Device for the tap-proof placement of a mobile telephone

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for the tap-proof placement of a mobile telephone (2), said device comprising a placement surface (6) and at least one ultrasonic emitter (3) for emitting an ultrasonic signal (4), wherein the ultrasonic emitter (3) is positioned below the placement surface (6) and is directed towards a deflection surface (7) which is designed in such a way that ultrasonic signals (4) emitted by the ultrasonic emitter (3) are deflected onto an area on or directly above the placement surface (6).

Description

[0001] Device for securely storing a mobile phone

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for securely storing a mobile phone, comprising a storage surface and at least one ultrasonic emitter for emitting an ultrasonic signal.

[0003] In security-critical environments such as meeting rooms, offices, or other confidential spaces, a particularly high level of secrecy is often desired. Since it is known that mobile phones can be hacked by tapping the microphone, it is often desired that mobile phones be switched off during confidential conversations.

[0004] However, since turning off mobile phones is extremely time-consuming and also deactivates all other functions of the phone, it's a known technique to blast the phone's microphone. If a third party taps the microphone in this case, conversations conducted near the phone cannot be overheard because they are masked by the sound.

[0005] For example, a so-called “jammer” is known from W02022040777A1, in which a microphone is exposed to sound from an ultrasonic emitter, making it impossible to listen to the microphone.

[0006] Jammers can essentially be divided into two categories. On the one hand, large-area jammers can be used, which emit sound waves, especially ultrasonic waves, throughout an entire room in order to disable as many microphones as possible. One such jammer, for example, is offered by EO-Security under the name EO-3 PRO. While it is advantageous that the mobile phones do not have to be oriented relative to the jammer, these jammers have a number of disadvantages, such as undue disturbance of the surrounding area (e.g., even for animals that can perceive ultrasound) and the inability to specifically activate other microphones.

[0007] A second category of jammers uses a localized principle, whereby mobile phones are placed in a box, which is then closed. One such jammer, for example, is offered by the company Pellta under the name Pellta One. Inside the box, the mobile phone is then exposed to sound, possibly with sound waves in the audible range, so the user knows that the sound is activated. A considered advantageous feature of these jammers is that the cameras can be deactivated at the same time, since the box is closed.

[0008] However, jammers designed as boxes have the disadvantage that they are very bulky due to the space required by the ultrasonic emitters. Other functions of the mobile phone are also deactivated because the box is closed, for example, and the display is no longer visible. However, many users still want to be able to visually indicate whether a call is coming in. Examples of this are shown in the documents US 2016 / 098983 A1, US 2018 / 0277086, DE 10 2020 119 061 A1, and US 10,483,755 B1.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device for securely storing a mobile phone which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] This object is achieved by a device for securely depositing a mobile phone, comprising a deposit surface and at least one ultrasonic emitter for emitting a directed ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic emitter is arranged beneath the deposit surface and directed toward a deflection surface configured such that ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic emitter are deflected to an area on or directly above the deposit surface. The term "area directly above the deposit surface" means that the ultrasonic signals can run parallel to the deposit surface directly above it.

[0011] This device can be designed particularly compactly because the ultrasonic emitters are positioned underneath the support surface rather than directly next to it, thus achieving a smaller overall width and length. The deflection surface can also be used to focus the ultrasonic signals emitted at a propagation angle of β, thus delivering sound to the microphone more efficiently. This also allows the ultrasonic emitters to operate more efficiently and require less power.

[0012] The device according to the invention also has the advantage that mobile phones can be placed on the support surface without any additional measures to deactivate the microphone, and in particular, it is not necessary to cover the device with a lid. This allows the display to remain visible at all times. When a call comes in and the user wants to make the call, they can simply pick up the mobile phone from the support surface and answer the call.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, at least two ultrasonic emitters or two rows of ultrasonic emitters are provided, which are directed toward opposing deflection surfaces. Both deflection surfaces are designed to deflect the directed ultrasonic signals emitted by the respective ultrasonic emitter to an area directly above the support surface, with the areas preferably facing the respective deflection surface. This has the advantage that the user does not have to pay attention to which deflection surface the microphone is facing, and the power of the ultrasonic emitters can be kept low, since it is known that the microphone will be located directly next to a deflection surface receiving sound.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, at least two ultrasonic emitters are provided which are designed to emit substantially parallel ultrasonic signals in order to form a row of ultrasonic emitters, wherein the row of ultrasonic emitters is directed towards the same deflection surface, and wherein particularly preferably two rows of ultrasonic emitters arranged in parallel are provided, wherein the two rows are arranged such that the respective ultrasonic emitters emit ultrasonic signals onto opposite deflection surfaces. Rows of ultrasonic emitters are particularly advantageous since the ultrasonic signals are usually only emitted with a small propagation angle, and the row of ultrasonic emitters enables surface irradiation. Each ultrasonic emitter in a row is arranged at the same distance from the respective deflection surface, i.e. the rows and deflection surfaces run substantially parallel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic emitter can, for example, be directed vertically upwards. However, it is preferred if the ultrasonic emitter is arranged such that it emits ultrasonic signals at an angle of 30° to 60° relative to the support surface. This has the advantage that the ultrasonic emitter can be positioned directly below the support surface, but still close enough to the deflection surface without the ultrasonic signals having to travel too great a distance.

[0016] In general, the deflection surface could have any shape, e.g., a flat shape or emulate a discontinuous curve composed of flat sections. However, the deflection surface is preferably (continuously) curved and particularly preferably has a width greater than its height, with the width particularly preferably being substantially three times greater than the height. Tests have shown that this allows for particularly good focusing of the ultrasonic signals toward the microphone.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the ultrasonic emitter and the deflection surface are arranged such that ultrasonic signals deflected by the deflection surface run substantially parallel to the storage surface.

[0018] Furthermore, the device could comprise means for detecting a mobile phone on the storage surface, wherein the means are preferably a weight sensor or a light barrier, wherein the means are designed to activate the ultrasonic emitter upon detection of a mobile phone on the storage surface. This ensures that the user does not forget to switch the device on. This is particularly advantageous with the present device, since the ultrasonic signals per se do not provide any feedback that the sound is currently being emitted. Further preferably, and independently of the automatic switching on, the device could therefore also comprise an LED light that indicates whether the ultrasonic emitters are activated or whether a battery of the device is weak or empty. Furthermore, the device could comprise a loudspeaker that acoustically indicates the switching on and / or switching off of the ultrasonic emitters and / or a battery status (e.g., battery empty).

[0019] Furthermore, a gap is preferably provided between the deflection surface and the support surface, which typically has a size of 1 mm to 10 mm. This is advantageous, on the one hand, to allow for deflection of the ultrasonic signals and, on the other hand, to prevent excessive passage for unwanted objects.

[0020] Depending on the design, the device could comprise a variety of elements. A device with as few components as possible includes, for example, a base plate and a frame on which the deflection surfaces are formed, with the support surface arranged parallel to the base plate at a predetermined distance.

[0021] In order to achieve the most predefined position for the mobile phone possible, the storage area is provided with at least one essentially rectangular section with a long side and a wide side, wherein the wide side is less than 11 cm and the long side is greater than 11 cm. For example, the wide side could be between 8 and 10.5 cm long and the long side could be between 16 cm and 25 cm long. These dimensions force commercially available mobile phones into a predefined position. This in turn means that ultrasonic emitters only need to be provided on one or two sides in order to achieve targeted sound irradiation of the microphone, or rows of ultrasonic emitters can be shorter, since they only need to be arranged along the short wide side under the respective deflection surface.

[0022] Advantageous and non-limiting embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 shows the device according to the invention in a perspective view.

[0024] Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in a sectional view.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the base plate of the device of Figure 1 in a perspective view.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a first configuration to deflect an ultrasonic signal parallel to the storage surface.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a second configuration for deflecting an ultrasonic signal onto the storage surface.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a device 1 for securely storing mobile phones 2. To achieve this goal, the device 1 comprises ultrasonic emitters 3 (Figures 2 and 3) that emit ultrasonic signals 4. Since the ultrasonic signals 4 in the present device 4 are directed to the microphone 5 of the mobile phone 2, the microphones 5 are no longer able to record ambient noise such as conversations taking place in the vicinity of the device 1. Even if the mobile phone 2 is hacked and the microphone 5 is tapped by an unauthorized person, it is not possible to listen in on the conversations.

[0029] The ultrasonic emitters 3 used in the present invention typically emit directed ultrasonic signals 4, which are emitted, for example, with a propagation angle ß of approximately 15° (more generally 5° to 25°), see also Figures 4 and 5. Such ultrasonic emitters 3 are known per se and are used, for example, in automotive engineering to monitor the immediate surroundings of the vehicle and measure distances to obstacles. A classic example of an application is a parking aid in modern passenger vehicles.

