WO2001031930A2 - Modular phone system for laptop computer - Google Patents
Modular phone system for laptop computerInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001031930A2 WO2001031930A2 PCT/US2000/041506 US0041506W WO0131930A2 WO 2001031930 A2 WO2001031930 A2 WO 2001031930A2 US 0041506 W US0041506 W US 0041506W WO 0131930 A2 WO0131930 A2 WO 0131930A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- module
- connector
- wireless phone
- laptop computer
- wireless
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C3/00—Flexible luggage; Handbags
- A45C3/02—Briefcases or the like
-
- 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
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C7/00—Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
- A45C7/0018—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C7/0022—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage comprising an integrated expansion device
- A45C7/0031—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage comprising an integrated expansion device telescopic
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/03—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with substantially horizontally extensible or adjustable parts other than drawers, e.g. leaves
- A47B21/0314—Platforms for supporting office equipment
-
- 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
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1675—Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts
- G06F1/1683—Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts for the transmission of signal or power between the different housings, e.g. details of wired or wireless communication, passage of cabling
-
- 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
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
- G06F1/1698—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
- H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
- H01Q1/2258—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles used with computer equipment
- H01Q1/2275—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles used with computer equipment associated to expansion card or bus, e.g. in PCMCIA, PC cards, Wireless USB
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/72—Means for accommodating flexible lead within the holder
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
- H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
- H01R31/065—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with built-in electric apparatus
-
- 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
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/253—Telephone sets using digital voice transmission
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/02—Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles
- A45C2013/025—Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles for holding portable computers or accessories therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C7/00—Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
- A45C7/0018—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C7/0036—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage collapsible to a minimal configuration, e.g. for storage purposes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C7/00—Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
- A45C7/0018—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C7/0054—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage comprising a plurality of hinged panels to be unfolded in one plane for access purposes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
- H01R13/6666—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit with built-in overvoltage protection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
- H01R13/6675—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit with built-in power supply
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
- H01R25/006—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications, and specifically to telecommunications through a laptop computer.
- the typical businessman requires both a modem-equipped laptop computer and a separate cell phone.
- Today's technology allows the businessman to connect the computer to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via a land line, and then download and send email messages, browse the Internet, and so forth.
- PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
- the businessman can use the cellular phone to place voice calls.
- State of the art cell phones also can be connected to the computer, so the businessman can transmit data from his laptop computer over the wireless link of the cell phone.
- a standardized wireless phone module is provided together with an adapter shell.
- the adapter shell encases the wireless phone module to form a modular assembly, which can be inserted into the expansion bay of a laptop computer, so that the wireless phone module connects to the laptop computer via the power and data connections of the expansion bay.
- Adapter shells can be inexpensively designed and manufactured to fit different laptop computers, thus allowing a standardized wireless phone module to be developed and universally applied.
- the wireless phone module can interact with a modem already inside the laptop computer.
- a modem can also be provided in the wireless phone module, to address situations where the laptop computer does not have an internal modem, or has an internal modem that is less powerful (e.g., slower) than the modem in the wireless phone module.
- the wireless phone module is configured as a Type III PCMCIA card, that can be plugged into a laptop computer's
- PCMCIA slots without an adapter shell.
- the wireless phone module draws electrical power from the laptop, and communications data with the laptop, via the PCMCIA connections.
- An Ethernet card can also be provided inside the casing of the wireless phone module, so that the laptop computer can be connected to an Ethernet local area network (LAN) without having to remove and replace the PCMCIA card wireless phone module.
- the PCMCIA card wireless phone module has a connector such as an RJ-45 connector, so that an Ethernet-compliant data cable can be connected to the laptop computer through Ethernet- capable PCMCIA card wireless phone module.
- the modular assembly of the wireless phone module and the adapter shell can be provided with one or more RJ-11 phone jacks.
- the RJ-11 phone jack(s) can be provided in the adapter shell and connected to the wireless phone module, or can be provided on an exposed portion of the wireless phone module that is not concealed by the adapter shell.
