WO2005041542A1

WO2005041542A1 - Mobile communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2005041542A1
Application number: PCT/IE2004/000147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurence Byrne
Original assignee: Laurence Byrne
Priority date: 2003-10-24
Filing date: 2004-10-22
Publication date: 2005-05-06
Also published as: IES20030805A2

Abstract

The present invention provides a mobile communication device (10) comprising a communication means (22); a display screen (18) mounted inside a housing (12) of the device (10) ; an image magnifying means (16) for optically magnifying data information displayed on the display screen (18) so as to form a magnified virtual image of the display screen (18) , wherein the image magnifying means (16) and the communication means (22) are positioned on the device so as to allow a user to view the magnified virtual image and to simultaneously send and/or receive audio information.

Description

Title

Mobile communication device

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to mobile communication devices and in particular to an apparatus and method for the magnification of screens and receiving both audio and data information for mobile communication devices.

Background to the Invention

Mobile communication devices with liquid crystal display screens are well known in the art. In recent years, it has become desirable to provide mobile telephone handsets that are small, light and compact for portability and as handsets have decreased in size, the display screens used therein have also decreased in size. The increasing functionality of the devices allows many of these devices to access the Internet. With the advent of WAP, GPRS and 3G technologies, it has become desirable to display a much greater amount of information to a user on the smaller screen. This has led to the problem that information received or accessed remotely is difficult to view. Furthermore, these devices do not facilitate viewing the information while at the same time allowing the user to conduct a telephone conversation. Another problem with the display of this information on these devices is privacy. The typical arrangement of the screens in these devices allows the information displayed on the screen to be viewed by other persons. Another problem with these types of devices is that the provision of a larger screen in order to display more information results in a larger power requirement wherein power is a scarce resource for mobile devices. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a mobile communication device that includes a magnifying apparatus for a screen, which allows private viewing of information and which facilitates viewing of information while conducting a telephone conversation, in order to overcome these problems. There is also a need to provide a device with a low power requirement. One such apparatus developed is disclosed in patent publication number US 2001/0027125, which shows a virtual image display apparatus comprising a real image display screen and an image magnifying means for optically magnifying the image. However this device has a number of problems. The device comprises a complicated magnifying means in that it relies on a light guide means, usually a prism, to reflect and magnify the internal image. The image viewed by the user is therefore a reflected image. Neither does the design of the device allow it to be used to view magnified images of the internal screen and to conduct a telephone conversation at the same time. In order to allow the call to be heard by the user, the audio output from the speaker would need to be increased to a level where it would become audible to persons nearby. A further problem with this device is that it does not provide privacy of viewing, since the image on the internal screen will be visible to other persons nearby through the viewing window. This device also requires a cooling unit to dissipate the heat generated by the backlight which is used to illuminate the internal screen. This increases the total weight of the device, which is undesirable. Object of the Invention

The object of the invention to provide a mobile communication device with an internal screen of small size, and a magnification means to allow a direct magnified 100% virtual image of the internal screen to be viewed by the user .

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which is ergonomically designed to allow the user to view data information and to send and/or receive audio information at the same time.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device that affords absolute privacy of the image on the internal screen to the user and with a low power requirement .

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which can be operated on a fixed land line.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention is provided a mobile communication device comprising a communication means; a display screen mounted inside a housing of- the device; an image magnifying means for optically magnifying data information displayed on the display screen so as to form a magnified virtual image of the . display screen, wherein the image magnifying means and the communication means are positioned on the device so as to allow a user to view the magnified virtual image and to simultaneously send and/or receive audio information. Ideally, the communication means comprises a microphone, mounted at a location within the device so as to allow the user to send audio information while viewing the magnified virtual image. Suitably, the communication means also comprises a speaker, mounted at a location within the device so as to allow the user to receive audio information while viewing the magnified virtual image.

According to a preferred feature of the present invention, the device comprises a touch pad control means for controlling the content of the data information, wherein the touch pad is positioned on the device so as to allow the user to control the data information while viewing the magnified virtual image.

The external housing of the device is shaped so as to accommodate the magnifying means, the microphone, the speaker and the control means ergonomically, to allow the user to view images, speak, listen and control the functions of the device at the same time. Preferably, the real image display screen is a liquid crystal display screen or the like. Optionally, the display screen is a real image display screen. In a preferred embodiment, the magnifying means comprises an aperture defined by the external housing of the device; and a magnifying lens accommodated in the aperture. Preferably, the image magnifying means is positioned on the device so as to allow only the user to view the magnified virtual image. This allows the contents of the internal screen to be totally private and prevents persons nearby from viewing the contents of the screen. In this embodiment, the magnifying means is such that a person wishing to view the contents of the internal screen must look into the viewing chamber defined within the housing between the display screen and the magnifying means. According to an optional feature of the present invention, the device also comprises a second display screen viewable by the user, having control means separate from the first display screen. Preferably, the second display screen is accommodated in a second aperture defined by the housing, and is visible without magnification from the exterior of the device. Alternatively, the second display screen is positioned inside the housing of the device, and magnified by a second image magnifying means. According to a further optional feature of the present invention, the device includes a keypad for controlling the magnified data information of the device. Preferably, the keypad is positioned on the device so as to allow the user to control the data information while viewing the magnified virtual image. According to another optional feature of the present invention, the device comprises a smoke alarm, which causes the device to make a warning sound if smoke is detected by the device. According to the present invention there is also provided a method of displaying data information in a mobile communication device comprising the steps of displaying data information on an internal screen in the device; magnifying the data information to provide a magnified virtual image; viewing the magnified virtual image; and receiving and/or sending audio information while viewing the magnified virtual image. Ideally, the device can be operated on a fixed telecommunication landline and/or as a personal organiser.

One embodiment of the mobile communication device according to the present invention will now be described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings .

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of the device of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of a first embodiment of the device of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a personal communication device 10 comprises an external housing 12 that defines a first aperture 14. This aperture accommodates an image-magnifying lens 16. A display screen 18 is mounted inside the housing 12 of the device 10, at a predetermined distance from the magnifying lens 16. The distance can be set to allow the image on the screen to be pre-focussed when viewed at a distance of 0mm, or a condition of zero eye relief, from the magnifying lens 16. The display screen 18 displays data information received from another source, for example, data from the Internet. As will be appreciated from Figure 1, a viewing chamber 20 is defined between the magnifying lens 16 and the internal display screen 18. The user must look into the viewing chamber 20 in order to view the magnified image. In use, the user lifts the device to bring the magnifying lens 16 into proximity with the user's eye, so as to look into the viewing chamber 20 at the magnified virtual image of the display screen 18. A virtual image does not represent an actual convergence of light rays. A virtual image is an image formed at a point where light appears to diverge from the image point but does not actually come from that point. Virtual images- appear as upright, that is, the same orientation as the magnified object. The virtual image is visible using lenses of a high dioptre range. The higher the dioptre, the closer the screen may be placed to the aperture. With a dioptre value of 16, the focal length is 6.3cm, allowing the screen to be fitted comfortably within the external housing of the device. A virtual image can generate what appears to the eye to be a panoramic view, and so the information will still be viewable even as ever- smaller screens are developed. The image appears to the eye as if the user were viewing a large screen. With the advance of nano-technology which can now be incorporated in display screens, the virtual image will allow the user to view information on a vast scale using a very small display screen . The device 10 further comprises a speaker 22, mounted at a location within the housing 12 of the device 10 so as to allow the user to receive audio information, for example a telephone call, while viewing the magnified virtual image. The device 10 also comprises a second display screen 24, which is accommodated in a second aperture 26 defined by the housing 12. The display screen 24 may be viewed without magnification from the exterior of the device. The data display on this screen may be different to that displayed on the internal screen. For example, the display screen 24 may be used to display call information, network reception information, battery charge information and the like of a typical mobile telephone device. The internal screen 18 may be used to display more detailed images, such as digital photographs, maps, web pages from the Internet and the like. The decision as to which screen a particular image or piece of data information should be displayed on, can be selected by the user in advance, by setting a file size or data type that will automatically be directed to the internal screen. Alternatively, the decision may be made by the user at the moment of receipt of the data information. An advantage of the design of the device 10 is that it allows absolute privacy for the user. The user may select private information such as email, or other sensitive data, to view on the Internet and can be assured that no third party will be able to view the information. Since the data information is displayed internally to the device, the user must look into the viewing chamber 20 in order to view the magnified image, and it is not possible for a third party to view the data. A further advantage of the device 10 is that the reduction in the size of the screen 18 causes a corresponding reduction in the energy requirement of the device. Also, as the screen 18 is enclosed within the housing 12, light emitted from the screen is more visible to the user.

Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, the device 10 also comprises a touch pad 28, for controlling the communication and display functions of the device 10. The touch pad 28 is positioned on the underside of the device 10 so as to allow the user to control the communication and display functions of the device 10 while viewing the magnified image on the display screen 18. When the user holds the device 10 the user can easily manipulate the touch pad 28, thereby controlling the functions of the device 10. The user may manipulate the touch pad 28 by tracing his finger over the pad to move a cursor over various images or Internet links shown on the internal screen and magnified by the magnifying lens 16, somewhat analogous to using a mouse with computer. The user may select a particular image or Internet link by tapping twice in quick succession on the control pad, in a well-known manner. The device 10 further comprises a microphone 30, mounted at a location within the housing 12 of the device 10 so as to allow the user to send audio information in order to participate in a telephone call while viewing the magnified virtual image.

Alternatively, the touch pad 28 may be incorporated in the housing 12 of the device 10, so that it may be activated by touching the outer skin of the housing. It will be appreciated that the shape and design of the first embodiment of the device is ergonomically suited to use by a right-handed user. However a mirror image version of the preferred embodiment may also be provided to suit left-handed users. Alternatively, the internal display screen 18 may have a reverse display mode in which the information displayed on the screen would be inverted to allow left-handed use of the device. A second embodiment of the device of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment the external housing 12 of the device 10 is made up of a number of sections 32, 34, 36. The sections are connected by hinges 38, 40 to allow the device 10 to be folded, enabling a reduction in length to make the device more compact and easier to carry. In this embodiment, the lens 16 is accommodated in an aperture 14 in a first section 32 of the housing 12. When the first section 32 of the housing is extended by means of hinge 38, the lens 16 and aperture 14 are positioned to allow internal screen 18 to be viewed through the lens 16 as in the first embodiment. The aperture is designed to allow lenses to be easily removed and replaced, according to the optical requirements of the user.

According to the second embodiment, the device 10 may include further internal display screens which may be viewed through further lenses appropriately positioned in apertures in the first section 32 of the housing 12.

The device 10 includes an external display screen 24, accommodated in aperture 26 in the second section 34 of the housing 12. The device 10 further comprises a speaker 22, mounted at a location within a third section 36 of the housing 12 of the device 10 so as to allow the user to receive audio information, for example a telephone call, while viewing the magnified virtual image. In this embodiment, the position of the speaker 22 is slidably adjustable. This allows the user to position the speaker at a location most comfortable for him. The device 10 may also include a digital camera 42. The device 10 comprises a touch pad 28 and a keypad 44, for controlling the communication and display functions of the device 10. The touch pad 28 and keypad 44 are positioned on the third section 36 of the housing 12 of the device 10 so as to allow the user to control the communication and display functions of the device 10 while viewing the magnified image on the display screen 18. Although not shown in Figure 3, the device 10 further comprises a microphone 30, mounted at a location within the second section 34 of the housing 12 of the device 10 so as to allow the user to send audio information in order to participate in a telephone call while viewing the magnified virtual image. The magnifying apparatus and method of the present invention may also be provided in a stand arrangement, similar to a public telephone. The user inserts coins or a credit card to pay for the service and may access the Internet via a fixed telephone landline in private. An internal display screen displays information received from the Internet and is magnified by a lens accommodated in an aperture in the housing of the device, as described above in relation to the first and second embodiments. The speaker, microphone and control means are positioned so as to allow the user to view the virtual magnified image with absolute privacy while conducting a telephone conversation.

The device 10 may further include means for allowing the user to access landline telecommunication networks while also maintaining contact with mobile telephone networks. The device may further include means for allowing the user to be in contact with more than one entity at the same time, via mobile or fixed landline networks. This allows the user, for example, to conduct a conversation over a mobile telephone network, while viewing data information from the Internet via a landline. The device 10 may also comprise electronic circuitry and memory capacity to allow the device to be used as a personal organiser. According to this feature, information may be input to the device verbally through the speaker or by means of a keypad. It is envisaged that further embodiments are possible wherein the magnifying lens 16 is arranged so as to be in contact with the internal display screen 18 so that the viewing chamber 20 is of minimum dimension.

It will be noted from accompanying drawings that the device does not require a cooling unit, and may therefore be small, light and compact. The internal display screen 18 can be less than about 2.5cm across and the magnifying lens can have a magnifying power such that the magnified images viewed by the user have an apparent size of about 60cm across.

It will also be appreciated that the housing 12 of the device 10 may also accommodate electronic circuitry as in a typical mobile telephone, to allow connection to a mobile network, to allow calls to be placed and received and to allow connection the Internet via WAP, GPRS or 3G technologies. It is intended to market this device commercially under the name "Mobbal".

The use of the words "back", "front", "top", "bottom" and the like is for ease of explanation and it is not intended to limit the invention to any orientation. The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Claims

Claims l.A mobile communication device comprising: • a communication means; a display screen mounted inside a housing of the 5 device; an image magnifying means for optically magnifying data information displayed on the display screen, so as to form a magnified virtual image of the display screen, wherein the image magnifying means and the 10 communication means are positioned on the device so as to allow a user to view the magnified virtual image and to simultaneously send and/or receive audio information.

2.A mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1 15 wherein the communication means comprises a microphone, mounted at a location within the device so as to allow the user to send audio information while viewing the magnified virtual image.

20 3. A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the communication means comprises a speaker, mounted at a location within the device so as to allow the user to receive audio information while viewing the magnified virtual image. 25

4.A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a touch pad control means for controlling the content of the data information, wherein said touch pad is positioned on the device so as to allow 30 the user to control the data information while viewing the magnified virtual image.

5. A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the magnifying means comprises an aperture defined by the external housing of the device and a magnifying lens accommodated in the aperture.

6. A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the image magnifying means is positioned on the device so as to allow only the user to view the magnified data information.

7. A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display screen is a liquid crystal display screen.

8. A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display screen is a real image display screen.

9. A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a second display screen viewable by the user, having control means separate from the first display screen.

10. A mobile communication device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second display screen is positioned inside the housing of the device, and magnified by a second image magnifying means.

11. A mobile communication device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second display screen is accommodated in a second aperture defined by the housing, and is visible without magnification from the exterior of the device.

12. A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a keypad for controlling the magnified data information.

13. A mobile communication device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said keypad is positioned on the device so as to allow the user to control the data information while viewing the magnified virtual image.

14. A mobile communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a smoke alarm.

15. A method of displaying data information in a mobile communication device comprising the steps of: displaying data information on an internal screen in the device; magnifying the data information to provide a magnified virtual image; viewing the magnified virtual image; and receiving and/or sending audio information while viewing the magnified virtual image.

16. A mobile communication device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.