(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0152576A1
`Kiessling et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 13, 2006
`
`US 2006O152576A1
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`(54)
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`(75)
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`(73)
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`(21)
`(22)
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`MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE
`HAVING DETACHABLE WIRELESS
`CAMERA AND CAMERA MODULE FOR A
`MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE
`
`Inventors: Michael Kiessling, Freising (DE);
`Kenneth A. Tuchman, Munich (DE)
`Correspondence Address:
`HTT GANES P.C.
`P.O. BOX832570
`RICHARDSON, TX 75083 (US)
`Assignee: Agere Systems Incorporated. Allen
`town, PA
`Appl. No.:
`11/033,197
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 11, 2005
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`H04B I/38
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................................... 348/1401
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A mobile communication device and a camera module
`configured to be attached to a Suitable mobile communica
`tion device. In one embodiment, the device includes: (1) a
`main body having a radio frequency receiver and (2) a
`camera module detachably coupled to the main body and
`having a radio frequency transmitter, the radio frequency
`receiver and the radio frequency transmitter configured to
`cooperate to establish a radio frequency connection for
`transmitting data from the camera module to the main body.
`
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`Exhibit 1016
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 13, 2006 Sheet 1 of 5
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`US 2006/0152576 A1
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`FIC. 1
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`Exhibit 1016
`Page 02 of 10
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 13, 2006 Sheet 2 of 5
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`US 2006/0152576 A1
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`FIC. 2
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`10
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`Exhibit 1016
`Page 03 of 10
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 13, 2006 Sheet 3 of 5
`FIG. 3
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`US 2006/0152576A1
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`220
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`O
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`Exhibit 1016
`Page 04 of 10
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 13, 2006 Sheet 4 of 5
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`FIG. 4
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`Exhibit 1016
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 13, 2006 Sheet 5 of 5
`FIG. 5
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`Exhibit 1016
`Page 06 of 10
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`US 2006/0152576 A1
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`Jul. 13, 2006
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`MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING
`DETACHABLE WIRELESS CAMERA AND
`CAMERAMODULE FOR A MOBILE
`COMMUNICATION DEVICE
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0001. The present invention is directed, in general, to a
`imaging, in particular to mobile imaging, and especially to
`a mobile communication device, which is provided with a
`camera module.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 Mobile communication devices, such as wireless
`telephones, are increasingly used for more than just speech
`communication. A variety of applications like messaging
`services, data communication, e-mail or fax services have
`become available to the users of mobile communication
`devices.
`0003. The ongoing development in digital imaging
`devices furthermore makes it possible today to equip mobile
`communication devices with digital cameras at affordable
`prices, giving rise to new multimedia services. It therefore
`becomes possible to capture digital photographs or to record
`digital video clips and, for example, send them to another
`device by means of the well-known multimedia message
`system (MMS) or even to enable video conferencing func
`tionality.
`0004. With ongoing miniaturization of digital imaging
`devices the resolution of Such devices also constantly
`increases, but since imaging devices are integrated into the
`mobile communication device, an upgrade of the camera
`alone is not possible.
`0005 One known attempt for a more flexible use of an
`imaging device in combination with a mobile communica
`tion device (described, for example, in Japanese Patent
`Application Serial No. JP 2002135373 A) is to connect a
`camera and a mobile telephone by means of a cable, so that
`an image captured with the camera is displayed on the
`display of the mobile telephone, thereby providing view
`finder and display Screen functionality for the camera.
`0006. However, a mobile telephone cannot be conve
`niently used to telephone while a camera is attached to it via
`cable. The point of using a signal cable is to separate the
`camera from the mobile telephone, so that it can be handled
`independently. For this purpose, though, the mobile tele
`phone viewfinder function is not practical.
`0007 Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a new and
`improved approach to providing a mobile communication
`device with imaging means that can be used in a more
`flexible way and that can be easily upgraded.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0008 To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the
`prior art, the present invention provides, in one aspect, a
`mobile communication device. In one embodiment, the
`device includes:
`0009 (1) a main body having a radio frequency receiver
`and (2) a camera module detachably coupled to the main
`body and having a radio frequency transmitter, the radio
`frequency receiver and the radio frequency transmitter con
`
`figured to cooperate to establish a radio frequency connec
`tion for transmitting data from the camera module to the
`main body.
`0010. In another aspect, the present invention provides a
`camera module. In one aspect, the camera module includes:
`(1) a main body interface configured to allow the camera
`module to be attached to a mobile communication device
`having a complementary interface and a radio frequency
`receiver and (2) a radio frequency transmitter for transmit
`ting digital image data to the mobile communication device.
`0011. The foregoing has outlined preferred and alterna
`tive features of the present invention so that those skilled in
`the art may better understand the detailed description of the
`invention that follows. Additional features of the invention
`will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the
`claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should
`appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception
`and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modi
`fying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of
`the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also
`realize that Such equivalent constructions do not depart from
`the spirit and scope of the invention.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0012 For a more complete understanding of the inven
`tion, reference is now made to the following descriptions
`taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in
`which:
`0013 FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic front view of one
`embodiment of a mobile communication device with a
`detachable camera module constructed according to the
`principles of the present invention;
`0014 FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic front view of the
`mobile communication device of FIG. 1 with the camera
`module in a detached position;
`0.015 FIG.3 illustrates a schematic front view of another
`embodiment of a mobile communication device having a
`camera module that is provided with a built-in tripod con
`structed according to the principles of the present invention;
`0016 FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic front view of still
`another embodiment of a mobile communication device
`with a retractable camera module constructed according to
`the principles of the present invention; and
`0017 FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side view of one
`embodiment of a mobile communication device with a main
`body and camera module thereof having a rechargeable
`battery.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0018. The invention proposes a mobile communication
`device, which may be a mobile telephone, personal digital
`assistant (PDA) or mobile digital assistant (MDA), that
`includes a main body having a radio frequency (RF)
`receiver, and a camera module detachable from the main
`body that has an RF transmitter, so that an RF connection
`between the main body and the camera module can be
`established and data can be transmitted from the camera
`module to the main body. The mobile communication device
`can be used for mobile telephones as well as for PDA or
`MDA style devices or any other, including future, mobile
`communication devices.
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`Exhibit 1016
`Page 07 of 10
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`US 2006/0152576 A1
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`Jul. 13, 2006
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`0019. By establishing an RF connection between the
`camera module and the main body of the mobile commu
`nication device the transmission of preview, still image or
`Video data from a separately handled camera module to the
`main body acting as base unit may be achieved in a
`convenient manner. Especially for the preview function, the
`transmission advantageously may be performed in real-time.
`0020 For transmitting control data, for example com
`mands being entered via a keypad by the user, the camera
`module may be provided with an RF receiver and the main
`body may be also provided with an RF transmitter. The
`combination of transmitter and receiver may be provided as
`a mutual transceiver unit.
`0021. To decrease power consumption, a short range RF
`link may be used for the RF connection between the main
`body and the camera module. Technologies that can be used
`for this purpose comprise Bluetooth, Wireless USB, or any
`other similar current or future technology.
`0022. The camera module may have its own rechargeable
`battery, which may be charged while the main body of the
`mobile communication device mobile is charged and using
`the same power Supply unit.
`0023 For charging the battery, the camera module may
`be attached to the main body. For this purpose, the camera
`module and the main body may be provided with comple
`mentary interfaces suitable for attaching the camera module
`to the main body. The interfaces may be provided with an
`appropriate electrical interfaces for charging the battery of
`the camera module through the main body of the mobile
`communication device.
`0024. The interfaces may include an interface for
`exchanging digital data, so that the RF data connection may
`be not needed, when the camera module may be attached to
`the main body by means of the interfaces.
`0.025 To enable the camera module to be used for a
`certain time without being attached to the main body and
`without an established RF connection, the camera module
`may be provided with a non-volatile memory unit for storing
`digital image data.
`0026. For storage purposes, the main body of the mobile
`communication device may be provided with a non-volatile
`memory unit. For easy access to stored digital data, the
`memory unit can advantageously comprise a card reader unit
`adapted for use with flash memory cards like for example
`Compact Flash Type I or II, SmartMedia, Multimedia Card
`or other future non-volatile memory cards.
`0027. For transfer of stored digital image data and further
`processing on a computer, the mobile communication device
`may include a computer interface for connecting the device
`to a computer. This connection can be established using a
`cable or any suitable wireless connection like for example
`infrared, Bluetooth, Wireless USB or other future short link
`RF technologies.
`0028. The mobile communication device may also
`include a memory with a stored software program and a
`microprocessor by which the software program can be
`executed. The Software program and microprocessor can be
`adapted to control the camera module via the RF connection
`and to display image data received from the camera module
`on a display integrated in the main body of the mobile
`communication device.
`
`0029. For practical purposes, the camera module may be
`provided with a viewfinder, which may be especially of
`advantage when handling the camera module independently
`from the main body of the device.
`0030 The camera module may be retractable into the
`main body of the device. For this purpose the mobile
`communication device may advantageously include a spring
`with a user-releasable retainer for holding the camera mod
`ule in a retracted position. The spring may be used to
`automatically transport the camera module from the
`retracted position to an exposed position, for example by
`means of a linear guiding. By keeping the camera module in
`a retracted position when not in use, it may be protected
`against external influences, especially the lens of the camera
`against Scratches. The retainer may, for example, be released
`by the user by pushing an according button.
`0031) Especially when capturing images with long expo
`sure times, blurred pictures may result. Therefore it may be
`advantageous to place the camera module on Some kind of
`Support, for example to mount it on a tripod. Accordingly,
`the camera module may be provided with a built-in tripod,
`on which in particular the camera module may be movably
`mounted, especially so that the camera module may be
`rotatable about at least one axis of rotation.
`0032. In this respect, the device may include a self-timer
`located in the camera module to automatically capture an
`image, a series of images or a video sequence after a certain
`delay time. The elapsing of the delay time can be indicated
`by appropriate indicating means, as for example by an LED,
`which flashes with an ascending frequency during the delay
`time. The camera may also include a flash to allow it to take
`photographs in dark Surroundings.
`0033. A separate mobile communication device and a
`separate camera module, which are respectively provided
`with complementary interfaces for attaching the one to the
`other also lie within the scope of the present invention. For
`transmitting digital data to a mobile communication device
`the camera module may be further provided at least with an
`RF transmitter, and for receiving digital image data from a
`camera module the mobile communication device may be
`further provided at least with an RF receiver. For enabling
`two-way data exchange the mobile communication device
`and the camera module are provided with an RF transceiver
`(combination transmitter and receiver).
`0034. With these features and alternatives in mind, Ref
`erence will now be made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a
`mobile telephone 100. The mobile telephone is illustrated as
`being equipped with a camera module 120 attached to the
`main body 110. The camera module 120 is provided with a
`lens 122 for focusing incoming light onto an integrated
`image sensor for capturing digital images. In this embodi
`ment, the camera module 120 further comprises a flash 126
`and a timer (not shown), which is connected to an LED 124
`for indicating the elapsing of the delay time of the timer.
`0035. The camera module 120 is attached to the main
`body 10 by complementary interfaces: a main body interface
`210 and a camera module interface 310, which can for
`example comprise a Snap mechanism. The main body and
`camera module interfaces 210, 310 may be further provided
`with an electrical interface for exchanging digital data
`between the main body 110 and the camera module 120 of
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`Exhibit 1016
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`Jul. 13, 2006
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`the device 100, thereby enabling images captured with the
`camera module 120 to be displayed on the display 112
`integrated in the main body 110 and commands entered by
`the user by means of the keypad 114 to be transferred to the
`camera module 120.
`0036) The main body and camera module interfaces 210,
`310 allow the camera module 120 to be detached from the
`main body 110 as can be seen in FIG. 2, which shows the
`embodiment of FIG. 1 with the camera module 120
`detached from the main body 110. For exchanging digital
`data when the camera module 120 is detached, the main
`body 110 and the camera module 120 are provided with RF
`transceivers 220, 320 respectively. Between the RF trans
`ceivers 220, 320 an RF link 400 can be established, for
`example on the basis of Bluetooth or wireless USB stan
`dards. Since the camera module 120 is detachable from the
`main body 110 of the device 100, updating the camera
`module 120, for example to obtain a camera module with
`higher resolution, can be achieved with minimal effort.
`0037 Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a schematic
`front view of another preferred embodiment of an inventive
`mobile communication device provided with further pre
`ferred refinements. In this embodiment, the main body 110
`is further provided with a card reader unit 230 adapted for
`use with a flash memory card 240 for easy storage of digital
`image data and convenient transfer to other devices. The
`camera module 120 in this embodiment is provided with an
`integrated non-volatile memory 330 for storing digital image
`data. This is especially advantageous when handling the
`camera module 120 independently from the main body 110
`without an established RF connection, for example when
`using the camera module 120 in a distance from the main
`body 110 that exceeds the maximum working distance of the
`RF connection, e.g., Bluetooth. An advantage of using the
`camera module 120 independently from the main body 110
`is, for example, to be able to use the mobile communication
`device 100 simultaneously for telephony. For example, a
`first user could handle the camera module 120 and a second
`user could at the same time make a telephone call by means
`of the main body 110.
`0038. The camera module 120 may further be provided
`with a viewfinder 370, since for this purpose the display 112
`of the main body 110 cannot practically be used as a
`viewfinder. Also the command for shutter release or for
`activating image capturing cannot be given via the keypad
`114 of the main body 110 without an established RF con
`nection, therefore in this embodiment the camera module
`120 is further provided with an activation or shutter release
`button 380.
`0039. A further embodiment includes a tripod 350 inte
`grated in the camera module 120. The tripod 350 is provided
`with a bearing that allows the camera module 120 to rotate
`about a vertical axis of rotation and to tilt about an axis
`perpendicular thereto, so that the view of the camera module
`120 can be adjusted according to a user's needs.
`0040 Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is another
`embodiment of an inventive mobile communication device
`in which the camera module 120 is retractable into the main
`body 110 of the device. In a retracted position 120' the
`camera module 120 is protected against damages, especially
`scratches of the lens 122. A linear guiding is provided to
`transport the camera module 120 from a fixed retracted
`
`position 120' to a fixed exposed position and vice versa. In
`the exposed position, the camera module 120 can be used to
`capture images while attached to the main body 110, but can
`also be detached from the main body 110 as described
`above. Alternatively the camera module 120 can become
`detached from the main body 110 automatically when
`moved from the retracted position 120". For this purpose, the
`mobile communication device 100 can comprise a spring
`and retainer 530 (see FIG. 5), by which the camera module
`120 can be automatically ejected and thus become detached
`from the main body 110 when the user so desires.
`0041 Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a schematic
`side view of still another preferred embodiment of an
`inventive mobile communication device 100 with the main
`body 110 and the camera module 120 both being provided
`with rechargeable batteries 260 and 360 respectively, which
`can be charged simultaneously by means of the same power
`supply unit 510. The power supply unit 510 may be provided
`with a plug connector 520, and the main body 110 may be
`provided with a corresponding power supply jack 270. The
`power supply jack 270 is internally connected to a battery
`260 and to the electrical interface integrated in the main
`body and camera module interfaces 210, 310 and thereby the
`battery 360. This way both the batteries 260, 360 of the
`camera module 20 and of the mobile telephone 110 itself can
`be charged with only one charge unit 510.
`0042 Although the present invention has been described
`in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that they
`can make various changes, Substitutions and alterations
`herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
`invention in its broadest form.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A mobile communication device, comprising:
`a main body having a radio frequency receiver, and
`a camera module detachably coupled to said main body
`and having a radio frequency transmitter, said radio
`frequency receiver and said radio frequency transmitter
`configured to cooperate to establish a radio frequency
`connection for transmitting data from said camera
`module to said main body.
`2. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said device is
`selected from the group consisting of:
`a mobile telephone,
`a personal digital assistant, and
`a mobile digital assistant.
`3. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said main body
`further has a radio frequency transmitter, said camera mod
`ule further has radio frequency receiver and said radio
`frequency connection is capable of transmitting data from
`said camera module to said main body.
`4. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said camera
`module further has a rechargeable battery.
`5. The device as recited in claim 4 wherein said camera
`module and said main body are provided with complemen
`tary interfaces for attaching said camera module to said main
`body and said interfaces are provided with a plug connector
`and a power Supply jack for charging said battery of said
`camera module through said main body of said mobile
`communication device.
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`Exhibit 1016
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`Jul. 13, 2006
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`6. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said radio
`frequency connection is a short-range radio frequency con
`nection.
`7. The device as recited in claim 6 wherein said short link
`RF connection is selected from the group consisting of
`a Bluetooth connection, and
`a wireless universal serial bus.
`8. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein one of said
`camera module and said main body is provided with a
`non-volatile memory unit for storing digital image data.
`9. The device as recited in claim 8 further comprising a
`computer interface configured to allow said device to be
`connected to a computer.
`10. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a
`display configured to display image data received from said
`camera module via said radio frequency connection.
`11. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said camera
`module has a viewfinder.
`12. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising
`user releasable retaining means for holding said camera
`module in a retracted position and transporting means to
`automatically transport said camera module from said
`retracted position to an exposed position.
`
`13. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said camera
`module has a built-in tripod.
`14. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said camera
`module has a flash.
`15. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising:
`a user-activatable timer configured to automatically take
`a photograph after a certain delay time; and
`an indicator for indicating an elapsing of said delay time.
`16. A camera module, comprising:
`a main body interface configured to allow said camera
`module to be attached to a mobile communication
`device having a complementary interface and a radio
`frequency receiver, and
`a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting digital
`image data to said mobile communication device.
`17. The camera module as recited in claim 16 further
`comprising a radio frequency receiver for receiving digital
`control data from said device, said device having a radio
`frequency transmitter.
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`Exhibit 1016
`Page 10 of 10
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