U.S. patent application number 12/006582 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-17 for integrated removable faceplate for portable computing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Palm, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lawrence Lam, Steven Shiozaki.
Application Number | 20080169943 12/006582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32327100 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080169943 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lam; Lawrence ; et
al. |
July 17, 2008 |
Integrated removable faceplate for portable computing system
Abstract
An integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable
computer system. The removable functional faceplate employs
specially located electrical contacts or pads that mate with
similarly located electrical contacts mounted on the portable
computer system, e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other
electronic device. The electrical contacts of the functional
faceplate carry signals that are responsive to the pressing of
physical buttons which may be placed in any location on the
functional faceplate. This allows individual faceplates to be
developed that are specialized for a particular purpose, e.g.,
extended keyboards, adapted for gaming, adapted for music playing,
etc. The functional faceplates may have specialized button types
that are adapted for a particular use and are also located in
custom positions that reflect the particular use employed. When the
functional faceplate is removed from the portable computer system,
it may have no buttons or it may provide a standard PDA button
group. An identification circuit may be employed on the functional
faceplate to indicate its button group and signaling
characteristics. Alternatively, the functional faceplate may also
include a data generation device, e.g., a global positioning system
(GPS) or electronic thermometer, a music player, a smart card, etc.
Alternatively, the functional faceplate may also include an
auxiliary power supply.
Inventors: |
Lam; Lawrence; (San Jose,
CA) ; Shiozaki; Steven; (Belmont, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MURABITO, HAO & BARNES LLP
Third Floor, Two North Market Street
San Jose
CA
95113
US
|
Assignee: |
Palm, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32327100 |
Appl. No.: |
12/006582 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10770979 |
Feb 2, 2004 |
7315260 |
|
|
12006582 |
|
|
|
|
09844558 |
Apr 27, 2001 |
6747578 |
|
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10770979 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
341/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1662 20130101;
G06F 1/1698 20130101; G06F 3/0238 20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101;
G06F 1/1626 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
341/22 |
International
Class: |
H03M 11/00 20060101
H03M011/00 |
Claims
1. A faceplate for an electronic device comprising: a housing
adapted to be removably secured onto said electronic device,
wherein said housing includes a cut-out region for position around
a display of said electronic device; and a plurality of buttons
disposed on said housing and adapted to be communicatively coupled
to said electronic device when said housing is secured onto said
electronic device, wherein one or more of said plurality of buttons
are configured to provide access to a functionality that is in
addition to any functionality of said electronic device.
2. A faceplate as described in claim 1 further comprising a code
generation device, communicatively coupled between said plurality
of buttons and said electronic device when said housing is secured
onto said electronic device, for generating signals which indicate
which buttons were activated and when activated.
3. A faceplate as described in claim 1 further comprising an
identification unit, communicatively coupled to said electronic
device when said housing is secured onto said electronic device,
for identifying said faceplate to said electronic device.
4. A faceplate as described in claim 1 further comprising an
auxiliary power supply disposed on said housing and coupled to
supply power to said electronic device when said housing is secured
onto said electronic device.
5. A faceplate as described in claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of electrical contacts disposed on said housing and
operable to mate with corresponding electrical contacts of said
electronic device when said housing is secured onto said electronic
device to communicatively coupled said plurality of buttons
disposed on said housing to said electronic device.
6. A faceplate as described in claim 6 further comprising a code
generation unit disposed on said housing and coupled between said
plurality of buttons and one or more of said electrical contacts of
said faceplate, said code generation device for generating signals
over said electrical contacts which indicate which buttons were
activated and when activated.
7. A faceplate as described in claim 1 wherein said one of said
plurality of faceplate types is selected from a group consisting of
a PDA faceplate, an email faceplate, a gaming faceplate, a paging
faceplate, a data generation device faceplate, a global positioning
system faceplate, an environmental measurement faceplate, an
electronic thermometer faceplate, a music player faceplate, a smart
card faceplate, a memory card faceplate, an auxiliary power supply
faceplate, a battery faceplate and a solar power faceplate.
8. A faceplate for a portable computer system comprising: a housing
adapted to be removably secured onto said portable computer system,
wherein said housing includes a cut-out region for position around
a display of said portable computer system; a plurality of buttons
disposed on said housing and adapted to be communicatively coupled
to said portable computing system when said housing is secured onto
said portable computing system; and a data signal generation device
disposed on said housing and adapted to be communicatively coupled
to said portable computing system when said housing is secured onto
said portable computing system, wherein said data signal generation
device provides a functionality that is in addition to
functionality provided by said portable computing system.
9. A faceplate as described in claim 8 further comprising a code
generation device, communicatively coupled between said plurality
of buttons and said electronic device when said housing is secured
onto said electronic device, for generating signals which indicate
which buttons were activated and when activated.
10. A faceplate as described in claim 8 further comprising an
identification unit, communicatively coupled to said electronic
device when said housing is secured onto said electronic device,
for identifying said faceplate to said portable computer
system.
11. A faceplate as described in claim 8 further comprising an
auxiliary power supply disposed on said housing and coupled to
supply power to said electronic device when said housing is secured
onto said electronic device.
12. A device comprising: an electronic device comprising a device
housing adapted to removably receive a plurality of faceplate
types; and a removable faceplate comprising: a faceplate housing
adapted to be removably secured onto said electronic device,
wherein said faceplate housing includes a cut-out region for
position around a display of said electronic device; and a
plurality of buttons disposed on said faceplate housing and
configured as one of said plurality of faceplate types, wherein
said plurality of buttons are adapted to be communicatively coupled
to said electronic device when said housing is secured onto said
electronic device.
13. A device as described in claim 12 wherein said removable
faceplate further comprises a code generation device,
communicatively coupled between said plurality of buttons and said
electronic device when said removable faceplate is attached to said
electronic device, for generating said signals over said electrical
contacts which indicate which buttons were activated and when
activated.
14. A device as described in claim 12 wherein said removable
faceplate further comprises an identification unit, communicatively
coupled to said electronic device when said removable faceplate is
attached to said electronic device, for identifying said faceplate
to said electronic device.
15. A device as described in claim 12 wherein said removable
faceplate further comprises an auxiliary power supply coupled to
supply power to said electronic device when said removable
faceplate is attached to said electronic device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/770,979 filed Feb. 2, 2004 which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/844,558 filed Apr. 27, 2001, which
are both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As the components required to build a computer system have
reduced in size, new categories of computer systems have emerged.
One of the new categories of computer systems is the "palmtop"
computer system. A palmtop computer system is a computer that is
small enough to be held in the hand of a user and can therefore be
"palm-sized." Most palmtop computer systems are used to implement
various Personal Information Management (PIM) applications such as
an address book, a daily organizer and electronic notepads, to name
a few. Palmtop computers with PIM software have been know as
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Many PDAs have a small flat
display screen associated therewith one or more buttons or keys
that can be pressed by a user.
[0003] In addition to PDAs, small flat display screens and push
buttons have also been implemented within other portable electronic
devices, such as cell phones, electronic pagers, remote control
devices and other wireless portable devices.
[0004] User convenience and device value are very important factors
for portable electronic devices. Typically, portable electronic
devices are employed while the user is on the run, e.g., in
business meetings, on business travel, personal travel, in a
vehicle, on foot, etc. Because the user may be occupied or busy
while using the portable electronic device, the number of user
steps or user tasks required in order to access information from an
electronic device (or to store information into the electronic
device) is crucial for producing a commercially successful and
useful product. That is, the more difficult it is to access data
from an electronic device, the less likely the user will perform
those tasks to obtain the information. Likewise, the easier
information is to obtain, the more likely the portable electronic
device will be used to obtain that information and the more likely
the portable electronic device will become a part of the user's
everyday activities.
[0005] Similarly, the more useful the device, the more the device
will be used and acquired. Accordingly, the more the device can be
flexible and specialized for particular uses that are important to
users, the higher the likelihood that the device will be
employed.
[0006] One way to personalize or specialize a portable electronic
device is to alter the appearance of its faceplate or front cover.
Today, many cell phones offer removable faceplates which can be
attached to the device. The faceplates have button holes that are
adapted fit around existing buttons that are integrated with the
cell phone body. The faceplates can alter the overall appearance
(e.g., color, pattern, etc.) of the device to fit a user's taste or
personal preference. These prior art faceplates, while altering the
cosmetic appearance of the device, do not alter the functionality
or placement of the underlying buttons which are integrated with
the body of cell phone device.
