U.S. patent application number 13/976461 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for mobile computing device, apparatus and system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gadi Amit, Daniel Clifton, Chadwick Harber, Yoshikazu Hoshino, Kenneth Jasinski, Sameer Sharma. Invention is credited to Gadi Amit, Daniel Clifton, Chadwick Harber, Yoshikazu Hoshino, Kenneth Jasinski, Sameer Sharma.
Application Number | 20140198441 13/976461 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48873753 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140198441 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sharma; Sameer ; et
al. |
July 17, 2014 |
MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
Abstract
Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method are described for
a mobile computing device. A mobile computing device may comprise,
for example, an enclosure arranged to support a display and one or
more processor circuits, the enclosure having an enlarged portion
at one side of the enclosure arranged to allow a user to clutch the
enclosure with one hand at the one side, the enlarged portion
having a thickness that is larger than a thickness of another
portion of the enclosure, and the enlarged portion defining a
cavity arranged to support one or more energy storage modules.
Other embodiments are described and claimed.
Inventors: |
Sharma; Sameer; (Santa
Clara, CA) ; Amit; Gadi; (San Mateo, CA) ;
Harber; Chadwick; (San Francisco, CA) ; Hoshino;
Yoshikazu; (San Francisco, CA) ; Clifton; Daniel;
(San Francisco, CA) ; Jasinski; Kenneth; (South
San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sharma; Sameer
Amit; Gadi
Harber; Chadwick
Hoshino; Yoshikazu
Clifton; Daniel
Jasinski; Kenneth |
Santa Clara
San Mateo
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
South San Francisco |
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48873753 |
Appl. No.: |
13/976461 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
January 24, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/22403 |
371 Date: |
June 26, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.09 ;
361/679.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1692 20130101;
G06F 1/1635 20130101; G06F 1/1686 20130101; G06F 1/1662 20130101;
G06F 1/162 20130101; G06F 1/1654 20130101; G06F 1/1681 20130101;
G06F 1/1643 20130101; G06F 1/1684 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101;
G06F 1/169 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.09 ;
361/679.3 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A mobile computing device, comprising: an enclosure arranged to
support a display and one or more processor circuits, the enclosure
having an enlarged portion at one side of the enclosure arranged to
allow a user to clutch the enclosure with one hand at the one side,
the enlarged portion having a thickness that is larger than a
thickness of another portion of the enclosure, and the enlarged
portion defining a cavity arranged to support one or more energy
storage modules.
2. The mobile computing device of the claim 1, the enlarged portion
comprising a cylindrical portion having an outer diameter that is
larger than the thickness of the other portion of the enclosure and
a cavity defined by an inner diameter, the cavity arranged to
support the one or more energy storage modules.
3. The mobile computing device of claim 1, the enlarged portion
integrated on at least one side of the enclosure.
4. The mobile computing device of claim 1, comprising: one or more
input/output (I/O) ports arranged on an end of the enlarged portion
and communicatively coupled to the one or more processor
circuits.
5. The mobile computing device of claim 1, comprising: one or more
integrated input devices arranged on an end of the enlarged portion
and communicatively coupled to the one or more processor
circuits.
6. The mobile computing device of claim 1, the display comprising a
touch-sensitive display communicatively coupled to the one or more
processor circuits.
7. The mobile computing device of claim 1, comprising: one or more
energy storage modules comprising one or more cylindrical batteries
arranged in the cavity of the enlarged portion.
8. The mobile computing device of claim 1, comprising: one or more
sensors communicatively coupled to the one or more processor
circuits, the one or more sensors comprising one or more of a
camera, accelerometer, proximity sensor, light sensor, compass or
global positioning system (GPS).
9. The mobile computing device of claim 1, the enlarged portion
arranged to removeably and communicatively couple the mobile
computing device to an input device.
10. A system, comprising: a computing device having an enclosure
arranged to support a display and one or more processor circuits,
the enclosure having an enlarged portion at one side of the
enclosure, the enlarged portion having a thickness that is larger
than a thickness of another portion of the enclosure and the
enlarged portion defining a cavity; one or more energy storage
modules to be arranged inside the cavity; and an input device to be
removeably coupled to the enlarged portion.
11. The system of claim 10, the enlarged portion comprising a
cylindrical portion on at least one side of the enclosure, the
cylindrical portion having an outer diameter that is larger than a
thickness of the enclosure and the cavity defined by an inner
diameter of the cylindrical portion.
12. The system of claim 11, the cylindrical portion integrated on
at least one side of the enclosure.
13. The system of claim 11, the cylindrical portion arranged to
rotate within a cylindrical recess portion of the input device.
14. The system of claim 10, the input device having a recess
portion arranged to receive the enlarged portion of the computing
device.
15. The system of claim 14, the computing device comprising: one or
more connectors on the enlarged portion arranged to align with one
or more connectors in the recess portion when the input device is
coupled to the computing device.
16. The system of claim 15, the one or more connectors comprising
electrical connectors arranged to communicatively couple the input
device and the computing device.
17. The system of claim 15, the one or more connectors comprising
mechanical connectors arranged to provide mechanical resistance
between the enlarged portion and the recess portion to maintain a
position of the computing device with respect to the input
device.
18. The system of claim 15, the one or more connectors comprising
one or more of a magnetic connector, a pulley connector, a gear
connector, a hinge connector or a male-female connectors.
19. The system of claim 10, the input device arranged to support
the computing device such that a display of the computing device
and a plurality of keys of the input device are accessible and
operable in a first open clamshell configuration.
20. The system of claim 19, the input device arranged to support
the computing device such that a display of the computing device is
accessible and operable in a second open clamshell configuration
with the display arranged to face in an opposite direction of the
first open clamshell configuration.
21. The system of claim 10, the input device arranged to align with
a back side of the computing device to substantially conceal a
plurality of keys of the input device in a tablet
configuration.
22. The system of claim 21, the input device arranged to be
inoperable in the tablet configuration.
23. The system of claim 10, the input device arranged to align with
and substantially conceal a display of the computing device in a
closed configuration.
24. The system of claim 23, the input device arranged to be
inoperable in the closed configuration.
25. The system of claim 10, the computing device comprising: one or
more processor circuits and a touch sensitive display.
26. The system of claim 10, the one or more energy storage modules
comprising one or more cylindrical batteries to be arranged in the
cavity of the enlarged portion.
27. The system of claim 10, the computing device comprising: one or
more sensors comprising one or more of a camera, a speaker, a
microphone, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a
compass or a global positioning system (GPS).
28. The system of claim 10, the computing device comprising: one or
more input/output (I/O) ports arranged on an end of the enlarged
portion.
29. The system of claim 10, the computing device comprising: one or
more integrated input devices arranged on an end of the enlarged
portion.
30. The system of claim 10, the computing device comprising: one or
more wireless transceivers operative to enable wireless
communications for the computing device using one or more wireless
communication protocols.
31. The system of claim 10, the input device comprising: a QWERTY
keyboard and a trackpad.
32. The system of claim 10, the computing device comprising: one or
more processor circuits arranged inside the cavity of the enlarged
portion.
33-37. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The performance and capabilities of modern computing systems
have increased rapidly in recent years. Many computing system today
include one or more processors, memory, wireless connectivity,
displays and other components requiring electrical power. The
number and type of capabilities and components in modern computing
systems continues to increase, which often results in increased
power consumption. Additionally, modern mobile computing systems
continue to decrease in size, resulting in limited space for the
different components necessary to implement the increased
capabilities. Moreover, modern mobile computing systems are often
used in a variety of different locations and usage scenarios which
require ergonomically designed systems to ensure a pleasant user
experience. As a result, it is desirable to improve mobile
computing device designs. Consequently, there exists a substantial
need for techniques to adapt mobile computing devices to
accommodate components in an ergonomically efficient design.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a first system.
[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a second system.
[0004] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a third system.
[0005] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a fourth system.
[0006] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a fifth system.
[0007] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a sixth diagram.
[0008] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a seventh system.
[0009] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of an eighth system.
[0010] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a ninth system.
[0011] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of an tenth system.
[0012] FIG. 11A illustrates one embodiment of a eleventh
system.
