SYSTEM COMPRISING A CHARGING, DATA TRANSMISSION AND LEVITATION APPARATUS AND A

MOBILE APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5

The present invention relates to levitation apparatuses and systems and to a mobile apparatuses for being levitated. In particular, the invention relates to a levitation apparatus using a magnetic field to levitate a 10 mobile apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobi 1 p or portable apparatuses often require a place to

15 leave the mobile apparatus when it is not being transported or moved. Conventional places for leave a mobile apparatus are cradles or docking stations that include a recess or the like for receiving the mobile apparatus in a stable position. Typically, the cradle or

20 docking station is suited for being placed on a desktop or the like. Hereto, cradles or docking stations for mobile apparatuses often comprise a recess suited for receiving a portion of the mobile apparatus or are provided with other formfitting constructions that

25 interact with the complementary part of the mobile apparatus. Cradles for mobile apparatus are often combined with a charging function for charging a battery in the mobile apparatus. Cradles or docking stations for mobile apparatus are also often combined with a data

30 transmission function for connecting a mobile apparatus with a network or with a computer (PC, laptop=. Hereto, conventional cradles or docking stations have been provided with galvanic contacts and the mobile devices have been provided with galvanic counterparts that

provide for an electrical connection for charging current or for a data signal.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

On this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a place for a mobile device that does not have the problems associated with galvanic contacts, such as the requirement for exact corresponding dimensions and shape of the contacts. It is another object of the present invention to provide a place for a mobile device that does not have the problems associated with the specific shape required for a recess or other formfitting structure in a cradle and a matching mobile device, such as the requirement for a matching shape and size of the recess and the portion of the mobile apparatus that is to be received in the recess.

These and other objects are achieved by providing an appararus for charging a battery of a battery operated mobile apparatus and for data transmission with the mobile apparatus, the apparatus comprising a first coil coupled to circuitry configured to operating the coil as an inductive charging coil, and a second coil coupled to circuitry configured to transmit data via the coil to and/or from the mobile apparatus.

By creating a contactless coupling between the stationary device for both charging and data transmission, it becomes possible to provide a device that can function as a docking station or cradle that is free from galvanic contacts, and thereby the problems associated with skill and a complex, such as wear, humidity and dirt, tolerances, etc. can be avoided whilst the conventional

functions of a cradle or docking station are being provided.

The first coil and the second coil may be one and the same, thus allowing the device to be lighter, less expensive and more compact.

The mobile apparatus may comprise at least one coil for receiving energy from the coil in the apparatus and/or for transmitting data to and/or from the coil in the apparatus .

The circuitry can be configured to deliver a signal to the coil in the apparatus that is composed of an AC signal with a first frequency for transmitting power and of a modulated signal for data transmission, with the frequency of the modulated signal being higher than the first frequency.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mobile apparatus comprising a rechargeable battery, a coil with a core made of ferromagnetic (permanent magnet) or paramagnetic material (e.g. the core in following text) which acts as a magnet, the coil with the core which acts as magnet being operably coupled to the rechargeable battery for charging the battery with energy received by the coil with the core and magnet from a coil in another apparatus in the vicinity of the mobile apparatus, the coil with the magnet also being operably coupled to circuitry for transmitting data via the coil with the magnet to a coil in another apparatus in the vicinity of the mobile apparatus.

Thus, the mobile apparatus can receive charging energy from a magnetic field in the vicinity of the coil with the magnet inside the mobile apparatus and the mobile device can transmit data via the coil with the magnet inside the mobile apparatus to a proximate external apparatus that is provided with a corresponding coil.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system comprising an apparatus as described above in combination with a mobile apparatus described above.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for charging a battery of a battery operated mobile apparatus and for levitating the mobile apparatus, the apparatus comprising a first coil coupled to circuitry configured to operating the coil as an inductive charging coil, and a second coil coupled to circuitry configured to generate a levitational magnetic field.

Thus, an apparatus is provided that that offers a placement for the mobile device when it is not being transported in combination with a contactless charger. This combination greatly facilitates the placement and charging on a mobile device since the mobile apparatus can virtually not be misplaced in the way that a mobile apparatus can be misplaced on a conventional cradle with galvanic contacts which results in the conventional cradle in a non-established electrical contact and a mobile device that is against expectations of the user Not being charged.

Preferably, the first coil and the second coil are one and the same to save costs, space and weight.

The mobile apparatus may comprise at least one coil for receiving energy from the coil in the apparatus and/or for interacting with the levitational magnetic field

The circuitry may be configured to deliver a signal to the coil in the apparatus that is composed of an AC signal with a first frequency for transmitting power and of a DC bias for generating the levitational magnetic field.

The apparatus may comprise circuitry that is configured to detect the presence of the mobile apparatus in the levitational magnetic field

The apparatus may circuitry that is configured to detect the distance between the mobile apparatus and the coil in the apparatus. Thus, a signal is provided that can be used to regulate the strengths of the levitational magnetic field.

The circuitry may include a magnetic field sensor or optical sensor (LED diode + photo sensor) coupled to a processor for detecting the presence of the mobile apparatus and/or for determining the distance between the coil in the apparatus and the mobile apparatus. Thus, a control algorithm for ensuring the proper distance between the mobile apparatus and the first coil can be easily implemented.

The circuitry may be configured to adapt the DC offset m the signal to the coil in the apparatus for controlling the distance the distance between the coil in the apparatus and the mobile apparatus.

The apparatus may comprise a housing in which, the first coil, the second coil and the circuitries coupled to the coils are disposed, the housing may comprise a support structure that allows the coils to be positioned at a height above a surface that is at least slightly greater than the length of the mobile apparatus.

The housing may comprise a bottom or foot for providing a stable support when the apparatus is placed on a desktop surface or the like.

The housing may comprise at least one arm that extends from the bottom or foot to an elevated point at which the first and second coils are positioned.

The housing and/or the arm may include a foldable structure .

The housing may comprise a sticking surface and/or a clamping or suction arrangement.

The housing may include a structure to catch the mobile apparatus if the levitation is interrupted. The structure may include a basket or a net.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mobile apparatus comprising a rechargeable battery, a coil with the magnet, the coil with the magnet being operably coupled to the rechargeable battery for charging the battery with energy received by the coil with the core from a coil in another apparatus in the vicinity of the mobile apparatus, the coil with the magnet being

configured for interacting with a levitational magnetic field generated by an external apparatus.

Thus, the mobile apparatus is provided that can be charged without establishing any galvanic contact with an external charging device whilst the mobile apparatus is simultaneously securely suspended from the charting apparatus with a very low risk of the mobile apparatus being misplaced or not properly connected to the charting apparatus.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system comprising an apparatus as described directly above and a mobile apparatus as described directly above.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for levitating a mobile apparatus and for data transmission with the mobile apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first coil coupled to circuitry configured to generate a levitational magnetic field, and a second coil coupled to circuitry configured to transmit data via the coil to and/or from the mobile apparatus.

Thus, an apparatus is provided that offers a secure replacement for a mobile device that is not being transported in the same time offers a wireless data connection.

Preferably the first coil and the second coil are one and the same, to save weight, space and costs

The mobile apparatus may comprise at least one coil for interacting with the levitational magnetic field and/or

for transmitting data to and/or from the coil in the apparatus .

The circuitry may be configured to deliver a signal to the coil in the apparatus that is composed of a DC bias for generating the levitational magnetic field and of a modulated signal for data transmission.

The apparatus may comprise circuitry that is configured to detect the presence and relative distance of the mobile apparatus in the levitational magnetic field.

The apparatus may also comprise circuitry that is configured to defect the distance between the mobile apparatus and the first coil in the apparatus.

The circuitry that is configured to detect the distance between the mobile apparatus and the first coil in the apparatus may include a magnetic field or optical sensor coupleα to a processor for detecting the presence of the mobile apparatus and/or for determining the distance between the coil m the apparatus and the mobile apparatus .

