EP2583445A1

EP2583445A1 - Device operating by radio technology in a cellular network and hands-free set attachable thereto

Info

Publication number: EP2583445A1
Application number: EP11795243.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olli Onninen; Petri VÄNTTINEN
Original assignee: IHF Finland Oy
Current assignee: IHF Finland Oy
Priority date: 2010-06-18
Filing date: 2011-06-16
Publication date: 2013-04-24
Also published as: EP2583445A4; FI122442B; FI20105714A7; FI20105714A0; WO2011157900A1

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a device (110), which is capable of operating by radio technology in a cellular network and which is adapted to attach a hands-free set (150) detachably to the device within outer dimensions of the device and to establish a first electrical communication (140) between the device and the hands-free set while the hands-free set is in attach¬ ment with the device, said device comprising a dock (120) which is adapted to attach the hands-free set, which comprises a body segment (160) wherein the distance of at least two outer surfaces (162) from each other diminishes in the hands-free set's depth direction, and an earphone segment (170) detachably to the device.

Description

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

Object of the invention The application relates generally to a device operating by radio technology in a cellular network and to a hands-free set attachable thereto.

Technical field

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

A problem, regarding particularly wireless hands-free earphones, is that the user may easily forget or misplace a hands-free earphone, whereby it is not available for example when driving a car. Consequently, the driver of a car does not have a chance to make or receive a phone call as the road traffic legislation bans the use of a cell phone without a hands-free earphone. If the user nevertheless operates a cell phone while driving, he or she is guilty of a traffic violation and increases the risk of a traffic accident as at least part of his or her attention is focused on operating the cell phone. In addition, the use of a cell phone by the driver or a passenger in a moving vehicle without a hands-free earphone increases exposure of the user to radiation emitted by the cell phone. With the automobile traveling on the road, the cell phone is moving within the range of several base stations in a cell phone network and is in communication with base stations having fields that are weak due to dis- tance or terrain related obstacles. In an attempt to sustain a communication with these base stations, the cell phone is forced to increase its power, thus increasing also the amount of radiation received by the user from the cell phone.

Summary

One objective of the invention is to alleviate the foregoing drawbacks and to present a device operating by radio technology in a cellular network, which enables integrating a hands-free set so as to make it both an effortlessly controlled physical and functional part of the device.

One objective of the invention is achieved by a device of claim 1 , and one objective is achieved by a hands-free set of claim 6. According to one embodiment of the invention, a device, which is capable of operating by radio technology in a cellular network and which is adapted to attach a hands-free set in a detachable manner to the device within the outer dimensions of the device and to establish a first electrical communication between the device and the hands-free set while the hands-free set is in attachment with the device, comprises a dock, which is adapted to attach the hands-free set, which comprises a body segment wherein the distance of at least two outer surfaces from each other diminishes in the hands-free set's depth direction, and an earphone segment, detachably to the device.

The term "device capable of operating by radio technology in a cellular network" is used in reference to a device which communicates by radio technology in a cellular network, and it can be for example a cell phone, a smart phone, a navigator, a palm computer, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a computer, or a game console.

The term "within/inside the outer dimensions of the device" refers to the fact that the device has its external surface or at least two external surfaces provided with at least one recess or dock, in which a hands-free set can be attached in a removable fashion (integrated). The dock is provided for example with a coupling interface for a hands-free set in order to establish an electrical connection between the device and the hands-free set. The term "hands-free set's depth direction" stands for a direction that extends from a top surface of the hands-free set, which remains as a visible part of the hands- free set as the latter is in attachment with the dock, towards a bottom of the dock. The term depth is used instead of height in order to facilitate a perception that the hands-free set is placed inside the device. According to one embodiment of the invention, a hands-free set, which comprises a body segment wherein the distance of at least two outer surfaces from each other diminishes in the hands-free set's depth direction, and an earphone segment, is adapted to attach in a removable manner to a device operating by radio technology in a cellular network inside the outer dimensions of the device and to establish a first electrical communication between the hands-free set and the device while in attachment with a dock of the device adapted to attach the hands-free set in a removable manner to the device.

