U.S. patent application number 14/690980 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-20 for cell phone table.
The applicant listed for this patent is Charles Esposito. Invention is credited to Charles Esposito.
Application Number | 20160308568 14/690980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57046513 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160308568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Esposito; Charles |
October 20, 2016 |
CELL PHONE TABLE
Abstract
A cell phone table to interface with a mobile device. The cell
phone table includes a mobile device electronically connected to
the cell phone table. A touch sensitive screen is disposed upon an
upper surface of the cell phone table for interacting with content
on the mobile device. A support structure is mounted beneath the
cell phone table to hold electronic components which operate and
power the cell phone table, and a plurality of legs support the
cell phone table and touch sensitive screen.
Inventors: |
Esposito; Charles;
(Hasbrouck Heights, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Esposito; Charles |
Hasbrouck Heights |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57046513 |
Appl. No.: |
14/690980 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72527 20130101;
H04M 1/04 20130101; H04B 1/3877 20130101; H04M 1/7253 20130101;
H04M 2250/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/3877 20060101
H04B001/3877; H04M 1/725 20060101 H04M001/725 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. The cell phone table of claim 8 wherein the upper surface of the
cell phone table has a recess which houses the touch sensitive
screen whereby the touch sensitive screen disposed therein is flush
with the upper surface.
3. The cell phone table of claim 8 wherein the touch sensitive
screen: has processing capabilities for displaying images purely or
substantially based upon signals generated by and received from the
mobile device and communicated to the touch sensitive screen, and
for relaying commands that are executed by the mobile device; and
has the ability to receive or sense touch type input.
4. The cell phone table of claim 8 wherein the mobile device
interfaces with the cell phone table utilizing a docking station
having a plurality of external connectors to connect the cell phone
table to the mobile device.
5. The cell phone table of claim 4 wherein the external connectors
within the docking station will be attached to a wire that is
connected directly to the touch sensitive screen, such that the
cell phone table may use the touch sensitive screen to access and
command the connected mobile device.
6. The cell phone table of claim 8 wherein the mobile device is
connected wirelessly to the touch sensitive screen of the cell
phone table, allowing the touch sensitive screen to access and
command the connected mobile device.
7. The cell phone table of claim 8 wherein the touch sensitive
screen: includes one or more control server devices and one or more
relay server devices; and the control server device may communicate
with multiple relay server devices to select one or more of the
relay server devices for transferring or relaying content between
the mobile device and the touch sensitive screen.
8. A cell phone table to interface with a mobile device,
comprising: a mobile device electronically connected to the cell
phone table; a touch sensitive screen disposed upon an upper
surface of the cell phone table for interacting with content on the
mobile device; a support structure mounted beneath the cell phone
table to hold electronic components which operate and power the
cell phone table; a plurality of legs that support the cell phone
table and touch sensitive screen; and a microphone is disposed
within the upper surface of the cell phone table.
9. (canceled)
10. The cell phone table of claim 18 wherein the plurality of legs
includes two front legs having a first height, and two rear legs
having a second height which is greater than the first height of
the two front legs and which causes the upper surface of the cell
phone table to have a downward slope from the rear legs to the
front legs.
11. The cell phone table of claim 18 wherein the plurality of legs
are the same height and the upper surface has a downward slope from
the rear legs to the front legs.
12. The cell phone table of claim 18 wherein the upper surface
includes a plurality of keys embedded within the key pad device
that receive user input to modify and interact with content on the
mobile device.
13. The cell phone table of claim 12 wherein the keys and the
display screen are interconnected, such that the commands made by
engaging the keys embedded within the key pad device are seen on
the display screen.
14. The cell phone table of claim 18 wherein the display screen
embedded within the upper surface is a touch screen.
15. The cell phone table of claim 18 wherein the mobile device
interfaces with the cell phone table utilizing a docking station,
said docking station having a plurality of external connectors to
connect the cell phone table to the mobile device.
16. The cell phone table of claim 15 wherein the connectors within
the docking station will be attached to a wire that is connected
directly to the touch sensitive screen, such that the cell phone
table may use the touch sensitive screen to access and command the
connected mobile device.
17. The cell phone table of claim 18 wherein the touch sensitive
screen: includes one or more control server devices and one or more
relay server devices; and the control server device may communicate
with multiple relay server devices to select one or more of the
relay server devices for transferring or relaying content between
the mobile device and the cell phone table.
18. A cell phone table to interface with a mobile device and
interact with content on the mobile device, comprising: a mobile
device that is electronically connected to the cell phone table; a
display screen embedded within an upper surface of the cell phone
table to display identical with a display of the mobile device; a
keypad device mounted on the upper surface of the cell phone table
for receiving user input to modify and interact with the mobile
device; a support structure mounted beneath the cell phone table
adapted to house all of electronics which operate and power the
cell phone table; a plurality of legs that support the cell phone
table, the key pad device and the display screen; and a microphone
is disposed within the upper surface of the cell phone table.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a cell phone table and more
particularly to a cell phone table with a docked mobile device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As electronic technology rapidly advances, consumptive
electronic appliances are becoming a part of the modern life, and
portable electronic products with varied functions are being
developed correspondingly. For the purpose of convenience, more
portable electronic products which are further integrated with
multiple functions have been brought forth to the consumers. With
the development of science and technology and the improvement of
people's standard of living, a mobile phone has become an
indispensable important communications tool in a person's life. A
mobile phone is an electronic appliance through which a user may
conduct radio communication with others. Radio communication
includes for example, voice calling, message transmission, file
transferring, video calling, camera functions, and the like.
Further, the mobile phone may also serve as a personal assistant by
performing phone number management and personal schedule
management.
[0003] Mobile phones tend to be compact, slim, portable, light
appliances. They also are moving toward providing multimedia
availability and a wider variety of services, such as games and
other forms of entertainment. In the future, the mobile phone may
not have only a simple function for voice calling, but also may
have a multi-function including video calling, gaming, Internet,
camera, and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is disclosed a cell phone table to interface with a mobile device.
The cell phone table includes a mobile device electronically
connected to the cell phone table. A touch sensitive screen is
disposed upon an upper surface of the cell phone table for
interacting with content on the mobile device. A support structure
is mounted beneath the cell phone table to hold electronic
components which operate and power the cell phone table, and a
plurality of legs support the cell phone table and touch sensitive
screen.
[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
there is disclosed a cell phone table to interface with a mobile
device and interact with content on the mobile device. The cell
phone table includes a mobile device that is electronically
connected to the cell phone table. A display screen is embedded
within an upper surface of the cell phone table to display
identical with a display of the mobile device, and a keypad device
mounted on the upper surface of the cell phone table for receiving
user input to modify and interact with the mobile device. A support
structure is mounted beneath the cell phone table adapted to house
all of electronics which operate and power the cell phone table,
and a plurality of legs support the cell phone table, the key pad
device and the display screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The structure, operation, and advantages of the present
invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
figures (Figs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted,
or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The
cross-sectional views may be in the form of "slices", or
"near-sighted" cross-sectional views, omitting certain background
lines which would otherwise be visible in a "true" cross-sectional
view, for illustrative clarity.
[0007] In the drawings accompanying the description that follows,
both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may
be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are
intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way
be interpreted as limiting.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front three-dimensional view of a first
embodiment of the cell phone table with a docked mobile device, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front three-dimensional view of a first
embodiment of the cell phone table with a wirelessly connected
mobile device, in accordance with the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front three-dimensional view of a second
embodiment of the cell phone table with a docked mobile device, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front three-dimensional view of a second
embodiment of the cell phone table with a wirelessly connected
mobile device, in accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a view of the steps of use of the cell phone
table, in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a view of the electronic components of the first
embodiment of the cell phone table, in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] In the description that follows, numerous details are set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
variations of these specific details are possible while still
achieving the results of the present invention. Well-known
processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to
avoid unnecessarily obfuscating the description of the present
invention. In the description that follows, exemplary dimensions
may be presented for an illustrative embodiment of the invention.
The dimensions should not be interpreted as limiting. They are
included to provide a sense of proportion. Generally speaking, it
is the relationship between various elements, where they are
located, their contrasting compositions, and sometimes their
relative sizes that is of significance.
[0015] In the drawings accompanying the description that follows,
often both reference numerals and legends (labels, text
descriptions) will be used to identify elements. If legends are
provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and
should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.
[0016] Mobile phones are designed to be small and handheld. Almost
all mobile phones feature a digital display screen such as an LCD
display that facilitates control of the device by displaying text
commands, options and images to a user. In addition to control
functions, portable device screens are becoming increasingly
responsible for providing display of photographs, playback of
movies and the real-time action of video games. These mobile phones
are often sized so that they may be stored in a user's pocket or
handbag. The size of most mobile phones necessitates the use of
small display components. This results in the presentation of text
and images in small dimensions. The small size of visual depictions
can be problematic for users with low vision or trouble seeing at
close ranges. For these users, the control of their portable
electronic device can be exceedingly difficult without the use of
visual aids.
[0017] The cell phone table 10 is designed to alleviate issues with
the small size and readability of a mobile device 12. A user of the
cell phone table 10 can avoid the fatigue due to long-term viewing
of the small-sized LCD screen 14 of the mobile device 12, as well
as the unpleasant experience of viewing multimedia content on the
small-sized LCD screen. Additionally, the conventional mobile phone
has another disadvantage in that the displayed section is not
easily adjustable due to the resource limitations of the mobile
phone device.
[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cell phone table 10 is
designed to interface with a mobile device 12, to modify and
interact with content on the mobile phone. By virtue of
establishing a connection between the mobile device 12 and the cell
phone table 10, an image as shown on the mobile device may also be
viewed on the cell phone table. The user will have the ability to
control the content and features on the mobile device 12 with the
cell phone table 10. The user may modify the content on the mobile
device 12 with the cell phone table 10, which may in turn cause the
modified content to be displayed on the cell phone table.
Alternatively, the user may modify the content directly on the
mobile device 12, which may in turn cause the modified content to
be displayed on the cell phone table 10. Further, the cell phone
table 10 can include a microphone 13 to allow a user to speak into
the table when making a phone call, or otherwise speak commands
into the table.
[0019] As used herein, the term "mobile device" may refer to a
portable device that may include a processor, a memory, and a
display for enabling a user to interact with software applications
running on, or in association with, other devices, such as display
devices. Example mobile devices may include, but are not limited
to, smart phones, other telephones with wireless communication
capability, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, or any
other computing device (wired or wireless) with network access for
communicating over a private or public network, such as the
Internet, WiFi, Bluetooth, or a LAN.
[0020] As illustrated, the cell phone table 10 is structured with a
plurality of legs 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d (16a-16d), a support
structure 21 mounted beneath the cell phone table for housing
electronics, and an upper table surface 18. The plurality of legs
16a-16d support the upper surface 18. The cell phone table 10 may
be constructed of any desired material, such as wood, metal,
plastic polymer, or any combination thereof. As illustrated in the
first embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the four legs 16a-16d is of
approximately the same height, with a range between 20 inches to 36
inches. However, the rear legs may also be designed to be longer
than the front two legs 16a and 16b, such that the cell phone table
10 is disposed at an elevated angle for ease of use.
[0021] Disposed on the upper table surface 18 is a large touch
sensitive screen 20, such as for example 18 inches by 18 inches for
receiving user input. Thus, the user can directly operate video
games, document presentations, or other applications by inputting
commands directly onto the touch sensitive screen 20, which in turn
directs the mobile device 12. Typically, there will be a recess 18a
within the upper table surface 18 which houses the touch sensitive
screen 20. This recess 18a allows the touch sensitive screen 20
disposed thereupon to be flush with the upper table surface 18.
[0022] In the present embodiment, it is envisioned that the touch
sensitive screen 20 has processing capabilities. The touch
sensitive screen 20 serves as a device for displaying images purely
or substantially based upon signals generated by and received from
the mobile device 12 and communicated to the touch sensitive screen
20 of the phone table 10, and relaying commands that are executed
by the mobile device 12. The touch sensitive screen 20 has further
processing capabilities, including adjusting standard image
characteristics such as tint, brightness, contrast and black and
white versus color display, etc. However, it is within the terms of
the embodiment of the cell phone table 10 that the touch sensitive
screen 20 can instead be a "smart" device having more processing
capabilities.
[0023] In addition to being able to output images, the touch
sensitive screen 20 is also able to receive or sense touch type
inputs as provided by way of a user's finger or other touch input
device such as a stylus (not shown).
[0024] The mobile device 12 may electronically connect to the cell
phone table 10 in any desired appropriate fashion. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, mobile device 12 interfaces with the table
10 utilizing a docking station 22. Docking station 22 is a housing
which may include a upper of external connectors 25 that may be
used to connect the cell phone table 10 to the mobile device 12.
For example, these connectors may include one or more video
connectors 25a, audio connectors 25b, a network connector (not
shown), or other connectors. The docking station 22 may be placed
in any desired location on the cell phone table 10, such as corner
10a. As illustrated, the docking station 22 is disposed on upper of
the upper table surface 18 but it is within the terms of the
embodiment that the docking station be disposed within a recess
(not shown) of the upper table surface.
[0025] Typically, the connectors 25 within the docking station 22
will be attached to a wire 24 that is connected directly to the
touch sensitive screen 20. Once the mobile device 12 is placed in
the docking station 22, the cell phone table 10 may use the touch
sensitive screen 20 to access and command the connected mobile
device. The touch sensitive screen 20 will be utilized to display
what would normally be displayed on the display 14 of the mobile
device 12. In some implementations, the docking station 22 may also
include the ability to charge a battery of the mobile device 12
when it is connected to the docking station. It should be noted
that the embodiment contemplates that the mobile device 12 is
connected directly to the touch sensitive screen 20 via the wire 24
without the use of the docking station 22.
[0026] Alternatively, the mobile device 12 may be connected
wirelessly to the touch sensitive screen 20 of the cell phone table
10, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The content from the mobile device 12
that is controlled on the touch sensitive screen 20 can be accessed
from a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a cellular
communications connection, or any other wireless connection. After
the mobile device 12 is wirelessly connected to the cell phone
table 10, the touch sensitive screen 20 may be utilized to access
and command the connected mobile device.
[0027] After a user connects the mobile device 12 to the touch
sensitive screen 20 of the cell phone table 10, either with a wire
or wirelessly, the mobile device can automatically transmit data to
the touch sensitive screen in accordance with the respective video
standard. The mobile device 12 can automatically detect that the
touch sensitive screen 20 is an external monitor, and switch to the
appropriate resolution.
[0028] Typically, the touch sensitive screen 20 includes one or
more control server devices 26 and one or more relay server devices
28 as seen in FIG. 6. The control server device 26 may communicate
with multiple relay server devices 28 to select one or more of the
relay server devices for transferring or relaying content between
the mobile device 12 and the touch sensitive screen 20. Further,
the touch sensitive screen 20 may include a video processor 30,
graphics accelerator 32, and a decoder 34 that can process the
content received from the mobile device 12 and blend the content
into a merged graphic and video frame to be placed in a data
memory. The touch sensitive screen 20 may also include a graphics
processing unit to display the mobile device 12 content upon the
touch sensitive screen 20. These electronics or electronic
components 36 may be housed within a support structure 21 mounted
beneath the cell phone table of the cell phone table 10, generally
located beneath the upper table surface 18. Typically, the support
structure 21 mounted beneath the cell phone table is a recess that
is designed to accommodate any electronic components 36 which
operate and power the cell phone table 10.
[0029] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of the cell
phone table 100. In general, the second embodiment operates much
like the cell phone table 10, in that the second embodiment is
designed to interface with a mobile device 102, to modify and
interact with content on the mobile device. By virtue of
establishing a connection between the mobile device 102 and the
cell phone table 100, an image as shown on the mobile device may
also be viewed on the cell phone table. Further, a user will have
the ability to control the content and features on the mobile
device 102 with the cell phone table 100. The user may modify the
content on the mobile device 102 with the cell phone table 100,
which may in turn cause the modified content to be displayed on the
cell phone table. However, the second embodiment of the cell phone
table 100 utilizes a keypad 104 with a plurality of tactile buttons
106 for receiving user input to modify and interact with content on
the mobile device, and a separate display screen 108, which may or
may not utilize touch screen technology. The buttons can be about 4
inches by 4 inches square. Further, as seen in FIG. 4, the cell
phone table 100 can include a microphone 113 to allow a user to
speak into the table when making a phone call, or otherwise speak
commands into the table.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the two front legs 108a and 108b
may be of a first height, and two rear legs 108c and 108d may be of
a second height, which is greater than the first height of legs
108a and 108b. This causes the upper surface 110 of the cell phone
table 100 to have a sloping effect. Alternatively, the legs
108a-108d may be of the same length, and the support structure 111
mounted beneath the cell phone table may be built such that the
upper surface 110 is presented in a sloping fashion. The support
structure 111 mounted beneath the cell phone table is typically
adapted to house all of the electronics (not shown), such as the
processor described before with respect to the first embodiment,
which operate and power the cell phone table 100.
[0031] In the present embodiment of the cell phone table 100, a
plurality of keys or buttons 106 are embedded within a key pad
device 104 of the upper surface 110 that serve as input devices of
the mobile device 102. However, it should be noted that such keys
or buttons 106 need not be present, and rather the display screen
108 can serve as the primary or only user input device, especially
if the screen incorporates touch sensitive technology. An upper
surface 109 of the cell phone table 100 incorporates the display
screen 108, which is embedded therein. The tactile buttons 106 and
the display screen 108 are interconnected, such that the commands
made by engaging the buttons on the keypad 104 may be seen upon the
display screen.
[0032] As with the first embodiment of the cell phone table 100,
the mobile device 102 may connect to the second embodiment of the
cell phone table 100 in any desired appropriate fashion. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, mobile device 102 interfaces
with the table 100 utilizing a docking station 112. Docking station
112 is a housing which may include a upper of external connectors
that may be used to connect the cell phone table 100 to the mobile
device 102. For example, these connectors may include one or more
video connectors, audio connectors, a network connector, or other
connectors. The docking station 112 may be placed in any desired
location on the cell phone table 10, such as the edge 110a of upper
surface 110. As illustrated, the docking station 112 is disposed on
upper of the upper table surface 110 but it is within the terms of
the embodiment that the docking station be disposed within a recess
(not shown) of the upper table surface.
[0033] Typically, the connectors within the docking station 112
will be attached to a wire 114 that is connected directly to a
processor (not shown) that operates the tactile buttons 106 and
separate display screen 108 of cell phone table 100. Once the
mobile device 102 is placed in the docking station 112, the cell
phone table 100 may use the tactile buttons 106 and separate
display screen 108 to access and command the connected mobile
device. The display screen 108 will be utilized to display what
would normally be displayed on the display 102a of the mobile
device 102. In some implementations, the docking station 112 may
also include the ability to charge a battery of the mobile device
102 when it is connected to the docking station. It should be noted
that the embodiment contemplates that the mobile device 102 is
connected directly to the processor via the wire 114 without the
use of the docking station 112.
[0034] Alternatively, the mobile device 102 may be connected
wirelessly to the display screen 108 of the cell phone table 100,
as illustrated in FIG. 4. The content from the mobile device 102
that is controlled on the display screen 108 can be accessed from a
Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a cellular communications
connection, or any other wireless connection. After the mobile
device 102 is wirelessly connected to the cell phone table 100, the
display screen 108 may be utilized to access and command the
connected mobile device.
[0035] The cell phone table 100 includes one or more control server
devices and one or more relay server devices, (which are equivalent
to the components of the first embodiment as seen in FIG. 6); and
the control server device may communicate with multiple relay
server devices to select one or more of the relay server devices
for transferring or relaying content between the mobile device 102
and the cell phone table.
[0036] In use, the first embodiment of the cell phone table 10 and
the second embodiment of the cell phone table 100 operate almost
identically, other than how each embodiment interfaces with the
mobile device 10, 102. FIG. 5 illustrates the steps of
operation.
[0037] First, in step 200, a connection between the mobile device
12 and the cell phone table 10 is established before communication
between the device and table may occur. In step 200a, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, the interconnection is a wired connection
utilizing a docking station 22 which houses mobile device 12. The
docking station 22 links the mobile device 12 to the touch
sensitive screen 20 via connectors. In step 200b, other forms of
connections between the mobile device 12 and the touch sensitive
screen 20 can be implemented, including wireless connections such
as a Bluetooth connection.
[0038] In step 204, a connection manager may be incorporated to
manage connections between the mobile device 12 and the cell phone
table 10. Such management may include step 204a of authenticating
users (e.g., via a login and password) requesting access to content
on the cell phone table 10 via the mobile device 12. Such
management may also include step 204b of establishing a connection
between the mobile device 12 and the touch sensitive screen 20. As
an example, the connection manager may establish such a connection
by disseminating information between devices so that the devices
may know how to contact and communicate with other devices. The
disseminated information may include access codes that uniquely
identify individual display devices. The access codes may be
generated by the connection manager and sent to the cell phone
table 10 and the mobile device 12. In step 204c, management by the
connection manager may also include determining an appropriate
connection type between the mobile device and the cell phone table
10 (e.g., cloud connection, direct connection, or location-based
connection) and tracking a user's interactions with a software
application. The connection manager may perform numerous other
functions in other embodiments.
[0039] In step 206, the user has established a connection between
the mobile device 12 and the cell phone table 10. Now, the user may
operate the mobile device 12 via the cell phone table 10. In step
206a, the user may use the touch screen 20 to make a phone call. In
step 206b, the user may access pictures within the mobile device 12
to be displayed upon the screen 20. In step 206c, the user may send
or receive an email from the mobile device 12 via the touch screen
20.
[0040] It should be noted that the above flow chart operationally
functions identically regardless of whether the first or second
embodiment of the cell phone tables 10 and 100 is used. The only
practical difference is whether the touch screen 20 is utilized, as
with the first embodiment of cell phone table 10 is used, or the
buttons 106 of the second embodiment of the cell phone table 100 is
used.
[0041] Although the invention has been shown and described with
respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain
equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others
skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this
specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the
various functions performed by the above described components
(assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a
"means") used to describe such components are intended to
correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which
performs the specified function of the described component (i.e.,
that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally
equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function
in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have
been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments,
such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other
embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or
particular application.
* * * * *