WO2000038435A2

WO2000038435A2 - Communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2000038435A2
Application number: PCT/ZA1999/000141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louise Fourie
Original assignee: Louise Fourie
Priority date: 1998-12-18
Filing date: 1999-12-15
Publication date: 2000-06-29
Also published as: WO2000038393A3; WO2000038435A3; EP1145533A2; AU3774900A; EP1145533A3; AU3775000A; WO2000038393A2; CA2371806A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wrist or arm warn communication device comprising one or more modular units attached or attachable to a central communications unit. The communication device preferably includes bi-directional communication technology for communication to similar units or compatible communication devices. More specifically the invention includes a main communications unit with one or more bendable/flexible side units with variable jointing which allows the unit to be functionally attached or secured on a limb of a user. The main unit includes display means, input means, reception means as well as voice recording and reproduction means. Attached to the main unit is the side units which is used to clamp around a hand or arm and it may be spring loaded to vary the position around the user arm. The unit may vary its arrangement around an arm by means of servo or mechanical or hydraulic operated mechanisms included within the device.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a communications device; in particular a communications device used for bidirectional communications in a wireless network or system. More specifically the invention it relates to a communications device that can be functionally attached to a limb of a user such as a user wrist or arm It is envisaged that the communications device may be functionally attached to the limb of a user directly or via a cradle which is modified to attach to the user arm or wrist and to be configured to have a communications device housed therein or attached thereto .

BACKGROUND ART

With the introduction of mobile communication devices such as cellular phones and its eager acceptance by the world population, there is an existing need to improve the way that they are used and carried around by its users . Furthermore traditional phones are prone to theft and damage. Also cellular technology has advanced much with the devices and electronic technology becoming lighter and more durable. Should one be able to capture mobile communications technology in a device which could be warn on an arm or wrist of a user, poeple would be less prone to damaging their phones or having them lost or stolen. Also should these phones be enhanced with technology which would enable easy attachment and/or detachment of the phone for use it would simplify their use and operation. This may be achieved by providing the communications device itself with the ability and/or functionality to attach to a user arm or wrist or be used in conjunction with a cradle which serves as attachment to the users limb whilst the communication device may be attached and dis-attached from the cradle. Furthermore people in specialized industries such as construction and mining would benefit from the easy of use in difficult environments.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a communications device and unit that can be functionally attached to a wrist or arm of a user. Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide a communication device that is worn as a watch or bangle type configuration with, and with which the applicant believes disadvantages of known systems and communications devices may at least be alleviated.

COMMUNICATION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

BACKGROUND ART

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to the first aspect of the invention there is included a communication device

comprising a communications component; and associated therewith retaining means

adapted to retain the communication component in a predetermined position relative to a

predetermined object.

According to a further aspect of the invention the communication unit may include

communication recite and transmittal means and the recite and transmittal means may be

adapted to receive and transmit audio signals in a predetermined format.

Of coarse the communication unit may be adapted to receive and transmit data other than

audio signals.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention the retaining means may be adapted to

be movable into at least a first and a second position when in the first position is defined

where the retaining means serve to retain the communication component to the

predetermined object and the second position is where it does not serve such a function whilst ascertaining communication via the communication component.

Furthermore the retaining means may be adapted to be manipulated to match the

configuration of the object in which it is applied whilst in its first position and the

retaining means may comprises interconnected modular segments

The communication device may be adapted to be capable of facilitating communications

via any one of, or a selection from the following modes of communication: cellular -,

analogue-, digital, - satellite, and radio communications

The input means of the communication component comprises one or more of: a

conventional keypad and menu buttons.

Furthermore the communication device 's communication component may comprises

display means in any one of the conventional formats including one or more of: a LCD

screen or any other display module and the recite and transmittal capability of the

communication component may include a RF communications unit.

Also the recite and transmittal capability may comprises a microphone and speaker -

combination. Additionally the communications device may include signaling means adapted to notify

a user of the status of the device.

