HOHL MARKUS (GB)
| US20020009195A1 | 2002-01-24 | |||
| EP1220415A2 | 2002-07-03 | |||
| US20060089178A1 | 2006-04-27 |
| CLAIMS
1. A holder for a mobile telecommunications device, the mobile telecommunications device comprising an audio output means, the holder comprising a cradle arranged to receive and support the mobile device; electrical charging contacts arranged to contact with complementary electrical contacts on the mobile telecommunications device so as to allow the device to be charged when in the holder; wherein the holder comprises an air passage arranged to distribute sound generated from the audio output means when the device is docked in the holder to the surrounding atmosphere.
2. A holder as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the cradle comprises a recess arranged to be of complementary shape to the mobile telecommunications device.
3. A holder as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the electrical charging contacts are arranged to extend into the recess.
4. A holder as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical charging contacts are arranged to automatically engage with complementary contacts on the mobile telecommunications device when it is docked into the holder.
5. A holder as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the air passage has a first end which is located within the cradle.
6. A holder as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the first end is arranged to align with the audio output means of the mobile telecommunications device when it is docked in the cradle.
7. A holder as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the air passage has a second end, the second end comprising an audio disperser means which extends around part of the holder.
8. A holder as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the audio disperser means is disposed on a lower portion of the holder.
9. A holder as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, wherein the audio disperser means is arranged to disperse sound from the air passage such that it reflects off of a supporting surface.
10. A holder as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9, further comprising power supply connection means.
11. A holder as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10, further comprising data output connection means.
12. A holder as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the connection means comprise USB ports.
13. A holder as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 12, further comprising one or more function buttons arranged to control selected functionality of the mobile telecommunications device when docked to the holder.
14. A mobile telecommunications device comprising: a first body portion; a second body portion pivotably connected to the first body portion by a hinge means and moveable between an open position and a closed position; and a function control means arranged to control a function of the mobile device wherein the function control means is mounted coaxially with the hinge means.
15. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the function control means is in the form of a wheel, the wheel having an axis which is coaxial with the hinge means.
16. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein the function control means comprises surface formations arranged to allow a user to operate the control means.
17. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 16 when dependent on Claim 15, wherein the surface formations are located along the circumference of the wheel.
18. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 17, wherein the first and second body portions are of substantially planar configuration and in the closed position the first and second portions are located in a stacked configuration and in the open position the first and second portions are located in an end-to-end configuration.
19. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 18, wherein the function control means is arranged to be operable in both the closed and open positions.
20. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 19, wherein the function control means is arranged to control the volume of a music player device provided on the mobile device.
21. A mobile telecommunications device comprising a housing defining top, bottom and side edges of the device; a battery compartment located within the housing, the compartment having a compartment opening in the housing so as to allow a battery to be inserted into or removed from the compartment; wherein the compartment opening is framed by the edges of the device.
22. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 21 , wherein the compartment opening comprises opening edges arranged such that there is a separation between the compartment opening edges and the edges of the mobile telecommunications device.
23. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein the housing defines an outer surface of the device and the compartment opening is located in the outer surface.
24. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 23, wherein the compartment opening is arranged to cooperate with a complementary shaped battery compartment cover.
25. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 24 when dependent on Claim 23, wherein the compartment opening is arranged such that the battery compartment cover seats flush with the outer surface of the housing.
26. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 24 or Claim 25, the device further comprising cover retention means arranged to hold the complementary shaped battery compartment cover in place.
27. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the cover retention means comprises latch formations arranged to cooperate with complementary shaped formations on the battery compartment cover.
28. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 26 or Claim 27, further comprising cover release means arranged to release the battery compartment cover from the cover retention means.
29. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the cover release means comprises button means mounted on the housing and arranged to release the cover retention means upon activation.
30. A mobile telecommunications device as claimed in Claim 28 or Claim 29, wherein the cover release means comprises resilient biasing means arranged to urge the battery compartment cover away from the housing.
31. A mobile telecommunications handset comprising a mobile telecommunications device as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 30 and a battery compartment cover of complementary shape to the compartment opening.
32. A mobile telecommunications device comprising a housing wherein the housing is divided into distinct interface regions, each interface region relating to a distinct functionality of the device.
33. A device as claimed in Claim 32, further comprising user input controls wherein the input controls are located within the distinct interface regions on the housing, the input controls within each interface region being associated with the functionality of that region.
34. A device as claimed in Claim 33, wherein the input controls within each interface region are dedicated to the particular function of the device associated with that region.
35. A device as claimed in Claim 33 or Claim 34, wherein all the input controls associated with a given functionality of the device are located in the associated interface region for that functionality.
36. A device as claimed in any of Claims 32 to 35, wherein each side of the device supports a single interface region.
37. A device as claimed in any of Claims 32 to 36, further comprising a music player application, wherein the device comprises a dedicated music control interface region.
38. A device as claimed in Claim 37, wherein the music control interface region comprises a plurality of music control buttons.
39. A device as claimed in any of Claims 32 to 38, wherein the housing comprises a user interface navigation and interaction interface region.
40. A device as claimed in Claim 40, wherein the interface region comprises a unitary planar control button, the control button comprising a first control area located substantially at the centre of the control button, a second control area disposed in an annular configuration to the first control area and a third control area disposed in an annular configuration to the second control area.
41. A device as claimed any of Claims 32 to 40, wherein the housing comprises a device access and connection interface region.
42. A device as claimed in Claim 41 , wherein the interface region comprises a power supply interface port.
43. A device as claimed in Claim 41 or Claim 42, wherein the interface region comprises an access port for a removable memory device.
44. A device as claimed in any of Claims 41 to 43, wherein the interface region comprises button means arranged to release a battery cover and allow access to a battery compartment of the device.
45. A device as claimed in any of Claims 32 to 44, wherein the device comprises multiple interface regions.
46. A device as claimed in Claim 45, wherein the device has an open and a closed configuration and at least one of the multiple interface regions is always accessible to a user regardless of the configuration of the device.
47. A mobile telecommunications device comprising: a housing having a surface layer; a light source disposed within the housing; at least one symbol provided in the surface layer wherein the at least one symbol comprises a debossed region of the surface layer and the light source is arranged such that light emitted from the light source illuminates the at least one symbol.
48. A device as claimed in any Claim 47, further comprising a light guide arranged to guide light emitted from the light source to the at least one debossed symbol.
49. A device as claimed in Claim 47 or Claim 48, wherein the device comprises a plurality of light sources.
50. A device as claimed in Claim 49, wherein each of the plurality of light sources is optically separated from one another.
51. A device as claimed in Claim 49 or Claim 50, further comprising a light guide means, wherein the light guide means is arranged to optically separate each light source.
52. A device as claimed in any of Claims 49 to 51 , further comprising a plurality of debossed symbols, wherein each light source is associated with one of the debossed symbols.
53. A device as claimed in Claim 52, further comprising a light guide means wherein the light guide means is arranged to define a light path for light emitted from each light source to its associated debossed symbol.
54. A device as claimed in any of Claims 47 to 53, wherein the or each light source comprises a light emitting diode.
55. A device as claimed in any of Claims 47 to 54, wherein the surface layer comprises an external and an internal surface and the at least one debossed symbol comprises a shaped recess on the external surface.
56. A device as claimed in any of Claims 47 to 55, wherein the surface layer comprises an external and an internal surface and the at least one debossed symbol comprises a shaped recess on the internal surface.
57. A device as claimed in any of Claims 47 to 56, wherein the device comprises a plurality of debossed symbols and the device further comprises control means arranged to selectively illuminate the debossed symbols.
58. A mobile telecommunications device comprising a planar control button, the control button comprising a first control area located substantially at the centre of the control button, a second control area disposed in an annular configuration to the first control area and a third control area disposed in an annular configuration to the second control area.
59. A device as claimed in Claim 58, wherein the planar control button is located within or near a keypad of the device.
60. A device as claimed in Claim 58 or 59, wherein the planar control button is of unitary construction.
61. A device as claimed in any of Claims 58 to 60, wherein the first area comprises a selection button arranged to allow a user to select an option from a graphical user interface on the device.
62. A device as claimed in any of Claims 58 to 61, wherein the second area comprises a navigation control button arranged to allow a user to navigate through a menu hierarchy in a graphical user interface on the device.
63. A device as claimed in any of Claims 58 to 62, wherein the third area comprises one or more function selection controls.
64. A device as claimed in any of Claims 58 to 63, wherein the first and second areas are substantially circular in configuration.
65. A device as claimed in any of Claims 58 to 64, further comprising a light source arranged to illuminate a portion of the planar button.
66. A device as claimed in Claim 65, wherein the illuminated portion of the planar button is located between the second and third areas.
67. A mobile telecommunications device comprising: a housing; a plurality of light sources mounted on a substrate, the substrate being disposed beneath a surface of the housing; and a light guide, the light guide being sandwiched between the housing and the substrate wherein the light guide is arranged to allow light emitted from the light sources to illuminate the housing and the light guide, housing and substrate are distinct components of the mobile telecommunications device.
68. A device as claimed in Claim 67, wherein the light guide defines a light path between the plurality of light sources and the housing.
69. A device as claimed in Claim 67 or 68, wherein the light guide is arranged to substantially reduce the transmission of light emitted substantially transverse to the substrate from the plurality of light sources.
70. A device as claimed in any of Claims 67 to 69, wherein the light guide is arranged to optically isolate the plurality of light sources from each other.
71. A device as claimed in any of Claims 67 to 70, wherein the housing is of variable thickness and the light sources are substantially aligned beneath regions of the housing of relatively lower thickness.
72. A device as claimed in Claim 71, wherein regions of the housing with relatively lower thickness are translucent to light emitted from the plurality of light sources.
73. A device as claimed in any of Claims 67 to 72, wherein the light guide is bonded to the substrate.
74. A device as claimed in any of Claims 67 to 73, wherein the plurality of light sources are light emitting diodes.
75. A mobile telecommunications device comprising: a housing a plurality of light sources disposed beneath a surface of the housing wherein the housing is of variable thickness and the light sources are arranged beneath areas of the housing of relatively lower thickness such that there is substantial registration between the areas of relatively lower thickness and the plurality of light sources.
76. A device as claimed in Claim 71 and Claim 75, wherein the housing comprises first regions having a first thickness which is substantially opaque to the transmission of light from the light sources and second regions having a second thickness which is substantially translucent to the transmission of light from the plurality of light sources and wherein the plurality of light sources are substantially aligned beneath the second regions of the housing.
77. A device as claimed in Claim 71 and Claim 75, wherein the housing comprises first, second and third regions, the housing thickness in the first region being greater than the housing thickness in the second and third regions and the housing thickness in the second region being greater than the housing thickness in the third region.
78. A device as claimed in Claim 77, wherein the second region is arranged such that it forms a window within the first region and the third region is arranged to form a pattern in the second region.
79. A device as claimed in Claim 78, wherein the third region is substantially translucent to the transmission of light emitted from the plurality of light sources and wherein the pattern of the third region is arranged to allow the the display of alphanumeric characters on the housing when selectively illuminated by the light sources.
80. A device as claimed in any of Claims 75 to 79, wherein the plurality of light sources are comprised of light emitting diodes.
81. A device as claimed in any of Claims 75 to 80, wherein the housing comprises a single shaped piece of injection moulded plastic. |
A MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE, AND AN ACCESSORY FOR A MOBILE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile telecommunications device and accessory for a mobile telecommunications device. In particular, the present invention provides a mobile telecommunications device with improved features and functionality and also relates to a charging holder/cradle for such a device.
