Method for extending the functionality of a mobile communication device and outer skin for attachment to a mobile communication device

Abstract

Method for extending the functions of a mobile communication device (12) by means of an outer skin (10) with a touch-sensitive user interface (14) for attachment to the mobile communication device (12), wherein - a communication connection is established to a communication unit (16) of the outer skin (10) arranged on the mobile communication device (12); characterized in that - a specific first function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) is assigned to a specific user operation from several touch-based user operations defined for the outer skin (10) by at least one selected first device (34, 36, 38); - it is checked whether the mobile communication device (12) has a spatial orientation that is located within a predetermined spatial orientation area, wherein the mobile communication device (12) is in a position within the predetermined orientation area if a normal vector pointing away from the mobile communication device (12) of a planar display surface of a display (12c) of the mobile communication device (12) points towards the Earth; and - only under the at least first condition that the mobile communication device (12) is in a spatial position within the predetermined area, upon receipt of a signal triggered by the predetermined operating action performed on the outer skin (10), a control signal for the execution of the first function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) is sent to the at least one selected first device (34, 36, 38).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for extending the functionality of a mobile communication device by means of an outer skin with a touch-sensitive user interface for attachment to the mobile communication device. A communication connection can be established to a communication unit of the outer skin arranged on the mobile communication device. The invention also includes an outer skin for attachment to a mobile communication device.

[0002] Mobile communication devices, such as smartphones, have become an integral part of our daily lives. Like a small mini-laptop, their use extends far beyond simply making phone calls. Surfing the internet, paying at the checkout, navigation, and using them as remote controls for our digital and connected homes are just a few examples of what's possible with these digital mobile communication devices. Operation and handling are typically done via a touchscreen and a few physical keys, usually located on the side of the smartphone.

[0003] Furthermore, numerous types of housings and covers for such mobile communication devices are known from the prior art. In most cases, these housings and covers merely serve a protective function and do not perform any technical functions themselves. Nevertheless, there are also examples of housings or covers that can perform such functions. For example, EP 1 971 111 A2 describes a housing for a mobile communication device that provides a touch-sensitive user interface. Furthermore, US 2017 / 0357978 A1 describes a secure mobile user interface in the form of a mobile communication device combined with a cover attached to the mobile communication device that provides an additional input option. This cover can communicate with the mobile communication device and transmit data.This is intended to provide a particularly secure input method for certain applications, especially for highly security-relevant applications such as online banking. This protective sleeve allows users to enter information such as passwords or PINs via the input field provided by the sleeve, thus avoiding the need to enter information using the input fields provided by the mobile communication device. The reason for this is that malware exists which can intercept and read data entered on the mobile communication device.

[0004] A common obstacle with mobile communication devices is the number of actions a user must perform to access a particular application. For example, unlocking a smartphone requires entering a code or unlocking it using another method, such as a fingerprint. Then, the desired app must be located and opened. Even with a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition, this step is still necessary. This means that quick access to a desired application always requires multiple steps. Furthermore, this demands concentration on the touchscreen, which requires very precise operation. Users must press tiny, fingertip-sized buttons or make less precise inputs using swipes or multi-finger gestures.Furthermore, the smartphone is usually operated using only the touchscreen, which is the main energy consumer when active.

[0005] DE 20 2017 106 580 U1 describes a casing for a mobile device, comprising side walls with contact points that include a piezoelectric material configured to generate electric current in response to the application of mechanical stress, and electromagnetic coils that generate a corresponding magnetic field in response to receiving the electric current generated by the corresponding piezoelectric material in contact with the corresponding electromagnetic coil.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and an outer skin for extending the functions of a mobile communication device, which enable simpler and faster access to the operation of functions.

[0007] This problem is solved by a method and by an outer skin with the features according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0008] In an inventive method for extending the functions of a mobile communication device by means of an outer skin with a touch-sensitive user interface for attachment to the mobile communication device, a communication connection is established to a communication unit of the outer skin arranged on the mobile communication device. Furthermore, a specific first function of at least one selected first device is assigned to a predetermined user operation from among several touch-based user operations defined for the outer skin.Furthermore, it is checked whether the mobile communication device has a spatial position that is located within a predetermined spatial location area, and only under the at least one first condition that the mobile communication device is located in a spatial position within the predetermined location area, is a control signal for the execution of the first function sent to the at least one selected first device upon receipt of a signal triggered by the predetermined operating action carried out on the outer skin.