[0007] Other faceplates have been offered that not only provide
cosmetic changes to the device, but also add some special key
designations or key types to the existing buttons of the underlying
device. However, the existing buttons of the underlying device are
still needed. For instance, some faceplates provide mechanical
buttons that are designed to contact and fit over the existing
buttons on the device's body. When the mechanical button on the
faceplate is depressed, so is the underlying device's button. The
mechanical buttons of these prior art faceplates can alter the
designations of the existing buttons or add new button types. For
instance, a joystick key type (on the faceplate) can be added over
a group of existing keys of the device's body. When the joy stick
is moved, different keys of the key group are then activated.
However, since these prior art faceplates make use of the existing
keys of the device, they are limited in their potential key
placements, key functionalities and key types. These faceplates may
also add significant size and weight to the overall device since
their keys are additive to the underlying keys.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to the field of data entry
devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention
relate to removable faceplates for a portable computer system or
other portable electronic device.
[0009] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide an
electronic device, e.g., a cell phone, portable computer system,
PDA, electronic pager, etc., having a removable functional
faceplate. The removable functional faceplate provides additional
keys and key functionality that are in addition to any underlying
keys of the electronic device (if it has any at all). For instance,
removable faceplates can add extended keyboards, gaming controls,
etc. The new keys and key functionality can be placed in any
location on the faceplate and may be of any key type without
restriction to the underlying keys of the electronic device (if it
has any at all). Additionally, the functional faceplates may
provide circuits which add functionality to the electronic device
other than, or in addition to, new keys, e.g., increased memory
capacity, increased power capacity, music playing capacity,
measurement devices, etc. The faceplates are removable, and in one
embodiment, designed to be readily removed and installed by the
user. By providing the ability to add new keys to the faceplate,
the present invention provides an electronic device that may be
substantially customized for a particular user or for a particular
and specialized use. The present invention provides these
advantages and others not specifically mentioned above but
described in the sections to follow.
[0010] An integrated removable functional faceplate is described
herein for a portable computer system. The removable functional
faceplate employs specially located electrical contacts or pads
that mate with similarly located electrical contacts mounted on
predetermined positions of the portable computer system, e.g., a
personal digital assistant (PDA) or other electronic device. The
electrical contacts of the functional faceplate carry signals that
are responsive to the pressing of physical buttons which may be
placed in any location on the functional faceplate. This allows
individual faceplates to be developed that are specialized for a
particular purpose, e.g., extended keyboards, adapted for gaming,
adapted for music playing, adapted for email, paging, etc. The
functional faceplates may have specialized button types that are
adapted for a particular use and are also located in custom
positions that reflect the particular use employed. When the
functional faceplate is removed from the portable computer system,
it may have no buttons or it may provide a standard PDA button
group.
[0011] An identification circuit may be employed on the functional
faceplate to indicate its button group and signaling
characteristics. Alternatively, the functional faceplate may also
include a data generation device, e.g., a global positioning system
(GPS) or electronic thermometer, a music player, a smart card, etc.
In this case, one or more of the electrical contacts are adapted to
receive data signals from this data generation device.
Alternatively, the functional faceplate may also include an
auxiliary power supply (e.g., battery, solar power, etc.). In this
case, one or more of the electrical contacts are adapted to receive
a power signal from this auxiliary power source.
[0012] The removable integrated functional faceplate of the present
invention permits a user to add additional specific functionality
to its PDA, for instance gaming (e.g., controls, four way control,
joystick, etc.) and email (e.g., a keyboard). In order to lessen
the size and weight of the PDA, in one embodiment, the functional
faceplates may become an integrated part of the PDA and not an
add-on accessory. In one implementation, the faceplates may be
molded in plastic and removably attached to the PDA via a hook and
snaps combination, although any attachment mechanism can be used,
e.g., rail and slot, screws, etc. It is appreciated that the
faceplate does not need to be of the same size as the PDA, but
could be larger depending on the type of use intended.