Also the communication device may be provided with light generation means.

The communications device may be provided with a secondary capability by means of a

selection from any one of the following types : infra red-, linked line-, and light

communication

Of coarse the communication device may comprising protective means adapted to insure

that the integrity of the components of the device.

According to a further aspect of the invention the communication may have retention

means which may be adapted to secure about a limb of a user include any one or more of:

a users arm or wrist and the retaining means may comprise releaseable locking means for

securing the device in a first position.

Furthermore the communication device may be adapted to receive docking means adapted

to receive and retain the communication device so that the active components of the latter remains functional.

According to a final aspect of the invention there is included communication device

which may comprise:

- a main communication unit including at least data input means, data display

means, reception and transmission means and voice recording and

reproduction means;

- modular attachment means connected or connectable to the main

communicating unit said attachment means including segmented side units

with variable jointing for attaching around an object; and

- means for allowing the attachment means to flex or bend in accordance to

user manipulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by means of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying diagrams wherein:

Figure 1 is a simplified basic embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows an example where the unit is attached around a users arm:

Figure 3 shows an example where the unit is in a open or in a disengaged position:

Figure 4 more specifically relates to protection mechanism or procedure for protecting expensive modules;

Figure 5 illustrates the interactive communication abilities of the unit;

Figure 6 includes an embodiment of a light generating module;

Figure 7 includes input means in the fashion of a palm pilot;

Figure 8 includes an embodiment where the communication device is in the form of a singe unit or segment;

Figure 9 includes embodiments illustrating the use and application of the device around a users arm or wrist; and

Figure 10 includes embodiments illustrating the communication device as a single or one segmented unit.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Turning to Figure 1 which is a simplified basic embodiment of the invention (1);

including the main communication unit (2) with the flexible/bendable side units (3 and 4)

which is preferably of a modular nature (5) with variable jointing (6) allowing the unit to

be functionally attached or secured around a users arm or wrist. Just like traditional

watches a variable clip (7 and 8) is provided to accommodate different users. The side

units may be segmented; therefore bendable or flexible to form around the users arm

Figure 2 shows an example (10) where the unit is attached around a users arm (11). The

unit preferably includes a LCD screen or display (12) with traditional cellular function

keys such as start (13) and end call functions (14). Also volume keys and release keys or

buttons (15) may be used to adjust volume and release the unit or phone from a users arm.

Furthermore the unit may include a keypad (16) and emergency buttons (17). A reception

device for example an aerial (not shown) may be attached to the unit or be inclosed within

the unit and/or modules . In one application (not shown) the unit may comprise a docking

station for the communication device. This may include an existing cellular phone or a cellular phone specifically designed to match the docking station which may serve a cradle

for the communication device.

Figure 3 shows an example (18) where the unit is in a open or in a disengaged position

with the variable side sections (19 and 21 ) with the locking latch in a loose position (20).

When a user wishes to lock or fasten the unit the side sections are brought together (22)

under the arm for fastening. Alternatively it may be secured by internal mechanisms

securing the unit in a fastened position around the arm or wrist.

Figure 4 more specifically relates to protection mechanism or procedure (23) for

protection expensive modules such as a display or LCD protector (24) and a keypad

protector (25)

Figure 5 illustrates the interactive communication abilities (26) of the unit or callwatch;

either via cable connection (28) with connection units for the watch (29) and the PC or

Palmtop (27) for example. Furthermore the watch may include Infra red capabilities (30)

for communication (31) with a laptop (33) with Infra Red communication (32) for

example. Figure 6 includes an embodiment of a light generating module (33) for use of the unit as

a torch by generating light (34)

Figure 7 includes input means in the fashion of a palm pilot type unit including a

movement sensitive pad (35) an a pen or stylus (36) for inputting data into the unit

Figure 8 includes an embodiment 37 where the communication device is in the form of

a single unit or segment 38 which is flexible and/or designed to push the communication

device to form around the arm 42 or wrist of a user . The microphone 41 may be placed on

the one end and the speaker on the other end 40. In use the communication device flexes

or bends around a users arm 39 or wrist for protection and for locating the communication

device snugly on the arm or wrist.

