U.S. patent application number 11/241796 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for charging and communication cable system for a mobile computer apparatus.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey Charles Hawkins, Peter Skillman, Karl A. Townsend.
Application Number | 20060103642 11/241796 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35482613 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060103642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hawkins; Jeffrey Charles ;
et al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Charging and communication cable system for a mobile computer
apparatus
Abstract
A charging and communication cable system for a handheld
computer system is disclosed. The charging and communication cable
system includes a first interface for connecting to the handheld
computer system, a second interface for connecting to another
computer system, and a third interface for coupling to a charger
system. In one embodiment, the third interface used to coupled to a
charger system is the same as the interface on the handheld
computer system such that the charger may be coupled to the
charging and communication cable system or directly to the handheld
computer system.
Inventors: |
Hawkins; Jeffrey Charles;
(Redwood City, CA) ; Skillman; Peter; (San Carlos,
CA) ; Townsend; Karl A.; (Los Altos, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FENWICK & WEST LLP
SILICON VALLEY CENTER
801 CALIFORNIA STREET
MOUNTAIN VIEW
CA
94041
US
|
Family ID: |
35482613 |
Appl. No.: |
11/241796 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
09977867 |
Oct 14, 2001 |
6980204 |
|
|
11241796 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
|
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09668123 |
Sep 21, 2000 |
6781575 |
|
|
09977867 |
Oct 14, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/211 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/266 20130101;
G06F 1/1632 20130101; H02J 7/0042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/211 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Claims
1. A charging circuit for a handheld computer system, said charging
circuit comprising: a battery; a first transistor for charging said
battery; a charging control circuit for controlling said first
transistor; and an indicator circuit, said indicator circuit
powered by said battery using leakage current passing through said
first transistor when said transistor is turned off.
2. The charging circuit of claim 15 wherein said indicator circuit
comprises a light emitting diode.
3. The charging circuit of claim 15 wherein said first transistor
comprises a field effect transistor.
4. The charging circuit for a handheld computer system of claim 15,
said charging circuit further comprising: a second transistor for
controlling said indicator circuit.
5. The charging circuit for a handheld computer system of claim 15,
said charging circuit further comprising: a processor for
controlling said charging control circuit.
6. The charging circuit for a handheld computer system of claim 18,
said charging circuit further comprising: a processor for
controlling said second transistor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of, and claims priority
under 35 USC .sctn. 121 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/977,867, filed Oct. 14, 2001, entitled "Charging and
Communication Cable System for a Mobile Computer Apparatus", which
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/668,123, filed Sep. 21, 2000, entitled "Method And Apparatus For
Organizing Addressing Elements," the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference. It is noted that this divisional
application arises from a restriction requirement from the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of mobile
computer systems. In particular the present invention discloses a
charging system that is designed for both desktop usage and usage
while traveling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Handheld computer systems have become a standard business
tool for traveling professionals. Handheld computer systems allow
traveling professionals to access large amounts of personal
information such as an address book, a personal calendar, and a
list of to-do items. In particular, handheld computer systems based
upon the PalmOS.RTM. from Palm Computing, Inc of Santa Clara,
Calif. have become the de facto standard of handheld computer
systems. Most handheld computer systems are designed to synchronize
information with a larger computer system such as a personal
computer system.
[0004] The various owners of handheld computer systems use their
handheld computer systems in different manners. Some handheld
computer system users work mainly with a desktop personal computer
system but bring their handheld computer system when attending
meetings. Other handheld computer system users constantly travel
and rarely ever work in one place.
[0005] Furthermore, the personal computer systems owned by various
handheld computer system users vary widely. Most handheld computer
system users also use a desktop personal computer system. However,
many use notebook personal computers. Some handheld computer system
users use computer workstations such as those produced by Sun
Microsystems, Inc. Other handheld computer system users do not use
any other computer system at all.
[0006] It is impossible to accommodate the particular needs of all
these different types of users with a single packaged handheld
computer system product. However, it would be desirable to provide
handheld computer system package that accommodates the needs of
most of the potential purchases with additional extra packages
available for those users with less common requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A charging and communication cable system for a handheld
computer system is disclosed. The charging and communication cable
system includes a first interface for connecting to the handheld
computer system, a second interface for connecting to another
computer system, and a third interface for coupling to a charger
system. In one embodiment, the third interface used to couple to a
charger system is the same as the interface on the handheld
computer system such that the charger may be coupled to the
charging and communication cable system or directly to the handheld
computer system.