The combination of a device according to embodiments of the invention and a hands-free set enables improving road safety and reducing the exposure of a user to device-emitted radiation by ensuring that the user has always a hands-free set with him or her and by forcing the device user to speak or use applications of the device, intended for example for listening to music, through the intermediary of a hands-free set. Naturally, the exposure to radiation in the case of device users other than motorists, for example children, will also be substantially reduced since the device is not in direct contact with a user's ear while the user is speaking.

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

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

A device according to embodiments of the invention and a hands-free set enable also attachment and detachment of the hands-free set effortlessly with one hand, whereby the user is able to steer the car with the other hand and at the same time to focus his/her attention unobtrusively to other traffic.

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

Brief description of the figures

In the detailed description of the figures, preferred embodiments of the invention will be discussed slightly more precisely with reference to the accompanying ex- emplary figures, in which figs. 1a-1b show cross-sectional views of a dock for a device operating in a cellular network, with a hands-free set off the dock and hands-free set mounted on the dock, fig. 2 shows profile views of a hands-free set, figs. 3a-3b show views in principle about how a dock intended for the attachment of a hands-free set is mounted on a tablet computer and a cell phone, and fig. 4 shows a view in principle of one device according to the invention.

Detailed description of the figures Figs. 1a and 1b show a system 100 consisting of a tablet computer, with just part of it visible, and a cordless hands-free set, whereby a table computer 110 included therein comprises a recess or dock 120 provided, as attachment elements, with a mechanical press switch 130, which is spring-returnable, and one or more magnets placed in connection with the dock's inner surfaces and/or press switch 130, for example at an end of the press switch 130, as well as a coupling interface 140 for docking a hands-free set 150, which comprises a body segment 160, a coupling interface, an earphone 170 and a microphone, to engagement with the tablet computer 110.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments has its dock comprising at least one press switch which is adapted to secure and release a hands-free set.

The distance between at least two side surfaces 162 of the body segment 160 included in the hands-free set 150 depicted in elevation in figs. 1a and 1b, just one of said side surfaces being visible in the figures, diminishes when proceeding from a top surface 164 of the hands-free set in a depth direction 180 towards a bottom surface 166 of the hands-free set, whereby the hands-free set has its cross- sectional profile converging at least over a part of the distance starting from the top surface 164 downward providing a wedge-shaped design, making it easy for a user to grab the hands-free set 150 with his/her fingertips to disengage it from the tablet computer 110. The body segment 160 may converge over just part of the way in the vicinity of the top surface 164, as already noted above, or it can be designed for a continuously converging cross-sectional profile when proceeding downward along the body segment 160 in the depth direction 180. It is possible to implement the design for example by making just one side surface 162 inclined relative to the other side surface and a center axis bisecting the body segment's cross-sectional profile, or by making both side surfaces 162 inclined.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments has its dock comprising charging contacts adapted to establish electrical communication between the device and a hands-free set.

In fig. 1a, the hands-free set 150 is off of the tablet computer's dock 120, whereby the press switch 130 is over its entire length in readiness to receive the hands-free set 150. The user fits the hands-free set 150, provided with the wedge-shaped body segment 160, in an inlet opening of the dock and presses the hands-free set towards a bottom of the dock against the press switch 130. At the same time as the press switch 130, jointly with the hands-free set 150, proceeds downward in the dock, i.e. the press switch has its spring compressing, one or more magnets present in the dock 120 pull the hands-free set 150 to the engagement therewith. Upon reaching a threshold for a lower position of the press switch, in other words a locking position, the hands-free set 150 remains, by virtue of at least one magnet, firmly in attachment with the dock 120 in a way to be accommodated inside the tablet computer's 110 outer dimensions as shown in fig. 1b.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments has its dock comprising one or more magnets adapted to attach a hands-free set to the dock.

