U.S. patent application number 12/202728 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for portable computing, communication and entertainment device with central processor carried in a detachable portable unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to KHYBER TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Rajendra Kumar.
Application Number | 20080320197 12/202728 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22433834 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080320197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kumar; Rajendra |
December 25, 2008 |
PORTABLE COMPUTING, COMMUNICATION AND ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE WITH
CENTRAL PROCESSOR CARRIED IN A DETACHABLE PORTABLE UNIT
Abstract
The present invention relates in general to portable processor
based devices that provide computing, communication or
entertainment functionality. More particularly, the present
invention pertains to portable processor based devices operable
while being held in its user's hand and providing communications,
organizer and/or entertainment functions, such as cellular
telephones, palm-sized organizers, and MP3 players, and to portable
processor based devices providing general computing capabilities,
such as laptop or handheld personal computers (PC's). More
specifically, the present invention relates to systems that
detachably mate a plurality of portable processor based devices to
provide their combined functionality in an integrated
structure.
Inventors: |
Kumar; Rajendra; (Akron,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100, 4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
KHYBER TECHNOLOGIES
CORPORATION
Akron
OH
|
Family ID: |
22433834 |
Appl. No.: |
12/202728 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11539373 |
Oct 6, 2006 |
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12202728 |
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11305996 |
Dec 19, 2005 |
7120462 |
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11539373 |
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09719290 |
Dec 7, 2000 |
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PCT/US00/09188 |
Apr 7, 2000 |
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11305996 |
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60128138 |
Apr 7, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
710/304 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1626 20130101;
G06F 1/1632 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101; B60R 11/0252 20130101;
H04M 1/72409 20210101; B60R 2011/0029 20130101; B60R 2011/0071
20130101; H04M 1/0256 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/304 |
International
Class: |
G06F 13/00 20060101
G06F013/00 |
Claims
1. A portable processing device comprising: a detachable portable
unit including a central processor and a plurality of first
circuits, said processor controlling the operation of said first
circuits, and said first circuits including at least a video
interface, a communication interface and a user input interface; a
docking display unit dimensioned substantially larger than said
detachable portable unit, said docking display unit including a
first display and a plurality of second circuits, said plurality of
second circuits not including a central processor and including a
video interface, and a user input interface, and wherein said
central processor controls the operation of at least one of said
second circuits and said first display when said detachable
portable unit is docked with said docking display unit.
2. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein control signals from
the central processor are coupled by means of a first electrical
connector provided on the detachable portable unit, and said
docking display unit further includes a second electrical connector
for removably engaging said first electrical connector when said
detachable portable unit and said docking display unit are
docked.
3. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said detachable
portable unit further includes at least one of a memory, a wireless
communication circuit, a first microphone, a first speaker, and a
power supply.
4. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein detachable portable
unit includes a first speaker and microphone and said docking
display unit further includes a second speaker and a second
microphone.
5. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said docking display
unit includes a first pen-input panel and said detachable portable
unit includes a second pen-input panel.
6. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said docking display
unit is mounted in a vehicle.
7. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said detachable
portable unit includes a first keyboard and said docking display
unit includes a second keyboard.
8. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said detachable
portable unit includes a connection for an external headphone.
9. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said detachable
portable unit includes at least one of an optical transmitter and
an optical transceiver.
10. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said detachable
portable unit includes a Global Positioning System receiver.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the docking display is
configured as a clamshell unit with first and second portions,
having the said auxiliary display in the first portion and an
auxiliary keyboard in the second portion.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the auxiliary display and the
auxiliary keyboard face one another when the clamshell unit is in
the closed position.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein the docking display includes a
recessed portion in which the portable unit is docked, wherein the
portable unit when docked, is positioned on the back of one of the
portions of the clamshell unit.
14. A portable processing device comprising: a detachable portable
unit; a central processor carried by the detachable portable unit;
a display carried by the detachable portable unit and connected to
the central processor unit; a power supply for powering the
detachable portable unit; a plurality of first circuits
interconnecting the central processor and the display and the power
supply; a power jack for receiving power to charge the power
supply; a docking display unit dimensioned substantially larger
than said detachable portable unit and configured to enable
connection to the detachable portable unit therewith, said docking
display unit including a first display and a plurality of second
circuits, said plurality of second circuits not including a central
processor and including a user interface comprising at least one
interface selected from the group consisting of a video interface,
a keyboard interface, a communication interface, a pen-input
interface, an audio interface or combinations thereof; a power jack
carried by the docking display unit and connecting to said power
supply of the detachable portable unit when connected thereto.
15. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said central
processor controls operation of at least one of said second
circuits and said first display when said detachable portable unit
is docked with said docking display unit and control signals from
the central processor are coupled by means of a first electrical
connector provided on the detachable portable unit and said
portable docking display unit further includes a second electrical
connector for removably engaging said first electrical connector
when said detachable portable unit and said portable docking
display unit are docked.
16. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said detachable
portable unit further includes at least one of a memory, a wireless
communication circuit, a first microphone, a first speaker, and a
power supply.
17. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein detachable portable
unit includes a first speaker and microphone and said docking
display unit further includes a second speaker and a second
microphone.
18. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said docking
display unit includes a first pen-input panel and said detachable
portable unit includes a second pen-input panel.
19. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said docking
display unit is mounted in a vehicle.
20. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said detachable
portable unit includes a first keyboard and said docking display
unit includes a second keyboard.
21. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said detachable
portable unit includes at least one of an optical transmitter and
an optical transceiver.
22. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said detachable
portable unit includes a Global Positioning System receiver.
23. A device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein the docking display
is configured as a clamshell unit with first and second portions,
having the said auxiliary display in the first portion and an
auxiliary keyboard in the second portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/539,373, filed Oct. 6, 2006, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/305,996, filed
Dec. 19, 2005, now Pat. No. 7,120,462, which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/719,290, filed Dec. 7, 2000,
now abandoned. This application also claims the benefit of
PCT/US00/09188, filed Apr. 7, 2000, and U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/128,138, filed Apr. 7, 1999, hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates in general to portable
processor based devices that provide computing, communication or
entertainment functionality. More particularly, the present
invention pertains to portable processor based devices operable
while being held in its user's hand and providing communications,
organizer and/or entertainment functions, such as cellular
telephones, palm-sized organizers, and MP3 players, and to portable
processor based devices providing general computing capabilities,
such as laptop or handheld personal computers (PC's). More
specifically, the present invention relates to systems that
detachably mate a plurality of portable processor based devices to
provide their combined functionality in an integrated
structure.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0004] To address consumers' portable computing, mobile
communications, and portable entertainment needs, a variety of
portable devices have been developed. The distinctly differing
requirements of each application have made it too costly and
unwieldy for such devices to fulfill more than one type, or two
closely related types of need.
[0005] For example, smart cell phones are devices that combine the
capabilities of cell phones and electronic organizers. Typical of
such devices are the Model PDQ-800 from Qualcomm, Incorporated of
San Diego, Calif., and the Model R380 from Ericsson, Incorporated
of Richardson, Tex. These products perform quite well as handheld
computing and communication devices by allowing the user to access
the Internet for e-mail, stock quote, etc., while preserving their
use as simple wireless phone units. However, in order to allow
handheld grasping, these units had to e kept small, thereby
limiting their display to a size that is too small for practical
use in conventional computing such as Web browsing, word
processing, etc. Also, to keep the cost of such devices low, their
designers employed central processors that have just enough power
to carry out smart phone functions, and not enough power to handle
general computing requirements.
[0006] Recently Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill., has begun to
sell its clipOn Organizer as an attachment to its StarTAC cellular
telephone and provide it with smart phone functionality. The clipOn
Organizer and StarTAC phone have been designed to operate as
individual, standalone units that each furnish its own processor
and power supply. Consequently, attaching the units does not
achieve the reduced size or cost desired in an integrated
combination.
[0007] For portable computing, the industry provides conventional
laptop computers, such as those based on Pentium processors from
Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif., and Windows software from
Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., and mini-laptop computers,
such as Microsoft WindowsCE based devices, called Handheld Personal
Computers (HPC's). The industry has also furnished palm-sized
devices for personal information management and organization such
as the Palm Pilot from 3Con Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif., and
Microsoft WindowsCE-based palm-sized PC's.
[0008] To fulfill the portable entertainment needs of consumers,
the computer industry provides digital audio players, such as the
Diamond Multimedia Rio mode made by S3, Inc. of Santa Clara,
Calif., that plays MP3 compatible audio content down-loaded from
the Internet. Another portable entertainment device is the wireless
system controller for home entertainment systems provided by
Harmon/Kardon International of Woodbury, N.Y.
[0009] To fulfill both mobile computing and communications needs, a
mobile worker has to carry two, and sometimes three devices--a
smart phone unit, an organizer, and a laptop unit. Of course, if
entertainment is also desired, the user must carry yet another
device--the MP3 player. The user has to purchase and maintain
multiple units--charging multiple sets of batteries and
synchronizing data from one with that of the other. Consequently,
there is a need for a device that provides a complete solution for
mobile computing, communication and entertainment without having to
own and maintain multiple units.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a portable processor based device for mobile computing,
communication and entertainment without having to acquire and
maintain multiple units. Such device works in much the same way as
conventional laptop computers. However, in the current invention,
the central processor, communication circuit, speaker, microphone,
and power supply are carried in a detachable portable unit. The
detachable portable unit functions as a wireless phone unit. Also,
by having its own display and keypad, it can serve as an Internet
appliance for e-mail access and for downloading of information from
the Internet, such as electronic books, audio books, digital music,
etc.
[0011] For applications requiring larger display and keyboard, the
detachable portable unit is docked into the main unit, the docking
display unit. In this mode, the detachable portable unit provides
the processing and the communication power to the docking display
unit. The combined unit is suitable for conventional computing,
such as Web word processing and spreadsheet applications. The
combined unit can also be used for reading downloaded electronic
books.
[0012] The detachable portable unit has additional functions. It
can be used as a portable digital audio player in one of two ways.
First, by plugging a headphone into its jack, the user can listen
to downloaded music or audio books. Second, by docking into the
docking display unit that contains larger speakers, the downloaded
music or other content can be played back in much the same way as
done by a standard PC or a laptop computer. The detachable portable
unit can be equipped with appointment manager software, thereby
functioning as a clock radio by itself or while docked with the
docking display unit.
[0013] The detachable portable unit can be equipped with an
infrared transceiver for providing wireless optical communication
with other compatible units such as those compatible with IrDA
standard. With suitable software, the detachable portable unit can
be made to function as a remote control unit for TV, VCR and other
home entertainment systems and appliances. The user can pre-enter
the desired program schedule once and thereafter have the
detachable portable unit select the channels automatically.
[0014] The docking display can be mounted in a vehicle, further
extending the function of the mobile computing and communication
device. The detachable portable unit may be fitted with a Global
Positioning Satellite System (GPS) capability. In that case when
the detachable unit is docked in the docking display, the combined
unit serves as an auto PC, giving the vehicle driver the location
of the vehicle on a map on the large display in much the same way
as AutoPC reference design from Microsoft, with the exception that
in the current case the detachable unit is usable in a plurality of
applications.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention over existing prior art forms will become more apparent
and fully understood from the following description in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
[0016] In general, a portable computing, communication and
entertainment device in accordance with the present invention
includes a detachable portable unit and a portable docking display
unit. The detachable portable unit is sized for handheld grasping
and includes a processor and a plurality of first circuits, the
processor controlling the operation of the first circuits. The
portable docking display unit is dimensioned to receive docking of
the detachable portable unit and includes a first display and a
plurality of second circuits. The processor controls the operation
of at least one of the second circuits and the first display when
the detachable portable unit is docked with the docking display
unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary device in
accordance with the present invention for mobile computing,
communication and entertainment. This view presents a front
perspective view of a detachable portable unit and a top
perspective view of a clamshell shaped docking display unit having
a partially open lid and base, and illustrates diagrammatically how
exemplary electrical connectors in each unit may engage and mate so
that the units form a single combined device.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-section elevational view of the exemplary
device shown in FIG. 1 with the detachable portable unit mated with
the docking display unit.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the device shown in
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the detachable portable
unit.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the device shown in
FIG. 1 when mounted in a vehicle and in an operational
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] One embodiment of an exemplary device in accordance with the
present invention for mobile computing, communication and
entertainment is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and generally indicated
by the numeral 10. Device 10 includes a detachable portable unit 20
and a docking display unit 30.
[0023] Detachable portable unit 20 may also include an electrical
connector 23 that carries signals from the central processor 11
through video interface 15, keyboard interface 16, communication
interface 17, pen-input interface 51, audio interface 29, and power
supply 14. As seen in FIG. 3, the docking display unit 30 does not
include a central processor, and one or more of the circuits of the
docking display are operated by the central processor 11 of the
detachable portable unit. Mating electrical connector 36 in docking
display unit 30 may therefore connect these signals to auxiliary
display 31, auxiliary keyboard 32, wired communication circuit 33,
auxiliary pen-input panel 44, speakers 42 and microphone 43, and
power jack 35. Communication circuit 33 is connected to
communication jack 34 for further connection to communication lines
such as the public switched telephone network or cell or other
wireless network.
[0024] Docking display unit 30 includes a recessed platform 38,
with an electrical connector 36, a fixed tab 39 and a movable tab
41, retractable by latch 37. To dock detachable portable unit 20
into docking display unit 30, fixed tab 39 is slid into slot 24
with the front side of detachable portable unit 20 facing platform
38. The other end of detachable portable unit 20 is brought down to
have connector 23 on detachable portable unit 20 mate with
connector 36 of docking display unit 30. Tab 41 is slid into slot
25 to secure detachable portable unit 20 in place.
[0025] Docking display unit 30 is shown as a portable clamshell
style unit, including an auxiliary display 31, in the lid portion
and an auxiliary keyboard 32 in the base portion, facing each other
in the closed position. The lid of docking display unit 30 also
contains a communication jack 34, such as a standard RJ-style
telephone jack, and a power jack 35, such as an AC adapter/charger
jack.
[0026] The block diagram in FIG. 3 shows detachable portable unit
20 including a central processor 11, and the circuits supported
and/or controlled by it, namely program memory 112, at memory 13,
power supply 14, video interface 15, keyboard interface 16,
communication interface 17, pen-input interface 51, and audio
interface 29. In turn, video interface 15 drives display 18, the
keyboard interface 16 drives the keypad 19, communication interface
17 drives wireless communication circuit 21, pen-input interface 51
drives the pen-input panel 52, and audio interface 29 drives
microphone 26 and speaker 27, and connects to the headphone jack
28. Wireless communication circuit 21 is connected to the antenna
22. GPS receiver 58, such as that supplied by SiRF Technology of
San Jose, Calif., is also connected to central processor 11.
[0027] Detachable portable unit 20 also includes an electrical
connector 23 that carries signals from the central processor 11
through video interface 15, keyboard interface 16, communication
interface 17, pen-input interface 51, audio interface 29, and power
supply 14. Mating electrical connector 36 in docking display unit
30 connects these signals to auxiliary display 31, auxiliary
keyboard 32, wired communication circuit 33, auxiliary pen-input
panel 44, speakers 42 and microphone 43, and power jack 35. Wired
communication circuit 33 is connected to communication jack 34 for
further connection to external wired communication lines such as
the public switched telephone network.
[0028] Detachable portable unit 20 may also contain an optical
transmitter 54 for transmission of remote control signals to TV,
VCR, etc. Alternately, it may be equipped with an optical
transceiver 53 for optical communication with other compatible
devices, such as laptop computers, printers and network
interfaces.
[0029] In another variation of the above embodiment, the interface
signals connecting the circuitry carried in detachable portable
unit 20 and docking display unit 30 may be multiplexed using
conventional multiplexing circuits in order to reduce the number of
interconnect signals and hence reducing the size of connectors 23
and 36.
[0030] In another variation of the above embodiments, detachable
portable unit 20 may contain no display at all, like conventional
cordless handsets. In this case central processor 11 will still
drive the auxiliary display 31 through the video interface 15, and
video interface 15 may be housed in docking display unit 30,
further reducing the size of detachable portable unit 20.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows docking display unit 30 mounted on the floor of
a vehicle 70. The bottom end of a pedestal 60 is attached to the
vehicle floor 70. Clamps 61 are attached to the top end of pedestal
60. Docking display unit 30 can be removably mounted on pedestal 60
by using bolts or other conventional methods. Detachable portable
unit 20 can then be docked in docking display unit 30 in the same
manner as in the other applications described hereinbefore.
[0032] The ordinarily skilled artisan should now appreciate that in
this way a portable device for computing, communication and/or
entertainment device, can be created that has a detachable portable
unit. When mated with a docking display unit, the detachable
portable unit becomes the controller for the entire portable
computing, communication and entertainment device. The detachable
portable unit is in a smaller housing that is dimensioned for
handheld grasping and is sized to be carried in a pocket like an
average cell phone. The docking display unit carries an auxiliary,
larger display and other components. The central processor, carried
in the detachable portable unit, and being used to operate the
docking display unit, must have enough processing power to
adequately perform functions of an entire portable computing,
communication and entertainment device, and not just the functions
of a wireless phone. Examples of commercially available processors
adequate for this task include the Intel StrongARM processor, the
models SH-3 and SH-4 processors from Hitachie American, Ltd. of
Brisbane, Calif., and the model 4100 RISC processor from NEC
American, Inc. of Irving, Calif.
[0033] As technology advances in the future, the Pentium processor
from Intel, used in most laptop computers, may be used in other
embodiments of the current invention. The other components used in
device 10 can be similar to those employed by traditional computing
devices, communication devices and entertainment devices. Typical
of these other components are: liquid crystal display of small and
large sizes from Optrex America Inc. of Detroit, Mich., and Seiko
Instruments USA, Incorporated of Torrance, Calif.; memory chips
from Micron Technologies, Inc. of Boise, Id., VLSI Technologies
wireless communication chips available from Philips North American
in Atlanta, Ga., power supply chips from Analog Devices Inc. of
Norwood, Mass., and pen-input panels from MicroTouch Systems, Inc.
of Methuen, Mass.
[0034] Device 10 as described hereinbefore will require operating
system software such as Microsoft Windows or WindowsCE.
Off-the-shelf application software such as Microsoft Outlook,
PocketWord, etc. can be used for various tasks. Alternately, the
Java software platform from Sun Microsystems, Inc. of Palo Alto,
Calif., can be implemented in device 10. In this instance, Java
applets can be downloaded into device 10 from the Internet via
wireless communication circuit 21 or via wired communication
circuit 33.
[0035] Inasmuch as the present invention is subject to variations,
modifications and changes in detail, some of which have been
expressly stated herein, it is intended that all matter described
throughout this entire specification or shown in the accompanying
drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense. It should thus be evident that a device constructed
according to the concept of the present invention, and reasonably
equivalent thereto, will accomplish the objects of the present
invention and otherwise substantially improve the art of devices
for mobile computing, communication and entertainment.
[0036] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0037] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *