U.S. patent application number 11/002974 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for portable gps methods and devices.
Invention is credited to Gifford, Micheal L., Mills, Kevin J..
Application Number | 20050235086 11/002974 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26976778 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050235086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mills, Kevin J. ; et
al. |
October 20, 2005 |
Portable GPS methods and devices
Abstract
Devices and Methods are disclosed for portable devices having a
GPS receiver for obtaining location data, a memory for retrieving
map data, and which display integrated map and location data. In
certain embodiments the device is based upon a generic portable
host chassis, such as a PDA having an expansion bus interface such
as a CompactFlash interface, and the GPS receiver and map storage
functionality are provided by a removable expansion module that
serves to customize the portable host as a GPS system. In such
removable expansion module embodiments, the GPS receiver location
data and the memory may data are transferred from the removable
expansion module to the portable host over the expansion interface.
In certain removable expansion module embodiments, the expansion
interface is a first-level expansion interface, the removable
expansion module is a first-level removable expansion module, and
the memory is a second-level removable expansion module coupled to
the first-level removable expansion module via a second-level
expansion interface.
Inventors: |
Mills, Kevin J.; (Palo Alto,
CA) ; Gifford, Micheal L.; (San Leandro, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALSTEIN BENNETT SMITH III
P. O. BOX 1668
GEORGETOWN
TX
78628
US
|
Family ID: |
26976778 |
Appl. No.: |
11/002974 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11002974 |
Dec 2, 2004 |
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10449867 |
May 30, 2003 |
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6863557 |
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10449867 |
May 30, 2003 |
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09439966 |
Nov 12, 1999 |
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6599147 |
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09439966 |
Nov 12, 1999 |
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09309373 |
May 11, 1999 |
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6353870 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
710/301 ;
711/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0282 20130101;
Y10S 439/946 20130101; G01C 21/20 20130101; H05K 5/0286
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/301 ;
711/115 |
International
Class: |
G06F 013/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method of using a general-purpose portable host having
integral display and input devices and an integral expansion
interface compatible with industry standard removable expansion
cards, the method comprising: attaching and operatively coupling a
removable expansion device to the portable host via the expansion
interface, the removable expansion device being adapted to include
application-specific circuitry, an application-specific I/O device,
and a memory, the removable expansion device being adapted such
that when attached to the portable host the removable expansion
device and portable host combination handles physically as a single
piece of equipment, and executing application-specific software on
the portable host, the software using the display and input devices
to create a user interface including application-specific virtual
controls; and wherein the specific application is a GPS
application, the I/O device is a GPS receiver providing location
data, map data is stored in the memory, and at least some of the
map data and at least some of the location data is displayed in
combination.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the general-purpose portable
host uses the expansion interface as a common path to the removable
expansion device for both the reading of the map data and the
receiving of the location data.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the memory is a removable
memory, the expansion interface is a first-level expansion
interface, and the removable expansion device includes a
second-level expansion interface and removable memory adapter
circuitry for receiving and operatively coupling with the removable
memory.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the removable expansion device
has an opening sized and positioned to allow insertion of the
second-level removable memory into the opening so as to engage the
second-level expansion interface while the removable expansion
device is engaged with the portable host, and to allow withdrawal
of the removable memory from the opening so as to disengage from
the second-level expansion interface while the removable expansion
device is engaged with the portable host.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the removable memory is
compatible with the MMC industry standard.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least a part of the
application-specific I/O device is abutted and attached to an
expansion card included as part of the removable expansion
device.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the attachment is implemented
using a snap-in-place mechanism.
9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the expansion interface is
compatible with the CompactFlash industry standard.
10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the expansion interface is
compatible with an industry standard closed-back industrial
design.
11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the expansion interface is
compatible with an industry standard open-back industrial
design.
12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the portable host is a
handheld portable host.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the handheld portable host
is a PDA.
14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the removable expansion
device and portable host combination handles physically as a
handheld system.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least part of the
removable expansion device envelopes at least part of the portable
host.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the expansion interface is
compatible with an industry standard open-back industrial
design.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least part of the
portable host envelopes at least part of the removable expansion
device.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the expansion interface is
compatible with an industry standard closed-back industrial design.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/449,867, HIGH-DENSITY REMOVABLE EXPANSION
MODULE HAVING I/O AND SECOND-LEVEL-REMOVABLE EXPANSION MEMORY,
filed 2003 May 30, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/439,966, HIGH-DENSITY REMOVABLE EXPANSION MODULE HAVING I/O
AND SECOND-LEVEL-REMOVABLE EXPANSION MEMORY, filed 1999 Nov. 12,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/309,373, CLOSED-CASE REMOVABLE EXPANSION CARD HAVING I/O AND
REMOVABLE MEMORY, filed 1999 May 11, all of the foregoing
applications being incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] The invention is related to removable expansion modules or
cards for computer hosts, such modules having particular
application to portable computing hosts such as handheld computing
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The broad use of portable host computers, including laptops,
notebooks, palmtops, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and
handheld computers (handhelds), has been severely hampered by
limited capabilities for expansion or customization. Expansion and
application customization has been performed via only one, or at
most two, slots for removable expansion modules for I/O, I/O
adapters, memories, and memory adapters. Memory expansion cards
have included DRAM, SRAM, ROM, and Flash technologies. I/O
expansion modules have included dedicated peripherals, networking,
modems, wireless communications, serial I/O, and bar-code and other
scanners.
[0004] Having only one slot meant choosing between memory or
peripheral expansion. In two-slot implementations, one of the slots
is generally used for peripheral expansion, and the other for
memory expansion. As market forces and consumer demand are pushing
future PDAs to be ever smaller, allocating packaging volume for
two-slots will be increasingly viewed as a costly and nonviable
solution.
[0005] If not further qualified, a general reference in this
specification and the attached claims to the terms "expansion
module" or "expansion card," and possibly prefaced by "removable,"
should be construed as a general reference to a class of generally
enclosed compact expansion devices that provide fast, reliable, and
robust repeated field insertion, removal, handling, and storage,
ideally suited for closed-case, user-serviceable, plug-in expansion
of portable and handheld computing devices. If not further
qualified, a general reference in this specification and the
attached claims to the term "slot," should be construed as a
reference to the physical and electrical means by which a portable
computing device receives a removable expansion module of the class
just defined. A reference in this specification and the attached
claims to the terms "closed-case," or "sealed-case," serves to
indicate that insertion and removal of an expansion device does not
involve significant reconfiguration or removal of the external
casing of the computing device. Closed-case is not meant to
foreclose the possible user removal of a protective access panel or
the user opening of a hinged access door. Nor is it meant to
foreclose that the casing may need to be removed for more
significant events best performed by a qualified service
person.
[0006] Memory and Expansion Module Standards
[0007] Two of the most popular industry standards for the slots and
removable cards are the PC Card and the CompactFlash Card. The PC
Card has a 16-bit variant, previously known as a PCMCIA card, and a
newer 32-bit variant, also known as a Card-Bus card. PC Cards
include Type I, Type II, and Type III devices. If not further
qualified, a general reference to PC Cards in this specification
and the attached claims should be construed to refer to any of the
Card-Bus (32-bit), PCMCIA (16-bit), Type I, Type II, or Type III PC
Card variants.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,426 ('426), ADAPTER FOR INTERFACING AN
INSERTABLE/REMOVABLE DIGITAL MEMORY APPARATUS TO A HOST DATA PART,
assigned to Nexcom Technology, and hereby incorporated by
reference, describes these and other removable expansion card and
memory types suitable for PDAs. In addition to the PC Card and
CompactFlash Card formats, the '426 patent includes discussions of
and references to Miniature Cards, Sold State Floppy Disk Cards
(SSFDCs), MultiMediaCards (MMC), Integrated Circuit (IC) Cards
(also known as Smart Cards), and Subscriber Identification Module
(SIM) Cards.
[0009] CompactFlash Standards
[0010] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are different views of a prior art Type II
CompactFlash Card. The physical, electrical, and software interface
architecture of CompactFlash Cards (CF+ Cards and CF Cards) is
taught in the CompactFlash Specification Revision 1.3, Copyright
1998, and the CF+ and CompactFlash Specification Revision 1.4,
Copyright 1999, both by the CompactFlash Association (CFA), P.O.
Box 51537, Palo Alto, Calif. 94303, and both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference. FIGS. 1, 2, 3, part of 10, and part of
11 are reproduced or derived from the CompactFlash Specification
Revision 1.3 document. Strictly speaking, CompactFlash nomenclature
uses CF to denote cards that are primarily limited to flash data
storage, and uses CF+ to denote cards that may have any or all of:
flash data storage, I/O devices, and magnetic disk data storage. CF
and CF+ cards presently include Type I (3.3 mm thick) and Type II
(5 mm thick) devices. Both Type I and Type II CF cards are 36.4 mm
long by 42.8 mm wide, or roughly "matchbook-sized." A Type III
device is being defined as discussed in a later section herein. If
not further qualified, a general reference to CompactFlash (or CF)
in this specification and the attached claims should be construed
to refer to any of the CF, CF+, Type I, Type II, or Type III
CompactFlash variants.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,145 ('145), REMOVABLE MOTHER/DAUGHTER
PERIPHERAL CARD, assigned to SanDisk Corporation, and hereby
incorporated by reference, describes the required features of host
systems for CompactFlash Cards, including controllers required by
CompactFlash memory cards (CF cards) and comprehensive controllers
required by CompactFlash memory and I/O cards (CF+ cards).
[0012] MultiMediaCard
[0013] FIGS. 4 and 5 represent a prior art MultiMediaCard form
factor and its pad definitions. FIGS. 6 and 7 represent the prior
art internal architecture of a generic MultiMediaCard and its
registers. FIG. 8 illustrates the prior art functional partitioning
of a generic MultiMediaCard system. FIG. 9 illustrates the prior
art physical partitioning of a generic MultiMediaCard system.
[0014] The MMC and MMC related system issues are taught in the
MultimediaCard System Summary Version 2.0, Copyright January 1999,
by the MultiMediaCard Association, 19672 Stevens Creek Blvd., #404,
Cupertino, Calif. 95014-2465, which is hereby incorporated by
reference. FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and part of 10 are reproduced or
derived from the MultimediaCard System Summary document.
[0015] FIGS. 10 and 11 are different views comparing the form
factors of the prior art CompactFlash Card (top) and MultiMediaCard
(bottom). In each of 10 and 11, the CompactFlash Card and the
MultiMediaCard are both roughly to equal scale.
[0016] Adapters for Removable Memories
[0017] Adapters exist or have been prophetically disclosed for
physically and electrically coupling a removable memory on a slide,
or stick, to a portable host via a removable expansion card of
either the PCMCIA Card or CompactFlash Card form factors. The
previously mentioned '426 patent describes such removable memory
adapters. The focus of these existing memory adapters has been
limited to merely providing an interface adapter, or bridge,
between a first interface type (the host to
removable-expansion-card interface) and a second interface type
(the removable memory stick).
[0018] PC Card Mother and CompactFlash Card Daughter
Combinations
[0019] Adapters exist or have been prophetically disclosed that
comprise a special mother PC Card designed to accept one or more
daughter CompactFlash Cards of one or more types. The previously
'145 patent describes such CompactFlash adapters. The focus of
these existing mother/daughter combinations has also been limited.
First, the daughters have been used for memory expansion for the
host platform, primarily in the form of flash-memory-based
mass-storage-like devices. In this first approach, the mother card
provides the requisite mass-storage controller functionality.
Second, the daughters have been used for dedicated peripheral, I/O,
or communication functions. In this second approach, the mother
card has a so-called comprehensive controller that augments the
mass-storage controller functionality with functions commonly
required or useful to multiple daughter cards. Third, in a
variation of either of the first two paradigms, functions of the
general-purpose host may be relocated to the mother card.
[0020] Open-Back Module Expansion Standards
[0021] The previously discussed expansion module (or card)
implementations have been of a first type wherein the module is
mated with a closed-back mother device by (full or partial)
insertion into a receiving chamber that is inside the external
casing of the mother device. The chamber usually is of a
standardized minimum width and insertion depth. The module
insertion into the chamber is facilitated by edge-guides internal
to the chamber and insertion is (usually) via a standardized
minimum width x minimum height circumscribed portal (mouth, or
orifice) in the mother device's external casing. The chamber portal
is sometimes protected by a hinged or removable access panel or by
a stub (a dummy card with an external end flanged to block off most
of the portal) inserted into the chamber. According to this first
type, the modules are designed to have dimensions compatible with
the insertion depth x width, edge guides, and width x height
orifice of the chamber.
[0022] For hand-held computer or PDA applications, a second type of
expansion card also exists. The second type of expansion card makes
use of an "open-back" (or open-face) industrial design approach
previously applied to other hand-held devices, such as cellular
telephones. In open-back hand-held devices, a standardized
back-mount is made integral to the device. Families of removable
components (such as batteries), varying widely in size and make-up
but otherwise interchangeable, are designed to be compatible to the
standardized back-mount. For open-back devices, the industrial
design form-factor (appearance and volume) becomes a function of
both the device and the mated component.
[0023] As applied to a hand-held mother device, an open-face
expansion module is mated with a companion open-back device by
(full or partial) insertion into a receiving recess of (usually)
standardized width x minimum depth that is integral to, but
substantially on the outside of, the device. The module insertion
into the recess is via (usually) standardized module-edge guides
incorporated into the open recess of the device. In a manner not
unlike that for cards in closed-back expansion applications,
open-face modules are designed to have dimensions compatible with
the width.times.minimum depth and edge guides of the device recess.
But since the recess of an open-back device by definition has no
circumscribed portal, the module height and shape are largely
unrestricted. Instead the height and shape of the interchangeable
modules are restricted only by bounds imposed by practical utility,
bounds imposed to avoid mechanical interference with other objects
in common system configurations, and bounds imposed by ergonometric
concerns.
[0024] Expansion modules for the Handspring Visor handheld computer
are an example of open-face expansion modules. These modules are
designed in accordance with the Handspring Springboard expansion
slot. The technology of the Springboard slot is publicly disclosed
in a number of documents published on the Handspring Web-Site
(http:.backslash..backslash.www.hand- spring.com). "The Springboard
Platform," is a Handspring "white-paper" that broadly summarizes
the technology. "Development Kit for Handspring Handheld
Computers," Release 1.0, Document No. 80-0004-00, printed in 1999,
gives a detailed description targeted at developers of Springboard
modules. Open-face functionality is also proposed for next
generation CompactFlash Type III (CF+ Type III) devices, whose
specification is presently being defined by a working group within
the Compact Flash Association. More specifically, the CF+ Type III
devices are expected to enable handhelds to continue to use the
present 50-pin CompactFlash bus and connector, but make use of an
open-back industrial design philosophy.
[0025] Background for Expansion Module Based I/O Functions
[0026] Techniques are known in the art for making and using systems
that perform I/O functions in an expansion module. For example, see
U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,374 ('374), PCMCIA INTERFACE CARD COUPLING
INPUT DEVICES SUCH AS BARCODE SCANNING ENGINES TO PERSONAL DIGITAL
ASSISTANTS AND PALMTOP COMPUTERS, assigned to TPS Electronics,
which is hereby incorporated by reference. The '374 patent teaches
the use of PDAs and similar hosts equipped with PC card interfaces
for I/O devices including portable laser-scanners, magnetic stripe
and ink readers, keyboards and keypads, OCR devices, and
trackballs.
[0027] Techniques are also known in the art for making and using PC
Card-based radios for applications based in a portable host. For
example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,577 ('577), SPREAD SPECTRUM RADIO
INCORPORATED IN A PCMCIA TYPE II CARD HOLDER, assigned to Symbol
Technologies, and hereby incorporated by reference.
[0028] Techniques are also known in the art for making and using
disk emulation devices based on flash memory. For example, see U.S.
Pat. No. 5,291,584 ('584), METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR HARD DISK
EMULATION, assigned to Nexcom Technology, and hereby incorporated
by reference.
[0029] Background for Relevant Application Specific Functions
[0030] Techniques are known in the art for making and using systems
that download or capture compressed digital audio for storage and
later playback using dedicated removable media. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,676,734 ('734), SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING DESIRED DIGITAL
VIDEO OR AUDIO SIGNALS, assigned to Parsec Sight/Sound, and hereby
incorporated by reference, teaches a system for transmitting
digital video or audio signals over a telecommunications link from
a first to a second party. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,430
('430), DIGITAL ENCODING PROCESS, assigned to Fraunhofer
Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., and
hereby incorporated by reference, teaches processes for encoding
digitized analog signals. Such processes are useful for insuring
high-quality reproduction while reducing transmission bandwidth and
data storage requirements.
[0031] Techniques are also known in the art for making and using
record and playback portable host devices based on a dedicated
flash memory. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,774 ('774),
HANDHELD RECORD AND PLAYBACK DEVICE WITH FLASH MEMORY, assigned to
Comp General Corporation, and hereby incorporated by reference, and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,108 ('108), FLASH MEMORY FILE SYSTEM IN A
HANDHELD RECORD AND PLAYBACK DEVICE, assigned to Norris
Communications, also hereby incorporated by reference.
[0032] Limitations of Previous Approaches
[0033] In general purpose portable hosts, populating a
finite-volume expansion slot has meant choosing one of either
removable memory or peripheral expansion for that slot. When used
for memory expansion, the removable memory has been limited to use
for the system or application software running on the host. In
essence, the removable memory has only been used as host-dedicated
memory. This was done either directly, e.g., as some portion of the
main-memory of the host, or indirectly as an emulation substitute
for host mass-storage (i.e., disk drives). When used for I/O
expansion, the expansion I/O-cards have not had access to a private
removable media/memory. This has prevented portable computer hosts,
such as PDAs, from being used as a customizable platform for many
application-specific functions that require a removable memory
dedicated to the application.
[0034] In general purpose portable hosts, populating a open-volume
expansion slot has meant choosing one of either removable memory or
peripheral expansion for that slot.
SUMMARY
[0035] The utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs (or
handhelds), is enhanced by methods and apparatus for removable
expansion cards having application specific circuitry, a
second-level-removable memory, and optional I/O, in a number of
illustrative embodiments. The term "second-level" is intended to
emphasize that while the expansion module is removable from a
computer host at a first level of functionality, the expansion
memory is independently removable from the expansion module,
providing a second level of functionality. In addition to providing
greater expansion utility in a compact and low profile industrial
design, the present invention permits memory configuration
versatility for application specific expansion cards, permitting
easy user field selection and upgrades of the memory used in
conjunction with the expansion card. Finally, from a system
perspective, the present invention enables increased parallelism
and functionality previously not available to portable computer
devices.
[0036] In one illustrative embodiment the removable memory is in
combination with an external-I/O connector or permanently attached
external-I/O device, providing both I/O and memory functions in a
single closed-case removable expansion card. This increases the
expansion functional density for portable computer hosts, such as
PDAs. That is, it increases the amount of functionality that can be
accommodated within a given volume allocation for expansion
devices. It also provides a viable alternative to 2-slot
implementations.
[0037] In another illustrative embodiment the removable memory is a
private memory for application specific circuitry within the
closed-case-removable expansion card. This enhances the utility of
portable computer hosts, such as PDAs, as universal chassises for
application specific uses.
[0038] Some of the illustrative embodiments make use of a Type II
CompactFlash form factor, another uses a Type I form factor, but as
discussed below, the invention is not limited to these particular
form factors or to the CompactFlash expansion bus. As will be seen,
the physical and electrical interface of the chosen expansion bus
couples the expansion modules to the host, which may provide user
interface functions for application specific modules.
[0039] The modules according to some illustrative embodiments of
the present invention include an end located slot and an internal
connector for accepting a MultiMediaCard (MMC) as the private
removable memory. Another embodiment instead uses a top-cavity to
accept a MMC flush with the top of the module, capturing the MMC in
place when the module is inserted into a PDA.
[0040] In addition, the application specific card will generally
have some manner of I/O to required external devices, such as
scanning devices, sensors, or transducers. Otherwise, all
functionality for the application specific function is
self-contained within the application specific card.
[0041] Particular application specific cards for customizing
general purpose PDAs via the instant invention include a
media-player card for digitized media stored on removable memory
and a bar-code-scanner card having scanning data stored on
removable memory.
[0042] Sample Illustrative Methods and Apparatus
[0043] This summary section concludes with a collection of
paragraphs that tersely summarize illustrative methods and
apparatus in accordance with the invention. It is intended that
these summary paragraphs add no matter beyond that disclosed in the
specification and originally filed claims of the parent application
(U.S. application Ser. No. 09/439,966, previously incorporated by
reference). Interpretation of these paragraphs should be controlled
by that intent. Each of the summary paragraphs highlights various
combinations of features using an informal pseudo-claim format.
These compressed descriptions are not meant to be mutually
exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive and the invention is not
limited to these highlighted combinations. As is discussed in more
detail in the Conclusion section, the invention encompasses all
possible modifications and variations within the scope of the
issued claims, which are appended to the very end of the
patent.
[0044] A first removable expansion card for a portable host,
comprising: an expansion card frame and PCB, a host-interconnect
for coupling with the host, an I/O interconnect for coupling with
an external I/O device, I/O adapter circuitry for the I/O device, a
slot for a removable memory, and removable memory adapter circuitry
for the removable memory. The foregoing removable expansion card,
wherein the card is a CompactFlash card. The first removable
expansion card, wherein the removable memory slot is compatible
with a MultiMediaCard, and the removable memory adapter circuitry
is MultiMediaCard adapter circuitry. The first removable expansion
card, wherein the I/O adapter circuitry is a serial I/O adapter and
the I/O-interconnect includes a cable having a standard serial
connector. The first removable expansion card, wherein the I/O
adapter circuitry is a local area network adapter and the
I/O-interconnect includes a cable having a standard local area
network connector. The first removable expansion card, wherein the
I/O adapter circuitry is a parallel adapter and the
I/O-interconnect includes a cable having a standard parallel
connector. The first removable expansion card, wherein the
I/O-interconnect is a Honda-style 15-pin connector integral to the
card. The first removable expansion card, wherein the card is
designed to abut and fasten with at least part of the I/O device
such that the I/O-interconnect for coupling with the I/O device is
cableless.
[0045] A second removable expansion card for a portable host,
comprising: an expansion card frame and PCB, the PCB having decoder
and reconstruction circuitry for digitally encoded media, the
decoder and reconstruction circuitry having a first low-level
analog signal output, the card having a slot for a removable memory
holding at least one digitally encoded instance of at least one
media type, the card including removable memory adapter circuitry
for interfacing with the removable memory, and the card having
analog electronics for providing a media output. The foregoing
removable expansion card, wherein the card is a CompactFlash card.
The second removable expansion card, wherein the removable memory
slot is compatible with a MultiMediaCard and the removable memory
adapter circuitry is a MultiMediaCard adapter circuitry. The second
removable expansion card, wherein the digitally encoded media is
encoded in accordance with the MP3 standard. The second removable
expansion card, wherein the digitally encoded media is encoded in
accordance with the Microsoft Digital Audio standard. The second
removable expansion card, wherein the playback of the digitally
encoded media is initiated automatically upon insertion of the
removable memory. The second removable expansion card, wherein the
card further includes: a radio-frequency receiver providing a
second low-level analog signal output, a low-level selector coupled
to the first and second low-level analog signal outputs and
providing an input to the analog electronics, and antenna coupling
electronics associated with the media output for use with a headset
designed to function as an antenna for the radio-frequency
receiver. The second removable expansion card, wherein the card
further includes a local area network adapter. The foregoing
removable expansion card, wherein the local area network adapter is
an Ethernet adapter.
[0046] A first method, the first method being a method of digitally
encoded media playback, the first method comprising: providing a
PDA, providing an expansion card for the PDA having playback
circuitry for the digitally encoded media, providing a slot in the
expansion card for receiving a removable memory, providing the
removable memory, providing I/O coupling from the PDA to an
external system, transferring the digitally encoded media from the
external system to the PDA, transferring the digitally encoded
media from the PDA to the expansion card, storing the digitally
encoded media from the expansion card to the removable memory,
after storing later reading the digitally encoded media from the
removable memory, decoding the digitally encoded media and
producing a reconstructed media, coupling the reconstructed media
to a media output of the expansion card, providing application
software for the PDA to provide user interface functions using the
display and input devices of the PDA for controlling the storing
and playback of the digitally encoded media. The foregoing method,
further wherein the I/O coupling includes a local area network
connection and the external system includes an Internet web-site.
The first method, wherein the digitally encoded media is encoded in
accordance with the MP3 standard. The first method, wherein the
digitally encoded media is encoded in accordance with the Microsoft
Digital Audio standard. The first method, wherein the playback of
the digitally encoded media is initiated automatically upon
insertion of the removable memory.
[0047] A removable expansion card for a portable host, comprising:
an expansion card frame and PCB, the card having serial I/O
circuitry, the card having a serial I/O interconnect compatible
with the serial I/O of a digital telephone, the card having a slot
for a removable memory holding data including address book records,
the serial I/O interconnect providing communication between the
telephone and the card of the data associated with the removable
memory, the card including removable memory adapter circuitry for
interfacing with the removable memory.
[0048] A removable expansion card for a portable host, comprising:
an expansion card frame and PCB, the card having serial I/O
circuitry, the card having a serial I/O interconnect compatible
with the serial I/O of a digital telephone, the card having a slot
for a removable memory for holding data including digitally encoded
telephone communications, the serial I/O interconnect providing
communication between the telephone and the card of the data
associated with the removable memory, the card including removable
memory adapter circuitry for interfacing with the removable
memory.
[0049] A removable expansion card for a portable host, comprising:
an expansion card frame and PCB, the card having serial I/O
circuitry, the card having a serial I/O interconnect compatible
with the serial I/O of a digital telephone, the card having a slot
for a removable memory holding data including address book records
and digitally encoded telephone communications, the serial I/O
interconnect providing communication between the telephone and the
card of the data associated with the removable memory, the card
including removable memory adapter circuitry for interfacing with
the removable memory.
[0050] A removable expansion card for a portable host, comprising:
an expansion card frame and PCB, the card having serial I/O
circuitry, the card having a serial I/O interconnect compatible
with the serial I/O of a GPS receiver, the card having a slot for a
removable memory holding data including map information, the serial
I/O interconnect providing communication between the GPS receiver
and the card of the data associated with the removable memory, the
card including removable memory adapter circuitry for interfacing
with the removable memory. The foregoing removable expansion card,
wherein the map information includes information about city
streets.
[0051] A removable expansion card for a portable host, comprising:
an expansion card frame and PCB, a host interface, interconnect for
an external I/O device, and I/O adapter for the I/O device, an
internal connector for a removable memory, a slot in the expansion
card frame for the removable memory, controller logic for the
removable memory. The foregoing removable expansion card, further
including application-specific circuitry, and wherein the removable
memory is a private memory for the application-specific circuitry,
the management of the removable memory being an ancillary function
to the primary function of the specific application. The foregoing
removable expansion card, wherein the I/O adapter is coupled to the
application-specific circuitry and is not coupled to the PDA.
[0052] A second method, the second method being a method of
customizing a PDA for an application-specific function, the second
method comprising: providing a PDA, providing an expansion card for
the PDA having application-specific circuitry, providing a slot in
the expansion card for receiving a removable memory, providing
removable memory adapter circuitry within the expansion card for
the removable memory, providing the removable memory to the
expansion card, reading and writing the removable memory by the
removable memory adapter circuitry in accordance with the
application-specific function, providing application software for
the PDA to provide user interface functions using the display and
input devices of the PDA for controlling the application-specific
function. A third method, including the second method and further
including: providing an I/O adapter within the card, providing I/O
coupling from the I/O adapter to an external system, and
transferring data between the external system and the I/O adapter.
A fourth method, including the third method and further including
transferring the data between the I/O adapter and the PDA. The
third method, wherein the I/O adapter is a network adapter, and
wherein the I/O coupling includes a network connection, and the
external system includes a web-site. A fifth method, including the
fourth method and further wherein at least one of the PDA and the
card have at least a first and a second power mode and a message
received over the network by the card selectively results in a
transition from the first power mode to the second power mode. The
third method, wherein the I/O adapter is a communications receiver,
and wherein the I/O coupling includes a communications link, and
the external system includes a communications transmitter. The
fifth method, wherein at least one of the PDA and the card have at
least a first and a second power mode and a message received over
the communications link by the card selectively results in a
transition from the first power mode to the second power mode. The
third method, wherein at least part of the external system is
abutted and fastened to the expansion card such that the I/O
coupling is cableless.
[0053] A slot assembly for a removable expansion memory comprising:
a PCB; an I/O connector mounted on PCB providing first partial
bottom of slot; guide/connector assembly mounted on PCB having
connector fingers and providing second partial bottom of slot, rear
sides of slot, and slot back stop; upper outside frame of expansion
card frame providing front sides of slot; and lid of expansion card
providing top of slot.
[0054] A slot assembly for a removable expansion memory, the slot
assembly comprising: an expansion module kit, the kit including a
PCB, an I/O connector mounted on one end of the PCB, a lower
outside frame, and an upper outside frame, the upper outside frame
having an opening on the I/O connector side of the kit to both
conform to the I/O connector and permit and laterally guide the
insertion of the expansion memory above the I/O connector; and a
plurality of contact fingers mechanically and electrically coupled
to the PCB.
[0055] A connector assembly for a removable expansion module having
a removable expansion memory slot for a removable expansion memory,
the expansion module having a printed circuit board chassis, the
assembly comprising: an insulating shelf; a first plurality of
spring contact fingers for contacting the removable expansion
memory, the fingers being attached to the shelf; and a second
plurality of solderable leads attached to the shelf for solder
attachment of the shelf to the printed circuit board chassis, at
least a first plurality of the second plurality of leads having
respective electrical continuity with the first plurality of spring
contact fingers.
[0056] A first removable/removable expansion module for PDAs. The
foregoing removable/removable expansion module, wherein the module
uses an internal expansion memory slot.
[0057] A second removable/removable expansion module for PDAs,
using the foregoing connector assembly. The foregoing
removable/removable expansion module, wherein the module uses a
closed-back industrial design (ID). The foregoing
removable/removable expansion module, wherein the closed-back ID
uses an expansion standard selected from the set substantially
comprising CF+ Type I and CF+ Type II. A third removable/removable
expansion module including the second removable/removable expansion
module and further wherein the module uses an open-back ID. The
foregoing removable/removable expansion module, wherein the
open-back ID uses Springboard. The foregoing removable/removable
expansion module, wherein expansion module is flush with PDA case.
The third removable/removable expansion module, wherein the
open-back ID uses CF+ Type III.