[0013] FIG. 11B illustrates one embodiment of a twelfth system.
[0014] FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a thirteenth
system.
[0015] FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a logic diagram.
[0016] FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a fourteenth
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The embodiments are generally directed to a mobile computing
device, apparatus and system. Various embodiments provide a system,
apparatus and method that include an enclosure arranged to support
a display and one or more processor circuits, the enclosure having
an enlarged portion at one side of the enclosure arranged to allow
a user to clutch the enclosure with one hand at the one side, the
enlarged portion having a thickness that is larger than a thickness
of another portion of the enclosure, and the enlarged portion
defining a cavity arranged to support one or more energy storage
modules. Various embodiments provide for a system, apparatus and
method that include a mobile computing device and a removable input
device. While referred to hereinafter as a cylindrical portion, it
should be understood that the enlarged portion may comprise any
suitable shape or orientation and still fall within the described
embodiments. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0018] With the progression over time toward the use of computing
devices of decreasing size and cost, the space available for
components designed to provide power for the devices in a mobile
computing device platform is becoming increasingly limited. Modern
mobile computing devices, such as tablet computers, handheld
computing devices and smartphones, require mobile power to provide
a robust user experience. Current mobile computing devices include
rechargeable batteries that are often an afterthought in the design
and offer mobile power for a limited time based on the size, shape
and capacity of the batteries. These batteries are typically square
or rectangular and have large flat surfaces to allow the batteries
to fit into areas of the computing device that do not force
alterations to the size or shape of the device. These types of
batteries, however, are generally not as efficient as cylindrical
batteries. Therefore, some embodiments described herein are
directed to techniques and designs to ergonomically accommodate
cylindrical batteries in a mobile computing device. Other
embodiments are described and claimed.
[0019] Modern computing devices, such as tablet computers, are held
and manipulated by a user during use. For example, tablet computers
are often held as a user would traditionally hold a book or
magazine. Modern mobile computing devices fail to provide adequate
methods to ensure the comfort of the user when the device is being
held. In present mobile computing devices, the various thin and
flat surfaces do not provide for a convenient holding position. In
various embodiments, this may lead to a poor user experience.
Therefore, some embodiments described herein are directed to
techniques and designs to provide for an ergonomically efficient
computing device design. Other embodiments are described and
claimed.
[0020] The processing power and capabilities of modern mobile
computing devices continues to increase, often resulting in
increased functionality requirements. For example, in some
embodiments it may be advantageous for a mobile computing device to
couple with an input device to allow for data entry and device
control. Currently available input device do not provide a good
user experience and typing or performing other interactive actions
on a display screen may be ergonomically uncomfortable. Moreover,
Bluetooth keyboards and other currently available input devices may
be cumbersome for a user to transport. Therefore, some embodiments
described herein are directed to techniques to allow for a mobile
computing device and one or more input devices to be removeably and
interchangeably coupled. Other embodiments are described and
claimed.
[0021] Embodiments may include one or more elements. An element may
comprise any structure arranged to perform certain operations. Each
element may be implemented as hardware, software, or any
combination thereof, as desired for a given set of design
parameters or performance constraints. Although embodiments may be
described with particular elements in certain arrangements by way
of example, embodiments may include other combinations of elements
in alternate arrangements.
[0022] It is worthy to note that any reference to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrases
"in one embodiment" and "in an embodiment" in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a mobile computing
device or system 100. In various embodiments, the mobile computing
device 100 may comprise multiple nodes, element or components. A
node, element or component generally may comprise any physical or
logical entity in the mobile computing device 100 and may be
implemented as hardware, software, or any combination thereof, as
desired for a given set of design parameters or performance
constraints. Although FIG. 1 may show a limited number of nodes,
elements and components by way of example, it can be appreciated
that more or less nodes, elements or components may be employed for
a given implementation.
[0024] In various embodiments, the mobile computing device 100 may
comprise a tablet computer, handheld computer, personal digital
assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, combination cellular
telephone/PDA, smartphone, portable computer, pager, messaging
device, media player, digital music player, or other suitable
mobile computing device. Various embodiments described herein
include reference to a tablet computer. The embodiments are not
limited in this context.
[0025] Mobile computing device 100 may comprise a device operative
to form part of a wired communications system, a wireless
communications system, or a combination of both. For example, the
mobile computing device 100 may comprise one or more nodes arranged
to communicate information over one or more types of wired
communication links. Examples of a wired communication link may
include, without limitation, a wire, cable, bus, printed circuit
board (PCB), Ethernet connection, peer-to-peer (P2P) connection,
backplane, switch fabric, semiconductor material, twisted-pair
wire, co-axial cable, fiber optic connection, and so forth. The
mobile computing device 100 also may include one or more nodes
arranged to communicate information over one or more types of
wireless communication links. Examples of a wireless communication
link may include, without limitation, a radio channel, infrared
channel, radio-frequency (RF) channel, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)
channel, a portion of the RF spectrum, and/or one or more licensed
or license-free frequency bands.
[0026] The mobile computing device 100 may communicate information
in accordance with one or more standards as promulgated by a
standards organization. In one embodiment, for example, various
devices comprising part of the communications system 100 may be
arranged to operate in accordance with one or more of the IEEE
802.11 standard, the WiGig Alliance.TM. specifications,
WirelessHD.TM. specifications, standards or variants, such as the
WirelessHD Specification, Revision 1.0d7, Dec. 1, 2007, and its
progeny as promulgated by WirelessHD, LLC (collectively referred to
as the "WirelessHD Specification"), or with any other wireless
standards as promulgated by other standards organizations such as
the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (information IEEE), the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF), and so forth. In various embodiments, for
example, the mobile computing device 100 may communicate
information according to one or more IEEE 802.11 standards for
wireless local area networks (WLANs) such as the information IEEE
802.11 standard (1999 Edition, Information Technology
Telecommunications and Information Exchange Between Systems--Local
and Metropolitan Area Networks--Specific Requirements, Part 11:
WLAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical (PHY) Layer
Specifications), its progeny and supplements thereto (e.g.,
802.11a, b, g/h, j, n, VHT SG, and variants); IEEE 802.15.3 and
variants; IEEE 802.16 standards for WMAN including the IEEE 802.16
standard such as 802.16-2004, 802.16.2-2004, 802.16e-2005, 802.16f,
and variants; WGA (WiGig) progeny and variants; European Computer
Manufacturers Association (ECMA) TG20 progeny and variants; and
other wireless networking standards. The embodiments are not
limited in this context.
[0027] The mobile computing device 100 may communicate, manage, or
process information in accordance with one or more protocols. A
protocol may comprise a set of predefined rules or instructions for
managing communication among nodes. In various embodiments, for
example, a communications system may employ one or more protocols
such as a beam forming protocol, medium access control (MAC)
protocol, Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP), Simple
Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Asynchronous Transfer Mode
(ATM) protocol, Frame Relay protocol, Systems Network Architecture
(SNA) protocol, Transport Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol
(IP), TCP/IP, X.25, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), User
Datagram Protocol (UDP), a contention-based period (CBP) protocol,
a distributed contention-based period (CBP) protocol and so forth.
In various embodiments, the communications system 100 also may be
arranged to operate in accordance with standards and/or protocols
for media processing. The embodiments are not limited in this
context.
[0028] In some embodiments, the mobile computing device 100 may
comprise or be associated with a network and a plurality of other
nodes. In various embodiments, the nodes may be implemented as
various types of wireless or mobile computing devices. Examples of
wireless devices may include, without limitation, an IEEE 802.15.3
piconet controller (PNC), a controller, an IEEE 802.11 PCP, a
coordinator, a station, a subscriber station, a base station, a
wireless access point (AP), a wireless client device, a wireless
station (STA), a laptop computer, ultra-laptop computer, portable
computer, personal computer (PC), notebook PC, tablet computer,
handheld computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular
telephone, combination cellular telephone/PDA, smartphone, pager,
messaging device, media player, digital music player, set-top box
(STB), appliance, workstation, user terminal, mobile unit, consumer
electronics, television, digital television, high-definition
television, television receiver, high-definition television
receiver, and so forth.