[0009] The invention advantageously allows a mobile communication device to be used as a remote control for selected devices with quick-access functionality via its outer casing. Predefined operating actions or gestures for the outer casing can be assigned to desired functions of selected devices in a single configuration step. If a user wishes to operate this device and perform a specific function, they can simply execute the corresponding gesture-based user action on the outer casing, triggering a control signal that is sent to the selected device to execute that specific function. However, operating the device via the outer casing is not always possible; the mobile communication device must be in a specific spatial position, which will be defined in more detail later.The outer casing is designed for mounting on the back of the mobile communication device, i.e., on the side opposite the device's display. While the user operates their mobile communication device conventionally, particularly via the display or touchscreen, the outer casing is preferably inactive to prevent accidental activation. If the user then turns their mobile communication device over, i.e., onto its back, so that the outer casing is now facing them, the operating options via the outer casing are activated, and the user can operate selected devices with their assigned functions using the corresponding defined and assigned touch gestures. Advantageously, this does not require unlocking the mobile communication device.Furthermore, to operate the selected device, a user does not need to search for, open, and run a corresponding application on the touchscreen of their mobile communication device. Operating the selected devices via the outer casing does not even require any activity on the mobile communication device's display. This makes operation via the outer casing particularly fast and energy-efficient. Thus, a user can use the outer casing as a remote control for selected devices in a particularly simple and accessible way. Devices that are not inherently safety-relevant are especially suitable for this, such as lamps or lighting fixtures in the home, a stereo system, a screen for vehicle occupants (e.g., in the back seat), the use of the outer casing for gesture-based handwriting input in a vehicle, or similar applications.

[0010] The configuration of the outer skin, i.e., the assignment of functions of specific devices to the available predefined touch-based user actions for the outer skin, can be performed by the user, for example, via a suitable configuration application running on the mobile communication device. Accordingly, the specific first function of at least one selected first device is preferably assigned to the specific user action from among several touch-based user actions defined for the outer skin, depending on a received user input.For example, before activating the external skin, the user can use a configuration menu to select the desired devices available for operation via the external skin, particularly communication-enabled devices such as lamps, speakers, stereo systems, screens, or similar, and assign the available predefined touch-based user gestures to a respective function. Such a function could, for example, be switching a lamp on or off, dimming a lamp, switching a stereo system on or off, changing the volume of a speaker or stereo system, changing the music track being played, etc., depending on the functions provided by the respective devices.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferred that only a small number of predefined user gestures are available, preferably fewer than ten. An example with six predefined user gestures could be as follows: a first gesture could be a push gesture, i.e., pressing or touching the outer skin in the upper left corner; a second gesture could be a push gesture in the upper right corner of the outer skin; a third gesture could be a push gesture in the lower left corner of the outer skin; a fourth gesture could be a push gesture in the lower right corner of the outer skin; a fifth gesture could be a slide, i.e., swiping or a swiping gesture, in the middle area of ​​the outer skin; and a sixth gesture could be a tab-tab, i.e., tapping the outer skin twice within a predetermined short time interval.Such a small number of predefined operating actions for the outer surface has the significant advantage of making operation via the outer surface particularly simple, intuitive, and clear for the user. This advantageously eliminates the need for the high level of concentration required, for example, when using a touchscreen, which always demands very precise operation. Precisely pressing small, embossed buttons is therefore unnecessary here. As an additional user aid, the outer surface can also feature a structure or segmentation, such as a relief pattern, which separates different areas, like the upper left corner, upper right corner, central area, etc., from one another through a textured surface, i.e., a tactile bump or indentation.This further simplifies operation and makes different areas, which can be assigned different functions, perceptible.

[0012] According to the invention, the mobile communication device is in a position within the predetermined position range when a normal vector pointing away from the mobile communication device of a planar display surface of a display of the mobile communication device points towards the earth.

[0013] In other words, the outer casing should only be operable when the user has turned the display of the mobile communication device away from them in typical operating positions. The orientation of the display can be defined using the normal vector of a flat area of ​​the display surface. This normal vector refers to a region of the display surface that is essentially flat, i.e., it does not include display areas that curve around corners of the mobile communication device. For example, three-dimensional space can be divided in two by a defined horizontal line parallel to the Earth's surface. If the normal vector, whose starting point lies on this defined horizontal line, points to the lower half of the space, the mobile communication device is considered to be turned upside down. If, instead, the normal vector points to the upper half of the space, the mobile communication device is considered to be turned upside down.Exactly the opposite is true for the outer skin.

[0014] If this normal vector points towards Earth, which doesn't necessarily mean exactly vertically downwards, it indicates that the user has turned the mobile communication device upside down and can now perform actions on the device's exterior. This is particularly advantageous because it easily prevents accidental operation via the exterior when a user operates their mobile communication device conventionally using the touchscreen, as the exterior is inactive and does not transmit any signals in this case. For orientation determination, a position sensor on the mobile communication device, such as a gyroscope, and / or other sensors, such as a camera, can be used.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, when it is determined that the mobile communication device is in a spatial position within the predetermined spatial range, a feedback output signal is transmitted to the outer casing. This signal causes a feedback output device on the outer casing to output an optical and / or haptic feedback signal to the user. For example, if the mobile communication device is turned over and the outer casing is thereby activated, this can be signaled to the user by optical and / or haptic feedback. For this purpose, the outer casing can, for example, include a light source. Preferably, the outer casing can be designed with a large-area LED light matrix onto which a transparent or translucent material is applied to form the user interface, for example, a translucent soft-touch material.This LED light matrix or illuminated surface can be located between a layer containing the touch sensors and the translucent user interface. The outer shell can also be designed to provide haptic feedback, for example, using at least one piezoelectric element. This allows the user to be easily and reliably informed when they are holding the mobile communication device or the outer shell in the correct position to perform functions using the outer shell.

[0016] However, the optical and / or haptic feedback can also be used additionally or alternatively for other purposes, for example as functional feedback when the selected device has successfully performed its function.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the specific first function of the at least one selected first device is assigned to the specific user operation for the outer skin depending on a defined first position range, and only under the at least one second condition that the mobile communication device is located in the defined first position range, is the control signal for executing the first function sent to the at least one selected first device upon receipt of the signal triggered by the predetermined operation performed on the outer skin.

[0018] This initial positioning area preferably encompasses the position of the selected first device. This advantageously ensures that the user must be in a predetermined proximity to the device being operated. This offers significant security advantages, as no other access authorization requirements, such as unlocking a mobile communication device or providing any other form of authentication, are necessary, particularly for operating devices via the outer casing.

[0019] This predefined position range can be defined globally, meaning as an absolute position range that can be set by the user, for example, during the configuration mentioned earlier. Alternatively, this initial position range can also be defined relatively in relation to the selected first device, for example, as an area around this device with a predefined maximum radius.

[0020] For position determination, a GPS sensor of the mobile communication device can be used, for example. The positions of the assigned devices can also be specified in the configuration menu with regard to their absolute position. Alternatively, to teach the device positions, the mobile communication device can simply be held near the location of the device to be selected while in configuration mode. Alternatively or additionally, the signal strength between the mobile communication device and the selected device can be used to estimate the distance to that device; that is, the signal strength of the communication signals used, for example, feedback signals from the device that are received by the mobile communication device.

[0021] This advantageous embodiment also enables position-dependent function assignment and device operation, as described in more detail below.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a specific second function of at least one selected second device is assigned to the specific user's operating action for the outer skin, depending on a defined second position range, which is in particular completely different from the first position range, and in the event that the mobile communication device is located in the defined second position range, a control signal for the execution of the second function is sent to the at least one selected second device upon receipt of the signal triggered by the predetermined operating action performed on the outer skin.

[0023] The second position area also preferably encompasses the position of the second device or device group. Thus, depending on the user's location, different functions can be advantageously performed via the outer casing, in particular, different devices can be operated. For example, if the user is inside the house, a lamp can be operated using a specific operating action, and if the user is outside the house, for example in a vehicle, a device located inside the vehicle can be operated using a specific operating action. Therefore, depending on the location, the predefined user operating actions can be assigned several different functions for different devices simultaneously, whereby only one of the different devices is controlled when the specific operating action is executed, depending on the location.Depending on the location, it is advantageous that both the first and second devices can be operated with the same specific user action. In a vehicle, for example, the exterior can be a touchpad for text input. In a smart home, the exterior can be used to control the lighting or volume of various devices.

[0024] This predefined second position area can be defined globally, i.e., as an absolute position area, or it can be defined relatively in relation to the selected second device, for example, as an area around this device with a predefined maximum radius. For instance, only the device that is closest to the mobile communication device at the moment the user action is executed can be operated or controlled by multiple devices assigned to the same specific user action.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferred that the communication link to the communication unit of the outer skin is established wirelessly and / or that the control signal is transmitted wirelessly to at least one first device. For communication between the outer skin and the mobile communication device, as well as for communication between the mobile communication device and the selected devices, near-field communication methods such as Bluetooth are preferably used. However, any other wireless communication standards, such as WLAN, can also be used. Wireless communication between the mobile communication device and the outer skin is particularly advantageous, as it allows the outer skin to be used in combination with any mobile communication device.Therefore, no compatible ports are required on the mobile communication device to use the outer skin in combination with the device. Since mobile communication devices are typically Bluetooth-enabled anyway, no special modifications are necessary to take advantage of the skin's enhanced functionality. For example, a user can simply order such an outer skin for their existing mobile communication device, attach it to the back, and then configure and operate it via a downloaded app.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention also relates to an outer skin for attachment to a mobile communication device, in particular to a rear surface of the mobile communication device opposite a display of the mobile communication device, wherein the outer skin has a touch-sensitive user interface and is designed for communication with the mobile communication device. Moreover, the outer skin is configurable via the mobile communication device such that a specific user action can be assigned to a specific function of at least one selected device from among several touch-based user actions defined for the outer skin.Furthermore, the outer skin is designed, under at least the condition that the outer skin is in a spatial position within a predetermined area, to send a signal to the mobile communication device upon detection of the predetermined operating action performed on the touch-sensitive operating surface, in order to trigger the sending of a control signal by the mobile communication device to the at least one selected device for the execution of the specific function.

[0027] The advantages mentioned in connection with the inventive method and its descriptions also apply in the same way to the inventive outer skin.

[0028] The invention also includes further developments of the outer skin according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the outer skin according to the invention are not described again here.

[0029] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0030] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an outer skin for arrangement on the rear of a mobile communication device, according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a mobile communication device, according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic exploded view of an outer skin for arrangement on the rear of a mobile communication device, according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a mobile communication device with the outer skin arranged on the rear side in a front view and a rear view, according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the control of various components by means of the outer skin 10, which is arranged on the rear side 12b of the mobile communication device 12, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently.

[0032] Therefore, the disclosure should also include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0033] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an outer skin 10 for arrangement on the back of a mobile communication device 12, such as the one in Fig. Figure 2 schematically represents a mobile communication device 12. The outer casing 10 has a touch-sensitive user interface 14, whereby the touch sensor itself is not necessarily integrated directly into this touchable surface 14, but can be implemented by an underlying detection layer, as will be described in more detail later. Furthermore, the outer casing 10 includes a communication unit 16 with a control device, which can be provided, for example, by a microprocessor in the form of a microchip. The outer casing 10 also includes a power source 18, which can be provided, for example, in the form of a solar cell or a battery. This battery can, for example, be rechargeable or replaceable.

[0035] The mobile communication device 12 can be, for example, a smartphone. However, the mobile communication device 12 can also be a tablet PC, laptop, or similar device. This mobile communication device 12 also has a control unit 20, for example in the form of a processor, as well as a communication module 22. The in Fig. The outer skin shown in 10 can easily be transferred to a reverse side of the in Fig. The outer skin 10 can be applied to the mobile communication device 12 shown in Figure 2, for example, by affixing adhesive. Furthermore, an app 24, i.e., an application program 24, can be downloaded using the mobile communication device 12, for example, from an internet server 26. This app 24 can be executed by the processor 20 of the mobile communication device 12 and advantageously enables the operation of the outer skin 10 in combination with the mobile communication device 12. The outer skin 10 can also be configured via this application program 24. Through this configuration, a user can assign desired favorite functions to the outer skin 10 for direct access. During this configuration, the user can select which devices, especially communication-enabled devices, they wish to operate with the outer skin 10. The user can assign predefined operating actions or gestures for the outer skin 10 to corresponding device functions.These various defined operating actions can differ on the one hand in terms of their execution position on the touch-sensitive operating surface 14, for example pressing in a central area, pressing in an upper area, pressing in a lower area of ​​the operating surface 14, and on the other hand additionally or alternatively also in the manner of their execution, such as single pressing, double tapping, swiping, etc.

[0036] This function assignment is in Fig. Figure 1 is shown schematically. Here, F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5 denote different functions of one and the same or different devices or device groups previously selected by the user. In this example, for instance, a first function F1 can be activated by touching or pressing the outer skin 10 in the upper left corner, a second function F2 by touching the outer skin 10 in the upper right corner, a third function F3 by touching the outer skin in the lower left corner, a fourth function F4 by touching the outer skin in the lower right corner, and a fifth function F5 by touching the outer skin in a central area. Of course, any other gestures can be used instead of touch gestures.A predefined user action does not necessarily have to specify the form of the gesture; it can also be defined solely by the execution position, for example, in the central area. This also allows the use of free gestures, for example for text input, within a predetermined area as a predefined user action.

[0037] It is also possible for one and the same area of ​​the outer skin 10 to be operated with two different gestures for two different functions. For example, a tap-tap gesture in the central area can activate one function, and a swipe gesture in the central area can activate a second function.

[0038] Furthermore, the outer skin 10 on the user interface 14 may have a relief-like structure 28 that subdivides the respective operating areas. This makes it particularly easy for a user to distinguish these different operating areas by touch. This structuring 28 can also be designed in any other way, for example as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown. Due to such a structure 28, such as ridges and texture on the outer skin 10, the user always receives good feedback for his fingers and knows blindly in which area he is located.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferred that only a limited number of different operating actions are available for function assignment, in particular fewer than ten. In other words, it is advantageous if the outer skin 10 can be assigned a maximum of ten gestures, for example, even just five or six. This makes operation particularly simple and clear.

[0040] Using the touch-sensitive user interface 14, operating actions performed by the user on the outer skin 10 can then be recorded and transmitted by means of the communication unit 16 to the communication module 22 of the mobile communication device 12, which then, upon receiving this signal provided by the outer skin 10, sends a corresponding control signal to the device in question to execute the function associated with the specific operating action performed, for which purpose the communication module 22 of the mobile communication device 12 can again be used.

[0041] Communication between the outer skin 10 and the mobile communication device 12, as well as communication between the mobile communication device 12 and the desired devices specified by the configuration, can be effected in particular by means of wireless communication technology, preferably by means of near-field communication, for example Bluetooth. Furthermore, the functional assignment of the outer skin 10 can also be location-dependent. For example, one and the same predefined operating action can be assigned to different functions of different devices, whereby, depending on the current position of the mobile communication device 12, when the user performs the predetermined operating action on the outer skin 10, either one function or the other of one or the other device is executed. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the fifth function F5, for example, can only be executed if the mobile communication device 12 with its attached outer casing 10 is located in a first defined position area P1 at the time of the operation performed in the central area of ​​the touch-sensitive user interface 14. If, at that time, the mobile communication device 12 with outer casing 10 is located in a second position area P2, a sixth function F6 of a sixth device is executed instead. This allows, for example, a user at home to control devices such as the lights or volume of a stereo system and, in a vehicle, to use the outer casing 10 as a touchpad for text input, for example, for a vehicle navigation system or other vehicle components. A GPS sensor of the mobile communication device 12 can again be used for position determination.Thus, the outer skin 10 can perform and fulfill different functions depending on the location of the user.

[0042] To avoid operating errors, it is particularly advantageous if the outer skin 10 is not always active, meaning that operating gestures performed on the outer skin do not always activate a function of the device in question. For example, if the user is using their mobile communication device 12 in the conventional way and is, for instance, operating its touchscreen, touches on the back, where the outer skin 10 is located, should not inadvertently activate and / or deactivate various functions of the device. Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous if the outer skin 10 is only active when it, or the mobile communication device 12, is within a specific orientation range. This can, in turn, be detected by an orientation sensor of the mobile communication device 12.Preferably, the configured functions are only active when the mobile communication device 12 is turned to its outer surface, i.e., its back is facing up. If the user turns the mobile communication device 12 back to its touchscreen side, the outer surface 10 is deactivated again, thus preventing accidental operation.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows a further schematic representation of the outer skin 10 in a perspective exploded view. As can be seen, the outer skin 10 includes a touch sensor 30, which can, for example, be designed as a capacitive touch sensor and is designed to detect touch-based operating actions performed on the user interface 14. The user interface 14 is preferably translucent, preferably made of a soft material, such as a soft-touch material, which is at least partially elastic and flexible. In this example, too, the user interface 14 has a relief-like structure 28, which in this example is formed by several triangular structures.

[0044] The touch sensor 30 can additionally be equipped with a component for outputting haptic feedback, for example, using piezoelectric elements. Furthermore, in this example, the outer skin 10 also features an illumination layer 32, for example, in the form of an LED light matrix, which enables large-area backlighting of the entire user interface 14. This illumination layer 32 can also be used to output feedback, particularly in optical form. For example, as soon as the user turns the mobile communication device 12 with the attached outer skin 10 onto its outer skin side, the user can receive haptic and / or optical feedback, for example, by the illumination layer 32 briefly illuminating to signal that the outer skin 10 is now active or ready for operation.Even when the user performs an operation, for example, haptic and / or optical feedback can be output through the piezo elements and / or the illumination layer 32 as functional feedback, for example when the corresponding function of the desired device has been activated.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows another schematic representation of the mobile communication device 12, namely on the right in a top view of a front 12a of the mobile communication device 12 with a touch display 12c, and on the other hand on the left a top view of the back 12b of the mobile communication device 12 with the outer skin 10 arranged on the back 12b.

[0046] Fig.Figure 5 schematically shows the control of various components using the outer skin 10, which is located on the rear side 12b of the mobile communication device 12. As illustrated here, any communication-enabled components can be controlled using the outer skin 10, such as components of a motor vehicle 34, smart home components 36, such as lights, or any other IoT (Internet of Things) components.

[0047] A SmartSkin, or intelligent outer skin, can thus advantageously expand the functionality of the smartphone. The particularly significant advantage is that no additional hardware is required; rather, the symbiosis between the smartphone and the SmartSkin creates enhanced functionality, enabling intuitive and quick access to favorite functions.

[0048] This allows for the provision of an intelligent user interface that can be freely configured and provides access, particularly direct access, to favorite functions, for example, for IoT devices. Once attached to the back of the smartphone and configured, the outer skin is activated by a flip, i.e., rotating the smartphone from the touchscreen side to the SmartSkin side. The user can then quickly enter their input and deactivate the SmartSkin again with a "backflip."

[0049] This will now be illustrated using an application example for dimming lights: When the user arrives home, the outer skin 10, in combination with the mobile communication device 12, uses the GPS tracking mode of the mobile communication device 12 to detect the user's location and displays the desired, configured user interface 14. The user then takes the mobile communication device 12 out of their pocket and flips it onto the outer skin side. The user then points to the desired light source, for example, a floor lamp in the room, which is to be dimmed or switched on. This allows for a very specific selection, and not all lamps in the room are illuminated, thus enabling particularly energy-efficient operation. The user dims the light to the desired brightness using a sliding gesture. Flipping the device back to the touchscreen side deactivates the outer skin 10.This also works, for example, for loudspeakers that can be individually controlled or as an acoustic unit per room.

[0050] The intelligent interface for smartphones, SmartSkin, enables quick and easy access to functions that are important to the user. Operating time is significantly reduced because the smartphone doesn't need to be unlocked and can even be operated without looking. It enables use in vehicles or with other IoT devices. No additional product is required, and the user doesn't have to think about anything else, since they usually have their smartphone with them anyway, creating a seamless integration. The customizable on / off switching of functions and objects in the vehicle interior allows the user complete freedom of control. For example, they can easily activate functions for passengers in the back seat, especially those in the second or even third row, which is particularly advantageous for those who are unable to do so themselves, such as small children, elderly passengers, or pets.

Claims

[1] Method for extending the functions of a mobile communication device (12) by means of an outer skin (10) with a touch-sensitive user interface (14) for attachment to the mobile communication device (12), wherein - a communication connection is established to a communication unit (16) of the outer skin (10) arranged on the mobile communication device (12); characterized by , that - a specific first function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) is assigned to a specific user operation of a plurality of touch-based user operations defined for the outer skin (10) by at least one selected first device (34, 36, 38); - checking whether the mobile communication device (12) has a spatial position which is located in a predetermined spatial position range, wherein the mobile communication device (12) is in a position in the predetermined position range if a normal vector of a flat display surface of a display (12c) of the mobile communication device (12) pointing away from the mobile communication device (12) points towards the earth; and - only under the at least one first condition that the mobile communication device (12) is in a spatial position in the predetermined position range, upon receipt of a signal triggered by the predetermined operating action carried out on the outer skin (10), a control signal for executing the first function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) is sent to the at least one selected first device (34, 36, 38). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the mobile communication device (12) is in a position in the predetermined position range when a normal vector of a display surface of a display (12c) of the mobile communication device (12) pointing away from the mobile communication device (12) points towards the earth. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that when it is determined that the mobile communication device (12) has a spatial position which is located in the predetermined spatial position range, a feedback output signal is transmitted to the outer skin (10), which causes a feedback output device (30, 32) of the outer skin (10) to output an optical and / or haptic feedback signal to the user. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the specific first function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) of the at least one selected first device (34, 36, 38) is assigned to the specific user operating action for the outer skin (10) as a function of a defined first position range (P1), and only under the at least one second condition that the mobile communication device (12) is located in the defined first position range (P1), upon receipt of the signal triggered by the predetermined operating action carried out on the outer skin (10), the control signal for executing the first function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) is sent to the at least one selected first device (34, 36, 38). [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized bythat the specific user operating action for the outer skin (10) is assigned a specific second function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) of at least one selected second device (34, 36, 38) depending on a defined second position range (P2) which is different from the first position range (P1), and in the event that the mobile communication device (12) is located in the defined second position range (P2), upon receipt of the signal triggered by the predetermined operating action carried out on the outer skin (10), a control signal for executing the second function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) is sent to the at least one selected second device (34, 36, 38). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the communication connection to the communication unit (16) of the outer skin (10) is established as a wireless communication connection and / or the control signal is sent wirelessly to the at least one first device (34, 36, 38). [7] Outer skin (10) for attachment to a mobile communication device (12), wherein the outer skin (10) has a touch-sensitive user interface (14) and is designed for communication with the mobile communication device (12), characterized by , that - the outer skin (10) is configured to be configurable by means of the mobile communication device (12), so that a specific function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) of at least one selected device (34, 36, 38) can be assigned to a specific user operating action of a plurality of touch-based user operating actions defined for the outer skin (10); and - the outer skin (10) is designed, under the at least one condition that the outer skin (10) is in a spatial position in a predetermined position range, to send a signal to the mobile communication device (12) upon detection of the predetermined operating action carried out on the touch-sensitive user interface (14) in order to trigger the sending of a control signal by the mobile communication device (12) to the at least one selected device (34, 36, 38) for executing the specific function (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6); - wherein the mobile communication device (12) is in a position in the predetermined position range when a normal vector of a flat display surface of a display (12c) of the mobile communication device (12) pointing away from the mobile communication device (12) points towards the earth.

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