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WO2002060079A1 - Wireless pc card assembly - Google Patents

Wireless pc card assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002060079A1
WO2002060079A1 PCT/GB2001/005659 GB0105659W WO02060079A1 WO 2002060079 A1 WO2002060079 A1 WO 2002060079A1 GB 0105659 W GB0105659 W GB 0105659W WO 02060079 A1 WO02060079 A1 WO 02060079A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
card
assembly
remote control
control module
wireless
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/005659
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Albert Gaskell
Alex Lloyd
Original Assignee
Ubinetics Limited
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 Ubinetics Limited filed Critical Ubinetics Limited
Publication of WO2002060079A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002060079A1/en

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
    • H04B1/3816—Mechanical arrangements for accommodating identification devices, e.g. cards or chips; with connectors for programming identification devices
    • 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
    • H04M1/0254—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
    • 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
    • H04M1/0262—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a battery compartment
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
    • H04M1/6066—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone including a wireless connection
    • 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
    • H04M1/725—Cordless telephones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/02—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a Bluetooth interface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/14—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a card reading device

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an electronic module such as a PC card assembly or a compact flash card assembly, and in particular to a PC card assembly including a wireless PC card and a remote control therefor.
  • a PC card assembly including a wireless PC card and a remote control therefor.
  • a PC card (previously known as a PCMCIA card) is a peripheral module which is commonly used in conjunction with modern personal computers (PCs).
  • a PC card comprises a printed circuit board located in a slim casing which can be plugged into the peripheral port of a PC in order to perform a particular function.
  • a PC card might include some memory ICs which allow the PC to store data on a removable card to take the place of a floppy disk.
  • a PC card might include a modem for allowing the computer to access the Internet via a telephone line or over a wireless communications network. The latter type of PC card is known as a wireless PC card.
  • the present invention provides a PC card assembly comprising a wireless PC card, a separate control module, and means for passing data between the PC card and the control module.
  • the PC card plugs directly into the control module, and the control module comprises a casing housing a display, a keypad, a microphone and a loudspeaker.
  • control module is a remote control module
  • the remote control is connected to the PC card by a cable or a wireless link such as a Bluetooth link, an infrared link, or other short-range wireless link.
  • the remote control comprises a casing housing a display and a keypad.
  • the assembly may further comprise a headset constituted by an earpiece and a microphone. The headset may be connected to the remote control or to the PC card, either by means of a cable or by a wireless link such as a Bluetooth link, an infrared link or other short-range wireless link.
  • the assembly further comprises a battery pack which is plugged into the PC card or the control module, or is connected thereto by a cable.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the first form of PC card assembly
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the second form of PC card assembly
  • Figure 3 is a side view of the assembly of Figure 2.
  • Figure 1 shows a PC card assembly having a wireless PC card 1 connected to a remote control 2 via a cable 3.
  • the remote control 2 includes a keypad 2a, a display 2b and a port 2c. Information is passed between the PC card 1 and the remote control 2 using any suitable signalling scheme, such as a serial data link.
  • a hands-free headset 4 having an earpiece 4a and a microphone 4b is plugged into the port 2c via a cable 4c.
  • a battery pack 5 is provided to power the assembly, the battery pack having a cable 5 a which can plug into either the PC card 1 or the remote control 2. Alternatively, the battery pack 5 can be built into the PC card 1 or into the remote control 2.
  • the headset 4 could be plugged into the PC card 1, via a suitable port (not shown).
  • the headset 4 could be connected by a wireless interface (such as Bluetooth or an infra-red optical link) to either the PC card 1 or the remote control 2.
  • the remote control 2 could be fitted with a small loudspeaker and a microphone, thereby turning the remote control into a sub-miniature handset.
  • a data interface for example to a PDA or a PC
  • a modem could be provided. It would also be possible to replace the cable 3 which interconnects the PC card 1 and the remote control 2 by a wireless interface such as Bluetooth or an infra-red optical link.
  • FIGS 2 and 3 show the second form of PC card assembly, in which a wireless PC card 11 plugs directly into a miniature handset assembly 12 which includes a keypad 12a, a display 12b, a loudspeaker 12c and a microphone 12d.
  • This assembly is, therefore, a miniature mobile phone handset, and does not require a cable or wireless link between the PC card 11 and the handset assembly 12.
  • SIM subscriber identity module
  • GSM global system for mobile communications
  • Another advantage of the invention is that it results in a mobile 'phone with a unique form factor, which is particularly compact and unusual, and which will attract many users.
  • a mobile 'phone that is optimum for body-worn portability, as it distributes the elements - the controls, the 'phone engine' (the PC card 1 or 11), audio transducers and possibly the battery in a way that can best be fitted into pockets, on sleeves or lapels, etc.
  • a wireless PC card usable away from a PC, extending its applications, and removing the need for the user having to purchase a separate mobile 'phone.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

A PC card assembly comprises a wireless PC card (1), a separate control module (2) and means (3) for passing data between the PC card and the control module.

