Patent Publication Number: US-2007121256-A1

Title: Portable electronic device carrying apparatus and method of use thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      This invention relates in general to portable electronic devices and more particularly, to accessories for portable electronic devices.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      In today&#39;s marketplace, consumers have numerous portable electronic devices to choose from. Examples of these portable electronic devices include cellular telephones, MP3 players, and personal radios. Carrying these portable electronic devices may be a problem for a user, since they are easily misplaced.  
      In the case of a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, the user can locate it by calling and hearing its ring tone. However, in a noisy or cluttered environment, it may be difficult to hear the ring tone and locate the mobile phone. Moreover, manufacturers of such devices and their related accessories are constantly searching for ways to distinguish their products from those sold by competitors.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention concerns an apparatus that is suitable for carrying a portable electronic device. The apparatus can include a holding device that can carry the portable electronic device and one or more light sources to illuminate the apparatus. The one or more light sources can be attached to the holding device, and can be activated, based on a predefined event. This event can be a timer alert in the portable electronic device, an incoming communication signal on it, the movement of the holding device or a signal from a sensor on it. The holding device can be made of a transparent or translucent material. The apparatus can also include an activation device that can receive signals from the portable electronic device. The activation device can activate the light source on receiving a signal from the portable electronic device.  
      The apparatus can also include one or more contacts that couple the activation device to the portable electronic device when the holding device is carrying the portable electronic device. Also, when the holding device is carrying the portable electronic device, the portable electronic device can control the operation of the activation device. In one arrangement, the contacts may intermittently lose touch with the portable electronic device when the holding device is moved such that the light source may intermittently activate when the holding device is moved. The apparatus may receive its power from a power supply of the portable electronic device or it may include its own power supply.  
      The present invention also concerns a portable carrying apparatus, which can include a portable electronic device, a holding device, an activation device, and one or more light sources. The holding device can hold the portable electronic device, while the activation device can receive signals from the portable electronic device. The one or more light sources may be coupled to the activation device and may also be attached to the holding device. The light source can selectively illuminate the portable carrying apparatus, based on the occurrence of a predefined event. Examples of the predefined event include, but are not limited to, a timer alert in the portable electronic device, an incoming communication signal on it, the movement of the holding device, or a signal from a sensor on the portable electronic device.  
      The present invention also concerns a method for notifying a user about an event. The method can be applied to a holding device that can carry a portable electronic device. The method can include the steps of the holding device receiving a signal from the portable electronic device when the holding device carries the portable electronic device and activating one or more light sources based on the signal received by the holding device. In one arrangement, the illumination of the light sources can be predefined. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a holding device that is supporting or carrying a portable electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements;  
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a holding device suitable for carrying the portable electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements;  
       FIG. 3  illustrates a second perspective view of the holding device suitable for carrying the portable electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements;  
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a block diagram of the holding device and portable electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements; and  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a method for notifying a user about an event, in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.  
      As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.  
      The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.  
      The invention concerns a portable carrying apparatus and a method of use thereof. In one arrangement, the apparatus can include a holding device that can carry a portable electronic device and at least one light source that can illuminate the apparatus on the occurrence of a predefined event. The light source can be attached to the holding device.  
      In one particular embodiment, the apparatus can also include an activation device. The activation device can receive signals from the portable electronic device and activate the light source in the holding device, in response to signals received. The apparatus can also include a power source that can supply electrical power to the light source. In view of this arrangement, the holding device can be illuminated based on certain processes occurring within the electronic device, such as the electronic device receiving a call. Also, the holding device may be illuminated based on its movement. Through such illumination, a user can be directed to his or her portable electronic device where the user may otherwise have overlooked the device. This feature can help manufacturers distinguish their products from others in the marketplace.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , an example of an apparatus  100  that is suitable for carrying a portable electronic device  102  is shown. In one embodiment, the apparatus  100  can include a holding device  104  and a clip  106 . The holding device  104  can be made of a transparent or translucent material, so that the holding device  104  is capable of transmitting light. As is known in the art, the holding device  104  can detachably hold the portable electronic device  102 . This enables the portable electronic device  102  to be removed from the holding device  104  when required. The clip  106  can enable a user to attach the apparatus  100  to an article of clothing or any other object, such as a dashboard of a vehicle. The clip  106  can enable the user to fasten the apparatus  100 , in a removable manner, to an article that is present in the surroundings.  
      The holding device  104  can carry the portable electronic device  102 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The user can detach the portable electronic device  102  from the holding device  104 , if required, for example, when the user receives a call or a message alert. The holding device  104  may be designed so that the user can easily detach the portable electronic device  102  from it, but the detachment should not occur without manual assistance. This may prevent inadvertent detachment and ensures the safety of the portable electronic device  102 . In one arrangement, the portable electronic device  102  may be a mobile communications unit that is capable of receiving wireless communications signals, although the invention is not so limited.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , perspective views of the holding device  104  suitable for carrying the portable electronic device  102  of  FIG. 1  are shown. In one embodiment, the holding device  104  can include a coupler  202  that can couple the holding device  104  with the clip  106  (see  FIG. 1 ). The holding device  104  can also include at least one light source  302 , which selectively illuminates the holding device  104 , based on a predefined event. The holding device  104  can include more than one light source  302 , in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. Examples of the light source  302  include, but are not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), an incandescent bulb or an electro-fluorescent light source. The light source  302  can be positioned at any suitable location of the holding device  104  and may be attached to the holding device  104  in any suitable fashion. As such, the term “light source being attached to the holding device” can include the light source at lest being partially positioned on the outside of or at least partially embedded within the holding device  104 .  
      The holding device  104  can be designed with protrusions  304 , which can hold the portable electronic device  102 . The holding device  104  can be formed to suit the shape of various portable electronic devices. The holding device  104  can have a different design for another portable electronic device with different external dimensions.  
      In one arrangement and referring to  FIG. 3 , the protrusions  304  may include one or more contacts  305 . These contacts  305  can be used to electrically couple components of the holding device  104  to components of the portable electronic device  102  of  FIG. 1 . Examples of such components will be presented below. Although not shown here, the portable electronic device  102  can include one or more corresponding contacts. When the device  102  is placed in the holding device  104 , the contacts  305  of the holding device  104  can be positioned against the contacts of the device  102 . In addition, while shown as being positioned on the protrusions  304 , it is important to note that the contacts  305  can be located at any other suitable location on the holding device  104 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram of some of the components of the portable electronic device  102  and the holding device  104  are shown. In one arrangement, the portable device  102  can include a controller or processor  400 , a power source  402 , a transceiver  404  and an interface  406  that can have one or more contacts  408 . The holding device  104  may include one or more of the light sources  302 , an activation device  410  and optionally, a power source  412 .  
      The processor  400  can be coupled to and control the operation of the transceiver  404  and the interface  406 . As is known in the art, the transceiver  404  can transmit and receive wireless signals. The interface  406  can be coupled to the power source  402  and can facilitate or control the flow of current from the power source  402  to the holding device  104  as well as control signals from the processor  400  or some other suitable component to the holding device  104 . As an example, the power source  402  can be a rechargeable battery.  
      As noted earlier, the light source  302  can illuminate the holding device  104 . Also, the activation device  410  can activate the light source  302 . In particular, the activation device  410  can receive signals from the portable electronic device  102  and can activate the light source  302  in response to the signals. Examples of events that can trigger the activation source  410  to activate the light source  302  will be presented below. The activation device  410  can also be coupled to the contacts  305 . If the holding device  104  includes the power source  412 , the activation device  410  can control the flow of current from the power source  412  to the light source  302 . As an example, the power source  412  can be a rechargeable battery. The activation device  410  can also control the flow of current from the power source  402  of the device  102 . In one arrangement, the activation device  410  can include a timer, which can restrict the illumination of the light source  302  to a predetermined and possibly programmable amount of time.  
      In view of the arrangement described above, when the holding device  104  is supporting or carrying the portable electronic device  102 , the contacts  408  of the device  102  can be coupled to the contacts  305  of the device  104 . This coupling can allow power and control signals to pass from the portable device  102  to the holding device  104 . Of course, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the portable device  102  and the holding device  104  can include suitable structure to enable signals to be passed between them without a direct physical connection. For example, the portable device  102  and the holding device  104  may be capacitively, inductively or magnetically coupled to one another.  
      As an example of the operation of the holding device  104 , the portable electronic device  102  may be placed in the holding device  104 . The contacts  305  of the holding device  104  and the contacts  408  of the device  102  can then engage one another. As a result, power from the power source  402  can be fed to the light source  302  through the contacts  305 ,  408  and the activation device  410 , which can enable the light source  302  to illuminate. Alternatively, the interface  406  can detect the engagement of the contacts  305 ,  408  through any suitable means and can generate an interrupt to the processor  400 . The processor  400 , assuming that the charge on the power source  402  is acceptable, can signal the interface  406  to permit current to flow from the power source  402  to the holding device  104 .  
      In yet another alternative, the processor  400  can pass control signals to the activation device  410  in response to the device  102  being positioned in the holding device  104 . In response, the activation device  410  can allow current from the power source  402  or the power source  412  to pass to the light source  302 .  
      There are several other ways to trigger the illumination of the light source  302  other than merely placing the portable device  102  in the holding device  104 . For example, the activation device  410  can receive activation signals on the occurrence of one of the following events: a timer alert in the portable electronic device  102 , an incoming communication signal on the portable electronic device  102 , the movement of the holding device  104 , a signal from a sensor on the portable electronic device  102 , and the like.  
      Specifically, the portable electronic device  102  may include a calendar or some other application that keeps track of appointments or other scheduled events. When one of these events is about to occur, the processor  400  can signal the activation device  410 , and one of the power sources  402 ,  412  can illuminate the light source  302 . Alternatively, the portable device  102  can receive an incoming call, which can include any suitable type of incoming communication signal, and the processor  400  can signal the activation device  410  to correspondingly allow the light source  302  to be illuminated. In either example, the user can be alerted of important events or calls that may otherwise be overlooked.  
      It must be noted that the light source  302  can be illuminated in accordance with any predefined pattern. For example, the activation device  410  can cause the light source  302  to turn on and off based on a predetermined sequence. As an example, this sequence can be selected from a menu in the portable electronic device  102  or a user can generate his or her own sequence. In either embodiment, the processor  400  can signal the activation device  410  accordingly. Of course, the control of the light source  302  can be performed by the interface  406 , based on instructions from the processor  400 . As a result, the activation device  410  may not be a necessary part of the holding device  104 .  
      As another example, the contacts  305  of the holding device  104  can be constructed to allow for temporary disengagement from the contacts  408  when the holding device  104  is moved. That is, the contacts  305  can be designed to intermittently lose touch with the contacts  408  of the device  102  when the holding device  104  is moved. For example, the contacts  305  can include a spring mechanism (not shown) that can permit them to intermittently contact the contacts  408 . As such, the flow of current from the power source  402  can be intermittently interrupted, which can cause the light source  302  to correspondingly intermittently illuminate.  
      Of course, there are other ways to accomplish this function. In particular, the holding device  104  or the portable device  102  may be equipped with a motion detection mechanism (not shown), such as an accelerometer, and other suitable circuitry. When the motion detection mechanism detects movement of the holding device  104  (or the portable device  102 ), the processor  400  or some other suitable component can signal the activation device  410  to intermittently illuminate the light source  302 . This can be useful for causing the holding device  104  to display an attractive sequence of lights when moved, for example, while a user is jogging or dancing.  
      An activation signal may also come from a sensor on the portable electronic device  102  or on the holding device  104 . For example, the portable device  102  or the holding device  104  may include a temperature sensor or a light sensor. If either of these sensors detect a reading above or below a predetermined threshold or range, the activation device  410  can be signaled to selectively illuminate the light source  302  in response.  
      It must be noted that the invention is not limited to any of the examples above, as those of skill in the art will appreciate that there are many different ways to activate the light source  302  and many different events that can trigger the activation. In fact, there may be devices other than the portable electronic device  102  that may activate the light source  302  of the holding device  104 , such as a key fob.  
      Referring to  FIG. 5 , an example of a method for notifying the user about an event is shown. To describe the method  800 , reference is made to  FIGS. 1-4 , although it is understood that the method  800  can be implemented in any other suitable device or system. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the order in which the steps are listed in the method  800 . Further, the method  800  can contain more or fewer steps than shown in  FIG. 5 . Several suitable examples of the method  800  are presented below.  
      In one arrangement, the method  800  can include one or more method steps for notifying the user about an event. At step  802 , the method  800  can begin. At step  804 , the holding device  104  can receive a signal while it carries the portable electronic device  102 . The signal can be received by the holding device  104  by using an embodiment of the activation device  410 , as described above. At step  806 , the light source  302  of the holding device  104  can be activated, based on the signal received by the holding device  104 . The method  800  can end at step  808 .  
      In one arrangement, the apparatus  100  can have any or all of the embodiments described above. A combination of the embodiments can be used to activate the light source  302  in an aesthetically pleasing manner. An event such as an incoming call or a dispatch alert can trigger any of the activation device  410 . The light source  302  can also be illuminated in a predefined manner, which can have some defaults settings and can also be user-configurable.  
      The user can, for example, configure the duration of the illumination or the sequence of the illumination of the light source  302 . The user can associate a particular duration and sequence of illumination with an event, as described above. The event described above as being a timer alert in the portable electronic device  102 , an incoming communication signal on the portable electronic device  102 , a movement of the holding device, or a signal from a sensor on the portable electronic device  102  is merely an exemplary list. The duration and sequence of an illumination can be associated with each event and can be configured by the user. An event can include an occurrence that requires the attention of the user to be drawn to the portable electronic device  102 , which has traditionally been accomplished by using methods such as a sound alert or a vibratory alert. The user can also locate a misplaced portable electronic device  102  using light illumination as a means for notifying the user of the location of the portable electronic device  102 , as described above.  
      Where applicable, the present invention can be realized in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein are suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a mobile communication device with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, can control the mobile communication device such that it carries out the methods described herein.  
      While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.