[0058] A fourth removable/removable for a PDA, wherein an expansion
memory is captured by the combination of the expansion module (with
an expansion memory interface) and the upper slot wall of the
PDA.
[0059] An expansion module with a recess in its top for conformably
receiving an expansion memory.
[0060] A method of inserting an expansion memory into an expansion
module through the top of the module.
[0061] A method of face-wise insertion of a planar expansion memory
into an expansion module.
[0062] A method of insertion of an expansion memory into an
expansion module, wherein subsequent to alignment of the memory
with the receiving opening, the relative alignment of two similar
points in any plane of the module and any plane of the memory
remains generally constant during the insertion of the memory.
[0063] A method of insertion of an expansion memory into an
expansion module, wherein the distance between the major surface
planes of the module and the major surface plane of the memory
changes during the insertion of the memory.
[0064] A method of insertion of an expansion memory into an
expansion module, wherein the expansion memory is submerged into
the top of the expansion module.
[0065] A method of insertion of an expansion memory into an
expansion module, wherein the expansion module and memory are
maintained to be generally coplanar while the expansion memory is
generally vertically inserted into an opening in the top of the
expansion module.
[0066] A method of insertion of an expansion memory into an
expansion module, wherein the expansion memory is stacked within an
open recess in the top of the expansion module.
[0067] A method of insertion of an expansion memory into an
expansion module, wherein the flat of the expansion memory is
inserted into an expansion memory receptacle countersunk in the top
lid of the expansion module.
[0068] An expansion module lid with a cavity the shape of an
expansion memory module.
[0069] An expansion module lid with an opening for contact fingers
for an expansion memory.
[0070] Any of the foregoing methods or apparatus, further including
downloads over Internet intended for such a device.
[0071] Any of the foregoing methods or apparatus, further including
generation of the signals found on the expansion bus to communicate
between such a device and a host.
[0072] Any of the foregoing methods or apparatus, further including
generation of signals found on the I/O connector to communicate
between such a device and a peripheral.
[0073] Any of the foregoing methods or apparatus, further including
software written for such expansion modules.
[0074] Any of the foregoing methods or apparatus, further including
ROMs designed for use in such systems.
[0075] Any of the foregoing methods or apparatus, further including
accomplishing product configuration via such a device.
[0076] Methods or apparatus in accordance with the invention having
use in one of three modes (Memory only, I/O only, and Memory and
I/O).
[0077] Methods or apparatus in accordance with the invention having
a second-socket-in-a-first-socket, and wherein the first socket is
an expansion bus interface and the second socket is a memory
expansion interface. The foregoing methods or apparatus, further
including a third-socket-in-the-first-socket, where the third
socket is an I/O interface.
[0078] Methods or apparatus in accordance with the invention having
a specific application expansion module/card for use with a PDA and
a digital cell phone, wherein the expansion module/card provides
the PDA with a modem and a comm link for coupling to the cell
phone, thereby providing wireless modem functionality to the PDA,
and an expansion memory coupled to the expansion module/card
provides storage for Internet downloads. The foregoing methods or
apparatus, wherein the downloads may include email, MP3 audio, or
streaming video, which is stored to non-volatile expansion
memory.
[0079] Methods or apparatus for a PDA and expansion module
combination in accordance with the invention, the combination
having data flows among three interfaces in any combinatorial
combination. The foregoing methods or apparatus, wherein the three
interfaces include: a serial bus interface in the PDA, the
expansion bus interface coupling the PDA and the expansion module,
and the expansion memory interface in the expansion module.
[0080] Methods or apparatus for PDA applications in accordance with
the invention, the PDA applications having data flows among three
interfaces in any combinatorial combination. The foregoing methods
or apparatus, wherein the three interfaces include: a serial bus
interface in the PDA, an expansion bus interface coupling the PDA
and an expansion module, and the expansion memory interface in the
expansion module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0081] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are different views of a prior art Type II
CompactFlash card.
[0082] FIGS. 4 and 5 represent a prior art MultiMediaCard form
factor and its pad definitions.
[0083] FIGS. 6 and 7 represent the prior art internal architecture
of a generic MultiMediaCard and its registers.
[0084] FIG. 8 illustrates the prior art functional partitioning of
a generic MultiMediaCard system.
[0085] FIG. 9 illustrates the prior art physical partitioning of a
generic MultiMediaCard system. FIGS. 10 and 11 compares the form
factors of the prior art CompactFlash card (top) and MultiMediaCard
(bottom).
[0086] FIG. 12 illustrates a PDA equipped with a removable
expansion card having both I/O and removable memory in accordance
with the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 13 illustrates a PDA equipped with a removable
open-face expansion card having both I/O and removable memory in
accordance with the present invention.
[0088] FIG. 14 illustrates some of the various types of I/O for
which the PDA and removable expansion card of FIG. 12 may be
equipped.
[0089] FIG. 15 illustrates some of the various types of I/O for
which the PDA and removable open-face expansion card of FIG. 13 may
be equipped.
[0090] FIG. 16 is an abstract drawing representing the removable
expansion card of FIG. 12 separate from the PDA, and with the I/O
and memory disengaged from the removable expansion card.
[0091] FIG. 17 is an abstract drawing representing the construction
detail of the upper and lower frame of the removable expansion card
of FIG. 12.
[0092] FIG. 18 is an abstract drawing representing an exploded view
of the removable expansion card of FIG. 12, including the outer
frame, inner PCB, and connectors.
[0093] FIG. 19 is an abstract drawing representing a view of the
removable expansion card of FIG. 12, with the outer frame removed,
and a removable memory roughly aligned with the contact fingers to
which it mates within the removable expansion card.
[0094] FIG. 20 is an abstract drawing representing a cut away side
view of the removable expansion card of FIG. 12, with the removable
memory inserted into the removable expansion card.
[0095] FIG. 21 is an abstract drawing representing an end view
silhouette of the removable expansion card of FIG. 12.
[0096] FIG. 22 is an abstract drawing representing a
cross-sectional view silhouette of the upper frame member of the
removable expansion card of FIG. 12.
[0097] FIG. 23 is an axonometric projection of a prior art assembly
that includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a connector for mating
with a PDA, and a connector for mating with external I/O.
[0098] FIG. 24 is an axonometric projection of a contact finger
assembly for making electrical connection with the
second-level-removable expansion memory.
[0099] FIG. 25 is an axonometric projection of the upper section of
a CF Type II frame in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment.
[0100] FIG. 26 is an axonometric projection of a CF Type II top
case, comprising the upper section of the CF frame of FIG. 25 with
a metal panel top, and in accordance with the present
invention.
[0101] FIG. 27 is an axonometric projection of a prior art lower
section of a CF Type II frame.
[0102] FIG. 28 is an axonometric projection of a prior art CF Type
II bottom case, comprising the lower section of FIG. 27 with a
metal panel bottom.
[0103] FIG. 29 is an axonometric projection of a prior art assembly
that includes a CF Type II expansion card bottom case and the
assembly of FIG. 23.
[0104] FIG. 30 is an axonometric projection of an assembly that
includes the assembly of FIG. 29 with an MMC connector mounted on
the Printed Circuit Board.
[0105] FIG. 31 is an axonometric projection of the assembly of FIG.
30 with a CF Type II expansion card top case without metal top.
[0106] FIG. 32 is an axonometric projection of the assembly of FIG.
31 with a metal top, forming the complete CF Type II module,
together with an inserted MMC.
[0107] FIG. 33 is a multiview orthographic projection of the
assembly of FIG. 29.
[0108] FIG. 34 is a multiview orthographic projection of the
assembly of FIG. 30.
[0109] FIG. 35 is a multiview orthographic projection of the
assembly of FIG. 31.
[0110] FIG. 36 is a multiview orthographic projection of the
assembly of FIG. 35 with a metal top, forming the complete CF Type
II module, together with an inserted MMC.
[0111] FIG. 37 identifies a cross-section plane (on the left) and
shows the corresponding cross-section view (on the right) of the
assembly of FIG. 32.
[0112] FIG. 38 shows an axonometric projection of an expansion card
according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention that
has an open recess for receiving an expansion memory.
[0113] FIG. 39 is a cross section view of the expansion card of
FIG. 38.
[0114] FIG. 40 illustrates a PDA having a closed-back industrial
design, equipped with a top-cavity expansion module, and coupled to
various types of I/O, in accordance with the present invention.
[0115] FIG. 41 illustrates a PDA having a open-back industrial
design, equipped with a top-cavity expansion module, and coupled to
various types of I/O, in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0116] Components of the Expansion Card
[0117] FIG. 16 is an abstract drawing representing a closed-case
removable expansion card 100, i.e., an expansion card that may be
inserted into and removed out of a closed-case computer host. The
card is especially suitable for use in a portable host, such as a
PDA. In accordance with the present invention, the expansion card
of FIG. 16 includes a connector 141 for I/O interconnect and a slot
121 for a removable memory. FIG. 16 shows the I/O interconnect 140
and removable memory 120 disengaged from the removable expansion
card.
[0118] FIG. 17 is an abstract drawing representing the construction
detail of the upper 105 and lower 110 frame members of the
removable expansion card 100 of FIG. 16. An opening 111 is provided
in the lower frame 110 for receiving the connector 141 for I/O
interconnect.
[0119] FIG. 18 is an abstract drawing representing an exploded view
of the removable expansion card 100 of FIG. 16, including the outer
frame, inner PCB 115, and connectors. Visible for the first time in
the view of FIG. 18, a second opening 113 is provided in the lower
frame 110 for receiving the connector 150 for host interconnect.
Additionally, a slot 112 is provided on both sides of the opening
111 to aid in the alignment and retention of the connector 141, and
a slot 114 is provided on both sides of opening 113 to aid in the
alignment and retention of the connector 150. An opening 116 is
provided in the PCB for receiving the connector 141.
[0120] FIG. 19 is an abstract drawing representing a view of the
removable expansion card 100 of FIG. 16, with the outer frame
members removed, and a removable memory 120 roughly aligned with
the contact fingers 180 to which it mates within the removable
expansion card. Circuitry 160 is provided, including I/O adapter
circuitry, removable memory adapter circuitry, and
application-specific circuitry. A support shelf 170 supports,
aligns, separates, and isolates the underside of the contact
fingers 180 from the circuitry 160.
[0121] FIG. 20 is an abstract drawing representing a cut away side
view of the removable expansion card 100 of FIG. 16, with the
removable memory 120 inserted into the removable expansion
card.
[0122] FIG. 21 is an abstract drawing representing an end view
silhouette of the removable expansion card 100 of FIG. 16. FIG. 22
is an abstract drawing representing a cross-sectional view
silhouette of the upper frame member 105 of the removable expansion
card 100 of FIG. 16. Guides 190 provide alignment and support for
removable memory inserted via slot 121.
[0123] In an illustrative embodiment, the expansion card 100 and
associated host connector 150 are compatible with the Type II
CompactFlash Card as described in the previously referenced
CompactFlash Specification. The I/O connector 141 is compatible
with a PC-Card industry standard Honda-style 15-pin connector. The
slot 121, removable memory 120, and removable memory adapter
circuitry of circuitry 160, are compatible with the MultiMediaCard
as described in the previously referenced MultiMediaCard System
Summary.
[0124] Details of Component Assemblies and Stages of Assembly
[0125] FIG. 23 through FIG. 28 are axonometric projections showing
the component assemblies for a CF Type II expansion card
illustrative embodiment of the expansion module of FIG. 16 and in
accordance with the present invention. FIG. 23 shows a prior art
assembly that includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), an expansion
bus connector (a CompactFlash bus connector is shown) for mating
with a PDA, and a connector for mating with external I/O (a 15-pin
Honda-style connector is shown). Note that while the general
existence of holes in such PCBs and such PCB assemblies is prior
art, and the assembly of FIG. 23 (and its later use in FIG. 29) is
designated as such, as discussed below, the specific function and
placement of the holes shown in the PCB of FIG. 23 is particular to
the present invention, and is not found in the prior art.
[0126] FIG. 24 shows a contact finger assembly for making
electrical connection with the second-level-removable expansion
memory. The underside of the contact finger assembly additionally
has four alignment pins, two underneath the ends of each of the far
side portions of the assembly. These pins and the assembly as a
whole engage the PCB by way of matching alignment holes drilled in
the PCB. Prior to mounting the contact finger assembly onto the
PCB, a solder paste is applied to the PCB. The contact assembly and
PCB will be ultimately reflow soldered, permanently attaching the
contact assembly to the PCB.
[0127] The PCB acts as a chassis, supporting the expansion bus
connector, the I/O connector, the contact finger assembly, and the
application specific active circuitry of the expansion module. In
the particular embodiment shown, due to space constraints on the
topside of the PCB, the active circuitry is limited to the bottom
side of the PCB. However, the use of other connectors and other
contact finger assemblies will generally enable placement of active
circuitry on the topside of the PCB.
[0128] FIG. 25 illustrates the upper section 105 of a CF Type II
frame in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 26
diagrams a CF Type II top case, comprising the upper section of the
CF frame of FIG. 25 with a metal panel top, and in accordance with
the present invention. "Hooks" 190 are formed into the upper
section, specifically to act (in conjunction with the metal panel
top) as a slotted guide for insertion of the expansion memory. FIG.
27 shows a prior art lower section of a CF Type II frame. FIG. 28
illustrates a prior art CF Type II bottom case, comprising the
lower section of FIG. 27 with a metal panel bottom.
[0129] FIG. 29 through FIG. 32 are axonometric projections showing
the CF Type II expansion card in various stages of assembly using
the component assemblies of FIG. 23 through FIG. 28. FIG. 29
illustrates a prior art assembly that includes a CF Type II
expansion card bottom case (lower support frame with metal panel
bottom) supporting the assembly of FIG. 23. FIG. 30 shows the
contact finger assembly of FIG. 24 mounted and attached to the PCB
chassis of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 adds a CF Type II expansion card top
case, sans metal top, to the assembly of FIG. 30. FIG. 32 shows the
completed CF Type II module, including the metal top, together with
an inserted MMC.
[0130] FIG. 33 through FIG. 36 are multiview orthographic
projections of the assemblies in FIG. 29 through FIG. 32,
respectively. FIG. 36 shows the completed CF Type II module,
together with an inserted MMC. FIG. 37 identifies a cross-section
plane (on the left) and shows the corresponding cross-section view
(on the right) of the completed CF Type II module and inserted MMC
of FIGS. 32 and FIG. 36.
[0131] Top-Cavity Embodiment
[0132] FIG. 38 shows an axonometric projection of an expansion
module according to an alternate illustrative embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 39 is a cross section view of the expansion
card of FIG. 38. The top case of this module has a cavity (an open
recess) for receiving an expansion memory (an MMC in the
illustration shown), the recess having the general shape of the
expansion memory, but being slightly larger. The connector spring
contacts for the memory emerge through the top of the case via one
hole (a slot as shown), or a plurality of holes (slots) wherein
each contact protrudes through a respective hole. In a preferred
embodiment, the top-cavity expansion memory of FIG. 38 is
implemented in the CF Type I form factor. The use of the CF Type I
form factor for removable expansion modules having I/O and
second-level removable memory is enabled by the use of the
top-cavity and the general orientation shown for the expansion
memory with respect to the I/O and expansion bus connectors (a
90-degree rotation compared to the non-top-cavity embodiments).
[0133] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that such
top-cavity modules may be readily implemented in either the
closed-back or open-back industrial design approaches by
appropriately varying the rail configuration of the package frame
in accordance with the desired expansion module standard.
[0134] The expansion memory is deposited into the receiving cavity,
the top of the expansion memory being roughly flush to slightly
above the outer perimeter of the top case. When the module is
inserted into a compatible slot of a host device, the expansion
memory is locked into the receiving cavity by the presence of the
adjacent wall (or roof) of the slot. The connector spring contacts
of the expansion module are depressed by the presence of the
expansion memory, thus effecting the mating (electrical continuity)
of these contacts with the contacts of the expansion memory.
[0135] The top-cavity expansion module of FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 also
has an I/O connector that is accessible for I/O functions,
including any of those described herein. FIG. 40 illustrates a PDA
having a closed-back industrial design, equipped with a top-cavity
expansion module, and coupled to various types of I/O, in
accordance with the present invention. FIG. 41 illustrates a PDA
having a open-back industrial design, equipped with a top-cavity
expansion module, and coupled to various types of I/O, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0136] Circuitry and Functionality of the Expansion Module
[0137] In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, circuitry
160 includes I/O adapter circuitry and removable memory adapter
circuitry. The I/O adapter functionality may include one or more
of, but is not limited to, Ethernet, serial port, audio, telephone,
antenna, and special-function interfaces such as bar code and other
scanners. The removable memory adapter functionality may include
one or more of, but is not limited to, main memory expansion,
mass-media emulation, and other host-based special-purpose memory
applications.
[0138] In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, circuitry 160
further includes application-specific circuitry for which the
management of the removable memory is an ancillary function to the
primary function of the specific application. Specific examples of
such application-specific expansion cards having both I/O and
removable memory are provided in later sections.
[0139] In preferred implementations of the illustrative embodiments
mentioned above, the functions performed by the removable memory
are those of a MultiMediaCard adapter as illustrated in the
MultiMediaCard adapter section of the MultiMediaCard system
architecture diagram of FIG. 8. If the removable memory is being
used to provide host-base memory expansion, then the host must
provide the functionality illustrated by the Application and
Application Adapter sections of FIG. 8. If the removable memory is
being used at least sometimes as an ancillary memory (at least
sometimes private) to the application-specific circuitry contained
on the expansion card, then the application-specific circuitry must
provide the Application and Application Adapter section
functionality, or else the application-specific circuitry must call
on host services for such functionality.
[0140] Examples of known techniques for making and using other
types of memory adapter circuitry for closed-case expansion cards
or with flash memory are found in the previously referenced '145,
'426, '584, '774, and '108 patents, among others. Examples of known
techniques for making and using I/O adapter and
application-specific circuitry for functions implemented in
closed-case expansion cards and with flash memory are found in the
previously referenced '374, '577, '774, and '108 patents, among
others.
[0141] Frame Kit Assembly Details
[0142] The top and bottom frames may be composed of metal or
plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom frame
portions each have a plastic base augmented with an outer metal
plate over much of the interior region of the large panel surface
of each portion. The metal plate extends to the edges of the panel
at the connector ends of each portion and is attached to both
connectors. In addition, smaller metal strips, or ears, on both
sides at the finger-grip end (opposite to the host connector)
extend from the plate to the edges of the panel and continue onto
the sides. The frame kit is assembled and the side strips are
sonically welded together on both sides of the casings. The welded
strips and plates form a single continuous metal band around the
top and bottom frames that permanently physically retains the
assembled kit.
[0143] I/O Interconnect Options
[0144] I/O devices may be interconnected with the expansion card
via three different embodiments. First, a PC-Card industry-standard
Honda-style 15-pin connector may be used with a mating detachable
cable. Detachable cables are preferred for light-duty applications
where a continuous I/O device connection is neither needed nor
desired. Second, a fully integrated fixed cable, having a molded
strain relief may be used. Such a fixed cable maintains solid
contact in high vibration environments, is protected against
lateral stress, and seals out dust. Fixed cables are preferred for
dedicated industrial or field applications. Third, at least a
portion of the I/O device may be abutted and attached (often via a
snap-in-place mechanism) directly to the expansion card, obviating
the need for either a detachable or fixed cable. Cableless snap-on
I/O devices are preferred for small mostly self-contained I/O
devices that permit a compact PDA, expansion-card, I/O-device
combination that handles physically as a single piece of equipment.
In the instant invention, such snap-on I/O devices must make
allowance for the removable memory.
[0145] PDA having Application Specific Card with Removable
Media
[0146] FIG. 12 illustrates a PDA 200 equipped with a removable
expansion card 100 having both I/O interconnect 140 and removable
memory 120 in accordance with the present invention. The
application specific circuitry of the expansion card may be used in
conjunction with application specific software running on the PDA.
This permits the application specific circuitry of the expansion
card to make use of the output (e.g., display, sound) and input
(e.g., tablet, buttons, any I/O ports) capabilities of the PDA for
user interface functions associated with the specific application.
In particular the PDA's display/input-tablet provides for virtual
controls and visual indicators for the application. FIG. 14
illustrates some of the various types of I/O for which the PDA and
removable expansion card of FIG. 12 may be equipped.
Application-specific functions may include special-function
digital, analog, and mixed-signal electronics; special-function
I/O; special-function data-pumps; and special-function
accelerators.
[0147] Expansion Module Based O/S Related Functions
[0148] Techniques are known in the art for making and using systems
that perform O/S related functions in conjunction with expansion
modules. These techniques include: software enabled hot-swapping of
expansion modules; auto launch of application programs specific to
the inserted module; and "plug and play" ease of use via dynamic
load of associated drivers on module insertion and dynamic unload
of the associated drivers on module removal. Preferred embodiments
of the application-specific expansion cards discussed herein will
generally make use of these O/S related techniques. Unlike prior
art systems, systems designed in accordance with the present
invention will generally need to manage both I/O and memory device
drivers.
[0149] Modes of Use and Potential for Increased Parallelism
[0150] Removable expansion modules according to the present
invention may operate in a number of different modes. At a basic
level, they may be used solely to interface an external peripheral
to the host device via the I/O connector, they may be used solely
to interface with a second-level-removable expansion memory with
the host device, and they may be used to simultaneously interface
the host device with both an external peripheral and an expansion
memory.
[0151] At a more general level, more advanced modes of operation
are also possible. In a specific, but not limiting illustrative
embodiment, FIG. 42 shows a PDA and an expansion module in
accordance with a "fully connected" implementation of the present
invention. The expansion module of FIG. 42 includes six major data
transfer paths capable of simultaneous operation; application
specific circuitry; and data buffers at each of the I/O, expansion
bus, and expansion memory interfaces. Each of the data buffers
generally has one or more stages of FIFO storage for each data path
coupled to each buffer. The inclusion of any of the data buffers,
the extent of FIFO buffering, the existence of any particular one
of the data paths, and management of bridging transfers by the
circuitry in the expansion module, are specific to a given
application.
[0152] Prior art PDAs 200 (or 250) have limited modes of use and
can generally effect significant data transfers only between any of
their integral main memory 210, integral serial port 220, and
integral expansion module bus 1500. The addition of prior art
expansion modules to PDAs does not alter the number of significant
data transfer paths or number of significant simultaneous data
transfers. Clearly, the expansion module 1000 of FIG. 42 greatly
increases the potential system-level parallelism over that of the
prior-art.
[0153] Application Specific Embodiments
[0154] Generic Removable Media Applications
[0155] The present invention enables general-purpose portable hosts
to perform application-specific functions requiring dedicated ROM.
A first large ROM-based application category is that of prerecorded
media, such as music, audio, video, and text (for books,
newspapers, and other publications). A second large ROM-based
application category is customization for programmable devices,
such as games, language translators, and other devices having
"personality" modules.
[0156] The present invention also enables general-purpose portable
hosts to perform application-specific functions requiring
non-volatile read/write memory for data-capture, data-logging,
data-checkpoints or backups, transaction logging, and
data-transport.
[0157] In the illustrated embodiments the non-volatile read/write
memory is flash memory in accordance with the standard
MultiMediaCard. Such removable flash-memory-based
application-specific functions have particular utility to medical
and other data acquisition, secure commerce, financial and personal
productivity devices making use of unique removable memories for
each of multiple individuals, projects, or accounts.
[0158] The removable flash-based memory is also well suited where
"sneaker-net" is a viable data transport. Provided manual/user
intervention is acceptable, and depending on the speed of data link
I/O incorporated into the expansion card, the physical transport of
a removable memory device between a PDA-based expansion card and an
external system may provide the best solution to fast local
transport of large data-sets. For similar reasons, the use of
removable memory devices may provide the best solution to rapidly
reconfiguring an application-specific expansion card to initiate a
large program or use a large data sets. The use of labeled,
color-coded, or otherwise distinctive, removable memory devices
also may provide the best solution for ease of use for users
needing to select a particular program or data set from many for
reconfiguring an application specific expansion card.
[0159] Specific Application Examples
[0160] Media Player Application
[0161] The present invention permits a general purpose PDA to be
customized (specially adapted) for use as a portable/wearable media
player, at the highest-level of functionality not unlike a portable
Compact Disk player. Such a player uses the removable memory to
store and playback digitally encoded media such as music, audio, or
video. In a preferred embodiment the player makes use of the MPEG
Layer 3 standard for digital audio encoding, generally known as
MP3. Another embodiment makes use of the Microsoft Digital Audio
standard. Other aspects of a preferred embodiment include an
integral AM/FM receiver, a connector for a headset with an integral
antenna for the receiver, and an auto-start on insert feature that
initiates the media playback upon insertion of the removable
memory. The PDA's display/input-tablet provides the virtual
controls and visual indicators for the media player.
[0162] Module For Subscriber Services
[0163] In accordance with the present invention, an expansion card
having I/O and removable memory is inserted into a computer host.
The I/O is coupled to a receiver capable of receiving a large
number of broadcast messages and services. The removable memory
contains subscriber services information for each individual user.
The expansion card uses the subscriber services information to
filter out messages and services not applicable to the present
status of the subscriber. The PDA's display/input-tablet provides
the virtual controls and visual indicators for the display and
access of captured messages and services.
[0164] Bar-Code Scanning Application (a Backup Storage Example)
[0165] In accordance with the present invention, an expansion card
having I/O and removable memory is inserted into a computer host, a
bar-coding peripheral is connected to the I/O portion of the card,
and a removable memory card is inserted into the memory slot of the
card. After each scan the scanned information is transferred
through the I/O connection to the host computer for processing.
Additionally, a backup copy of the scanned information is stored on
the removable memory. Should the computer host fail or should the
operator need to verify scans, the backup can be interrogated with
the same or a different host.
[0166] Personal Environmental and Medical Monitoring Devices
[0167] The present invention permits a general purpose PDA to be
customized as a portable/wearable personal environmental monitor.
Equipped with the appropriate sensors and application-specific
circuitry for sensor signal processing, such a device performs
time-stamped data logging of environmental attributes such as
ionizing radiation, temperature, and humidity. Similarly, a
portable/wearable personal medial monitor data logs health-related
attributes such as pulse, temperature, respiration, and blood
pressure. The PDA's display/input-tablet provides the virtual
controls and visual indicators for the monitoring devices.
[0168] Automotive and Industrial Diagnostic Monitoring and
Control
[0169] The combined I/O interconnect and removable memory of the
present invention also permits a general purpose PDA to be
customized (specially adapted) for use as a data logging diagnostic
monitor or time-based control device. It is known that the
diagnostic connectors of certain vehicles can be adapted to
interface with PDAs for real-time monitoring of critical vehicle
subsystems. The present invention permits such diagnostic
monitoring data to be communicated via the I/O interconnect and
logged to the removable memory. Such a tool facilitates tracking
subsystem performance over extended periods of time, and permits
real-time and deferred graphics of time-varying system performance
attributes. The PDA's display/input-tablet provides the virtual
controls and visual indicators for the diagnostic monitor.
[0170] Miscellaneous Applications
[0171] Another example application is wireless-modem based (I/O
serial data-com link to cell-phone) Web-browsing (digital modem
data transferred over expansion bus interface) while simultaneously
playing back stored music (data from expansion memory interface
transferred over expansion bus interface). A final example
application is receiving location data (I/O data-com link to GPS
receiver), retrieving map data (via expansion memory interface),
and PDA display of integrated map and location data (I/O and memory
data transferred over expansion bus interface).
[0172] Conclusion
[0173] Although the present invention has been described using
particular illustrative embodiments, it will be understood that
many variations in construction, arrangement and use are possible
within the scope of the invention. For example the number of I/O
interconnects, removable memories, contact fingers, number and type
of application-specific circuits, and the size, speed, and type of
technology used may generally be varied in each component of the
invention.
[0174] The invention is further not limited to the specific
expansion module technology of the illustrative embodiments. In
specific but not limiting examples, the invention is equally
applicable to any of the present and future variants of the
CompactFlash (including any of the Type I, Type II, and proposed
Type III variants), PC Card (including any of the 32-bit, 16-bit,
Type I, Type II, and Type III variants), and Springboard (or other
open-back expansion module) standards, as well as other removable
expansion module standards and technologies.
[0175] Nor is the invention limited to a specific number and type
of expansion I/O connector and I/O signaling as used in the
illustrative embodiments. The invention is equally applicable to
the use of multiple I/O connectors of one or more connector types.
In addition, various and multiple types of I/O signaling may be
employed.
[0176] Nor is the invention's second-level removable expansion
memory limited to the MultiMediaCard expansion memory standard of
the illustrative embodiments, but is equally applicable to use of
other types of second-level removable memory or media. In specific
but not limiting examples, the invention is equally applicable to
the use of present and future variants of MMCs, Miniature Cards,
SSFDCs, Smart Cards, and SIM Cards.
[0177] At the system level, the invention is not limited to the
illustrated embodiments in which a removable expansion module with
second-level-removable expansion memory is directly plugged into a
computing host, but is equally applicable to situations in which
one or more intervening adapters or dongles is used to adapt or
couple between the interfaces of the expansion module and a
computing host device or system. In a specific but not limiting
example, the invention is applicable to the use of a CF Card with a
CF-to-PC Card adapter, so that a CF Card according to the present
invention can operate indirectly in a PC Card slot.
[0178] At the system level, the invention is also not limited to
the illustrated embodiments in which a removable expansion module
with second-level-removable expansion memory is used in a PDA, but
is equally applicable to use in any host device or system
benefiting from the use of a removable expansion module having
second-level-removable expansion memory. In specific but not
limiting examples, the invention is equally applicable to present
or future variants of desktops, servers, workstations, network
computers, laptops, notebooks, palmtops, handheld computers
(handhelds), information appliances, audio recording and playback
devices, imaging devices including scanners and digital cameras,
video recorders, fax machines, copy machines, smart phones,
point-of-sale terminals, bar-code scanners, other special purpose
data-acquisition devices, printers, other special purpose
data-output devices, communication systems, network interface or
networking infrastructure devices operating at any one or more
levels of a data-communications protocol stack, network systems
including any of the foregoing devices, and systems implementing
networks and network applications at any scale including networks
characterized as local area, departmental, enterprise wide,
metropolitan area, state wide, regional, national, and the
Internet.
[0179] More generally, functionally equivalent techniques, now
known or that become known to those skilled in the art, may be
employed to implement various components in place of those
illustrated. The present invention is thus to be construed as
including all possible modification and variations encompassed
within the scope of the appended claims.
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