Figure 9 includes embodiments illustrating the use and application of the device around

a users arm or wrist 48. In the closed position 43 the communication device 44 for

example in the form of a cellular phone; including a screen and input means 45 and a

microphone 46 and a speaker 47 may fit snugly or comfortably around a users arm or wrist

48. When a user wants to remove the cellular phone the forces which keeps it on the arm

or wrist is released to open or dislocate the communication device 49. In use for

10 communication 52 the speaker 47 is placed next to the ear 53 and the microphone 46 next

to the mouth 54 of a user.

Figure 10 includes embodiments illustrating the communication device as a single or one

segmented unit. As a single unit or segment or unsegmented communication device 55 a

releasing mechanism or switch or device 58 may exercise force on the unit or device 57via

a spring system for example 59. In an open position 61 the switch or device 58 may be

pressed or activated 60 to release the communication device 57 from the users arm or wrist

56. In yet another embodiment the communication device 57 may be made to have one

or more segments 64 that hinges the segments to allow the communication device to curl

or fasten around the users arm or wrist 56. A device or switch 58 may in one position

ensure that the segments stay in a position around a users arm or wrist 59; or ensure that

the segments are located in such a position to fasten the device around the user arm or

limb. In the open or released position 63 the switch may activate the forces that cause the

segments to move in the releasing of the communication device from a users arm or wrist.

11

Claims

A communication device comprising a communications component; and associated

therewith retaining means adapted to retain the communication component in a

predetermined position relative to a predetermined object.

A communication device as claimed in claim 1 in which the communication unit

includes communication recite and transmittal means.

A communication device as claimed in claim 2 in which the recite and transmittal

means is adapted to receive and transmit audio signals in a predetermined format.,

A communication device as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 in which the

communication unit is adapted to receive and transmit data other than audio

signals.

12

5. A communications device as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the

retaining means is adapted to be movable into at least a first and a second position

when in the first position is defined where the retaining means serve to retain the

communication component to the predetermined object and the second position is

where it does not serve such a function whilst ascertaining communication via the

communication component.

6. A communication device as claimed in claim 5 including retaining means adapted

to be manipulated to match the configuration of the object in which it is applied

whilst in its first position.

7. A communication device as claimed ij any of the preceding claims in which the

retaining means comprises interconnected modular segments

8. A communication device as claimed in any of the preceding claims adapted to be

capable of facilitating communications via any one of, or a selection from the

following modes of communication: cellular -, analogue-, digital, - satellite, and

radio communications

13

. A communication device as claimed an any of the preceding claims where the input

means of the communication component comprises one or more of: a conventional

keypad and menu buttons.

10. A communication device as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the

communication component comprises display means in any one of the conventional

formats including one or more of: a LCD screen or any other display module

11. A communication device as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the

recite and transmittal capability of the communication component includes a R-F

communications unit.

12. A communication device as claimed in nay of the preceding claims in which the

recite and transmittal capability comprises a microphone and speaker -combination.

13. A communications device as claimed in any of the preceding claims including

signaling means adapted to notify a user of the status of the device.

14

14. A communication device as claimed in any of the preceding claims provided with

light generation means.

15. A communications device as claimed in any of the preceding claims provided with

a secondary capability by means of a selection from any one of the following types

: infra red-, linked line-, and light communication

16. A communication device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising

protective means adapted to insure that the integrity of the components of the

device.

17. A communication device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which

the retention means is adapted to secure about a limb of a user include any one or

more of: a users arm or wrist

18. A communication device as claimed in any of the preceding claims which the

retaining means comprise releaseable locking means for securing the device in a

first position.

19. A communication device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims adapted to

15 receive docking means adapted to receive and retain the communication device so

that the active components of the latter remains functional.

20. A communication device comprising: