WO2016180927A1 - Wireless communications device - Google Patents

Wireless communications device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016180927A1
WO2016180927A1 PCT/EP2016/060712 EP2016060712W WO2016180927A1 WO 2016180927 A1 WO2016180927 A1 WO 2016180927A1 EP 2016060712 W EP2016060712 W EP 2016060712W WO 2016180927 A1 WO2016180927 A1 WO 2016180927A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wireless communications
communications device
elements
docking station
functions
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/060712
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lars GRAVESEN
Original Assignee
Lumigon A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lumigon A/S filed Critical Lumigon A/S
Publication of WO2016180927A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016180927A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03547—Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/04—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/017—Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0249—Details of the mechanical connection between the housing parts or relating to the method of assembly
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/026—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
    • H04M1/0264—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a camera module assembly
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0279—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics
    • H04M1/0283—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics for providing a decorative aspect, e.g. customization of casings, exchangeable faceplate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/03—Constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. telephone hand-sets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/18—Telephone sets specially adapted for use in ships, mines, or other places exposed to adverse environment
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/23—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof
    • H04M1/236—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof including keys on side or rear faces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • H04M1/72412—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72418—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting emergency services
    • H04M1/72421—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting emergency services with automatic activation of emergency service functions, e.g. upon sensing an alarm
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72418—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting emergency services
    • H04M1/72424—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting emergency services with manual activation of emergency-service functions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/72451—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to schedules, e.g. using calendar applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/72457—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to geographic location
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/10—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a GPS signal receiver
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/12—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/22—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/52—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including functional features of a camera
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/74—Details of telephonic subscriber devices with voice recognition means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to different aspects of functionality of a wireless
  • Wireless communications devices such as cellular mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, wearables (such as smart watches, etc., etc. have enjoyed improved and diversified functionality due to their increase in processing power and popularity. However, there still is room and needs for increased functionality for different aspects.
  • An aspect of the invention is defined in claim 1 .
  • a wireless communications device comprising a housing, at least one display, one or more processing units, one or more memory and/or storage elements, one or more user interface elements, and one or more wireless transmitter and receiver
  • the wireless communications device further comprises a touch-sensitive element on the back side of the wireless communications device, wherein the one or more processing units is/are adapted to register and interpret touch by a user on the touch-sensitive element and execute one or more associated functions.
  • the touch-sensitive element is located about an upper center of the back side of the wireless communications device.
  • the wireless communications device comprises a housing comprising one or more securing elements adapted to releasably secure one or more faceplate elements.
  • the one or more faceplate elements is one or more members selected from the group consisting of: a back faceplate element selected from a plurality of back faceplate elements having different design,
  • a front faceplate element selected from a plurality of front faceplate elements having different design
  • button faceplate elements selected from a plurality of button faceplate elements, each having different design.
  • the wireless communications device comprises a front-facing camera and a front-facing photographic flash element located on a front side of the wireless communications device.
  • the wireless communications device is water proof at least to a given depth and comprises a water detection sensor adapted to detect whether the wireless communications device is immersed in a body of water, and the one or more processing units is adapted to automatically activate, de-activate, and/or modify a number of predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements in response to the water detection sensor detecting immersion in a body of water.
  • the predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of:
  • the wireless communications device comprises a first and a second speaker unit, where the first speaker unit is located at or on (preferably on) a top side of the wireless communications device and the second speaker unit is located at or on (preferably on) a bottom side of the wireless communications device. This enables emitted sound to more likely be heard by a user e.g. no matter what the orientation is of the wireless communications device in a user's pocket, bag, purse, or the like.
  • the one or more processing units is adapted to initiate a hidden safety mode in response to a predetermined user action, wherein the hidden safety mode comprises automatically executing one or more actions selected from the group consisting of: recording audio, obtaining photo(s) and/or video from one or more cameras, and ongoingly determining a current location of the wireless communications device.
  • the predetermined user action comprises the user pressing a preselected physical user interface element, e.g. a button, and/or the user speaking a predetermined phrase.
  • At least a part of data obtained by executing the one or more actions in the hidden safety mode is made accessible to one or more predetermined remotely located electronic devices and/or users, and where the one or more predetermined electronic devices and/or users is/are notified that data is available.
  • the wireless communications device further comprises
  • one or more orientation determination sensors adapted to determine an actual orientation of the wireless communications device among a plurality of possible orientations
  • the one or more processing units are adapted to execute one or more functions where the one or more of the functions is/are influenced or determined by a determined actual orientation of the wireless communications device.
  • the current orientation determines or influences how the wireless communications device should act or perform at least for some functions.
  • the wireless communications device further comprises - one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors (806) adapted to register (non-contacting, i.e. the user does not touch the wireless
  • the wireless communications device e.g. does not contact the display of the wireless communications device) motion and/or gesture(s) of a user (300) as user input, where the one or more processing units are adapted to interpret registered motion and/or gesture(s) and execute one or more associated functions where one or more of the associated functions is influenced or determined by a determined actual orientation of the wireless communications device.
  • the wireless communications device is adapted to
  • the wireless communications device comprises a location determination element and the one or more processing units are adapted to enter a meeting or silent mode, where only calls from a preselected group of callers (which may be none) will be notified, in response to - the current time of the wireless communications device being within a meeting time interval derived from a calendar appointment representing a meeting, and/or
  • the current location of the wireless communications device obtained by the location determination element, being within a predetermined vicinity of a location related to or derived from the calendar appointment representing a meeting.
  • the wireless communications device may automatically enter a silent mode based on time, location, and calendar information.
  • the wireless communications device comprises a night vision camera.
  • the wireless communications device is adapted to receive an identifier from a docking station, e.g. as disclosed below and elsewhere, when being supported by or connected with the docking station and is adapted to execute one or more predetermined functions and/or programs in response to what particular identifier is received from the docking station.
  • the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs in response to certain predetermined communication received from an electronic portable device as disclosed below.
  • a docking station is provided for a wireless communications device, e.g. as disclosed above and elsewhere, wherein the docking station comprises a housing comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising one or more members selected from the group consisting of: - a power supply connector or power supply cord,
  • USB or micro-USB e.g. USB or micro-USB; HDMI or micro-HDMI; etc.
  • HDMI e.g. USB or micro-USB; HDMI or micro-HDMI; etc.
  • the second part is an exchangeable part of the housing and comprises one member selected from the group consisting of:
  • a second part comprising a standardised connector and/or charging element (e.g. USB or micro-USB) to be connected directly or via the second connector with the first connector of the first part wherein the second part is adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device in an upright standing position supporting the wireless communications device at least on a bottom side and allowing the wireless communications device to charge when placed in the upright standing position,
  • a standardised connector and/or charging element e.g. USB or micro-USB
  • a second part comprising a support adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device in a side position supporting the wireless communications device on a first or a second side,
  • a second part comprising a wireless charging element and a substantially flat surface adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device in a laying position supporting the wireless communications device
  • the user may obtain a docking station directed at a given need or as wished by selecting an appropriate second part (among a plurality of
  • the second part is exchangeable when manufacturing the docking station (i.e. locked for the user). This will provide the advantage that during manufacture only one version of the first part needs to be produced and then only varying (potentially with some overlap) the second parts as necessary. This will save production costs.
  • the docking station is associated with at least one additional docking station according to a predetermined context to form a group of docking stations, where each docking station of the group comprises a unique identifier within that particular group, and wherein each docking station of the group is adapted to communicate or provide its identifier to a wireless communications device when being supported by or connected to the docking station, and wherein the supported or connected wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more predetermined functions and/or programs in response to what particular identifier is received from a docking station supporting or connecting with the wireless communications device.
  • an electronic portable device comprising a housing, one or more user interface elements, one or more processing units, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements, one or more power supply units, and at least one sensor wherein the electronic portable device is adapted to provide certain predetermined communication to a wireless communications device, e.g. as disclosed above and elsewhere, and wherein the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs in response to the certain predetermined communication received from the electronic portable device.
  • the at least one sensor is one or more selected from the group consisting of: a location determination sensor, a sound capturing sensor, and an accelerometer.
  • Figures 1 a) - 1f) schematically illustrate different views of one embodiment of a wireless communications device according to different aspects of the present invention
  • Figure 2 schematically illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless communications device according to an aspect
  • Figure 3 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a safety functionality of a wireless communications device according to one aspect
  • Figure 4 schematically illustrates a flow chart of another functionality of a wireless communications device according to another aspect
  • Figure 5 schematically illustrates yet another functionality of a wireless
  • Figure 6 schematically illustrates a further functionality of a wireless communications device according to a further aspect
  • FIGS. 7a - 7d schematically illustrate a docking station according to an aspect for use with a wireless communications device
  • Figure 8 schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of embodiments of a wireless communications device suitable for carrying out one or more of the functionalities described throughout this description.
  • Figures 9a - 9f schematically illustrates an electronic portable device and embodiments thereof according to one aspect that may communicate with a wireless communications device to provide further functionality.
  • Figures 1 a)— 1 f) schematically illustrates different views of one embodiment of a wireless communications device according to different aspects of the present invention.
  • Shown in Figure 1 a is a front view of an embodiment of a wireless communications device 100.
  • the communications device 100 comprising a display 1 10.
  • the display (as indicated by hashed box 1 10) will cover a substantial part of the front, e.g. most of it.
  • the front side may also comprise one or more physical user interface elements even though this exemplary wireless communications device 100 does not.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the front side 140 of the wireless communications device 100 will comprise a front-facing (i.e. being located on the front of the wireless communications device) camera 1 1 1 and a front-facing (i.e. being located on the front of the wireless communications device) photographic flash element 1 12.
  • a front-facing camera 1 1 1 i.e. being located on the front of the wireless communications device
  • a front-facing i.e. being located on the front of the wireless communications device
  • photographic flash element 1 12 This has the advantage that proper illumination may be provided when using the front-facing camera. This will provide a benefit e.g. when taking a selfie, participating in a video-conference (especially when using sign-language), etc. under dark or low- light conditions.
  • Shown in Figure 1 b) is a first side view of an embodiment of the wireless
  • communications device 100 comprising a number of, in this particular exemplary embodiment three, user interface elements 120 here in the form of physical buttons, keys, or the like used by a user to operate the various functionalities of the wireless communications device 100.
  • Shown in Figure 1 c) is a second side view of an embodiment of the wireless communications device 100. Shown here is a second side as generally indicated by arrow 160 of a wireless communications device 100. According to this exemplary embodiment, this side does not comprise any physical user interface elements although it could do so according to other embodiments.
  • Shown in Figure 1 d) is a top view of the wireless communications device 100 showing a top side as generally indicated by arrow 170 comprising, in this particular exemplary embodiment, a number of physical user interface elements 120.
  • the top side 170 comprises a first speaker unit 130.
  • FIG. 1 e Shown in Figure 1 e is a bottom view of the wireless communications device 100 showing a bottom side as generally indicated by arrow 180.
  • the bottom side 180 comprises a separate second or further speaker unit 130' that may be identical to the first speaker unit 130 but could be different.
  • FIG. 1 a) - 1 e) also show an element 200 that is shown and explained further in relation to Figure 1f).
  • FIG. 1f Shown in Figure 1f is a back view of the wireless communications device 100 showing a back side as generally indicated by arrow 190.
  • the back side 190 comprises a touch-sensitive element, panel, pad, etc. 200 (forth referred to only as touch-sensitive element) that is adapted to register a touch or a multi-touch of a user.
  • communications unit 100 is/are adapted to register and interpret physical touch by the user on the touch-sensitive element 200 and execute one or more associated functions.
  • This provides further possibilities for obtaining user input that may be used to scroll, zoom, and/or navigate in documents, webpages, photograph albums, etc. simply by swiping a finger up or down or holding the finger against the touch-sensitive element 200 and moving it up, down, left, or right.
  • the function of the touch-sensitive element 200 may be context sensitive, i.e. a certain finger touch or movement may execute a different function depending on what program or application (e.g. press in camera mode takes a picture, touch and move is navigation during web browsing, press down and move and may navigate between icons or options in a desktop mode, etc.) is actively running and receiving the user input.
