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EP4059144A1 - Cover for electronic devices usable against audio-interception - Google Patents

Cover for electronic devices usable against audio-interception

Info

Publication number
EP4059144A1
EP4059144A1 EP20808211.5A EP20808211A EP4059144A1 EP 4059144 A1 EP4059144 A1 EP 4059144A1 EP 20808211 A EP20808211 A EP 20808211A EP 4059144 A1 EP4059144 A1 EP 4059144A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cover
electronic
electronic devices
electronic circuit
speakers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP20808211.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Francesco Giuseppe LEDDA
Giorgio IOCCA
Massimo VINCI
Marcello VINCI
Mario MICHELETTO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cento Cose Di Vinci M & C Sas
Original Assignee
Cento Cose Di Vinci M & C Sas
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
Priority claimed from IT202019000004044U external-priority patent/IT201900004044U1/en
Priority claimed from IT102020000007165A external-priority patent/IT202000007165A1/en
Application filed by Cento Cose Di Vinci M & C Sas filed Critical Cento Cose Di Vinci M & C Sas
Publication of EP4059144A1 publication Critical patent/EP4059144A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/3883—Arrangements for mounting batteries or battery chargers
    • 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
    • H04M1/19—Arrangements of transmitters, receivers, or complete sets to prevent eavesdropping, to attenuate local noise or to prevent undesired transmission; Mouthpieces or receivers specially adapted therefor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/68—Circuit arrangements for preventing eavesdropping
    • 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
    • H04M1/724092—Interfacing with an external cover providing additional functionalities
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/3888—Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers
    • 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
    • H04M1/185—Improving the shock resistance of the housing, e.g. by increasing the rigidity

Definitions

  • This invention refers to a case for electronic devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, PCs, consoles, video games, etc. which is usable against audio-interception, equipped with an electronic circuit capable of inhibiting the operation of the microphones present on the device making any audio transmission from it unusable.
  • the purpose of the invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and in particular to make a case or cover equipped with an electronic circuit which, once activated, does not allow anyone to use the microphones of the electronic device, in particular of the mobile phone, to carry out audio-interception through unauthorised activities.
  • the electronic circuit (CE) consists of a printed circuit board or flat cable on which is mounted a microchip suitably programmed so that, when the button (P) is pressed, it emits a white sound or a masking signal to be sent to one or more speakers (AP) positioned at the points (X1 ), (X2) and (X3), as shown in Figure 1 .
  • the electronic circuit (CE) can be powered either independently or with a rechargeable accumulator (AC), or from a charging port (USB2) as shown in Figure 1 ; but also by drawing the voltage from the USB charging port of the electronic device with special USB adapters available on the market perfectly corresponding to the standards in use, as shown in Figure 3.
  • AC rechargeable accumulator
  • USB2 charging port
  • the accumulator (AC) it will be possible to electrically connect the accumulator (AC) to the USB charging port, thus allowing excess energy to be transferred to the battery of the electronic device.
  • the battery charger of the electronic device it will be possible to use the battery charger of the electronic device or one of the many available on the market.
  • the electronic circuit (CE) can, if desired, be powered only by an external battery charger, which, once the charge of the accumulator (AC) has been completed, will allow the device to operate for as long as desired, such as during the night-time hours.
  • the accumulator (AC), the charging port (USB2), the button (P), the LED diode (D) and the speakers (AP) are connected to the printed circuit board where the microchip is present together with all the necessary components to make the electronic circuit (CE) operate according to the invention.
  • one or more LED diodes (D) can be used to indicate the operating status of the device, the charge of the accumulator (AC) or any other function;
  • the button (P) can be multifunctional, perhaps positioned in line with those present on the electronic device and, in particular, on the mobile phone.
  • Another aim of the invention is to make a case or cover capable of making the audio transmissions which take place through the microphones of the electronic device, in particular of the mobile phone, unusable, particularly reliable, effective and secure, powered by an independent and autonomous accumulator (AC), so as to be sure that it cannot be subjected to any kind of influence or manipulation from outside.
  • AC independent and autonomous accumulator
  • the electronic device described can be applied to protective coatings, ornamental profiles for tablets, screens of televisions and other formats, PCs, video games, consoles and others.
  • a further embodiment may comprise an electronic circuit (CE), housed on a support comprising an additional accumulator (AC), to be combined with a case or cover which will have mounted on it only the button (P) and one or more speakers (AP) with the relative electrical wiring; they will then connect to said electronic circuit (CE), through common copper pressure-type electrical contacts positioned between the battery and the case or cover.
  • an electronic circuit (CE) will be obtained, combined with an accumulator (AC) and an LED diode (D), contained in an independent support, if necessary applicable to the case or cover as described above.
  • FIG. 1 is a view of a case or cover for electronic devices in which is inserted an electronic circuit (CE) with all the elements for its operation, according to the invention
  • - Figure 2 shows the external elements present in the case or cover, highlighting the micro input (USB2), the button (P) to operate the device and the LED signalling diode (D);
  • - Figure 3 shows the connection of the electronic circuit (CE) in the case or cover directly to the USB charging socket of the electronic device via an external adapter;
  • FIG. 4 shows the path of the conduits (C) from the speaker (AP) to the emission points (X1 ), (X2) and (X3) obtained in the body of the case or cover;
  • FIG. 5 shows the path of the tubes (T) from the speaker (AP) to the emission points (X1 ), (X2) and (X3) located in the case or cover.
  • the functionality of the invention requires that, once the electronic device has been inserted into the case or cover, the button (P) is activated and the electronic circuit (CE) starts to generate a disturbance signal, which will reach the points (X1 ), (X2) and/or (X3) through the speakers (AP).
  • the operation of the electronic circuit (CE) will be signalled by the lighting of an LED diode (D).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device incorporated in a case or cover which is capable of preventing any type of audio-interception by strangers through the use of microphones in the electronic device.