[0013] More specifically, an embodiment of the present invention
includes a faceplate for an electronic device comprising: a housing
adapted to be removably secured onto the electronic device; a
plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the housing and
operable to mate with corresponding electrical contacts of the
electronic device when the housing is secured onto the electronic
device; and a plurality of buttons disposed on the housing and,
when activated, for causing signals to be generated over the
electrical contacts indicating which buttons were activated and
when activated. Embodiments include the above and further
comprising a code generation device responsive to activation of the
plurality of buttons and coupled to the electrical contacts of the
faceplate, the code generation device for generating the signals
over the electrical contacts which indicate which buttons where
activated and when activated.
[0014] Embodiments include the above and further comprising an
identification unit disposed on the housing and coupled to the
electrical contacts of the faceplate, the identification unit for
identifying the faceplate to the electronic device. Embodiments
include the above and further comprising an auxiliary power supply
disposed on the housing and coupled to the electrical contacts of
the faceplate, the auxiliary power supply for supplying power to
the electronic device.
[0015] Embodiments include the above and further comprising a data
signal generation device disposed on the housing and coupled to the
electrical contacts of the faceplate, the data signal generation
device for supplying data signals to the electronic device wherein
the data signal generation device may be a music player or an
environmental measuring device or a memory card or a global
positioning system (GPS).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way
of example and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to
similar elements and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a logical block diagram of components of an
exemplary portable computer system, e.g., personal digital
assistant, that can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a front view of a portable computer system of one
embodiment of the present invention having its removable faceplate
removed thereby exposing its button bezel region which has multiple
electrical contacts disposed therein.
[0019] FIG. 2B is a front view of a portable computer system of
another embodiment of the present invention having its removable
faceplate removed thereby exposing its button bezel region which
has multiple electrical contacts disposed therein along with some
fixed-position integrated buttons.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of a portable computer system of
another embodiment of the present invention having its electrical
contacts mounted along the side edge of the device.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portable computer system
having its removable faceplate attached thereto in accordance with
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a portable computer system
having snapped thereon a basic removable faceplate in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a portable computer system
having snapped thereon a basic removable faceplate with a slot for
receiving a removable memory device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable computer system
having snapped thereon an extended removable faceplate in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having
freely positioned buttons and specially located electrical
contacts.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portable computer system
having snapped thereon a gaming removable faceplate in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having an
identification code installed therein.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable computer system
having snapped thereon a special function removable faceplate in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having a
data generation device installed therein.
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having an
auxiliary power source installed therein.
[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having a
receiving slot (for a memory card) and associated chipset installed
therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] In the following detailed description of the present
invention, an integrated removable functional faceplate for a
portable computer system or other intelligent device, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. However, it will be
recognized by one skilled in the art that the present invention may
be practiced without these specific details or with equivalents
thereof. In other instances, well known methods, procedures,
components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not
to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Exemplary Portable Electronic Device Platform
[0033] Although the functional faceplate of the present invention
can be implemented in a variety of different electronic systems
such as a pager, a cell phone, a remote control device, etc., one
exemplary embodiment includes the integration of the faceplate with
a portable electronic device or PDA.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates circuitry of an exemplary portable
computer system 100. Computer system 100 includes an address/data
bus 99 for communicating information, a central processor 101
coupled with the bus 99 for processing information and
instructions, a volatile memory 102 (e.g., random access memory
RAM) coupled with the bus 99 for storing information and
instructions for the central processor 101 and a non-volatile
memory 103 (e.g., read only memory ROM) coupled with the bus 99 for
storing static information and instructions for the processor
101.
[0035] Computer system 110 also includes an optional data storage
device 104 (e.g., thin profile removable memory) coupled with the
bus 99 for storing information and instructions. Device 104 can be
removable. Device 104 may also be an SDROM card reader or
equivalent removable memory reader.
[0036] Also included in computer system 100 of FIG. 1 is an
alphanumeric input device 106 which in one implementation is a
handwriting recognition pad ("digitizer") and may include
integrated push buttons in one embodiment. Device 106 can
communicate information (spatial data and pressure data) and
command selections to the central processor 101. The digitizer 106
records both the (x, y) coordinate value of the current location of
the stylus and also simultaneously records the pressure that the
stylus exerts on the face of the digitizer pad. The coordinate
values (spatial information) and pressure data are then output on
separate channels for sampling by the processor 101. In one
implementation, there are roughly 256 different discrete levels of
pressure that can be detected by the digitizer 106. Since the
digitizer's channels are sampled serially by the processor, the
stroke spatial data are sampled "pseudo" simultaneously with the
associated pressure data. The sampled data is then stored in a
memory by the processor 101 for later analysis.
[0037] System 110 of FIG. 1 also includes an optional cursor
control or directing device 107 coupled to the bus for
communicating user input information and command selections to the
central processor 101. In one implementation, device 107 is a touch
screen device (also a digitizer) incorporated with screen 105.
Device 107 is capable of registering a position on the screen 105
where the stylus makes contact and the pressure of the contact. The
digitizer of 106 or 107 can be implemented using well known
devices, for instance, using the ADS-7846 device by Burr-Brown that
provides separate channels for spatial stroke information and
pressure information.
[0038] System 100 also contains a flat panel display device 105
coupled to the bus 99 for displaying information to the computer
user. The display device 105 utilized with the computer system 100
may be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube (CRT), field
emission device (FED, also called flat panel CRT) or other display
device suitable for creating graphic images and alphanumeric
characters recognizable to the user. Any of a number of display
technologies can be used, e.g., LCD, FED, plasma, etc., for the
flat panel display 105. In one embodiment, the display 105 is a
flat panel multi-mode display capable of both monochrome and color
display modes.
[0039] Signal communication device 108, also coupled to bus 99, can
be a serial port (or USB port) for communicating with a cradle. In
one embodiment, the serial communication interface 108 is a serial
communication port, but could also alternatively be of any of a
number of well known communication standards and protocols, e.g.,
parallel, SCSI, Firewire (IEEE 1394), Ethernet, etc. In addition to
device 108, wireless communication links can be established between
the device 100 and a host computer system (or another portable
computer system) using a Bluetooth wireless device 360, an infrared
device 355, a GSM radio device 240, or a CDMA device, or a W-CDMA
device or a 802.11 device. Device 100 may also include a wireless
modem device 240 and/or a wireless radio, e.g., a GSM wireless
radio with supporting chipset. The wireless modem device 240 is
coupled to communicate with the processor 101 but may not be
directly coupled to port 108.
[0040] In one implementation, the Mobitex wireless communication
system may be used to provide two way communication between system
100 and other networked computers and/or the Internet, e.g., via a
proxy server. In other embodiments, TCP protocol can be used or SMS
can be used. System 100 of FIG. 1 may also contain batteries for
providing electrical power.
[0041] Also shown in FIG. 1 are a group of electrical contacts or
pads 220 that are disposed on the portable computer system and made
available for mating with a removable faceplate, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. These electrical contacts
220 are internally coupled to bus 99. In one embodiment, these
electrical contacts are exposed when the removable faceplate is
removed from the device 100. Depending on the particular
embodiment, as discussed below, some of the pads 220 are used to
carry different signal types that may be generated from the
faceplate, e.g., they are used (1) to carry code signals used by
the processor 101 to differentiate between which buttons are
pressed on the faceplate and when; (2) to carry power; (3) to carry
an identification code of the faceplate; and (4) to carry data
signals from a data signal generation device on the faceplate.
Functional Faceplate of the Present Invention
[0042] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a portable computer
system 100a in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention with its faceplate removed. In this example, system 100a
may be a hand-held computer system or PDA but could be any portable
electronic device (e.g., pager, cell phone, etc.). Flat panel
display screen 105 is located in the central portion. A recess 210
may be cut out for receiving a button region from a removable
faceplate (not shown). Also shown are the electrical contacts 220
which are disposed within the recess 210 in this embodiment and are
exposed. There may be as few as two electrical contacts 220 in
accordance with the present invention. The electrical contacts 220
are for mating with contacts from a removable faceplate. These
electrical contacts or pads 220 allow the removable faceplate to
communicate signals with the device 100a, e.g., button selection
signals and other data, and/or power signals. In the example 100a
shown in FIG. 2A, there are no keys or buttons located on the face
of device 100a with the faceplate removed. In this particular
embodiment, the device 100a requires a faceplate for full
functionality.