Background of Invention
In recent years mobile telecommunications devices, such as mobile telephones and PDAs, have increased their data storage and processing power capabilities to such an extent that they are now increasingly providing features that are traditionally associated with other devices, e.g. camera functions, music players etc.
Therefore, in addition to the traditional ability to make and receive voice calls, modern telecommunications devices are designed to provide a range of functions and such devices represent a "convergent" platform that integrates or attempts to integrate a number of functionalities.
The increase in functionality associated with mobile telecommunications devices has meant that the control interfaces have become more complex since, as well as a standard keypad, such devices have to incorporate control buttons for a range of different functionalities such as an onboard camera, music player control functions, navigation controls as well as connectivity controls and interfaces.
Current mobile telecommunication device designs tend to locate control buttons in such a way that it becomes very easy to activate the wrong control button in error. For example, many current mobile telephones present music controls in close proximity to navigation controls as well as other function keys (such as "one touch" Internet access buttons) and the keypad. This makes it difficult to accurately select the desired button without an initial visual check of the device. Furthermore, some mobile device designs seek to provide multi-function buttons which seek to re-assign the specific function of a control button depending on the device functionality selected by the user.
Many mobile devices also provide features that are intended for use in or may be used in a hands-free mode. For example, many mobile devices can provide clock/alarm functions and many devices now are fitted with stereo loudspeakers to enable stereo audio output. However, since mobile telecommunication devices have been designed for hand-held use such features tend to lose their effectiveness if the device is placed on a surface.
It is also noted that with the increase in functionality of mobile telecommunications devices the manufacture of such devices has become more complicated. The provision of dual screens for example makes fabrication of the device more complicated.
It is further noted that mobile telecommunications devices locate their battery compartments in such a manner that they form an integral part of the frame of the device. In the event of damage to the frame of the device it can become difficult to securely locate a battery compartment cover thereby compromising the performance of the device.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome or mitigate the above mentioned problems and to provide a mobile telecommunications device and an accessory for such a device that overcome or substantially mitigate the above issues.
Statements of Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a holder for a mobile telecommunications device, the mobile telecommunications device comprising an audio output means, the holder comprising: a cradle arranged to receive and support the mobile device; electrical charging contacts arranged to contact with complementary electrical contacts on the mobile telecommunications device so as to allow the device to be charged when in the holder; wherein the holder comprises an air passage arranged to distribute sound generated from the audio output means when the device is docked in the holder to the surrounding atmosphere.
The first aspect of the invention provides a charging holder for a mobile telecommunications device. Many mobile devices now incorporate integral loudspeakers for the playback of music stored on the device. While this is suitable for use when the
device is either being held or is placed on a surface, sound playback can become muted when such a device is docked with a charging holder used to charge the device since such holders often block the loudspeaker of the device.
The holder according to the first aspect of the present invention incorporates an air passage that allows sound emitted from a loudspeaker (or other audio output means) to be distributed to the surrounding atmosphere.
Conveniently, the holder has a cradle that comprises a recess that is of complementary shape to the device to be docked. The electrical charging contacts may then extend into the recess such that location of the device in the recess automatically forms an electrical connection between the device and the holder.
The air passage preferably has a first end which is located within the recess of the cradle. Conveniently, the air passage is located such that it aligns with the audio output means of the device when docked in the holder.
The air passage may conveniently comprise a second end on the outside of the holder, the second end comprising an audio disperser means that is arranged to facilitate the distribution of sound passing through the air passage of the holder.
Preferably, the holder comprises an audio disperser means that is located around part of the lower portion of the holder. In this way, sound emanating from the air passage may be reflected off of the surface that the holder is placed on.
The holder of the first aspect of the invention may further comprise data output and power supply connection means. Conveniently, such connection means may take the form of a USB port thereby allowing connection to a PC and other devices.
The holder may further comprise one or more function control buttons that allow the control of selected functionality of the device when in the holder.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telecommunications device comprising: a first body portion; a second body portion pivotably connected to the first body portion by a hinge means and moveable between an open position and a closed position; and a function control means arranged to control
a function of the mobile device wherein the function control means is mounted coaxially with the hinge means.
The second aspect of the invention provides a function control means (e.g. a volume control button for a music player application on the mobile device) that is located coaxially with the hinge of a "flip-type" mobile device. The location of such a control means coaxial with the hinge of the mobile device provides a number of advantages. For example, the control means may be used regardless of whether the device is in an open or closed configuration and furthermore takes up minimal space on the device. In the case of mobile telephones the location of the control in this position does not use any space on the side of the handset which is at a premium. In the event that such a mobile device is used in conjunction with a docking charger, then the location of the control in this position further permits ready access to the control even when the device is in a docked position.
Conveniently, the function control means may take the form of a wheel whose axis is coincident with the axis of the hinge of the device. In order to permit easy operation by a user such a wheeled embodiment of the invention may further comprise surface formations, such as ridges or other suitable formations, that allow the wheel to be easily gripped and used by a user. Preferably, any such surface formations are located along the circumference of the wheel control means.
In a "flip type" mobile device the first and second body portions may conveniently be moved from an end-to-end configuration to a stacked configuration. Conveniently, the function control means is located and positioned such that it can be used in both configurations.
Preferably, the device comprises a music player application and the function control means is arranged to control the volume of the music player device. Alternatively, or additionally, the function control means may permit navigation through a list of music tracks stored on the device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telecommunications device comprising: a housing defining top, bottom and side edges of the device; a battery compartment located within the housing, the compartment having a compartment opening in the housing so as to allow a battery to be inserted into or
removed from the compartment; wherein the compartment opening is framed by the edges of the device.
