WO2001031930A2

WO2001031930A2 - Modular phone system for laptop computer

Info

Publication number: WO2001031930A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/041506
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles P. Hunter
Original assignee: Hunter Charles P
Priority date: 1999-10-25
Filing date: 2000-10-25
Publication date: 2001-05-03
Also published as: WO2001031930A3; WO2001031930A9; AU2469501A

Abstract

A wireless phone module (200) in the form of a PCMCIA card can be connected to a laptop computer by inserting the module into a PCMCIA port of the laptop computer. The wireless phone module can optionally include an integral modem (208), connected to an RJ-11 jack (218), and a separately functioning Ethernet circuit. The Ethernet circuit supports an Ethernet connection between the laptop computer and an Ethernet-compliant data cable connected to the wireless phone module (200) via an RJ-45 jack (216). The RJ-11 jack (218) also connects to the wireless phone (212) in the module, allowing the user to plug a handset or headset into the RJ-11 jack. In accordance with another embodiment, an adapter shell partially or completely encloses the wireless phone module, allowing the adapter shell (with the phone module inside) to be inserted into an expansion bay of a laptop computer.

Description

MODULAR PHONE SYSTEM FOR LAPTOP COMPUTER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications, and specifically to telecommunications through a laptop computer.

2. Description of Related Art

Travelers and businessmen often need to use place voice phone calls cellular phones and also send data, for example via facsimile or via the Internet, while on the move or from remote locations. To this end the typical businessman requires both a modem-equipped laptop computer and a separate cell phone. Today's technology allows the businessman to connect the computer to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via a land line, and then download and send email messages, browse the Internet, and so forth. The businessman can use the cellular phone to place voice calls. State of the art cell phones also can be connected to the computer, so the businessman can transmit data from his laptop computer over the wireless link of the cell phone. This enhances the businessman's mobility because he can thus transmit and receive data anywhere his cellular phone has coverage, instead of having to locate and use a standard phone jack connected by cable to the PSTN. However, using the cellular phone and the laptop computer together is inconvenient because the businessman must keep track of both objects (computer and phone), connect them together, and forgo voice communications while transmitting or receiving data. Accordingly, a need exists for a more compact, efficient and user-friendly system that will allow a traveling user to simultaneously communicate voice and data, and/or configure the system to meet the user's needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Laptop computers are commonly provided with expansion bays designed to receive a variety of removable devices and accessories such as ZIP-drives, hard drives, CD-ROM drives, auxiliary batteries, and so forth. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a standardized wireless phone module is provided together with an adapter shell. The adapter shell encases the wireless phone module to form a modular assembly, which can be inserted into the expansion bay of a laptop computer, so that the wireless phone module connects to the laptop computer via the power and data connections of the expansion bay. Adapter shells can be inexpensively designed and manufactured to fit different laptop computers, thus allowing a standardized wireless phone module to be developed and universally applied. Since standardization allows economy of scale, and since adapter shells are considerably cheaper than wireless phone modules, combining one or more adapter shells with the standard wireless phone module results in a modular assembly that is both versatile and highly cost-competitive. The wireless phone module can interact with a modem already inside the laptop computer. A modem can also be provided in the wireless phone module, to address situations where the laptop computer does not have an internal modem, or has an internal modem that is less powerful (e.g., slower) than the modem in the wireless phone module.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the wireless phone module is configured as a Type III PCMCIA card, that can be plugged into a laptop computer's

PCMCIA slots without an adapter shell. In this situation the wireless phone module draws electrical power from the laptop, and communications data with the laptop, via the PCMCIA connections. An Ethernet card can also be provided inside the casing of the wireless phone module, so that the laptop computer can be connected to an Ethernet local area network (LAN) without having to remove and replace the PCMCIA card wireless phone module. In this case the PCMCIA card wireless phone module has a connector such as an RJ-45 connector, so that an Ethernet-compliant data cable can be connected to the laptop computer through Ethernet- capable PCMCIA card wireless phone module.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the modular assembly of the wireless phone module and the adapter shell can be provided with one or more RJ-11 phone jacks. The RJ-11 phone jack(s) can be provided in the adapter shell and connected to the wireless phone module, or can be provided on an exposed portion of the wireless phone module that is not concealed by the adapter shell. The RJ-11 phone jack(s) can also be provided on an accessible portion of the PCMCIA card wireless phone module. In addition, the RJ-11 phone jack(s) can be provided in a separate submodule that can be easily and quickly attached to, and removed from, each of the PCMCIA card wireless phone module and the modular assembly of the adapter shell and the wireless phone module. The submodule can also be provided with the RJ-45 jack, and/or a collapsible antenna for supporting the wireless phone link.