Alternatively an optical sensor can be configured towards external space (spatial angle of operation focused to external large areas, room, corridor, entrance, etc.) and operate as a movement detection sensor. Such movement detection sensor can extend functionality of the whole device and send and alerting signal to remote user and via the secondary module (e.g. the phone shown in Fig 1) .

The circuitry that is operably connected to the first coil may be configured to adapt the DC offset in the

signal to the first coil in the apparatus for controlling the distance the distance between the first coil in the apparatus and the mobile apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile apparatus comprising a rechargeable battery, a coil with a magnet, the coil with the magnet being operably coupled to circuitry configured for transmitting data, and the coil with the magnet being configured for interacting with a levitational magnetic field generated by an external apparatus.

Thus, a mobile apparatus is provided that offers the possibility of secure placement when it is not being moved combined with a wireless data connection to an external apparatus.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system comprising an apparatus as described directly above ana a moDi±e apparatus as described directly above.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for levitating a mobile apparatus, the apparatus comprising a first coil operable coupled to circuitry configured to generate a levitational magnetic field in which the mobile apparatus can be suspended, and a second coil operably coupled to circuitry configured to generate magnetic field for controlling the rotational position and/or rotational speed of the mobile apparatus about a vertical axis.

Thus, an apparatus that it is provided that offers a secure placement for a mobile apparatus that is not being

moved/transported in combination with the possibility to control the rotational position or velocity of the mobile device. The possibility to control the rotational position or velocity offers new user interaction and user interface possibilities that were hitherto unknown.

Preferably, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the second coil is variable and controlled by the circuitry that is operably coupled to the second coil.

Preferably, the direction of the vector of the magnetic field generated by the second coil is variable and controlled by the circuitry.

The circuitry that is operably coupled to the first coil can be configured for data transmission with the mobile apparatus via first coil and a coil in the mobile apparatus .

The moDiie apparatus may comprise at least one coil for receiving energy from the coil in the apparatus and/or for interacting with the levitational magnetic field.

Preferably, the circuitry that is operably coupled to the first coil is configured to deliver a signal to the coil in the apparatus, the signal being composed of an AC signal with a first frequency for transmitting power and of a DC bias for generating the levitational magnetic field.

The apparatus may comprise circuitry that is configured to detect the presence of the mobile apparatus m the levitational magnetic field.

The apparatus may comprise circuitry that is configured to detect the distance between the mobile apparatus and the first coil in the apparatus.

The circuitry that is configured to detect the distance between the mobile apparatus and the first coil in the apparatus may include a magnetic field sensor coupled to a processor for detecting the presence of the mobile apparatus and/or for determining the distance between the coil in the apparatus and the mobile apparatus.

The circuitry that is operably connected to the first coil can be configured to adapt the DC offset in the signal to the first coil in the apparatus for controlling the distance the distance between the first coil in the apparatus and the mobile apparatus.

The circuitry is preferably operably connected to the second coil is responsive to signals form the mobile apparatus and or to signals received from a network.

The circuitry operably connected to the second coil may be configured for moving the mobile apparatus to a desired rotational position.

The circuitry operably connected to the second coil maybe configured for moving the mobile apparatus with a desired rotational speed.

The circuitry operably connected to the second coil is preferably configured for communicating the rotational position and/or speed of the mobile apparatus to the mobile apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide mobile apparatus comprising a coil with a magnet, the coil and the magnet being configured for levitation of the mobile apparatus in a levitational magnetic field generated by another apparatus.

Thus, a mobile apparatus is provided that can be suspended in a levitational magnetic field and at the same time the rotational position or velocity of the mobile apparatus about a vertical axis can be controlled.

The coil with the magnet may be placed with its centre substantially on a longitudinal axis of the mobile apparatus. the mobile apparatus further comprising another permanent magnet placed offset from the longitudinal axis.

The coil with the magnet and the other permanent magnet are preferably placed proximate to the top of the mobile apparatus.

The mobile apparatus may include a digital camera and wherein the mobile apparatus is configured to take a picture when the desired angular position has been reached.

The mobile apparatus may receive its angular position and/or speed from an external apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system comprising an apparatus as described directly above and a mobile apparatus as described directly above.

It is another object of the present invention to provide method for remotely capturing images comprising: suspending a mobile apparatus that is provided with a digital camera from a stationary apparatus, sending a request for capturing an image at a desired angular position to the mobile apparatus, the mobile apparatus sending the desired rotational position to the stationery apparatus, the stationery apparatus controlling the rotational position and/or rotational velocity of the mobile apparatus about a vertical axis, the stationary apparatus sending the mobile apparatus its angular position, the mobile apparatus capturing an image when the desired angular position is confirmed by the stationery apparatus,

Thus, it is possible to capture remotely controlled Images at desired view angles.

The method may further comprise including an address to which a captured image should be sent and the mobile apparatus sending the captured image to the address.

Thus, the captured image can be delivered to a desired address, which could for example be the address from which the request was sent.

The method may further comprise including in the request a plurality of angularly spaced positions at which the mobile apparatus is to capture an image.

In the method, the mobile apparatus can be rotated at a given angular speed and captures the image or images at the desired rotational position while moving with the angular speed.

In the method to the request may be sent from a remote apparatus to the mobile apparatus via a network.

In the method, the mobile apparatus can be a mobile phone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a software product for use in a mobile electronic apparatus that is provided a camera, the software product comprising software code for instructing an external device to bring the mobile electronic apparatus in a desired position or velocity, and software code for instructing the to camera to capture an image or to start capturing video upon receipt of confirmation from the external device that the mobile electronic apparatus in a desired position or velocity.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for providing a video observation comprising: suspending a mobile apparatus that is provided with a digital camera from a stationary apparatus, sending a request for video observation to the mobile apparatus, the request including a rotational speed for the mobile apparatus, or the mobile apparatus having a predetermined rotational speed stored therein, the mobile apparatus sending the desired or predetermined rotational speed to the stationery apparatus, the stationery apparatus controlling the rotational velocity of the mobile apparatus about a vertical axis, the mobile apparatus capturing video whilst rotating about the vertical axis.

Thus, there is provided a method for a 360° remotely controlled video observation from a remote terminal, a without the need for dedicated motorized cameras.

In the method according the mobile apparatus may store the captured video in a memory of the mobile apparatus.

In the method the mobile apparatus may send the captured video to a predetermined address or to an address that was included in the request.

In the method according the mobile apparatus can be a mobile phone.

In another object of the present invention to provide a method of communicating a state change or event in a mobile apparatus. comprising: suspending a mobile apparatus from a stationary apparatus, detecting a state change or event in the mobile apparatus, and changing the position of the mobile operators relative to set stationary apparatus upon detecting a state change or event in the mobile apparatus.

This method provides for a new aspect in the Man machine interface associated with mobile devices since it allows the position of the mobile device, the speed of the mobile device or the movement type to be used as a signal to the user. Such a signal can be recognized from relatively far away, which is a typical situation when the user has placed the phone up in a secure place when the mobile device is not on the move with the user. The phone positioning or movements may be attributed to different services and happenings at phone, such as the arrival of a message, a calendar event, alarms, incoming calls, etc. These events are visualized by positioning or rotation or movement of the mobile apparatus. The user does not need to come close to the phone to check if

there have been any state changes on the phone, since a change in position or movement can easily be recognized from a relatively large distance. Different kind of visually attribute meanings can be created in combination with digital content shown at a display screen of the mobile apparatus.

Preferably, the mobile apparatus is suspended from the station apparatus in a levitational magnetic field.

Preferably, the mobile apparatus is rotated about a vertical axis upon detection of a state change or event.

The mobile apparatus may be rotated about a vertical axis upon detection of a state change or event from one angular position to another angular position.

The mobile apparatus may be rotated about a vertical axis upon detection of a state change or event from one jiυLationai speed to another rotational speed.

The mobile apparatus may be rotated about a vertical axis upon detection of a state change or event.

The mobile apparatus may be placed in a shaking motion by varying the strength of the levitational magnetic field upon detecting a state change or event.

The motion of the mobile apparatus may be supported by content shown on a display screen of the mobile apparatus .

The mobile apparatus can be a mobile phone.

It is another object of the invention to provide a software product for use in a mobile electronic apparatus, the software product comprising software code for detecting an event or state change in the mobile electronic apparatus, and software code for instructing an external device to bring the mobile electronic apparatus in a desired position or movement associated with the event or state change concerned upon detection of a state change or event in the mobile electronic apparatus.

Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the apparatuses, mobile apparatuses, systems, software products and methods according to the invention will become apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present description, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention that is being used to levitate a mobile apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the general architecture of the apparatus and mobile apparatus shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the method of remote controlled image capturing according to an embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 5

In the following detailed description, the stationary apparatus according to the invention m the form of a stationary docketing station, and the mobile apparatus in the form of a mobile phone will be described by the 10 preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1 illustrates a stationary apparatus 10, which includes a footplate 18, a support to ring 14 and a main body 16. The main body 16 rnnfains a coil that is used 15 for various purposes and will be described in greater detail below. One of the purposes of the coil is to provide a levitational magnetic field. The footplate 18 is suitable for being placed on a support surface, such as a desk (not shown) . ZU

Fig. 1 also illustrates a mobile apparatus, in the form of a mobile phone 20. A coil with a magnetic core is placed inside the upper part of the mobile phone 20. The coil with the magnetic core is used for various purposes 25 and will described in greater detail below. One of the purposes of the coil with the magnetic core is to interact with the levitational magnetic field that is generated by the coil in the stationary apparatus 10.

30 The mobile phone 20 hovers/levitates in the levitational magnetic field that is generated by the stationary device 10. Thus, the mobile phone 20 is neither in physical contact with any part of the apparatus 10, nor with any other object.

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the general architecture of the stationary apparatus 10 and the mobile phone 20.

The stationary apparatus 10 contains a primary module that includes a stationary coil 12. The stationary coil 12 may have one or more of the following purposes: generating a levitational magnetic field, generating an inductive charging magnetic field and data transmission by modulation of a magnetic field. The stationary coil 12 is placed inside the main body 16 (Fig. 1) . The primary module further includes a magnetic field sensor 15 and one or more navigation coils 17 The navigation coils are operably coupled to a navigation controller 19.

The mobile apparatus 20 houses a secondary module including a receiving coil 22 with a weekly magnetized core and a navigation magnet 27.

The primary module 10 is stationary and installed in a mechanical housing, as shown in Fig. 1. In another embodiment (not shown) the housing can be in a flexible format suitable for integration at home/office environment, e.g. desks, tables, furniture, etc.). The primary module includes the stationary coil 12 which provides a magnetic field with sufficient strength for levitating the mobile phone 20. The input signals fed to the stationary coil 12 are composed of a DC biasing part (BS) and a modulated signal MOD (with higher frequency) which caries both power and data transmission. The BS is responsible for the levitation of the mobile phone 20 and MOD for power and data transmission. At the input of stationary coil 12 an appropriate signal mixture (MiX of

BS and MOD) is used which provides that coil 12 behaves as antenna which transmits power and data and which is at the same time attractive for the core of the receiving coil 22. The proximity of an external object placed in vicinity of the primary module is observed by proximity sensor (S) which is a magnetic field or an optical sensor

(LED diode + photosensor) . The proximity sensor S measures the magnetic field (or intensity of the light reflected from the secondary module (e.g. phone) in the front of stationary coils 12. The sensor observes presence of the (receiving coil 22 in the) mobile phone 20 (via measurement of the magnetic field from the receiving coil 22 in vicinity of the primary module or intensity of the light refl prtpri from the secondary module surface. Signal from the sensor 15 is fed to a biasing controller (BS controller) 13, which regulates the biasing level (DC component of the signal) . The sensor 15 is capable of measuring the presence and distance of the (receiving coil 22 in the) mobile phone 20 whj.cn mediiiD that distance oetween the primary module and the secondary unit can be dynamically adjusted and in accordance with signal from the magnetic field or optical sensor 15 and the biasing controller 13 feedback to the stationary coil 12. This function provides "magnetic valley" (attractive magnetic force against the weight of the phone) in which the mobile phone 20 sits, thereby allowing the mobile phone 22 hover m 3D space. Unit 13 also contains the M/D converter (modulation to digital converter, a two way converter) . In an embodiment, unit 13 is coupled to a power converter that receives its power from the mains and can be coupled to an external device, such as a computer (PC, laptop) or to a network (not shown) . The unit 13 is coupled to the magnetic field sensor 15 via an electronic control unit 11.

In addition to the coil 12 the primary unit includes a set of two small navigation coils 17 perpendicularly placed to the stationary coil 12. The navigation coils generate a weak magnetic vector with adjustable direction m horizontal plane. The mobile phone 20 is equipped with a ferromagnetic (permanent magnet) or diamagnetic material 27. The field from the navigation coils 17 is used to drive the mobile phone 20 to a preferred or desired position, i.e. to rotate the mobile phone 20 position in the horizontal plane (about the vertical axis, preferably an axis that falls substantially together with a longitudinal axis of the mobile phone 20) and to navigate the mobi 1 P phone 20 m a desired direction of rotation.

The secondary module is integrated in the levitated apparatus (e.g. the mobile phone 20). The secondary module contains a receiving coil 22 that acts as an antenna, which in an emDoαiment captures energy from the electromagnetic field produced by the stationary coil 12 and in an embodiment receives the data carried by higher harmonics (MOD) . The receiving coil 22 is winded on a core made of ferromagnetic (provides permanent magnetization) or paramagnetic material (no magnetization left after taking the secondary module away form the docking station) . Accordingly to the material selection the core can perform as a weak permanent magnetic core 22 or core which enhances strength of the magnetic field when exposed to external magnetization. When the stationary coil 12 is activated (which may be triggered by the presence of a mobile apparatus that includes a coil with the core (and magnetic field or optical reflection) there will be an attractive force generated

between the stationary coil 12 and the receiving coil 22 that provides an attractive force between the of the primary and the secondary modules (e.g. a levitating force allowing the mobile apparatus 20 to hover. In addition, the secondary module includes a small navigation magnet 27 placed perpendicularly to the magnet 22 in the receiving coil and in plane with the navigational coils 17 of the primary module. Interaction between the two magnetic fields generated by coils 17 and permanent magnet 27 is used for guidance of the mobile phone's rotation and navigation.

In addition the navigational coil 27 does not need to be realized as a separated module/object , in practice it can be just magnetized mechanical part of phone entire metallic chassis/parts which are serving other functionalities (e.g. clam shell phone closing magnets, etc. ) .

The secondary unit includes an AC/DC converter 28 operably coupled to the receiving coil 22. The output from the AC/DC converter 28 is fed into a charge controller 29. The charge controller 29 is coupled to be rechargeable battery (not shown) in the mobile phone 20. The secondary unit further includes a modulated to digital converter 23 (M/D converter - two way) , that is operably coupled to the receiving coil 22. The M/D converter 23 is in a data connection with the mobile phone circuitry (not shown). According to an embodiment, the mobile phone 20 is provided with a digital camera. The digital camera can be a still camera/and or a motion picture (video) camera.

Alternatively, pare of inductively transferred energy to the secondary module (via the AC/DC converter) can be supported via line 25 for generating magnetic field at the secondary module 22. By this way need of having permanent magnet at the secondary module (e.g. phone) for levitation purpose, can be avoided. In other words the core materials for coil 22 can be paramagnetic materials

(no magnetization left after taking the phone away from the docking station) . The levitation force is provided purely through interaction of magnetic fields generated by the coils having paramagnetic material. The energy for generating such magnetic field at the secondary module can be transferred by inductive coupling.

There are various embodiments for the housing (not all shown) . These various embodiments fall under two basic approaches .

The first approach is to provide a solid housing with f±xed placement of trie primary module, as shown in Fig.

1, and this suitable for office/desk applications or other stable surfaces. Another embodiment falling under the first approach is shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment the Ring 14 is replaced by a single arm 14' whilst this embodiment is otherwise essentially identical with the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

The second approach is to provide a flexible housing suitable for integration into already existing office/home environment. These embodiments (not shown) can use sticking surfaces, clamping/sucking mechanism to provide easy attaching/detaching possibility and integration into other already existing objects (furniture, shelves and the like) .

In addition to any of the embodiments described above the hovering mobile phone 20 can be protected by a soft wear/basket 30 or net which in case of a power cut (or mishandling of the mobile phone 20 or apparatus 10) catches the mobile phone 20 and keeps it in a safe position .

Operation/usage

When mobile phone 20 (containing the secondary module) is placed in vicinity of the primary module the biasing controller 13 activates the primary coil 12 (via the proximity sensor 15. magnetic or optical) and captures the entire mobile phone 20 in magnetic a valley by balancing magnetic and gravitational forces which levitates the mobile phone 20 in 3D space. According to an embodiment, the mobile phone 20 kept in such magnetic valley is safe in the stationary apparatus 10, where it is charged and data synchronized with an external source (such as a PC, cf . Fig 2) .

According to an embodiment, a user may keep one mobile phone 20 at home (or other location of choice) and make a video call from the other mobile phone to inspect remotely the situation at home (or other location of choice) .

According to another embodiment a further function is implemented into the video call, namely to rotate

(clockwise/anticlockwise) and change visual angle of the mobile phone 20 with the digital camera by rotating the hovering mobile phone 20. Thus, the user obtains a 360° scanning possibility and "Remote Eye" visual inspection

service. According to another embodiment, the camera in the mobile phone 20 captures still imaqes and regularly or in regularly spaced angles to generate a sequence of still images that provide a 360° overview of the location at which the mobile phone 20 that is capturing the images is located.

Fig. 4 illustrates a method according to the embodiments above. In step 41 the remote apparatus (such as another mobile phone 20) sends a message or signal via a network

(such as a mobile phone cellular network). The message or signal can contain a request to take a still image at a desired angular position, or a request to take a plurality of still images st t^e various angular positions or a request to start a video call, with or without an indication of a desired angular speed. After receiving the request, the mobile phone 20 communicates in step 43 the desired rotational speed or rotational position to be stationary apparatus 10. Upon receipt of the desired rotational position or velocity, the stationary apparatus 10 moves the mobile apparatus to the desired rotational speed or position in step 45. The stationary apparatus 10 communicates the rotational position and/or speed to the mobile phone 20. When the position and/or velocity information received from the stationary apparatus 10 matches the desired velocity or position the mobile phone 20 captures an image. If the request was for a video call the mobile phone 20 will simply start the video call when the stationary apparatus has confirmed that the desired rotational speed has been obtained. In step 49 the mobile apparatus sends the captured image or images to an address that may have been contained in the request. This address can be, does not need to be the same as the address of the requesting

mobile phone. Further, if there is no address in the request of the mobile phone 20 will store images in an internal memory (not shown) . If the request was for video call the image data is streamed directly back to the requesting mobile phone in step 49. In addition the data can be sent to an external storage device on user request on alternatively and automatically if the mobile phone internal memory gets full.

According to an embodiment of the invention rotations of the mobile phone 20 can be attributed to different services and happenings (events or state changes) at the mobile phone 20. For instance; arrival of a message such as a SMS/MMS/Email . Calendar happenings, Alarms, incoming calls or the like, can be visualized and associated with phone rotations/movements. This feature allows the user check if there have been any events or state changes in the mobile apparatus 20 without needing to come close to the mobile apparatus 20. Any rotation or movement of the mobile phone 20 is easily seen from relatively far distances (when compared to the distance at which information on a display of a mobile device can be read or recognized) and clearly distinguished from a non- rotated, non-rotating or non-moving state. Various different types of rotation styles can be provided and programmed into the mobile phone 20 (shaking, vibrating, intermittent movements, and the like) . The mobile phone 20 transmits the desired movement pattern to the stationary a device 10 through the data coupling between the receiving coil 22 and the stationary coil 12. According to an embodiment different kinds of visually attributed meanings (phone gag in 3D space associated with digital content at the phone) can be included.

Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which the stationary apparatus 10 is suspended from a transportation line/cord 54 which is attached to the roof or walls of the building in which it is located. A mobile electronic device 20 having a camera is levitated, data coupled and preferably also charged by apparatus 10 via a magnetic field. In this exemplary embodiment the cord 54 extends from a first room (room 1) to a second room (room 2) . However, the cord 54 could just as well extend to more locations. The base internet connection and power supply are located in room 1. The cord 54 provides the power and data line (e.g. a cable with power supply and internet connection cable) to the apparatus 10 and at the same time mechanical support for the apparatus 10 to be moved forth and back between different rooms/space. Such spatial movement extends the field of operation allowing large and broaden observation space. The movement along the cord is provided by small electromechanical actuator which at one side connects to the cord and at the other side to the apparatus 10. The powering of the electromechanical actuator is provided through the cord however the control of the movement comes from the levitated mobile phone 20. In this way the visual field of the camera in the mobile electronic device 20 is extended by physical movement along the cord (by the electromechanical actuator) and by rotation about the vertical axis in the apparatus 10.

In another embodiment (not shown) the mobile apparatus is suspended from a track that generates the levitational (and preferably also data and charging) magnetic field locally along the track in a manner known from monorails (though operated "upside down" with the mobile electronic device 20 hanging below the rail/track) .

In all of the embodiments described above the stationary coil 12 is connected to various circuitry, which may or may not include one or more processors. The function of the circuitry can be divided into four functional areas: levitation, rotational position and velocity control, inductive charging, and data transmission. The apparatus 10 may be selectively provided with two or more of these functions/circuitries. The circuitries may be separate or may be integral and can be integrated in one or more microprocessors .

In all of the embodiments described above the receiving coil 22 is connected to various circuitry, which may or may not include one or more processors. The function of the circuitry can be divided into two functional areas: inductive battery charging and data transmission. The mobile apparatus 20 may be provided with one or more of these functions/circuitries. The circuitries may be separate or may be integrated and can be integrated in one or more microprocessors.

The mobile phone 20 according to the various embodiments can be adapted for communication via a cellular network, such as the GSM 900/1800 MHz network, but could just as well be adapted for use with a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a 3G network, or a TCP/IP-based network to cover a possible VoIP-network (e.g. via WLAN, WIMAX or similar) or a mix of VoIP and Cellular such as UMA (Universal Mobile Access) .

The invention has numerous advantages. Different embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. It should be noted that this is

not an exhaustive list and there may be other advantages which are not described herein. One advantage of the invention is that a user is able to easily place the mobile apparatus in a secure position with a high security that a charging or data connection is correctly established. Another advantage of the invention is that it becomes possible to provide a watertight/sealed mobile apparatus without any external galvanic contacts while still being able to charge a battery inside the mobile apparatus and establish a data connection with the mobile apparatus. A further advantage of the invention is that the mobile apparatus is not exposed to wear and tear from repeated contact with a recess or other formfittmg structure in which it is nlarpH uhe" t ^h e mobile apparatus is not being moved. Yet another advantage of the invention is that it provides for an attractive holding mechanism in 3-D space without mechanical support for the portable or mobile apparatus. A further advantage of the invention is that it provides an attractive hovering dock.-i.ng station for a mooile apparatus. Another advantage of the invention is that it provides for a moving mechanism associated with events or estate changes of the mobile device. Yet another advantage of the invention is that it provides for an attractive presentation of a mobile apparatus at a point of sales. A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a way to visualize and notice digital content at a mobile apparatus that can be recognized from relatively long distances. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a remotely controlled movable camera thereby allowing "moving eye" service for example via a video call to a mobile phone equipped with a camera that is being levitated by the apparatus according to the invention .

The term "comprising" as used in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps. The term "a" or "an" as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality

Although the present invention has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.