[0008] Other objects, features, and advantages of present invention
will be apparent from the company drawings and from the following
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the
following detailed description in which:
[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a prior mobile computer
system with an open external peripheral interface.
[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of a prior mobile computer
system with an open external peripheral interface.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of an integrated
stylus-based handheld computer and cellular telephone system.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a rear isometric view of an integrated
keyboard-based handheld computer and cellular telephone system.
[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a USB
Charger/Communication cable system.
[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of a USB
Charger/Communication docking cradle system.
[0016] FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a serial
data-communication/charger system.
[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates a serial docking cradle
Charger/Communication system.
[0018] FIG. 5A illustrates a USB data-communication/charger cable
with an associated docking cradle
[0019] FIG. 5B illustrates a serial data-communication/charger
cable with an associated docking cradle
[0020] FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a USB
Charger/Communication cable system that uses an off-the-shelf power
supply.
[0021] FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a USB
Charger/Communication docking cradle system that uses an
off-the-shelf power supply.
[0022] FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a serial
Charger/Communication cable system that uses an off-the-shelf power
supply.
[0023] FIG. 7B illustrates an embodiment of a serial
Charger/Communication docking cradle system that uses an
off-the-shelf power supply.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiment of charging circuitry
for a handheld computer system.
[0025] FIG. 9A illustrates an improved embodiment of charging
circuitry for a handheld computer system.
[0026] FIG. 9B illustrates a conceptual diagram of the charging
circuitry of FIG. 9A that explains how leak current may power the
LED.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] A method and apparatus for constructing a portable computer
system that can easily be expanded to handle many new add-on
peripherals is disclosed. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific
details are not required in order to practice the present
invention. For example, the present invention has been described
with reference to the Handspring.TM. Springboard.TM. peripheral
interface. However, the same techniques can easily be applied to
other types of peripheral interfaces.
Handheld Computer Systems
[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a typical handheld computer
system 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the mobile computer system
includes a display area 120 for displaying information. The display
area 120 is covered with a digitizer panel for entering information
into the mobile computer system 100 using a stylus. The mobile
computer system 100 further includes a set of external buttons 130
that may also be used to enter user input.
[0029] The handheld computer system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and
1B is provided as an example only. Many different variations of
handheld computer system exist. For example, other handheld
computer systems may have built-in wireless digital network
communication systems, large keypads, or may be combined with
cellular telephone circuitry.
[0030] The handheld computer system 100 has an external interface
180 as illustrated in FIG. 1A. The external interface 180 may be
used for communicating with external devices. Most current handheld
computer systems use such an external interface 180 to communicate
with a personal computer system. In this manner, the owner of
handheld computer system 100 can share data between the handheld
computer system 100 and the personal computer system.
[0031] The external interface 180 may also be used for supplying
power to the handheld computer system 100. For example, the
handheld computer system 100 may include an internal battery for
powering the handheld computer system 100. If power is supplied to
the handheld computer system 100 through external interface 180,
the handheld computer system 100 may use the power from the
external interface 180 instead of power from an internal battery.
If the internal battery is rechargeable, the handheld computer
system 100 may charge the battery when power is supplied to the
handheld computer system 100 through external interface 180.
[0032] Many handheld computer systems are sold with a docking
cradle that mates with the external interface 180 of the handheld
computer system and connects to a desktop personal computer. The
docking cradle is then coupled to a personal computer system using
one of the popular personal computer system interfaces. Possible
computer system interfaces include IEEE 1394, universal serial bus
(USB) interface, and the older RS-232 serial interface. The docking
cradle may also be used to charge the internal batteries of the
handheld computer system by drawing power from the personal
computer system or an external power supply.
[0033] More recent handheld computer systems incorporate wireless
communication circuitry such that the handheld computer systems
become personal communication devices that are carried with the
user. Such wireless communication enabled handheld computer systems
may act as a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, an
Internet browsing terminal, an email terminal or all of these
things.
[0034] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of an integrated
handheld computer and cellular telephone system 200. The integrated
handheld computer and cellular telephone system 200 includes a
keyboard 230 such that the user may easily enter names, addresses,
phone numbers, and email messages into application programs running
on the integrated handheld computer and cellular telephone system
300.
[0035] With such wireless mobile communication abilities, a user
will likely carry the handheld computer system around all the time.
Thus, the need for more portable charging and synchronization
systems exists.
Charger/Communication Cable Systems
[0036] FIG. 3A illustrates a first embodiment of a
Charger/Communication cable system. Referring to FIG. 3A, a
handheld computer system 310 has an electrical interface 311 for
receiving electrical power and data communication signals. To
provide power to the electrical interface 311 of handheld computer
system 310, a charger and communication cable system is provided.
The charger and communication cable system consists of a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) data-communication/charger cable 320 and a charger
cable 330.
[0037] The USB data-communication/charger cable 320 has been
designed to couple the handheld computer system 310 to another
computer system (not shown). The USB data-communication/charger
cable 320 couples the electrical interface 311 on the handheld
computer system 310 to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface on
another computer system (not shown). Specifically, interface
connector 321 on USB data-communication/charger cable 320 couples.
USB signals to a USB connector 325 on data-communication/charger
cable 320. Interface connector 321 may include a synchronization
button 322 that can be used to indicate when a user wishes to have
the handheld computer system 310 synchronize its databases with
another computer system (not shown) coupled to USB connector
325.
[0038] The charger cable 330 comprises a power supply 331 and an
interface connector 337 for coupling the power supply 331 to the
handheld computer system 310. The power supply 331 may be comprised
of a transformer and other electronics necessary to covert a local
AC line current into a desired DC power current for the handheld
computer system 310. Many different types of charger cable 330
embodiments may be created to adapt for the different AC line
currents in different countries (i.e. 120 Volt/60 Hz or 220 Volt/50
Hz) and the different physical AC connectors used by different
countries around the world.
[0039] When USB data-communication/charger cable 320 is coupled to
the interface 311 on handheld computer system 310, charger cable
330 can provide power to the handheld computer system 310.
Specifically, interface connector 337 of charger cable 330 may be
coupled to interface 329 on electrical power connector 327 of USB
data-communication/charger cable 320. Interface 329 on electrical
power connector 327 of USB data-communication/charger cable 320
carries power from power supply 331 to the handheld computer system
310.
[0040] If the user of the handheld computer system 310 is traveling
with out his personal computer, the user may elect to travel only
with the charger cable 330 since the USB data-communication/charger
cable 320 will not be needed. In such a circumstance, the user may
connect the charger cable 330 to the handheld computer system 310
by coupling interface connector 337 directly to the electrical
interface 311 of handheld computer system 310. The charger cable
330 carried by the traveling user may have different adapters and
settings to allow it to operate with the different AC line currents
in different countries and the different physical AC connectors
used by different countries.
[0041] If there is a manner in which a user may misuse a device,
such a misuse will generally eventually occur. With regard to USB
data-communication/charger cable 320, a user may inappropriately
connect the interface connector 321 end of
data-communication/charger cable 320 to the electrical power
connector 327 end of USB data-communication/charger cable 320. To
prevent damage, interface 329 of electrical power connector 327
only contains conductors for electrical power such that no damage
will occur if a user connects interface connector 321 to the
electrical power connector 327 even if the USB connector 325 is
connected to an operating personal computer system (not shown).
[0042] FIG. 3B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the
Charger/Communication cable system of FIG. 3A. In the embodiment of
FIG. 3B, a serial docking cradle 353 is provided to allow the
handheld computer system 310 to rest in the serial docking cradle
353. When handheld computer system 310 rests in serial docking
cradle 353, the electrical interface 311 of handheld computer
system 310 mates with the electrical interface 351 of serial
docking cradle 353. This connection allows data communication with
USB connector 355 and the power input through electrical power
connector 327.
Serial Interface
[0043] Not all personal computer systems have USB communication
ports. Furthermore, some operating systems do not adequately
support the USB communication ports available on personal computer
systems. To allow users in such predicaments use a handheld
computer system, FIGS. 4A and 4B provide a serial communication
port versions of the Charger/Communication cable system.