When the RJ-11 phone jack is connected to a land line, the computer can transmit data over the land line through the phone module, instead of over a wireless link of the phone module. Since each RJ-11 phone jack can support two independent phone lines, each RJ-11 phone jack allows the user to have two lines active simultaneously, for example to carry on a voice conversation over one of the lines and while browsing the Internet over the other line. In this case the wireless phone module would have circuitry to handle both lines, or as many lines as the total number of RJ-11 jacks are capable of handling, in accordance with known techniques (e.g., dual sets of critical subcircuits). Known voice-over-data techniques can also be used to allow a single line (landline or wireless) to simultaneously support voice and data communications .

To conduct voice communications the user can use a handset or a headset connected directly to the laptop computer, for example via speaker and microphone interface ports commonly provided in presently available laptop computers. When a handset is connected, the user can also dial using the handset instead of entering phone number through the keyboard of the laptop computer. When the laptop computer is equipped with a built-in speaker and a microphone, the user can use the laptop computer as a speaker phone using software presently available to the public.

A handset or headset can also be plugged into the RJ-11 jack, thus enabling the handset or headset to be easily connected to the wireless phone module. In this case, the RJ-11 jack is plugged to the handset and not available for connection to a land line. The telephone connection would therefore have to be made via the wireless link of the wireless phone module. In summary, the RJ-11 jack can be used to connect the wireless phone module either to a land line(s), or to a handset/headset. Alternatively, the RJ-11 jack can be connected to a modem output from another computer, so the other computer can use the wireless phone module to connect to the PSTN via the wireless link of the wireless phone module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like elements in the drawings have been designated by like reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a conventional laptop computer. FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a wireless phone module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3 A, 3B show an adapter shell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3C shows a functional block diagram of a wireless phone module in an adapter shell, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 4A-4C show a connector plug or submodule in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C show a connector plug or submodule in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a side view of a laptop computer 102 having a screen 112, a PCMCIA slot/port 104, and an expansion bay 108. The expansion bay 108 is designed to receive a variety of removable devices and accessories such as ZIP-drives, hard drives, CD-ROM drives, auxiliary batteries, and so forth.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a wireless phone module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, for use in the PCMCIA port 104 or the expansion bay 108 of the laptop computer 102. As shown in FIG. 2, a wireless phone module 200 includes an outer casing 202. A connection port 204 is provided in the outer casing 202, for connecting the wireless phone module 200 with the laptop computer, the connection port 204 includes both data and power connections, so that the wireless phone module 200 can exchange data with the laptop computer 102 and also receive electrical power from laptop computer. The wireless phone module 200 includes circuitry 206, which has subcircuitry including a wireless phone 212, and an optional modem 208. The wireless phone connects to both a wireless antenna 214 and a connector 218. A second connector 218 can be optionally included, as shown for example in FIG. 2. The connector 218 can be, for example, an RJ-11 connector. The modem 208 is also connected to one or both of the connectors 218. An Ethernet card or circuit 210 can also be provided inside the wireless phone module 200, so that the laptop computer 102 can be connected to an Ethernet local area network (LAN) without requiring the user to have an additional card. When expansion bays or PCMCIA ports are limited, this also saves the user from having to remove and replace the wireless phone module with a separate Ethernet card. The wireless phone module 200 has a connector 216 that connects to the Ethernet card. The connector 216 can, for example, be an RJ-45 connector, to which an Ethernet-compliant data cable can be connected, so that the laptop computer is connected to an Ethernet LAN through the wireless phone module 200. In the same way as the Ethernet card 210, a Bluetooth card or circuit 240 can also be provided inside the wireless phone module 200, so that the laptop computer 102 can connect in a wireless fashion to other devices using the open specification technology known as "Bluetooth". In addition, the wireless phone module 200 itself can independently connect via Bluetooth to other devices, in for example the same fashion that the forthcoming generation of mobile phones will connect to external devices via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth card 240 can include all circuitry necessary to establish a Bluetooth link, including for example a wireless transceiver in accordance with the Bluetooth specification. As a further alternative, the Bluetooth card 240 can be located inside the laptop computer 102, and can be used by the laptop computer 102, or by the wireless phone module 200, 330 via the connection(s) (e.g. , 204, 302) between the wireless phone module 200, 330 and the laptop computer 102. The connectors 204, 216, 218 and 245 can be appropriately selected, depending on specifically how the phone module 200 is to be connected to the laptop computer 102 and to data cables and peripheral devices. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the outer casing 202 of the wireless phone module 200 can be configured in the form of a Type III PCMCIA card, so that the wireless phone module 200 can be directly inserted into the PCMCIA port 104 of the laptop computer 102. In this case the connector 204 is configured to appropriately mate with the corresponding connector in the port 104, and the circuitry 202 is adapted to exchange data with, and receive power from, the laptop computer 102 through the PCMCIA port 104, in accordance with well known rules, principles and specifications concerning PCMCIA card devices. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a standardized wireless phone module is provided together with an adapter shell. The adapter shell encases the wireless phone module to form a modular assembly, which can be inserted into the expansion bay 108 of the laptop computer 102, so that the wireless phone module connects to the laptop computer via the power and data connections of the expansion bay.