Fig. 1b shows a situation, in which the tablet computer 110 and the cordless hands-free set 150 are in attachment with each other by way of attachment elements and coupling interfaces, such that the hands-free set 150 is docked entirely within the tablet computer 110, thus providing a physically and functionally integrated assembly 100. Alternatively, the dock 120 can be made shallower, in which case a part of the hands-free set 150 remains visible after attaching it in a remov- able manner and establishing an electrical connection. On the other hand, the dock 120 can be designed to have such a depth that the hands-free set 150 remains hidden when in attachment with the dock 120. Thus, the dock's inlet opening can be protected by means of a shutter sliding in parallel with the outer surface of the tablet computer 110 and covering the dock's inlet opening completely or partially.

Releasing the hands-free set 150 from the dock 120 proceeds by the user pressing the hands-free set 150 down towards the bottom of the dock, whereby the press switch 130, i.e. its spring, pushes the hands-free set 150 upward, thus dis- engaging it from one or more magnets. The hands-free set 150 is left at the dock's inlet opening in a position slightly emerged from the tablet computer's outer surface, whereby the wedge-shaped design of the hands-free set's body segment 160 enables the user to grab the body segment 160 with his/her fingers and to pull the hands-free set 150 off of the dock 120. A wedge-shaped profile of the hands-free set 150, one or more magnets, and the mechanical press switch 130 enable the user of for example the tablet computer 110 to engage and disengage the hands-free set 150 with one hand, whereby, for example when driving a car, the user is able to manage the car's controls with one hand and use the other hand to handle the tablet computer 110 and the hands- free set 150.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments has its dock comprising at least one magnet mounted on a press switch adapted to secure and release a hands-free set.

Alternatively, an attachment of the hands-free set 150 to the tablet computer 110 can be effected mechanically, in which case, in the process of attaching the hands-free set 150, a retaining clip or pin, which is included for example in the tablet computer 110, controlled with a separate button and fitted with a spring, finds its way into a slot assigned therefor under the guidance of a user, a contour of the hands-free set 150, and a matching fit of the coupling clamps 140. Optionally, the retaining clip or pin and the slot can also be positioned the other way round and there may be several of those, if necessary. In case its detachment is desired, the hands-free set 150 is released by pressing an appropriate separate button and by pulling out of the dock 120. In a basic condition, when the user does not speak on device operating by radio technology in a cellular network, for example on a cell phone, the hands-free set is in attachment with the dock of the device. If wishing to make a phone call, the user taps a number or selects it from the cell phone's address book and removes the hands-free set from the cell phone by pressing the hands-free set downward in the dock, whereby the hands-free set disengages as described above from the dock and the cell phone makes a call to the desired number. Respectively, if the cell phone alerts on an incoming call, the user will answer the call by removing the hands-free set. On the other hand, the disconnection of a phone call occurs by at- taching the hands-free set back to the cell phone's dock. The hands-free set, whose detachment and attachment may also invigorate a cell phone presently in a power save mode, has its conventional functions available while it is in detachment and it is also possible to hear thereby sounds included in cell phone applications. When the hands-free set is in attachment, the cell phone can be used for speaking by way of its own speaker, and the speaker can also be used for producing the sounds of program applications employed in the cell phone. In addition, the cell phone can be used normally for sending text messages, listening to music, surfing the internet, playing games, and camera functions, for example. The cordless hands-free set equipped with a small rechargeable battery endures in working order with moderate use for example for a few days and in standby mode for even longer. If necessary, the cordless hands-free set can have its battery recharged from the host device's battery through the intermediary of an electrical connection and that can be carried out automatically upon coupling the hands-free set to the dock. Alternatively, the hands-free set can be recharged in a wireless manner, for example inductively, in a dock by means of a host device or by placing the hands-free set on an appropriate charging pad, whereby there is no need between the hands-free set and the host device for a coupling interface required for recharging the battery. Fig. 2 illustrates a wireless hands-free set 200 in bottom, side, top and end profiles. The hands-free set 200 comprises a body segment 210, having side surfaces 212a, 212b, a top surface 214 and a bottom surface 216, an earphone 220, a microphone 230, and electrical contacts 240. As can be seen from the end profile, the side surfaces 212a, 212b approach each other, forming with the top surface 214 acute angles which the user can easily grab with his/her fingers when disengaging the hands-free set 200 from the dock of a host device. The top surface 214 can be flush with the outer surface of a host device, such that the hands-free set 200 does not provide a separate protrusion in the host device's design while in attachment with the dock, whereby the host device can be readily held for example in a pocket or a bag without a protrusion made up by the hands-free set 200 get- ting caught on pocket linings or various fringes or fasteners of the bag.

