Abstract:
A method and apparatus provide for removal of a display screen from a wireless device, or, in a different embodiment, provide for a display screen as a separate and additional device that functions in real time in the same way as if the screen were incorporated in the wireless device. This functionality is enabled by a short range wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, between transceivers located in the wireless device and the display screen device. The display screen device allows a user to monitor the associated wireless device without needing to operate the full device. The display screen device may also have control capability for controlling the wireless device. Thus, a user can monitor, and control, a mobile device from a smaller remote display device while being presented with the information that would be displayed on the display screen of the wireless device.

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/297,179, filed Nov. 15, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,532,645; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/090,154, filed Mar. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,081,964; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety into this disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of wireless mobile telecommunications devices such as a wireless mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or pager, with an operable remote display. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Wireless mobile telecommunications devices (“mobile devices”) have been and are being developed with hands-free and remote operation features. These mobile devices operate on a wireless network, such as a cellular network, to provide voice, data, information, and media services. However, some mobile devices may be bulky or require user response or operation at an inconvenient time. 
     Several current computer devices allow a user to be away from a device, but still receive remote wireless outputs and provide wireless remote inputs, including visually displayed output information and touch pad inputs from a visual display/control screen. 
     One such apparatus is a “Windows Powered Smart Display.” This apparatus is a remote computer that includes a touch-screen monitor that displays the information that is displayed on a user&#39;s Windows XP-enabled personal computer (PC). The apparatus processes control and data inputs and communicates with the PC via an 802.11 wireless protocol. Using this protocol, the device displays the PC&#39;s monitor. Because the apparatus is a touch screen device, the user may navigate the web and the PC&#39;s hard drive and software using a stylus. The display also has the capability to be used as an on-screen keyboard and may be equipped with handwriting recognition for inputs. The device is portable to the range of the 802.11 wireless protocol. However, such a device is relatively large and includes its own processor that functions only with windows-operable PCs. 
     A wireless communications protocol that is increasing in use and popularity is called Bluetooth. This protocol functionally removes the wires for communications between a wide range of electronic devices such as PCs, printers, wireless network devices, and computer systems for automotive vehicles. The protocol was designed to be used with any electronic device equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver to enable data transmission with another device also equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver. As the technology has developed, several different protocols are in use. This protocol is advantageous for short-range communications and data transmissions between the different “Bluetooth-enabled” devices. Bluetooth transmissions allow communication between a wide variety of data types using a number of protocols. 
     Automakers are beginning to employ electronic control and display systems in their automotive vehicles. Some vehicles are being equipped with touch-screen panels that provide driver controls and directional functions. Some manufacturers are incorporating Bluetooth technology and phone capabilities into these displays. The driver is thus able to program his or her “phone book” and other information into the vehicle&#39;s computer. When the driver selects a desired entry from the display, the vehicle computer selects the correct telephone number from the data base and sends a command that connects to the Bluetooth enabled device, usually a telephone, through the Bluetooth protocol, and the telephone dials the entry without the driver&#39;s manual attention. Such systems are also usually linked by Bluetooth to the vehicle&#39;s audio system and to a microphone so that the driver may carry on a conversation without physically holding the telephone. 
     These short-range wireless communication protocols may include infrared communications, although infrared is not preferred because it is limited to line of sight communications. These communications protocols also may include 802.11 and other 802 protocols, although such protocols may require more processing capacity than is desirable for small mobile wireless devices and removable displays and may not be sufficiently limited in range to avoid interference with other small mobile wireless devices and removable displays. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one important aspect of the invention, a system and method are provided which use short range wireless communication protocols to transmit visual display screen control information between a wireless mobile device and a remote display. Such a short range wireless protocol allows transmissions of visual display control signals between the mobile wireless device and the remote display. In one embodiment, the remote display is mechanically carried in the wireless mobile device and is removable to enable the user to detach the remote display device for use at remote locations. In other embodiments, the remote display is incorporated in other devices, or is mounted in various remote locations and/or upon various items such as watch or wrist bands, belts and other articles of apparel. Such placement allows a user to manage the mobile wireless device without having to be in close proximity to the device and to conveniently view information while engaged in other activities. 
     In another embodiment, the remote or removable display includes controls to operate the features of the mobile wireless device. In the embodiment, an interface translates the signals from the controls into signals appropriate for transmission by a transceiver. The transceiver will pair with a corresponding transceiver located within the mobile wireless device so as to provide for sending of signals between the transceivers. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile wireless communication system, comprising: 
     a wireless communication device including a short-range signal transmitter configured to transmit visual display control signals; and 
     a remote display device including a display screen, a receiver for receiving said visual display control signals from said short-range signal transmitter and for producing a related output, and a graphic driver in communication with said receiver for receiving said related output from said receiver, for converting said related output into operating signals for said display screen, and for communicating said operating signals to said display screen to produce a visual display based on said visual display control signals transmitted by said short range transmitter. 
     Preferably, transmission of visual display control signals between the wireless communication device and the remote display device is accomplished via a short range wireless communication protocol. 
     Advantageously, the short range wireless protocol used for the communication is Bluetooth or an 802.XX protocol. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile wireless communication system, comprising: 
     a wireless communication device, including a housing and a short-range transmitter configured to transmit visual display signals; and 
     a removable display device removably mounted in said housing, said removable display device including a display screen, a receiver for receiving visual display signals from said short-range transmitter and for producing a related output, and a graphic driver in communication with said receiver for receiving and converting said related output from said receiver to operating signals for said remote display device and communicating said operating signals to said display screen to produce a visual display. 
     Preferably, the transmission of visual display control signals between the wireless communication device and the removable display device is accomplished by a short range wireless communication protocol. 
     Advantageously, the mobile wireless device housing mechanically engages a physical aspect of the removable display device to hold it firmly within the housing. 
     Preferably, transmission of visual display control signals between the mobile wireless device and the removable display device occurs while the removable device is mechanically engaged within the mobile wireless device housing and the mobile wireless device includes an induction coil battery charger to charge the battery of the removable display device so that the removable display device can be sealed and weather tight. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile communication system, comprising: 
     a wireless communication device including a first display screen for displaying information thereon and a short-range transmitter configured to transmit visual display control signals; and 
     a remote display device including a second display screen and a receiver for receiving said visual display control signals from said short-range transmitter and for producing a related output, and a graphic driver in communication with said receiver for receiving said related output from said receiver, for converting said related output into operating signals for said display screen, and for communicating said operating signals to said display screen to produce a visual display that emulates at least a portion of said information displayed on said first display screen. 
     Preferably, the first display screen is fixed within the mobile wireless device housing and the remote display receives visual display control signals to emulate at least a portion of the information displayed on the first display screen. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile wireless communication system, comprising: 
     a wireless communication device, including a housing and a short-range transmitter configured to transmit visual display signals; and 
     a removable display device removably mounted in said housing, said removable display device including a display screen, a receiver for receiving said visual display control signals from said short-range transmitter and for producing a related output, and a graphic driver in communication with said receiver for receiving said related output from said receiver, for converting said related output into operating signals for said display screen, and for communicating said operating signals to said display screen, said display screen displaying information thereon based on said operating signals when said device is mounted in said housing, and displaying, based on said operating signals, at least part of said information when said display device is removed from said housing. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile wireless communication system, comprising: 
     a wireless communication device, including a first display screen and a first short-range signal transceiver configured to transmit visual display control signals and receive operational control signals related to the operation of said wireless communication device; and 
     a remote display device, including a second display screen, an input device for generating said operational control signals, a second short range transceiver for receiving said visual display control signals from said first short-range signal transceiver and producing a related output and for transmitting said operational control signals to said first short-range signal transceiver, and a graphic driver in communication with said second transceiver for receiving and converting said visual display control signals from said first transceiver to operating signals for said second display screen and for communicating said operating signals to said second display screen to produce a display, and an input/output interface in communication with said input device, with said second display screen, and with said second transceiver in order to receive said operational control signals from said input device and communicate said operational control signals to said second transceiver to be transmitted to said first transceiver for remote operation of said wireless device. 
     Preferably, the input device is preferably incorporated into the remote display device as a stylus- or touch-operated display screen, a touchpad, or hot buttons. 
     Preferably, the input/output interface within the remote display device is substantially similar to the one located within the mobile wireless device connected to the transceiver within the remote display device. 
     In an important implementation of the invention, the first and second transceivers pair to transmit and receive signals between them. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile wireless communication system, comprising: 
     a wireless communication device, including a housing and a first short-range signal transceiver configured to transmit visual display control signals and receive operational control signals related to the operation of said wireless communication device; and 
     a removable display device removably mounted in said housing, said removable display device including a display screen, an input device for generating said operational control signals, a second short range transceiver for receiving visual display control signals from said first short-range signal transceiver and for producing a related output and for transmitting said operational control to said first short-range signal transceiver, and a graphic driver in communication with said second transceiver for receiving and converting said visual display control signals from said first transceiver to operating signals for said display screen and for communicating said operating signals to said display screen to produce a display, and an input/output interface in communication with said input device, with said display screen, and with said second transceiver in order to receive said operational control signals from said input device and communicate said operational control signals to said second transceiver. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth herein, or will be apparent from, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred and alternative embodiments are described below with reference to the attached figures wherein like reference numerals indicate similar or identical features or functions, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wireless mobile device with a removable display made in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wireless mobile device with both a permanent display and a removable display made in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wireless mobile device with a removable display that may also attach to a band or strap, such as a watch, belt, or armband; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the primary functional components of a wireless device with a removable remote display device made in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the primary functional components of a mobile wireless device with a remote display made in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the primary functional components of the removable display device made in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a typical Bluetooth protocol packet used in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a more advanced version of a Bluetooth protocol packet that includes Enhanced Data Rate technology used in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating one preferred embodiment of a method for communicating display inputs and outputs between a mobile wireless telecommunications device and a remote display made in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of wireless mobile telecommunications and wireless devices that may operate with a removable display or a remote display. Data communication between the wireless device and removable or remote display could be accomplished by a number of short-range wireless communication protocols. It will be clear to one reasonably skilled in the art that the following descriptions are exemplary embodiments and not the exclusive embodiments of the invention. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , in one exemplary embodiment, the wireless device is a mobile wireless device  100 . As shown, the mobile wireless device  100  is designed with a housing  112  defining a receptacle  114  for receiving the removable display device  116 , which commonly and generally comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen  118 . The removable display device  116  may be held in place in the receptacle  114  by conventional fastening systems, including for example, clips, fasteners, latch mechanisms, adhesive fasteners, Velcro, and other fastening systems now known to those skilled in the art and to be developed in the future. The removable display device  116  will show the same information and graphics that a display permanently attached and connected to the mobile wireless device  100  would show. The removable display device  116  will receive the display information from the main mobile wireless device  100  continuously and in real time and will display this information whether the removable display device  116  is mounted in the mobile wireless device  100  or separated from the mobile wireless device  100 , as long as the removable display device  116  is within range of the short-range display transmitter of the mobile wireless device  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment includes a mobile wireless device  200 . The mobile wireless device  200  includes a housing  202 , also referred to herein as a wireless device housing, with a permanently mounted display  204 . In addition to the permanent display  204 , the housing  202  includes a receptacle  206  designed to receive a removable display  208 , also referred to herein as a removable display device, removably mounted in the same manner described above for the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . The removable display  208  communicates with the mobile wireless device  200  in the same manner and also includes an LCD display screen  209 , also referred to herein as an LCD display and a display screen, as described above relating to  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , another exemplary embodiment includes a mobile wireless device  300  with a removable display  302  substantially similar to that in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, the removable display  302  may be attached to and carried by a band or strap  304  that may be a part of a belt, watch, armband, bag, jewelry, or other article of clothing. The removable display  302  may also include a mounting feature to engage a receiving feature in order to mount the device on a fixed surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a simple schematic of the exemplary embodiments is shown in which the removable display device  402  is physically separated and remote from the components necessary for the mobile wireless device functionality, which are located in the receiving housing  404 . The receiving housing  404 , also referred to herein as the mobile wireless device housing, includes a communications module  406  for communicating with and processing data from a wireless telecommunications network, a power source  408 , and a wireless transceiver  410 , also referred to herein as a transceiver, a first transceiver, and a short-range transceiver, for communication with the removable display device  402 . The receiving housing  404  may also include an inductive coil  412  electrically connected to the power source  408  that may charge a power source  422  in the removable display device  402 . Of course, various enclosures or housings specific to a certain mobile wireless device could be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Regardless of the selected enclosure, a wireless transceiver  410  for communicating via a short-range wireless communication protocol is connected to the communications module  406 . This wireless transceiver  410  receives a serial data string from the communications module  406 . The received data string is then communicated to a video driver  416  associated with the removable display device  402 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 4 , a second transceiver  414 , also communicating via a short-range wireless communication protocol and also referred to herein as a second short-range transceiver and a transceiver, is configured to receive the serial data string from the first transceiver  410  located within the mobile wireless device housing  404 . The second transceiver  414  is operably and electronically connected to a video driver  416 . The second transceiver  414  communicates the serial data string to the video driver  416 . The video driver  416  then processes the serial data strings to provide operating signals for the LCD screen  418  and communicates those operating signals to the LCD screen  418  of the removable display device  402  as long as the first short-range transceiver  410  and second short-range transceiver  414  are within operating range. As a result, the removable display device  402  is continually updated and displays and emulates the wireless device screen. In this regard, it is thus also contemplated that the removable display device  402  includes a power source  422  for powering the components of the removable display device  402 . Said power source  422  may be a replaceable battery or may be charged by an inductive coil  420  located within the removable display device  402  that electrically interacts with an inductive coil  412  in the mobile wireless device housing  404 , when the removable display device  402  is mounted in the mobile wireless device housing  404 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , a more detailed schematic of the exemplary embodiments described above in  FIGS. 1 through 4  is shown.  FIG. 5  shows the primary functional components of the apparatus of a mobile wireless device  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the exemplary embodiment is a mobile wireless device  200  that may communicate voice or data to a wireless telecommunications network  502 , such as any cellular wireless network currently known or to be developed, using a long range bidirectional communications link  504 . The wireless telecommunications network  502  may also be linked to a computer system  506  via another bi-directional communication link  508 . The computer system  506  may be one or more computer servers interacting with the telecommunications network  502 , including, but not limited to, a voicemail server, messaging server, or billing system. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5A , the mobile wireless device  200  includes a processing unit  510  that is coupled via a bi-directional communications link to the other components of the wireless mobile device  200  via a bus  514 . The mobile wireless device  200  also includes a data storage unit  512 , which may be any type of memory, including, but not limited to RAM, EPROM, or EEPROM memory. The processing unit  510  and the data storage unit  512  communicate via the bus  514 . Alternatively, the processing unit  510  and the data storage unit  512  may be included on the same microprocessor. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 5A , the mobile wireless device  200  further includes an I/O interface  516 , which may reside on the same microprocessor as the processing unit  510  or stand alone as a separate unit electrically connected to the processing unit  510 . The I/O interface  516  connects the processing unit  510  to a user interface  528 . For a mobile telephone, the user interface  528  generally comprises a keypad input  518 , a microphone input  520 , a speaker output  522 , and a video driver/display combination  519  (as will be described below). The I/O interface  516  may include an analog-to-digital converter for converting an analog microphone signal to a digital signal for use by the processing unit  510 . The I/O interface  516  may also include a digital-to-analog converter to convert digital information from the processing unit  510  to the speaker  522 , such as voice data. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the I/O Interface  516  may also be electrically and physically connected to a video driver  540  located within the housing  202  of the mobile wireless device  200  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The video driver  540  is in communication with the display screen  204  and is capable of processing the output from the I/O interface  516  to provide operating signals to the display screen  204  to cause the display screen  204  to display either color or monochrome images. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5A , the processing unit  510  is capable of transmitting and receiving digital signals that are to be communicated outside the mobile wireless device  200  via the communication circuitry  524 . In a cellular telephone, the communication circuitry  524  is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals through airwaves to the telecommunications network  502  via the bi-directional communication link  504 . 
     The apparatus in this exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 5A  for enabling communication between the housing of the mobile wireless device  200  and the removable display device  208  also includes a transceiver  410  connected to the I/O interface  516 . The transceiver  410  is capable of receiving a serial data string that is to be communicated via a short-range wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth wireless communication protocol to a video driver  416  associated with the removable display device  208 . A corresponding transceiver  414  capable of communicating with transceiver  410  via the Bluetooth wireless communication protocol is connected, physically and electrically, to a video driver  416  within the removable display device  208 , and thus, the second transceiver  414  is capable of receiving the serial data string from the first transceiver  410  and communicating that serial data string to provide operating signals to the video driver  416 . The video driver  416  is in communication with the LCD screen  209  and is capable of processing the serial data string to provide operating signals to the LCD screen  209  on the removable display device  208  to cause the LCD screen  209  to display either color or monochrome images. 
     It is also contemplated that the removable display device  208  also will include a power source  422 , such as a replaceable or rechargeable battery  422 . The battery  422  may be capable of being recharged through an inductive coil  420  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) so as not to penetrate or compromise the display screen  209  for powering the components of the removalbe display device  208 . As such, the removable display device  208  may be weather-tight and all communication between the removable display device  208  and mobile wireless device  200 , even if docked in the mobile wireless device  200 , is accomplished through a short-range wireless communications protocol. 
       FIG. 5B  is a detailed schematic incorporating the wireless device  200  from  FIG. 5A . As demonstrated, however,  FIG. 5B  presents an alternate embodiment of the removable display device  208 . In addition to the embodiment in  FIG. 5A , the removable display device  208  has an input device  550  that may consist of controls, such as hot buttons, a keypad, a variable function touchpad or a pressure-sensitive touch display screen to operate functions of the wireless device  200 . This input device  550  will be electrically and logically connected to an I/O Interface  552 , which translates the inputs into control signals. The I/O Interface  552  is electrically and logically connected to the transceiver  414 , which transmits a serial data string to another transceiver  410  located within the wireless device housing  202 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in an exemplary embodiment the wireless communication between the device and the display will be accomplished using a standard packet format, such as that provided in Bluetooth protocol v. 1.2. (Bluetooth is a trademark of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Overland Park, Kans.) Data is transmitted between two Bluetooth transceivers by placing the information into packets  600  as defined by the specific protocol. Each packet is divided into several segments of information necessary to transmit the data. The first information segment in the packet is the Access Code  601 . The Access Code  601  will contain synchronization information for “pairing” the two transceivers. Its length in bits will vary depending on the type of information to be sent in the packet, such as whether it is a page to the receiving device or sending actual data. The Header section  602  may contain addressing and source information for the sending and receiving transceivers, the type of data being delivered in the packet, data ordering information, and an error check. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , the final packet section is the Payload section  603  containing the actual data to be transmitted. In the preferred embodiment, the information transmitted will be the data necessary for the video driver  416  to project the necessary graphic representations on the removable display device  208 . The Payload section  603  also contains an error check, information regarding the length of the data, and flow control information. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a more recent version of the Bluetooth communication protocol [v.2.o+EDR] may be used. This more recent version contains an additional element in the transmitted packet as illustrated by  700 . As illustrated by  701 ,  702 , and  703 , the Access Code, Header, and Payload are substantially the same as those described and illustrated by  601 ,  602 , and  603 , respectively, above. However, a more recent Bluetooth protocol incorporates an Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) capability. As illustrated by  704 , the EDR protocol includes a new packet section that contains timing and synchronization information. As illustrated by  705 , the packet also contains a trailer that includes modulation information. The EDR protocol may be used to specify the type of data being transferred and allow the receiver to demodulate the message per type of data. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , shown is a flow chart of the method of a preferred embodiment of the invention. As indicated by start block  801 , a mobile wireless device first generates a signal that controls what is displayed on the graphic screen. The next step as indicated by box  802  is to send the signal to a transmitter in the mobile wireless device. The next step as indicated by box  803  is that the signal is transmitted wirelessly using a short-range wireless data transmission protocol to a receiver in the remote display. Once received by the remote display device, the next step as indicated by box  804  is that the signal is sent from the receiver to the graphic or video driver within the remote display device. Then, as indicated by box  805 , a video or graphic driver translates the control signal into the necessary operating signals to project the required image on the screen. As indicated by box  806 , the operating signals are then communicated to the screen. Each of these control signals is sent  806  to the screen display to cause individual LEDs to light and project an image on the screen. 
     It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that further modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, it will be obvious that the preferred embodiments include multiple wireless device types that may operate with a wireless network and accommodate voice, data, and multimedia, or any combination thereof.