Description

COVER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES USABLE AGAINST AUDIO INTERCEPTION
This invention refers to a case for electronic devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, PCs, consoles, video games, etc. which is usable against audio-interception, equipped with an electronic circuit capable of inhibiting the operation of the microphones present on the device making any audio transmission from it unusable.
The evolution of mobile phones, smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices over recent years has made it possible to use new, increasingly sophisticated interception systems which, through viruses capable of entering into the phone's software, allow, without our knowledge, remote audio listening through the microphones on the device, transforming it into a powerful bug which is always switched on. It is not known how useful it can be to switch off the phone and what level of protection it is able to offer. Rather than having a perfectly efficient phone, excluding as desired the operation of the microphones, it is currently a condition which cannot be verified with certainty and safety. The only certainty is that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to defend oneself against possible intrusions and manipulations of all kinds.
In order to combat intrusion into the software of mobile phones, aimed at carrying out audio-interception, it is currently possible to act only through special applications to download on the phone, or by changing the settings from the operation menu, but in doing so the software would always remain exposed to manipulation from the outside and there would be no certainty of being protected.
The purpose of the invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and in particular to make a case or cover equipped with an electronic circuit which, once activated, does not allow anyone to use the microphones of the electronic device, in particular of the mobile phone, to carry out audio-interception through unauthorised activities.
The electronic circuit (CE) consists of a printed circuit board or flat cable on which is mounted a microchip suitably programmed so that, when the button (P) is pressed, it emits a white sound or a masking signal to be sent to one or more speakers (AP) positioned at the points (X1 ), (X2) and (X3), as shown in Figure 1 . The points (X1 ), (X2) and (X3), but, if desired, also (X4), which correspond to the position of the microphones present on the phone, can be reached by the emission of the loudspeakers (AP), also through conduits (C) or tubes (T), suitably positioned and shaped in such a way as to contain the overall dimensions, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, with the speaker (AP) positioned in the most convenient point, far from the above points (X1 ), (X2) and (X3).
The electronic circuit (CE) can be powered either independently or with a rechargeable accumulator (AC), or from a charging port (USB2) as shown in Figure 1 ; but also by drawing the voltage from the USB charging port of the electronic device with special USB adapters available on the market perfectly corresponding to the standards in use, as shown in Figure 3.
If desired, it will be possible to electrically connect the accumulator (AC) to the USB charging port, thus allowing excess energy to be transferred to the battery of the electronic device. In order to recharge the accumulator (AC), it will be possible to use the battery charger of the electronic device or one of the many available on the market. The electronic circuit (CE) can, if desired, be powered only by an external battery charger, which, once the charge of the accumulator (AC) has been completed, will allow the device to operate for as long as desired, such as during the night-time hours. Advantageously, the accumulator (AC), the charging port (USB2), the button (P), the LED diode (D) and the speakers (AP) are connected to the printed circuit board where the microchip is present together with all the necessary components to make the electronic circuit (CE) operate according to the invention. If desired, one or more LED diodes (D) can be used to indicate the operating status of the device, the charge of the accumulator (AC) or any other function; the button (P) can be multifunctional, perhaps positioned in line with those present on the electronic device and, in particular, on the mobile phone. Another aim of the invention is to make a case or cover capable of making the audio transmissions which take place through the microphones of the electronic device, in particular of the mobile phone, unusable, particularly reliable, effective and secure, powered by an independent and autonomous accumulator (AC), so as to be sure that it cannot be subjected to any kind of influence or manipulation from outside.
According to other embodiments of the invention, the electronic device described can be applied to protective coatings, ornamental profiles for tablets, screens of televisions and other formats, PCs, video games, consoles and others.
A further embodiment may comprise an electronic circuit (CE), housed on a support comprising an additional accumulator (AC), to be combined with a case or cover which will have mounted on it only the button (P) and one or more speakers (AP) with the relative electrical wiring; they will then connect to said electronic circuit (CE), through common copper pressure-type electrical contacts positioned between the battery and the case or cover. In this way, an electronic circuit (CE) will be obtained, combined with an accumulator (AC) and an LED diode (D), contained in an independent support, if necessary applicable to the case or cover as described above. These and other aims according to the invention are achieved by making a case or cover for an electronic device as set out in the appended claims. The features and advantages of a case or cover capable of preventing the use of any audio transmission of an electronic device and, in particular, of a mobile phone according to the invention should be clear and other aims and applications will be more evident from the following non-limiting example description referring to the schematic drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is a view of a case or cover for electronic devices in which is inserted an electronic circuit (CE) with all the elements for its operation, according to the invention;
- Figure 2 shows the external elements present in the case or cover, highlighting the micro input (USB2), the button (P) to operate the device and the LED signalling diode (D); - Figure 3 shows the connection of the electronic circuit (CE) in the case or cover directly to the USB charging socket of the electronic device via an external adapter;
- Figure 4 shows the path of the conduits (C) from the speaker (AP) to the emission points (X1 ), (X2) and (X3) obtained in the body of the case or cover;
- Figure 5 shows the path of the tubes (T) from the speaker (AP) to the emission points (X1 ), (X2) and (X3) located in the case or cover.
The functionality of the invention requires that, once the electronic device has been inserted into the case or cover, the button (P) is activated and the electronic circuit (CE) starts to generate a disturbance signal, which will reach the points (X1 ), (X2) and/or (X3) through the speakers (AP). The operation of the electronic circuit (CE) will be signalled by the lighting of an LED diode (D).
In this way, by simply pressing the button (P) it is possible to operate the electronic circuit (CE) to obtain the inhibition of the microphones present on the electronic device and, in particular, on the mobile phone, securely protecting any conversation which takes place in the vicinity. By pressing the button (P) a second time the electronic circuit (CE) will switch off and the microphones of the electronic device will resume their functionality.
The features of the case or cover according to the invention which are able to inhibit the audio transmissions are clearly described above, as well as the relative advantages, which include:
- simple and reliable use;
- ease of use under any circumstances;
- security against audio-interception of the device;
- very low construction costs compared to existing techniques by virtue of the advantages achieved.
Finally, it is clear that the case or cover usable against audio-interception according to the invention is subject to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive idea of the appended claims; moreover, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according to technical requirements.

Claims

1 . Cover for electronic devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, PCs, tablets, consoles, video games, etc., which is coupled with an electronic device, characterized in that said cover comprises an electronic circuit (CE), powered by a power source, at least one button (P) for activating and/or operating said electronic circuit (CE) and one or more speakers (AP), said electronic circuit (CE) being configured to generate a signal to be sent to said one or more speakers (AP), said one or more speakers (AP) sending, by using their own emission, said signal to one or more points or areas (X1 , X2, X3, X4) corresponding to the positions of microphones present on said electronic device.
2. Cover for electronic devices as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that said power source comprises an accumulator (AC) external to the cover, which is connected to a first charging port (USB2) mounted on said cover and electrically connected, by means of an adapter, with a second charging port (USB) of said electronic device.
3. Cover for electronic devices as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a series of cables and electrical contacts are mounted on said cover, said cables and contacts being configured to connect said button (P) and said one or more speakers (AP) to said power source and to said electronic circuit (CE).
4. Cover for electronic devices as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said electronic circuit (CE) and said at least one button (P) are electrically connected to at least one LED (D) indicating activation and/or functioning of said electronic circuit (CE).
5. Cover for electronic devices as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said accumulator (AC) external to said cover is connected to said first charging port (USB2) mounted on said cover or to said second charging port (USB) of the electronic device.
6. Cover for electronic devices as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said signal is sent by said one or more speakers (AP) to said one or more points or areas (X1 , X2, X3, X4) by means of shaped conduits or tubes (C) which are obtained in the structure of said cover.
7. Cover for electronic devices as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said signal is sent by said one or more speakers (AP) to said one or more points or areas (X1 , X2, X3, X4) by means of at least one wireless device configured to receive the signal sent by said electronic circuit (CE).
8. Cover for electronic devices as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said external accumulator (AC), in addition to supplying said electronic circuit (CE), is configured to send unused energy to a power supply of said electronic device through said second charging port (USB).
9. Cover for electronic devices as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said external accumulator (AC) is connected with a wireless device, which is configurable with said electronic circuit (CE) and which is external to said cover.
EP20808211.5A 2019-11-15 2020-11-11 Cover for electronic devices usable against audio-interception Withdrawn EP4059144A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT202019000004044U IT201900004044U1 (en) 2019-11-15 2019-11-15 Mobile phone case with anti audio interception
IT102020000007165A IT202000007165A1 (en) 2020-04-03 2020-04-03 CASE FOR ANTI INTERCEPTION AUDIO ELECTRONIC DEVICES
PCT/IT2020/050280 WO2021095078A1 (en) 2019-11-15 2020-11-11 Cover for electronic devices usable against audio-interception

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4059144A1 true EP4059144A1 (en) 2022-09-21

Family

ID=73455772

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20808211.5A Withdrawn EP4059144A1 (en) 2019-11-15 2020-11-11 Cover for electronic devices usable against audio-interception

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4059144A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2021095078A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150236743A1 (en) * 2014-02-17 2015-08-20 Marc Kennedy Privacy and protection case for mobile devices
US9979427B2 (en) * 2014-09-09 2018-05-22 Ppip Llc Privacy and security systems and methods of use
US9747884B2 (en) * 2014-10-06 2017-08-29 Green Swan, Inc. Battery-equipped cellular telephone case with internal sound generator and layered sound blockage for privacy
WO2017106862A1 (en) * 2015-12-18 2017-06-22 Ppip Llc Enpoint security appliance/sensor platform

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2021095078A1 (en) 2021-05-20

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