart phone display in a normal way as it is done when smart phone is used plus the keyboard of the laptop

case (digital device) the casing is controlled and acts as a laptop or phablet device.

10. The digital device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the

keyboard and the recess are mounted in a first case element of the digital device; the display screen being mounted in a second case element of the digital device.

11. The digital device of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein either the first case element or the second case element further contains a battery compartment; battery/ies the battery compartment providing power to a power module for powering at least the display screen.

12. The digital device of claim 4 wherein either the first case element or the second case element includes a mains power inlet socket; mains power being directed to the power module when a suitable power cord is connected between a mains power supply and the mains power inlet socket.

13. The digital device of claim 4 wherein either the first case element or the second case element includes a charging port to power the digital device and/or charge the

battery/ies of the digital device.

14. The charging Port of claim 12 can be connected to a charger which is connected to the main or to the charging devices which may contain battery/ies.

15. The digital device of claim 4 or 5 wherein the digital device further includes a charger module and/or mechanism; the charger module and/or mechanism providing power from the charging port and/or battery/ies of the digital device to a battery module of the smart phone when the smart phone is inserted into the recess.

16. The digital device of claim 3 wherein the first case element and the second body element are hingedly connected together so as to allow folding of the second case element against the first case element such that the display screen mounted in the second case element overlies the keyboard and recess of the first case element.

17. The digital device of claim 15 or 16 wherein folding of the second case element against first case element switches off the digital device's display screen and/or inserted smart phone's display screen.

18. The digital device of any previous claim wherein the battery of the smart phone may be charged by the battery of the digital device or by charging port of the digital device when connected to a charger or main when the smart phone is inserted or connected in the digital device.

19. The digital device of any previous claim wherein back up can be done remotely through wifi when both the smart phone and the digital device are connected to the internet.

20. The digital device of any previous claim wherein the laptop case may have storage means such as flash storage or hard disk drive to back up the data of the smart phone when the smart phone is inserted or connected into the case.

21. The digital device of claim 19 wherein the storage means such as memory and/or flash storage or hard disk can be external and connected to the digital device through relevant ports and or slots.

22. The digital device of any previous claim wherein the smart phone can be inserted from the top of the recess on the digital device or from the beneath the recess.

23. The digital device of any previous claim wherein, when the digital device is inserted from beneath, all or part of the smart phone display will be exposed and be used as a touch pad/track pad.

24. A method of using a smart phone as a laptop or a phablet; the method including the steps of

- Providing a digital device comprising at least a first case element; the digital device incorporating a recess in the first case element for insertion of a smart phone,

- Providing the digital device with a keyboard and a

display screen,

- Arranging an application on the smart phone for the display/touch screen of the smart phone to drive a cursor displayed on the display screen of the digital device,

25. The method of claim 24 wherein when the smart phone is inserted into the recess, the smart phone connects with a docking or cable connection provided in the recess.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25 wherein the smart phone interfaces with the digital device via a microprocessor incorporated within the digital device.

27. The method of claim 24 wherein the microprocessor feeds keyboard inputs to the smart phone and feeds output data from any application in use on the smart phone to the display screen of the digital device.

28. A methodology for utilisation of the processing hardware of a smart phone when in communication with a casing whereby the smart phone will insert/dock into the casing in such a way so that a touch screen of the smart phone acts as a touch pad/mouse for the casing.

29. The methodology of claim 28 wherein there is caused to display a cursor on the display of the laptop case (digital device) , touching and moving fingers on the smart phone screen produce same effect as it does in the laptop touch pads .

30. The methodology of claim 28 wherein instead of having a cursor and pointing function, the display of the laptop case (digital device) mirrors the smart phone display image and by touching and controlling the smart phone display in a normal way as it is done when smart phone is used plus the keyboard of the laptop case (digital device) the casing is controlled and acts as a laptop or phablet device.

31. A method for enabling a casing which houses basic input/output devices to act as a laptop computer or

equivalent device by the step of using a smart phone' s capabilities such as the main processor, microprocessor/s , catch, memory, programs and applications, video and graphic hardware and software for activation of input/output devices of the casing and wherein the smart phone may act as a touch pad and or track pad when installed in the case.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein the casing comprises a digital device which has a display, keyboard, battery and may have different input and outputs ports such as USB, HDMI, DVI, Ethernet, Digital or analogue audio and may have slots for memory cards.

33. The method of claim 31 wherein the casing may have bluetooth, wifi or other wireless connectivity abilities.

34. A method for conversion of a casing housing basic input and output devices into a functioning laptop computer or equivalent by the step of inserting a smart phone into at least a portion of the casing and docking it to the digital device thus formed and wherein the smart phone and the casing communicate through wired or wireless connection and wherein the smart phone's capabilities such as

processing power, operating system, software and applications, graphic, video and audio, cache and memory are used to the maximum possible in the digital device.