Traditionally, battery compartments on mobile telecommunications devices such as mobile phones are designed such that the battery compartment forms part of the integral frame of the handset. For example, most mobile phones will locate their battery compartments at the bottom of the rear face of the device such that the whole of the bottom edge and parts of side edges are also the edges of the battery compartment. The battery cover in such cases therefore forms part of the side/bottom edges of the device once it is in place.
A disadvantage with the location of battery compartments on known mobile devices is that if the handset is dropped and damaged then often part of the frame of the device is damaged along with associated damage to the battery cover.
The third aspect of the present invention provides a battery compartment that is located within the face of a mobile device such that the compartment opening is effectively "framed" by the edges of the device. In other words, the compartment opening is located in such a manner that there is separation between the edges of the device and the edges of the compartment opening (i.e. none of the compartment opening edges are coincident with any of the device edges).
The advantage provided by the third aspect of the invention is that if the handset is dropped and the edges of the device are damaged, it will not affect the operation of the battery cover as there will be no damage to the edges of the compartment opening.
The housing of the device will generally define an outer surface of the device and the compartment opening is conveniently located in the outer surface of the device. The battery compartment may be arranged to cooperate with a complementary shaped battery cover which is preferably arranged to sit flush with the housing such that it provides the appearance of a smoothly continuous outer surface.
The device conveniently further comprises cover retention means which are arranged to hold the battery cover in place. This retention means may comprise a series of latch or hook-like formations that extend out from the body of the mobile device to engage with complementary shaped formations on the underside of the battery cover.
To enable easy and convenient access to the battery compartment the mobile device preferably further comprises a cover release means that may be operated by a user to release the battery compartment cover from the cover retention means, e.g. by moving the latch formations so that they no longer engage with the complementary formations in the battery cover.
In a preferred embodiment, the cover release means comprises a button means that is mounted remote from the battery cover on the housing and which is arranged to release the cover retention means when pressed or activated.
Conveniently, the housing of the device may also incorporate a resilient biasing member that, upon release of the cover retention means, urges the battery compartment cover away from the housing. Such a resilient biasing means may take the form of a spring.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telecommunications device comprising a housing wherein the housing is divided into distinct interface regions, each interface region relating to a distinct functionality of the device.
The fourth aspect of the present invention provides a mobile telecommunications device in which the housing of the device is divided into distinct interface areas or regions that relate to distinct functionality of the device. For example, the device may comprise a music control interface that solely relates to the control of a music player on the device. The provision of such distinct and dedicated interface regions simplifies the use of the device by a user by simplifying the location of related functionality of the device.
The interface regions may comprise user input controls, e.g. control buttons or scroll wheels, which are located within the distinct interface regions and which are associated with the functionality of that region. Preferably, the user input controls are dedicated to the particular function of the device associated with that region (i.e. they are not multifunction buttons that change their function depending on the status of the device but are always dedicated to the functionality associated with the interface region in question). Also, preferably, all the control buttons relating to a particular functionality are located within the associated interface region such that there are no buttons relating to that functionality located elsewhere on the device.
Conveniently, the side of the device may support a single interface region only.
For devices that comprise a music player application, the device preferably comprises a dedicated music control interface region comprising a number of music control buttons.
Conveniently, the housing may have a dedicated navigation and interaction interface region that relates and is dedicated to user navigation through an onboard graphical user interface. Conveniently, such an interface comprises a unitary planar control button having three distinct control areas: a first control area located substantially at the centre of the planar button (to allow, for example, the selection of a menu option); a second control area disposed in an annular configuration to the first area (e.g. to allow up/down, left/right navigation through a menu hierarchy); and, a third control area disposed in an annular configuration to the second control area (the third area relating, for example, to soft function keys and call answer/call break functions).
The housing may also conveniently group all access and connection features (e.g. power supply port, access port for an additional memory device such as a memory stick, release button for a battery compartment) into a dedicated access and connection interface region.
Conveniently, the device comprises multiple distinct and dedicated interface regions. For "flip-type" mobile devices preferably at least one of the interface regions is accessible to a user regardless of whether the device is in a closed or open configuration. This advantageously allows control of, for example, a music device when the mobile device is both open and closed.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telecommunications device comprising: a housing having a surface layer; a light source disposed within the housing; at least one symbol provided in the surface layer wherein the at least one symbol comprises a debossed region of the surface layer and the light source is arranged such that light emitted from the light source illuminates the at least one symbol.
The fifth aspect of the invention provides one or more debossed symbols in the surface of the device's housing which can then be illuminated by a light source located within the
body of the device. Use of such debossed symbols advantageously enables small images to be displayed relatively easily as an alternative to configuring an array of light sources at a sufficient resolution to display the required pattern. It is also a simpler alternative than providing a display screen in the outer surface of the mobile telecommunications device. It is further noted that debossing the symbols is preferable to printing onto a cut out image as a printed material may wear away with use.
Conveniently the device further comprises a light guide which is arranged to define a light path from the light source to the at least one symbol.
Preferably, the light source comprises a plurality of light sources. Conveniently, these light sources are optically separated from one another so that the area of illumination on the housing can be optimised. A light guide may be used to optically separate the light sources.
Conveniently, the device comprises a plurality of debossed symbols and a plurality of light sources and each symbol is associated with one of the light sources. In a preferred arrangement the light guide may be arranged to define a light path from each light source to its associated debossed symbol and to reduce the transmission of light between neighbouring light sources.
Preferably, light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as the or each light source as they provide a convenient high output light source.
The housing of the device will comprise an inner surface and an outer surface. In one variant, the debossed symbols may be provided in the outer surface, i.e. the surface that is visible in normal use and in another variant the debossed symbols may be provided in the inner surface.
Preferably, in arrangements comprising a plurality of debossed symbols the device further comprises control means arranged to selectively illuminate the debossed symbols.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telecommunications device comprising a planar control button, the control button comprising a first control area located substantially at the centre of the control button, a
second control area disposed in an annular configuration to the first control area and a third control area disposed in an annular configuration to the second control area.
The sixth aspect of the present invention provides a multi-function control button for a mobile telecommunications device in which the button comprises a central area which is surrounded by a second control area which is in turn surrounded by a third control area. Such a button arrangement advantageously reduces the component count on the device and simplifies the interface for the user. Furthermore, such a button arrangement facilitates a reduction in component failure.
Conveniently, the planar button of the sixth aspect of the present invention may be located within or in close proximity to a keypad.
Preferably, the planar button is of unitary construction. This advantageously reduces the possibility of foreign objects (e.g. dust and dirt) accumulating between the various control areas.
Conveniently, the first area comprises a selection button which a user may operate to select an option from a menu hierarchy on a graphical user interface of the device.
Conveniently, the second area comprises a navigation control button that is arranged to allow a user to navigate through a menu hierarchy. For example, the second area may provide up/down and left/right navigation control to the user.
Conveniently, the third area comprises one or more function selection controls, e.g. soft keys, call answer and call end functions.
The first and second areas may conveniently be substantially circular in configuration.
In a preferred arrangement, a light source may be used to illuminate a portion of the planar button. For example, an illuminated portion may be provided between the second and third control areas.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telecommunications device comprising: a housing; a plurality of light sources mounted on a substrate, the substrate being disposed beneath a surface of the housing; and a light
guide, the light guide being sandwiched between the housing and the substrate wherein the light guide is arranged to allow light emitted from the light sources to illuminate the housing and the light guide, housing and substrate are distinct components of the mobile telecommunications device.
Known mobile devices have incorporated light sources or display screens under the surface of the device's housing. However, such devices either require the presence of a complex display screen or are require complicated fabrication processes. As an example, a known mobile device comprises a housing that is formed via an injection moulding process in which firstly the outer casing of the housing is deposited and secondly a complicated light guide is moulded. This "two shot" moulding process is costly and requires that the light guide is precisely located in order to operate with light sources placed beneath the surface of the device.
By contrast, the seventh aspect of the present invention provides a simpler construction for a mobile device which incorporates a plurality of light sources located beneath the surface of the housing of the device. In the seventh aspect, a separate light guide means is provided which is sandwiched between the housing of the device and a substrate which carries the plurality of light sources. The provision of the light guide as a separate component allows the light guide to be more easily located with respect to the light sources and removes the requirement that the light sources be precisely located with respect to a light guide formed as part of the housing.
Conveniently, the light guide defines a light path between the light sources and the housing. The light guide may also conveniently reduce the transmission of light that is emitted substantially transverse to the surface of the substrate which carries the light sources and as such may optically isolate neighbouring light sources from one another.
The housing may be of variable thickness (e.g. the housing may be opaque to light transmission in some places and thin enough to be translucent in other places) and conveniently the light sources are arranged to be located beneath regions of the housing which are of a relatively low thickness and therefore translucent to the transmission of light emitted from the light sources.
The light sources may be bonded to the substrate and conveniently may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telecommunications device comprising: a housing; a plurality of light sources disposed beneath a surface of the housing wherein the housing is of variable thickness and the light sources are arranged beneath areas of the housing of relatively lower thickness such that there is substantial registration between the areas of relatively lower thickness and the plurality of light sources.
The eighth aspect of the present invention also provides a simpler construction for a mobile device which incorporates a plurality of light sources located beneath the surface of the housing of the device. As an alternative configuration to the seventh aspect of the invention, the eighth aspect provides a device comprising a housing of variable thickness in which light sources are aligned beneath regions of lower housing thickness such that there is substantial registration between the regions of lower housing thickness and the light sources. The housing may as an example comprise areas that are of a full thickness amount and at least one area that is of a lower thickness than the full thickness amount.
In both the seventh and eighth aspect of the present invention, the housing may comprise first regions having a first thickness (and which is substantially opaque to the transmission of light from the light sources) and second regions having a second thickness (which is substantially translucent to light emitted from the light sources). In such an arrangement the light sources are preferably aligned beneath the second regions.
The housing of both the seventh and eighth aspect of the present invention may also conveniently comprise first, second and third regions all of which have a different thickness. If the first region is arranged to be opaque to light emitted from the light sources then the second and third regions may be arranged to be translucent to the emitted light. The third region may conveniently be of lower thickness than the second region. In such an arrangement, the second region may define a general area that is translucent to the transmission of emitted light and the third region may be formed into a pattern within the second region. As an example, the third region may be formed into a pattern that allows the display of alpha-numeric characters on the housing when selectively illuminated by the light sources.
As for the seventh aspect of the invention, the light sources are preferably LEDs.
Conveniently, the variable thickness housing may be formed by injection moulding. Since there is only one housing part (as opposed to the outer surface and light guide configuration of the prior art) then the construction of such a device is simplified with respect to prior art devices.
In both the seventh and eighth aspects of the invention, the provision of LEDs beneath the surface of the housing conveniently allows the housing to be provided in a white or light colour without compromising the appearance of the mobile device. In previous mobile devices liquid crystal displays (LCD) have traditionally been used to provide "dual displays" in flip type devices. Such LCD screens appear dark in colour and so it has proven necessary in prior devices to provide a housing of an equally dark colour to avoid the LCD screen compromising the appearance of the device (i.e. to avoid light housing colour versus dark screen colour). In the seventh' and eighth aspects of the present invention however the preferential use of LEDs as the light sources enables a "hidden" display to be provided in a light coloured housing.
It is noted that preferred features of the various aspects of the invention described above may also be applied to other aspects of the present invention.
In one embodiment the above aspects of the invention may be provided in a "flip-type" mobile telecommunications device.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1a to 1e show a "flip type" mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration;
Figures 2a to 2d show the mobile device of Figures 1a to 1e in an open configuration;
Figures 3a to 3d show the mobile device of Figures 1a-1e in a 3D perspective view;
Figure 4 shows the internal construction of the volume wheel depicted in Figures 1 to 3;
Figures 5a to 5d show the release catch mechanism of the battery compartment of the device in Figures 1 to 3 in greater detail;
Figures 6a to 6d show a charging cradle for the mobile device of Figures 1 to 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 7a to 7e show the charging cradle of Figures 6a to 6d docked with the mobile device of Figures 1 to 3;
Figures 8a and 8b show 3D perspective views of the charging cradle of Figures 6 and 7;
Figures 9a to 9d depict the path of sound emitted from the device of Figures 1-3 via the cradle of Figures 6-8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 10a and 10b show 3D perspective views of the edge profile of the keypad and control button within the mobile device of Figures 1 to 3;
Figures 11a and 11b show the internal construction of the keypad and control button of Figure 10;
Figures 12a and 12b show a section through the outer surface of a mobile device in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;
Figures 13 and 14 show a light guide in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
In the following description and Figures like numerals are used to refer to like features. It is noted that in the following description, Figures 1a to 1e may collectively be referred to as Figure 1 (Other figures may also be referred to in a similar collective manner, e.g. Figures 2a-d may collectively be referred to as Figure 2 etc.).
Turning to Figures 1a to 1e, a mobile telecommunications device 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The mobile device shown is a flip type mobile phone. It will however be appreciated that features of embodiments of the present invention may also be applied to other configurations of mobile devices (e.g. slide phone,
"candy bar" type phones, PDAs etc.) and references to mobile device(s) should be read accordingly.
Figure 1a depicts a front view of the device 1. A first body portion 3 of the handset is visible. A lens 5 and a flash 7 for a camera are located in portion 3. A hinge 9 is located at the top of the body portion 3 which connects the portion 3 to a second body portion 11 (shown in Figure 1 b).
A volume wheel 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is located coaxially with the hinge 9. The volume wheel 13 may be used with, for example, a music player provided on the mobile device. It is noted that the location of the volume wheel 13 allows a user to use the control even though the phone is in its closed configuration. The location of the wheel 13 also minimises the space it takes up on the device handset.
Further benefits of the location of the volume wheel are described below in relation to Figures 2 (device in open configuration) and Figure 7 (device docked with charging cradle).
The outer surface of the device 1 has a number of small debossed symbols 14 provided in its surface. A light source (not shown), for example one or more LEDs embedded beneath the surface of the surface of the device, is placed under the symbols to illuminate them when required. Use of such debossed symbols advantageously enables small images to be displayed when the configuration of LEDs into the desired pattern is not possible.
The symbols 14 are debossed in the surface of the device 1 as opposed to being provided on a printed material to reduce the risk of being rubbed off in use.
Figure 1b depicts a rear view of the device and the second body portion 11 is now visible. It can be seen that the volume wheel 13 is also accessible from the rear of the device.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention a battery cover 15 covering a battery compartment (not shown) is provided in the outer face of the second body portion 11. It can be seen that the cover 15 is located away from the edges of the mobile device 1 such that the edges of the device 1 effectively "frame" the battery cover
15. Once in place, the battery cover 15 is flush with the outer surface of the body portion 11. It is noted that in prior art devices the battery cover is at least partially coincident with the edges of the device.
Since the battery cover 15 forms no part of the integral form of the device, if the device is dropped, such that the edges of the device are damaged, then this will not affect the operation of the battery cover.
The battery cover 15 of the present invention is operated by means of a release catch mechanism 17 which is located on one side of the device as shown in Figure 1c. The release catch mechanism comprises a release button 17 accessible on the side of the device. The button 17 is in turn connected to latch formations within the device (shown in Figure 5). Formations (not shown) on the underside of the battery cover 15 cooperate with the complementary latch formations inside the battery compartment . Once the button 17 is operated the battery cover 15 is released and urged into a proud position from the body portion 11 by means of a spring (shown in Figure 5).
Figures 1c and 1d illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention, and show the functionality split of the various control buttons.
Figure 1c shows a first side of the device upon which is located a handset access and connection interface region 19. As well as the button 17 for the release catch mechanism of the battery cover 15, this region 19 also comprises a USB connection point 21 that may be used to charge the device and also connect the device to a computer or other accessory such as a headset. An access port 23 for an additional memory storage device (e.g. an SD card) is also provided in region 19.
Figure 1d shows a second side of the device upon which is located a music control interface region 25. Control buttons 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are provided in this region 25 to enable a user to control a music player on the device. The buttons 26 provide "fast forward", "play/pause", "rewind" and "repeat" functions (see also Figures 3a and 3c). A hold button 28 is provided to enable the control buttons within the interface region 25 to be locked.
The provision of the distinct and dedicated control interface regions 19, 25 enables a user to operate the device more easily by simplifying the location of related functionality
on the device 1. For example, a user may easily operate the music player controls (26a- 26d) even if the device 1 is in their pocket because the music controls are all located in a distinct and dedicated area.
It is noted that in the device depicted in Figures 1a-1d each side of the device comprises a single interface region only. This further improves the user's experience of the device as it reduces the possibility of the user confusing control buttons relating to one functionality with control buttons relating to another functionality.
The device 1 is provided with two audio speakers 30a (Figure 1c) and 30b (Figure 1d). These speakers may be used to play ringtones, message notification signals or music from the music player.
Figures 2a to 2d show the device of Figure 1 in an open configuration in which the first body portion 3 has been rotated about the hinge 9 such that it is in an end-to-end configuration with the second body portion 11.
It can be seen that the volume wheel 13 is still accessible in this configuration of the device.
Figure 2a shows a front view of the open device. It can be seen that the device further comprises a display screen 32, keypad 34 and control button 36. Control button 36 is a multifunction control button that is provided in the form of a single planar button with different functions activated by pressing different parts of the button.
It is noted that keypad 34 is a further distinct and dedicated control interface region which provides a user with the ability to enter alpha-numeric information. Control button 36 is a yet further distinct and dedicated control interface region that provides navigation control (within a menu hierarchy in a graphical user interface) to the user.
Figures 10a and 10b describe the function of this control button 36 in more detail.
Figures 3a to 3d show device 1 in its closed configuration from a number of different perspectives. In particular, it is noted that Figures 3a and 3c show the music control interface region 25. Icons 38a-e, which are printed onto the side of the first body portion
3 and which indicate the function of buttons 26a-26d and 28 to the user are visible in
Figures 3a and 3c (It is noted that these icons 38a-e were not shown in Figures 1 and 2 for clarity reasons).
Figure 4 shows part of the internal construction of the volume wheel 13 and depicts a support ring 50, three flexible printed circuit board (FPCBs) terminals 52, 54, 56 and three electrical contact legs 58, 60, 62. The three electrical contact legs are arranged such that they rotate when the external volume wheel 13 is rotated and the three flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) are provided on the support ring. The bottommost FPCB terminal is in the form of a continuous contact area 64. The left and right FPCB terminals are in the form of a set of divided and discrete contact areas 66.
It is noted that the legs 58, 60, 62 and FPCBs 52, 54, 56 are arranged such that there is always one leg in contact with the lowermost FPCB 56 at any one time. It is further noted that electrical contact between the lowermost FPCB 56 and one of the three contact legs supplies power to the volume wheel 13. The signal across the volume wheel will be dependant on whether the electrical contact legs in the left and right FPCB terminal areas 52, 54 are in contact with an electrical contact area 66. In general it is noted that the signal across the wheel will vary between a high voltage value and a low voltage value and this variation enables the position of the wheel to be tracked.
Figures 5a to 5d show the construction of the release catch mechanism in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5a shows the button 17 which is accessible from the side of the device 1 and also the latch formations 70 which, once the device is assembled, are located within the frame of the device 1. The button 17 and formations are connected via a support bar 72.
Figure 5b shows a partially assembled device 1. The button 17 is shown located within part of the housing of the device. The formations 70 extend upwards out of the battery compartment 74.
Figure 5c is of the same partially assembled device as in Figure 5b but from a different point of view. The support bar 72 and formations 70 within the battery compartment 74 are now clearly visible and the button 17 is hidden by the side of the device. The release catch mechanism further comprises a coil spring 76 which biases the button 17 into its locked position.
Figure 5d shows the same point of view as Figure 5c but in this figure the device is now fully assembled. The only part of the release catch mechanism that is visible is the formations 70 which are shown projecting through a housing panel 78 that is located inside the battery compartment. A leaf spring 80 is shown between the formations. In use, this leaf spring serves to urge the battery cover 15 away from the device once the button 17 has been moved to its unlocked position.
Figures 6a to 6d show a charging holder 90 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The charging holder 90 is suitable for the device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 and is described in conjunction with device 1 below. It will be appreciated however that the features of the holder 90 may be adapted for any type of mobile telecommunications device.
Returning to Figure 6, the holder 90 is arranged to support the device 1 and to allow the handset 1 to be charged via the USB port 21 on the device 1 while it is docked to the holder 90.
Figure 6a shows a front view of the charging holder 90 and Figure 6b shows a rear view of the holder 90. USB ports 92 are provided on the rear of the holder 90 for connection to a power supply and optionally to allow data to be output from the device 1 (via the USB port 21 ) to another output device (e.g. music from the device 1 may be output via one of the USB ports 92 to a hi-fi system, not shown).
Figure 6c shows a top view of the charging holder 90. It can be seen that a recess 94 is provided in the holder 90 which is of complementary shape to the device 1 de[icted in Figures 1 to 3. Within the recess 94, a USB connector 96 is located such that it engages with the USB port 21 when the handset is in the holder 90. A grille 98 is also provided within the recess and is located such that it aligns with speaker 30a when the device 1 is in the holder 90.
An air passage (shown in Figure 9c) inside the holder 90 leads from the grille 98 to an audio disperser outlet grille 100 located around the base of the holder. In use, sound output from the speaker 30a on the device passes through grille 98, is channelled along the air passage and is then distributed by the outlet grille 100 around the base of the holder 90 to the surrounding atmosphere.
The air passage and grille 100 enable the device 1 to be used when it is in the holder 90 without any significant muting of sound. The presence of the passage and outlet grille 100 also maintain the integrity of stereo sound from the handset 1 regardless of whether the device is in the holder 90 or not.
Figure 6d shows the base of the holder 90 and illustrates that the outlet grille 100 extends around one end of the base of the holder.
Figures 7a to 7e show the device 1 of Figures 1 to 3 in a docked configuration with the holder 90 of Figure 6.
Figure 7a shows a top view of the device and holder combination. It can be seen that the music control buttons 26a-26d, 28 are accessible to a user.
Figures 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e show the device/holder combination from various different angles. It can be seen that the volume wheel 13 is accessible to the user while the device is in the holder 90.
It is noted that the side of the device 1 that comprises the debossed symbols 14 is aligned with the front side of the holder 90.
Figures 8a and 8b show perspective views of the holder 90 of Figures 6 and 7.
Figures 9a to 9d show the device 1 and holder 90 and the passage of sound emitted from the speaker of the device 1.
In Figure 9a, device 1 is shown. Arrow 102 indicates the direction of sound emitted from the speaker 30a. Figure 9b shows inside the recess 94 of the holder 90. Once the device 1 is docked with the holder 90, sound emitted from the speaker will enter the grille 98 as indicated by arrow 104.
Figure 9c is a partial cutaway of the holder 90 showing the path 106 that sound emitted from the device 1 takes through the air passage 108 within the holder 90. Figure 9d shows the base of the holder 90. Sound entering the air passage 108 via the grille 98 is directed to the outlet grille 100 as indicated by arrow 110.
Figures 10a and 10b show the keypad 34 and control button 36 depicted in Figure 2a in greater detail.
The control button 36 is provided as a single planar button having three separate control areas: buttons 120 and 122 and region 124.
A selection button 120 is located at the centre of the planar button 36. In use, button 120 allows a user to select options that are presented to the user via the graphical user interface of the device on screen 32. Arranged around the selection button 120 is a joystick control 122 which allows a user to navigate through a menu hierarchy or, for example, play a game that is stored in the device's memory. This navigation control 122 provides a 4-way selection option to the user (up, down, left, right).
In an annular configuration to the joystick control 122 is a third region 124 which provides further control options to the user. In the example shown in Figure 10b each corner of the third region 124 provides a selection function.
Soft keys are buttons on the keypad whose function changes depending on the position of the user in the device's menu system. In Figure 10b, soft keys 126 and 128 are located in the top left and top right comers of region 124. A call answer key 130 is provided in the bottom left corner and a call end/power key 132 is provided in the bottom right corner of the region 124.
By providing a planar button 36 in the form depicted in Figures 10a and 10b the number of components on the device is reduced. This simplifies the interface from the user's perspective and reduces the possibility of component failure. Manufacture of the device is also simplified as there are fewer components to fabricate.
It is noted that the navigation control 122 is illuminated at its edges 134.
Figures 11a and 11b show the construction of the planar button 36 in further detail. Figures 11a and 11b show the control substrate 140 that, in use, is located beneath the keypad 34 and planar button 36 of the device. A number of pressure sensors 142 are shown which are positioned so as to align with one of the keypad buttons or one of the above described control areas of the planar button.
Pressure sensor 144 corresponds to the selection button 120. Pressure sensors 146, 148, 150, 152 correspond to the navigation control 122 and pressure sensors 154, 156, 158, 160 correspond to the soft keys 126, 128, call answer 130 and call end buttons 132.
Figures 12a and 12b illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention and depict the debossed symbols 14 on the first body portion 3 of the device 1. Figures 12a and 12b are section views taken through the first body portion 3 (see section A-A in Figure 1a).
The first body portion 3 of the device comprises a housing 180. Beneath the housing 180 are a number of light sources 182. In the example of Figures 12a and 12b three light emitting diodes (LEDs) are shown. It will however be appreciated that other light sources may be used. The number of actual light sources required may also vary.
A number of recesses 184 are provided in either the external (upper) surface of the housing 180 (see Figure 12a) or in the internal (lower) surface of the housing 180 (see Figure 12b). Each recess 184 may be formed and shaped into the required symbol 14.
The recesses 184 that are provided in the housing 180 reduce the thickness of the housing 180 and thereby enable light emitted from the light sources 182 to pass through the housing 180 thereby providing an illuminated symbol or symbols.
Figures 13 and 14 further illustrate the construction of a mobile telecommunications device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and in particular show the presence and location of a light guide within the device that is used to prevent interference between light sources within the device.
Figure 13 shows a further section through a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention (see section B-B in Figure 1a). As in Figures 12a and 12b the device housing 180 is visible. Additionally, a number of light emitting diodes 182 that are disposed beneath the surface of the housing 180 are also shown.
The LEDs 182 are bonded to a substrate 190 which conveniently may be a printed circuit board (PCB) capable of supplying power to the LEDs. The LEDs can be bonded to the substrate 190 via a surface mounting technology in which the LEDs are soldered directly to the substrate (PCB). Such a technique is preferred since it lends itself well to a high degree of automation, reducing labour cost and greatly increasing production rates.
Bonded to the upper surface of the substrate 190 is a light guide 192 that serves to separate the LEDs 182 from one another such that light emitted from one LED does not interfere with (or substantially does not interfere with) light emitted from neighbouring LEDs, i.e. the LEDs are optically separated. It can be seen from Figure 14 that the light guide comprises a number of cut-out windows 194. The cut-out windows provide a light transmission path 195 (see Figure 13) from the LEDs 182 to the underside of the housing 180. It can be seen that the cut-out windows have been formed into a pattern that will allow the projection of alpha-numeric characters onto the underside of the housing. The light guide 192 also comprises cut out regions 14' that correspond in shape to the debossed symbols 14.
The housing of the device 180 is of variable thickness as shown in Figure 13. It is also noted that the LEDs only extend under part of the substrate 190, as indicated by arrow 196. Outside of area 196 the housing has a full thickness t|. Within the area 196 the housing 180 varies between a thickness t 2 (which is less than ti) and a thickness t 3 (which is less than t 2 ).
The areas of reduced housing thickness (t 2 and t 3 ) represent an area of the housing that is substantially translucent to the light emitted from the LEDs 182. As a result, therefore, it is possible for the combination of the LEDs 182 and cut-out windows 194 to allow the projection of alpha-numeric characters onto the underside of the housing 180 to appear visible to a user on the outside of the device.
The areas of reduced housing thickness effectively represent a "window" area in the housing that is translucent to light emitted from the light sources 182.
Conveniently, the areas of thickness t 3 replicate the pattern of windows 194 in the light guide 192 in the housing 180 itself. This maximises the transmission of light in areas of thickness t 3 which improves the clarity of images projected through the housing 180.
It will be understood that the embodiments described above are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims. It will also be understood that the embodiments described may be used individually or in combination.