MOBILE DEVICE DOCKING STATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mobile phone accessories. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a mobile device docking station for managing usage time of mobile phones.

However, it will be appreciated that the present invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The use of mobile phones has become a necessary commodity. In particular, mobile phones are being used individuals at a younger age. The amount of time spent using mobile phones and devices, particularly by children, has also increased with family time often being decimated by technology. It is widely accepted that children should not have their smartphones with them and/or be using them at certain times including meal time and bedtime. However, this is very difficult for parents to control and enforce and can result in undesired friction and tension within the home. Parents are continuously searching for ways to limit their kids' screen time and mobile phone/device usage. Where children have ready access to mobile phones/devices the temptation to use them during restricted times is very high. Hence, there is a need for a solution which allows phones to be kept away from children at particular times, and which parents are able to monitor. There are a number of mobile device docking stations in the market that are designed to store and charge mobile phones/devices. However, these docking stations are not suitable for limiting and managing use of mobile phones/devices as they still allow viewing and use of the phones/devices whilst in the docking station, and they do not detect or record when phones/devices are 'docked'.

In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a mobile device docking station that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a mobile device docking station for managing usage time of mobile devices, that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides consumers with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mobile device docking station for managing usage time of mobile devices.

According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a mobile device docking station comprising: a base;

at least one storage unit connected to the base providing at least one compartment for the docking device to accommodate a mobile device therein;

a mobile device detection means to detect when the mobile device is within the docking station; and

an application in communication with the mobile device docking station and accessible by a user via a mobile device or computer comprising at least one interactive screen for displaying content relating to the setup of at least one parameter and monitoring of stored mobile devices.

Preferably, a printed circuit board located in the base of the mobile device docking station is in the form of a motherboard which is electrically powered.

Preferably, mounted to the printed circuit board is at least one USB port for receiving a USB cable connected to a USB socket hub which, receives a USB charging cable from a mobile device.

Preferably, the mobile device detection means is in the form of radio frequency identification (RFID) comprising an RFID tag in the form of a sticker which is attached to the mobile device and a RFID reader embedded within a wall of the at least one compartment of the storage unit.

Suitably, the mobile device detection means is in the form of one of the following: unique USB identifier, barcode, QR code or built-in Wi-fi, Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC) technology of the mobile device.

Preferably, the mobile device or computer comprising the application can be in communication with the mobile device docking station via a communications network such as a local area network (LAN) and/or global communications network such as the Internet/Cloud, via conventional wireless (Wi-Fi), bluetooth and/or wired connections.

Preferably, the at least one interactive screen will have at least one navigation button provided to enable a user to navigate through the different sections and tools and functions of the application.

Preferably, the application will only be accessible by a user such as a parent/guardian provided with a unique identifier as their logon to use the application.

Preferably, the application is adapted to display an indicator to show the current status for each user.

Preferably, the application comprises a log for each user which can include, but not be limited to, the following: time in and time out, how many nights late per week/month; how many minutes late per week/month.

Preferably, the application comprises at least one parameter, such as a time setting, which can be set and edited by the parent/guardian.

Preferably, the application comprises a rules screen where the time settings can be set, viewed and/or edited.

Preferably, the time-setting option will have at least one prescribed time for which the mobile phone must be stored within the mobile device docking station.

According to yet another aspect, although again not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a mobile device docking station comprising:

a body having at least one compartment to receive a mobile device therein; and

a mobile device detection means to detect when the mobile device is within the docking station; and

an application in communication with the mobile device docking station and accessible by a user via a mobile device or computer comprising at least one interactive screen for displaying content relating to the setup of at least one parameter and monitoring of stored mobile devices.

According to another aspect, although again not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a mobile device docking device comprising:

a base having at least one storage unit releasably securable to the base providing a compartment for the docking device to accommodate a mobile device therein;

a lid releasably securable to the at least one storage unit;

a mobile device detection means to detect when the mobile device is within the docking station; and

an application in communication with the mobile device docking station and accessible by a user via a mobile device or computer comprising at least one interactive screen for displaying content relating to the setup of at least one parameter and monitoring of stored mobile devices.

Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

FIG 1 shows a rear perspective view of a mobile device docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG 2A shows a front perspective view of the mobile device docking station of FIG 1 with at least one lid removed;

FIG 2B shows a rear perspective view of the mobile device docking station of FIG 1 with the at least one lid removed;

FIG 3A shows a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mobile device docking station of FIG 1 ;

FIG 3B shows an exploded perspective view of the mobile docking device of FIG 3A;

FIG 4 shows a top perspective view of a mobile device having an RFID tag attached thereto; FIG 5 shows a top view of the mobile device docking station of FIG 1 illustrating a RFID reader;

FIG 6 shows a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the storage unit of the mobile device docking station;

FIG 7 shows a screen shot of an interactive screen of an application for the mobile device docking station illustrating a home screen;

FIG 8 shows a screen shot of a log screen of the application of the mobile device docking station; and

FIG 9 shows a screen shot of a rules screen of the application of the mobile device docking station.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to a mobile device docking station. For convenience sake, the docking device will be described herein for the storing and monitoring of mobile devices and will be illustrated using mobile phones. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be modified to suit any other suitable mobile device or portable device for which it is desirable to restrict extended periods of use or use during particular hours such as tablet devices, iPads, iPods, laptops or the like. It will be appreciated that variations may need to be made as required.

Referring to Fig 1 , the mobile device docking station 100 is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The docking device 100 comprises at least one compartment 101 for receiving and storing the mobile device therein with restricted view and access. It is envisaged that an appropriate number would be between one to five mobile devices. The mobile device docking station 100 can have any suitable design or layout encompassing the essential features of the present invention whereby the at least one compartment 101 can be orientated to allow the vertical and/or horizontal docking of a mobile device therein. The docking device 100 is preferably made of a plastic material. However, it will be acknowledged that any other suitable material and/or combination of materials could also be adopted. It will be acknowledged that any suitable adjustments can be made to the dimensions and design to accommodate various mobile devices.

Referring to FIGS 2A and 2B, the modular docking station 100 comprises a base 1 10, at least one lid 120 and at least one storage unit 130 connected to the base 1 10. The at least one storage unit 130 has one or more compartments 101 for receiving and storing the mobile device 300 therein. It is envisaged that the compartments 101 can be provided in a few different sizes to suit common sizes for mobile devices 300 or could be made to suit specific models of mobile device. The compartments 101 are preferably designed to be big enough to accommodate the biggest phones available on the market. Similarly, in embodiments for use with other mobile devices, the compartments 101 are preferably designed to be big enough to accommodate the largest mobile device on the market. The thickness of the storage units 130 can also be varied to suit the size of the mobile device 300. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the compartments 101 will be large enough so that the mobile device does not need to be removed from any protective or decorative casing prior to docking. The at least one compartment 101 is preferably open ended at one end to receive the mobile device 300 therein.

As illustrated in FIGS 1 to 2B, the storage unit 130 is connected to the base 110 by being integrally formed with the base 110 of the docking station 100 and has a fixed number of compartments 101 .

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS 3A and 3B, a first storage unit 130a can be integrally formed or removably attachable to the base 1 10 with one or more additional storage units 130b being able to be removably attached thereto. Thus, the docking device 100 will have a modular design to enable expansion or compaction for storing the desired number of mobile device 300 as required. In this embodiment, the storage units 130a, 130b are installed using at least one fastener such as threaded standoffs screws 131 . The base comprises at least one threaded aperture 134 for receiving the threaded standoff screw 131 to secure the storage unit 130 to the base unit 1 10. The storage unit 130a is preferably stacked and secured to the top of the base unit 110. The lid 120 is fixed last utilising at least one fastener such as a screw 133 to secure the assembly together. Other methods of fixing the storage compartments 130a, 130b include using magnets, and interlocking features built into the plastic parts.

As illustrated in FIGS 2A and 2B, the base 1 10 is adapted to store the electronic componentry and circuitry for the mobile device docking station 100. As illustrated, the interior of the base 1 10 can have one or more sections being concealed with a lid 120. The base comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 150 in the form of a motherboard powered via a suitable connection to an electrical outlet for example, a 240 volt AC plug 151. Mounted to the PCB is at least one USB port 152 for receiving a USB cable 153 connected to a USB socket hub 154 which, receives a USB charging cable 310 from a mobile device 300. The USB charging cable 310 can be fed through a cable clamp 155 or the like provided on the base 1 10 and then passed through corresponding recesses 121 provided on the lid 120 for the cable section.

The mobile device docking station 100 comprises a mobile device detection means which is adapted to detect the mobile device within the mobile device docking station 100. The mobile device detection means is in the form of radio frequency identification (RFID), which is simple and reliable, requiring no technical interface with the mobile device. Mobile devices can be detected even if they are switched off or do not have any network coverage. An RFID tag 400 in the form of a sticker which is attached to the mobile device 300, as shown in FIG 4. It will be acknowledged that any other form of RFID tag could also be adopted. In an alternative embodiment, the mobile device can be detected via the mobile device's unique USB identifier which can be read via the USB cable, barcodes, QR codes or any other suitable detection means. These would need to be added to the outside of the mobile device and be read by the docking station 100. It is envisaged that the built-in Wi-fi, Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies of the mobile device can also be adopted for this purpose. A unique identification number transmitted by the RFID tag 400 can be read by a RFID reader 410 embedded within a wall 102 of the at least one compartment 101 of the storage unit 130, as illustrated in FIG 5. It will be acknowledged that any suitable RFID reader can be adopted such as one in the form of a PCB with an integrated antenna or separate antenna.

