Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a multifunctional electronic device, especially designed to offer a large variety of services to mobile device users (telephones, tablets, laptops, etc.) connected to the same, with capacity to store information, to share information with other multifunctional electronic devices, to manage users and the roles thereof, to broaden the coverage range of wireless networks located within the range thereof, as well as to enable battery charging of said mobile devices.

The present invention is especially suitable for the application thereof in public places, such as hotels, conference and/or meeting rooms, shops, waiting rooms, etc. as well as for the domestic use thereof. Background of the invention

Currently, there are several electronic devices that are known, mainly battery charges for mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc., for the use thereof in public places. These electronic devices tend to offer, in addition to the battery charging service, certain publicity information aimed at the users of said mobile devices.

An example of these can be seen in document ES1143683U, which relates to a mobile charging device with a publicity panel integrated therein. Wherein said publicity panel can be stationary (content printed thereon) or dynamic (digital screen).

In any case, these are electronic devices which operate in an isolated, individual and independent manner, that is, without any type of connectivity with other devices that are similar to the same. In addition they have a reduced number of services (basically battery charging and publicity information), they have a limited information storage capacity, and lack the possibility of selecting the information offered depending on the type of user.

The present invention enables the aforementioned problems to be resolved by means of a multifunctional electronic device, especially designed to offer a large variety of services to users of the mobile devices which are connected to the same. Among said services, access to local and/or remote information, exchange of information between users, user and content management, as well as charging the batteries of mobile devices, are of note.

The connectivity of the multifunctional electronic device with other multifunctional electronic devices enables the stored information to be shared between them, and between users connected to the same, increasing the storage capacity of said information/contents. And the connectivity with other wireless networks enables the coverage range thereof to be broadened, by amplifying the weak signals originating from the same and transmitting said amplified signals to other multifunctional electronic devices in areas further away. Likewise, the multifunctional electronic device can also provide Internet access by operating as a repeater of the signals originating from other networks.

Description of the invention

The multifunctional electronic device of the present invention is formed by a body that is portable, easily installable on any type of furniture and/or surface, with a compact design that favours the accessibility thereof by the user and its architectural integration.

Said device is characterised in that it comprises:

- an electrical power supply module;

- a local storage module configured to store a first information;

- a network module configured to establish a network connection of the multifunctional electronic device with at least one second multifunctional electronic device in which a second information is stored; and

- a local connection module configured to enable the connection to the multifunctional electronic device of at least one mobile device located within the range thereof, and to enable access of said mobile device to the first information and/or the second information.

One of the main advantages of the configuration described above is to enable the exchange of information between mobile device users, without needing to have registered as users by introducing passwords or personal data in the network. This means that the connection is direct and the exchange of information is immediate.

Among the different shapes that the body can take on, according to a preferred embodiment, it has a substantially triangular prism-shaped compact configuration, which provides robustness, stability and accessibility, being suitable for the arrangement thereof on a table and/or furniture.

Preferably, said body comprises:

- a support stand configured to receive a mobile device of the type such as mobile phone, tablet or laptop; and

- a support base configured to enable the vertical or inclined arrangement of the mobile device on the multifunctional electronic device, which facilitates the viewing of the screen of the mobile device when it is arranged on the multifunctional electronic device. Preferably, the electrical power supply module comprises:

- a battery for the autonomous power supply of the multifunctional electronic device, for example, a lithium ion battery; and/or

- a power supply source for the power supply thereof by means of the connection of said multifunctional electronic device to a power distribution network, for example a source with an alternating current input voltage of 100 to 240 V and with a direct current output voltage of 5 V.

The local storage module comprises an internal memory to store the first information. The uploading/downloading of said information in the memory can be carried out locally and/or remotely.

For the uploading/downloading of content locally, the local storage module preferably comprises:

- one or more input and output ports, for example a USB port and/or a SD port, configured for the connection of an external memory (memory stick, SD card, hard drive of a laptop, etc.); and

- an internal memory configured to exchange data with said external memory.

For the uploading/downloading of content remotely, the local storage module is configured to receive said first information, for example, by means of a radio connection, by means of a web application or from an administration program, access roles being able to be provided for access to the modification of said information.

The network module is configured to enable a mesh network connection of the multifunctional electronic device with a plurality of second multifunctional electronic devices. Preferably, the network module is configured to connect wirelessly and/or by means of cable connection to the second multifunctional electronic device.

This enables large coverage to be obtained, wherein the multifunctional electronic devices link to each other to expand the signal thereof with the suitable level, thus enabling access for a high number of users. Moreover, it also enables the information storage capacity of the system to be increased, distributing the same among all the electronic devices that form part of said system.

The local connection module is configured to connect wirelessly and/or by means of cable connection to the mobile devices within the range thereof.

This enables a shared network of documents and users to be created, wherein said users can be located in isolated places, far from each other. Such that, without needing to access the Internet, or email information, users can similarly share, quickly and directly, the information stored in the multifunctional electronic devices that make up the network.

However, in order to equip said network with better services, the multifunctional electronic device also comprises an interconnection module configured to connect to a router or access point with Internet connection, and an Internet connection module configured to enable Internet access of the mobile devices located within the range of the multifunctional electronic device. In this way, users can also have Internet access if they need it.

In order to extend the coverage of a network with Internet connection, the multifunctional electronic device preferably comprises a repeater module configured to amplify and retransmit a wireless signal originating from the router or access point to at least one second multifunctional electronic device located within the range of the multifunctional electronic device. In this way, when the wireless signal is weak, the multifunctional electronic device amplifies it, improving the coverage in other remote areas of the building and/or the installation.

As such, from the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention, the users of the mobile devices that connect to the same can have access to:

- the information stored in the local storage module of the multifunctional electronic device itself;

- the information stored in the local storage modules of other multifunctional electronic devices within the range thereof; and

- to the Internet.

In order to facilitate access to said information, the multifunctional electronic device comprises a content management module for managing content via a web application and/or a mobile application which operates as a server configured to manage said information. In this way, said information can be simply and intuitively accessed by means of different configurable menus.

In order to enable the mobile device to access the web application and/or the mobile application, the multifunctional electronic device preferably comprises a short-range communication module by means of a QR code and/or distinctive NFC (near field communication) arranged on the body of the multifunctional electronic device.

Likewise, the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention comprises a user management module configured to establish the permissions for access the information by the users of the mobile devices located within the range of the multifunctional electronic device. Said user management module is configured to establish the permissions for the exchange of information between the users of the mobile devices located within the range of the multifunctional electronic device and the users of the mobile devices located within the range of the second multifunctional electronic device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention is also a battery charger for mobile devices (Tablet, PC, mobile phone, etc.), offering an additional service to the users of the same. To do so, the multifunctional electronic device comprises a charging module configured to charge the battery of at least one mobile device located within the range of said charging module wirelessly and/or by means of cable connection. Preferably, the charging is carried out by means of a Qi system with high speed wireless charging (cordless), by means of electromagnetic induction coils.

The multifunctional electronic device of the present invention can also comprise an alarm module configured to give an alarm signal at the possible theft of the multifunctional electronic device. For example, if movement of the multifunctional electronic device is detected with respect to the usual placement thereof, it generates an alarm signal warning of the potential theft thereof.

Some cases of application of the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention are mentioned below:

- to inform clients in public places, such as hotels;

- to organise work groups with access to specific documents in conference and/or meeting rooms;

- to promote products in shops or businesses while the batteries of mobile devices are being charged;

- to provide digital content, such as newspapers or magazines, in waiting rooms;

- to enable the owner and/or an authorised third party to access recipes, shopping lists, music, messages, videos, etc. at home;

- among many others.

Brief description of the drawings

What follows is a very brief description of a series of drawings that aid in better understanding the invention, and which are expressly related to an embodiment of said invention that are presented by way of a non-limiting example of the same.

Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective rear view of the device of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a first exemplary application of the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention, wherein it forms a mesh network with other multifunctional electronic devices to share information with the same and facilitate the exchange of information between the users connected to all of them.

Figure 5 shows a second exemplary application of the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention, wherein it links to other multifunctional electronic devices to extend the coverage of a network with Internet connection.

Figure 6 shows a third exemplary application of the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention, acting as a router to provide connectivity to Internet and/or to other networks. Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1 and 2 show two perspective views of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) of the present invention. As can be seen, said multifunctional electronic device (1 ) is formed by a body (2) that is portable, easily installable on any type of furniture and/or surface, with a compact design that favours the accessibility thereof by the user and its architectural integration.

According to the present example, the body (2) has a substantially triangular prism-shaped compact configuration, which provides robustness, stability and accessibility. In turn, said body (2) comprises:

- a support stand (3) configured to receive a mobile device (300) of the type such as mobile phone, tablet or laptop; and

- a support base (4) configured to enable the vertical or inclined arrangement of the mobile device (300) on the multifunctional electronic device (1 ), which facilitates the viewing of the screen of the mobile device (300) when it is arranged on the multifunctional electronic device (1 ).

The front portion of the multifunctional device (1 ) has a series of light indicators (93), for example; light-emitting diodes (LED) of different colours, to signal the operating status of the different services/functionality of the equipment.

Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) with the different functional modules thereof. As can be seen, said multifunctional electronic device (1 ) comprises:

- an electrical power supply module (10);

- a local storage module (20) configured to store a first information (I);

- a network module (30) configured to establish a network connection of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) with at least one second multifunctional electronic device (T) in which a second information (G) is stored; and

- a local connection module (40) configured to enable the connection to the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) of at least one mobile device (300) located within the range thereof, and to enable access of said mobile device (300) to the first information (I) and/or the second information (G). The electrical power supply module (10) comprises:

- a battery (11 ) for the autonomous power supply of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ); and

- a power supply source (12) for the power supply thereof by means of the connection of said multifunctional electronic device (1 ) to a power distribution network.

The local storage module (20) comprises an internal memory (22) to store the first information (I). The uploading/downloading of said information (I) in the memory can be carried out locally and/or remotely.

For the uploading/downloading of content locally, the local storage module (20) comprises:

- an input and output port (21 ), for example, an SD port, configured for the connection of an external memory (301 ), SD card; and

- an internal memory (22) configured to exchange data with said external memory (301 ).

For the uploading/downloading of content remotely, the local storage module (20) is configured to receive said first information (I), for example, by means of a radio connection, by means of a web application or from an administration program, access roles being able to be provided for access to the modification of said information (I).

The network module (30) is configured to enable a mesh network connection of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) with a plurality of second multifunctional electronic devices (T), wirelessly.

The local connection module (40) is configured to connect wirelessly to the mobile devices (300) within the range thereof.

The multifunctional electronic device (1 ) comprises an interconnection module (50) configured to connect to a router or access point (200) with Internet connection, and an Internet connection module (60) configured to enable Internet access of the mobile devices (300) located within the range of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ). In this way, users can also have Internet access if they need it.

In order to extend the coverage of said network with Internet connection, the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) comprises a repeater module (70) configured to amplify and retransmit a wireless signal originating from the router or access point (200) to at least one second multifunctional electronic device (1’) located within the range of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ).

The multifunctional electronic device (1 ) comprises a content management module (80) for managing content via a web application and/or a mobile application which operates as a server configured to manage said information (I, I’).

The multifunctional electronic device (1 ) comprises a short-range communication module (90) by means of a QR code (91 ) and a distinctive NFC (92) arranged on the body (2) of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ), figure 1 , in order to enable the mobile device (300) to access the web application and/or the mobile application.

The multifunctional electronic device (1 ) comprises a user management module (100) configured to establish the permissions for access to the information (I, I’) by the users of the mobile devices (300) located within the range of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ). Said user management module (100) is configured to establish the permissions for the exchange of information (I, I’) between the users of the mobile devices (300) located within the range of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) and the users of the mobile devices (300) located within the range of the second multifunctional electronic device (T).

The multifunctional electronic device (1 ) is also a battery charger for mobile devices (Tablet, PC, mobile phone, etc.), offering an additional service to the users of the same. To do so, the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) comprises a charging module (110) configured to charge the battery of at least one mobile device (300) located within the range of said charging module (110). According to the present example, the charging is carried out by means of a Qi system with high speed wireless charging (cordless), by means of electromagnetic induction coils.

The multifunctional electronic device (1 ) comprises an alarm module (120) configured to generate an alarm signal at the possible theft of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ).

Figure 4 shows a first exemplary application of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) of the present invention, wherein it forms a wireless mesh network with other multifunctional electronic devices (1 ) to share information with the same and facilitate the exchange of information (I, I’) between the users connected to all of them, through the mobile devices (300) thereof. The multifunctional electronic device (1 ) is configured to connect to a router or access point (200) with Internet connection, enabling Internet access of the mobile devices (300) located within the range of the multifunctional electronic devices (1 , T) that form part of said network.

This enables large coverage to be obtained, wherein the multifunctional electronic devices (1 , T) link to each other to expand the signal thereof with the suitable level, thus enabling access for a high number of users. Moreover, it also enables the information storage capacity of the system to be increased, distributing the same among all the multifunctional electronic devices (1 , T) that form part of said system.

Figure 5 shows a second exemplary application of the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) of the present invention, wherein it links to other multifunctional electronic devices (1 , T) to extend the coverage of a network with Internet connection.

The multifunctional electronic device (1 ) is configured to amplify and retransmit a wireless signal originating from the router or access point (200) to second multifunctional electronic device (T) located within the range thereof, but outside the range of the network with Internet connection. In this way, when the wireless signal is weak, the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) amplifies it, improving the coverage in other remote areas of the building and/or the installation.

Figure 6 shows a third exemplary application of the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention, wherein said multifunctional electronic device (1 ) acts as a router to provide connectivity to Internet and/or to other networks.

The wireless signal originating from the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) which acts as a router with Internet connection, can be received by second multifunctional electronic devices (T) located within the range thereof. These are configured to amplify and retransmit said wireless signal to other second multifunctional electronic devices (T) further from the multifunctional electronic device (1 ) that acts as a router, improving coverage in other remote areas of the building and/or the installation.