Systems 300a, 300b in figs. 3a and 3b illustrate how a dock 330a, 330b intended for the attachment of a hands-free set 320a, 320b can be accommodated in a tablet computer 310a or in a cell phone 310b behind a display thereof. Also visible inside the dock 330a in fig. 3a is a mechanical press switch 332a, on whose end can be mounted a magnet, and an electrical contact 334a. Alternatively, the dock 330a, 330b can also be implemented in some other location, depending on how components of the tablet computer 310a and the cell phone 310b are laid out, as well as on the shape and size thereof. It should also be noted that the scales in the figures do not necessarily match the real situation. The hands-free set, and the tablet computer or the cell phone provided with a dock therefor, may also have a cordless earphone which can be removably connected to its own dock the same way as the hands-free set. The dock is provided with a coupling interface and, and the earphone, which includes not only a body element but also an earpiece element and a coupling interface, may fit either partially or completely in the dock (i.e. within the outer dimensions of a host device). The earphone can be implemented for example, such that, upon detachment, the earphone begins to operate immediately by way of a bluetooth communication and the communication can be shut down by attaching the earphone back to the cell phone. The earphone can be used for example for listening to music and for communicating sounds of applications to a user. As a power source, the earphone has its own battery which can be recharged by means of the host device's battery across a coupling interface as the earphone is in attachment with the dock.

The tablet computer or the cell phone may also comprise two docks, each of which can have a hands-free set connected thereto, whereby the left- or right- handedness of a user does not make any difference in terms of controlling the device. Alternatively, the device with two docks can have a hands-free set attached to each dock at the same time. Fig. 4 illustrates a tablet computer 400 of the invention, which is provided with a Bluetooth feature and which includes one or more processors 410 carrying out instructions given to be executed thereby and processing data, one or more tablet computer memories 420 for storing data, such as for example instructions and ap- plication data, as well as a user interface 430 for receiving control commands given by the user. The user interface 430 includes for example a touch display and possibly command keys for the device. In addition, the tablet computer 400 comprises data transfer elements 440, by means of which it is in communication for example with base stations in a cellular network and with other Bluetooth devices, and possibly a speaker system 450.

The memory 420 contains for example user interface related data 422 and touch display control data 424. In addition, it may house a docking application 426, which enables controlling the operation of a dock 460, carrying out the charging of a battery included in a hands-free set 470, identifying the detachments and at- tachments of a hands-free set, as well as controlling operation of the speaker system 450 while the hands-free set is in attachment with the tablet computer.

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

Claims

1. A device ( 10), which is capable of operating by radio technology in a cellular network and which is adapted to attach a hands-free set (150) detachably to the device within outer dimensions of the device and to establish a first electrical communication (140) between the device and the hands-free set while the hands- free set is in attachment with the device, characterized in that the device comprises a dock (120), which is adapted to attach the hands-free set, which comprises a body segment (160) wherein the distance of at least two outer surfaces (162) from each other diminishes in the hands-free set's depth direction, and an ear- phone segment (170) detachably to the device.

2. A device according to claim 1 , whose dock comprises a press switch (130) adapted to secure and release a hands-free set.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, whose dock comprises recharging contacts (140) adapted to create an electrical communication between the device and the hands-free set.

4. A device according to any of the preceding claims, whose dock comprises one or more magnets adapted to attach a hands-free set tot the dock.

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, whose dock comprises a magnet, which is set on a press switch adapted to secure and release a hands- free set.

6. A hands-free set (150), comprising a body segment (160) in which the distance of at least two outer surfaces (162) from each other diminishes in the hands- free set's depth direction, and an earphone segment (170), said hands-free set being adapted to operate with a device as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-5.