FIG 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the storage unit 160 comprising an insert 162 which allows the storage unit 160 to be suited to different mobile devices and/or models. In this embodiment, the storage unit 160 comprises a recess 161 for receiving the insert 162 and mobile device 300 therein. The recess 161 is preferably open ended at one end such that, when the storage unit 160 is assembled within the docking device 100, the recess 161 will provide the compartment 101 to receive the mobile device 300 therein. The storage unit 160 comprises at least one cavity 163 extending outwardly from the main recess 161 for receiving a protruding portion 169 of the insert 162 to secure the insert within the recess 161 of the storage unit 130. The insert 162 comprises a cutout 168 for receiving the phone therein. The cutout 168 will be suitably sized to suit different mobile devices and models. Optionally, the insert 162 may comprise an outlet 167 for enabling the USB cable 310 from the mobile device 300 to be passed from the storage unit 160 to the base 1 10.

The mobile device docking station 100 is in communication with an application 200 accessible by a parent/guardian via a mobile device or computer. The parent mobile device or computer can be in communication with the mobile device docking station via a communications network such as a local area network (LAN) and/or global communications network such as the Internet/Cloud, via conventional wireless (Wi-Fi), bluetooth and/or wired connections. The application 200 is in the form of a mobile device app 200 which can be readily downloaded and installed on a parent/guardian's mobile device. However, it is envisaged that the application can also be one installable on a computer or provided via a website. The application 200 enables the setup of parameters and monitoring of mobile devices 300. It will be acknowledged that the term "app" mentioned herein will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to be a self-contained program or piece of software designed to fulfill the purpose of the invention. Different versions of the app 200 may be provided to suit different devices. For example, a desktop app will be provided to enable viewing on a single desktop apparatus and a mobile device app will enable viewing on an smartphone, iPad, tablet, and an android device respectively.

Referring to FIG 7, the app 200 comprises at least one interactive screen 240 for displaying content relating to the setup of parameters and monitoring of the mobile devices. It will be acknowledged that the layout of the screen and content can be varied by a user and/or service provider. It is envisaged that at least one navigation button 201 will be provided to enable a user to navigate through the different sections and tools/functions of the app 200. Suitably, there may also be provided a copy button which enables a user to copy the same settings for more than one mobile device. This is useful if there are children that are similar in age and have the same requirements. One screen can be in the form of a log on screen to permit use of the application by the user. Preferably, the app will only be accessible by a user such as a parent/guardian. The user will be provided with a unique identifier as their logon to use the app 200. The logon can include at least one alphanumeric character or any other suitable character or combination thereof. Alternatively, the user may be able to access the app using fingerprint technology provided within the mobile device 300. Once logged in, the user will be directed to a home screen shown in FIG 7, which allows the user to access a status, rules and log screen for each child via the respective navigation buttons.

The application 200 enables a parent/guardian to add and remove users according to the number of mobile devices being stored in the docking station 100. It is also possible to set and edit the name of the users and parameters for each user. The application 200 is adapted to display an indicator. The indicator 220 is preferably in the form of a colour indicator which is adapted to show the current status for each user. An example is provided below however, it will be acknowledged that the colours and status descriptions can be varied as desired.

COLOUR STATUS

Grey Phone is OUT of device

Red Phone is not IN device when it should be

Yellow Phone is IN device but it was late

Green Phone is IN device and it was on time

It is envisaged that the application 200 comprises a log 230 for each user, as illustrated in FIG 8. The log can include, but not be limited to, the following: time in and time out, how many nights late per week/month; how many minutes late per week/month. The application 200 comprises at least one parameter which can be set and edited by the parent/guardian. As illustrated in FIG 9, there will be provided a rules screen 240 where the time settings 241 can be set, viewed and/or edited. It is envisaged that the time-setting options will have an on/off setting to allow the whole device to be switched off for one or more mobile devices for example, during weekends or school holidays. Further, the time-setting options may allow individual users to be switched "on" or "off" for example, if an older child finishes school earlier than the others. The time settings 241 specify when a phone must be IN between for a prescribed time 242 such as 10:00pm and 7:00am. One or more additional times can be specified for a day to indicate that the phone must also be IN for an additional prescribed time. For example, a parent might specify that on certain days the phone must be IN between 7:30pm and 9:00pm, to assist with concentration on homework etc., and then be allowed OUT for a further period of time prior to being returned for the night.

Hence, the mobile device docking station provides a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing a device to store, monitor, charge and restrict use of mobile devices during specified times. The mobile device docking station provides a foolproof means for identifying that phones are present within the docking station. The mobile device docking station provides sensing and logging facilities which prevent parents from having to personally interfere each night, reducing nagging and arguments and encourages the youth to self-manage the issue. The docking devies also ensures that rule breaches are recorded even if the parent/guardian(s) are absent, busy or asleep.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.