[0030] In order to make the device 1 as compact and efficient as possible, it has a storage area 6 on which the mobile phones 2 can be placed. The storage area 6 is generally open at the top, i.e. it cannot be closed with a lid. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the ultrasonic emitters 3 are not directed directly at the microphones 5 or not directly at an area above the storage area 6, but are arranged below the storage area 6 and directed at a deflection surface 7 in order to direct the ultrasonic signals 4 in the direction of the microphone 5, which is located in an area immediately above the storage area 6. With this arrangement, even a low power of the ultrasonic emitters 3 is sufficient to irradiate the microphone in a way that is secure from eavesdropping. The ultrasonic emitters 3 can, for example, be designed to output the ultrasonic signals 4 at substantially or up to 92 dB.Furthermore, the ultrasonic emitters 3 can be configured to emit ultrasonic signals 4 only at frequencies above 20 kHz, since such sound waves are not perceptible by humans, dogs, or other animals that are typically located in the area of ​​application of the device 1. In general, however, the ultrasonic signals could also be emitted at frequencies above 16 kHz.

[0031] As shown, the ultrasonic emitters 3 are arranged at an angle a to the support surface 6, which preferably corresponds to between 30° and 60°. However, the ultrasonic emitters could also be directed vertically upwards, for example. In the example shown, the angle a corresponds essentially to 45°.

[0032] The deflection surface 7 is designed such that the ultrasonic signals 4 emitted at angle a are redirected in a direction that is essentially parallel to the support surface 6. The resulting angle of the ultrasonic signals 4 after deflection can also be inclined relative to the plane of the support surface 6, with the goal in all cases being to provide the best possible sound for the microphone 5. However, since the position of the microphone 5 is not fixed, there is a certain amount of leeway for variances and optimization.

[0033] To achieve the aforementioned deflection, the deflection surface 7 can, in the simplest case, be flat and, for example, arranged at an angle opposite to the ultrasonic emitter 3. As previously described, however, the ultrasonic emitters 3 emit the ultrasonic signals 4 at a certain propagation angle β. This is shown schematically in Figures 4 and 5. To achieve good focusing and localization of the ultrasonic signals 4 after deflection, the deflection surface 7 can also be curved, as shown. The exact curvature of the deflection surface 7 is an optimization task that depends on the specific design of the device 1. In the present case, however, an elongated curve has proven effective, the length of which in a direction parallel to the support surface 6 is greater, preferably three times greater, than its height in the direction normal to the support surface 6.The curved surface can, for example, have the shape of an elliptical or parabolic section.

[0034] With reference to Figure 4, it can also be seen that the ultrasonic signal 4 can be deflected in an area directly above the support surface 6. The ultrasonic signal 4, i.e. its central axis, runs parallel to the support surface 6. It can be seen that the ultrasonic signal 4 can be well bundled. Figure 5 shows a different configuration of the deflection surface 7, so that the ultrasonic signal 4, i.e. its central axis, can be deflected onto an area on the support surface 6, i.e. it is deflected not parallel but at an angle to the support surface 6. Furthermore, it can be seen that the ultrasonic emitter 3 and the support surface 3 are arranged on the same side of the deflection surface 7.

[0035] As can be seen from the combination of Figures 1 and 2, the deflection surface 7 is arranged along one or more sides of the device 1 and at the same time forms a circumferential upper edge of the device 1. The support surface 6 can, for example, be rectangular and sonicated deflection surfaces 7 could be provided on all four sides or only on two opposite sides of the support surface 6. From the combination of Figures 1 and 3, it is further apparent that several ultrasonic emitters 7 can be directed onto the same deflection surface 7. The reason for this is that the ultrasonic signals 4 only have a certain propagation angle ß, so that several ultrasonic emitters 3 are arranged in series and essentially in a parallel transmission direction in order to cover a larger area above the support surface 6.

[0036] It can also be seen from Figure 2 that there is a gap x between the support surface 6 and the deflection surface 7 or, more generally, a side wall of the device 1, in order to allow the passage of ultrasonic signals 4 at this point. The gap x has a size, seen in the direction parallel to the support surface 6, of preferably 2 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably 3 mm to 5 mm. Although a small gap x is preferred in order to reduce contamination inside the device 10, a larger gap x promotes the passage of the ultrasonic signals 4. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that there is also a minimum distance between the support surface and the deflection surface 7 in the vertical direction, i.e. normal to the support surface 6, in order to create a clear path for the ultrasonic signals 4 to an area immediately above the support surface 6.

[0037] Typically, the gap x is completely open, but it could also be covered by a sound-permeable material. This has the advantage that no particles can penetrate into the space provided below the support surface 6 for the ultrasonic emitters 4. However, the sound-permeable material would still allow the ultrasonic signals 4 to pass through.

[0038] In order to construct a device 1 that is as compact as possible, it can comprise a base plate 8 on which the ultrasonic emitters 3 are arranged and, for example, screwed, see Figure 3. The ultrasonic emitters 3 can be formed, as shown, on a common carrier 9, on which several (specifically ten) ultrasonic emitters 3 can be arranged, as shown. Alternatively, all ultrasonic emitters 3 could be mounted as separate elements on the base plate 8.

[0039] The storage surface 6 is provided above the base plate 8 and is held at a predetermined distance above the base plate 8 by one or more supports 10. The supports 10 can be connected to the base plate 8 and / or to the storage surface 6 by means of screws or other fastening means. The supports 10 could also be formed integrally with the base plate 8 and / or the storage surface 6.

[0040] As a further element, the device 1 comprises a surrounding frame 11 which forms the side walls and on whose upper edge the deflection surface(s) 7 is / are formed.

[0041] The materials for the storage surface 6, the base plate 8, and the frame 11 can essentially be chosen arbitrarily, although plastic and metal are preferred. Initial tests have shown that metal and plastic are preferred for the deflection surface 7. However, sound-absorbing materials such as most textiles are preferred for the deflection surface.

[0042] It should be emphasized, however, that it is not absolutely necessary for the device 1 to be designed as an open box as shown in Figure 1. For example, a table could also be provided with a recess in the tabletop, wherein the upper edge of the recess can be designed like the deflection surface 7 shown in Figure 2. The ultrasonic emitters 3 and the support surface 6 can then be inserted into this recess to form the device 1. It is understood that the device 1 could also be provided in other objects, while still achieving the aforementioned functions.

[0043] Returning to Figure 1, it is further apparent that a spacer 12 is provided on the storage surface 6. The spacer 12 serves the purpose of creating two different sections A1, A2 for two different mobile phones 2 on the storage surface 6. Furthermore, the spacer 12 divides the sections A1, A2 by a predetermined size, so that the mobile phones 2 can only be arranged along one orientation on the storage surface 6 and, in particular, no rotation of the mobile phone 5 by 90° is possible. This ensures that the microphone 5 of the mobile phone 2 faces a deflection surface 7. In other words, most mobile phones 2 have larger long sides L than wide sides B (Figure 1). Typically, the long side L is greater than 11 cm and the wide side is shorter than 11 cm. The spacer 12 shortens the storage surface to, for example,11 cm, so that the mobile phone 2 can only be placed on the storage surface 6 in one orientation.

[0044] In section A1, it can be seen that ultrasonic signals 4 are deflected by opposing deflection surfaces 7. For this purpose, ultrasonic emitters 3 are provided on opposite sides, as shown in Figure 3. The two ultrasonic emitters 3 or the two rows of ultrasonic emitters 3 thus emit ultrasonic signals 4 onto opposing deflection surfaces 7, whereby the ultrasonic signals 4 are each deflected to an area directly above the storage surface. The areas are preferably facing the respective deflection surface 7 in order to strike a microphone 5 located there.

[0045] This makes it irrelevant whether the mobile phone 2 is rotated by 180°, which is advantageous since the user usually does not have precise knowledge of the device 1.

[0046] In the second section A2, for the purpose of explanation, it is shown that the ultrasonic signals 4 could also come from only one side, i.e., could only be deflected by one deflecting surface 7. On the one hand, the user could be aware of this and position the mobile phone 2 such that the microphone 5 is located directly next to this deflecting surface 7. On the other hand, the power of the ultrasonic emitters 3 could also be set so high that even a microphone 5 opposite the deflecting surface 7 is exposed to such a strong sound that it cannot record any ambient noise.

[0047] For reasons of symmetry, however, it is usually provided that the configuration of the ultrasound emitters 3 or the sonicated deflection surfaces 7 is symmetrical, i.e., in the embodiment of Figure 1, both sections A1, A2 are designed identically, e.g., with either one-sided or two-sided sonication. In a further embodiment not shown, the entire support surface 6 could be only as large as one of the sections A1, A2 shown and could not have a spacer 12. Here, too, one or two opposing deflection surfaces could be sonicated to achieve the above-mentioned effects, with the mobile phone 2 still not being rotatable by 90°.

[0048] In further embodiments not shown, the storage surface 6 could also be square and without spacers 12, with deflection surfaces 7, for example, illuminated by ultrasonic emitters 3, being provided on all four sides of the square storage surface 6. The mobile phone 2 could be placed on the storage surface 6 in any orientation.

[0049] Furthermore, the device 1 can comprise a scale designed to automatically activate the ultrasonic emitters 3 when a mobile phone 2 is detected on the storage surface 6. The scale can, for example, be designed to measure a weight and determine the presence of a mobile phone 2 when a weight threshold is exceeded. The weight threshold is, for example, 100 g. If the weight threshold is exceeded, the device 1 can automatically activate the ultrasonic emitters 3. In other words, the user cannot forget to turn on the device 1, thereby increasing safety.

[0050] On the one hand, it can be provided that the scale is designed to detect a lowering of the device 1 or the base plate 8 relative to a surface located below the device 1, e.g. if the scale is provided in feet 13 of the device 1. Alternatively, the scale could also be implemented in the support(s) 10, i.e. the scale could be designed to detect a lowering of the storage surface 6 relative to the base plate 8. Tilt sensors or two or more weight sensors could also be used to determine on which section A1, A2 of the storage surface a mobile phone 2 is located, in order to activate only the respective weight sensors.

[0051] Alternatively or in addition to the scale, a light barrier could also be used to cover an area above the storage surface 6 in order to detect the presence of a mobile phone 2. The light source of the light barrier could, for example, be arranged at a point on the frame 11 that is not exposed to sound, or in the spacer 12. To supply energy to the ultrasonic emitters 3, the device can be connected to a power source and, for example, comprise a plug that can be connected to a conventional socket. Alternatively, the device 1 could also comprise a battery, which could, for example, be designed such that the device 1 could have a net running time of 2 to 10 days or 3 to 4 days. The net running time of the device 1 is understood to mean that all ultrasonic emitters 3 are in continuous operation.Furthermore, two or more devices 1 could be provided and connected to each other, with one of the devices 1 providing the power supply for the other devices 1.

Claims

Claims:

1. Device (1) for the tap-proof storage of a mobile phone (2), comprising a storage surface (6) and at least one ultrasonic emitter (3) for emitting an ultrasonic signal (4), characterized in that the ultrasonic emitter (3) is arranged below the storage surface (6) and is directed towards a deflection surface (7) which is designed such that ultrasonic signals (4) emitted by the ultrasonic emitter (3) are deflected onto an area on or immediately above the storage surface (6).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein at least two ultrasonic emitters (3) or two rows of ultrasonic emitters (3) are provided, which are directed towards opposite deflection surfaces (7), wherein both deflection surfaces (7) are designed to deflect the directed ultrasonic signals (4) emitted by the respective ultrasonic emitter (3) onto an area on or immediately above the storage surface (6), wherein the areas preferably face the respective deflection surface (7).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two ultrasonic emitters (3) are provided which are designed to emit substantially parallel ultrasonic signals (4) in order to form a row of ultrasonic emitters (3), wherein the row of ultrasonic emitters (3) is directed towards the same deflection surface (7), and wherein particularly preferably two rows of ultrasonic emitters (3) arranged in parallel are provided, wherein the two rows are arranged such that the respective ultrasonic emitters (3) emit ultrasonic signals (4) onto opposite deflection surfaces (7).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ultrasonic emitter (3) is arranged such that it emits ultrasonic signals (4) at an angle of 30° to 60° with respect to the storage surface (6).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the deflection surface (7) is curved and preferably has a width which is greater than its height, wherein the width is particularly preferably substantially three times greater than the height.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ultrasonic emitter (3) and the deflection surface (7) are arranged such that ultrasonic signals (4) deflected by the deflection surface (7) run substantially parallel to the support surface (6).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising means for detecting a mobile phone (2) on the storage surface (6), wherein the means preferably comprise a weight sensor or a light barrier, wherein the means are designed to activate the ultrasonic emitter (3) after detection of a mobile phone (2) on the storage surface (6).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a gap (x) is provided between the deflection surface (7) and the support surface (6), which gap preferably has a size of 1 mm to 10 mm.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a base plate (8) and a frame (11) on which the deflection surfaces (7) are formed, wherein the storage surface (6) is arranged at a predetermined distance parallel to the base plate (8).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the storage surface (6) has at least one substantially rectangular section with a long side and a wide side, wherein the wide side is smaller than 11 cm and the long side is larger than 11 cm.

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