FIG. 3A shows a top view of an adapter shell 300, having a connector 302 at the back. The connector 302 mates with the laptop computer's connector in the expansion bay 108, and thus establishing data and power connections between the wireless phone module and the laptop computer 102. The outer casing 310 of the adapter shell 300 is configured to match the expansion bay of a particular style or standard, or of a particular laptop computer manufacturer. The adapter shell includes a cavity 306 for receiving the wireless phone module, as well as necessary connectors (not shown) for connecting data and power to the wireless phone module. In situations where the wireless phone module does not have its own antenna, the adapter shell 300 can include an external, collapsible antenna 308 that the wireless phone module can use to establish and maintain a wireless link. The adapter shell 300 can also include a cavity 304 for receiving and storing a compact or slimline handset, that the user can use to place voice calls or manually enter telephone numbers. The cavity 304 can also include a connection or cable to link the handset to the wireless phone module. Such circuitry will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and is therefore not discussed further. FIG. 3B is a front view of the adapter shell 300 shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a functional block diagram depicting a modular assembly 360 including the adapter shell 300 with a wireless phone module 330 inside it. As shown in FIG. 3C, the adapter shell 300 includes a connection adapter 312 that appropriately connects the phone module 330 to the connector 302 so that the phone module 330 will be able to communicate with the laptop computer 102 when inserted into the expansion bay 302. For example, when the phone module 330 is in configured in the form of a PCMCIA card (e.g. , is the phone module 200 shown in FIG. 2), the connection adapter 312 appropriately connects the

PCMCIA connector of the phone module to the expansion bay connector 302, so that when the modular assembly 360 is inserted into the expansion bay 108, the wireless phone module 330 will be able to receive power from, and exchange data with, the laptop computer 102. As shown in FIG. 3C, the connection adapter 312 can also connect a headset 340 and a handset 322 to a) the phone module 330, and/or b) to the laptop computer 102 (via the connector 302). A retracting cable mechanism 370 can also be provided, that electrically connects the connection adapter 312 and extends or retracts a cable 372 having a connector 374. The connector 374 can be an RJ-11 plug, that can be plugged into a handset. For example, the handset 322 can also be connected to the cable 372 via the connector 374, and the cable mechanism 370 can be located inside the cavity 304. This allows the handset 322 to be neatly stowed inside the cavity 304 when not in use, and then withdrawn (with the cable mechanism 370 spooling out the cable 372) when the user desires to place a call. The cable 372 can have a length that is convenient for the user, for example a length of 60 inches. When the user ends the call and stows the handset 322 in the cavity 304, the cable mechanism 370 automatically reels in the cable 372.

The adapter shell 310 can also include an antenna 316, that connects to the phone module 330 when the phone module 330 is in place within the adapter shell 310. The adapter shell 310 can fully enclose the phone module 330, or can leave a portion of the phone module 330 exposed. In the situation where a portion of the phone module 330 is exposed, elements such as the antenna 214 and the handset 320 can be directly connected to the phone module 330, as shown in FIG. 3C.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, the connector 218 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-C can be an RJ-11 phone jack. The RJ-11 phone jack can be provided in the adapter shell 310 and connected to the wireless phone module 330, or can be provided on an exposed portion of the wireless phone module 330 that is not concealed by the adapter shell, as shown for example in FIG. 3C. The RJ-11 phone jack can also be provided on an accessible portion of the PCMCIA card wireless phone module.

