On May 21, 2015, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals two new Hotspot devices enabling internet connectivity through a cellular network for devices like the non-Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad or any MacBook that doesn't have built-in wireless connectivity. A simple light weight Hotspot device could work with several devices instead of paying extra for each device like the Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad or a mobile internet key for your MacBook. Although we could tether an iPhone with iPad to create a personal hotspot, it's a real drain on your iPhone battery. Apple's proposed Hotspot device would provide consumers with a choice of different battery sizes and strengths that could meet their individual needs.

According to Apple, Today's Existing wireless hotspot devices are limited in their usefulness in that, while more convenient and secure than public hotspot access, they may not be convenient to operate and carry. These devices include external controls which may accidentally be activated by a user. Therefore it would be useful to have a device which minimizes inadvertent activation. In addition, hotspot gateways should be convenient to carry and have a conveniently available power supply.

Beyond that, Apple notes that some establishments, such as hotels, offer network access at a price in order to limit the number of users and to limit the use to approved users (i.e. hotel guests). In such a system the hotel provides a password to its guests either free or for a price. In this way, the network provider has some control over additional or unwanted users such as hackers accessing the network undetected.

The use of such a wireless capability may have certain disadvantages in that the user must remain in a possibly chaotic environment in some retail establishments such as coffee shops etc. to remain within signal range. A user may wish to choose a quieter and more private venue as opposed to a crowded and less secure one. In addition, the user may achieve a greater degree of physical privacy in that they may not have another individual "looking over her shoulder" while they use their computer or other device. Thus, such a public system continues to suffer from the drawbacks of network privacy and possibly network overload resulting in poorer performance of her device.

Apple's Invention: A Hotspot Device

In one embodiment the invention is a cylindrical device with no external controls. The device includes two cylindrical portions which may be rotated to activate the device. The electronics, antenna, and power supply are contained within the device. The cylindrical portions may be separated to access the internal components. The power supply is included in one of the cylindrical portions and may be interchangeable with power supplies of different capacities.

In another embodiment, the invention is a cellular hotspot device in the form of a card-like configuration. The structure includes removable portions in the interior of the card which may contain the power supply, electronics and the antenna. Other configurations for the hotspot device may be included in alternate embodiments which will allow for convenient transport and ease of use.

Tethering

The system described in Apple's patent FIG. 2 is often referred to as tethering. Tethering refers to connecting one device #22 to another device #23 to allow for internet access of the connected device. In the context of mobile phones or Internet tablets, tethering allows sharing the Internet connection of, for example, an iPhone connected to an iPad or MacBook.

If tethering is done over Wi-Fi, the iPhone connected to an iPad (or MacBook) may be referred to as a mobile hotspot or gateway device. The Internet-connected mobile device, such as an iPhone, thus acts as a portable wireless access point for devices connected to it.

The system shown in patent FIG. 2 may provide a greater degree of privacy to the user and may also provide a higher level of device performance than connecting to the ISP though a public Wi-Fi network.

Apple notes that there are times when it is not convenient or otherwise desirable to carry an iPhone simply to connect your iPad or MacBook to the net. I personally found this to be annoying and why I chose to go with Apple's iPhone 6-Plus so that I could have my phone and a large enough tablet to comfortably read on the go. However, when it comes to wanting to work on your MacBook while on the road, the iPhone has its limits in terms of power.

Apple notes that while it may not be desirable or convenient to carry multiple electronic devices, there may still be a need or desire to connect to the internet through an ISP as illustrated in FIG. 2. In order to overcome the disadvantages associated with carrying multiple sophisticated devices, it is possible to obtain devices which are commonly known as (standalone) mobile hotspot devices. These devices are small portable devices which may readily be carried on the person of a user, such as for example, in the pocket or attached to a keychain of the user.

There are disadvantages with use of conventional mobile hotspot devices. Chief among the disadvantages is inadvertently activating or deactivating the devices and the relative short battery lifetime of such devices. Because the mobile hotspot devices are small and may be used in situations where the user is engaged in strenuous physical activities such as hiking or jogging, inadvertent activation of the mobile hotspot device may occur. The device may be carried in a pocket or otherwise jostled thereby activating an on-off switch which is located on the exterior of the device.

Because of the small size of the mobile hotspot device, it is difficult to provide power to the device for long periods of time as the battery life tends to be proportional to the size of the battery. Because, by design, the mobile hotspot device is made small such that a user may carry it on a key chain or in a small area on the user's person, the battery tends to be small and have a relatively short life.

Apple's Proposed Hotspot Device

Apple's proposed hotspot device is seen in Patent FIG. 3 below in a cylindrical form factor that comes in two parts (#25 and #26) that are sealed and unsealed with a rotating action. In one embodiment, the same rotating action activates and deactivates the hotspot device.

Apple's patent FIG. 8 noted below we see a perspective view of the Hotspot cylinder. The electrical detents (#27 of FIG 10) in first portion and second portion are engaged with one another. One or more external indicators #32 is shown indicating that first half and the second half are in the activation position. The external indicator may take the form of an indicator light such as a light emitting diode (LED) which is lit when the device is "on" and unlit when the device is "off".

In a second embodiment, the indicator lights could take on the form of markings #33 on the exterior of first and second halves such that when the marks are aligned as illustrated in FIG. 8, the user knows that the device is "on" and when the marks are not aligned the user may know that the device is off. Alternatively, "off" markings could also be supplied.

In a third embodiment, magnetic sensors #30 on each half may be provided to detect rotation of first portion with respect to second portion.

In Apple's patent FIG. 10 noted above, a security information management (SIM) card #36 may be accessed by a user through opening #37 in threaded portion of the Hotspot device. By allowing access the SIM card it may be replaced or accessed for other reasons. Similarly, the main logic board (MLB) #37 or other electronics may be accessed in first half. An antenna #38 is enclosed in plastic housing #39 or otherwise insulated from metal body of first portion.

Alternatively, the first portion of the housing could be made of plastic or other suitable material so as not to interfere with wireless radio signals received by the antenna. The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 allows ease of repair or replacement of electronic components of the device.

Apple's patent FIG. 11 noted above we're able to see alternate power sources may be utilized. For example, batteries #41 and #42 may be used in place of the battery contained in the second half of the original design.

The batteries may be of a different power levels than the battery contained in the second half of the Hotspot device noted in FIG. 3. This allows a user to choose the level of battery life and power desired and to control the size and weight of the device.

Apple's Second Card-Like Form Factor

Apple's secondary "card-like device" form factor is illustrated in patent FIG. 12 above. In order to prevent inadvertent activation of the device there are no external switches or buttons on the device which could be accidentally moved to activate the device during ongoing activities of the user.

In patent FIG. 13 noted above, Apple's proposed mobile Hotspot device may be activated or deactivated by rotating first half #44 and second half #45 in opposite directions.

Patent Credits

Apple credits Product Design Engineers Anthony Montevirgen and David Havskjold as the inventors of patent application 20150141083 which was originally filed in Q4 2013. Mr. Havskjold previously worked at Palm and HP on WebOS. Considering that this is a patent application, the timing of such a product to market is unknown at this time.

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