- the RJ-11 phone jack(s) can also be provided on an accessible portion of the PCMCIA card wireless phone module.
- the RJ-11 phone jack(s) can be provided in a separate submodule that can be easily and quickly attached to, and removed from, each of the PCMCIA card wireless phone module and the modular assembly of the adapter shell and the wireless phone module.
- the submodule can also be provided with the RJ-45 jack, and/or a collapsible antenna for supporting the wireless phone link.
- each RJ-11 phone jack can support two independent phone lines, each RJ-11 phone jack allows the user to have two lines active simultaneously, for example to carry on a voice conversation over one of the lines and while browsing the Internet over the other line.
- the wireless phone module would have circuitry to handle both lines, or as many lines as the total number of RJ-11 jacks are capable of handling, in accordance with known techniques (e.g., dual sets of critical subcircuits).
- Known voice-over-data techniques can also be used to allow a single line (landline or wireless) to simultaneously support voice and data communications .
- the user can use a handset or a headset connected directly to the laptop computer, for example via speaker and microphone interface ports commonly provided in presently available laptop computers.
- a handset When a handset is connected, the user can also dial using the handset instead of entering phone number through the keyboard of the laptop computer.
- the laptop computer When the laptop computer is equipped with a built-in speaker and a microphone, the user can use the laptop computer as a speaker phone using software presently available to the public.
- a handset or headset can also be plugged into the RJ-11 jack, thus enabling the handset or headset to be easily connected to the wireless phone module.
- the RJ-11 jack is plugged to the handset and not available for connection to a land line. The telephone connection would therefore have to be made via the wireless link of the wireless phone module.
- the RJ-11 jack can be used to connect the wireless phone module either to a land line(s), or to a handset/headset.
- the RJ-11 jack can be connected to a modem output from another computer, so the other computer can use the wireless phone module to connect to the PSTN via the wireless link of the wireless phone module.
- FIG. 1 shows a side view of a conventional laptop computer.
- FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a wireless phone module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 3 A, 3B show an adapter shell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3C shows a functional block diagram of a wireless phone module in an adapter shell, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 4A-4C show a connector plug or submodule in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 5A-5C show a connector plug or submodule in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a side view of a laptop computer 102 having a screen 112, a PCMCIA slot/port 104, and an expansion bay 108.
- the expansion bay 108 is designed to receive a variety of removable devices and accessories such as ZIP-drives, hard drives, CD-ROM drives, auxiliary batteries, and so forth.
- FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a wireless phone module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, for use in the PCMCIA port 104 or the expansion bay 108 of the laptop computer 102.
- a wireless phone module 200 includes an outer casing 202.
- a connection port 204 is provided in the outer casing 202, for connecting the wireless phone module 200 with the laptop computer, the connection port 204 includes both data and power connections, so that the wireless phone module 200 can exchange data with the laptop computer 102 and also receive electrical power from laptop computer.
- the wireless phone module 200 includes circuitry 206, which has subcircuitry including a wireless phone 212, and an optional modem 208. The wireless phone connects to both a wireless antenna 214 and a connector 218.
- a second connector 218 can be optionally included, as shown for example in FIG. 2.
- the connector 218 can be, for example, an RJ-11 connector.
- the modem 208 is also connected to one or both of the connectors 218.
- An Ethernet card or circuit 210 can also be provided inside the wireless phone module 200, so that the laptop computer 102 can be connected to an Ethernet local area network (LAN) without requiring the user to have an additional card. When expansion bays or PCMCIA ports are limited, this also saves the user from having to remove and replace the wireless phone module with a separate Ethernet card.
- the wireless phone module 200 has a connector 216 that connects to the Ethernet card.
- the connector 216 can, for example, be an RJ-45 connector, to which an Ethernet-compliant data cable can be connected, so that the laptop computer is connected to an Ethernet LAN through the wireless phone module 200.
- a Bluetooth card or circuit 240 can also be provided inside the wireless phone module 200, so that the laptop computer 102 can connect in a wireless fashion to other devices using the open specification technology known as "Bluetooth".
- the wireless phone module 200 itself can independently connect via Bluetooth to other devices, in for example the same fashion that the forthcoming generation of mobile phones will connect to external devices via Bluetooth.
- the Bluetooth card 240 can include all circuitry necessary to establish a Bluetooth link, including for example a wireless transceiver in accordance with the Bluetooth specification.
- the Bluetooth card 240 can be located inside the laptop computer 102, and can be used by the laptop computer 102, or by the wireless phone module 200, 330 via the connection(s) (e.g. , 204, 302) between the wireless phone module 200, 330 and the laptop computer 102.
- the connectors 204, 216, 218 and 245 can be appropriately selected, depending on specifically how the phone module 200 is to be connected to the laptop computer 102 and to data cables and peripheral devices.
- the outer casing 202 of the wireless phone module 200 can be configured in the form of a Type III PCMCIA card, so that the wireless phone module 200 can be directly inserted into the PCMCIA port 104 of the laptop computer 102.
- the connector 204 is configured to appropriately mate with the corresponding connector in the port 104
- the circuitry 202 is adapted to exchange data with, and receive power from, the laptop computer 102 through the PCMCIA port 104, in accordance with well known rules, principles and specifications concerning PCMCIA card devices.
- a standardized wireless phone module is provided together with an adapter shell.
- the adapter shell encases the wireless phone module to form a modular assembly, which can be inserted into the expansion bay 108 of the laptop computer 102, so that the wireless phone module connects to the laptop computer via the power and data connections of the expansion bay.
- FIG. 3A shows a top view of an adapter shell 300, having a connector 302 at the back.
- the connector 302 mates with the laptop computer's connector in the expansion bay 108, and thus establishing data and power connections between the wireless phone module and the laptop computer 102.
- the outer casing 310 of the adapter shell 300 is configured to match the expansion bay of a particular style or standard, or of a particular laptop computer manufacturer.
- the adapter shell includes a cavity 306 for receiving the wireless phone module, as well as necessary connectors (not shown) for connecting data and power to the wireless phone module.
- the adapter shell 300 can include an external, collapsible antenna 308 that the wireless phone module can use to establish and maintain a wireless link.
- the adapter shell 300 can also include a cavity 304 for receiving and storing a compact or slimline handset, that the user can use to place voice calls or manually enter telephone numbers.
- the cavity 304 can also include a connection or cable to link the handset to the wireless phone module.
- FIG. 3B is a front view of the adapter shell 300 shown in FIG. 3A.
- FIG. 3C is a functional block diagram depicting a modular assembly 360 including the adapter shell 300 with a wireless phone module 330 inside it. As shown in FIG.
- the adapter shell 300 includes a connection adapter 312 that appropriately connects the phone module 330 to the connector 302 so that the phone module 330 will be able to communicate with the laptop computer 102 when inserted into the expansion bay 302.
- the connection adapter 312 appropriately connects the phone module 330 to the connector 302 so that the phone module 330 will be able to communicate with the laptop computer 102 when inserted into the expansion bay 302.
- connection adapter 312 can also connect a headset 340 and a handset 322 to a) the phone module 330, and/or b) to the laptop computer 102 (via the connector 302).
- a retracting cable mechanism 370 can also be provided, that electrically connects the connection adapter 312 and extends or retracts a cable 372 having a connector 374.
- the connector 374 can be an RJ-11 plug, that can be plugged into a handset.
- the handset 322 can also be connected to the cable 372 via the connector 374, and the cable mechanism 370 can be located inside the cavity 304. This allows the handset 322 to be neatly stowed inside the cavity 304 when not in use, and then withdrawn (with the cable mechanism 370 spooling out the cable 372) when the user desires to place a call.