FIGS. 6-8 are functional block diagrams showing how the RJ-11 phone jack can be used. A phone module 600 (for example, the phone module 200, or the phone module 330) is connected to the laptop computer 102, and the connector 218 is in the form of an RJ-11 jack. When the RJ-11 phone jack is connected to a land line via a cable 620, as shown for example in FIGS. 6-7, the laptop computer 102 can transmit data over the land line through the phone module 600, instead of over a wireless link of the phone module 600. Since each RJ-11 phone jack can support two independent phone lines, the user can have two lines active simultaneously, for example to carry on a voice conversation over one of the lines and while browsing the Internet over the other line. In this case the wireless phone module 600 would have circuitry to handle both lines, in accordance with known techniques (e.g., dual sets of critical subcircuits). Known voice-over-data techniques can also be used to allow a single line (landline or wireless) to simultaneously support voice and data communications.

To conduct voice communications the user can use a handset or a headset connected directly to the laptop computer, for example as shown in FIG. 7 where a handset 622 is connected to the laptop computer 102 via speaker and microphone interface ports 750, 752 commonly provided in presently available laptop computers. When a handset is connected, the user can also dial using the handset instead of entering phone number through the keyboard of the laptop computer. When the laptop computer 102 is equipped with a built-in speaker 650 and a microphone 652, as shown for example in FIG. 6, the user can use the laptop computer 102 as a speaker phone using software presently available to the public.

A handset 622 or headset can also be plugged into the RJ-11 jack, as shown for example in FIG. 8, thus enabling the handset 622 or headset to be easily connected to the wireless phone module 600. In this case, the RJ-11 jack is plugged to the handset 622 and is not available for connection to a land line. In configurations where a second RJ-11 jack is not installed or available, the telephone connection would therefore have to be made via the wireless link of the wireless phone module 600. In summary, when only a single RJ-11 jack is available or installed, the single RJ-11 jack can be used to connect the wireless phone module 600 either to a land line(s), or to a handset/headset. Alternatively, the RJ-11 jack can be connected to a modem output from another computer, so the other computer can use the wireless phone module 600 to connect to the PSTN via the wireless link of the wireless phone module 600.

In addition, the RJ-11 phone jack can be provided in a separate submodule that can be easily and quickly attached to, an removed from, each of the PCMCIA card wireless phone module and the modular assembly of the adapter shell and the wireless phone module. The submodule can also be provided with an RJ-45 jack to support an Ethernet connection, and/or a collapsible antenna for supporting the wireless phone link. A second RJ-11 jack can also be optionally included.

Examples are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5C. FIG. 4A is a front view of a submodule 400 including a collapsible, articulating antenna 414, an RJ-45 connector 416, an RJ-11 connector 418, and a second, optional RJ-11 connector 430. FIGS. 4B and 4C are side and top views respectively of the submodule 400, also showing a connector 420 that plugs into the wireless phone module or the modular assembly and electrically connects the connectors 416, 418, 430 and the antenna 414 to the phone module or the modular assembly. FIG. 5A is a front view of a submodule 500 that is similar to the submodule 400, but which omits the antenna 414. As shown in FIG. 5 A, the submodule 500 includes an RJ-45 connector 516, an RJ-11 connector 518, and a second, optional RJ-11 connector 530. FIGS. 5B and 5C are side and top views respectively of the submodule 500, also showing a connector 520 that plugs into the wireless phone module or the modular assembly and electrically connects the connectors 516, 518, 530 to the phone module or the modular assembly.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the phone module 200 can be located completely inside the shell of the laptop computer 102, instead of in an external port or slot such as the port 104 or the bay 108, and directly connected to the computer circuitry in accordance with techniques well known in the art.

The phone modules 200, 330, 600 can have both analog and digital capability, and can transmit with the higher power levels that are legal for cell phones that are not used near the user's head. For example, the phone modules can transmit 3 Watts of power, instead of the 0.6 Watts that handheld cellular phones are limited to. The phone modules can also, separately or in conjunction with software in the laptop computer 102, minimize phone costs by automatically determining which communication links are available (analog cellular, digital cellular, land line), and then automatically selecting and activating the least expensive available link. Voice phone functions such as Caller-ID, voicemail, etc. can be provided, as well as automatic Internet connections to periodically download or upload email or obtain data from a website. Selection of an interface device for voice calls can be automatic, for example software on the laptop computer 102 can determine whether a handset or headset is connected to the laptop computer or to the phone module and in the event they are not, implement the speaker phone functionality. Alternatively, the user can select or activate a connected interface device (headset, handset, speaker phone, etc.) using software on the laptop computer 102. The phone module 200 and the adapter shell 310 can each be provided with a locking mechanism that physically locks the module 200 and the shell 310 into the port 104 and the 200 and the shell 310 can be locked into standard and/or existing port or bay configurations, and thus requires no modifications or special features in the laptop computer 102.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, and that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range and equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A wireless phone module for use with a laptop computer, comprising: an outer shell in the form of a PCMCIA card; a wireless phone; a modem; an Ethernet card to support Ethernet communications; and an RJ-11 connector, wherein the RJ-11 connector connects to the wireless phone when a handset or headset is connected to the RJ-11 connector, and the RJ-11 connector connects to the modem when a land line is connected to the RJ-11 connector.

2. The module of claim 1, wherein the module supports simultaneous use of two land lines when the two land lines are connected to the RJ-11 connector.

3. The module of claim 1, wherein the module supports voice-over-data through a wireless link of the wireless phone.

4. The module of claim 1, wherein the module supports voice-over-data through a land line connected to the RJ-11 connector.

5. The module of claim 1, further comprising a detachable submodule having an RJ-45 connector and the RJ-11 connector.

6. The module of claim 5, wherein the detachable submodule further includes a wireless antenna for supporting a wireless link of the wireless phone.

7. The module of claim 5, wherein the detachable submodule further includes a second

RJ-11 connector.

8. The module of claim 1, further comprising a second RJ-11 connector.

9. The module of claim 1, further comprising a Bluetooth card located inside the outer shell and adapted to be independently controlled by each of the wireless phone and the laptop computer.

10. A module assembly comprising: a wireless phone module; an adapter shell, wherein the adapter shell surrounds the wireless phone module, is adapted to fit into an expansion bay of a laptop computer, and when the adapter shell with the wireless phone module inside is inserted into the expansion bay, the adapter shell connects the wireless phone module to the laptop computer.

11. The module assembly of claim 10, further comprising a modem located within the adapter shell.

12. The module assembly of claim 11, wherein the modem is located within the wireless phone module.

13. The module assembly of claim 10, further comprising an Ethernet card located within the adapter shell.

14. The module assembly of claim 13, wherein the Ethernet card is located within the wireless phone module.

15. The module assembly of claim 10, wherein the wireless phone module has an outer shell in the form of a PCMCIA card.

16. The module assembly of claim 11, further comprising an RJ-11 connector, wherein the RJ-11 connector connects to the wireless phone when a handset or headset is connected to the RJ-11 connector, and the RJ-11 connector connects to the modem when a land line is connected to the RJ-11 connector.

17. The module assembly of claim 16, wherein the module assembly supports simultaneous use of two land lines when the two land lines are connected to the RJ-11 connector.

20. The module assembly of claim 16, wherein the module assembly supports voice- over-data through a land line connected to the RJ-11 connector.

21. The module assembly of claim 16, further comprising a detachable submodule having an RJ-45 connector and the RJ-11 connector.

22. The module assembly of claim 21, wherein the detachable submodule further includes a wireless antenna for supporting a wireless link of the wireless phone.

23. The module of claim 22, wherein the detachable submodule further includes a second RJ-11 connector.

24. The module of claim 10, further comprising a second RJ-11 connector.

25. The module of claim 10, further comprising a Bluetooth card located inside the outer shell and adapted to be independently controlled by each of the wireless phone and the laptop computer.

26. The module assembly of claim 10, wherein the module assembly supports voice- over-data through a wireless link of the wireless phone.

27. The module assembly of claim 10, wherein the adapter shell comprises: a cavity for receiving a handset; a cable for electrically connecting the handset to at least one of the wireless phone and the laptop computer via the adapter shell; and a cable mechanism for automatically retracting the cable when a user stows the handset in the cavity, and automatically extending the cable when the user withdraws the handset from the cavity.