Description

WIRELESS PC CARD ASSEMBLY
This invention relates to an electronic module such as a PC card assembly or a compact flash card assembly, and in particular to a PC card assembly including a wireless PC card and a remote control therefor. Throughout the remainder of this specification, the invention will be described with reference to a PC card assembly, though it will be appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to other forms of electronic module.
A PC card (previously known as a PCMCIA card) is a peripheral module which is commonly used in conjunction with modern personal computers (PCs). In its most common form, a PC card comprises a printed circuit board located in a slim casing which can be plugged into the peripheral port of a PC in order to perform a particular function. As an example, a PC card might include some memory ICs which allow the PC to store data on a removable card to take the place of a floppy disk. As a further example, a PC card might include a modem for allowing the computer to access the Internet via a telephone line or over a wireless communications network. The latter type of PC card is known as a wireless PC card.
The present invention provides a PC card assembly comprising a wireless PC card, a separate control module, and means for passing data between the PC card and the control module.
In a preferred embodiment, the PC card plugs directly into the control module, and the control module comprises a casing housing a display, a keypad, a microphone and a loudspeaker.
Alternatively, the control module is a remote control module, and the remote control is connected to the PC card by a cable or a wireless link such as a Bluetooth link, an infrared link, or other short-range wireless link. Advantageously, the remote control comprises a casing housing a display and a keypad. In this case, the assembly may further comprise a headset constituted by an earpiece and a microphone. The headset may be connected to the remote control or to the PC card, either by means of a cable or by a wireless link such as a Bluetooth link, an infrared link or other short-range wireless link.
Preferably, the assembly further comprises a battery pack which is plugged into the PC card or the control module, or is connected thereto by a cable.
Two forms of PC card assembly, each of which is constructed in accordance with the invention, will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the first form of PC card assembly; Figure 2 is a plan view of the second form of PC card assembly; and Figure 3 is a side view of the assembly of Figure 2.
Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a PC card assembly having a wireless PC card 1 connected to a remote control 2 via a cable 3. The remote control 2 includes a keypad 2a, a display 2b and a port 2c. Information is passed between the PC card 1 and the remote control 2 using any suitable signalling scheme, such as a serial data link. A hands-free headset 4 having an earpiece 4a and a microphone 4b is plugged into the port 2c via a cable 4c. A battery pack 5 is provided to power the assembly, the battery pack having a cable 5 a which can plug into either the PC card 1 or the remote control 2. Alternatively, the battery pack 5 can be built into the PC card 1 or into the remote control 2.
It will be apparent that the assembly described above could be modified in a number of ways. For example, the headset 4 could be plugged into the PC card 1, via a suitable port (not shown). Alternatively, the headset 4 could be connected by a wireless interface (such as Bluetooth or an infra-red optical link) to either the PC card 1 or the remote control 2. Moreover, instead of using a hands-free headset 4, the remote control 2 could be fitted with a small loudspeaker and a microphone, thereby turning the remote control into a sub-miniature handset. As an alternative to the hands-free headset 4, a data interface (for example to a PDA or a PC) or a modem could be provided. It would also be possible to replace the cable 3 which interconnects the PC card 1 and the remote control 2 by a wireless interface such as Bluetooth or an infra-red optical link.
Figures 2 and 3 show the second form of PC card assembly, in which a wireless PC card 11 plugs directly into a miniature handset assembly 12 which includes a keypad 12a, a display 12b, a loudspeaker 12c and a microphone 12d. This assembly is, therefore, a miniature mobile phone handset, and does not require a cable or wireless link between the PC card 11 and the handset assembly 12.
It will be apparent that the PC card assemblies described above have a number of important advantages. In particular, a user does not need to transfer a subscriber identity module (SIM) card between his/her mobile phone and PC card when either of these needs to be used with the same SIM subscription. A SIM card is a smart card having a computer memory chip permanently installed thereupon, being a crucial element of the GSM system (global system for mobile communications), in that it contains user specific information such as the identity of the user (the telephone number of the user), information to ensure that calls are billed to the user, information to enable the user's identity to be verified by the network, information to provide security by PIN codes, and telephone numbers and names that are specific to the user. A SIM card can also be used to contain other information defined by the network.
Another advantage of the invention is that it results in a mobile 'phone with a unique form factor, which is particularly compact and unusual, and which will attract many users. Thus, it results in a mobile 'phone that is optimum for body-worn portability, as it distributes the elements - the controls, the 'phone engine' (the PC card 1 or 11), audio transducers and possibly the battery in a way that can best be fitted into pockets, on sleeves or lapels, etc. Furthermore, it makes a wireless PC card usable away from a PC, extending its applications, and removing the need for the user having to purchase a separate mobile 'phone.