[0044] FIG. 4A provides a serial data-communication/charger cable
420 that is similar to the USB data-communication/charger cable 320
of FIG. 3A. The principal difference between serial
data-communication/charger cable 420 and USB
data-communication/charger cable 320 is that serial
data-communication/charger cable 420 connects a serial port on
handheld computer system 410 to a serial port on a personal
computer system (not shown) using a serial connector 425.
[0045] FIG. 4B illustrates a serial docking cradle 453 for serial
data communication and charging of a handheld computer system. The
principal difference between serial docking cradle 453 and serial
docking cradle 353 of FIG. 3B is that serial docking cradle 453
connects a serial port on handheld computer system 410 to a serial
port on a personal computer system (not shown) using a serial
connector 455.
Combined Travel/Docking System
[0046] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate alternate embodiments that
combine the advantages of the previous embodiments. Specifically,
FIGS. 5A and 5B provide both a docking cradle for normal office
usage and a travel data-communication/charger cable for use while
traveling.
[0047] FIG. 5A illustrates a USB data-communication/charger cable
520 that includes a connector 522 for coupling directly to a
handheld computer system (not shown). When a handheld computer
system is coupled to connector 522, the handheld computer may
communicate with a personal computer system (not shown) coupled to
connector 525 and receive power from charger 560 coupled to
connector 529.
[0048] If the user wishes to use a docking cradle for normal office
usage, the user may obtain docking cradle 583. Connector 522 of USB
data-communication/charger cable 520 couples with interface 582 on
the docking cradle 583. Interface 582 carries the electrical
signals from connector 522 to an interface 581 on the docking
cradle such that a user may easily couple a handheld computer
system (not shown) to a personal computer and a charging system 560
by simply dropping the handheld computer system into the docking
cradle 583.
[0049] FIG. 5B illustrates the same arrangement as FIG. 5A except
that the USB data-communication/charger cable 520 has been replaced
with a serial data-communication/charger cable 550. In this manner
users that do not have a personal computer system with USB support
can instead use a serial port connected to serial connector
555.
[0050] Note that the same docking cradle 583 may be used with both
the USB data-communication/charger cable 520 and the serial
data-communication/charger cable 550. In this manner, the handheld
computer system may be sold with either the USB
data-communication/charger cable 520 or the serial
data-communication/charger cable 550. The purchasers of either
those systems that desire a docking cradle may purchase the same
optional docking cradle 583.
System with Off-The-Shelf Power Supply
[0051] To reduce the cost, an off-the-shelf power supply may be
used instead of using a power supply with a special connector.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an USB embodiment that uses an
off-the-shelf power supply 660. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the
power supply connects to the USB connector 625 to supply power to a
USB data-communication/charger cable 620.
[0052] FIG. 6B illustrates a docking cradle embodiment that uses an
off-the-shelf power supply 660. In another docking cradle
embodiment (not shown), a user may purchase an optional docking
cradle 583 such that connector 621 of USB
data-communication/charger cable 620 may be coupled to interface
582 of docking cradle 583.
[0053] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate serial interface embodiments
similar to the USB embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B. A user with the
serial data-communication/charger cable 720 of FIG. 7A may also use
docking cradle 583 to obtain cradle functionality.
Charger Circuitry Systems
[0054] To charge a rechargeable internal battery in a handheld
computer system, the handheld computer system usually contains
dedicated charging circuitry. The charging circuitry monitors
various battery conditions and determines when a charge is needed
and when the battery is fully charged.
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of charging circuitry for
a handheld computer system. In the charging circuitry of FIG. 8, an
external electrical interface V.sub.dock 830 is connected to a
charging control circuitry 820. When the handheld computer system
is placed in a charging docking cradle or otherwise connected to a
charging source, charging control circuitry 820 detects a charging
voltage on electrical interface V.sub.dock 830 and begins to charge
the battery 860. The charging control circuitry 820 informs
processor 810 such that the system may make necessary user
interface adjustments.
[0056] In an alternate embodiment, charging control circuitry 820
detects a charging voltage on electrical interface V.sub.dock 830
and informs the processor 810. Processor 810 then determines that
the battery 860 needs to be charged and instructs charging control
circuitry 820 to charge the battery 860 if necessary.
[0057] The charging control circuitry 820 charges battery 860 by
activating transistor 850 which supplies current from the external
charging voltage on electrical interface V.sub.dock 830 to battery
860. In one embodiment, the charging control circuitry 820 charges
the battery 860 over a three hour period. In a Lithium Ion battery
embodiment, the charging begins a constant current "fast charge."
As the charging nears completion (ninety percent charged in one
embodiment), the charging control circuitry 820 slows the charging
current down and uses a constant voltage "trickle charge."
[0058] The charging current also lights Light Emitting Diode (LED)
880 to inform the user that the battery is being charged. The
processor 810 may control LED 880 during charging using transistor
890. In a preferred embodiment, the processor 810 may cause LED 880
to blink by consecutively turning on and off transistor 890 during
the main charging phase. This informs the user that the battery is
being charged. Once the charging is complete (or near complete),
the processor 810 may cause turn on LED 880 by turning on
transistor 890. In a preferred embodiment, the processor 810 blinks
the LED 880 during the "fast charge" phase and then turns on LED
880 for a steady output during the "trickle charge" phase. If the
user unplugs the charger before the trickle charge is complete, the
user interface will calibrate itself to use the current charge
status as the 100% charged state.
Silent Alarm
[0059] Processor 810 may use control LED 880 after charging is
complete by using transistor 890. In this manner, processor 810 may
use LED 880 to output information to the user. In a preferred
embodiment, the system software may be modified to allow the user
to select a "silent alarm" mode. In the silent alarm mode, the
operating system of the handheld computer system will not emit
audible alerts when programs request an alarm to be generated but
will instead generate a "silent alarm" by blinking LED 880. In this
manner, the handheld computer system will be able to notify the
user of an event without emitting a disruptive audible alarm during
a meeting.
[0060] One problem with the charging circuitry of FIG. 8 is that
when charging control circuitry 820 has fully charged battery 860,
then charging control circuitry 820 will turn off transistor 850
such that LED 880 begins to drain battery 860. Thus, battery 860
begins to discharge even though external power is available through
electrical interface V.sub.dock 830. To prevent such discharging,
the processor may turn off transistor 890. However, such an
implementation would provide ambiguous feed back to the user.
Specifically, the user would not know if the charging is complete
or if the charger system was not properly plugged into an AC
outlet.
Revised Charging and LED Control Circuitry
[0061] To remedy this situation, FIG. 9A illustrates an alternate
charging circuitry embodiment. In FIG. 9A, the power source of LED
980 has been moved above transistor 950. In this manner, when the
charging control circuitry 920 has fully charged battery 960, then
charging control circuitry 920 will turn off transistor 950 such
that LED 980 is powered by the external power available through
electrical interface V.sub.dock 930. Thus, LED 980 does not drain
battery 960 after it has become charged. Note that processor 910
can still control LED 980 during charging using transistor 990.
[0062] The system of FIG. 9A provides all the same features as the
system of FIG. 8 during charging. However, it might appear slightly
less useful than the system of FIG. 9A when the handheld computer
system is disconnected from the charging source and operating on
battery 960 power. Specifically, it might appear that LED 980
cannot be used when operating only from battery power. However,
this is not true due to the design of transistor 950. Specifically,
transistor 950 is implemented with a transistor that contains a
diode across the drain and the source such as Motorola's
MGSF1P02LT1 P-Channel enhancement-mode TMOS MOSFET transistor.
[0063] FIG. 9B illustrates a diagram of such an embodiment. In the
embodiment of FIG. 9B, when charging control circuitry 920 turns
off transistor 950, current may flow from battery 960, up through
diode 955, through LED 980, and down through transistor 990.
Therefore, even though transistor 950 has been turned off,
processor 910 can control LED 980 using transistor 990.
[0064] Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 9B, LED 980 is only powered
by the power received from electrical interface V.sub.dock 930
during charging. But when there is no charging voltage on
electrical interface V.sub.dock 930, then LED 980 is powered by the
battery 960. In either case, processor 810 can control LED 980 by
controlling transistor 990.
[0065] The foregoing has described a portable computer system that
can easily be expanded to handle many new add-on peripherals is
disclosed. It is contemplated that changes and modifications may be
made by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the materials and
arrangements of elements of the present invention without departing
from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *