EP1145533A2 - Modular communication device interface - Google Patents

Modular communication device interface

Info

Publication number
EP1145533A2
EP1145533A2 EP99971248A EP99971248A EP1145533A2 EP 1145533 A2 EP1145533 A2 EP 1145533A2 EP 99971248 A EP99971248 A EP 99971248A EP 99971248 A EP99971248 A EP 99971248A EP 1145533 A2 EP1145533 A2 EP 1145533A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
communication device
units
communication
unit
processor
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Withdrawn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
EP99971248A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1145533A3 (en
Inventor
Louise Fourie
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1145533A2 publication Critical patent/EP1145533A2/en
Publication of EP1145533A3 publication Critical patent/EP1145533A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • 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
    • H04B1/385—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H04W24/02—Arrangements for optimising operational condition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Transceivers (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to communications device and a method of and system for upgrading or expanding the service or functions of the device. Also included within the scope of the invention is a unique arrangement of multiple components around a modular structure allowing maximum flexibility and reliability. One or more electronic components link to at least one Processor housed in the main module or unit which in turn is connected or connectable to communication means for wireless broadcast and reception. Furthermore the unit includes medical applications including sensor and monitoring means to facilitate in recording of medical data of a user. Also the invention provides a structural layout to fit ergonomically around a user's arm or wrist and locking and unlocking means to secure and remove the device from the user's arm or wrist.

Description

MODULAR COMMUNICATION DEVICE INTERFACE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a communications device in watch like arrangement with ungradable application modules for upgrading electronic components with variable functions and applications. The communications device is modified to be functionally attached to a limb of a user such as the wrist and arm. It is envisaged that the communications device may comprise a first unit modified to be functionally attached to the limb of a user and a second unit which includes a communications unit. The first unit serves as docking station or cradle for the second unit. Of coarse the application modules may be used in both the first and/or the second unit for the upgrading of applications and functions.
BACKGROUND ART
Traditional communication devices such as cellular phones are usually manufactured in a predetermined form and with predetermined functions. The present invention allows the communication device to be manufactured to fit ergonomically around a users arm or wrist in a watch like arrangement. Furthermore the device may be upgraded with censoring and measuring components for reading medical data of a user. Also features and/or functions of the phone may be altered or upgraded by inserting or removing modular applications or upgrading modules in the communications device. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for interactive communication which is worn by a user around an arm or wrist with ungradable components to allow upgrading of the device and/or the expansion of its applications to medical censoring and monitoring. The ungradable components may also include or incorporate added features or functions or upgraded components forming part of the communications device. Traditional communications devices although innovatively designed never allowed it to be worn or by a user or be attached on an arm or wrist. Furthermore medical censoring and monitoring devices worn by users to read and record certain medical functionalities of a user has always been a tedious and uncomfortable experience. Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide a communication device as well as a system for and method of upgrading and reading user medical data and with which the applicant believes disadvantages of known systems may at least be alleviated
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect there is included an electrically powered communication device
comprising communication means including a primary processor associated with wireless
reception and -transmission means of modular configuration; and a secondary processor
, matched with the primary processor , adapted to record and to store data in memory
associated with the device.
According to a second aspect of the invention the communication device may comprise
a series of inter-associated, multi-functional modular units.
The modular units may be selected from: medical monitoring units, general monitoring
units , communication units recording units, memory units , externally functional units and
power supply units.
According to a third aspect of the invention the communication device may be powered
by a selection of : solar power, battery power and mains power.
Furthermore the communication device may comprising upgradable memory means and the upgradable memory units may be housed in retaining means adapted to retain the
device to a predetermined object in use.
According to the fourth aspect of the invention the communication device may include
display means adapted to display at least the medical sensed data from an associated
sensor.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention the communication device may comprise
at least two components , the first bing adapted to be removably secured to a
predetermined object in use and the second being adapted to house communication means.
The first component may be adapted to serve as a docking station for the second
component so that both will be operatively functional.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention the communication device application
modules may be adapted to function in association with the first and second components
to upgrade its operational capabilities.
Of coarse the primary processor and the secondary processor may be the same processor
. 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 an example of the invention in watch or wrist accessory format;
Figure 2 more specifically relates to the electronics of the unit or watch;
Figure 3 relates to the open and close position of the unit via the flexible/bendable links; and
Figure 4 illustrates exemplary embodiment of the working or mechanics of the attach and- release mechanism
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Turning to Figure 1 which is an example of the invention in watch or wrist accessory
format (1) manufactured of flexible/bendable material (2) with a clip (3) for attachment
of the unit around the arm of a user to the clip housing (17). The Invention includes bays
or modular unit interfaces (4,5 and 6) for upgrading of the unit's functions or capabilities.
Furthermore the unit may include display means (7) i.e. a LCD screen. Furthermore the
unit may include release buttons (8) and volume buttons to either increase or decrease the
communication volume (9 and 10). Also the unit may include communication means (11)
with other electronic equipment via cable connection or via IR. Also the unit may be
equipped with standard function or emergency keys (12 and 13) over and above the
standard keypad (15). The unit may be powered by on or more of the following;
rechargeable battery (16) and/or via Solar panels (14).
The back of the unit (18) may include a speaker (19) and microphone (24) for
communication as well as medical monitoring modules or units (20, 21 and 23) for
example for blood-pressure and heartbeat naming but a few. The modules may link or
interface with the central processor (not shown) housed in the main unit (23). Figure 2 more specifically relates to the electronics of the unit or watch (25) including
communication means with the one or more upgrading bays of units (26), a display device
i.e. a LCD unit (27) a keypad (28) and a housing mechanism (29) for a remote
communication link (30) including a microphone (31) and the speaker (32). Furthermore
the invention may include a wireless communication port of unit i.e. an Infra Red unit
(33). The preferred unit may be powered by solar energy (34) and/or via rechargeable
battery (no shown) which may be located in the bay (35) with standardized clips (36).
The unit (37) may include electronics for the speaker (38) and the microphone (47) which
may be connected to the CPU (42). Also connected to the CPU (42) may be one or more
of the following; communication means for the ungradable components (39), output means
i.e the display, (40), input means i.e. the keypad (41) and memory means (44). The
electronic components may relay communication via the aerial (45) which may form part
of the body or strap of the unit. The unit preferably includes electronics to accommodate
the solar and/or battery power means (43) and the external communication means (46).
Figure 3 relates to the open (49) and close (50) position of the unit via the
flexible/bendable links (49). The main unit with the display (51), keypad (54) and volume
control keys (53) may be powered by solar (55) energy and/or via removable/rechargeable
battery (56) which may be housed on the strap or side section (57) or on the cradle unit (not shown) . Also a speaker (58) and microphone (59) housed or located on the side
sections or straps (60) with normal clips (67 and 68). Furthermore the invention includes
the upgrading of the unit or the addition of application modules (61 to 64) for purposes
such as memory upgrade, and medical sensors (65). The side section is flexible or
bendable (66) to form around a users arm.
Figure 4 illustrates exemplary embodiment of the working or mechanics (81) of the attach
- release mechanism(69) including for example a servo type unit (70) including a motor
(71) and a shaft or servo arm (72) which is attached to the movable joint or segment (73)
for manipulating the movement of the units. Alternatively the same may be accomplished
by a spring loaded mechanism (74) with a release button or device (75) for releasing a
tension unit (76) i.e. a spring. Furthermore a hydraulic unit (77) may be used including a
pressurized container or cylinder (78) with a movable shaft 979) that is attached to the
segment bendable/flexibly unit. All of the above may applied to the communications
device as a single unit or when the invention comprises a first and second unit serving as
cradle/docking device and the communication device (such as a cellular phone)
respectively.

Claims

CLAIMS An electrically powered communication device comprising communication means
including a primary processor associated with wireless reception and -transmission
means of modular configuration; and a secondary processor , matched with the
primary processor , adapted to record and to store data in memory associated with
the device.
A communication device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a series of inter-
associated, multi-functional modular units.
A communication device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 including modular units
selected from: medical monitoring units, general monitoring units , communication
units recording units, memory units , externally functional units and power supply
units.
A communication device as claimed in claims 1 to 3 powered by a selection of :
solar power, battery power and mains power. A communication device as claimed in claim 4 comprising upgradable memory
means.
A communication device as claimed in claim 5 including upgradable memory units
housed in retaining means adapted to retain the device to a predetermined object
in use.
A communication device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including
display means adapted to display at least the medical sensed data from an
associated sensor.
A communication device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising
at least two components , the first bing adapted to be removably secured to a
predetermined object in use and the second being adapted to house communication
means.
A communication device as claimed in claim 8 in which the first component is adapted to serve as a docking station for the second component so that both will be
operatively functional.
A communication device as claimed in claims 9 and 10 including predetermined
application modules adapted to function in association with the first and second
components to upgrade its operational capabilities.
A communication device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the primary processor and
the secondary processor is the same processor.
EP99971248A 1998-12-18 1999-12-15 Modular communication device interface Withdrawn EP1145533A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA9811611 1998-12-18
ZA9811609 1998-12-18
ZA9811611 1998-12-18
ZA9811609 1998-12-18
PCT/ZA1999/000142 WO2000038393A2 (en) 1998-12-18 1999-12-15 Modular communication device interface

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1145533A2 true EP1145533A2 (en) 2001-10-17
EP1145533A3 EP1145533A3 (en) 2003-01-22

Family

ID=27145101

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99971248A Withdrawn EP1145533A3 (en) 1998-12-18 1999-12-15 Modular communication device interface

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1145533A3 (en)
AU (2) AU3774900A (en)
CA (1) CA2371806A1 (en)
WO (2) WO2000038393A2 (en)

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US10248856B2 (en) 2014-01-14 2019-04-02 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Smart necklace with stereo vision and onboard processing
US9915545B2 (en) 2014-01-14 2018-03-13 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Smart necklace with stereo vision and onboard processing
US9629774B2 (en) 2014-01-14 2017-04-25 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Smart necklace with stereo vision and onboard processing
US10024679B2 (en) 2014-01-14 2018-07-17 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Smart necklace with stereo vision and onboard processing
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US9576460B2 (en) 2015-01-21 2017-02-21 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Wearable smart device for hazard detection and warning based on image and audio data
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US9586318B2 (en) 2015-02-27 2017-03-07 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Modular robot with smart device
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2000038393A3 (en) 2000-09-21
WO2000038435A3 (en) 2000-10-12
AU3774900A (en) 2000-07-12
EP1145533A3 (en) 2003-01-22
AU3775000A (en) 2000-07-12
WO2000038393A2 (en) 2000-06-29
WO2000038435A2 (en) 2000-06-29
CA2371806A1 (en) 2000-06-29

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