[0043] FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment 100b of the present
invention. FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of a portable computer
system 100b with its faceplate removed. As in FIG. 2A, electrical
contacts 220 of FIG. 2B are also located within region 210 of
device 100b. In this example, there is some basic button
functionality 230 on device 100b even when the faceplate of the
present invention is removed. Buttons 230 are located within recess
210 and are integrated within the body of device 100b. Any
faceplate that is to be attached to device 100b will generally have
cut-outs to accommodate the existing buttons 230 and may also add
other, additional, buttons which communicate using pads 220 as
described further below.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment 100c of the present
invention. In this example, device 100c is shown in side-view and
its electrical contacts 220 are located along the side of the
device 100c. It is appreciated that the electrical contracts may be
located within region 210 of the device as well as along the edge
of the device. Provided electrical contacts are located along the
edge of the device, corresponding mating contacts would be required
along the back side of the edge of any removable faceplate adapted
for attaching to device 100c.
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a faceplate 250, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and also a
portable computer system 100a adapted to receive the faceplate 250.
In one embodiment, the faceplate 250 is removably attached to
device 100a by pressure and by snap fitting hooks and mechanisms.
In this way, the faceplate 250 can readily be removed from device
100a and replaced. The front side of the faceplate 250 is shown and
is made of a housing (e.g., molded plastic) that bears buttons 270
or "keys."
[0046] The faceplate keys 270, in accordance with the present
invention, may be placed in any location and are not limited in
position to the locations of any keys that are integrated on device
100a (if any). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the device 100a does
not have any keys on its face. The front side of faceplate 250
illustrates a cut-out region 260 for positioning around display
105. When attached to the device 100a, contacts (not shown) on the
rear side of the faceplate 250 will come into physical contact with
electrical pads 220 located on the device 100a. In this way, the
faceplate 250 may communicate with the electronics of device 100a.
It is appreciated that the exterior of device 100a may include a
recess of roughly the same area and size as the faceplate 250 and
this recess may be used to accept the faceplate 250 therein. In
this way, the overall size of the PDA with the attached faceplate
is reduced and the faceplate 250 becomes integrated with the PDA
100a.
[0047] FIG. 5A illustrates one example device 310a in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example,
faceplate 250a is attached to and integrated with device 100a. This
faceplate 250a is roughly the same width and length as the device
100a but could be larger in size. The faceplate 250a is a housing
that contains multiple standard buttons 270 for PDA access, e.g.,
six buttons are shown. This faceplate 250a is contemplated as being
a basic or base faceplate that would be shipped with the PDA 100a.
Not shown are internal electrical contacts on the rear side of the
faceplate 250a that make contact with corresponding electrical
contacts of the front side of device 100a when the two components
are snapped together. These contacts 222 are shown in FIG. 7. In
the embodiment of FIG. 5A, user selections of buttons 270 are
translated into coded signals which are generated over the
electrical contacts and processed by device 100a. Using these coded
signals, the device 100a can determine which buttons where pressed
and when.
[0048] FIG. 5B is analogous to FIG. 5A except the portable computer
system 310b has snapped thereon a basic removable faceplate with a
slot 312 for receiving a removable memory device in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates one example device 320 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention using an extended faceplate
integrated with the device 100a. In this example, an extended
faceplate 250b is attached to device 100a. This faceplate 250b is
roughly the same width as device 100a but is longer in length to
accommodate an extended keyboard. The faceplate is a housing that
contains the six standard buttons 270 for PDA access but also
contains a full alphanumeric keyboard 280 which may be used for
text entering. Also included are function keys 272. This faceplate
250b can be used by any user requiring the particular key layout
shown to customize the device to their particular needs and work.
Not shown are internal electrical contacts on the rear side of the
faceplate 250b that make contact with corresponding electrical
contacts of the front side of device 100a when the two components
are snapped together. In this embodiment, user selections of
buttons 270, 272 or 280 are translated into coded signals which are
generated over the electrical contacts and processed by device
100a. Using these coded signals, the device 100a can determine
which buttons where pressed and when.
[0050] Importantly, faceplates 250a or 250b can interchangeably be
removed attached to device 100a depending on the user's needs. For
instance, if a user performs a large degree of text data entering
or responds to pages, he/she may want a pager-like interface with
their PDA 100a. In this case, faceplate 250b can be used to
customize the PDA 100a for this particular use. However, if the
user wants a smaller footprint, e.g., they are traveling, then
faceplate 250a can be used.
[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates the rear or back side view of faceplate
250a (and can also represent the rear side view of faceplate 250b).
According to this embodiment, mechanical buttons 270a-270e are
electrically connected to a code generation device 410 via ribbon
cable (or "flex circuits") 430a and 430b. The mechanical buttons
270a-270e are mounted on housing 420 and may be placed in any
location on the housing 420 and are basically electrical switches
with a mechanical key. In one embodiment, the housing 420 is made
of a molded plastic or resin or a flexible metal material.
[0052] The code generator device 410 is disposed on housing 420 is
connected to electrical contacts 222 via ribbon cable ("flex
circuits") 430c. As discussed above, contacts 222 are operable to
come into physical contact with electrical pads 220 of device 100a
when faceplate 250a is attached to device 100a. The code generator
410 is responsive to signals from cables 430a and 430b which
indicate which button is pressed and when. The code generator 410
is capable of generating a unique digital or analog signal (button
code) over contacts 222 indicating which button was pressed. It is
appreciated that the button code is generated over contacts 222
simultaneously with the button being pressed. It is appreciated
that many well known code generators could be used for this
function, including numerous different types of digital and/or
analog code generators.
[0053] It is appreciated that the key or button layout of faceplate
250a is very flexible in that keys or buttons can be placed in any
position on the faceplate housing 420. Further, these keys
270a-270e can be made available to the device 100a as a result of
the contacts 222 which are positioned at predetermined locations
for mating with contacts 220 of device 100a.
[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates one example device 330 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a
faceplate 250c is attached to and integrated with device 100a but
is used with the PDA in such a way that it is held length-wise
rather than width-wise. The buttons 274 are then placed on the left
and right sides to facilitate gaming. This faceplate 250c is
roughly the same width but longer in length than the device 100a.
The faceplate is a housing that contains special buttons 274
adapted for gaming applications (e.g., start, stop, reset, A/B,
joystick, etc.). The buttons 274 are also positioned in places to
provide the best gaming experience possible. Not shown are internal
electrical contacts on the rear side of the faceplate 250c that
make contact with corresponding electrical contacts of the front
side of device 100a when the two components are snapped together.
In this embodiment, user selections of buttons 274 are translated
into coded signals which are generated over the electrical contacts
and processed by device 100a. Using these coded signals, the device
100a can determine which buttons where pressed and when.
[0055] Importantly, faceplates 250a-250c can interchangeably be
attached to device 100a depending the way in which the user wants
to use the device 100a. For instance, if a user plays games, he/she
may want a game-like interface with the PDA 100a. In this case,
faceplate 250c can be used to customize the PDA 100a for this
particular use. Therefore, the removable integrated functional
faceplates discussed herein permit the user to add additional
specific functionality to their PDA such as gaming (oystick) and
email (keyboard) or standard PDA use. Also, the faceplates of the
present invention, when installed, become an integrated part of the
PDA and are not necessarily an add-on accessory which potentially
could add additional size to the device.
[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates the rear or back side view of faceplate
250c in block diagram form. Faceplate 250c is similar to faceplate
250a (FIG. 7) except that the keys are laid out differently and
faceplate 250c utilizes an optional identification code device 450.
Identification code device 450 can be realized either using either
electrical components or mechanical components. Identification code
device 450 is coupled to an electrical contact 222 and is able to
communicate a code to device 100a indicating the identity or type
of faceplate that it is. The identity code can help the device 100a
to interpret the coded signals generated by the code generator 410.
Using the identification code 450, each faceplate adapted for
coupling with the device 100a would have its own ID code value. In
one embodiment, identification code 450 can be realized using a
programmed memory cell.
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates one example device 340 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention that adds special
functionality to the PDA in addition to buttons and button layouts.
In this example, a faceplate 250d is attached to a device 100a and
adds global positioning system (GPS) functionality. This faceplate
250d is roughly the same size as the device 100a but a GPS receiver
510 is mounted on the housing of the faceplate 250d. The faceplate
also contains standard PDA buttons 270 adapted for PDA
applications. Not shown are internal electrical contacts on the
rear side of the faceplate 250d that make contact with
corresponding electrical contacts of the front side of device 100a
when the two components are snapped together. In this embodiment,
user selections of buttons 270 are translated into coded signals
which are generated over the electrical contacts and processed by
device 100a. Using these coded signals, the device 100a can
determine which buttons where pressed and when. The GPS device 510
also communicates with device 100a using these contacts.
[0058] Faceplates 250a-250d can interchangeably be attached to
device 100a depending on the user's need. For instance, if a user
needs GPS functionality, he/she may snap-on faceplate 250d. In this
case, faceplate 250d can be used to customize the PDA 100a for this
particular use.
[0059] FIG. 11 illustrates the rear or back side view of faceplate
250d in block diagram form. Faceplate 250d is similar to faceplate
250a (FIG. 7) except that faceplate 250d contains a data signal
generation device 460. The data signal generation device 460 in
this example is a GPS device, but could be any module. The data
signal generation device 460, including device 510, is coupled to
electrical contacts 222 and is able to communicate data signals to
device 100a in this fashion. GPS applications on device 100a can
then be used to present the data signals to the user. Other
possible data signal generation devices 460 could include
environmental measuring devices, such as an electronic thermometer,
an electronic light meter, an electronic wind meter, an electronic
sound meter, an electronic color meter, etc. An optional
identification circuit 450 may also be employed.
[0060] Using data signal generation devices 460, the faceplates of
the present invention can add significant optional features and
capabilities to the standard PDA unit 100a in a flexible and
readily user-installable fashion.
[0061] FIG. 12 illustrates the rear or back side view of another
faceplate 250e which adds an auxiliary power supply module 470 to
housing 420. Faceplate 250e is similar to faceplate 250d except
that faceplate 250e contains the auxiliary power supply module 470.
The auxiliary power supply module 470 is useful for providing extra
power to device 100a for applications that consume large amounts of
battery power, e.g., music playing applications and related
electronics, etc. The auxiliary power supply module 470 is coupled
to electrical contacts 222 and is able to provide power to device
100a in this fashion. It is appreciated that module 470 may be a
battery (replaceable or rechargeable) or may be a solar cell. An
optional identification circuit 450 may also be employed.
[0062] FIG. 13 illustrates the rear or back side view of another
faceplate 250f which is similar to faceplate 250d except the data
signal generation device is a data storage device rather than a
data measurement device. In this example, the data storage device
480 includes a memory slot to receive a memory card (e.g., flash,
SDROM, Memory Stick, etc.), and associated chipset electronics. The
memory module 480 is useful for providing additional removable
storage capability for the device 100a (e.g., provided unit 104 is
also a memory card slot) or memory module 480 can be used to
provide removable memory storage functionality for a device 100a
not already having such functionality. The memory module 480 is
coupled to electrical contacts 222 and is able to provide memory
storage (e.g., data) for device 100a in this fashion.
Alternatively, device 480 could also be a music storage and
playback device. The identification code device 450 is
optional.
[0063] Other functionality that could be added by unit 480 includes
an expansion module connector or bus that is adapted for receiving
standard sized electronic modules. Also possible are wireless
communication devices, such as Bluetooth modules, IR modules, etc.
The unit 480 could also be an expanded display screen. An such
device would be coupled to contacts 222.
[0064] According to the various embodiments of the present
invention, the electrical contacts 222 may carry a number of
different signal types. For instance, some contacts may be reserved
for key code information relating to the buttons that were pressed.
In addition, two contacts may be reserved to supplying auxiliary
power to the device 100a. Also, various contacts may be reserved
for supplying an identification code to device 100a to indicate the
faceplate type, e.g., standard PDA type, extended keyboard type,
gaming type, GPS type, music type, etc. Other contacts can be
reserved for supplying data signals (analog or digital) to device
100a.
[0065] The preferred embodiment of the present invention, an
integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable computer
system or other intelligent device, is thus described. While the
present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it
should be appreciated that the present invention should not be
construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed
according to the below claims.
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