U.S. patent application number 14/679899 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-30 for wireless communication accessory for a mobile device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mophie, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel Huang.
Application Number | 20150214993 14/679899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50184357 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150214993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang; Daniel |
July 30, 2015 |
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ACCESSORY FOR A MOBILE DEVICE
Abstract
A mobile device peripheral that incorporates a repeater antenna
inside of a protective case for a mobile device to extend the range
of short-range communications while minimizing interference caused
by the thickness or materials of the protective case. The repeater
antenna can be capable of receiving a wireless signal from an
antenna in the mobile device and transmitting the same signal or an
amplified version of the same signal. The repeater antenna can be
capable of receiving a wireless signal from an external antenna and
transmitting the same signal or an amplified version of the same
signal to the mobile device. The mobile device peripheral can also
include a battery that provides additional power the mobile device.
Without a repeater antenna, the materials and/or thickness of the
additional battery and/or the case can partially or completely
block a short-range, low-frequency, or low-power communication
signal such as Near Field Communication (NFC).
Inventors: |
Huang; Daniel; (Irvine,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mophie, Inc. |
Tustin |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50184357 |
Appl. No.: |
14/679899 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14014095 |
Aug 29, 2013 |
9026187 |
|
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14679899 |
|
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61696139 |
Sep 1, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/11.1 ;
455/575.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0045 20130101;
H04M 1/72527 20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201;
H02J 7/0047 20130101; H02J 50/12 20160201; H02J 50/50 20160201;
H02J 50/70 20160201 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20060101
H04B001/3888; H04M 1/02 20060101 H04M001/02; H04W 4/00 20060101
H04W004/00 |
Claims
1. A method of transmitting a near field communication (NFC) signal
from a mobile electronic device that is at least partially enclosed
by a protective case, the method comprising: providing a mobile
electronic device that is at least partially enclosed by a
protective case; wherein the mobile electronic device comprises a
battery and an antenna configured to transmit near field
communication (NFC) signals; wherein the protective case comprises
a supplemental battery configured to charge the mobile electronic
device; wherein the protective case comprises a repeater antenna
that includes a first antenna disposed on a first side of the
supplemental battery, a second antenna disposed on a second side of
the supplemental battery, and an electrical connection that
electrically couples the first antenna to the second antenna;
transmitting an NFC signal from the antenna of the mobile
electronic device, wherein the supplemental battery is positioned
to block or otherwise impede the NFC signal; receiving the NFC
signal by the first antenna of the repeater antenna; relaying the
NFC signal from the first antenna of the repeater antenna to the
second antenna of the repeater antenna via the electrical
connection; and re-transmitting the NFC signal from the second
antenna of the repeater antenna.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an incoming
NFC signal by the second antenna of the repeater antenna; relaying
the incoming NFC signal from the second antenna of the repeater
antenna to the first antenna of the repeater antenna via the
electrical connection; re-transmitting the NFC signal from the
first antenna of the repeater antenna; and receiving the
re-transmitted signal by the antenna of the mobile electronic
device.
3. A protective case for a mobile electronic device, the protective
case comprising: a housing that includes a cavity configured to at
least partially enclose a mobile electronic device that has an
antenna for transmitting and receiving signals from a rear of the
mobile electronic device, the housing comprising a back plane
configured to be disposed rearward of the mobile electronic device;
a battery inside the housing such that the battery is configured to
be disposed rearward of the mobile electronic device; a first
antenna disposed on a first side of the battery facing forward and
configured to receive signals from, and transmit signals to, the
antenna of the mobile electronic device; a second antenna disposed
on a second side of the battery facing rearward; and an electrical
connection that electrically couples the first antenna to the
second antenna, wherein the electrical connection is configured to
communicate signals between the first antenna and the second
antenna; wherein the first antenna is configured to re-transmit
signals received by the second antenna, and wherein the second
antenna is configured to re-transmit signals received by the first
antenna.
4. The protective case of claim 3, further comprising a mobile
electronic device at least partially enclosed by the housing of the
protective case.
5. The protective case of claim 4, wherein the mobile electronic
device comprises: an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals
from a rear of the mobile electronic device; a battery; and a
device interface; wherein the protective case comprises an
interface configured to couple to the device interface to provide
an electrical connection for the battery of the protective case to
charge the mobile electronic device.
6. The protective case of claim 4, wherein the mobile electronic
device comprises a mobile phone or a tablet computer.
7. The protective case of claim 3, further comprising an interface
configured to couple to a device interface on the mobile electronic
device to provide an electrical connection for the battery of the
protective case to charge the mobile electronic device.
8. The protective case of claim 3, wherein the first antenna and
the second antenna are formed on a flexible printed circuit
board.
9. The protective case of claim 3, further comprising: a first
ferrite layer disposed between the battery and the first antenna;
and a second ferrite layer disposed between the battery and the
second antenna.
10. The protective case of claim 3, wherein the first antenna and
the second antenna are configured to receive and transits near
field communication (NFC) signals.
11. A case for a mobile electronic device, the case comprising: a
housing configured to removably couple to a mobile electronic
device; a first antenna inside the housing; and a second antenna
inside the housing and spaced apart from the first antenna; and a
communication link between the first antenna and the second
antenna; wherein the first antenna is configured to emit a signal
that is based at least in part on a signal received by the second
antenna, or wherein the second antenna is configured to emit a
signal that is based at least in part on a signal received by the
first antenna.
12. The case of claim 11, further comprising a battery disposed
between the first antenna and the second antenna.
13. The case of claim 12, further comprising an interface
configured to couple to a device interface on the mobile electronic
device to provide an electrical connection for the battery of the
protective case to charge the mobile electronic device.
14. The case of claim 11, further comprising one or more insulating
layers disposed between the first antenna and the second
antenna.
15. The case of claim 11, further comprising one or more ferrite
layers disposed between the first antenna and the second
antenna.
16. The case of claim 11, further comprising: one or more
insulating layers disposed between the first antenna and the second
antenna; a first ferrite layer disposed between the one or more
insulating layers and the first antenna; and a second ferrite layer
disposed between the one or more insulation layers and the second
antenna.
17. The case of claim 16, further comprising a battery disposed
between the first antenna and the second antenna, wherein the one
or more insulation layers comprises a first insulating layer
disposed between the battery and the first ferrite layer and a
second insulating layer disposed between the battery and the second
ferrite layer.
18. The case of claim 11, wherein the first antenna and the second
antenna are positioned such that the first antenna is configured to
be closer than the second antenna to the mobile electronic
device.
19. The case of claim 11, further comprising a battery configured
to amplify the signal emitted by the first antenna or the signal
emitted by the second antenna.
20. The case of claim 11, further comprising: a third antenna; and
a communication link between the first antenna and the third
antenna; wherein the second antenna is configured to emit a signal
that is based at least in part on a signal received by the first
antenna, and wherein the third antenna is configured to emit a
signal that is based at least in part on a signal received by the
first antenna.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/014,095, filed Aug. 29, 2013, and titled
"WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ACCESSORY FOR A MOBILE DEVICE," which
claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/696,139, filed Sep. 1, 2012, and titled
"WIRELESS COMMUNICATION REPEATER ANTENNA FOR A MOBILE DEVICE
PERIPHERAL." Each of the applications identified above are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety and made a part of this
specification for all that they disclose.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The present application incorporates by reference the
following: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/357,262, entitled
"BATTERY PACK, HOLSTER, AND EXTENDIBLE PROCESSING AND INTERFACE
PLATFORM FOR MOBILE DEVICES," and filed Jan. 21, 2009, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,367,235, issued on Feb. 5, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/021,897, entitled "BATTERY PACK AND HOLSTER FOR
MOBILE DEVICES," and filed Jan. 18, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 61/495,848, entitled "NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION
ACCESSORY FOR A MOBILE DEVICE," and filed Jun. 10, 2011; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/492,785, entitled "WIRELESS
COMMUNICATION ACCESSORY FOR A MOBILE DEVICE," and filed Jun. 8,
2012, published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2012/0303520 on Nov. 29, 2012; and U.S. Design patent application
No. 29/427,724, entitled "MOBILE PHONE CASE," and filed Jul. 20,
2012.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to accessories for
mobile devices and, more particularly, to external protective cases
and external battery packs for mobile electronic devices, where the
external protective case/holster or external battery pack
incorporates a repeater antenna.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Many mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones, digital
assistants, mobile communication devices, handheld computing
devices, personal music/video/content players and storage devices)
contain expensive, fragile equipment such as breakable glass
touchscreens and lenses, easily scuffed decorative finishes,
delicate internal electronic components, and easily broken or lost
buttons or switches. People have also become more and more
dependent on the data, contacts, and calendars stored in their
mobile devices. These expensive devices and the stored critical
data can be easily protected with an inexpensive protective case.
Additionally these devices are often powered by battery power
sources. Such battery power sources are often housed within the
mobile device and may be changed and/or recharged as needed; some
mobile devices have fully integrated batteries that cannot be
swapped out. As more powerful mobile devices are designed and
advanced apps (Geo-location, streaming video, device pairing, etc.)
consume more and more power, the limited internal batteries face a
losing battle, thereby shortening the time between charges, which
limits the usefulness of a mobile device as a user is forced to
locate a power source to recharge the battery source and wait until
it is recharged.
[0007] Additionally, such mobile devices are typically designed to
satisfy the needs of a wide array of consumers. For instance, such
mobile devices may have somewhat limited processing capabilities
(e.g., to extend battery power) and limited input/output
capabilities. Consequently, users who wish to extend the
capabilities of the mobile device to implement various types of
solutions may be prevented from doing so by the battery life.
SUMMARY
[0008] Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to mobile device
accessories that extend the functionality and/or capabilities of
mobile devices. For example, by supplying an external accessory
containing an additional battery, more powerful devices and
applications can be designed and used without the concern of
regular power loss. The additional battery can be contained in an
external case and can be electrically coupled through a wire or
mounting system, but the additional battery can also be contained
inside of another frequently used peripheral--a protective case. By
incorporating an additional battery inside of a protective case for
the mobile device, a user can reduce the number of peripherals to
be carried at any one time and greatly increase the longevity of
his or her mobile device by adding a little bit of extra
thickness.
[0009] There is also a recent emphasis in modern mobile devices on
short-range communication (e.g., for secure transactions). These
can include a number of radio and infrared frequency communications
such as those associated with NFC (Near Field Communication),
Bluetooth.RTM., Bluetooth.RTM. LE (low energy), 6LoWPAN (IPv6 over
Low power Wireless Personal Area Network), ZigBee.RTM.,
HSPA+(Evolved High-Speed Packet Access), UWB (Ultra-Wideband),
Wireless USB, LTE (Long Term Evolution), GSM (Global System for
Mobile Communications), WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for
Microwave Access), and EV-DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized). These
communications standards frequently, but not universally,
communicate within the industrial, scientific, and medical radio
bands as defined by the International Telecommunication Union
Radiocommunication Sector's Radio Regulations. Some of these
telecommunications standards, especially those with lower
frequencies, have such a short effective range such that the
thickness of a standard mobile device protective case could
substantially dampen or interfere with the communication. For
example, Near Field Communication (NFC) has a theoretical maximum
effective range of approximately four centimeters; however the
low-power implementation in many mobile devices has an effective
range between about 1.0-2.5 centimeters.
[0010] In some embodiments, a mobile device peripheral for a mobile
communication device is disclosed, comprising: a protective case
and a repeater antenna. In some embodiments, the repeater antenna
can be enclosed inside of the protective case. The repeater antenna
can either include one or more passive antennas and/or one or more
active antennas. In some embodiments, the repeater antenna
comprises a first antenna electrically connected to a second
antenna. Both antennas can be contained in one device, but the two
antennas can also be located in separate peripherals that are
capable of electrical coupling. The second antenna can transmit a
signal received by the first antenna and vice versa. The second
antenna can repeat (or re-transmit) a signal transmitted by the
mobile device. In some embodiments, there can be one or more
ferrite layers between the first antenna and the second antenna.
The ferrite layers can be directly attached to one or both of the
antennas (e.g., by adhesive sheets). The ferrite layers can block
interference between the two antennas. Additionally the ferrite
layers can increase the apparent magnetic depth of an antenna
(e.g., a thin antenna), for example if the antenna is used as an
inductor to induce a magnetic field from an electrical signal or to
induce an electric signal from a magnetic field. In some
embodiments, one or more insulating layers can be disposed between
the first antenna and the second antenna. For example, there can be
an insulating layer attached to the ferrite layer for one or both
of the antennas. The insulating layer can be made of a
thermoplastic such as Polyethylene Terephthalate; however other
insulators may also be used. The ferrite layer can be made of
Manganese-Zinc (Mn--Zn), sodium iron oxide (Na--Fe--O2), or some
other ferrite material. The antenna can be simply and cheaply
constructed using a flexible printed circuit (FPC).
[0011] In some embodiments, the mobile device peripheral can
include a battery, e.g., in between the first antenna and the
second antenna. Electrical insulating layers can be placed between
one or more of the ferrite layers and the battery. In some
embodiments, the battery is electrically insulated from the
repeater antenna; however, in another embodiments, the battery can
be used to amplify a signal received at one antenna to be more
powerfully broadcast from the other antenna. In certain
embodiments, the battery can 1) supply power to an attached mobile
device, 2) amplify the signal from one or both of the antennas, or
3) both supply power to an attached mobile device and amplify the
signal from one or both of the antennas. In some embodiments, the
first antenna is not connected to the mobile device by an
electrically conductive medium, and/or the second antenna is not
connected to the mobile device by an electrically conductive
medium.
[0012] The protective case can be made of one piece, two pieces, or
more pieces that combine to protect the mobile device. For example,
the protective case can be a single molded piece. In a three-piece
embodiment, the protective case can include a first rigid portion
and a second rigid portion that combine to partially enclose the
mobile device and a flexible portion that stretches over the first
rigid portion and second rigid portion. The three portions in
combination can provide some protection from dust, liquid, and/or
impact. In a two-piece embodiment, the protective case can include
a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can include
a back plane, a first sidewall connected to the back plane so that
the first side wall can be positioned against or along a first side
edge of the mobile device, and a second sidewall connected to the
back plane (e.g., at an end generally opposite the first sidewall)
such that the second sidewall can be positioned against or along a
second side edge of the mobile device. The second portion can
include a third sidewall that can be substantially perpendicular to
the first sidewall and/or the second sidewall, and the third
sidewall can be positioned against or along a third side edge of
the mobile device when the second portion is seated against the
first portion. The second portion can include an open side end
generally opposite to the third sidewall, and the second portion
can attach to the first portion through the open side end and when
the second portion is seated against the first portion. The mobile
device can be secured in place by at least the back plane, the
first sidewall, the second sidewall, and/or the third sidewall, and
the screen of the mobile device can remain visible when the mobile
device is mounted into the case. In some embodiments, the mobile
device peripheral can additionally include a processor, an external
interface coupled to the processor, and an internal interface
positioned to connect to a device interface on the mobile device
and coupled to the processor. In some embodiments, the mobile
device peripheral can further comprise a battery, and in some
implementations the battery can be coupled to the processor. The
battery can supply power to the mobile device (e.g., via an
interface on the mobile device peripheral that is configured to
couple to a device interface on the mobile device to provide an
electrical connection between the battery and the mobile device).
In some embodiments, the battery can amplify the signal transmitted
by one or more of the antennas. In some embodiments, the repeater
antenna is not connected to the mobile device by an electrically
conductive medium. In some embodiments, the mobile device
peripheral can include more than two coupled antennas, which--among
other benefits--can allow short-range communication accessibility
from multiple locations on the protective case. In some embodiments
incorporating more than two coupled antennas, amplifying the signal
through a power-source such as the battery can greatly improve
functionality. The first antenna can be mounted to the back plane
(e.g., so as to be opposite the mobile device). The mobile device
peripheral can include an external wall on an opposite side of the
peripheral from the back plane, and in some implementations, the
second antenna can be mounted to the external wall.
[0013] In some embodiments, the antennas operate within the
industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands as defined by
the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication
Sector's Radio Regulations. The ISM radio bands can include at
least the frequencies shown below in Table 1. The repeater antenna
can operate at a various frequencies or frequency ranges, e.g.,
frequency or frequency ranges associated with a center frequency of
about 13.56 megahertz, with a center frequency of about 915
megahertz, with a center frequency of about 2.45 gigahertz, with a
center frequency of about 5.8 gigahertz, with a center frequency of
about, or with a center frequency of about 245 gigahertz, although
various other frequencies or frequency ranges can be used (as shown
in Table 1).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Center Frequency range Bandwidth frequency
6.765 MHz 6.795 MHz 30 KHz 6.780 MHz 13.553 MHz 13.567 MHz 14 KHz
13.560 MHz 26.957 MHz 27.283 MHz 326 KHz 27.120 MHz 40.660 MHz
40.700 MHz 40 KHz 40.680 MHz 433.050 MHz 434.790 MHz 1.84 MHz
433.920 MHz 902.000 MHz 928.000 MHz 26 MHz 915.000 MHz 2.400 GHz
2.500 GHz 100 MHz 2.450 GHz 5.725 GHz 5.875 GHz 150 MHz 5.800 GHz
24.000 GHz 24.250 GHz 250 MHz 24.125 GHz 61.000 GHz 61.500 GHz 500
MHz 61.250 GHz 122.000 GHz 123.000 GHz 1 GHz 122.500 GHz 244.000
GHz 246.000 GHz 2 GHz 245.000 GHz
[0014] The antennas can operate within the standards set for a
number of radio and infrared frequency communications standards,
for example, those standards associated with NFC (Near Field
Communication), Bluetooth.RTM., Bluetooth.RTM. LE (low energy),
6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low power Wireless Personal Area Network),
ZigBee.RTM., etc. Some embodiments disclosed herein can be
particularly beneficial for a short-range standard such as Near
Field Communication (NFC). NFC can have a theoretical maximum range
of approximately 4.0 centimeters, but mobile devices frequently
have a more realistic maximum range of about 1.0-2.5 centimeters.
With such a short maximum detection and communication range, a
mobile device case can severely limit or completely block the
mobile device antenna that is used to transmit and/or receive NFC
signals. For example, the thickness of the case can impede the NFC
antenna on the mobile device from coming into close enough
proximity to receive and/or send NFC data. Also, the material of
the case can interfere with, or otherwise impede, the NFC signal.
In some embodiments, the case can include a battery or other
electrical or mechanical components that can block, interfere with,
or otherwise impede the NFC signal. By including a repeater antenna
(e.g., inside of the protective case), the degrading influence of
the case on the NFC signal can be reduced or eliminated. For
example, the repeater antenna can include a first antenna disposed
on a first side of the case near the mobile device and a second
antenna disposed on a second side of the case that is further from
the mobile device. When the mobile device transmits a signal, the
first antenna can receive the signal, the signal can be relayed to
the second antenna (e.g., via an electrical connection between the
first and second antennas), and the second antenna can re-transmit
the signal. When receiving a signal, the second antenna can receive
the signal, the signal can be relayed to the first antenna, the
first antenna can re-transmit the signal, and the antenna on the
mobile device can receive the re-transmitted signal. Thus, in some
embodiments, the range of the repeater antenna used together with
the mobile device antenna can be calculated from the wall of the
protective case rather than the wall of the mobile device. Although
some embodiments disclosed herein are discussed in connection with
Near Field Communication (NFC), the embodiments can also be used on
connection with other signal types, ranges, and standards, even
when not specifically stated.
[0015] Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a protective
case for a mobile device. The protective case can include an
internal cavity that partially encloses the mobile device when the
mobile device is placed in the protective case. The protective case
can include a back plane and at least two side walls, and an
external back wall that is opposite the back plane. A first antenna
can be mounted to the back plane and/or a second antenna can be
mounted to the external back wall (e.g., to an inwardly facing
inside surface of the external back wall).
[0016] The second antenna can be electrically connected to the
first antenna. The first antenna can receive a signal from the
mobile device and the second antenna can transmit the signal. The
second antenna can repeat a signal transmitted by the mobile
device. In some embodiments, the first antenna and/or the second
antenna are not connected to the mobile device by an electrically
conductive medium. The protective case can include a battery, and
the battery can be located between the first antenna and the second
antenna. Some embodiments can include an insulator layer between
the first antenna and the battery.
[0017] Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a mobile
device peripheral, which can include a first antenna, a second
antenna that is electrically connected to the first antenna, and a
third antenna that is electrically connected to the first antenna.
In some embodiments, the first antenna can receive a first signal
from a mobile device, the second antenna can transmit the first
signal, and the third antenna can transmit the first signal. In
some embodiments, the second antenna or the third antenna can
receive a second signal, and the first antenna transmits the second
signal (e.g., to the mobile device). The mobile device peripheral
can include a power source, and the power source can amplify the
first signal and/or the second signal. The power source can be a
battery.
[0018] Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of
transmitting a near field communication (NFC) signal from a mobile
electronic device, which can be at least partially enclosed by a
protective case. The method can include providing a mobile
electronic device that is at least partially enclosed by a
protective case and transmitting an NFC signal from the antenna of
the mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device can
include a battery and an antenna configured to transmit near field
communication (NFC) signals. The protective case can include a
supplemental battery configured to charge the mobile electronic
device. The protective case can include a repeater antenna that
includes a first antenna disposed on a first side of the
supplemental battery, a second antenna disposed on a second side of
the supplemental battery, and an electrical connection that
electrically couples the first antenna to the second antenna. The
supplemental battery can be positioned to block or otherwise impede
the NFC signal transmitted by the antenna on the mobile electronic
device. The method can include includes receiving the NFC signal by
the first antenna of the repeater antenna and relaying the NFC
signal from the first antenna of the repeater antenna to the second
antenna of the repeater antenna via the electrical connection. The
method can include re-transmitting the NFC signal from the second
antenna of the repeater antenna. In some embodiments, the
re-transmitted signal from the second antenna can be the same as
the signal from the antenna on the mobile electronic device, or the
re-transmitted signal can be an amplified signal or other modified
signal based on the signal received from the antenna on the mobile
electronic device.
[0019] Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of
receiving a near field communication (NFC) signal. The method can
include providing a mobile electronic device that is at least
partially enclosed by a protective case, as disclosed herein. The
method can include receiving an incoming NFC signal by the second
antenna of the repeater antenna, relaying the incoming NFC signal
from the second antenna of the repeater antenna to the first
antenna of the repeater antenna via the electrical connection,
re-transmitting the NFC signal from the first antenna of the
repeater antenna, and receiving the re-transmitted signal by the
antenna of the mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, the
re-transmitted signal from the first antenna can be the same as the
signal received by the second antenna, or the re-transmitted signal
can be an amplified signal or other modified signal based on the
signal received by the second antenna.
[0020] Certain embodiments disclosed herein can relate to a
protective case for a mobile electronic device. The protective case
can include a housing that includes a cavity configured to at least
partially enclose a mobile electronic device that has an antenna
for transmitting and receiving signals from a rear of the mobile
electronic device. The housing can include a back plane configured
to be disposed rearward of the mobile electronic device. The
protective case further include a battery inside the housing such
that the battery is configured to be disposed rearward of the
mobile electronic device. A first antenna can be disposed on a
first side of the battery (e.g., facing forward) and configured to
receive signals from, and transmit signals to, the antenna of the
mobile electronic device. A second antenna can be disposed on a
second side of the battery (e.g., facing rearward). The protective
case can include an electrical connection that electrically couples
the first antenna to the second antenna, and the electrical
connection can be configured to communicate signals between the
first antenna and the second antenna. The first antenna can be
configured to re-transmit signals received by the second antenna,
and the second antenna can be configured to re-transmit signals
received by the first antenna. The re-transmitted signals can be
the same as the received signals, or the re-transmitted signals can
be amplified signals or other modified signals that are based on
the received signals.
[0021] In some embodiments, a mobile electronic device can be at
least partially enclosed by the housing of the protective case. The
mobile electronic device can include an antenna for transmitting
and receiving signals from a rear of the mobile electronic device,
a battery, and a device interface. The protective case can include
an interface configured to couple to the device interface to
provide an electrical connection for the battery of the protective
case to charge the mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic
device can be a mobile phone or a tablet computer.
[0022] In various embodiments disclosed herein, the protective case
can include an interface configured to couple to a device interface
on the mobile electronic device to provide an electrical connection
for the battery of the protective case to charge the mobile
electronic device.
[0023] In some embodiments, the first antenna and the second
antenna can be formed on a flexible printed circuit board. A first
ferrite layer can be disposed between the battery and the first
antenna. A second ferrite layer can be disposed between the battery
and the second antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna
can be configured to receive and transits near field communication
(NFC) signals.
[0024] Various embodiments disclosed herein can relate to a case
for a mobile electronic device. The case can include a housing
configured to removably couple to a mobile electronic device, a
first antenna inside the housing, and a second antenna inside the
housing and spaced apart from the first antenna. The case can
include a communication link between the first antenna and the
second antenna. The first antenna can be configured to emit a
signal that is based at least in part on a signal received by the
second antenna, or the second antenna can be configured to emit a
signal that is based at least in part on a signal received by the
first antenna.
[0025] In some embodiments, the case can include a battery, e.g.,
disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna. The case
can include an interface configured to couple to a device interface
on the mobile electronic device to provide an electrical connection
for the battery of the protective case to charge the mobile
electronic device. In some embodiments, an air gap can be disposed
between the first antenna and the second antenna. One or more
insulating layers can be disposed between the first antenna and the
second antenna. One or more ferrite layers can be disposed between
the first antenna and the second antenna. A first ferrite layer can
be disposed between the one or more insulating layers and the first
antenna, and/or a second ferrite layer can be disposed between the
one or more insulation layers and the second antenna. Some
embodiments can include a battery disposed between the first
antenna and the second antenna, and the one or more insulation
layers can include a first insulating layer disposed between the
battery and the first ferrite layer and/or a second insulating
layer disposed between the battery and the second ferrite
layer.
[0026] The first antenna and the second antenna can be positioned
such that the first antenna is configured to be closer than the
second antenna to the mobile electronic device, when the mobile
electronic device is attached to the case.
[0027] In some embodiments, the case can include a battery
configured to amplify the signal emitted by the first antenna or
the signal emitted by the second antenna.
[0028] In some embodiments, the first antenna and the second
antenna are configured to relay a signal for charging the mobile
electronic device. A mobile electronic device can be coupled to the
housing, and the mobile electronic device can include a mobile
device antenna, a mobile device battery, and an electrical
connection between the mobile device antenna and the mobile device
battery. The second antenna can be configured to receive an input
charging signal, and the first antenna can be configured to emit an
output charging signal based at least in part on the input charging
signal. The mobile device antenna can be configured to receive the
output charging signal and to charge the mobile device battery via
the electrical connection. In some embodiments, the signal for
charging the mobile electronic device can include a magnetic
field.
[0029] The case can include a third antenna in some
implementations. A communication link can be included between the
first antenna and the third antenna. The second antenna can be
configured to emit a signal that is based at least in part on a
signal received by the first antenna, and the third antenna can be
configured to emit a signal that is based at least in part on a
signal received by the first antenna.
[0030] Various embodiments can relate to a peripheral for a mobile
electronic device. The peripheral can include a case configured to
hold a mobile electronic device and a repeater antenna at least
partially disposed inside the case.
[0031] The repeater antenna can include a first antenna disposed
inside the case and a second antenna disposed in an additional
peripheral separate from the case. Some embodiments can include a
detachable electrical connector that electrically couples the first
antenna to the second antenna when the electrical connector is
attached. A battery can be disposed inside the case. In some
embodiments the repeater antenna can include a first antenna on a
first side of the battery and a second antenna on a second side of
the battery.
[0032] In some embodiments, the repeater antenna can include a
first antenna disposed inside the case, a second antenna disposed
inside the case and spaced apart from the first antenna, and an
electrical connection between the first antenna and the second
antenna. The first antenna can be configured to emit a signal that
is based at least in part on a signal received by the second
antenna, and/or the second antenna can be configured to emit a
signal that is based at least in part on a signal received by the
first antenna.
[0033] In another aspect, an apparatus for repeating wireless
signals of a mobile electronic device is disclosed herein. The
apparatus can include a housing means for enclosing the mobile
electronic device (e.g., which can include an antenna for
transmitting and receiving the wireless signals, such as from a
rear of the mobile electronic device). The apparatus can include
first antenna means for transceiving the wireless signals from and
to the antenna on the mobile electronic device. The apparatus can
further include second antenna means for transceiving wireless
signals outside the housing means. The apparatus can include
connection means for coupling the first antenna means to the second
antenna means.
[0034] Various features and elements listed above (and disclosed
elsewhere herein) can be combined to form various combinations and
subcombinations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack for
a mobile device according to one example.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates how a mobile device can be housed within
the battery pack of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the battery pack of FIG.
1.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates the battery pack of FIG. 1 in an open
configuration.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the battery pack of FIG.
1.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the battery pack of FIG.
1.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of the battery pack of FIG.
1.
[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates back view of the battery pack of FIG. 1
in an open position.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates a first side view of the battery pack of
FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates the first side view of the battery pack
of FIG. 1 in an open position.
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates a second side view of the battery pack
of FIG. 1.
[0046] FIG. 12 illustrates the second side view of the battery pack
of FIG. 1 in an open position.
[0047] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of components of the battery
pack of FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram for the battery pack of
FIG. 1.
[0049] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the battery
pack.
[0050] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the battery pack
with a mobile device inserted therein.
[0051] FIG. 17 illustrates a battery pack that also operates as an
extendible processing and/or interfacing platform for a mobile
device
[0052] FIG. 18 illustrates another perspective view of the battery
pack.
[0053] FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the battery pack.
[0054] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the battery pack with
the mobile device inserted therein.
[0055] FIG. 21 illustrates a back view of the battery pack with the
mobile device inserted therein.
[0056] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the battery pack with and
without the mobile device.
[0057] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate a functional block diagram of
one embodiment of the components of the mobile device, the external
processing accessory, and the application specific accessory.
[0058] FIG. 24 illustrates a functional block diagram of one
embodiment of a payment processing mobile accessory adapted to read
data stored on magnetic strips of a payment card.
[0059] FIG. 25 illustrates a front perspective view of the payment
processing accessory.
[0060] FIG. 26 illustrates a front view of the payment processing
accessory.
[0061] FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate perspective views of a mobile
device housed within the casing of the payment processing
accessory.
[0062] FIG. 28 illustrates a bottom view of the payment processing
accessory.
[0063] FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of the payment processing
accessory.
[0064] FIG. 30 illustrates the top section of the payment
processing accessory detached from the bottom section.
[0065] FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded view of the bottom section
of the payment processing accessory.
[0066] FIG. 32A-32C illustrate perspective views of the internal
contents of the bottom section of the payment processing
accessory.
[0067] FIG. 33 illustrates a functional block diagram of one
embodiment of a payment processing mobile accessory adapted to read
data stored on a chip embedded into a payment card.
[0068] FIG. 34 illustrates a functional block diagram of a near
field communication mobile accessory.
[0069] FIG. 35 illustrates a functional block diagram of a
television signal receiver and battery pack mobile accessory.
[0070] FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of a two piece casing
that may be used to house an external processing accessory, NFC
accessory, TV receiver accessory, or a payment processing
accessory.
[0071] FIG. 37 illustrates the casing of FIG. 36 with a mobile
device housed therein.
[0072] FIG. 38 illustrates a front view of the casing of FIG. 36 in
a closed configuration.
[0073] FIG. 39 illustrates a front view of the casing of FIG. 36 in
an open configuration.
[0074] FIG. 40 illustrates a top view of the casing of FIG. 36.
[0075] FIG. 41 illustrates a bottom view of the casing of FIG.
36.
[0076] FIG. 42 illustrates a back view of the casing of FIG.
36.
[0077] FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a single piece
casing that leaves at least one surface of the mobile device
exposed. The casing may be used to house an external processing
accessory, NFC accessory, TV receiver accessory, or a payment
processing accessory.
[0078] FIG. 44 illustrates the casing of FIG. 43 with a mobile
device housed therein.
[0079] FIG. 45 illustrates a perspective view of a single piece
casing that attaches onto the end of the mobile device. The casing
may be used to house an external processing accessory, NFC
accessory, TV receiver accessory, or a payment processing
accessory.
[0080] FIG. 46 illustrates the casing of FIG. 45 with a mobile
device housed therein.
[0081] FIG. 47 illustrates a functional block diagram of a
two-piece modular mobile device accessory scheme that comprises a
bottom module and top module.
[0082] FIG. 48 illustrates a functional block diagram of a
three-piece modular mobile device accessory scheme that comprises a
bottom module, middle module, and top module.
[0083] FIG. 49 illustrates a functional block diagram of a data
management system that allows a mobile device equipped with a data
management mobile accessory to synchronize with and update data
stored on a server.
[0084] FIG. 50 illustrates a functional block diagram of one
embodiment of the data management mobile accessory.
[0085] FIG. 51 illustrates a functional block diagram of one
embodiment of an external processing mobile accessory configured to
provide additional hardware and/or software resources to an
application specific mobile device accessory and a mobile
device.
[0086] FIG. 52 illustrates an example embodiment of an antenna
assembly.
[0087] FIG. 53 illustrates an example embodiment of a repeater
antenna that includes a first antenna and a second antenna.
[0088] FIG. 54 illustrates an example embodiment of a system in
which the first antenna is in a first peripheral device and the
second antenna is in a second peripheral device.
[0089] FIG. 55 illustrates an example embodiment of a repeater
antenna.
[0090] FIG. 56 illustrates an example embodiment of a repeater
antenna incorporated into a case for a mobile device.
[0091] FIG. 57 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of
a repeater antenna incorporated into a case for a mobile
device.
[0092] FIG. 58 shows another example embodiment of a repeater
antenna incorporated into a case for a mobile device.
[0093] FIG. 59 illustrates an example embodiment of a repeater
antenna that includes three antennas.
[0094] FIG. 60 is a flowchart of an example method for transmitting
a local wireless signal from a mobile device.
[0095] FIG. 61 is a flowchart of an example method for receiving a
local wireless signal by a mobile device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0096] Hereinafter, certain exemplary embodiments according to the
disclosed technology will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed technology are shown Like reference numerals designate
like elements throughout the specification. As those skilled in the
art would understand, the described embodiments may be modified in
various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or
scope of the disclosed technology. Thus, the drawings and
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive. In some cases, elements that are not essential to the
complete understanding of the disclosed technology are omitted for
clarity.
[0097] Since some of the sizes and thicknesses of constituent
members shown in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily given
for better understanding and ease of description, the disclosed
technology is not limited to the illustrated sizes and thicknesses.
However, this disclosure includes various sizes, thickness,
proportions, relative positions, etc. shown in the drawings.
[0098] In the drawings, the thickness of some layers, films,
panels, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity. In the
drawings, for better understanding and ease of description, the
thicknesses of some layers and areas are exaggerated. It will be
understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or
substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be
directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be
present.
[0099] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow,
when it is described that an element is "coupled" or "connected" to
another element, the element may be directly coupled or directly
connected to the other element, or the element may be indirectly
coupled or indirectly connected to the other element, e.g., through
a third element. In addition, unless explicitly described to the
contrary, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated
elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. Throughout
this specification, it is understood that the term "on" and similar
terms are used generally and are not necessarily related to a
gravitational reference.
[0100] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the inventions. However, the inventions may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,
procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so
as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.
[0101] Various embodiments provide battery packs shaped to conform
to the external shape of a mobile device, thereby providing a
permanent or long-term replacement power source without
significantly affecting the size and usability of the mobile
device.
[0102] According to some embodiments, the battery pack can include
a wireless communication module, which can be a Near Field
Communication (NFC) interface. In this way, even non-NFC enabled
mobile device could participate in NFC transactions. For the
purpose of illustration, many of the figures and specific examples
describe NFC modules; however, the disclosure includes not only NFC
interfaces or even radio frequency interfaces generally, but is
intended to cover all wireless communication types. Among the
expressly included wireless communication methods are radio, Near
Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi, cellular,
infrared, satellite, GPD, electromagnetic radiation, IEEE 802.15.4,
wireless USB, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), 6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low power
Wireless Personal Area Network), HSPA+ (Evolved High-Speed Packet
Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communications), WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave
Access), and EV-DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized). The technology
is not limited to only these communication standards, but at least
all of these standards are expressly included within the meaning of
a wireless communication.
[0103] According to another feature, the battery pack may provide
recharge power to the mobile device while also providing an
external signaling and/or charging interface to the mobile device.
This way, the mobile device need not be removed from the battery
pack in order to charge it or provide data (e.g., synchronization,
etc.).
[0104] According to yet another feature, the battery pack may
include one or more different types of communication interfaces to
extend the communication capabilities of the mobile device. This
allows the mobile device to communicate via other interfaces that
may not be built into the mobile device.
[0105] According to yet another feature, the battery pack may
include one or more processors to extend the processing
capabilities of the battery pack. For instance, the one or more
processors may increase the processing capabilities of the battery
pack and/or provide purpose-specific processors. That is, the
interface between the battery pack and mobile device may allow the
mobile device to use the one or more processors to execute
applications on the battery pack. Note that such applications may,
in some instances, continue to operate even if the mobile device is
detached from the battery pack.
[0106] According to yet another feature, the battery pack may
include an inductive recharging device or a near-distance
recharging device so that its power cells may be recharged without
actually physically plugging it to a recharge power source.
First Embodiment of Battery Pack
[0107] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack for
a mobile device according to one example. In this example, the
battery pack 100 is shaped to receive or house a mobile phone
within a contoured cavity 102. The battery pack 100 has an
integrated rechargeable power cell capable of providing power to
operate and/or recharge a mobile device mobile device. For
illustrative purposes, mobile device is depicted as the mobile
communication device sold under the trademark iPhone by Apple Inc.;
it is understood by those familiar with the art that other mobile
devices such as computers, mobile phones, media players, music
players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, and
the like may be equally applicable.
[0108] FIG. 2 illustrates how a mobile device can be housed within
the battery pack 100 of FIG. 1. As can be appreciated from this
figure, the battery pack 100 is shaped to closely wrap around the
mobile device 202 and serves as a protective case for the mobile
device 202.
[0109] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the battery pack 100 of
FIG. 1. The battery pack 100 includes a back plane 304, first and
second sides 306 and 308, a bottom side 312, and a top side 314.
The back plane 304, first and second sides 306, bottom side 312 and
top side 314 may be shaped to form a pocket or cavity 102 in which
a mobile device to be powered can be housed. The top side 314 of
the battery pack 100 may slide out to allow insertion and removal
of the mobile device.
[0110] Referring again to FIG. 1, the battery pack 100 may include
one or more openings 104, 108, 110, and 112 to facilitate access to
various features of the mobile phone. For instance, a first opening
104 on the back plane 304 of the battery pack 100 may allow
unobstructed view for a camera lens on the back of the mobile
device. A second opening 108 may provide access to a screen on/off
switch for the mobile device. A third opening 110 may provide
access to an audio jack on the mobile device. A fourth opening 112
on the first side 306 may provide access to a volume control
sliding switch.
[0111] The battery pack 100 may also include a connector or
interface 106 within the cavity 102 (e.g., on the bottom side 312)
through which power can be provided to the mobile device from the
internal power cell of the battery pack 100. Additionally, the
connector 106 may be coupled to an external interface to provide
input and/or output signals to the mobile device.
[0112] From FIG. 1, it can be appreciated that the battery pack may
include two sections that separate to allow insertion of the mobile
device and can then be coupled together to secure the mobile device
in place. The size and shape of the battery pack 100 may be
approximately that of the external contour of a mobile device to
which it is intended to provide power.
[0113] FIG. 4 illustrates the battery pack of FIG. 1 in an open
configuration. The battery pack 100 may include a bottom section
402 and a top section 404 that can be separated from each other to
insert a mobile device within the battery pack 100 and can then be
coupled together to secure the mobile device in place. For example,
the bottom section 402 may include receiving grooves 406a and 406b
that receive rails 408a and 408b from the top section 404. In this
manner, the top section 404 can be coupled to the bottom section
402 by pressure fit. For example, a tongue section 802 (FIG. 8) may
slide on to the top section 404 such that an engaging tab 412
couples into a receiving groove 804 (FIG. 8) to secure the top
section 404 to the bottom section 402.
[0114] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the battery pack 100 of
FIG. 1. In this view, the top side 314 of the battery pack 100 is
shown and the first opening 104, second opening 108, and third
opening 110 can be appreciated.
[0115] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the battery pack 100 of
FIG. 1. In this view, the bottom side 312 of the battery pack 100
is shown. In this view, an external interface 602 (e.g., mini or
micro USB connector) is shown. This external interface 602 may
serve to recharge the internal power cell of the battery pack.
Additionally, the external interface 602 may also provide a
pass-through signaling interface for the internal connector or
interface 106, thereby allowing the mobile device to communicate
via the external interface 602. A switch 604 may also be located on
the bottom side 312 of the battery pack and can function to switch
power from the battery pack On or Off. That is, when the mobile
device has sufficient power on its own, the power cell of the
battery pack is not needed and can be switched Off until it is
needed.
[0116] FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of the battery pack 100 of
FIG. 1. In this example, a test button 702 is provided that, when
pushed, causes plurality of LED lights 704 to indicate the power or
charge level of the internal power cell of the battery pack
100.
[0117] FIG. 8 illustrates back view of the battery pack 100 of FIG.
1 in an open position.
[0118] FIG. 9 illustrates a first side view of the battery pack of
FIG. 1.
[0119] FIG. 10 illustrates the first side view of the battery pack
of FIG. 1 in an open position.
[0120] FIG. 11 illustrates a second side view of the battery pack
of FIG. 1.
[0121] FIG. 12 illustrates the second side view of the battery pack
of FIG. 1 in an open position.
[0122] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of components of the battery
pack of FIG. 1. In this example, the battery pack may include a
first bottom section 1302 and a second bottom section 1304 which
form a top and bottom shell in between which one or more circuit
boards 1308, 1310, and/or 1312 and/or one or more power cells 1306
are housed. That is, the circuit boards 1308, 1310, 1312 and/or
power cell(s) 1306 are sandwiched between the top and bottom
sections 1302 and 1304 of the battery pack 100. Consequently, the
rechargeable power cell(s) 1306 may be housed within the thickness
of the back plane of the battery pack.
[0123] In some instance, the circuit boards and or power cell of
the battery pack may cause interference with the antenna or
signaling of the mobile device which is in close proximity.
Consequently, one aspect provides for reducing the size of a
primary circuit board 1308 by adding secondary circuit boards 1310
and 1312 which are electrically coupled to the primary circuit
board 1308. This allows reducing the size of the circuit board 1308
thereby reducing interference to the antenna of the mobile device.
Additionally, the ground for the power cell 1306 may be coupled to
the ground for the mobile device (via the internal interface 106)
to reduce interference to the mobile device.
[0124] FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram for the battery pack 100
of FIG. 1. The battery pack 1402 may include a power cell 1404, an
internal interface 1406, an external interface 1408, and charge
level indicator 1410. The internal interface 1406 may be adapted to
provide a mobile device power from the power cell 1404 as well as
passing signal to/from the mobile device to the external interface
1408. The external interface 1408 may allow recharging of the power
cell 1404 as well as passing signals to/from the mobile device via
the internal interface 1406. A switch 1412 may allow switching
power from the power cell 1404 to the mobile device On and Off as
desired. Also, a charge level indicator 1410 permits displaying of
the charge level of the power cell 1404. Additionally, a recharging
module 1413 serves to recharge to power cell 1404 when needed.
Second Embodiment of Battery Pack
[0125] FIGS. 15-16 and 18-22 illustrate yet another embodiment of
the power pack. In this embodiment, the power pack may operate as
previously disclosed but does not include a top section. By
removing the top section, the battery pack is more compact in size
and ergonomic so that it does not significantly increase or change
the size, thickness, and/or shape of mobile communication device
1602 secured thereto.
[0126] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the battery pack
1502.
[0127] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the battery pack
1502 with a mobile device 1602 inserted therein.
[0128] FIG. 18 illustrates another perspective view of the battery
pack 1502.
[0129] FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the battery pack
1502.
[0130] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the battery pack 1502
with the mobile device inserted therein.
[0131] FIG. 21 illustrates a back view of the battery pack 1502
with the mobile device 1602 inserted therein.
[0132] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the battery pack 1502
with and without the mobile device 1602. Note that, in some
embodiments, the left and right sides may be symmetrical.
[0133] Extendible Processing and Interfacing Platform
[0134] FIG. 17 illustrates a battery pack that also operates as an
extendible processing and/or interfacing platform for a mobile
device. In one example, the battery pack 1702 may operate as
described with reference to FIG. 14. In addition, the battery pack
may also include one or more processors 1706 and/or one or more
interfaces 1708. The one or more processors 1706a and 1706b may
allow a mobile device coupled to the internal interface 1406 to
extend its processing capabilities. For instance, the mobile device
may cause one or more applications to be executed on the one or
more processors 1706 while using a user display on the mobile
device as an output interface. Additionally, the processors 1706a
and/or 1706b may be purpose-specific processors that allow the
mobile device to perform particular tasks not otherwise possible on
its own. For example, the processors 1706 may provide
analog-to-digital conversion, audio signal sampling, temperature
measuring, etc., which may not be available to the standard mobile
device.
[0135] The one or more interfaces 1708a and 1708b may also provide
the mobile device a means by which to communicate or acquire
signals. These interfaces 1708 may effectively expand the
communication interfaces available to the mobile device by
providing wired and/or wireless communication interfaces for
various types of signals (e.g., audio, infrared, etc.).
[0136] The battery pack 1702 may also include a recharging module
1704 that facilitates recharging of the power cell 1404. For
example, the recharging module 1704 may be a wireless or cordless
charging device that inductively or otherwise facilitates
recharging of the power cell 1404.
[0137] In one example implementation, the battery pack 1702 may be
adapted to function as a Medical Processing Unit which may have
built-in capabilities for monitoring real-time health conditions
(e.g., alcohol levels in breath, pulse, temperature, blood
pressure, test and/or diagnose diabetes, etc.) via build-in test
port. Consequently, the battery pack 1702 can collect and/or
process such collected data and store it in the mobile device. Note
that the processing of such data may be directed by an application
that operates either on the one or more processors of the battery
pack 1702 and/or the processor(s) of the mobile device. According
to one feature, if an abnormal health condition occurs (e.g., a
heart attack, fainting, seizure, etc.), the Medical Processing Unit
may detect this condition and automatically activate the mobile
device (e.g., cellular phone) to send urgent text message or emails
to a doctor, hospital, or emergency responder. The responding party
(doctor, hospital, emergency responder) may be able to locate the
patient via a global positioning system or information from the
mobile device.
[0138] In another example implementation, the battery pack 1702 may
be adapted to function as a Gaming Processing Unit that may include
the capability of turning the mobile device into a real handheld
gaming device with joysticks or large PSP/DS type of gaming buttons
and communication devices. Consequently, the mobile device may be
configured to operate as an input and/or output interface (e.g.,
via a display on the mobile device or battery pack) for a game.
[0139] In yet another example, the battery pack 1702 may be adapted
to function as a Home Entertainment Unit that may include the
capability of turning the mobile device into a Universal Smart
Remote Control which can control all the IR activated units in a
home or office (e.g., control garage doors, television sets,
security alarm, air conditioning, lighting, etc.). For this
purpose, the battery pack 1702 may include various interfaces 1708
that provide the specific infrared and/or wireless protocols and/or
signaling to control such devices.
[0140] External Processing Mobile Accessory
[0141] As discussed above, in reference to FIG. 17, the battery
pack 1702 may operate as an extendible processing unit that
comprises one or more processors 1706a and 1706b, and one or more
interfaces 1708a and 1708b. The one or more processors 1706a and
1706b may allow a mobile device coupled to the internal interface
1406 to extend its processing capabilities, while the one or more
interfaces 1708a and 1708b may also provide the mobile device a
means by which to communicate or acquire signals. This concept may
be extended to an external processing mobile accessory that may
include one or more processors and/or devices (with or without the
external battery) that extends the functionality of, or adds
capabilities to the mobile device.
[0142] More particularly, the external processing accessory may
serve as a processing platform to which other application specific
accessories may interchangeably couple to, in order to take
advantage of the external processing accessory's hardware (e.g.,
processing circuitry, memory, I/O interfaces, etc.) and/or software
(e.g., firmware, applications, operating system, etc.). For
example, a third party vendor may wish to manufacture an
application specific mobile device accessory that measures blood
glucose levels. Ordinarily, the manufacturer of the blood glucose
measuring accessory would have to design and manufacture the
accessory to have complex hardware components and associated
software/firmware that serve to measure, analyze, and communicate
the blood glucose level information collected to the mobile device.
For example, the accessory may have to comprise, at least, one or
more processors, memory, and an interface that communicates with
the mobile device. However, these hardware components used within a
blood glucose measuring apparatus are all used to perform only one
function: reporting a user's blood glucose levels. The blood
glucose measuring apparatus would also necessarily require other
hardware too, such as, an input that receives blood from the
user.
[0143] If the third party vendor now wished to manufacture another
application specific mobile device accessory, such as a bar code
reader, another accessory would have to be designed and
manufactured having processors, memory, and a mobile device
communications interface, all dedicated--this time--to reading
barcodes. Duplication of such hardware resources to perform
different tasks is not cost effective. Therefore, there is a need
for an external processing accessory that may be removably coupled
to a plurality of different application specific accessories, so
that the application specific accessories may share the external
processing accessory's processors, memory, and communications
interfaces to handle common tasks such as processing, storing data,
and/or communicating with the mobile device. This would reduce the
design complexity and cost of the application specific
accessories.
[0144] FIG. 51 illustrates a functional block diagram of one
embodiment of an external processing mobile accessory 2302
configured to provide additional hardware and/or software (e.g.,
firmware, applications, operating system, etc.) resources to an
application specific mobile device accessory 2380 and a mobile
device 2350. The external processing accessory 2302 may be housed
within a casing that removably couples to the mobile device 2350.
The internal interface 2310 of the external processing accessory
2302 transmits data to and receives data from the mobile device
interface 2360 of the mobile device 2350. The external processing
accessory 2302 also removably couples to the application specific
accessory 2380. The external interface 2312 of the external
processing accessory 2302 transmits data to and receives data from
the communication interface 2390 of the application specific
accessory 2380.
[0145] The external processing accessory 2302 serves as a bridge
between the application specific accessory 2380 and the mobile
device 2350. The external processing accessory 2302 may provide for
a bulk of the processing, storing, and mobile device interface
communication needs of the application specific device 2380. Thus,
the application specific device 2380 may only need to comprise
those hardware components that are uniquely necessary to perform
its task (e.g., a barcode scanner input device for a barcode reader
accessory; a blood reception unit for a blood glucose measuring
accessory, etc.). Various application specific devices 2380 may be
interchangeably coupled to the external processing accessory 2302
for use with the mobile device 2350. The various application
specific devices 2380 may be manufactured by different third party
entities.
[0146] The application specific accessory 2380 may be, for example,
a blood glucose measuring accessory, a blood or breath alcohol
measuring accessory, a finger print image reader accessory, a
retinal image reader accessory, a barcode reader accessory, a
matrix code (i.e., 2D barcode) reader accessory, a near field
communication device accessory, a magnetic strip payment card
reader accessory, a smart card (contactless and contact) payment
card reader, or an inventory management accessory. The application
specific accessory 2380 is not limited to these embodiments, but
rather, it may be any accessory device with a specific
application.
[0147] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate a functional block diagram of
one embodiment of the components of the mobile device 2350, the
external processing accessory 2302, and the application specific
accessory 2380. The external processing accessory 2302 may comprise
a memory circuit 2304 (also referred to as memory circuits), one or
more processors 2306a and 2306b (also referred to as processing
circuits), one or more input and output (I/O) interfaces 2308a and
2308b, an internal interface 2310, an external interface 2312, a
cryptography module 2314, a power cell module 2316 (e.g., battery
power source), an integrated display 2318, a bus 2320, and/or a
power bus 2322. The bus 2320 serves as a communication interface
between the one or more processors 2306a and 2306b, the one or more
I/O interfaces 2308a and 2308b, the memory circuit 2304, the
internal interface 2310, the external interface 2312, the
cryptography module 2314, the power cell module 2316, and/or
integrated display 2318.
[0148] The external processing accessory 2302 may transmit and
receive data to the mobile device 2350. Specifically, the internal
interface 2310 of the external processing accessory 2302
communicatively couples to the mobile device interface 2360 of the
mobile device 2350. In one embodiment, the internal interface 2310
and mobile device interface 2360 physically couple to one another
to transmit data through a wire, bus, and/or electrical contact
connection. Such a connection may also serve to physically secure
the external processing device 2302 to the mobile device 2350.
Alternatively, or in addition to such a wired connection, the
internal interface 2310 may transmit and receive data to the mobile
device 2350 wirelessly, using for example a Bluetooth standard, or
any one of the 802.11 standards.
[0149] Moreover, the external processing accessory 2302 may
transmit to and receive data from the application specific
accessory 2380. Specifically, the external interface 2312 of the
external processing accessory 2302 communicatively couples to the
communication interface 2390 of the application specific accessory
2380. In one embodiment, the external interface 2312 and
communication interface 2390 physically couple to one another to
transmit data through a wire, bus, and/or electrical contact
connection. Such a connection may also serve to physically secure
the external processing device 2302 to the application specific
accessory 2380. Alternatively, or in addition to such a wired
connection, the external interface 2312 may transmit and receive
data to the application specific accessory 2380 wirelessly, using
for example a Bluetooth standard, or any one of the 802.11
standards.
[0150] The power cell module 2316 is an optional module that may
comprise the power cell 1404, charge level indicator 1410,
recharging module 1704, and switch 1412 of FIG. 17. The power cell
module 2316 and its components may perform some or all of the
functions of the battery pack described in FIGS. 1-22. For example,
the power cell module 2316 may provide power to the mobile device
2350 through the internal interface 2310 via the power bus 2322.
The power cell module 2316 may also provide power to the
application specific accessory 2380 through the external interface
2312 via the power bus 2322.
[0151] The memory circuit 2304 may comprise volatile and/or
non-volatile storage devices for storing an operating system 2324,
software applications 2326, and/or data. In one example, the memory
circuit 2304 may comprise one or more independent computer data
storage devices, such as, but not limited to, FLASH memory, ROM,
RAM, hard disks, optical disks, and the like. The operating system
(OS) 2324 can be any type of OS that adequately manages and
coordinates the activities and sharing of the external processing
accessory's 2302 resources, such as, but are not limited to,
Android.TM., iPhone OS.TM., Symbian OS.TM., BlackBerry OS.TM.,
Windows Mobile.TM., Linux, Palm webOS.TM., and Maemo.TM.. The OS
2324 may also host a variety of computing applications that are
resident on memory circuit 2304.
[0152] In one embodiment, the memory circuit 2304 may include one
or more software applications 2326 (also referred to as firmware)
that are each associated with an application specific accessory
2380. For example, the memory circuit 2304 may contain an
application 2326 specific to a glucose level measuring accessory,
that when executed by the processors 2306a, 2306b, controls the
glucose level measure accessory device and/or the external
processing accessory 2302. The application 2326 controls the
hardware associated with the application specific accessory 2380
and the external processing accessory 2302 and may control
transmission and reception of data with the mobile device 2350. For
example, the application 2326 when executed may cause the external
interface 2312 to receive data from the communications interface
2390 of the application specific accessory 2380. The application
2326 may then cause the data to be processed by the processors
2306a, 2306b. The processed data may then be transmitted to the
mobile device 2350 for display on the output interface 2362 (e.g.,
a display) of the mobile device 2350. The application 2326 may also
control the internal interface 2310 to receive data from the mobile
device 2350 in response to user interaction with the input
interface (e.g., a keyboard) 2362 of the mobile device 2350.
[0153] In one embodiment, an application 2326 associated with a
given application specific accessory 2380 is executed by the
processor 2306a upon detection of the associated application
specific accessory 2380. That is, the external processing accessory
2302 and/or the application specific accessory 2380 contains
circuitry that allows for the automatic detection of a particular
application specific accessory 2380 when it is coupled to the
external processing accessory 2302 or otherwise turned on. When the
application specific accessory 2380 is detected, the associated
application 2326 of the application specific accessory 2380 is
executed within the external processing accessory 2302 by one or
more of the processors 2306a, 2306b. For example, in one
embodiment, one or more of the pins of the external interface 2312
detects an identity circuit 2396 (See FIG. 23B) located within the
applications specific accessory 2380 upon connection to the
communication interface 2390. The identify circuit 2394 may
comprise, for example, resistors and/or capacitors that have values
uniquely associated with the specific application specific
accessory 2380. The unique resistance and/or capacitance value
associated with each application specific accessory 2380 allows the
external processing accessory 2302 to determine which
application(s) to execute upon connection and detection of a
particular application specific accessory 2380. In other
embodiments, the identity circuit 2394 may comprise identity
information that is stored within memory, such as memory circuit
2382, and transmitted to the external processing accessory 2302
upon connection.
[0154] In one embodiment, the plurality of applications 2326 that
are associated with application specific accessories 2380 may be
stored on the memory circuit 2304 near the time of production of
the external processing accessory 2302. In other embodiments,
applications may be downloaded onto the memory circuit 2304 of the
external processing accessory 2302 at a later time via the internal
interface 2310 and/or one of the I/O interfaces 2308a, 2308b. In
yet other embodiments, the application 2326 may be stored within
the memory 2382 of the application specific accessory 2380 and
transferred to the external processing accessory 2302 for storage
and/or execution when the application specific accessory 2380 is
coupled to the external processing accessory 2302. Updates to the
applications 2326 may be downloaded to the external processing
accessory 2302 by any of the above means.
[0155] The cryptography module 2314 of the external processing
accessory 2302 may serve to encrypt and/or decrypt data sent
wirelessly or by wire between the internal interface 2310 and the
mobile device interface 2360. The cryptography module 2314 may also
serve to encrypt and/or decrypt data sent wirelessly or by wire
between the external interface 2312 and the communication interface
2390 of the application specific accessory 2380. Various types of
data encryption techniques may be utilized that are well known in
the art including: symmetric-key cryptography such as Data
Encryption Standard (DES), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES),
hashing functions (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, SHA-3, etc.); and
asymmetric-key cryptography such as digital signature schemes like
the Rivest, Shamir and Adleman (RSA) algorithm and the Digital
Signature Algorithm (DSA). The cryptography modules 2314 and 2352
may be implemented using hardware circuitry, software, or both.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 23B, the application specific accessory
2380 may comprise a memory circuit 2382, a processing circuit 2386,
an output interface 2388, a communication interface 2390, one or
more input interfaces 2392, an identity circuit 2394, and a bus
2396. The bus communicatively couples the memory 2382, the
processing circuit 2386, the output, input, and communication
interfaces 2388, 2392, and 2390, and the identity circuit 2394 to
one another. The communication interface 2390 allows for wireless
or wire line communication with the external processing accessory
2302. The specific input interface 2392 for a particular
application specific accessory 2380 may vary widely depending on
the type of application specific accessory 2380. For example, a
blood glucose level measuring accessory may have a receiver adapted
to receive blood and measure its glucose level as one of its input
interface 2392. A barcode reader accessory may have a barcode
scanner as its input and output interface 2392, 2388 to read
barcodes.
[0157] Ideally, the processing circuit 2386 and memory circuit 2382
of the application specific accessory 2380 are simple in design and
low cost. The bulk of the processing and storing functions should
ideally be carried out by the external processing accessory 2302 to
minimize the complexity and cost of the application specific
accessory 2380. Thus, the processing circuit 2386 and memory
circuit 2382 of the application specific accessory 2380 may perform
only those functions necessary to communicate data received from
the input interface 2392 and/or identity circuit 2394 to the
external processing accessory 2302 via the communication interface
2390. The processing circuit 2386 and memory circuit 2382 may also
control the output interface 2388.
[0158] In one embodiment, the memory circuit 2382 stores
applications 2384 associated with the application specific
accessory 2380. The applications 2384 may be transmitted to the
external processing accessory 2302 upon connection to the external
processing accessory 2302. The external processing accessory 2302
may then execute the applications 2384 to control communication and
operation of the application specific accessory 2380, and transmit
any received and/or processed data to the mobile device 2350. In
some embodiments, one or more of the applications 2384, may be
executed on the processing circuit 2386 of the application specific
accessory 2380 to control hardware components of the application
specific accessory 2380.
[0159] A software development kit (SDK) may also be provided to a
potential manufacturer of an application specific accessory 2380.
The manufacturer may use the SDK to create unique applications 2326
for a given application specific accessory 2380. The SDK 2326 may
include such tools as, but not limited to, a source code editor, a
compiler, build automation tools, a debugger, and other utilities
that may be presented in an integrated development environment
(IDE). The SDK allows users and potential manufacturers to create a
variety of unique applications for application specific accessories
2380 that are executed on the one or more processors 2306a and
2306b, and may also utilize the various types of resources
available on a particular embodiment of the external processing
accessory 2302.
[0160] Payment Processing Mobile Accessories
Magnetic Strip Card Reader Embodiment
[0161] In some embodiments, an accessory for a mobile device is
described that allows the mobile device to receive and process
payment transactions from a magnetic strip credit card and/or
"smart card" (RFID contact or contactless) based payment card. FIG.
24 illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a
payment processing mobile accessory 2402 (also referred to as a
"payment processing accessory 2402") adapted to read data stored on
one or more magnetic strips associated with a payment card. The
payment processing accessory 2402 may comprise a memory circuit
2404, a magnetic strip reader processing circuit 2406, a magnetic
strip reader interface 2408, an internal interface 2410, a
cryptography module 2412, and a bus 2413. The bus 2413 allows for
communication between the memory circuit 2404, the magnetic strip
reader processing circuit 2406, the magnetic strip reader interface
2408, the internal interface 2410, and the cryptography module
2412.
[0162] The memory circuit 2404 may comprise volatile and/or
non-volatile storage devices for storing an operating system 2414,
software applications 2416 (including firmware), and/or data. The
memory circuit 2404 may comprise one or more independent computer
data storage devices, such as, but not limited to, flash memory,
ROM, RAM, hard disks, optical disks, solid-state memory such as
flash memory, or any other computer data storage known in the art.
The operating system (OS) 2414 can be any type of OS that
adequately manages and coordinates the activities and sharing of
the payment processing accessory's 2402 resources, such as, but are
not limited to, Android.TM., iPhone OS.TM., Symbian OS.TM.,
BlackBerry OS.TM., Windows Mobile.TM., Linux, Palm webOS.TM., and
Maemo.TM.. The OS 2414 may also host a variety of applications 2416
that are resident on memory module 2404. The applications 2416,
when executed by magnetic strip reader processing circuit 2406, may
control operation of the payment processing accessory 2402. For
example, the application 2416 may control how and when payment data
is received from the magnetic strip reader interface 2408, how that
data is processed, and how it is transmitted to the mobile device
2450 for further processing.
[0163] The cryptography module 2412 of the payment processing
accessory 2402 may serve to encrypt and/or decrypt any data
received or transmitted wirelessly or by wire from the internal
interface 2410 to the mobile device interface 2460. The
cryptography module 2412 may also serve to encrypt and/or decrypt
any data received from the magnetic strip reader interface. For
example, at some point after receiving data associated with a
payment card from the magnetic strip reader interface, the
cryptography module 2412 may encrypt the received data with an
encryption scheme before transmitting the data to the mobile device
2450. The encrypted data may then be transmitted to a merchant
account provider for decryption and approval. Various types of data
encryption techniques may be utilized including: symmetric-key
cryptography such as DES, AES, hashing functions (MD5, SHA-1,
SHA-2, SHA-3, etc.); and asymmetric-key cryptography such as
digital signature schemes like RSA and DSA. The cryptography
modules 2412 and 2468 may be implemented using hardware circuitry,
software, or both.
[0164] In one embodiment, a private and public key pair may be
shared between a merchant account provider and the payment
processing accessory 2402. Specifically, the merchant account
provider that issues the payment cards stores the private key
within its system and keeps this key secure. The merchant account
provider may then distribute a corresponding public key to the
payment processing accessory 2402, which may be stored on the
memory circuit 2404. The cryptography module 2412 may then use the
public key stored to sign/encrypt data associated with a payment
card received from the magnetic strip reader interface 2408. The
signed data may then be securely transmitted to the mobile device
2450 which then transmits the account information and purchase
amount to the merchant account provider for decryption and
approval. In one embodiment, the public key may be programmed into
the memory 2404 near the time the accessory 2402 is manufactured.
In other embodiments, the public key may be transmitted to the
accessory 2402 via a mini-USB interface 2702 (see FIG. 27A). In yet
other embodiments, the public key may be transmitted to the
accessory 2402 by the mobile device 2450 through the internal
interface 2410.
[0165] The magnetic strip reader interface 2408 is configured to
read magnetic strips on various payment cards, such as credit
cards, debit cards, charge cards, pre-paid credit cards, and/or any
other card based payment systems that utilize magnetic strips.
Magnetic strip reader interface 2408 can be, for example, capable
of reading standard three-track strip cards following the ISO/IEC
standard 7811.
[0166] The magnetic strip reader interface 2408 is configured to
read account information and other data associated with a magnetic
strip payment card (hereinafter referred to as a "Magcard"). In one
example, account information and other data received from the
Magcard is read by the magnetic strip reader interface 2408 in
connection with and/or to facilitate a purchase transaction. For
example, upon swiping a Magcard through the magnetic strip reader
interface 2408, the account information and other data is received
by the magnetic strip reader interface 2408 and transmitted via the
bus 2413 to the magnetic strip reader processing circuit 2406 for
processing. The processing circuit 2406 may execute one or more
applications 2416 stored within the memory 2404 to carry out
specific tasks in connection to facilitating the purchase
transaction. For example, the magnetic strip reader processing
circuit 2406 may control the magnetic strip reader interface 2408
to receive the account information and the other data. The
processing circuit 2406 may then process the data by confirming its
authenticity (valid bit string length, unexpired card, etc.). The
processing circuit 2406, in conjunction with the cryptography
module 2412 may also encrypt the data received. The processing
circuit 2406 may then process the data for transmission to the
mobile device 2450 through the internal interface 2410. These steps
may be performed automatically after the Magcard is swiped through
the magnetic strip reader interface 2408.
[0167] In other embodiments, the account information and other data
may also be transmitted via the bus 2413 to the memory module 2404
for storage. In one example, the magnetic strip reader processing
circuit 2406 may be a programmable logic array that processes
account information and other data directly received from the
magnetic strip reader interface 2408.
[0168] In one embodiment, the mobile device 2450 may execute a
payment processing application 2458 on the mobile device processing
circuit 2454 to receive and process the account information and
other data received from the payment processing accessory 2402. The
payment processing application 2458 may be a unique application
specially developed by a particular merchant account provider using
a software development kit (SDK) provided to the merchant account
provider by the manufacturer of the payment processing accessory
2402. The application 2458, once executed, may allow a user of the
mobile device 2450 to enter detailed information related to the
particular purchase transaction. For example, the user may be
prompted to enter purchase amount information, a card holder's
signature, date of transaction, etc. into an input interface 2452,
such as a keyboard, touch-screen display, etc., of the mobile
device 2450. Other information may also be entered such as any
security passwords necessary to proceed with the transaction, for
example, a PIN known to either the card holder or the merchant
processing the transaction.
[0169] Once the necessary account information and other data has
been received by the mobile device 2450 from the payment processing
accessory 2402, and any details regarding the purchase amount have
been entered, the transmission and receive (Tx/Rx) circuit 2464 of
the mobile device 2450 may wirelessly transmit the account
information (e.g., credit card number) and purchase transaction
information (e.g., transaction amount, etc.) through the mobile
device's wireless network to the merchant account provider for
approval. The Tx/Rx circuit 2464 of the mobile device 2450 may also
receive an acknowledgment message from the merchant account
provider that the charge was approved (or another message that it
was declined). The acknowledgment message may be communicated to
the purchaser or merchant via the output interface 2466 of the
mobile device 2450.
[0170] Upon approval, a receipt detailing the transaction may be
generated by the mobile device 2450. A signature of the card holder
may also be entered through the input interface 2452 of the mobile
device to validate the transaction. The receipt information along
with any signature may be transmitted wirelessly, or by wire
contact, to a local printer for printing. In other embodiments, an
email address associated with the purchaser or the Magcard may be
entered into the mobile device 2450 via the input interface 2452.
Then, upon approval of the transaction the receipt can be emailed
to the email address entered by the mobile device 2450. In yet,
other embodiments, a receipt detailing the transaction may be
generated either before or after a signature is acquired from the
purchaser via the input interface 2452.
[0171] In other embodiments, a user may start a purchase
transaction by launching the payment processing application 2458 on
the mobile device 2450 to initialize the payment processing
accessory 2402. The processing circuit 2454 may then execute the
application 2458 to generate a read request signal that is
transmitted to the magnetic strip reader processing circuit 2406
through the mobile device interface 2460--internal interface 2410
connection. Once the processing circuit 2406 of the payment
processing accessory 2402 receives the read request signal, it
initializes the magnetic strip reader interface 2408 to enter an
idle state that is ready to receive account information and other
data from a Magcard. In the idle state, the magnetic strip reader
interface 2408 will receive the data once a Magcard is swiped. When
no read request signal is present, or has not been received in a
given time period, hardware components within the payment
processing accessory 2402 may be turned off or put in a lower power
standby mode thereby minimizing power consumption by the payment
processing accessory 2402 when no purchase transaction is
expected.
[0172] If during the idle state, a Magcard is swiped through the
magnetic strip reader interface 2408, the processing circuit 2406
receives the account information and associated data of the Magcard
and may process, encrypt, and/or store the data as discussed above.
The data may also be transmitted to the mobile device 2450 for
completion of the purchase transaction as discussed in the
embodiment above.
[0173] In other embodiments, the payment processing accessory 2402
may do more than read information from a Magcard and provide it to
the mobile device 2450 for processing a purchase transaction. For
instance, in cases where the mobile device may not have a
connection to a network through which a transaction can be
validated (e.g., through which a credit card payment can be
approved), the payment processing accessory 2402 may itself include
a wireless connection that is capable of communicating with a
merchant account provider to validate the transaction. In some
implementations, the payment processing accessory 2402 may be
powered by the mobile device 2450 via the internal interface 2410,
while in other implementations the payment processing accessory
2402 may have its own internal power source (e.g., power cell
module 2316 in FIG. 23A).
[0174] In yet other implementations, the payment processing
accessory 2402 may include an input device to authenticate the user
of the Magcard. For example, the payment processing accessory 2402
may include a finger print scanner that collects the payor's finger
print and provides it to the mobile device 2450 via the internal
interface 2410. The finger print information may be subsequently
sent to a merchant account provider for verification as part of
authenticating the payment using the Magcard.
[0175] It should be understood that the payment processing
accessory 2402 is not limited to just a magnetic card reader. In
various implementations the payment processing accessory 2402 may
include a smart card, proximity reader, and/or bar code scanner
adapted to collect information from a payor's payment card.
[0176] FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
the payment processing accessory 2402. In this example, the payment
processing accessory 2402 comprises a casing or holster that is
shaped to receive or house a mobile device within a cavity 2510.
The cavity 2510 may be contoured to match the outer shape of the
particular mobile device the payment processing accessory 2402 is
intended to mate with and provide payment card transaction
processing capabilities to. FIG. 25 illustrates the internal
interface connector 2410 that couples to the corresponding mobile
device interface 2460 for the transmission of data between the
accessory 2402 and mobile device 2450. The internal interface
connector 2410 may snap or lock into place with the mobile device
interface 2460 to provide a secure physical connection between the
accessory 2402 and mobile device 2450.
[0177] The payment processing accessory 2402 may include one or
more openings 2512, 2514, 2516, and 2518 to facilitate access to
various features of the mobile device. For instance, a first
opening 2512 may allow an unobstructed view for a camera lens on
the back of the mobile device. A second opening 2514 may provide
access to a screen on/off switch for the mobile device. A third
opening 2516 may provide access to an audio jack on the mobile
device. A fourth opening 2518 may provide access to a volume
control sliding switch.
[0178] FIG. 26 illustrates a front view of the payment processing
accessory 2402 of FIG. 25. The payment processing accessory 2402
includes a back plane 2602, first and second sides 2604 and 2606, a
bottom side 2608, and a top side 2610. The back plane 2602, first
and second sides 2604 and 2606, bottom side 2608, and top side 2610
may be shaped to form a pocket or cavity 2510 in which a mobile
device can be housed. The top side 2610 of the payment processing
accessory 2402 may slide out to allow insertion and removal of the
mobile device.
[0179] Referring back to FIG. 25, the payment processing accessory
2402 comprises a bottom section 2502 and a top section 2504 that
can be separated from each other to allow a mobile device to be
inserted within the cavity 2510. The two sections can then be
coupled together to secure the mobile device in place. The payment
processing accessory 2402 also comprises a magnetic strip swiping
region 2506 within which the magnetic strip reader interface is
housed. The magnetic strip reader interface is configured to read
Magcard account information and other data associated with the
Magcard. The magnetic strip reader interface obtains this
information when the Magcard is swiped through the magnetic strip
swiping region 2506 causing the magnetic strip of the Magcard
containing the aforementioned data to come into contact with the
magnetic strip reader interface.
[0180] In the embodiment shown, the magnetic strip swiping region
2506 is located along the bottom side 2608 of the mobile device
2450. This feature allows a user to conveniently hold the mobile
device and payment processing accessory 2402 in his/her palm along
the first and second sides 2604 and 2606, while sliding a Magcard
along the magnetic strip swiping region 2506. In this fashion the
magnetic strip swiping region 2506 is not obstructed by the user's
hand when the payment processing accessory 2402 housing the mobile
device is held is held along the first and second sides 2604 and
2606.
[0181] The circuits and/or components of the payment processing
device 2402 may be housed within the bottom section 2502 and/or top
section 2504. For example, the magnetic strip reader processing
circuit 2406 and magnetic strip reader interface 2408 may be housed
within the bottom section 2502. A power cell module 2316 may be
housed within the thickness of the back plane 2602 of the top
section 2504.
[0182] FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate perspective views of a mobile
device 2450 housed within the casing of the payment processing
accessory 2402. As can be appreciated from the figures, the payment
processing accessory 2402 is shaped to closely wrap around the
mobile device 2450, and serves as a protective case for the mobile
device 2450. FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate how a credit card may be
swiped through the magnetic strip swiping region 2506. FIG. 27A
illustrates an embodiment of the payment processing accessory 2402
that features a mini-USB interface 2702 for charging of the battery
of the mobile device 2450, and/or providing a means for
communication with the payment processing accessory 2402. FIG. 27B
illustrates how an interface cable may be connected to the mini-USB
interface 2702 to charge the mobile device 2450 and/or communicate
with payment processing accessory 2402.
[0183] FIG. 28 illustrates a bottom view of the payment processing
accessory 2402. FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of the payment
processing accessory 2402. FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a measurement
d that represents the maximum depth of the casing of the payment
processing accessory 2402 (also referred to as the thickness of the
payment processing accessory 2402). In the preferred embodiment,
the depth d is designed to be as thin as possible so that the
overall depth/thickness of the mobile device 2450 and payment
processing accessory 2402 together is not substantially more than
the depth/thickness of the mobile device 2450 by itself. In one
embodiment, the depth d of the payment processing accessory 2402 is
less than the depth/thickness of the mobile device 2450 plus 0.25
inches. In another embodiment, the depth d of the payment
processing accessory 2402 is less than the depth/thickness of the
mobile device 2450 plus 0.125 inches. In another embodiment, the
depth d of the payment processing accessory 2402 is less than 1
inch. In yet another embodiment, the depth d of the payment
processing accessory 2402 is less than 0.75 inches. In yet other
embodiments, the depth d of the payment processing accessory 2402
is less than 0.5 inches. By having a thin depth/profile, the
payment processing accessory 2402 housing the mobile device 2450
can be conveniently stored, for example, in the pocket of the user.
Payment processing accessories for mobile devices that have a
substantially thicker depth/profile cannot comfortably be stored in
the pocket of a user.
[0184] FIG. 30 illustrates the payment processing accessory 2402 of
FIG. 25 in an open configuration where the top section 2504 and a
bottom section 2502 have been separated. The top section 2504 and
the bottom section 2502 may come apart to allow the mobile device
2450 to be inserted into the cavity 2510. The top and bottom
section 2504 and 2502 may then be secured to one another to secure
the mobile device 2450 within the cavity 2510. In one embodiment,
the top section 2504 may include a female connector groove 3004
that receives a male connector rail 3002 of the bottom section
2502. The mail connector rail 3002 is configured to fit inside the
female connector groove 3004 to secure the top section 2504 to the
bottom section 2502. In this manner, the top section 2504 can be
coupled to the bottom section 2502 by pressure fit.
[0185] FIG. 31 illustrates the payment processing accessory 2402
with an exploded view of the bottom section 2502. For example, the
bottom section 2502 may comprise an inner section 3102, an outer
section 3104, the mini-USB interface 2702, the magnetic strip
reader interface 2408, and the internal interface 2410. The inner
section 3102 and outer section 3104 form a top and bottom shell in
between which the mini-USB interface 2702 and the magnetic strip
reader interface 2408 are substantially housed. A portion of the
internal interface 2410 is also housed within the inner section
3102 and outer section 3104. Consequently, the mini-USB interface
2702, the magnetic strip reader interface 2408, and the internal
interface 2410 may be housed within the thickness of the bottom
section 2502 of the payment processing accessory 2402.
[0186] FIG. 32A illustrates a perspective view of the internal
contents of the bottom section 2502, including, for example, the
magnetic strip reader interface 2408, the internal interface 2410,
and the mini-USB interface 2702. FIG. 32B illustrates a perspective
view of the magnetic strip reader interface contact points 3202 to
which the magnetic strip reader interface 2408 may secure to. FIG.
32C illustrates a perspective view of the mounting rails 3204 that
secure the magnetic strip reader interface contact points 3202, the
magnetic strip reader interface 2408, the internal interface 2410,
and the mini-USB interface 2902.
[0187] In other embodiments, the payment processing accessory 2402
may be adapted to have an additional interface that is configured
to read "chip and pin" based payment systems, such as, but not
limited to, "smart cards." In yet other embodiments, the payment
processing accessory 2402 may be adapted to have yet another
interface that is configured to read radio frequency identification
(RFID) tags that are associated with an electronic payment system
of a merchant account provider. In yet other embodiments, the
payment processing accessory 2402 may comprise only one of or any
combination of: a magnetic card reader interface, chip and pin
reader interface, and/or RFID reader interface.
Smart Card Reader Embodiment
[0188] FIG. 33 illustrates a functional block diagram of another
embodiment of a payment processing mobile accessory 3302 adapted to
read data stored on an integrated chip embedded into a payment
card, such as a "smart card" and/or contactless (near field
communication) smart card. The payment processing accessory 3302
may comprise a memory module 3304, a smart card reader processing
circuit 3306, a smart card reader interface 3308, an internal
interface 3310, an encryption module 3312, and a bus 3313. The bus
3313 allows for communication between the memory module 3304, the
smart card reader processing circuit 3306, the smart card reader
interface 3308, the internal interface 3310, and the encryption
module 3312.
[0189] The steps and functions performed by the payment processing
accessory 3302 may be very similar to those described in relation
to the magnetic payment processing accessory 2402 in FIG. 24. The
memory module 3304 may comprise an operating system 3314, and one
or more applications 3316. The memory module 2404 may comprise one
or more independent computer data storage devices, such as, but not
limited to, flash memory, ROM, RAM, hard disks, optical disks, and
the like. The operating system (OS) 3314 can be any type of OS that
adequately manages and coordinates the activities and sharing of
the payment processing accessory's 3302 resources, such as, but are
not limited to, Android.TM., iPhone OS.TM., Symbian OS.TM.,
BlackBerry OS.TM., Windows Mobile.TM., Linux, Palm webOS.TM., and
Maemo.TM.. The OS 3314 may also host a variety of computing
applications that are resident on memory module 3304.
[0190] The smart card reader interface 3308 may be configured to
read account information and other related data stored on a chip
embedded into payment card, such as a smart card. In one
embodiment, the smart card reader interface 3308 can be configured
to accept and read data from a smart card featuring electrical
contacts. In another embodiment, the smart card reader interface
3308 can be configured to accept and read data from a contactless
smart card. In such an embodiment, the smart card reader interface
uses radio-frequency waves to communicate with the chip embedded
within the contactless smart card. In either embodiment, account
information and/or other related data stored on the chip within the
smart card is read by the smart card reader interface 3308.
[0191] Once the account information and/or other data has been
received by the mobile device 3350 from the payment processing
accessory 3302, and any details regarding the purchase amount and a
user pin have been entered, the transmission and receive (Tx/Rx)
circuit 3364 of the mobile device 3350 may wirelessly transmit the
account information, pin information, and purchase transaction
information through its wireless network to the merchant account
provider for approval. The Tx/Rx circuit 3364 of the mobile device
3350 may also receive an acknowledgment message from the merchant
account provider that the charge was approved. The acknowledgment
message may be communicated to the purchaser or merchant via the
output interface 3366 of the mobile device 3350.
[0192] Upon approval, a receipt detailing the transaction may be
generated by the mobile device 3350. The receipt information may be
transmitted wirelessly, or by wire contact, to a local printer for
printing. In other embodiments, an email address associated with
the purchaser or the smart card may be entered into the mobile
device 3350 via the input interface 3352. Then, upon approval of
the transaction the receipt can be emailed to the email address
entered by the mobile device 3350. In yet, other embodiments, a
receipt detailing the transaction may be generated either before or
after a signature is acquired from the purchaser via the input
interface 3352.
[0193] Note that, in some implementations, a payment processing
accessory may include a combination of payment input interfaces,
such as a smart card reader interface 3308, a magnetic strip reader
interface 2408, and/or other types of payment input interfaces.
[0194] Near Field Communication Accessory
[0195] In another embodiment, FIG. 34 illustrates a near field
communication (NFC) accessory 3402 for a mobile device 3450. The
NFC accessory 3402 is capable of communicating with ISO/IEC 14443
smartcards and readers, as well as with other NFC devices, thereby
equipping the mobile device 3450 with NFC capability. The NFC
accessory 3402 may comprise a processing circuit 3403, a memory
circuit 3404, an NFC transmitter 3406, an NFC receiver 3408, an
internal interface 3410, a cryptography module 3412, a power cell
module 3414, an external interface 3416, a data bus 3418, and a
power bus 3420. The data bus 3418 communicatively couples the
processing circuit 3403, the memory circuit 3404, the NFC
transmitter 3406, the NFC receiver 3408, the internal interface
3410, the cryptography module 3412, the power cell module 3414, and
the external interface 3416.
[0196] The NFC accessory 3402 may transmit to and receive data from
the mobile device 3450. Specifically, the internal interface 3410
of the NFC accessory 3402 communicatively couples to the mobile
device interface 3460 of the mobile device 3450. In one embodiment,
the internal interface 3410 and mobile device interface 3460
physically couple to one another to transmit data through a wire,
bus, and/or electrical contact connection. Such a connection may
also serve to physically secure the NFC accessory 3402 to the
mobile device 3450. Alternatively, or in addition to such a wired
connection, the internal interface 3410 may transmit and receive
data to the mobile device 3450 wirelessly using, for example, a
Bluetooth standard, or any one of the 802.11 standards.
[0197] The power cell module 3414 is an optional module that may
comprise the power cell 1404, charge level indicator 1410,
recharging module 1704, and switch 1412 of FIG. 17. The power cell
module 3414 and its components may perform some or all of the
functions of the battery pack described in FIGS. 1-22. For example,
the power cell module 3414 may provide power to the mobile device
3450 through the internal interface 3410 via the power bus 3420,
and/or power the NFC accessory 3402.
[0198] The memory circuit 3404 may comprise volatile and/or
non-volatile storage devices for storing an operating system,
software applications, and/or data. In one example, the memory
circuit 3404 may comprise one or more independent computer data
storage devices, such as, but not limited to, flash memory, ROM,
RAM, hard disks, optical disks, and other computer data storage
devices known in the art. The operating system (OS) can be any type
of OS that adequately manages and coordinates the activities and
sharing of the NFC accessory's 3402 resources, such as, but not
limited to, Android.TM., iPhone OS.TM., Symbian OS.TM., BlackBerry
OS.TM., Windows Mobile.TM., Linux, Palm webOS.TM., and Maemo.TM..
The OS may also host a variety of computing applications that are
resident on memory circuit 3404.
[0199] The cryptography module 3412 of the external processing
accessory 3402 may serve to encrypt and/or decrypt data sent
wirelessly or by wire between the internal interface 3410 and the
mobile device interface 3460. Various types of data encryption
techniques may be utilized that are well known in the art
including: symmetric-key cryptography such as DES, AES, hashing
functions (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, SHA-3, etc.); and asymmetric-key
cryptography such as digital signature schemes like RSA and DSA.
The cryptography modules 3412 and 3452 may be implemented using
hardware circuitry, software, or both.
[0200] The NFC transmitter 3406 and NFC receiver 3408 are
responsible for transmitting and receiving, respectively, data to
and from another target NFC device (also referred to as an external
NFC device) using near field communication. The transmitter 3406
and receiver 3408 may utilize magnetic field induction to
communicate with the target NFC device over a short distance, such
as, 20 centimeters. The NFC accessory 3402 can communicate with
both existing ISO/IEC 14443 smartcards and readers, as well as with
other NFC devices. The transmitter 3406 and receiver 3408 may
operate in either a passive communication mode or an active
communication mode. Various types of data may be exchanged between
the NFC accessory 3402 and the target NFC device.
[0201] For example, in one embodiment, an application executed on
the mobile device 3450 allows a user to enter in payment card
information, such as, credit card numbers, debit card numbers, and
information associated with each payment card such as, expiration
dates, PIN numbers, billing addresses, etc. via an input interface
3456. The data entered may be stored on the mobile device memory
3462 (which may also store the application executed), and/or
transmitted to the NFC accessory 3402 via the mobile device
interface 3460 and internal interface 3410 connection. The
processing circuit 3403 of the NFC accessory 3402 may receive the
payment card data for each payment card and program the NFC
transmitter 3406 with the payment card data and associated
information.
[0202] A user then desiring to make a payment with one of the
stored cards may select a card (e.g., through the application on
the mobile device 3450) and request that the NFC transmitter 3406
transmit the payment card data to another NFC device responsible
for receiving the payment card data. The other NFC device may be
pay station that receives and processes payment. For example, the
other NFC device may transmit the payment data to a merchant
account provider that processes the payment and approves the
transaction. The NFC device may then communicate an acceptance
message (or denial) to the NFC accessory 3402, which receives the
communication via the NFC receiver 3408. The acceptance or denial
message may then be transmitted to the mobile device 3450 from the
NFC accessory 3402 for any further processing. In one embodiment,
the cryptography module 3412 encrypts the payment card data prior
to transmission of the data by the NFC transmitter 3406.
[0203] In this manner, the combination of the mobile device 3450
and NFC accessory 3402 may serve as an "electronic wallet" whereby
a user may avoid having to carry a multitude of physical credit
cards. This scheme may also provide improved security over
traditional credit cards since the application may request the user
to authenticate themselves by, for example, entering a password or
PIN prior to clearance of the transaction.
[0204] In another embodiment, an application on either the mobile
device 3450 or the NFC accessory 3402 keeps track of all such
payment transactions and logs information related to the payment
transactions to generate expense reports and the like. For example,
the application may store time, date, and purchase price
information for all payment card transactions that take place. This
may assist a user later by having a convenient record of where each
transaction took place and how much it was for. For example, a user
on a business trip may keep track of all business related expenses
and print out the expense report for reimbursement. The application
may also utilize GPS hardware resident on the mobile device 3450 or
within the accessory 3402 to monitor exactly where the transactions
took place. In this fashion, the application can store the time,
date, purchase price, and location information for all payment
transactions executed. By further utilizing information available
on the internet, the application can make an educated guess as to
what specific retailer the transaction was executed at by cross
referencing the GPS coordinates with a public directory of
businesses according to a map.
[0205] In another embodiment, the NFC accessory 3402 may provide
the mobile device with payment processing capabilities.
Specifically, the NFC receiver 3408 may receive data associated
with a payment card, such as credit card numbers, expiration date,
etc. from another NFC device such as a smart card based credit
card. In another embodiment, the NFC accessory 3402 may receive
data associated with a coupon from an NFC enabled billboard. For
example, an NFC capable kiosk or advertising station may store a
plurality of coupon data that is available for download. A user of
the NFC accessory 3402 may place the NFC accessory 3402 near the
advertising station so that the NFC receiver 3408 may receive and
download coupon data using near field communication. The NFC
accessory 3402 may then store the coupon data within its memory
3404 and/or transmit it to the mobile device 3450 for storage
and/or display of the information acquired to the user.
[0206] In another embodiment, the NFC accessory 3402 may transmit
coupon data to another NFC device. For example, coupon data that
was previously acquired from an advertising station as discussed
above may then be redeemed by transmitting the coupon data to a
coupon data receiver at, for example, the cashier of the merchant
associated with the coupon. The coupon data may also have been
acquired from the internet. For example, the mobile device 3450 may
connect to the internet and download coupon data from a merchant's
website and then transmit this data using the NFC transmitter 3406
to receiving NFC device for redemption.
[0207] In another embodiment, the NFC accessory 3402 may be
programmed to store access key card information used to open doors
and gain access to areas restricted by NFC door locks. Thus, a user
would not have to carry around a plurality of NFC access cards.
Instead, the user may program all such access card information onto
the NFC accessory 3402 and use the NFC accessory 3402 to transmit
this information to gain access to restricted areas.
[0208] In another embodiment, the NFC accessory 3402 may be
programmed to store public transportation account information that
allows a user to gain access to a subway car or other public
transportation system. For example, the NFC transmitter 3406 may
transmit public transportation account information such as travel
credit to an NFC kiosk at the public transportation station. The
NFC kiosk is configured to receive the travel credit, deduct it
from the user's balance, and allow the user access to the public
transportation system.
[0209] The NFC accessory 3402 can be programmed to store a plethora
of information that can later be transmitted to another NFC device
receiver. Other such uses may include programming plane or train
ticket information onto the NFC accessory 3402 for expedited
processing at the airport or train station; programming user
identification and/or passport information to the NFC accessory
3402; and purchasing and receiving event tickets from a kiosk or
transmitting event ticket information for redemption.
[0210] Television Signal Receiver and Battery Pack Mobile
Accessory
[0211] In another embodiment, a television signal receiver
accessory for a mobile device is disclosed. FIG. 35 illustrates a
functional block diagram of a television signal receiver and
battery pack mobile accessory 3502 (hereinafter "TV receiver
accessory 3502"). The TV receiver accessory 3502 may comprise a TV
signal receiver 3504, a TV signal processor 3506, a TV signal
transmitter 3503, a service provider transmitter 3507 an external
interface 3508, an internal interface 3510, a power cell module
3512, a data bus 3514, and/or a power bus 3516. The data bus 3514
may allow for communication between the TV signal receiver 3504, TV
signal transmitter 3503, TV signal processor 3506, service provider
transmitter 3507, the external interface 3508, the internal
interface 3510, and/or the power cell module 3512.
[0212] The power cell module 3512 is an optional module that may
comprise the power cell 1404, charge level indicator 1410,
recharging module 1704, and switch 1412 of FIG. 17. The power cell
module 3512 and its components perform all the functions of the
battery pack described above. For example, the power cell module
3512 may provide power to the mobile device 3550 through the
internal interface 3510 via the power path 3516. The power cell
module 3512 may also power the hardware components of the TV
receiver accessory. The power cell module 3512 may also recharge
the battery of the mobile device 3550 through the internal
interface 3510 via the power path 3516.
[0213] The TV receiver accessory 3502 may be configured to receive
and process analog and/or digital television signals, and transmit
the television signal data to the mobile device 3550 for viewing on
the mobile device output display 3562. In one embodiment of the TV
receiver accessory 3502, the TV signal receiver 3504 is configured
to receive various types of television transmission signals. The TV
signal receiver 3504 may comprise one or more antenna adapted for
such a task. These television signals received may include, but are
not limited to, one or more of the following: locally broadcast
analog television signals, locally broadcast digital television
signals, satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (S-DMB) signals,
terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (T-DMB) signals, 1Seg
signals, digital video broadcasting--handheld (DVB-H or DVB-H2)
signals, and MediaFLO based signals, such as FLOTV.TM. signals. In
other embodiments, the TV signal receiver 3504 may also be
configured to receive satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS)
signals, such as XM.TM. and Sirius.TM. signals. In yet other
embodiments, the TV receiver accessory 3502 may comprise additional
circuitry and a separate antenna that is dedicated to receiving
SDARS signals.
[0214] After the TV signal receiver 3504 receives the TV signals,
the TV signal processor 3506 may perform any required processing,
such as decryption, filtering, and/or data conditioning. The
processed data may then be transmitted to the mobile device 3550
for display on the mobile device's display 3562. The processed data
may either be transmitted wirelessly by the TV signal transmitter
3503 or by wire line connection through the internal interface
3510. The TV signal transmitter 3503 may transmit the data to a
corresponding wireless receiver 3561 on the mobile device 3550. For
example, the TV signal transmitter 3503 may utilize a BlueTooth.TM.
communication protocol, or any 802.11 wireless protocol. The
wireless link should have a bandwidth capable of transmitting audio
and video signal components, including high definition video and
sound signals.
[0215] In another embodiment, the TV signals may be transmitted to
the mobile device 3550 through a wire line connection via the
internal interface 3510 coupled to the corresponding mobile device
interface 3560. The internal interface 3510 and the mobile device
interface 3560 may physically and electrically couple to one
another to facilitate transmission and reception of data between
the mobile device 3550 and the TV receiver accessory 3502. This
data may include the TV signals transmitted from the TV receiver
accessory 3502 to the mobile device, service order data (e.g., pay
per view order requests) transmitted from the mobile device 3550 to
the TV receiver accessory 3502, and also power from the power cell
module 3512 to the mobile device 3550.
[0216] The mobile device 3550 may comprise, among other things, a
processing circuit 3552, an input and output (I/O) interface 3554,
a transmission and receive (Tx/Rx) circuit 3556, memory 3558, the
mobile device interface 3560, a TV signal receiver 3561, a display
3562, and/or a bus 3564. The bus 3564 may allow for communication
between the processing circuit 3552, the I/O interface 3554, the
transmit and/or receive (Tx/Rx) circuit 3556, memory 3558, the
mobile device interface 3560, the receiver 3561, the display 3562,
and/or other components of the mobile device 3550.
[0217] The processing circuit 3552 may receive the TV signals from
the TV receiver accessory 3502 (via either the receiver 3561 or
mobile device interface 3560), and perform further processing. For
example, in one embodiment, the mobile device's memory 3558
contains an application that can be executed by the processing
circuit 3552 to further process the television signal data
received. The application may allow a user of the mobile device
3550 to display a channel guide feature by which the user may
select a television program channel. The input interface 3554 may
be used to select a channel, select recording options for recording
select programs at select times, and change resolution and other
display features. The processing circuit 3552 may also transmit the
TV signals to the display 3562 for viewing by a user of the mobile
device 3550.
[0218] In one embodiment, the TV receiver accessory 3502 comprises
a service provider transmitter 3507 that allows the TV receiver
accessory 3502 to transmit data to the service provider of the TV
signals. For example, a user may choose to purchase certain
programs (e.g., pay per view programs or movies) offered for
purchase by the service provider. The selection may be made via the
I/O interface 3554 (e.g., a keyboard) on the mobile device 3550 and
transmitted to the TV receiver accessory 3502. The TV receiver
accessory may then transmit this purchase order information to the
service provider for processing.
[0219] In one embodiment, the user of the mobile device 3550 can
utilize the Tx/Rx circuit 3556 of the mobile device 3550 to
communicate with a television signal service provider (e.g.,
FLOTV.TM.) to order and/or pay for select services. Communication
may be performed wirelessly and carried out by the wireless network
and/or service associated with the mobile device 3550. Thus, pay
per view services may be ordered utilizing the transmitter circuit
3556 that the mobile device ordinarily uses for making and placing
calls or data transfers.
[0220] In another embodiment, the TV receiver accessory comprises a
security circuit 3518 that is configured to identify a
subscriber/user of the TV accessory. For example, the security
circuit may be a subscriber identity module (SIM) card that is
removably coupled to the TV receiver accessory 3502 and contains a
unique subscriber identity number. The security circuit 3518 may
disable the TV receiver accessory if the SIM is not authenticated.
For example, if a subscriber loses their TV receiver accessory 3502
or does not financially maintain their account, the service
provider can disable functionality of the TV receiver accessory
3502 through the SIM card.
[0221] Thus, the TV receiver accessory 3502 allows a mobile device
3550 that does not have an integrated television tuner or circuit
to receive and display over-the-air television signals (e.g.,
analog and/or digital).
[0222] Additional Features of the External Processing Accessory
[0223] Referring again to FIG. 23A, in various implementations the
external processing mobile accessory 2302 may comprise an input
interface 2308a that is configured to scan bar codes, such as, but
not limited to, universal product codes (UPC) and two dimensional
bar codes. The processor 2306a may process the data scanned by the
bar code scanning input interface 2308a, and transmit the product
information to the mobile device 2350 via the internal interface
2310. An application resident on the mobile device's memory 2356
may enable the user of the mobile device 2350 to identify the
product/item scanned and carry out certain functions including,
updating inventory records, generating purchase/sale transactions,
etc. In another embodiment, the external processing accessory 2302
communicatively couples through external interface 2312 to an
application specific accessory 2380 configured to scan such
barcodes.
[0224] In another embodiment, the external processing mobile
accessory 2302 may comprise an input interface 2308a that is
configured to scan finger prints. The processor 2306a may process
the finger print data scanned by the finger print reader input
interface 2308, and transmit the finger print data to the mobile
device 2350 via the internal interface 2310. An application
resident on the mobile device's memory 2356 may be executed by the
processing circuit 2354 to identify the finger print scanned. In
one embodiment, the finger print scanned is compared to finger
print data stored in either memory module 2304 and/or the mobile
device memory 2356 for authentication. If the scanned finger print
data matches finger print data stored then the user authentication
is deemed successful and functionality of the mobile device 2350 is
unlocked/allowed to the user. In another embodiment, the external
processing accessory 2302 communicatively couples through external
interface 2312 to an application specific accessory 2380 configured
to scan such finger print data.
[0225] In another embodiment, the external processing mobile
accessory 2302 may comprise an input interface 2308a that is
configured to wirelessly receive restaurant menu information that
is broadcast locally from a dining establishment. The processor
2306a may process the data received from the input interface 2308a,
and transmit the menu information data to the mobile device 2350
via the internal interface 2310. An application resident on the
mobile device's memory 2356 may be executed by the processing
circuit 2354 to cause the menu to be displayed on the mobile
device's output interface 2362. In one embodiment, the user of the
mobile device 2350 may then select one or more food or beverage
items, and/or make other requests, and this information may then be
transmitted via an output transmitter interface 2308b to a receiver
of the dining establishment. In this fashion, a user can see the
menu items available and order without the need for a menu or wait
staff for assistance. In another embodiment, the external
processing accessory 2302 communicatively couples through external
interface 2312 to an application specific accessory 2380 configured
to receive such menu information broadcast, and transmit menu
selection information to a receiver in the dining establishment for
quicker order preparation.
[0226] Two Piece Casing for Mobile Accessories
[0227] All of the mobile device accessories disclosed herein,
including for example, the external processing accessory 2302,
magnetic card payment processing accessory 2402, smart card payment
processing accessory 3302, NFC accessory 3402, and TV receiver
accessory 3502 may be housed within a casing 3600 (also referred to
as a holster) as shown in FIGS. 36-42. FIG. 36 illustrates a
perspective view of one embodiment of the casing 3600 in an open
and a closed configuration. Specifically, the casing 3600 may
comprise a top section 3602 and a bottom section 3604 that
separates to allow a mobile device to be housed within a cavity
3606.
[0228] FIG. 37 illustrates how a mobile device can be housed within
the cavity 3606 of the casing 3600. As can be appreciated from this
figure, the casing 3600 is shaped to closely wrap around the mobile
device 3750, and serves as a protective case for the mobile device
3750.
[0229] FIG. 38 illustrates a front view of the casing 3600. The
casing 3600 includes a back plane 3802, first and second sides 3804
and 3806, a bottom side 3808, a top side 3810, an internal
interface 3812, and an end section 3820. The back plane 3802, first
and second sides 3804 and 3806, bottom side 3808 and top side 3810
may be shaped to form a pocket or cavity 3606 in which the mobile
device 3750 may be housed. The top side 3810 of the casing 3600 may
slide out to allow insertion and removal of the mobile device 3750.
The casing 3600 comprises a bottom end portion 3820 that may house
within its thickness the hardware components of the various
accessories 2302, 2402, 3302, 3402, and 3502. For example, the
bottom end portion 3820 of the casing 3600 may house the internal
interface 2310, processors 2306a, 2306b, I/O interfaces 2308a,
2308b, cryptography module 2314, memory circuit 2304, external
interface 2312, power cell module 2316, the data bus 2320, and the
power bus 2322 of the external processing accessory 2302. In
another embodiment, the bottom end portion 3820 of the casing 3600
may house the internal interface 2410, cryptography module 2412,
magnetic strip reader processing circuit 2406, magnetic strip
reader interface 2408, memory 2404, and the data bus 2413 of the
magnetic strip payment processing accessory 2402. In another
embodiment, the bottom end portion 3820 of the casing 3600 may
house the internal interface 3310, cryptography module 3312, smart
card reader processing circuit 3306, smart card reader interface
3308, memory circuit 3304, and the data bus 3313 of the smart card
payment processing accessory 3302. In another embodiment, the
bottom end portion 3820 of the casing 3600 may house the internal
interface 3410, the cryptography module 3412, near field
communication processing circuit 3403, near field communication
memory circuit 3404, near field communication transmitter 3406,
near field communication receiver 3408, power cell module 3414,
external interface 3416, data bus 3418, and power bus 3420 of the
near field communication accessory 3402. In another embodiment, the
bottom end portion 3820 of the casing 3600 may house the internal
interface 3510, TV signal transmitter 3503, TV signal receiver
3504, service provider transmitter 3507, TV signal processor 3506,
external interface 3508, security circuit 3518, data bus 3514,
power bus 3516, and power cell module 3512 of the TV receiver
accessory 3502.
[0230] FIG. 38 also illustrates the internal interface connector
3812 that couples to the corresponding mobile device interface
(e.g, mobile device interface 2460) of the mobile device for the
transmission of data between mobile device and the internal
interfaces 2310, 2410, 3310, 3410, or 3510 of the particular
accessory 2302, 2402, 3302, 3402, or 3502 the casing 3600 houses.
The internal interface connector 3812 may snap or lock into place
with the mobile device interface to provide a secure physical
connection between the accessory 2302, 2402, 3302, 3402, or 3502
and mobile device. The internal interface may also transmit power
from a power cell module 2316, 3414, or 3512 that may be present in
the accessory 2302, 3402, or 3502. In one embodiment the power cell
modules 2316, 3414, and 3512 may be housed within the bottom end
portion 3820 as disclosed above. However, in another embodiment,
the power cell modules 2316, 3414, and 3512 may be housed within
the thickness of the back plane 3802 of the casing 3600. In this
case the power cells should be thin so that they can adequately fit
within the thickness of the back plane 3802 without significantly
increasing the depth/thickness of the casing 3600.
[0231] Referring again to FIG. 36, the casing 3600 may include one
or more openings 3608, 3612, 3614, 3616 to facilitate access to
various features of the mobile device 3750. For instance, a first
opening 3608 on the back plane 3802 of the casing 3600 may allow an
unobstructed view for a camera lens on the back of the mobile
device 3750. A second opening 3612 may provide access to a screen
on/off switch for the mobile device 3750. A third opening 3614 may
provide access to an audio jack on the mobile device 3750. A fourth
opening 3616 on the second side 3806 may provide access to a volume
control sliding switch.
[0232] FIG. 39 illustrates the casing 3600 in an open
configuration. The casing 3600 may include a top section 3602 and a
bottom section 3604 that can be separated from each other to insert
a mobile device within the casing 3600, and then be coupled
together to secure the mobile device in place. For example, the top
section 3602 may include receiving female grooves 3902a and 3902b
that receive male rails 3904a and 3904b located on the bottom
section 3604. In this manner, the top section 3602 can be coupled
to the bottom section 3604 by pressure fit. For example, a tongue
section 3906 (see also FIG. 42) may slide on to an engaging tab
3908 on the top section 3602 to couple the engaging tab 3908 to a
receiving groove 4208 (see FIG. 42) to secure the top section 3602
to the bottom section 3604.
[0233] FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate a top view and a bottom view,
respectively, of the casing 3600. FIG. 40 shows the top side 3810
of the casing 3600, including the first opening 3608, second
opening 3612, and third opening 3614. FIG. 41 shows the bottom side
3808 of the casing 3600, including an external interface 4102
(e.g., external interface 2312 of the external processing accessory
2302, external interface 3416 of the near field communication
accessory 3402, or the external interface 3508 of the TV receiver
accessory 3502), such as a mini-USB connector. The external
interface 4102 may serve to recharge a power cell module 2316,
3414, and 3512 within the casing 3600, and/or recharge the mobile
device 3750 via the internal interface connector 3812.
Additionally, the external interface 4102 may provide a
pass-through signaling interface for the internal interface
connector 3812, thereby allowing the mobile device 3750 to
communicate to an external source via the external interface 4102.
A switch 4104 may also be located on the bottom side 3808 of the
casing 3600. The switch 4104 may power on or off the external
processing accessory 2302, near field communication accessory 3402,
or TV receiver accessory 3502 on one setting, and allow the power
cell modules within these accessories 2302, 3402, and 3502 to
recharge the mobile device 3750 on another setting.
[0234] FIGS. 40 and 41 also illustrate a measurement d that
represents the maximum depth of the casing 3600 (also referred
herein as the maximum thickness of the casing 3600). In the
preferred embodiment, the depth d is designed to be as thin as
possible so that the overall depth/thickness of the mobile device
3750 and casing 3600 when joined together is not substantially more
than the depth/thickness of the mobile device 3750 by itself. In
one embodiment, the depth d of the casing 3600 is less than the
depth/thickness of the mobile device 3750 plus 0.50 inches. In
another embodiment, the depth d of the casing 3600 is less than the
depth/thickness of the mobile device 3750 plus 0.25 inches. In
another embodiment, the depth d of the casing 3600 is less than the
depth/thickness of the mobile device 3750 plus 0.125 inches. In
another embodiment, the depth d of the casing 3600 is less than 1
inch. In yet another embodiment, the depth d of the casing 3600 is
less than 0.75 inches. In yet other embodiments, the depth d of the
casing 3600 is less than 0.5 inches. By having a thin
depth/thickness/profile, the casing 3600 housing the mobile device
3750 can be conveniently stored, for example, in the pocket of the
user. Casings for mobile device accessories that have a thick
depth/profile cannot comfortably be stored in the pocket of a
user.
[0235] FIG. 42 illustrates a back view of the casing 3600. In one
embodiment, the casing 3600 may feature a test button 4202 that
when pushed causes plurality of LED lights 4204 to light up. In one
embodiment, the LED lights 4204 may indicate the power or charge
level of the power cell module 2316, 3414, and 3512. In another
embodiment, the LED lights 4204 may indicate the signal strength of
the TV signals being received from the TV service provider by the
TV receiver accessory 3502. In another embodiment, the LED lights
4204 may indicate the signal strength detected by a near field
communication device to which the near field communication
accessory 3402 is attempting to communicate with.
[0236] Single Piece Bottom Mounted Casing
[0237] All of the mobile device accessories disclosed herein,
including for example, the external processing accessory 2302,
magnetic card payment processing accessory 2402, smart card payment
processing accessory 3302, NFC accessory 3402, and TV receiver
accessory 3502 may be housed within a casing 4300 (also referred to
as a holster) as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. The casing 4300 is
similar to the casing 3600 shown in FIG. 36 but it does not have a
top section. Instead, the casing 4300 leaves at least one side of
the mobile device 4450 exposed. The casing 4300 comprises a back
plane 4303, a bottom side 4304, a first side 4306, and a second
side 4308. The back plane 4303, the bottom side 4304, the first
side 4306, and the second side 4308 together form a cavity 4302 in
which a mobile device may be housed.
[0238] FIG. 44 illustrates how a mobile device 4450 may be housed
within the cavity 4302 of the casing 4300. FIGS. 43 and 44 also
illustrate that the casing 4300 comprises an end section 4320
that--similar to the end section 3820--may house within its
thickness the hardware components of the various accessories 2302,
2402, 3302, 3402, and 3502. As can be appreciated from FIG. 44, the
casing 4300 is shaped to closely wrap around the mobile device
4450, and serves as a protective case for the mobile device
4450.
[0239] The casing 4300 also comprises an internal interface
connector 4310 that couples to the corresponding mobile device
interface (e.g., interface 2410) of the mobile device for the
transmission of data between the mobile device 4450 and the
internal interfaces 2310, 2410, 3310, 3410, or 3510 of the
particular accessory 2302, 2402, 3302, 3402, or 3502 the casing
4300 houses. The internal interface connector 4310 may snap or lock
into place with the mobile device interface to provide a secure
physical connection between the accessory 2302, 2402, 3302, 3402,
or 3502 and mobile device 4450. The internal interface may also
transmit power from a power cell module 2316, 3414, or 3512 that
may be present in the accessory 2302, 3402, or 3502. In one
embodiment the power cell modules 2316, 3414, and 3512 may be
housed within the bottom end portion 4320 as disclosed above.
However, in another embodiment, the power cell modules 2316, 3414,
and 3512 may be housed within the thickness of the back plane 4303
of the casing 4300. In that case, the power cells should be thin so
that they can adequately fit within the thickness of the back plane
4303 without significantly increasing the depth/thickness of the
casing 4300.
[0240] FIG. 43 illustrates a measurement d that represents the
maximum depth of the casing 4300 (also referred herein as the
maximum thickness of the casing 4300). In the preferred embodiment,
the depth d is designed to be as thin as possible so that the
overall depth/thickness of the mobile device 4450 and casing 4300
when joined together is not substantially more than the
depth/thickness of the mobile device 4450 by itself. In one
embodiment, the depth d of the casing 4300 is less than the
depth/thickness of the mobile device 4450 plus 0.50 inches. In
another embodiment, the depth d of the casing 4300 is less than the
depth/thickness of the mobile device 4450 plus 0.25 inches. In
another embodiment, the depth d of the casing 4300 is less than the
depth/thickness of the mobile device 4450 plus 0.125 inches. In
another embodiment, the depth d of the casing 4300 is less than 1
inch. In yet another embodiment, the depth d of the casing 4300 is
less than 0.75 inches. In yet other embodiments, the depth d of the
casing 4300 is less than 0.5 inches. By having a thin
depth/thickness/profile, the casing 4300 housing the mobile device
4450 can be conveniently stored, for example, in the pocket of the
user.
[0241] By removing the top section, the mobile accessory may be
more compact in size and ergonomic so that it does not
significantly increase or change the size, thickness, and/or shape
of the mobile device secured there to.
[0242] Bottom Mounted Simple Casing
[0243] All of the mobile device accessories disclosed herein,
including for example, the external processing accessory 2302,
magnetic card payment processing accessory 2402, smart card payment
processing accessory 3302, NFC accessory 3402, and TV receiver
accessory 3502 may be housed within a casing 4500 as shown in FIGS.
45 and 46. The casing 4500 is configured to mount onto an end
portion of a mobile device. In the preferred embodiment, the casing
4500 mounts onto the end portion of the mobile device having a
mobile device interface, such as, interface 2460 to allow for wire
line communication between the mobile device and the accessory that
may be necessary.
[0244] The casing 4500 may include a front side 4502, a back side,
a first side 4504, a second side 4506, a top side 4508, a bottom
side 4512, an internal interface connector 4510, an external
interface 4514, and a switch 4516. Hardware components of the
various accessories 2302, 2402, 3302, 3402, and 3502 may be housed
within the space formed by the front 4502, back, first 4504, second
4506, top 4508 and bottom 4512 sides. The top side 4508 of the
casing is preferably shaped to match the end portion of the mobile
device to which the casing will adhere to. The internal interface
connector 4510 is configured to physically and communicatively
couple to a corresponding mobile device interface of the mobile
device. As shown in FIG. 46, once attached to the mobile device
interface, the connector 4510 secures the accessory to the mobile
device 4650.
[0245] The casing 4500 shown in FIGS. 45 and 46 allows an accessory
2302, 2402, 3302, 3402, or 3502 to be coupled to a mobile device
4650 without the accessory significantly increasing the weight,
thickness and overall size of the mobile device 4650. The thin
depth (also referred to as the thickness) of the casing 4500 and
mobile device 4650 combination allows a user to put the combination
(accessory and mobile device) in a small space, such as, a pocket.
For example, FIG. 45 illustrates a measurement d that represents
the maximum depth of the casing 4500. In one embodiment, the depth
d is designed to be as thin as possible so that the overall
depth/thickness of the mobile device 4650 and casing 4500 when
joined together is not substantially more than the depth/thickness
of the mobile device 4650 by itself. For example, in one
embodiment, the depth d of the casing 4500 is less than the
depth/thickness of the mobile device 4650 plus 0.125 inches. In
another embodiment, the maximum depth d of the casing 4500 may be
equal or less than the depth/thickness of the mobile device
4650.
[0246] FIG. 45 illustrates the external interface 4514, which in
one embodiment may be a mini-USB connector, that enables
communication for the external interface 2312 of the external
processing accessory 2302, external interface 3416 of the near
field communication accessory 3402, or the external interface 3508
of the TV receiver accessory 3502. The external interface 4514 may
serve to recharge a power cell module 2316, 3414, and 3512 within
the casing 4500, and/or recharge the mobile device 4650 via the
internal interface connector 4510. Additionally, the external
interface 4514 may provide a pass-through signaling interface for
the internal interface connector 4510, thereby allowing the mobile
device 4650 to communicate to an external source via the external
interface 4514. A switch 4516 may also be located on the bottom
side 4512 of the casing 4500. The switch 4516 may power on or off
the external processing accessory 2302, near field communication
accessory 3402, or TV receiver accessory 3502 on one setting, and
allow the power cell modules within these accessories 2302, 3402,
and 3502 to recharge the mobile device 4650 on another setting.
[0247] Thus, the mobile device accessories disclosed herein,
including the external processing accessory 2302, magnetic strip
payment processing accessory 2402, smart card payment processing
accessory 3302, NFC accessory 3402, TV receiver accessory 3502, a
bar code reader mobile accessory, a finger print reader mobile
accessory, and/or a menu viewing and ordering mobile accessory may
all be housed within any one of the casings 3600, 4300, and
4500.
[0248] Modular Mobile Accessory Configurations
[0249] In various implementations, the mobile accessory may include
multiple different functionalities and/or capabilities. In order to
allow a consumer to tailor the mobile accessory to his/her needs,
the mobile accessory may be comprised of separate modules or
components that can be coupled together to create the physical
enclosure of the mobile accessory.
[0250] FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate various examples of a modular
mobile accessory, where each module may provide a different
function. Thus, a consumer is able to purchase the desired modules
and combine them to form the casing enclosure of the mobile
accessory.
[0251] FIG. 47 illustrates a two-piece modular mobile device
accessory scheme 4700 that comprises a bottom module 4702 and top
module 4704. Each module may incorporate circuits and/or devices
that perform different functions, either alone or in combination
with other modules. For instance, each module may house any one of
the mobile accessories described above. For example, bottom module
4702 and top module 4704 can each be a battery pack, an external
processing accessory 2302, a magnetic strip payment processing
accessory 2402, a smart card payment processing accessory 3302, an
NFC accessory 3402, a television signal receiver and battery pack
mobile accessory 3502, a bar code reader mobile accessory, a finger
print reader mobile accessory, and/or a menu viewing and ordering
mobile accessory.
[0252] The top module 4704 and bottom module 4702 may join together
via contact points 4706 to substantially enclose a mobile device
contained therein. For example, each contact point 4706 may include
a pin that engages a corresponding cavity in the opposite module.
In alternative implementations, the contact point 4706 may be a
magnetic coupler between the top and bottom modules 4704 and 4702.
Additionally, the modules 4702 and 4704 may include corresponding
connectors 4707 and 4709 (e.g., male/female connectors) that may
electrically couple the two modules together to allow for
electrical communication (e.g., data and/or control signals) and/or
power transfer between the two modules 4702 and 4704. For example,
the top module 4704 may be a battery pack and the bottom module
4702 may be a magnetic strip payment processing accessory 2402. In
such a configuration, the connectors 4707/4709 may provide power to
the magnetic strip payment processing accessory in the bottom
module 4702 from the battery pack in the top module 4704.
[0253] FIG. 48 illustrates a functional block diagram of a
three-piece modular mobile device accessory scheme 4800 that
comprises a bottom module 4802, middle module 4804, and top module
4806. Each module may incorporate circuits and/or devices that
perform different functions, either alone or in combination with
other modules. For instance, each module may house any one of the
mobile accessories described above. For example, the bottom module
4802, middle module 4804, and top module 4806 can each be a battery
pack, a magnetic strip payment processing accessory 2402, a smart
card payment processing accessory 3302, a programmable smart card
mobile accessory 3402, a television signal receiver and battery
pack mobile accessory 3502, a bar code reader mobile accessory, a
finger print reader mobile accessory, or a menu viewing and
ordering mobile accessory.
[0254] The bottom module 4802, middle module 4804, and top module
4806 may be secured together via contact points 4808 to
substantially enclose a mobile device contained therein. That is,
the contact points 4808 may provide physical connectors between the
modules 4802, 4804, and 4806.
[0255] Additionally, the modules 4802, 4804, and 4806 may include
corresponding connectors 4807/4809 and 4811/4813 (e.g., male/female
connectors) that may electrically couple the modules together to
allow for electrical communication (e.g., data and/or control
signals) and/or power transfer between the three modules 4802,
4804, 4806. For example, the top module 4806 may be a bar code
scanner, the middle module 4804 may be finger print reader, and the
bottom module 4802 may be a credit card reader (e.g., magnetic
strip payment processing accessory 2402). In such a configuration,
the connectors 4807/4809 and 4811/4813 may provide data and/or
control signal communications between the modules 4802, 4804,
and/or 4806 and, possibly, with the mobile device to which the
mobile device accessory 4800 may couple.
[0256] The above modular schemes allow multiple mobile accessories
to be used with one mobile device at the same time. Moreover,
rather than having a top section 2504 that merely secures the
bottom section 2502 and protects the mobile device enclosed within,
the top, middle, and/or bottom modules of the modular schemes
illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48 may serve to add a plurality of
different combinations of functions or capabilities to the mobile
device since some of the modules may be interchangeable. For
example, a user may select have two modules with battery pack and a
third module with a television receiver. Alternatively, a user may
select a first module with a bar code scanner, a second module with
a credit card reader, and a third module with a programmable smart
card device.
[0257] Data Management Mobile Accessory
[0258] FIG. 49 illustrates a functional block diagram of a data
management system 4900 that allows a mobile device 4950 equipped
with a data management mobile accessory 4902 to synchronize with
and update data stored on a server 4920. For example, the server
4920 may store inventory/product information for one or more
distribution centers or warehouses. This inventory/product
information may comprise, but is not limited to, type, quantities,
images, prices, stock-keeping unit (SKU) identifiers, availability,
shipping information, and/or origin of various products. The server
4920 systematically tracks the movement, e.g., in or out, of the
products within the one or more distribution centers.
[0259] The server 4920 may also be synchronized with a website
4930. The website 4930 may display products and product information
associated with the server 4920 to the anyone accessing the website
4930. The website 4930 may also be configured to process purchase
orders of the products, and is capable of updating
inventory/product information stored in the server 4920.
[0260] Referring to FIG. 49 and FIG. 50, the data management mobile
accessory 4902 and mobile device 4950 include hardware and software
that allow it to synchronize with and communicate to the server
4920. For example, a unique database management application for a
particular data management system 4900 can be designed and created
using the SDK 4906 tools available on the data management mobile
accessory's memory 4904. The database management application can be
loaded onto and executed on the mobile device 4950 through the
internal interface 4910. The database management application allows
the user of the mobile device 4950 to connect to and synchronize
with the server 4920 using the data management mobile accessory
4902. For example, the data management mobile accessory 4902 may
include a transmitter and receiver circuit 4908 (Tx/Rx Circuit)
that allows it to wirelessly connect to the server 4920 in order to
update any changes that need to be made to the inventory/product
information stored within the server 4920, or otherwise access the
contents of the server 4920.
[0261] In one embodiment, the database management application
allows the user of the mobile device 4950 to connect to and
synchronize with the server 4920 via the website 4930. The mobile
device 4950 can connect to the website 4930 using the wireless
network service provider associated with the mobile device 4950.
The user of the mobile device 4950 may then wirelessly update any
changes that need to be made to the inventory/product information
stored within the server 4920, or otherwise access the contents of
the server 4920.
[0262] In other embodiments, the data management mobile accessory
4902 may further comprise a processor 4918, a bar code scanner
4912, a magnetic strip/smart card reader interface 4914, and a bus
4916. The bus 4916 serves as a line of communication between the
internal interface 4910, the processor 4918, the Tx/Rx circuit
4908, the memory 4904, the bar code scanner 4912, and the magnetic
strip/smart card reader interface 4914. The bar code scanner 4912
allows the user of the data management mobile accessory 4902 to
scan items/products, and update the inventory/product information
stored within the server 4920. For example, scanning an item may
increment the quantity value stored within the server 4920 for that
particular product. The magnetic strip/smart card reader interface
4914 enables the user of the data management mobile accessory 4902
to accept payment card information from a consumer for a sale
transaction according to one of the processes described above under
"Payment Processing Mobile Accessories." If a sale is made the data
management mobile accessory 4902 can update the inventory/product
information stored within the server 4920 by, for example,
decrementing the quantity value stored within the server 4920 for
that particular product sold.
[0263] Speakers & Microphone
[0264] Another feature may provide for one or more speakers to be
included as part of the battery packs or holster (illustrated in
FIGS. 1-22). For instance a low-profile speaker may be housed
within the back plane of a battery pack so that the sound may be
emitted from the rear or sides of the battery pack. When a mobile
device is inserted and coupled to the battery pack, it couples to
an interface that electrically connects the speaker to the mobile
device. The mobile device may send audio or sound signals to the
speaker via an interface with the battery pack. This allows a user
to listen to audio stored in the mobile device without the need for
headphones.
[0265] Similarly, another feature may provide for one or more
microphones to be included as part of the battery packs
(illustrated in FIGS. 1-22). One or more microphones may be housed
within the battery pack (e.g., back plane) so that they may capture
sound from a user. The microphone may be electrically coupled to an
interface that allows sending captured audio signals to a mobile
device that may be coupled to the battery pack.
[0266] According to yet another feature, when the mobile device is
coupled to the battery pack 1702, it may cause one or more
applications to execute on the processors 1706. These applications
may continue to operate or execute even if the mobile device is
removed or decoupled from the battery pack 1702. For example, the
battery pack may continue to collect data (e.g., monitor medical
conditions for a patient to which it is coupled) and wirelessly
transmits the collected data or an alarm to the mobile device. This
is possible since the processors 1706 may be powered by the power
cell 1404 and can be configured to operate whether or not the
mobile device is coupled to the battery pack.
[0267] Integrated Display
[0268] In some embodiments of the battery pack 1702, battery pack
1702 may also include an integrated display or screen. For example,
the integrated display may be on the outer surface of the back
plane of the battery pack. Alternatively, the display 1710 may
slide out from within the housing of the battery pack. This
integrated display 1720 may allow displaying additional information
or data to a user. The additional display screen may be
electrically coupled to the mobile device (via an interface) to
allow the mobile device to send images or video to the additional
display screen. Alternatively the wireless communication
accessory's processor could send a battery charge indicator to the
integrated display.
[0269] In another example, the rear of the back plane may house a
Braille input and/or output interface that electrically coupled a
mobile device mounted within the holster or battery pack.
[0270] In yet another embodiment, the rear of the back plane may
provide a keypad that serves as an input to the mobile device.
[0271] According to another feature, the battery pack and/or
holster may provide an external interface (e.g., Bluetooth wireless
interface, USB port, infrared port, etc.) that may allow the mobile
device mounted in the battery pack and/or holster to communicate
via that external interface. Thus the external interface may
provide a different wireless interface than provided or supported
by the internal system of the mobile device.
[0272] Repeater Antenna
[0273] In some embodiments of the mobile device peripheral, a
protective case can incorporate a repeater antenna. FIG. 52 reveals
a depth diagram of one potential antenna assembly 5200 of one half
of an NFC repeater antenna. In specific illustrated embodiment, the
antenna assembly 5200 comprises a flexible printed circuit (FPC)
5202, which can be made of copper sandwiched between two thin
flexible insulator layers 5204 and 5206. The actual antenna does
not have to be a flexible printed circuit 5202, nor does it have to
be made of copper, but these are low-cost options that may be
suitable or advantageous for mass production. The
Insulator/FPC/Insulator 5204/5202/5206 combination can then be
attached to a Ferrite layer 5210 (which can be made of
Manganese-Zinc (Mn--Zn)), e.g., with an adhesive layer 5208. The
Ferrite layer 5210 can be attached to another insulator layer 5214
(e.g., for physical and electrical shielding). In some embodiments,
an adhesive layer 5212 can be used to couple the insulator layer
5214 to the ferrite layer 5210. The bottom insulator layer 5214 can
be made of a thermoplastic such as Polyethylene Terephthalate. The
Ferrite layer 5210 and insulator layers 5214, 5204, 5206 may be
made of other chemical combinations as well. In some embodiments,
the total thickness of antenna assembly 5200 can be less than about
1000 micrometers, less than about 800 micrometers, less than about
600 micrometers, less than about 500 micrometers, less than about
400 micrometers, less than about 350 micrometers, or less; however
thicker antennas can be constructed to form either more durable or
stronger antenna. A thinner antenna assembly is generally more
flexible and would add less total thickness to a mobile device
peripheral. In some embodiments the thickness of the antenna
assembly 5200 can be at least about 100 micrometers, at least about
200 micrometers, at least about 300 micrometers, at least about 400
micrometers, at least about 500 micrometers, or more.
[0274] FIG. 53 shows an example embodiment of a NFC repeater
antenna 5300 laid flat. The repeater antenna 5300 can include a
first antenna 5302, a second antenna 5304, and an electrical
connection 5306 between the first and second antennas 5202 and
5204. The antennas 5302 and 5304 can each have a structure that is
similar to, or the same as, the antenna assembly 5200 of FIG. 52.
Though one electrical conductor 5306 is shown connecting the
external termination point of the first antenna 5302 to the
external termination point of the second antenna 5304, there can be
a second electrical conductor (not shown in FIG. 53) that connects
the internal termination point of the first antenna 5302 to the
internal termination point of the second antenna 5304. Through
these two electrical conductors 5306, a signal received by the
first antenna 5302 can be transmitted to the second antenna 5304,
where the signal can be re-transmitted. In some embodiments, the
entire structure of the repeater antenna 4300 can be flexible and
can be bent so that the first antenna 5302 can be mounted to the
back plane of a protective case near the mobile device antenna, and
the second antenna 5304 can be aligned wherever the designer wants
the case antenna to be located. In some embodiments, the first
antenna 5302 can be mounted next to or near a mobile device, and
the second antenna 5304 can be mounted at, near, or along an
external wall to extend the communication range beyond the
thickness of the protective case.
[0275] The distance between the first antenna 5302 and the second
antenna 5304 can be less than about 10 centimeters, less than about
5 centimeters, less than about 3 centimeters, less than about 2
centimeters, less than about 1.5 centimeters, less than about 1.0
centimeter, or less. The distance between the first antenna 5302
and the second antenna 5304 can be at least about 0.5 centimeters,
at least about 1.0 centimeter, at least about 1.5 centimeters, at
least about 2.0 centimeters, or more.
[0276] The distance between the first antenna 5302 and the second
antenna 5304 can be extended beyond the ranges described above, and
at the point where signal strength is noticeably affected by the
distance between the antennas, the electrical signal could be
amplified to make up for signal loss. With reference to FIG. 54, in
some embodiments, the first antenna 5302 can be located in a first
peripheral 5310 (e.g., the case for the mobile device 5312) while
the second antenna 5304 can be located in a second peripheral 5314
(e.g., headphones or another peripheral device separate from the
case for the mobile device), and the electrical conductor 5306
between the two antennas 5302 and 5304 can extend between the two
peripherals 5310 and 5314, e.g., via a flexible cable or wire 3506.
In some embodiments, the electrical connection 5306 between the
first and second antennas 5302 and 5304 can be detachable (e.g., by
unplugging a flexible cable 5306 from the first peripheral 5310 or
from the second peripheral 5314). In some embodiments, a mobile
device 5312 could transmit a signal that is received by the first
antenna 5302, which can be built into a protective case 5310, and
the signal could travel along a wire or cable 5306 to the second
antenna 5304 located in headphones 5314 (which can re-transmit the
signal). Signals received by the second antenna 5304 in the
headphones 5314 can travel along the same wire or cable to be
re-transmitted by the first antenna 5302, which can be built into
the protective case 5310 for the mobile device 5312.
[0277] Thus, in some embodiments, the local wireless communication
range (e.g., for near field communication) for the mobile device
5312 can extend to the area around the remote peripheral 5314 and
is not limited to the area near the mobile electronic device 5312.
The distance between the first antenna 5302 and the second antenna
5304 can be at least about 0.1 meters, at least about 0.25 meters,
at least about 0.5 meters, at least about 1 meter, at least about 2
meters, at least about 3 meters, at least about 5 meters, or
longer. The distance between the first antenna 5302 and the second
antenna 5304 can be less than or equal to 10 meters, less than or
equal to 5 meters, less than or equal to 2 meters, although values
outside these ranges can be used in some embodiments. In some
cases, the signal can weaken as it is relayed from the first
antenna 5302 to the second antenna 5304, or from the second antenna
5304 to the first antenna 5302. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
the system can include a power source 5316 (e.g., the battery of
the protective case) that is electrically coupled to the first
antenna 5302 and/or to the second antenna 5304 and configured to
amplify the power of the signal, as described herein. The battery
5316 of the first peripheral 5310 can also be configured to provide
electrical charge the mobile device 5312 (e.g., to power or
recharge the mobile device 5312), as discussed herein.
[0278] Short-range magnetic coupling could also be used in some
embodiments to attach peripherals without direct electrical
connections. In this way, a peripheral such as a pair of headphones
could receive a signal from a mobile device without actually
plugging into a headphone port.
[0279] Although the first antenna 5302 and the second antenna 5304
appear solid in the FIG. 53, in some embodiments, the antennas 5302
and 5304 can include tightly coiled wire, e.g., on a plane. Some
embodiments can include 11 coils of wire for one or both of the
antennas 5302 and 5304. Though the area and length of wire used in
the antenna impact the frequency range of the antenna, the antenna
shape is not controlling, and different shaped antennas could be
used without impacting performance. The first and second antennas
5302 and 5304 can be different shapes to fit in different shaped
cavities (e.g., without substantial signal loss). In some cases, an
first antenna 5302 can capture a stronger signal from the mobile
device if the first antenna 5302 closely outlines the antenna in
the mobile device. The irregular notched shape 5308 of the antenna
5302 and 5304 in FIG. 53 illustrates that while outlining the
antenna of the mobile device to increase signal strength,
additional area can be added on one or more sides to meet the total
area or wire length requirements to transmit at the specific
frequency.
[0280] While FIG. 52 and FIG. 53 illustrate an example embodiment
of a repeater antenna that can be operable, for example, at 13.56
megahertz (MHz) and communicate within the Near Field Communication
(NFC) standard, repeater antennas that communicate in other
frequency ranges and with other standards can be easily designed
without departing from the scope of the disclosure provided
herein.
[0281] FIG. 55 shows an example embodiment of a repeater antenna
5300 laid flat. The repeater antenna 5300 has a first antenna 5302
(e.g., a coil antenna) and a second antenna 5304 (e.g., a coil
antenna). The first antenna 5302 and the second antenna 5304 can be
electrically connected (e.g., by two wires 5306a and 5306b).
[0282] In one or both of the first antenna 5302 and the second
antenna 5304, rectangular spiral-shaped conductor patterns of one
or more turns are provided in at least one layer. The repeater
antenna 5300 can be formed on a printed circuit, e.g., a printed
flexible circuit. The printed flexible circuit can include one or
more conductive layers (e.g., layer 5202 of FIG. 52) disposed
between insulator layers (e.g., layers 5204 and 5206 of FIG. 52).
Insulating material can be disposed between coils of the antennas
5302 and 5304. The printed circuit can include one layer, or
multiple layers of conductive material, which can form one or both
of the antennas 5302 and 5304. When there are multiple conductive
layers formed in either the first coil antenna 5302 or the second
coil antenna 5304, the coil (e.g., rectangular spiral-shaped) of
conductor patterns of the layers are connected through an
interlayer connection conductor so that the directions of induced
currents generated owing to the passage of magnetic fluxes or
electro-magnetic field waves in a same direction are aligned in a
same direction.
[0283] As illustrated in FIG. 55, the first antenna 5302 can have
two end portions 5320 and 5322 and the second antenna 5304 has two
end portions 5324 and 5326. The two end portions 5320 and 5322 of
the first antenna 5302 can be electrically connected to the end
portions 5324 and 5326 of the second antenna 5304 (e.g., in
parallel). As such, a communication signal or wireless power
received by any of the first antenna 5302 and the second antenna
5304 can be relayed to the other of the first antenna 5302 and the
second antenna 5304 via the wires 5306a and 5306b. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 55, the end portion 5320 of the first
antenna 5302 electrically connects to the end portion 5324 of the
second antenna 5304 via the conductor 5306a. The conductor 5306a
can be a conductive material on the printed circuit that is in the
same layer as the conductive material forming one or both of the
antennas 5302 and 5304. Thus the electrical connection 5306a can be
formed as part of the printed circuit (e.g., the flexible printed
circuit). The end portion 5322 of the first antenna 5302 can be
electrically connected to the end portion 5326 of the second
antenna 5304, e.g., via the wire 5306b. The wire 5306 can be in a
layer or plane that is different than the layer of conductive
material used to form one or both of the antennas 5302 and 5304.
For example, the wire 5306b can be external to the structure of the
printed circuit, and the printed circuit can include
interconnection structures (e.g., vias) to provide electrical
connection between the wire 5306b and the ends 5322 and 5326 of the
antennas 5302 and 5304. In a multi-layer printed circuit, the
electrical connections 5306a and 5306b can both be formed on the
printed circuit (e.g., on different conductive layers).
[0284] In some embodiments, the repeater antenna 5300 can have a
structure that is flexible and bendable, e.g., such that the first
antenna 5302 can be mounted onto any surface of a host (e.g., a
battery or a back plane of a protective case near a mobile device
antenna) and the second antenna 5304 can be aligned so that the
first and second antennas 5302 and 5304 are not parallel and/or are
not disposed in substantially the same plane. In one example
implementation, the first antenna 5302 can be mounted inside a
protective case such that the first antenna 5302 is positioned
sufficiently near a mobile device such that the first antenna 5302
can send or receive wireless signals (e.g., Near Field
Communication signals) to or from the mobile device. The second
antenna 5304 can be mounted along or near an external wall of the
protective case (e.g., on an inside portion of the well) to extend
the communication range beyond a thickness of the protective case.
In some embodiments, the structure of the repeater antenna 5300 is
partially flexible such that only a part of the repeater antenna
5300 can be flexibly mounted on to any internal or external surface
of a mobile device peripheral (e.g., a protective case). In one
example implementation, the second antenna 5304 can be fixed into
or embedded into an external wall of an external protective
case.
[0285] The repeater antenna 5300 can include a flexible portion
5330. For example the flexible portion 5330 can include the
insulating layers 5204 and 5206. In some embodiments, the flexible
portion 5330 can include fewer layers than the structure of the
repeater antenna 5300 that is at the first and second antennas 5302
and 5304. For example, the structure of at the first and second
antennas 5302 and 5304 can include the layers shown in FIG. 52. In
some embodiments, the ferrite layer 5210, the insulator layer 5214,
the adhesive layer 5208, and/or the adhesive layer 5212 can be
omitted for the flexible portion 5330 of the repeater antenna 5300.
In some embodiments, the same insulator layers 5202 and 5204 can
extend across the first antenna 5302 and the second antenna 5304.
The first antenna 5302 and the second antenna 5304 can include
separate ferrite layers 5210, separate insulator layers 5214,
and/or separate adhesive layers 5208 and 5212.
[0286] Many alternative structures are possible. For example,
repeater antenna 5300 can have the first antenna 5302 formed on a
first printed circuit or disposed on a first substrate or
insulating film, and the second antenna 5304 can be formed on a
second printed circuit or disposed on a second substrate or
insulating film. The first antenna 5302 and the second antenna 5304
can be connected by two wires 5306a and 5306b. In some embodiments,
both the first printed circuit, substrate or insulating film and
the second printed circuit, substrate or insulating film can be
disposed on a base film or substrate, which can be flexible. The
insulating films may be formed of a flexible insulating film such
as a polyimide film or a polyester film. The antennas 5302 and 5304
may be formed on top of the insulation films or substrates. In one
implementation, at least one of the antennas 5302 and 5304 can be
embedded into insulating films, respectively, so that the top
surface and the bottom surface of the embedded antenna are
physically isolated from an outside environment.
[0287] In some embodiments of the repeater antenna 5300, the first
antenna 5302 can have a first resonant frequency f1 and the second
coil antenna 5304 can have a second resonant frequency f2. The
first resonant frequency f1 may be the same as the second resonant
frequency f2 so that a communication signal or wireless power can
be efficiently relayed between the two antennas 5302 and 5304. In
one implementation, the first resonant frequency f1 is
substantially the same as a resonant frequency of a mobile device
antenna such that the first antenna 5302 can efficiently receive a
communication signal or wireless power from the mobile device
antenna. In another implementation, the second resonant frequency
f2 can be substantially the same as a carrier frequency of a
communication signal or wireless power that it receives such that
it can efficiently receive the communication signal or wireless
power.
[0288] FIG. 56 schematically shows an example embodiment of the
repeater antenna 5300 incorporated into a mobile device peripheral
(e.g., a protective case). FIG. 57 shows a perspective view of a
repeater antenna 5300 incorporated into a protective case 5332. In
some embodiments, the repeater antenna 5300 can be saddled on a
battery 5334. Though FIGS. 56 and 57 show a battery 5334 disposed
between the two antennas 5302 and 5304, those of skill in the art
will appreciate that other objects may disposed between the
antennas 5302 and 5304 instead of the battery 5334. For example, a
processor or other circuitry for the protective case 5332 can be
disposed between the antennas 5302 and 5304. In some cases, an air
gap or a filler material (e.g., plastic) can be disposed between
the antennas 5302 and 5304.
[0289] The case 5332 can include a housing 5336, which can be
configured to couple to a mobile electronic device 5312, as
discussed herein. The case 5332 can include a battery 5334 and can
be configured to charge the mobile device 5312 (e.g., providing
power to the mobile device 5312 or recharging a battery of the
mobile electronic device). The mobile device can include a mobile
device antenna 5338, which can be configured to send and/or receive
local wireless communication signals (e.g., Near Field
Communication signals).
[0290] The first antenna 5302 may be disposed on a first side of
the battery 5334 and the second antenna 5304 may be disposed on a
second side of the battery 5334. The first antenna 5302 may be
positioned at a location on the case 5332 (e.g., inside the housing
5336) such that the first antenna 5302 can receive or send a local
wireless communication signal (e.g., a NFC signal) from or to the
antenna 5338 of the mobile electronic device 5312 when the mobile
electronic device 5312 is coupled to the case 5332. For example,
the first antenna 5302 can be positioned a distance of less than or
equal to about 3 centimeters, less than or equal to about 2
centimeters, less than or equal to about 1 centimeter, less than or
equal to about 0.5 centimeters, less than or equal to about 0.25
centimeters, less than or equal to about 0.1 centimeters, or less.
The distance between the first antenna 5302 and the antenna 5338 of
the mobile device 5312 can be at least about 0.05 centimeters, at
least about 0.075 centimeters, at least about 0.1 centimeters, at
least about 0.25 centimeters, at least about 0.5 centimeters, at
least about 1 centimeter or more, so long as the distance is
sufficiently small to allow the antenna 5338 to communicate with
the antenna 5302.
[0291] An electrical connection 5306 can electrically couple the
first antenna 5302 to the second antenna 5304 and can relay signals
(e.g., NFC signals) from the first antenna 5402 to the second
antenna 5404. The electrical connection 5306 may also relay signals
(e.g., NFC signals) from the second antenna 5304 to the first
antenna 5302. The second antenna 5304 may re-transmit signals
(e.g., NFC signals) that were relayed, via the electrical
connection 5306, from the first antenna 5302. The first antenna
5302 may also re-transmit signals (e.g., NFC signals) that were
relayed, via the electrical connection 5306, from the second
antenna 5304.
[0292] With reference to FIG. 57, in some embodiments, the first
antenna 5302 can be on a first (e.g., forward) side of the battery
5334, and the second antenna 5304 can be on a second (e.g., rear)
side of the battery 5334. FIG. 57 shows a portion of the case 5332
laying face-down with a cover in an open configuration to expose
the inside of the housing 5336. In FIG. 57, the battery 5334 is
shown lifted slightly for ease of illustration, but when the
housing is closed, the battery 5334 can sit flat inside the housing
6336. One or both of the antennas 5302 and 5304 can be attached to
the batter 5334, e.g., using tape 5340 or a different suitable
coupling mechanism. Many alternatives are possible. For example,
the first antenna 5302 can be attached to the back side of the
front wall of the housing 5336, e.g., using tape or other suitable
coupling mechanism. The second antenna 5304 can be attached to the
front side of the back wall of the housing 5336, e.g., using tape
or other suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, an
insulating material 5342 (e.g., tape or a plastic material) can be
disposed over the wire 5306b.
[0293] With reference to FIG. 56, the repeater antenna 5300 can
include one or more ferrite layers disposed between the antennas
5302 and 5304. For example, a first ferrite layer 5344 can be
disposed under the first antenna 5302 (e.g., between the antenna
5302 and the battery 5334 or between the antennas 5302 and 5304). A
second ferrite layer 5346 can be disposed under the second antenna
5304 (e.g., between the antenna 5304 and the battery 5334 or
between the antennas 5302 and 5304). The repeater antenna 5300 can
include one or more insulating layers disposed between the antennas
5302 and 5304. For example, a first insulating layer 5348 can be
disposed under the first antenna 5302 (e.g., between the antenna
5302 and the battery 5334, between the first ferrite layer 5344 and
the battery 5334, or between the antennas 5302 and 5304). A second
insulating layer 5350 can be disposed under the second antenna 5304
(e.g., between the antenna 5304 and the battery 5334, between the
second ferrite layer 5346 and the battery 5334, or between the
antennas 5302 and 5304). In some embodiments, one or more of the
ferrite layers 5344 and 5346 and/or the insulating layers 5348 and
5350 can be omitted.
[0294] FIG. 58 is another example embodiment of a repeater antenna
5300 incorporated into a case 5332 for a mobile device 5312. As
shown in FIG. 58, in some embodiments, a single insulating layer
5352 can be disposed between the antennas 5302 and 5304. The layer
5352 can be a spacer layer that is configured to position the
second antenna 5304 at or near the back of the housing 5336. The
antennas 5302 and 5304 can be attached to the insulating layer
5352, e.g., using tape or other suitable coupling mechanism. In
some embodiments, the insulating layer 5352 can be a substrate onto
which the first and second antennas 5302 and 5304 can be formed.
Though FIG. 58 shows the single piece insulation 5352 disposed
between the two antennas 5302 and 5304, those of skill in the art
will appreciate that more than one insulation object may replace
the insulation object 5352 and be disposed between the antennas
5302 and 5304. In some embodiments, one or more ferrite layers
(e.g., layers 5344 and/or 5346 of FIG. 56) can be disposed between
the antennas 5302 and 5304 and the insulating layer 5352.
[0295] FIG. 59 is example embodiment of a repeater antenna 5300
that includes more than three or more antennas. A first antenna
5302 can be positioned to be in communication with an antenna on
the mobile device 5312, as discussed herein. The second antenna
5304 can be positioned at a first portion of the case housing 5336,
and a third antenna 5354 can be positioned at a second portion of
the case housing 5336. The second antenna 5304 can be electrically
coupled to the first antenna 5302 by one or more electrical
connections 5306, and the third antenna 5354 can be coupled to the
first antenna 5302 by one or more electrical connections 5356. Thus
a signal received by the first antenna 5302 (e.g., from the mobile
device 5312) can be relayed to both the second antenna 5304 and the
third antenna 5354, which can re-transmit the signal. A signal
received by either the second antenna 5304 and the third antenna
5354 can be relayed to the first antenna 5302, which can
re-transmit the signal to the mobile device 5312. Thus, the case
can be configured to send or receive signals (e.g., NFC signals) at
both the first location and the second location on the housing
5336. Additional antennas can be added similar to the third antenna
5354.
[0296] Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, the
second antenna 5304 can be positioned in a second peripheral device
(e.g., headphones), as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the
third antenna 5354 can be positioned in a third peripheral device.
In some embodiments, a power source, e.g., a battery (not shown) of
the case can amplify a signal, as discussed herein.
[0297] FIG. 60 is flowchart showing an example method 6000 of
transmitting a wireless signal (e.g., a Near Field Communication
(NFC) signal) from a mobile electronic device that is at least
partially enclosed by a protective case. At block 6002, the mobile
electronic device and case are provided. For example, a user can
pick up, or otherwise access the mobile device and case. The mobile
electronic device may comprise a battery and an antenna configured
to transmit local wireless signals (e.g., Near Field Communication
(NFC) signals). The protective case can include a supplemental
battery, which can be configured to charge the mobile electronic
device, as discussed herein. The protective case may include a
repeater antenna that includes a first antenna (e.g., the first
antenna 5302) disposed on a first side of the supplemental battery,
a second antenna (e.g., the second antenna 5304) disposed on a
second side of the supplemental battery, and an electrical
connection that electrically couples the first antenna to the
second antenna.
[0298] At block 6004, the method continues by transmitting a local
wireless signal (e.g., an NFC signal) from the antenna of the
mobile electronic device. The supplemental battery 5602 can be
positioned to block or otherwise impede the signal from the mobile
device. At block 6006, the method continues by receiving the local
wireless signal by the first antenna of the repeater antenna. At
block 6008, the method continues by relaying the local wireless
signal from the first antenna of the repeater antenna to the second
antenna of the repeater antenna via the electrical connection. At
block 6010, the method continues by re-transmitting the local
wireless signal from the second antenna of the repeater
antenna.
[0299] FIG. 61 is flow chart that illustrates an example method
6100 of receiving a wireless signal (e.g., a Near Field
Communication (NFC) signal) by a mobile electronic device that is
at least partially enclosed by a protective case. At block 6102,
the mobile electronic device and case are provided. For example, a
user can pick up, or otherwise access the mobile device and case.
The mobile electronic device may comprise a battery and an antenna
configured to transmit local wireless signals (e.g., Near Field
Communication (NFC) signals). The protective case can include a
supplemental battery, which can be configured to charge the mobile
electronic device, as discussed herein. The protective case may
include a repeater antenna that includes a first antenna (e.g., the
first antenna 5302) disposed on a first side of the supplemental
battery, a second antenna (e.g., the second antenna 5304) disposed
on a second side of the supplemental battery, and an electrical
connection that electrically couples the first antenna to the
second antenna.
[0300] At block 6106, the method continues by receiving a local
wireless signal (e.g., an NFC signal) by the second antenna of the
repeater antenna. At block 6108, the method continues by relaying
the local wireless signal from the second antenna of the repeater
antenna to the first antenna of the repeater antenna via the
electrical connection. At block 6110, the method continues by
re-transmitting the local wireless signal from the first antenna of
the repeater antenna. At block 6112, the re-transmitted signal can
be received by the antenna on the mobile electronic device.
[0301] Wireless Charging
[0302] In some embodiments, the repeater antenna can be used for
wireless charging of the mobile electronic device. Wireless
charging pads can produce magnetic fields that induce a current in
an inductor, and that induced current can be collected to charge a
battery. An antenna can be used as an inductor. Some modern AC
wireless charging stations operate at approximately 9 kilohertz
(KHz), which can be a substantially lower frequency than Near Field
Communication (NFC), which can operate, for example, at about 13.56
megahertz (MHz) or Bluetooth, which can operate, for example, at
about 2.4 gigahertz (GHz). In one embodiment, a protective case can
include a repeater antenna to relay a signal for charging the
mobile device, and in some cases a single repeater antenna can be
used to both extend short-range communications from a mobile device
and to wirelessly charge either the battery in the mobile device or
an external battery incorporated in the protective case. Either a
software or hardware solution could detect what type of signal the
antenna is receiving and either decipher the signal as data or
collect the signal as power. Some embodiments can use two separate
antennas designed for two separate frequencies, with one antenna
operating as a short-range communication repeater while a magnetic
field from a charging pad induces current in a second antenna to
charge a battery.
[0303] With reference to FIG. 56, by way of example, the mobile
device 5312 can include a battery (not shown) that is coupled to
the antenna 5338, and the mobile device 5312 can be configured to
receive a signal (e.g., a magnetic field) and to use the signal to
recharge the battery in the mobile device 5312. When the case 5332
is coupled to the mobile device 5312, in some embodiments, the case
5332 (e.g., the battery 5334 therein) can block or otherwise impede
the charging signal from reaching the mobile device 5312. The
second antenna 5304 can receive the charging signal (e.g., a
magnetic field), and the charging signal can be relayed to the
first antenna 5302 via the electrical connection 5306. For example,
the magnetic field can induce a current of electricity. The first
antenna 5302 can re-transmit the charging signal (e.g., magnetic
field). For example, the first antenna 5302 can receive the induced
current of electricity and can produce a magnetic field. The
re-transmitted signal (e.g., magnetic field from the first antenna
5302) can be received by the antenna 5338 on the mobile device 5312
and can be used, for example, to recharge the battery on the mobile
electronic device 5312. Many variations are possible, as will be
understood to one of skill in the art based on the disclosure
herein.
[0304] One or more of the features illustrated in the drawings
and/or described herein may be rearranged and/or combined into a
single component or embodied in several components. Additional
components may also be added. While certain exemplary embodiments
have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is
to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of
and not restrictive. Thus, the inventions are not limited to the
specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since
various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled
in the art based on the present disclosure.
[0305] The various operations of methods described above may be
performed by any suitable means capable of performing the
operations, such as various hardware and/or software component(s),
circuits, and/or module(s). Generally, any operations illustrated
in the Figures may be performed by corresponding functional means
capable of performing the operations.
[0306] The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or
actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or
actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from
the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of
steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific
steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the
scope of the claims. Method step and/or actions disclosed herein
can be performed in conjunction with each other, and steps and/or
actions can be further divided into additional steps and/or
actions.
[0307] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules and
circuits described in connection with the present disclosure may be
implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a
digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array signal (FPGA), or
other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor
logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof
designed to perform the functions described herein. A general
purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative,
the processor may be any commercially available processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine, etc. A processor may
also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0308] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be
implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination
thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on
or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a
computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both
computer storage media and communication media including any medium
that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to
another. A storage media may be any available media that can be
accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or
store desired program code in the form of instructions or data
structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any
connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For
example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or
other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,
twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in
the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes
compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc
(DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce
data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with
lasers. Thus, in some aspects computer readable medium may comprise
non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., tangible media). In
addition, in some aspects computer readable medium may comprise
transitory computer readable medium (e.g., a signal). Combinations
of the above should also be included within the scope of
computer-readable media.
[0309] It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to
the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various
modifications, changes and variations may be made in the
arrangement, operation and details of the methods and apparatus
described above.
* * * * *