- the cable 372 can have a length that is convenient for the user, for example a length of 60 inches. When the user ends the call and stows the handset 322 in the cavity 304, the cable mechanism 370 automatically reels in the cable 372.
- the adapter shell 310 can also include an antenna 316, that connects to the phone module 330 when the phone module 330 is in place within the adapter shell 310.
- the adapter shell 310 can fully enclose the phone module 330, or can leave a portion of the phone module 330 exposed. In the situation where a portion of the phone module 330 is exposed, elements such as the antenna 214 and the handset 320 can be directly connected to the phone module 330, as shown in FIG. 3C.
- the connector 218 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-C can be an RJ-11 phone jack.
- the RJ-11 phone jack can be provided in the adapter shell 310 and connected to the wireless phone module 330, or can be provided on an exposed portion of the wireless phone module 330 that is not concealed by the adapter shell, as shown for example in FIG. 3C.
- the RJ-11 phone jack can also be provided on an accessible portion of the PCMCIA card wireless phone module.
- FIGS. 6-8 are functional block diagrams showing how the RJ-11 phone jack can be used.
- a phone module 600 (for example, the phone module 200, or the phone module 330) is connected to the laptop computer 102, and the connector 218 is in the form of an RJ-11 jack.
- the laptop computer 102 can transmit data over the land line through the phone module 600, instead of over a wireless link of the phone module 600. Since each RJ-11 phone jack can support two independent phone lines, the user can have two lines active simultaneously, for example to carry on a voice conversation over one of the lines and while browsing the Internet over the other line.
- the wireless phone module 600 would have circuitry to handle both lines, in accordance with known techniques (e.g., dual sets of critical subcircuits).
- known voice-over-data techniques can also be used to allow a single line (landline or wireless) to simultaneously support voice and data communications.
- the user can use a handset or a headset connected directly to the laptop computer, for example as shown in FIG. 7 where a handset 622 is connected to the laptop computer 102 via speaker and microphone interface ports 750, 752 commonly provided in presently available laptop computers.
- a handset When a handset is connected, the user can also dial using the handset instead of entering phone number through the keyboard of the laptop computer.
- the laptop computer 102 When the laptop computer 102 is equipped with a built-in speaker 650 and a microphone 652, as shown for example in FIG. 6, the user can use the laptop computer 102 as a speaker phone using software presently available to the public.
- a handset 622 or headset can also be plugged into the RJ-11 jack, as shown for example in FIG. 8, thus enabling the handset 622 or headset to be easily connected to the wireless phone module 600.
- the RJ-11 jack is plugged to the handset 622 and is not available for connection to a land line. In configurations where a second RJ-11 jack is not installed or available, the telephone connection would therefore have to be made via the wireless link of the wireless phone module 600.
- the single RJ-11 jack can be used to connect the wireless phone module 600 either to a land line(s), or to a handset/headset.
- the RJ-11 jack can be connected to a modem output from another computer, so the other computer can use the wireless phone module 600 to connect to the PSTN via the wireless link of the wireless phone module 600.
- the RJ-11 phone jack can be provided in a separate submodule that can be easily and quickly attached to, an removed from, each of the PCMCIA card wireless phone module and the modular assembly of the adapter shell and the wireless phone module.
- the submodule can also be provided with an RJ-45 jack to support an Ethernet connection, and/or a collapsible antenna for supporting the wireless phone link.
- a second RJ-11 jack can also be optionally included.
- FIG. 4A is a front view of a submodule 400 including a collapsible, articulating antenna 414, an RJ-45 connector 416, an RJ-11 connector 418, and a second, optional RJ-11 connector 430.
- FIGS. 4B and 4C are side and top views respectively of the submodule 400, also showing a connector 420 that plugs into the wireless phone module or the modular assembly and electrically connects the connectors 416, 418, 430 and the antenna 414 to the phone module or the modular assembly.
- FIG. 5A is a front view of a submodule 500 that is similar to the submodule 400, but which omits the antenna 414. As shown in FIG.
- the submodule 500 includes an RJ-45 connector 516, an RJ-11 connector 518, and a second, optional RJ-11 connector 530.
- FIGS. 5B and 5C are side and top views respectively of the submodule 500, also showing a connector 520 that plugs into the wireless phone module or the modular assembly and electrically connects the connectors 516, 518, 530 to the phone module or the modular assembly.
- the phone module 200 can be located completely inside the shell of the laptop computer 102, instead of in an external port or slot such as the port 104 or the bay 108, and directly connected to the computer circuitry in accordance with techniques well known in the art.
- the phone modules 200, 330, 600 can have both analog and digital capability, and can transmit with the higher power levels that are legal for cell phones that are not used near the user's head. For example, the phone modules can transmit 3 Watts of power, instead of the 0.6 Watts that handheld cellular phones are limited to.
- the phone modules can also, separately or in conjunction with software in the laptop computer 102, minimize phone costs by automatically determining which communication links are available (analog cellular, digital cellular, land line), and then automatically selecting and activating the least expensive available link.
- Voice phone functions such as Caller-ID, voicemail, etc. can be provided, as well as automatic Internet connections to periodically download or upload email or obtain data from a website.
- Selection of an interface device for voice calls can be automatic, for example software on the laptop computer 102 can determine whether a handset or headset is connected to the laptop computer or to the phone module and in the event they are not, implement the speaker phone functionality. Alternatively, the user can select or activate a connected interface device (headset, handset, speaker phone, etc.) using software on the laptop computer 102.
- the phone module 200 and the adapter shell 310 can each be provided with a locking mechanism that physically locks the module 200 and the shell 310 into the port 104 and the 200 and the shell 310 can be locked into standard and/or existing port or bay configurations, and thus requires no modifications or special features in the laptop computer 102.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU24695/01A AU2469501A (en) | 1999-10-25 | 2000-10-25 | Modular phone system for laptop computer |
PCT/US2000/041506 WO2001031930A2 (en) | 1999-10-25 | 2000-10-25 | Modular phone system for laptop computer |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16107799P | 1999-10-25 | 1999-10-25 | |
US60/161,077 | 1999-10-25 | ||
PCT/US2000/041506 WO2001031930A2 (en) | 1999-10-25 | 2000-10-25 | Modular phone system for laptop computer |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001031930A2 true WO2001031930A2 (en) | 2001-05-03 |
WO2001031930A3 WO2001031930A3 (en) | 2001-09-27 |
WO2001031930A9 WO2001031930A9 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
Family
ID=43587087
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/041506 WO2001031930A2 (en) | 1999-10-25 | 2000-10-25 | Modular phone system for laptop computer |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2469501A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001031930A2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1309160A2 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-07 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Mobile terminal and communication system with integrated mobile terminal |
WO2006108287A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2006-10-19 | Sierra Wireless, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for providing combination personal computer cards |
WO2009116036A2 (en) | 2008-03-19 | 2009-09-24 | Modu Ltd. | Wireless communicator for laptop computers |
US7660587B2 (en) | 2005-10-26 | 2010-02-09 | Nokia Corporation | Communications from hypertext documents |
EP2182643A2 (en) | 2008-10-31 | 2010-05-05 | Smart Gears Limited | Modular modem |
US8832561B2 (en) | 2005-05-26 | 2014-09-09 | Nokia Corporation | Automatic initiation of communications |
US9680972B2 (en) | 2007-06-08 | 2017-06-13 | Google Inc. | SD switch box in a cellular handset |
US10027789B2 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2018-07-17 | Google Llc | Modular wireless communicator |
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US5608606A (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1997-03-04 | Apple Computer, Inc. | Computer plug-in module and interconnection system for wireless applications |
US5655143A (en) * | 1994-04-21 | 1997-08-05 | Alpert; Martin A. | PCMICIA card-like device with internal retractable cord mechanism |
US5773332A (en) * | 1993-11-12 | 1998-06-30 | Xircom, Inc. | Adaptable communications connectors |
US5956651A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1999-09-21 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Cellular telephone interface system for AMPS and CDMA data services |
US5984731A (en) * | 1997-11-17 | 1999-11-16 | Xircom, Inc. | Removable I/O device with integrated receptacles for receiving standard plugs |
US6026308A (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 2000-02-15 | Hsieh; Mingchih | Combination cordless phone-fax modem-computer |
US6035214A (en) * | 1998-02-24 | 2000-03-07 | At&T Corp | Laptop computer with integrated telephone |
US6059583A (en) * | 1998-05-28 | 2000-05-09 | 3 Com Corporation | Interconnection between media connectors of unknown interface standards and a computer communications card |
US6067583A (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 2000-05-23 | Gateway 2000, Inc. | Modular, reconfigurable components methods for wireless data transfer between a computer and a communications system |
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2000
- 2000-10-25 WO PCT/US2000/041506 patent/WO2001031930A2/en active Application Filing
- 2000-10-25 AU AU24695/01A patent/AU2469501A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (10)
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US4972457A (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1990-11-20 | Spectrum Information Technologies, Inc. | Portable hybrid communication system and methods |
US5773332A (en) * | 1993-11-12 | 1998-06-30 | Xircom, Inc. | Adaptable communications connectors |
US5655143A (en) * | 1994-04-21 | 1997-08-05 | Alpert; Martin A. | PCMICIA card-like device with internal retractable cord mechanism |
US5608606A (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1997-03-04 | Apple Computer, Inc. | Computer plug-in module and interconnection system for wireless applications |
US5956651A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1999-09-21 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Cellular telephone interface system for AMPS and CDMA data services |
US6026308A (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 2000-02-15 | Hsieh; Mingchih | Combination cordless phone-fax modem-computer |
US5984731A (en) * | 1997-11-17 | 1999-11-16 | Xircom, Inc. | Removable I/O device with integrated receptacles for receiving standard plugs |
US6035214A (en) * | 1998-02-24 | 2000-03-07 | At&T Corp | Laptop computer with integrated telephone |
US6067583A (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 2000-05-23 | Gateway 2000, Inc. | Modular, reconfigurable components methods for wireless data transfer between a computer and a communications system |
US6059583A (en) * | 1998-05-28 | 2000-05-09 | 3 Com Corporation | Interconnection between media connectors of unknown interface standards and a computer communications card |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1309160A2 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-07 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Mobile terminal and communication system with integrated mobile terminal |
EP1309160A3 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2005-08-31 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Mobile terminal and communication system with integrated mobile terminal |
US7515936B2 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2009-04-07 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Mobile terminal device alone and in communication system |
WO2006108287A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2006-10-19 | Sierra Wireless, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for providing combination personal computer cards |
US8832561B2 (en) | 2005-05-26 | 2014-09-09 | Nokia Corporation | Automatic initiation of communications |
US7660587B2 (en) | 2005-10-26 | 2010-02-09 | Nokia Corporation | Communications from hypertext documents |
US10027789B2 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2018-07-17 | Google Llc | Modular wireless communicator |
US9680972B2 (en) | 2007-06-08 | 2017-06-13 | Google Inc. | SD switch box in a cellular handset |
WO2009116036A2 (en) | 2008-03-19 | 2009-09-24 | Modu Ltd. | Wireless communicator for laptop computers |
EP2266215A4 (en) * | 2008-03-19 | 2016-12-07 | Google Inc | Wireless communicator for laptop computers |
EP2182643A2 (en) | 2008-10-31 | 2010-05-05 | Smart Gears Limited | Modular modem |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2001031930A9 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
AU2469501A (en) | 2001-05-08 |
WO2001031930A3 (en) | 2001-09-27 |
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