  • the function of the touch-sensitive element 200 may e.g. also be context sensitive in relation to whether any other user interface element is pressed (e.g. another button) as the same time.
  • the function of the touch- sensitive element 200 may e.g. also be context sensitive according to one aspect of functionality where it may be context sensitive in relation to the orientation as shown and explained further in connection with Figures 4 and 5.
  • the user tapping (one or more times) on the touch-sensitive element 200 may be an activation function e.g. like pressing or clicking a (UI/GUI) button.
  • touch-sensitive element 200 specifically on the back side 190 provides the advantage that the display on the front side, normally used for touch-based user navigation, becomes significantly less or not at all greasy from finger touches and movements of a user. It is very convenient to use the touch-sensitive element 200 also as an activation function (e.g. by double tapping) for taking a picture with a camera of the wireless communications device, especially the front camera enabling e.g. selfies to be taken using only a single hand.
  • the size and/or the location on the back side 190 of the touch-sensitive element 200 may be different for different embodiments depending on specific use and purpose.
  • the touch-sensitive element 200 is located generally at an upper centre of the back side 190 of the wireless communications device 100 (e.g. as shown), which makes it even simpler, easier and more natural to activate the front-camera to take a picture using only the index or another finger.
  • the touch-sensitive element 200 has a relatively elongated shape (more or less as shown) in the lengthwise direction (up/down in Figure 1f)) of the wireless communications device 100.
  • the touch-sensitive element 200 may e.g. be of one of the relatively well-known capacitive types but could in principal be of any other suitable type as long as it reliably is able to register a touch or multi-touch of a user.
  • the back side 190 of the wireless communications device 100 may comprise a back-facing (i.e. being located on the back of the wireless communications device) camera (1 1 1 ') and a back-facing (i.e. being located on the back of the wireless communications device) photographic flash element (1 12').
  • the back-facing camera (1 1 1 ') and/or the back-facing photographic flash element (1 12') may be identical to the front-facing camera and/or the front-facing photographic flash element (if the wireless communications device 100 comprises such) but may be different.
  • the wireless communications device comprises a night vision camera e.g. as a front-facing camera (1 1 1 ) or preferably as a back-facing camera (1 1 1 ').
  • the night vision camera is an additional camera so that the wireless communications device comprises two separate and independent back- facing cameras (e.g. in combination with a further regular front-facing camera).
  • the wireless communications device comprises one or more infra-red light emitting diodes or similar, located in vicinity of the night vision camera, to amplify the appropriate light spectrum and assist in providing a high-resolution image.
  • the wireless communications device may e.g. process the image data and provide a greyscale image to a user in either still or video format. This feature may e.g. be used in connection with a hidden safety mode as explained in connection with Figure 3 to assist in capturing all available images.
  • the touch-sensitive element 200 may be controlled by a dedicated circuit, chip, or the like. In some embodiments, where the display 1 10 is also touch-sensitive, the touch-sensitive display 1 10 may be controlled by a separate dedicated circuit, chip, or the like. One circuit, chip, or the like may be designated as primary while the other may be designated as secondary, e.g. based on context. They may operate separately (according to primary/secondary) or operate together enabling further functionality.
  • the wireless communications device 100 will typically furthermore comprise one or more processing units, one or more memory and/or storage elements, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements, and one or more audio input/output elements (not shown; see e.g. 802, 803, 804, and 805 in Figure 8, respectively). It may also comprise additional elements for additional functions as e.g. explained in connection with element 806 of Figure 8 and elsewhere throughout the description and as covered by the claims.
  • the wireless communications device 100 may be further adapted to execute a number of different functions or aspects, including one or more as explained in connection with any one or more of Figures 2 - 6, and 8, and/or as explained in the following.
  • the wireless communications device 100 is water proof at least to a given depth and further comprises a water detection sensor (not shown; see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) adapted to detect whether the wireless communications device 100 is immersed in a body of water.
  • the one or more processing units (see e.g. 802 in Figure 8) is adapted to automatically activate, de-activate, and/or modify a number of predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements in response to the water detection sensor (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) detecting immersion in a body of water.
  • the predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements comprises one or more selected from the group of: - de-activating, if not de-activated already, a location determination element (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) and location determination functionality,
  • the one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements see e.g. 804 in
  • FIG. 8 e.g. cellular transmitter and receiver, Bluetooth-, Wi-Fi, NFC, transceivers, etc.,
  • location determination element e.g. GPS
  • location information or tags may still be associated with an obtained picture, then e.g. simply using a last obtained/determined location.
  • the wireless communications device 100 comprises a location determination element, e.g. a GPS element, (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) and the one or more processing units 802 are adapted to enter a meeting or silent mode, where only calls from a preselected group of callers will be notified, in response to
  • the current time of the wireless communications device 100 being within a meeting time interval derived from a calendar appointment representing a meeting, and/or
  • the wireless communications device 100 may automatically enter a silent mode based on time, location, and/or calendar information.
  • Figure 2 schematically illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless communications device according to an aspect.
  • the housing 205 comprises one or more securing elements 240 adapted to releasably secure one or more of the faceplate elements 210; 220; 230.
  • the faceplate elements 210; 220; 230 may also comprise securing elements 241 to complement or engage with the securing element(s) of the housing 205.
  • the one or more securing elements 240; 241 may e.g. be of the snap-fit type, click- and-release type, etc. or any other suitable securing mechanism that releasably can secure one or more of the faceplate elements 210; 220; 230 to the housing 205.
  • the one or more faceplate elements 210; 220; 230 is one or more members selected from the group consisting of a front faceplate element selected from a plurality of front faceplate elements having different design, a back faceplate element 210 selected from a plurality of back faceplate elements having different design, one or two side faceplate elements 220 selected from a plurality of side faceplate elements having different design, and one or more button faceplate elements 230 selected from a plurality of button faceplate elements, each having different design.
  • the wireless communications device 100 comprises a back faceplate element 210 (of a given chosen design preferably of a plurality) for being releasably secured to the back side 190 of the wireless communications device 100, two side faceplate elements 220 (of a given chosen design preferably of a plurality) for being releasably secured respectively to the first and second side 150; 160, and three button faceplate elements 230 (of one or more given chosen designs preferably of a plurality) for being releasably secured to the first side 150.
  • a back faceplate element 210 of a given chosen design preferably of a plurality
  • two side faceplate elements 220 of a given chosen design preferably of a plurality
  • three button faceplate elements 230 of one or more given chosen designs preferably of a plurality
  • one side faceplate 220 has three openings 242 for receiving the three button faceplate elements 230 and the button faceplate elements are thus secured by these openings and therefore do not necessarily - in this exemplary and corresponding embodiments - need any securing elements of their own.
  • design is to be understood variations e.g. in material (e.g. wood, plastic, leather, metals of various kinds, etc.), colour (single colour, colour patterns, logos, etc.), texture, and/or shape (plain, wavy, with a given pattern, etc.).
  • material e.g. wood, plastic, leather, metals of various kinds, etc.
  • colour single colour, colour patterns, logos, etc.
  • texture e.g., text, text, etc.
  • shape e.g. in e.g. in material (e.g. wood, plastic, leather, metals of various kinds, etc.), colour (single colour, colour patterns, logos, etc.), texture, and/or shape (plain, wavy, with a given pattern, etc.).
  • Figure 3 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a safety functionality of a wireless communications device according to one aspect.
  • the one or more processing units (see e.g. 802 in Figure 8) of a wireless communications device e.g. such as the one shown in Figure 1 , is adapted to initiate a hidden safety mode in response to a predetermined user action.
  • the communications device will appear turned off or idle, i.e. one or more of the following: the display is turned off, no lights will indicate any activity (like blinking LEDs due to network activity or camera in use, and so on), no photographic flash or light is used even when a camera is running, no notifications being displayed on the display, etc.
  • the predetermined user action comprises a user pressing a preselected physical user interface element like a designated button or the like (e.g. by holding it down for a predetermined period of time or simply pressing it) and/or a user speaking a predetermined or pre-recorded phrase.
  • the last requires an 'always on' listening or audio recording or analysis functionality or system or the like. Such 'always on' listening can run in the background using very little power, e.g. less than about 100 micro amperes.
  • the user may determine what phrase is to be the
  • the hidden safety mode comprises executing one or more actions selected from the group consisting of: recording audio, recording/obtaining photo(s) and/or video from one or more cameras, and ongoingly determining a current location of the wireless communications device.
  • Data representing recorded audio and/or video as well as determined location(s) is at least stored locally.
  • At least a part of the data obtained by executing the one or more actions in the hidden safety mode is made accessible to one or more predetermined remotely located electronic devices and/or users. Furthermore, the one or more predetermined electronic devices and/or users may be notified electronically that data is available. The data may e.g. be made available directly by streaming or continuously transferring the data to the receiving electronic devices.
  • the wireless communications device continuously upload the data (as it is being obtained, i.e. more or less in real-time) to a central server or site while a notification is sent to the one or more predetermined electronic devices and/or users (preferably when the hidden safety mode is entered) e.g. together with a link or other pointer so that the recipients directly and immediately can access the audio and/or video data and see the current (and potentially historic) location of the wireless communications device sending the information.
  • a user of a wireless communications device with such functionality may activate a safety, alarm, or emergency mode, where all relevant possible information (audio, photo, video, location, etc.) will be recorded and transmitted while other devices/users (e.g.
  • the safety mode may be entered discretely (e.g. by pressing a button on the wireless communications device e.g. hidden in a pocket or the like) or completely secretly (e.g. uttering a predetermined safety phrase that can be anything).
  • the wireless communications device comprises one or more night vision cameras and/or sensors, photo(s) and/or video may be obtained even at dark or low-light conditions.
  • the safety mode is completely hidden for certain embodiments.
  • the safety mode is not hidden and may then function more or less also as a specific alarm (e.g. audibly sounding an alarm or warning sound).
  • the other devices/users being notified may (remotely) initiate that a given sound or alarm is played back from the wireless communications device. This may help locating the wireless communications device and thereby a person carrying it.
  • the safety mode may be used by law enforcement agents, officers, health-care professionals, etc. to automatically obtain information and recordings on what has actually happened in the vicinity of a person carrying an wireless communications device having this functionality. This information, may e.g. be used for later documentation, analysis of occurred events, etc.
  • the safety mode could still be activated by pressing a certain key or button or speaking a given predetermined phrase. However, it could also be activated automatically, e.g. by leaving (or entering) a certain designated area using location determination or NFC tags or transponders. It could e.g. be automatically activated when a person e.g. a police officer, leaves his/her vehicle. More specifically, the embodiment in flow chart of Figure 3 comprises a first starting step 310 initiating the safety feature. This functionality may run in the background on the wireless communications device, e.g. at the OS level, and the fact that it is running, even in the background, may also be hidden/hard to discover on the device itself.
  • step 320 it is checked whether one of the possible (there may be only a single one) predetermined user-actions, signifying that the hidden safety mode should be entered, has been carried out by the user. As mentioned, this could be done by pressing a certain key or button or speaking a given predetermined phrase.
  • step 330 the hidden safety mode is entered. If not the, method simply loops back to before the check 320 to check again later, e.g. periodically.
  • the flow chart illustrates step 320 as a check and loop, it may be implemented as an interrupt or exception step.
  • the hidden safety mode is entered starting one or more safety functions.
  • audio, photo(s), and/or video (using one or more audio input elements; e.g. as shown as 805 in Figure 8 and/or one or more cameras; e.g. shown as 1 1 1 , 1 1 1 ' in Figures 1 a and 1f and 806 in Figure 8) are started to be recorded preferably through all available means and hidden.
  • a current location is obtained and logged (e.g. obtaining a location history) using a location determination element (e.g. as shown as 806 in Figure 8).
  • the obtained data (audio, video, location, etc.) is made available, as described above, to other one or more predetermined remotely located electronic devices and/or users that also are notified that data is available.
  • FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a flow chart of another functionality of a wireless communications device according to another aspect.
  • one or more functions to be carried out by the wireless communications device are determined.
  • a function to be carried out may e.g. be determined by registering user input associated with that particular function, e.g. pressing a particular button, selecting a GUI element, etc. e.g. when running a particular program or application.
  • a function may in addition or as an alternative be determined by the system, the operating system (OS), a program or application, etc. e.g. like an event receiving in incoming telephone or video call, receiving an e-mail or message, a timer event, a reminder or notification of a certain event or task, etc.
  • data representing a current orientation of the wireless communications unit is obtained or provided. This may e.g. be provided by one or more orientation determination sensors (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) preferably comprised by the wireless communications device.
  • the orientation may specifically be determined at step 430 (after step 420) or it may e.g. be determined ongoingly by the system where step 430 just accesses/obtains the information.
  • the current orientation of the wireless communications device 100 may e.g. be determined to be one among a plurality of possible orientations.
  • the number of possible orientations may depend on actual implementation and use.
  • the possible orientation may simply be: placed on the front side, on the back side, on the top side, on the bottom side, on one/a first side, and on the other/a second side or e.g. only a sub-set thereof (e.g. on the front side or on the back side;
  • orientations may be used, e.g. like being placed on the bottom side at a given angle/inclination, where the angle/inclination increments can vary depending on use, etc.
  • the one or more functions are then executed by the one or more processing units (and other elements if needed) but where at least one of the functions is influenced or determined by the actual orientation of the wireless communications device determined or obtained at step 430.
  • step 450 the method ends at step 450 (or loops back to before step 420).
  • the current orientation determines or influences how the wireless communications device should act or perform at least for certain functions.
  • the user may set up profiles or rules governing how the functions (and which) should be influenced or be determined.
  • the user places his/hers wireless communications device face down on a given surface e.g. during a meeting or when working. This orientation is then registered or obtained at step 430. If a call then is received, this orientation (face down) may have been set up to signify silent mode or do not disturb whereby the phone will not ring or perhaps even not vibrate (perhaps except for user-specified exceptions from certain callers).
  • the wireless communications device may have a telephone conversation. If the user then places the phone face up on a surface, the face up orientation may signify 'switch to speaker mode', whereby the wireless communications device automatically switches to this mode. Accordingly, if the user places the phone face down (when engaged in the telephone conversation) it could signify 'hang up'.
  • at least one of the functions is/are influenced by whether the wireless communications device is located in a docking station (e.g. like one shown and explained in connection with Figures 7a) - 7d)); e.g. as an alternative or as an addition.
  • the wireless communications device 100 could be set up as an alarm clock when being located on a side (e.g. a specific or either side) (see e.g. 150; 160 in Figure 1 ).
  • the wireless communications device 100 is a wearable, and in some further embodiments, the wearable is a smart watch or similar.
  • Figure 5 illustrates exemplary and more specific embodiments of Figure 4.
  • Figure 5 schematically illustrates yet another functionality of a wireless
  • a wireless communications device 100 Shown is a wireless communications device 100, e.g. such as the one shown in Figure 1 , that is placed standing on one of its sides (specifically as an example the side 160 of Figure 1 c)) with the display 1 10 facing the user 300, i.e. with the front side 140 of the wireless communications device is facing the user 300.
  • the wireless communications device 100 further comprises one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors (not shown; see e.g. 806 in Figure 8)
  • the one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors are adapted to register non-contacting motion and/or gesture(s) of a user 300 as user input, i.e. without the user touching the wireless communications device 100, and in particular the display of it.
  • the one or more processing units are adapted to interpret registered motion and/or gesture(s) and execute one or more associated functions.
  • one or more of the associated functions is/are influenced or determined by a determined actual orientation of the wireless communications device 100, like shown and described in connection with Figure 4.
  • the wireless communications device 100 is in a mode where it only registers between a left going and a right going hand wave (left and right as seen in relation to being in front of the wireless communications device 100 standing on this particular side; i.e. as shown in the drawing).
  • the wireless communications device 100 could be set up as an alarm clock. Right hand wave could be set up to mean 'turn off' the alarm while a left hand wave could be set up to mean 'snooze' (or vice versa of course).
  • the wireless communications device 100 is a wearable, and in some further embodiments, the wearable is a smart watch or similar.
  • FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a further functionality of a wireless communications device according to a further aspect. Shown is a wireless communications device 100 having a display 1 10, e.g. as shown and explained throughout the description, and an external display unit 400 having its own display area 1 10'.
  • the wireless communications device 100 or more specifically its one or more processing units is adapted to run or execute a first set of one or more programs or applications as well as a second set of one or more programs or applications.
  • the image display data i.e. the image output for a display, of the first set of one or more programs or applications are shown on the display 1 10 of the wireless communications device 100 while the image display data of the second set of one or more programs or applications are transmitted
  • the display resolutions of the displays 1 10 and 1 10' can be different.
  • the wireless communications device 100 is adapted to receive external user input from the one or more external user input units 401 , 402, where the received external user input is used to control at least one program or application of the second set of one or more programs or applications, i.e. the program(s) or application(s) being shown on the external display unit 400.
  • the wireless communications device In this way, it is it enabled to show the output of different programs or applications separately on the display 1 10 of the wireless communications device and on the external display 1 10', respectively.
  • the programs or application shown on the display 1 10 could e.g. be programs working well or normally be used on the wireless communications device. As an example, this could e.g. be showing the output from Skype or another video conferencing program or application on the display 1 10 and e.g. be shown the output from a word processor, spreadsheet, etc. on the bigger external display 1 10'.
  • the normal 'desktop' of the wireless communications device could be shown as normal on the display 1 10 while an additional and separate 'desktop' with plenty of room could be shown on the external display 1 10'.
  • This functionality may be provided when the wireless communications device is placed in a docking station or the like, e.g. as shown in Figures 7a) - 7d).
  • the state of the 'desktop' i.e. of the second set of one or more programs or applications, are saved when this functionality is ended, e.g. by removing the wireless communications device from a docking station, allowing it to be resumed upon restart/reconnection, e.g. by placing the wireless communications device in the docking station again (automatically or when starting this functionality again).
  • This aspect takes advantage of the substantial computational power already present today (being set only to increase even further in the future) in regular wireless communications devices and with sufficient processing power could replace a traditional PC, laptop, etc. fully or partly. It is noted, that this functionality is different than just mirroring the display data of display 1 10 to the external display 1 10'. Rather, a second desktop is shown on the external display 1 10' (for the second set of one or more programs or applications running on the wireless communications device 100).
  • FIGS 7a - 7d schematically illustrates a docking station according to an aspect for use with a wireless communications device.
  • FIGS 7a - 7d Shown in Figures 7a - 7d are a docking station or the like 500 for use with embodiments of a wireless communications device as described throughout the present application and as claimed in the accompanying claims. It is noted, that the docking station may also be used with other types of wireless communications devices. Shown in Figure 7a is a docking station or the like 500 for a wireless
  • the docking station 500 comprises a housing 510 comprising, according to one aspect, a first part 520 and a second part 530.
  • the second part 530 is an exchangeable part of the housing 510. Furthermore, the first part 520 houses all relevant components that is needed for all supported second parts while a given second part houses the components relevant for that given second part.
  • the second part 530 may be exchanged, e.g. by a user, to a second part 530 (selected from a plurality of second parts) suiting a given need or as preferred. In this way, the user may obtain a docking station directed at a given need or as wished by selecting an appropriate second part (among a plurality of possible/available second parts).
  • the second part is exchangeable when manufacturing the docking station (i.e. locked for the user). This will provide the advantage that during manufacture only one version of the first part 520 needs to be produced and then only varying (potentially with some overlap) the second parts as necessary. This will save production costs.
  • the docking station 500 illustrated in Figure 7a are shown with the first and the second part 520, 530 apart.
  • the first part 520 comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of: a power supply connector or power supply cord (so the docking station may receive power during use), one or more standardised connectors (e.g. USB or micro-USB connector and/or HDMI or micro-HDMI connector etc.) for connecting via those connectors to relevant external devices, and a first connector (preferably an internal connector) for connecting with a second connector 505 located in the second part 530.
  • This second connector 505 in the second part may connect to a standardised connector and/or charging element (e.g. a USB or micro-USB connector; not shown; see e.g.
  • FIG. 7b illustrates docking stations with different exemplary second parts and will be further explained in connection with those Figures.
  • FIG. 7b Shown in Figure 7b is a docking station 500 comprising a housing 510 comprising a first 520 and a second part 530.
  • the first part corresponds to the first part explained in connection with Figure 7a.
  • the second part 530 comprises a standardised connector and/or charging element 540 to be connected, during use, directly or via the second connector (see 505 in Figure 7a) with the (preferably internal) first connector of the first part.
  • the standardised connector and/or charging element may e.g. be a USB or micro-USB connector as generally known.
  • the second part 530 is furthermore adapted to accommodate and support a wireless communications device in an upright standing position supporting the wireless communications device at least on a bottom side (see e.g. 180 in Figure 1 e) and allowing the wireless communications device to charge when placed in the upright standing position.
  • the second part 530 furthermore comprises a support 550 comprising the standardised connector and/or charging element 540 and for supporting the wireless communications device as explained.
  • FIG. 7c Shown in Figure 7c is a docking station 500 comprising a housing 510 comprising a first 520 and a different second part 530 where the first part corresponds to the first part explained in connection with Figure 7a.
  • the second part 530 comprises a support 550 adapted to accommodate and support a wireless communications device in a side position supporting the wireless communications device on a first or a second side (see e.g. 150, 160 in Figures 1 b and 1 c).
  • a docking station 500 comprising a housing 510 comprising a first 520 and another second part 530 where the first part corresponds to the first part explained in connection with Figure 7a.
  • the second part 530 comprises an internal wireless charging element and a substantially flat surface adapted to accommodate and support a wireless communications device in a laying position, i.e. supporting the wireless communications device on a front or a back side (see e.g. 140, 190 in Figures 1 a) and 1f).
  • all the second parts comprise a wireless charging element.
  • the embodiment of Figure 7c may even comprise two, one in the support 550 and one in the flat part of the second part 530.
  • the docking station 500 further comprises or is associated with an identifier.
  • the identifier may e.g. be assigned by a user and may be communicated (wirelessly or by physical connection), preferably automatically, to a wireless communications device when it is being supported by the docking station 500, e.g. when placing the wireless communications device on the particular docking station 500.
  • the identifier may e.g. be assigned by adjusting appropriate settings in the wireless communications device and/or alternatively by using one or more switches, buttons, etc. located on the docking station 500 or in some other suitable way.
  • the assigned identifier may e.g. be stored in the particular docking station 500.
  • the identifier of each given docking station among a plurality of docking stations should be set to be unique within a given context, e.g. among all docking stations assigned to a particular user or group of users (e.g. a family, co-workers, etc.), assigned to a particular physical location (e.g. a household or group of households, company location), etc. I.e. all docking stations within a given context will have their own individual unique identifier.
  • the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs that is/are influenced or determined by what particular identifier is received from the specific docking station 500 a wireless communications device is placed in or located on.
  • a user may specify what function(s) and/or program(s) should be assigned to a given identifier.
  • docking stations are located in a household with one docking station being located in the bedroom, one in the living room, one in the kitchen, etc. where they will have different identifiers.
  • the wireless communications device When the wireless communications device is placed in one of these docking stations, it will 'know' which one (due to receiving the identifier) and may then, e.g. automatically, execute a program or function that has been associated with that particular docking station (i.e. identifier) as a default function or program.
  • a program or function that has been associated with that particular docking station (i.e. identifier) as a default function or program.
  • the wireless communications device may e.g. automatically start to play music when being placed in or on the kitchen docking station, enter an alarm clock functionality when being placed in or on the bedroom docking station, etc.
  • the docking stations may e.g. also be located at a company with a docking station being located in a meeting room (providing one functionality) and one being located at an employee's desk (potentially providing a different functionality), etc. These are just examples and many uses and applications may readily be envisaged by having a unique identifier (among a plurality) for a docking station in this way.
  • FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of embodiments of a wireless communications device suitable for carrying out one or more of the functionalities described throughout this description.
  • a wireless communications device 100 comprising one or more processing unit 802 connected via one or more communications and/or data buses 801 to a memory and/or storage 803, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements 804 (e.g. one or more of cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) for communicating via a network, the Internet, and/or the like, a display 1 10, audio I/O 805 (e.g. speaker(s) and microphone(s)), and one or more (e.g. physical) user interface elements 120.
  • processing unit 802 connected via one or more communications and/or data buses 801 to a memory and/or storage 803, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements 804 (e.g. one or more of cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) for communicating via a network, the Internet, and/or the like
  • sensors, elements, circuits, etc. as described elsewhere in the description, such as one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors (e.g. as described in connection with Figure 5), a location determination element (e.g. a GPS or similar), one or more orientation determination sensors (e.g. one or more accelerometers and e.g. as described in connection with Figures 4 and 5), one or more cameras (e.g. front and back camera), one or more photographic flash elements (e.g. front and back), water depth sensor, etc.
  • a location determination element e.g. a GPS or similar
  • orientation determination sensors e.g. one or more accelerometers and e.g. as described in connection with Figures 4 and 5
  • cameras e.g. front and back camera
  • photographic flash elements e.g. front and back
  • water depth sensor etc.
  • the wireless communications device 100 may e.g. be a cellular mobile phone, smartphones, tablets, wearables (such as a smart watch), etc.
  • At least one of the cameras may e.g. be a night vision camera and/or comprise an infrared sensor and/or emitter.
  • a wireless communications device may comprise one or more of the different aspects and/or functionalities, i.e. in some embodiments they may be combined.
  • Figures 9a - 9f schematically illustrates an electronic portable device and embodiments thereof according to one aspect that may communicate with a wireless communications device to provide further functionality.
  • Figure 9a Illustrated in Figure 9a is a side view of an electronic portable device 600 while Figure 9b illustrates a top view of the electronic portable device 600.
  • the electronic portable device 600 comprises a housing 615, a back part or back plate 605, and one or more (preferably physical) user interface elements 610.
  • the electronic portable device 600 comprises only a single user interface element in the form of one button 610 taking up a major portion of the top of the electronic portable device 600 for user convenience purposes.
  • the electronic portable device 600 comprises one or more processing units, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements (e.g. a (low- power) Bluetooth transceiver and/or a Wi-Fi transceiver, etc.), one or more power supply units (e.g. a re-chargeable or replaceable battery), and one or more sensors.
  • the sensor(s) may e.g. comprise one or more of a location determination sensor like a GPS unit or similar, a sound capturing sensor like a microphone or the like, an accelerometer, and so on.
  • the electronic portable device 600 is waterproof, at least to a certain extent.
  • the electronic portable device 600 may communicate with a wireless
  • communications device such as the ones described elsewhere or different ones, to provide certain further functionality, e.g. as described in the following.
  • the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs (preferably including user selectable and/or user-configurable functions and/or programs) in response to certain predetermined communication with the electronic portable device 600.
  • functions and/or programs preferably including user selectable and/or user-configurable functions and/or programs
  • what specific functions and/or programs to execute in response to what certain predetermined communication may be set by the user.
  • Functions or programs may also be executed due to an absence or abruption of communication with the wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements of the electronic portable device 600, e.g. signifying that the electronic portable device 600 and the wireless communications device has been moved out of communication range of each other.
  • the certain predetermined communication may in particular e.g. comprise triggers or values arising due to a state of the user interface element/button 610 (e.g. is it pressed or is it not pressed).
  • the certain predetermined communication may e.g. comprise triggers or values obtained from the sensor(s) of the electronic portable device 600.
  • An accelerometer of the electronic portable device may e.g. cause certain predetermined functions or programs to be executed by the wireless
  • a location determination sensor like a GPS unit or similar may e.g. cause certain predetermined functions or programs to be executed by the wireless
  • a sound capturing sensor like a microphone or the like may e.g. cause certain predetermined functions or programs to be executed by the wireless
  • communications device when registering (any) sound (e.g. above a given level) or registering particular sound (e.g. hands clapping), etc.
  • Combinations of triggers, values, and mentioned or possible certain predetermined communication may also be used to effect. E.g. if the button is pressed and the electronic portable device 600 is moved then function 'X' is executed, etc.
  • One exemplary use situation is e.g. to let the electronic portable device 600 function as (a very small) baby alarm by causing a notification or similar to pop up on the display of a remotely connected wireless communications device.
  • Another exemplary use situation is e.g. having the electronic portable device 600 be located near an entrance of a house and when a user's wireless communications device passes within a certain range then notifying another wireless
  • communications device accordingly, e.g. by SMS, etc., thereby indicating that now user 'X' is home.
  • Another exemplary use situation is e.g. having the electronic portable device 600 be located/secured in/to a bicycle, a car, etc. and when movement is detected and/or being further away from a given GPS location then notifying a wireless
  • communications device accordingly (e.g. including current GPS location of the electronic portable device), thereby acting as an anti-theft device.
  • Figure 9c shows a perspective view of the electronic portable device 600 of Figures 9a and 9b.
  • Figure 9d illustrates an alternative embodiment of an electronic portable device 600 with another back part or back plate 605' now comprising one or more securing elements 625 that may be used to secure the electronic device 600 to a given surface, e.g. a wall, etc. (so even if the electronic portable device 600 is indeed portable it may be fixed permanently or semi-permanently to something depending on intended use) and/or to a connection element 620 as shown in Figures 9e and 9f.
  • the connection element 620 is in some embodiments e.g. for connecting with accessories 630 such as a key-chain (Figure 9e), a lanyard ( Figure 9f), and/or other enabling easy carrying by a user.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wireless communications device (100) comprising a housing (205), at least one display (110), one or more processing units (802), one or more memory and/or storage elements (803), one or more user interface elements (120), and one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements (804). More specifically, the present inventions relates to different aspects of functionality of such a wireless communications device.

Description

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
Field of the invention
The invention relates to different aspects of functionality of a wireless
communications device as will be described in the following.
Background
Wireless communications devices such as cellular mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, wearables (such as smart watches, etc., etc. have enjoyed improved and diversified functionality due to their increase in processing power and popularity. However, there still is room and needs for increased functionality for different aspects.
It would be a benefit to have a wireless communications device that provides increased and/or enhanced functionality.
Summary It is an object to provide a wireless communications device with increased functionality according to different aspects.
An aspect of the invention is defined in claim 1 .
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, a wireless communications device is provided comprising a housing, at least one display, one or more processing units, one or more memory and/or storage elements, one or more user interface elements, and one or more wireless transmitter and receiver
communications elements.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device further comprises a touch-sensitive element on the back side of the wireless communications device, wherein the one or more processing units is/are adapted to register and interpret touch by a user on the touch-sensitive element and execute one or more associated functions.
This provides a very intuitive way for the user to operate the wireless
communications device. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive element is located about an upper center of the back side of the wireless communications device.
This enables even simpler, easier and more natural use, e.g. to activate a front- camera to take a picture using only the index or another finger.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device comprises a housing comprising one or more securing elements adapted to releasably secure one or more faceplate elements.
In some embodiments, the one or more faceplate elements is one or more members selected from the group consisting of: a back faceplate element selected from a plurality of back faceplate elements having different design,
a front faceplate element selected from a plurality of front faceplate elements having different design,
one or two side faceplate elements selected from a plurality of side faceplate elements having different design, and
one or more button faceplate elements selected from a plurality of button faceplate elements, each having different design.
In this way, it is possible for a user to customise a wireless communications device in a simple and expedient manner to their preference.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device comprises a front-facing camera and a front-facing photographic flash element located on a front side of the wireless communications device.
This has the advantage that proper illumination may be provided when using the front-facing camera. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device is water proof at least to a given depth and comprises a water detection sensor adapted to detect whether the wireless communications device is immersed in a body of water, and the one or more processing units is adapted to automatically activate, de-activate, and/or modify a number of predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements in response to the water detection sensor detecting immersion in a body of water. In some embodiments, the predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of:
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, a location determination element and location determination functionality,
- activating, if not activated already, at least one camera and camera functionality,
- activating, if not activated already, a water depth sensor,
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, the at least one display, - de-activating, if not de-activated already, the one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements,
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, one or more functions
and/or elements not usable under water,
- activating, automatic adjustment of a brightness of a picture taken underwater in response to a measured water depth, and
- activating, if not activated already, at least one photographic flash element.
In this way, power savings are provided when used under water. Furthermore, relevant functions for underwater use may be activated. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device comprises a first and a second speaker unit, where the first speaker unit is located at or on (preferably on) a top side of the wireless communications device and the second speaker unit is located at or on (preferably on) a bottom side of the wireless communications device. This enables emitted sound to more likely be heard by a user e.g. no matter what the orientation is of the wireless communications device in a user's pocket, bag, purse, or the like.
In some embodiments, the one or more processing units is adapted to initiate a hidden safety mode in response to a predetermined user action, wherein the hidden safety mode comprises automatically executing one or more actions selected from the group consisting of: recording audio, obtaining photo(s) and/or video from one or more cameras, and ongoingly determining a current location of the wireless communications device.
In some embodiments, the predetermined user action comprises the user pressing a preselected physical user interface element, e.g. a button, and/or the user speaking a predetermined phrase.
In some embodiments, at least a part of data obtained by executing the one or more actions in the hidden safety mode is made accessible to one or more predetermined remotely located electronic devices and/or users, and where the one or more predetermined electronic devices and/or users is/are notified that data is available.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device further comprises
- one or more orientation determination sensors, adapted to determine an actual orientation of the wireless communications device among a plurality of possible orientations, where the one or more processing units are adapted to execute one or more functions where the one or more of the functions is/are influenced or determined by a determined actual orientation of the wireless communications device.
This greatly enables enhanced and diverse functionality of various functions in a wireless communications device. Basically, the current orientation determines or influences how the wireless communications device should act or perform at least for some functions.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device further comprises - one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors (806) adapted to register (non-contacting, i.e. the user does not touch the wireless
communications device, e.g. does not contact the display of the wireless communications device) motion and/or gesture(s) of a user (300) as user input, where the one or more processing units are adapted to interpret registered motion and/or gesture(s) and execute one or more associated functions where one or more of the associated functions is influenced or determined by a determined actual orientation of the wireless communications device. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device is adapted to
- run a first set of one or more programs or applications and a second set of one or more programs or applications on the one or more processing units, where the image display data of the first set of one or more programs or applications are shown on the display of the wireless communications device and the image display data of the second set of one or more programs or applications are transmitted (wirelessly or wired) to be shown on a display of an external display unit, and
- receive external user input from one or more external user input units, where the received external user input is used to control at least one program of the second set of one or more programs or applications.
In this way, showing the output of different programs or applications (all using the processing power, etc. of the wireless communications device) separately on the display of the wireless communications device and on the external display, respectively, is enabled. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device comprises a location determination element and the one or more processing units are adapted to enter a meeting or silent mode, where only calls from a preselected group of callers (which may be none) will be notified, in response to - the current time of the wireless communications device being within a meeting time interval derived from a calendar appointment representing a meeting, and/or
- the current location of the wireless communications device, obtained by the location determination element, being within a predetermined vicinity of a location related to or derived from the calendar appointment representing a meeting.
In this way, the wireless communications device may automatically enter a silent mode based on time, location, and calendar information. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device comprises a night vision camera.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device is adapted to receive an identifier from a docking station, e.g. as disclosed below and elsewhere, when being supported by or connected with the docking station and is adapted to execute one or more predetermined functions and/or programs in response to what particular identifier is received from the docking station.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs in response to certain predetermined communication received from an electronic portable device as disclosed below. According to another aspect of the present invention, a docking station is provided for a wireless communications device, e.g. as disclosed above and elsewhere, wherein the docking station comprises a housing comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising one or more members selected from the group consisting of: - a power supply connector or power supply cord,
- one or more standardised connectors (e.g. USB or micro-USB; HDMI or micro-HDMI; etc.), and
- a first connector for connecting with a second connector located in the
second part, wherein the second part is an exchangeable part of the housing and comprises one member selected from the group consisting of:
- a second part comprising a standardised connector and/or charging element (e.g. USB or micro-USB) to be connected directly or via the second connector with the first connector of the first part wherein the second part is adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device in an upright standing position supporting the wireless communications device at least on a bottom side and allowing the wireless communications device to charge when placed in the upright standing position,
- a second part comprising a support adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device in a side position supporting the wireless communications device on a first or a second side,
- a second part comprising a wireless charging element and a substantially flat surface adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device in a laying position supporting the wireless communications device
(on a front or a back side.
In this way, the user may obtain a docking station directed at a given need or as wished by selecting an appropriate second part (among a plurality of
possible/available second parts). As an alternative, the second part is exchangeable when manufacturing the docking station (i.e. locked for the user). This will provide the advantage that during manufacture only one version of the first part needs to be produced and then only varying (potentially with some overlap) the second parts as necessary. This will save production costs. In some embodiments, the docking station is associated with at least one additional docking station according to a predetermined context to form a group of docking stations, where each docking station of the group comprises a unique identifier within that particular group, and wherein each docking station of the group is adapted to communicate or provide its identifier to a wireless communications device when being supported by or connected to the docking station, and wherein the supported or connected wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more predetermined functions and/or programs in response to what particular identifier is received from a docking station supporting or connecting with the wireless communications device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic portable device is provided, the electronic portable device comprising a housing, one or more user interface elements, one or more processing units, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements, one or more power supply units, and at least one sensor wherein the electronic portable device is adapted to provide certain predetermined communication to a wireless communications device, e.g. as disclosed above and elsewhere, and wherein the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs in response to the certain predetermined communication received from the electronic portable device.
In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is one or more selected from the group consisting of: a location determination sensor, a sound capturing sensor, and an accelerometer.
Definitions
All headings and sub-headings are used herein for convenience only and should not be constructed as limiting the invention in any way.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. such as) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law.
Brief description of the drawings
Figures 1 a) - 1f) schematically illustrate different views of one embodiment of a wireless communications device according to different aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless communications device according to an aspect;
Figure 3 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a safety functionality of a wireless communications device according to one aspect; Figure 4 schematically illustrates a flow chart of another functionality of a wireless communications device according to another aspect;
Figure 5 schematically illustrates yet another functionality of a wireless
communications device according to yet another aspect;
Figure 6 schematically illustrates a further functionality of a wireless communications device according to a further aspect;
Figures 7a - 7d schematically illustrate a docking station according to an aspect for use with a wireless communications device;
Figure 8 schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of embodiments of a wireless communications device suitable for carrying out one or more of the functionalities described throughout this description; and
Figures 9a - 9f schematically illustrates an electronic portable device and embodiments thereof according to one aspect that may communicate with a wireless communications device to provide further functionality.
Detailed description Various aspects and embodiments of a wireless communications device as disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the figures.
When and if relative expressions such as "upper" and "lower", "right" and "left", "horizontal" and "vertical", "clockwise" and "counter clockwise" or similar are used in the following terms, these only refer to the appended figures and not to an actual situation of use. The shown figures are schematic representations for which reason the configuration of the different structures as well as their relative dimensions are intended to serve illustrative purposes only. Some of the different components are only disclosed in relation to a single embodiment and/or aspect of the invention, but is meant to be included in the other embodiments and/or aspect without further explanation.
Figures 1 a)— 1 f) schematically illustrates different views of one embodiment of a wireless communications device according to different aspects of the present invention.
Shown in Figure 1 a) is a front view of an embodiment of a wireless communications device 100.
Shown is a front side (as generally indicated by arrow 140) of a wireless
communications device 100 comprising a display 1 10. Typically, the display (as indicated by hashed box 1 10) will cover a substantial part of the front, e.g. most of it. The front side may also comprise one or more physical user interface elements even though this exemplary wireless communications device 100 does not.
During use, the display 1 10 will typically also present one or more graphical user interface (GUI) elements often including graphical icons or the like.
In some embodiments, the front side 140 of the wireless communications device 100 will comprise a front-facing (i.e. being located on the front of the wireless communications device) camera 1 1 1 and a front-facing (i.e. being located on the front of the wireless communications device) photographic flash element 1 12. This has the advantage that proper illumination may be provided when using the front-facing camera. This will provide a benefit e.g. when taking a selfie, participating in a video-conference (especially when using sign-language), etc. under dark or low- light conditions.
Shown in Figure 1 b) is a first side view of an embodiment of the wireless
communications device 100.
Shown is a first side as generally indicated by arrow 150 of a wireless
communications device 100 comprising a number of, in this particular exemplary embodiment three, user interface elements 120 here in the form of physical buttons, keys, or the like used by a user to operate the various functionalities of the wireless communications device 100.
Shown in Figure 1 c) is a second side view of an embodiment of the wireless communications device 100. Shown here is a second side as generally indicated by arrow 160 of a wireless communications device 100. According to this exemplary embodiment, this side does not comprise any physical user interface elements although it could do so according to other embodiments.
Shown in Figure 1 d) is a top view of the wireless communications device 100 showing a top side as generally indicated by arrow 170 comprising, in this particular exemplary embodiment, a number of physical user interface elements 120.
In some embodiments, the top side 170 comprises a first speaker unit 130.
Shown in Figure 1 e) is a bottom view of the wireless communications device 100 showing a bottom side as generally indicated by arrow 180. In some embodiments, the bottom side 180 comprises a separate second or further speaker unit 130' that may be identical to the first speaker unit 130 but could be different.
Having two speaker units specifically located at or on the top side 170 (preferably on) and at or on the bottom side 180 (preferably on), respectively, provides a fuller sound emission and furthermore also has the advantage that a user always or at least much more likely will be able to hear emitted sound, e.g. like a ring tone when receiving a call or message, no matter what the orientation is of the wireless communications device in a user's pocket, bag, purse, or the like. If only a single speaker unit is provided, it may be covered up in the pocket or the like thus muffling any emitted sound. Figures 1 a) - 1 e) also show an element 200 that is shown and explained further in relation to Figure 1f).
Shown in Figure 1f) is a back view of the wireless communications device 100 showing a back side as generally indicated by arrow 190. In some embodiments (and as shown), the back side 190 comprises a touch- sensitive element, panel, pad, etc. 200 (forth referred to only as touch-sensitive element) that is adapted to register a touch or a multi-touch of a user.
In these embodiments, the one or more processing units of the wireless
communications unit 100 is/are adapted to register and interpret physical touch by the user on the touch-sensitive element 200 and execute one or more associated functions.
This provides further possibilities for obtaining user input that may be used to scroll, zoom, and/or navigate in documents, webpages, photograph albums, etc. simply by swiping a finger up or down or holding the finger against the touch-sensitive element 200 and moving it up, down, left, or right.
This provides a very intuitive way for the user to operate the wireless
communications device.
The function of the touch-sensitive element 200 may be context sensitive, i.e. a certain finger touch or movement may execute a different function depending on what program or application (e.g. press in camera mode takes a picture, touch and move is navigation during web browsing, press down and move and may navigate between icons or options in a desktop mode, etc.) is actively running and receiving the user input. The function of the touch-sensitive element 200 may e.g. also be context sensitive in relation to whether any other user interface element is pressed (e.g. another button) as the same time. Furthermore, the function of the touch- sensitive element 200 may e.g. also be context sensitive according to one aspect of functionality where it may be context sensitive in relation to the orientation as shown and explained further in connection with Figures 4 and 5. The user tapping (one or more times) on the touch-sensitive element 200 may be an activation function e.g. like pressing or clicking a (UI/GUI) button.
The provision of such a touch-sensitive element 200 specifically on the back side 190 provides the advantage that the display on the front side, normally used for touch-based user navigation, becomes significantly less or not at all greasy from finger touches and movements of a user. It is very convenient to use the touch-sensitive element 200 also as an activation function (e.g. by double tapping) for taking a picture with a camera of the wireless communications device, especially the front camera enabling e.g. selfies to be taken using only a single hand. The size and/or the location on the back side 190 of the touch-sensitive element 200 may be different for different embodiments depending on specific use and purpose.
In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive element 200 is located generally at an upper centre of the back side 190 of the wireless communications device 100 (e.g. as shown), which makes it even simpler, easier and more natural to activate the front-camera to take a picture using only the index or another finger.
Furthermore in some embodiments, the touch-sensitive element 200 has a relatively elongated shape (more or less as shown) in the lengthwise direction (up/down in Figure 1f)) of the wireless communications device 100.
The touch-sensitive element 200 may e.g. be of one of the relatively well-known capacitive types but could in principal be of any other suitable type as long as it reliably is able to register a touch or multi-touch of a user.
In some embodiments, the back side 190 of the wireless communications device 100 may comprise a back-facing (i.e. being located on the back of the wireless communications device) camera (1 1 1 ') and a back-facing (i.e. being located on the back of the wireless communications device) photographic flash element (1 12'). The back-facing camera (1 1 1 ') and/or the back-facing photographic flash element (1 12') may be identical to the front-facing camera and/or the front-facing photographic flash element (if the wireless communications device 100 comprises such) but may be different. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device comprises a night vision camera e.g. as a front-facing camera (1 1 1 ) or preferably as a back-facing camera (1 1 1 '). This enables taking still and/or video images in low light and dark conditions. In some embodiments, the night vision camera is an additional camera so that the wireless communications device comprises two separate and independent back- facing cameras (e.g. in combination with a further regular front-facing camera). In some embodiments, the wireless communications device comprises one or more infra-red light emitting diodes or similar, located in vicinity of the night vision camera, to amplify the appropriate light spectrum and assist in providing a high-resolution image. The wireless communications device may e.g. process the image data and provide a greyscale image to a user in either still or video format. This feature may e.g. be used in connection with a hidden safety mode as explained in connection with Figure 3 to assist in capturing all available images.
The touch-sensitive element 200 may be controlled by a dedicated circuit, chip, or the like. In some embodiments, where the display 1 10 is also touch-sensitive, the touch-sensitive display 1 10 may be controlled by a separate dedicated circuit, chip, or the like. One circuit, chip, or the like may be designated as primary while the other may be designated as secondary, e.g. based on context. They may operate separately (according to primary/secondary) or operate together enabling further functionality. The wireless communications device 100 will typically furthermore comprise one or more processing units, one or more memory and/or storage elements, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements, and one or more audio input/output elements (not shown; see e.g. 802, 803, 804, and 805 in Figure 8, respectively). It may also comprise additional elements for additional functions as e.g. explained in connection with element 806 of Figure 8 and elsewhere throughout the description and as covered by the claims.
The wireless communications device 100 may be further adapted to execute a number of different functions or aspects, including one or more as explained in connection with any one or more of Figures 2 - 6, and 8, and/or as explained in the following.
According to one aspect, the wireless communications device 100 is water proof at least to a given depth and further comprises a water detection sensor (not shown; see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) adapted to detect whether the wireless communications device 100 is immersed in a body of water. Upon such detection, the one or more processing units (see e.g. 802 in Figure 8) is adapted to automatically activate, de-activate, and/or modify a number of predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements in response to the water detection sensor (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) detecting immersion in a body of water. In some embodiments, the predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements comprises one or more selected from the group of: - de-activating, if not de-activated already, a location determination element (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) and location determination functionality,
- activating, if not activated already, at least one camera (1 1 1 ; 1 1 1 ') and camera functionality,
- activating, if not activated already, a water depth sensor (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8),
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, the at least one display (1 10),
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, the one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements (see e.g. 804 in
Figure 8) , e.g. cellular transmitter and receiver, Bluetooth-, Wi-Fi, NFC, transceivers, etc.,
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, one or more functions
and/or elements not usable under water,
- activating, automatic adjustment of a brightness of a picture taken underwater in response to a measured water depth, and
- activating, if not activated already, at least one photographic flash element (1 12; 1 12').
Even though the location determination element (e.g. GPS) is turned off, location information or tags may still be associated with an obtained picture, then e.g. simply using a last obtained/determined location.
In this way, power savings are provided when used under water, e.g. for taking pictures, a movie, etc., by disabling functions and associated elements that normally are not used in such a situation. According to another aspect, the wireless communications device 100 comprises a location determination element, e.g. a GPS element, (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) and the one or more processing units 802 are adapted to enter a meeting or silent mode, where only calls from a preselected group of callers will be notified, in response to
- the current time of the wireless communications device 100 being within a meeting time interval derived from a calendar appointment representing a meeting, and/or
- the current location of the wireless communications device 100, obtained by the location determination element (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8), being within a predetermined vicinity of a location related to or derived from the calendar appointment representing a meeting. In this way, the wireless communications device 100 may automatically enter a silent mode based on time, location, and/or calendar information.
Figure 2 schematically illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless communications device according to an aspect.
Shown is an embodiment of a wireless communications device 100 comprising a housing 205 and a number of faceplate elements 210; 220; 230 shown detached from the housing 205.
In some embodiments, the housing 205 comprises one or more securing elements 240 adapted to releasably secure one or more of the faceplate elements 210; 220; 230. The faceplate elements 210; 220; 230 may also comprise securing elements 241 to complement or engage with the securing element(s) of the housing 205.
The one or more securing elements 240; 241 may e.g. be of the snap-fit type, click- and-release type, etc. or any other suitable securing mechanism that releasably can secure one or more of the faceplate elements 210; 220; 230 to the housing 205.
In some embodiments, the one or more faceplate elements 210; 220; 230 is one or more members selected from the group consisting of a front faceplate element selected from a plurality of front faceplate elements having different design, a back faceplate element 210 selected from a plurality of back faceplate elements having different design, one or two side faceplate elements 220 selected from a plurality of side faceplate elements having different design, and one or more button faceplate elements 230 selected from a plurality of button faceplate elements, each having different design.
In the shown exemplary embodiment, the wireless communications device 100 comprises a back faceplate element 210 (of a given chosen design preferably of a plurality) for being releasably secured to the back side 190 of the wireless communications device 100, two side faceplate elements 220 (of a given chosen design preferably of a plurality) for being releasably secured respectively to the first and second side 150; 160, and three button faceplate elements 230 (of one or more given chosen designs preferably of a plurality) for being releasably secured to the first side 150.
In this particular embodiment, one side faceplate 220 has three openings 242 for receiving the three button faceplate elements 230 and the button faceplate elements are thus secured by these openings and therefore do not necessarily - in this exemplary and corresponding embodiments - need any securing elements of their own.
With design (of the faceplate elements) is to be understood variations e.g. in material (e.g. wood, plastic, leather, metals of various kinds, etc.), colour (single colour, colour patterns, logos, etc.), texture, and/or shape (plain, wavy, with a given pattern, etc.). In this way, it is possible for a user to customise a wireless communications device in a simple and expedient manner in accordance with their preference.
It is to be understood, that many other types of faceplates may be used and their specific locations may of course be varied. It is also to be understood, that different embodiments may have different options of what may be customised, e.g. some embodiments may not have a exchangeable back faceplate element 210, and so on.
Figure 3 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a safety functionality of a wireless communications device according to one aspect. In some embodiments, the one or more processing units (see e.g. 802 in Figure 8) of a wireless communications device, e.g. such as the one shown in Figure 1 , is adapted to initiate a hidden safety mode in response to a predetermined user action.
By hidden is to be understood that to an observing person, the wireless
communications device will appear turned off or idle, i.e. one or more of the following: the display is turned off, no lights will indicate any activity (like blinking LEDs due to network activity or camera in use, and so on), no photographic flash or light is used even when a camera is running, no notifications being displayed on the display, etc. In some embodiments, the predetermined user action comprises a user pressing a preselected physical user interface element like a designated button or the like (e.g. by holding it down for a predetermined period of time or simply pressing it) and/or a user speaking a predetermined or pre-recorded phrase. The last requires an 'always on' listening or audio recording or analysis functionality or system or the like. Such 'always on' listening can run in the background using very little power, e.g. less than about 100 micro amperes.
In some embodiments, the user may determine what phrase is to be the
predetermined phrase (e.g. one out of several) e.g. by recording the phrase perhaps several times to accommodate for variations. In some embodiments, the hidden safety mode comprises executing one or more actions selected from the group consisting of: recording audio, recording/obtaining photo(s) and/or video from one or more cameras, and ongoingly determining a current location of the wireless communications device.
Data representing recorded audio and/or video as well as determined location(s) is at least stored locally.
However, according to some preferred embodiments, at least a part of the data obtained by executing the one or more actions in the hidden safety mode is made accessible to one or more predetermined remotely located electronic devices and/or users. Furthermore, the one or more predetermined electronic devices and/or users may be notified electronically that data is available. The data may e.g. be made available directly by streaming or continuously transferring the data to the receiving electronic devices.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device continuously upload the data (as it is being obtained, i.e. more or less in real-time) to a central server or site while a notification is sent to the one or more predetermined electronic devices and/or users (preferably when the hidden safety mode is entered) e.g. together with a link or other pointer so that the recipients directly and immediately can access the audio and/or video data and see the current (and potentially historic) location of the wireless communications device sending the information. In this way, a user of a wireless communications device with such functionality may activate a safety, alarm, or emergency mode, where all relevant possible information (audio, photo, video, location, etc.) will be recorded and transmitted while other devices/users (e.g. relatives, friends, spouses, etc.) are notified thereby being more able to initiate help, contact relevant authorities, etc. Situations where are a user especially could have advantages of such a functionality is e.g. when feeling or seeing somebody else being threatened, being witness to or be part of an accident, suddenly feeling ill, etc.
It may also be beneficial for users being children or young adults being able to quickly notify their parents, friends, etc. in a situation of need. The safety mode may be entered discretely (e.g. by pressing a button on the wireless communications device e.g. hidden in a pocket or the like) or completely secretly (e.g. uttering a predetermined safety phrase that can be anything).
If the wireless communications device comprises one or more night vision cameras and/or sensors, photo(s) and/or video may be obtained even at dark or low-light conditions.
As mentioned, preferably the safety mode is completely hidden for certain embodiments. Alternatively, the safety mode is not hidden and may then function more or less also as a specific alarm (e.g. audibly sounding an alarm or warning sound). In some embodiments, the other devices/users being notified may (remotely) initiate that a given sound or alarm is played back from the wireless communications device. This may help locating the wireless communications device and thereby a person carrying it. In some embodiments, the safety mode may be used by law enforcement agents, officers, health-care professionals, etc. to automatically obtain information and recordings on what has actually happened in the vicinity of a person carrying an wireless communications device having this functionality. This information, may e.g. be used for later documentation, analysis of occurred events, etc. In such embodiments, the safety mode could still be activated by pressing a certain key or button or speaking a given predetermined phrase. However, it could also be activated automatically, e.g. by leaving (or entering) a certain designated area using location determination or NFC tags or transponders. It could e.g. be automatically activated when a person e.g. a police officer, leaves his/her vehicle. More specifically, the embodiment in flow chart of Figure 3 comprises a first starting step 310 initiating the safety feature. This functionality may run in the background on the wireless communications device, e.g. at the OS level, and the fact that it is running, even in the background, may also be hidden/hard to discover on the device itself. At step 320, it is checked whether one of the possible (there may be only a single one) predetermined user-actions, signifying that the hidden safety mode should be entered, has been carried out by the user. As mentioned, this could be done by pressing a certain key or button or speaking a given predetermined phrase.
If that is the case, the method proceeds to step 330 where the hidden safety mode is entered. If not the, method simply loops back to before the check 320 to check again later, e.g. periodically.
Even though, the flow chart illustrates step 320 as a check and loop, it may be implemented as an interrupt or exception step. At step 330, the hidden safety mode is entered starting one or more safety functions. At step 340, audio, photo(s), and/or video (using one or more audio input elements; e.g. as shown as 805 in Figure 8 and/or one or more cameras; e.g. shown as 1 1 1 , 1 1 1 ' in Figures 1 a and 1f and 806 in Figure 8) are started to be recorded preferably through all available means and hidden.
At step 350, a current location is obtained and logged (e.g. obtaining a location history) using a location determination element (e.g. as shown as 806 in Figure 8).
At step 360, the obtained data (audio, video, location, etc.) is made available, as described above, to other one or more predetermined remotely located electronic devices and/or users that also are notified that data is available.
Additional safety related functions may be carried out.
These functions 340, 350, 360, ... are carried out in parallel until a test or similar at step 370 specify that the hidden safety mode should end whereby it loops back to before step 320. Figure 4 schematically illustrates a flow chart of another functionality of a wireless communications device according to another aspect.
Shown is a flow chart of another functionality of a wireless communications device, e.g. such as the one shown in Figure 1 , being executed by one or more processing units (see e.g. 802 in Figure 8) that starts or initiates at step 410. At step 420, one or more functions to be carried out by the wireless communications device are determined.
A function to be carried out may e.g. be determined by registering user input associated with that particular function, e.g. pressing a particular button, selecting a GUI element, etc. e.g. when running a particular program or application. A function may in addition or as an alternative be determined by the system, the operating system (OS), a program or application, etc. e.g. like an event receiving in incoming telephone or video call, receiving an e-mail or message, a timer event, a reminder or notification of a certain event or task, etc. At step 430, data representing a current orientation of the wireless communications unit is obtained or provided. This may e.g. be provided by one or more orientation determination sensors (see e.g. 806 in Figure 8) preferably comprised by the wireless communications device. The orientation may specifically be determined at step 430 (after step 420) or it may e.g. be determined ongoingly by the system where step 430 just accesses/obtains the information.
The current orientation of the wireless communications device 100 may e.g. be determined to be one among a plurality of possible orientations. The number of possible orientations may depend on actual implementation and use. The possible orientation may simply be: placed on the front side, on the back side, on the top side, on the bottom side, on one/a first side, and on the other/a second side or e.g. only a sub-set thereof (e.g. on the front side or on the back side;
horizontal (one of the sides) or vertical (top or bottom), etc.).
If need be, more possible orientations may be used, e.g. like being placed on the bottom side at a given angle/inclination, where the angle/inclination increments can vary depending on use, etc.
At step 440, the one or more functions are then executed by the one or more processing units (and other elements if needed) but where at least one of the functions is influenced or determined by the actual orientation of the wireless communications device determined or obtained at step 430.
After the one or more functions have been executed, the method ends at step 450 (or loops back to before step 420).
This greatly enables enhanced and diverse functionality of various functions in a wireless communications device. Basically, the current orientation determines or influences how the wireless communications device should act or perform at least for certain functions.
Preferably, the user may set up profiles or rules governing how the functions (and which) should be influenced or be determined. As an example, let's say the user places his/hers wireless communications device face down on a given surface e.g. during a meeting or when working. This orientation is then registered or obtained at step 430. If a call then is received, this orientation (face down) may have been set up to signify silent mode or do not disturb whereby the phone will not ring or perhaps even not vibrate (perhaps except for user-specified exceptions from certain callers).
Accordingly, if the user had placed the wireless communications device face up on the surface then an incoming call could have activated the ring tone as normal.
As another example, suppose the user is using the wireless communications device to have a telephone conversation. If the user then places the phone face up on a surface, the face up orientation may signify 'switch to speaker mode', whereby the wireless communications device automatically switches to this mode. Accordingly, if the user places the phone face down (when engaged in the telephone conversation) it could signify 'hang up'. In some embodiments, at least one of the functions is/are influenced by whether the wireless communications device is located in a docking station (e.g. like one shown and explained in connection with Figures 7a) - 7d)); e.g. as an alternative or as an addition.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device 100 could be set up as an alarm clock when being located on a side (e.g. a specific or either side) (see e.g. 150; 160 in Figure 1 ). In some of these embodiments, the wireless communications device 100 is a wearable, and in some further embodiments, the wearable is a smart watch or similar.
Accordingly, there are many possibilities for enhanced functionality of a wireless communications device according to this functionality aspect.
Figure 5 illustrates exemplary and more specific embodiments of Figure 4.
Figure 5 schematically illustrates yet another functionality of a wireless
communications device according to yet another aspect. Shown is a wireless communications device 100, e.g. such as the one shown in Figure 1 , that is placed standing on one of its sides (specifically as an example the side 160 of Figure 1 c)) with the display 1 10 facing the user 300, i.e. with the front side 140 of the wireless communications device is facing the user 300. In this and similar embodiments, the wireless communications device 100 further comprises one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors (not shown; see e.g. 806 in Figure 8)
The one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors are adapted to register non-contacting motion and/or gesture(s) of a user 300 as user input, i.e. without the user touching the wireless communications device 100, and in particular the display of it.
The one or more processing units (see 802 in Figure 8) are adapted to interpret registered motion and/or gesture(s) and execute one or more associated functions.
According to this and similar embodiments, one or more of the associated functions is/are influenced or determined by a determined actual orientation of the wireless communications device 100, like shown and described in connection with Figure 4.
According to this embodiment, the wireless communications device 100, as an example, is in a mode where it only registers between a left going and a right going hand wave (left and right as seen in relation to being in front of the wireless communications device 100 standing on this particular side; i.e. as shown in the drawing).
As one application, the wireless communications device 100 could be set up as an alarm clock. Right hand wave could be set up to mean 'turn off' the alarm while a left hand wave could be set up to mean 'snooze' (or vice versa of course). In some of these embodiments, the wireless communications device 100 is a wearable, and in some further embodiments, the wearable is a smart watch or similar.
Figure 6 schematically illustrates a further functionality of a wireless communications device according to a further aspect. Shown is a wireless communications device 100 having a display 1 10, e.g. as shown and explained throughout the description, and an external display unit 400 having its own display area 1 10'.
Further shown are a number of (here as an example two) external user input units 401 , 402, e.g. like a traditional wireless keyboard and computer mouse or similar.
In some embodiments and as shown in Figure 6, the wireless communications device 100 or more specifically its one or more processing units (see e.g. 802 in Figure 8), is adapted to run or execute a first set of one or more programs or applications as well as a second set of one or more programs or applications. According to this particular aspect, the image display data, i.e. the image output for a display, of the first set of one or more programs or applications are shown on the display 1 10 of the wireless communications device 100 while the image display data of the second set of one or more programs or applications are transmitted
(wirelessly or using a wired connection) to be shown on the display 1 10' of the connected external display unit 400.
It is noted, that the display resolutions of the displays 1 10 and 1 10' can be different.
Furthermore, the wireless communications device 100 is adapted to receive external user input from the one or more external user input units 401 , 402, where the received external user input is used to control at least one program or application of the second set of one or more programs or applications, i.e. the program(s) or application(s) being shown on the external display unit 400.
In this way, it is it enabled to show the output of different programs or applications separately on the display 1 10 of the wireless communications device and on the external display 1 10', respectively. This enables a user to 'feel' like using a traditional PC, laptop in a docking station with external input means and display, etc. while still be shown output on the display of the wireless communications device for certain programs or applications. The programs or application shown on the display 1 10 could e.g. be programs working well or normally be used on the wireless communications device. As an example, this could e.g. be showing the output from Skype or another video conferencing program or application on the display 1 10 and e.g. be shown the output from a word processor, spreadsheet, etc. on the bigger external display 1 10'. Furthermore, the normal 'desktop' of the wireless communications device could be shown as normal on the display 1 10 while an additional and separate 'desktop' with plenty of room could be shown on the external display 1 10'.
This functionality, especially if wired transfer is used, may be provided when the wireless communications device is placed in a docking station or the like, e.g. as shown in Figures 7a) - 7d). In some embodiments, the state of the 'desktop', i.e. of the second set of one or more programs or applications, are saved when this functionality is ended, e.g. by removing the wireless communications device from a docking station, allowing it to be resumed upon restart/reconnection, e.g. by placing the wireless communications device in the docking station again (automatically or when starting this functionality again).
This aspect, takes advantage of the substantial computational power already present today (being set only to increase even further in the future) in regular wireless communications devices and with sufficient processing power could replace a traditional PC, laptop, etc. fully or partly. It is noted, that this functionality is different than just mirroring the display data of display 1 10 to the external display 1 10'. Rather, a second desktop is shown on the external display 1 10' (for the second set of one or more programs or applications running on the wireless communications device 100).
Figures 7a - 7d schematically illustrates a docking station according to an aspect for use with a wireless communications device.
Shown in Figures 7a - 7d are a docking station or the like 500 for use with embodiments of a wireless communications device as described throughout the present application and as claimed in the accompanying claims. It is noted, that the docking station may also be used with other types of wireless communications devices. Shown in Figure 7a is a docking station or the like 500 for a wireless
communications device where the docking station 500 comprises a housing 510 comprising, according to one aspect, a first part 520 and a second part 530.
According to this aspect, the second part 530 is an exchangeable part of the housing 510. Furthermore, the first part 520 houses all relevant components that is needed for all supported second parts while a given second part houses the components relevant for that given second part.
By exchangeable is meant that the second part 530 may be exchanged, e.g. by a user, to a second part 530 (selected from a plurality of second parts) suiting a given need or as preferred. In this way, the user may obtain a docking station directed at a given need or as wished by selecting an appropriate second part (among a plurality of possible/available second parts).
It may also mean (as an alternative) that the second part is exchangeable when manufacturing the docking station (i.e. locked for the user). This will provide the advantage that during manufacture only one version of the first part 520 needs to be produced and then only varying (potentially with some overlap) the second parts as necessary. This will save production costs.
The docking station 500 illustrated in Figure 7a are shown with the first and the second part 520, 530 apart. In some embodiments, the first part 520 comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of: a power supply connector or power supply cord (so the docking station may receive power during use), one or more standardised connectors (e.g. USB or micro-USB connector and/or HDMI or micro-HDMI connector etc.) for connecting via those connectors to relevant external devices, and a first connector (preferably an internal connector) for connecting with a second connector 505 located in the second part 530. This second connector 505 in the second part may connect to a standardised connector and/or charging element (e.g. a USB or micro-USB connector; not shown; see e.g. 540 in Figure 7b) or to another charging element, e.g. a wireless charging element like one or more inductive power coils or the like. Figures 7b - 7d illustrates docking stations with different exemplary second parts and will be further explained in connection with those Figures.
Shown in Figure 7b is a docking station 500 comprising a housing 510 comprising a first 520 and a second part 530. The first part corresponds to the first part explained in connection with Figure 7a.
In some embodiments and as shown, the second part 530 comprises a standardised connector and/or charging element 540 to be connected, during use, directly or via the second connector (see 505 in Figure 7a) with the (preferably internal) first connector of the first part. The standardised connector and/or charging element may e.g. be a USB or micro-USB connector as generally known.
In these embodiments, the second part 530 is furthermore adapted to accommodate and support a wireless communications device in an upright standing position supporting the wireless communications device at least on a bottom side (see e.g. 180 in Figure 1 e) and allowing the wireless communications device to charge when placed in the upright standing position.
In the shown embodiment, the second part 530 furthermore comprises a support 550 comprising the standardised connector and/or charging element 540 and for supporting the wireless communications device as explained.
Shown in Figure 7c is a docking station 500 comprising a housing 510 comprising a first 520 and a different second part 530 where the first part corresponds to the first part explained in connection with Figure 7a.
In some embodiments and as shown, the second part 530 comprises a support 550 adapted to accommodate and support a wireless communications device in a side position supporting the wireless communications device on a first or a second side (see e.g. 150, 160 in Figures 1 b and 1 c).
Shown in Figure 7d is a docking station 500 comprising a housing 510 comprising a first 520 and another second part 530 where the first part corresponds to the first part explained in connection with Figure 7a. In some embodiments and as shown, the second part 530 comprises an internal wireless charging element and a substantially flat surface adapted to accommodate and support a wireless communications device in a laying position, i.e. supporting the wireless communications device on a front or a back side (see e.g. 140, 190 in Figures 1 a) and 1f).
In some embodiments, all the second parts comprise a wireless charging element. The embodiment of Figure 7c may even comprise two, one in the support 550 and one in the flat part of the second part 530.
In some embodiments, the docking station 500 further comprises or is associated with an identifier. The identifier may e.g. be assigned by a user and may be communicated (wirelessly or by physical connection), preferably automatically, to a wireless communications device when it is being supported by the docking station 500, e.g. when placing the wireless communications device on the particular docking station 500. The identifier may e.g. be assigned by adjusting appropriate settings in the wireless communications device and/or alternatively by using one or more switches, buttons, etc. located on the docking station 500 or in some other suitable way.
The assigned identifier may e.g. be stored in the particular docking station 500.
This enables further functionality of the wireless communications device, e.g. as explained in the following.
The identifier of each given docking station among a plurality of docking stations should be set to be unique within a given context, e.g. among all docking stations assigned to a particular user or group of users (e.g. a family, co-workers, etc.), assigned to a particular physical location (e.g. a household or group of households, company location), etc. I.e. all docking stations within a given context will have their own individual unique identifier.
This enables identification in a simple way of precisely what docking station a wireless communications device is (currently) placed in or located on. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs that is/are influenced or determined by what particular identifier is received from the specific docking station 500 a wireless communications device is placed in or located on. A user may specify what function(s) and/or program(s) should be assigned to a given identifier.
This enables various useful functionality e.g. as illustrated by examples in the following.
As an example, several docking stations are located in a household with one docking station being located in the bedroom, one in the living room, one in the kitchen, etc. where they will have different identifiers.
When the wireless communications device is placed in one of these docking stations, it will 'know' which one (due to receiving the identifier) and may then, e.g. automatically, execute a program or function that has been associated with that particular docking station (i.e. identifier) as a default function or program.
Thus, the wireless communications device may e.g. automatically start to play music when being placed in or on the kitchen docking station, enter an alarm clock functionality when being placed in or on the bedroom docking station, etc.
Since the setup of what function(s) and/or program(s) should be assigned to a given identifier may be done differently for different wireless communications devices, different users (each having their own wireless communications device) may initiate different function(s) and/or program(s) even for the same docking station/same identifier.
Thus, as an example, when user one places his or hers wireless communications device in the living room docking station it will e.g. start to play music from a play-list automatically while when user two places his or hers wireless communications device in the living room docking station it will e.g. start to stream a news-feed, and so on. As mentioned, the docking stations may e.g. also be located at a company with a docking station being located in a meeting room (providing one functionality) and one being located at an employee's desk (potentially providing a different functionality), etc. These are just examples and many uses and applications may readily be envisaged by having a unique identifier (among a plurality) for a docking station in this way.
Figure 8 schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of embodiments of a wireless communications device suitable for carrying out one or more of the functionalities described throughout this description. Shown is a wireless communications device 100 comprising one or more processing unit 802 connected via one or more communications and/or data buses 801 to a memory and/or storage 803, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements 804 (e.g. one or more of cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) for communicating via a network, the Internet, and/or the like, a display 1 10, audio I/O 805 (e.g. speaker(s) and microphone(s)), and one or more (e.g. physical) user interface elements 120.
Further shown, are one or more (optional) additional sensors, elements, circuits, etc. as described elsewhere in the description, such as one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors (e.g. as described in connection with Figure 5), a location determination element (e.g. a GPS or similar), one or more orientation determination sensors (e.g. one or more accelerometers and e.g. as described in connection with Figures 4 and 5), one or more cameras (e.g. front and back camera), one or more photographic flash elements (e.g. front and back), water depth sensor, etc.
The wireless communications device 100 may e.g. be a cellular mobile phone, smartphones, tablets, wearables (such as a smart watch), etc.
At least one of the cameras may e.g. be a night vision camera and/or comprise an infrared sensor and/or emitter.
A wireless communications device may comprise one or more of the different aspects and/or functionalities, i.e. in some embodiments they may be combined. Figures 9a - 9f schematically illustrates an electronic portable device and embodiments thereof according to one aspect that may communicate with a wireless communications device to provide further functionality.
Illustrated in Figure 9a is a side view of an electronic portable device 600 while Figure 9b illustrates a top view of the electronic portable device 600.
The electronic portable device 600 comprises a housing 615, a back part or back plate 605, and one or more (preferably physical) user interface elements 610.
Preferably, the electronic portable device 600 comprises only a single user interface element in the form of one button 610 taking up a major portion of the top of the electronic portable device 600 for user convenience purposes.
The electronic portable device 600 comprises one or more processing units, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements (e.g. a (low- power) Bluetooth transceiver and/or a Wi-Fi transceiver, etc.), one or more power supply units (e.g. a re-chargeable or replaceable battery), and one or more sensors. The sensor(s) may e.g. comprise one or more of a location determination sensor like a GPS unit or similar, a sound capturing sensor like a microphone or the like, an accelerometer, and so on.
In some embodiments, the electronic portable device 600 is waterproof, at least to a certain extent. The electronic portable device 600 may communicate with a wireless
communications device, such as the ones described elsewhere or different ones, to provide certain further functionality, e.g. as described in the following.
In some embodiments, the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs (preferably including user selectable and/or user-configurable functions and/or programs) in response to certain predetermined communication with the electronic portable device 600. Preferably, what specific functions and/or programs to execute in response to what certain predetermined communication may be set by the user. Functions or programs may also be executed due to an absence or abruption of communication with the wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements of the electronic portable device 600, e.g. signifying that the electronic portable device 600 and the wireless communications device has been moved out of communication range of each other.
The certain predetermined communication may in particular e.g. comprise triggers or values arising due to a state of the user interface element/button 610 (e.g. is it pressed or is it not pressed).
The certain predetermined communication may e.g. comprise triggers or values obtained from the sensor(s) of the electronic portable device 600.
An accelerometer of the electronic portable device may e.g. cause certain predetermined functions or programs to be executed by the wireless
communications device when detecting movement of the electronic portable device 600. A location determination sensor like a GPS unit or similar may e.g. cause certain predetermined functions or programs to be executed by the wireless
communications device when the electronic portable device 600 is within a certain range of a predetermined location or when further away than a certain range (geo- fencing). A sound capturing sensor like a microphone or the like may e.g. cause certain predetermined functions or programs to be executed by the wireless
communications device when registering (any) sound (e.g. above a given level) or registering particular sound (e.g. hands clapping), etc.
Combinations of triggers, values, and mentioned or possible certain predetermined communication may also be used to effect. E.g. if the button is pressed and the electronic portable device 600 is moved then function 'X' is executed, etc.
This provides a versatile system enabling a lot of functionality possibilities that also are highly customisable. One exemplary use situation is e.g. to let the electronic portable device 600 function as (a very small) baby alarm by causing a notification or similar to pop up on the display of a remotely connected wireless communications device.
Another exemplary use situation is e.g. having the electronic portable device 600 be located near an entrance of a house and when a user's wireless communications device passes within a certain range then notifying another wireless
communications device accordingly, e.g. by SMS, etc., thereby indicating that now user 'X' is home.
Another exemplary use situation is e.g. having the electronic portable device 600 be located/secured in/to a bicycle, a car, etc. and when movement is detected and/or being further away from a given GPS location then notifying a wireless
communications device accordingly (e.g. including current GPS location of the electronic portable device), thereby acting as an anti-theft device.
Figure 9c shows a perspective view of the electronic portable device 600 of Figures 9a and 9b.
Figure 9d illustrates an alternative embodiment of an electronic portable device 600 with another back part or back plate 605' now comprising one or more securing elements 625 that may be used to secure the electronic device 600 to a given surface, e.g. a wall, etc. (so even if the electronic portable device 600 is indeed portable it may be fixed permanently or semi-permanently to something depending on intended use) and/or to a connection element 620 as shown in Figures 9e and 9f. The connection element 620 is in some embodiments e.g. for connecting with accessories 630 such as a key-chain (Figure 9e), a lanyard (Figure 9f), and/or other enabling easy carrying by a user. Some preferred embodiments have been shown in the foregoing, but it should be stressed that the invention is not limited to these, but may be embodied in other ways within the subject matter defined in the following claims.
In the claims enumerating several features, some or all of these features may be embodied by one and the same element, component or item. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, elements, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

Claims:
1. A wireless communications device (100) comprising
- a housing (205),
- at least one display (1 10),
- one or more processing units (802),
- one or more memory and/or storage elements (803),
- one or more user interface elements (120), and
- one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements (804).
2. The wireless communications device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the wireless communications device (100) further comprises a touch-sensitive element (200) on the back side (190) of the wireless communications device (100), wherein the one or more processing units (802) is/are adapted to register and interpret touch by a user (300) on the touch-sensitive element (200) and execute one or more associated functions.
3. The wireless communications device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the touch-sensitive element (200) is located about an upper center of the back side (190) of the wireless communications device (100).
4. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the wireless communications device (100) comprises a housing (205) comprising one or more securing elements (240) adapted to releasably secure one or more faceplate elements (210; 220; 230).
5. The wireless communications device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the one or more faceplate elements (210; 220; 230) is one or more members selected from the group consisting of:
- a back faceplate element (210) selected from a plurality of back faceplate elements having different design,
- a front faceplate element selected from a plurality of front faceplate elements having different design, - one or two side faceplate elements (220) selected from a plurality of side faceplate elements having different design, and
- one or more button faceplate elements (230) selected from a plurality of button faceplate elements, each having different design.
6. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the wireless communications device (100) comprises a front-facing camera (1 1 1 ) and a front-facing photographic flash element (1 12) located on a front side (140) of the wireless communications device (100).
7. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein
- the wireless communications device (100) is water proof at least to a given depth and comprises a water detection sensor (806) adapted to detect whether the wireless communications device (100) is immersed in a body of water, and
- the one or more processing units (802) is adapted to automatically activate, de-activate, and/or modify a number of predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements in response to the water detection sensor (806) detecting immersion in a body of water, wherein the predetermined functions and/or associated electric elements comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of:
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, a location determination element (806) and location determination functionality,
- activating, if not activated already, at least one camera (1 1 1 ; 1 1 1 ') and
camera functionality,
- activating, if not activated already, a water depth sensor (806),
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, the at least one display (1 10),
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, the one or more wireless
transmitter and receiver communications elements (804),
- de-activating, if not de-activated already, one or more functions and/or
elements not usable under water, - activating, automatic adjustment of a brightness of a picture taken underwater in response to a measured water depth, and
- activating, if not activated already, at least one photographic flash element (1 12; 1 12').
8. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the wireless communications device (100) comprises a first (130) and a second (130') speaker unit, where the first speaker unit (130) is located at or on a top side (170) of the wireless communications device (100) and the second speaker unit (130') is located at or on a bottom side (180) of the wireless communications device (100).
9. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the one or more processing units (802) is adapted to initiate a hidden safety mode in response to a predetermined user action, wherein the hidden safety mode comprises automatically executing one or more actions selected from the group consisting of: recording audio, obtaining photo(s) and/or video from one or more cameras, and ongoingly determining a current location of the wireless
communications device (100).
10. The wireless communications device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined user action comprises the user (300) pressing a preselected physical user interface element (120) and/or the user (300) speaking a predetermined phrase.
1 1. The wireless communications device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least a part of data obtained by executing the one or more actions in the hidden safety mode is made accessible to one or more predetermined remotely located electronic devices and/or users, and where the one or more predetermined electronic devices and/or users is/are notified that data is available.
12. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 1 1 , wherein the wireless communications device (100) further comprises - one or more orientation determination sensors (806), adapted to determine an actual orientation of the wireless communications device (100) among a plurality of possible orientations, where the one or more processing units (802) are adapted to execute one or more functions where the one or more of the functions is/are influenced or determined by a determined actual orientation of the wireless communications device (100).
13. The wireless communications device (100) according to claim 12 wherein the wireless communications device (100) further comprises
- one or more motion and/or gesture detection sensors (806) adapted to register motion and/or gesture(s) of a user (300) as user input, where the one or more processing units (802) are adapted to interpret registered motion and/or gesture(s) and execute one or more associated functions where one or more of the associated functions is influenced or determined by a determined actual orientation of the wireless communications device (100).
14. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 -
13, wherein the wireless communications device (100) is adapted to
- run a first set of one or more programs or applications and a second set of one or more programs or applications on the one or more processing units (802), where the image display data of the first set of one or more programs or applications are shown on the display (1 10) of the wireless
communications device (100) and the image display data of the second set of one or more programs or applications are transmitted to be shown on a display (1 10') of an external display unit (400), and
- receive external user input from one or more external user input units (401 ;
402), where the received external user input is used to control at least one program of the second set of one or more programs or applications.
15. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 -
14, wherein the wireless communications device (100) comprises a location determination element (806) and the one or more processing units (802) are adapted to enter a meeting or silent mode, where only calls from a preselected group of callers will be notified, in response to
- the current time of the wireless communications device (100) being within a meeting time interval derived from a calendar appointment representing a meeting, and/or
- the current location of the wireless communications device (100), obtained by the location determination element (806), being within a predetermined vicinity of a location related to or derived from the calendar appointment representing a meeting.
16. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 -
15, wherein the wireless communications device (100) comprises a night vision camera (1 1 1 , 1 1 1 ').
17. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 -
16, wherein the wireless communications device (100) is adapted to receive an identifier from a docking station (500) when being supported by or connected with the docking station (500) and is adapted to execute one or more predetermined functions and/or programs in response to what particular identifier is received from the docking station (500).
18. The wireless communications device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 17, wherein the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs in response to certain predetermined communication received from an electronic portable device (600) according to claim 21 or 22.
19. A docking station (500) for a wireless communications device (100), e.g.
according to any one of claims 1 - 18, wherein the docking station (500) comprises a housing (510) comprising a first part (520) and a second part (530), the first part (520) comprising one or more members selected from the group consisting of:
- a power supply connector or power supply cord,
- one or more standardised connectors, and
- a first connector for connecting with a second connector (505) located in the second part (530), wherein the second part (530) is an exchangeable part of the housing (510) and comprises one members selected from the group consisting of:
- a second part (530) comprising a standardised connector and/or charging element (540) to be connected directly or via the second connector (505) with the first connector of the first part wherein the second part (530) is adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device (100), e.g. according to any one of claims 1 - 18, in an upright standing position supporting the wireless communications device (100) at least on a bottom side (180) and allowing the wireless communications device (100) to charge when placed in the upright standing position,
- a second part (530) comprising a support (550) adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device (100), e.g. according to any one of claims 1 - 18, in a side position supporting the wireless
communications device (100) on a first or a second side (150, 160),
- a second part (530) comprising a wireless charging element and a
substantially flat surface adapted to accommodate and support the wireless communications device (100), e.g. according to any one of claims 1 - 18, in a laying position supporting the wireless communications device (100) on a front or a back side (140, 190).
20. The docking station (500) according to claim 19, wherein the docking station (500) is associated with at least one additional docking station according to a predetermined context to form a group of docking stations, where each docking station of the group comprises a unique identifier within that particular group, and wherein each docking station of the group is adapted to communicate or provide its identifier to a wireless communications device when being supported by or connected to the docking station, and wherein the supported or connected wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more predetermined functions and/or programs in response to what particular identifier is received from a docking station supporting or connecting with the wireless communications device.
21. An electronic portable device (600) comprising a housing (615), one or more user interface elements (610), one or more processing units, one or more wireless transmitter and receiver communications elements, one or more power supply units, and at least one sensor wherein the electronic portable device (600) is adapted to provide certain predetermined communication to a wireless communications device, e.g. according to any one of claims 1 - 18, and wherein the wireless communications device is adapted to execute one or more functions and/or programs in response to the certain predetermined communication received from the electronic portable device (600).
22. The electronic portable device (600) according to claim 21 , wherein the at least one sensor is one or more selected from the group consisting of: a location determination sensor, a sound capturing sensor, and an accelerometer.
PCT/EP2016/060712 2015-05-13 2016-05-12 Wireless communications device WO2016180927A1 (en)

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