Claims

Claims
1. A PC card assembly comprising a wireless PC card, a separate control module, and means for passing data between the PC card and the control module.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PC card plugs directly into the control module.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control module comprises a casing housing a display, a keypad, a microphone and a loudspeaker.
4. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module is a remote control module.
5. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the remote control is connected to the PC card by means of a cable.
6. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the remote control is connected to the PC card by a wireless link.
7. An assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wireless link is a Bluetooth link, an infrared link or other short-range wireless link.
8. An assembly as claimed as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the remote control comprises a casing housing a display and a keypad.
9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a headset constituted by an earpiece and a microphone.
10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the headset is connected to the remote control.
11. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the headset is connected to the PC card.
12. An assembly as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the headset is connected to the remote control or the PC card by means of a cable.
13. An assembly as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the headset is connected to the remote control or the PC card by a wireless link.
14. An assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the wireless link is a Bluetooth link, an infrared link or other short-range wireless link.
15. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a battery pack.
16. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the battery pack is plugged into the PC card.
17. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the battery pack is plugged into the control module.
18. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the battery pack is connected to the PC card or the control module via a cable.
PCT/GB2001/005659 2000-12-22 2001-12-19 Wireless pc card assembly WO2002060079A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0031494.8 2000-12-22
GB0031494A GB2370445A (en) 2000-12-22 2000-12-22 Electronic module

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002060079A1 true WO2002060079A1 (en) 2002-08-01

Family

ID=9905773

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2001/005659 WO2002060079A1 (en) 2000-12-22 2001-12-19 Wireless pc card assembly

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2370445A (en)
WO (1) WO2002060079A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2423883A (en) * 2005-03-02 2006-09-06 Primax Electronics Ltd Mobile communication peripheral device in the form of an identity card

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GB2374752A (en) * 2001-01-26 2002-10-23 Chown Peter A C Split mobile telephone
GB2391749A (en) * 2002-08-06 2004-02-11 Hsueh Chih-Yuan SIM socket for connection of telephone lines to a cellular phone
GB2391758B (en) * 2002-08-06 2004-09-15 Chih-Yuan Hsueh A communication device controller
GB2419058A (en) * 2004-10-08 2006-04-12 Stephen Antony Tombs Wearable personal communications device or radiotelephone
US20080080703A1 (en) * 2006-06-07 2008-04-03 Penning Randall J Telephone station incorporating wirless handset and cradle feature
US8023426B2 (en) 2007-03-01 2011-09-20 Thomson Licensing Method to select access point and relay node in multi-hop wireless networking

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EP0658851A2 (en) * 1993-12-15 1995-06-21 International Business Machines Corporation PCMCIA-format cable
US5465401A (en) * 1992-12-15 1995-11-07 Texas Instruments Incorporated Communication system and methods for enhanced information transfer
WO1995034958A1 (en) * 1994-06-16 1995-12-21 Apple Computer, Inc. A pc card cellular-based communication system
GB2325119A (en) * 1997-03-24 1998-11-11 Nec Corp External power supply for a mobile communications device
WO1999022538A1 (en) * 1997-10-28 1999-05-06 Motorola Inc. Radio frequency (rf) communications core and method of using same

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US5491651A (en) * 1992-05-15 1996-02-13 Key, Idea Development Flexible wearable computer
US5905947A (en) * 1993-03-04 1999-05-18 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Electronic audio system capable of communicating data signals over wireless networks
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US5465401A (en) * 1992-12-15 1995-11-07 Texas Instruments Incorporated Communication system and methods for enhanced information transfer
EP0658851A2 (en) * 1993-12-15 1995-06-21 International Business Machines Corporation PCMCIA-format cable
WO1995034958A1 (en) * 1994-06-16 1995-12-21 Apple Computer, Inc. A pc card cellular-based communication system
GB2325119A (en) * 1997-03-24 1998-11-11 Nec Corp External power supply for a mobile communications device
WO1999022538A1 (en) * 1997-10-28 1999-05-06 Motorola Inc. Radio frequency (rf) communications core and method of using same

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2423883A (en) * 2005-03-02 2006-09-06 Primax Electronics Ltd Mobile communication peripheral device in the form of an identity card
US7353043B2 (en) 2005-03-02 2008-04-01 Primax Electronics Ltd. Mobile communication peripheral device
GB2423883B (en) * 2005-03-02 2008-10-01 Primax Electronics Ltd Mobile communication peripheral device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2370445A (en) 2002-06-26
GB0031494D0 (en) 2001-02-07

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