[0029] In some embodiments, mobile computing device 100 may
comprise or include one more wireless interfaces and/or components
for wireless communication such as one or more transmitters,
receivers, transceivers, chipsets, amplifiers, filters, control
logic, network interface cards (NICs), antennas, antenna arrays,
modules and so forth. Examples of conventional antennas may
include, without limitation, an internal antenna, an
omni-directional antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, an
end fed antenna, a circularly polarized antenna, a micro-strip
antenna, a diversity antenna, a dual antenna, an antenna array, and
so forth.
[0030] In various embodiments, mobile computing device 100 may
comprise or form part of a wireless network. In some embodiments,
for example, the wireless network may comprise or be implemented as
various types of wireless networks and associated protocols
suitable for a WPAN, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a
Wireless Metropolitan Area Network, a Wireless Wide Area Network
(WWAN), a Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) network, a radio network,
a television network, a satellite network such as a direct
broadcast satellite (DBS) network, a long term evolution (LTE)
network and/or any other wireless communications network arranged
to operate in accordance with the described embodiments.
[0031] While the embodiments are not limited in this context,
mobile computing device 100 illustrates one possible computing
device in some embodiments. In various embodiments, mobile
computing device 100 may include enclosure 102, cylindrical portion
104, display 106, platform component(s) 108, energy storage modules
110 and sensor(s) 112. In some embodiments, the platform
component(s) may include but are not limited to one or more
processor circuits or memory. While a limited number and
arrangement of components are shown in FIG. 1 for purposes of
illustration, it should be understood that mobile computing device
100 may include any number or arrangement of components and still
fall within the described embodiments. For example, mobile
computing device 100 may additionally include, in some embodiments,
memory containing instructions to be executed by one or more
multi-core processors for example. The embodiments, however, are
not limited to the elements or the configuration shown in this
figure. Additional components for mobile computing device 100 are
discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 14.
[0032] Platform component(s) 108 may comprise a processor circuit
and/or memory in some embodiments. A processor may comprise any
suitable electric device, semiconductor device, system on chip or
other component in some embodiments. For example, a processor may
comprise a multi-core processor in various embodiments. In some
embodiments, a processor may include or comprise one or more radio
modules or combination transmitter/receiver (e.g. transceiver)
devices. In various embodiments, the transceiver device may
comprise a device that has both a transmitter and a receiver that
are combined and share common circuitry or a single housing. For
example, in some embodiments, the transceiver may be operative to
enable wireless communication capabilities for mobile computing
device 100. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0033] Memory may comprise any suitable physical device operative
to store data, programs, sequences of instructions or other
information on a temporary or permanent basis for use in mobile
computing device 100 in some embodiments. For example, memory may
comprise volatile or non-volatile memory, RAM, ROM, virtual memory,
solid state disk drive or a hard disc drive for example. The
embodiments are not limited in this context.
[0034] In some embodiments, display 106 may comprise any suitable
visual interface for displaying content to a user of the mobile
computing device 100. In one embodiment, for example, the display
106 may be implemented by a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a
touch-sensitive color LCD screen. The touch-sensitive LCD may be
responsive to human touch or may be used with a stylus and/or a
handwriting recognizer program in some embodiments. In other
embodiments, display 106 may comprise a plasma display,
light-emitting diode (LED) display or an organic light-emitting
diode (OLED) display. Display 106 may comprise a digital
touchscreen display arranged to occupy a substantial portion of a
first side of a computing device 100 in some embodiments.
[0035] The one or more energy storage modules 110 may comprise any
device suitable for providing electrical power to computing device
100 in various embodiments. For example, one or more energy storage
modules 110 may comprise a battery or a plurality of batteries or
other energy storage devices capable of storing and providing power
to computing device 100. In some embodiments, the one or more
energy storage modules 110 may comprise cylindrically shaped
batteries. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0036] In various embodiments, mobile computing device 100 may
include one or more sensors 112. The one or more sensors 112 may
comprise one or more of a camera, accelerometer, proximity sensor,
light sensor, compass or global positioning system (GPS) in some
embodiments. The one or more sensors 112 of mobile computing device
100 may be arranged to provide various different functionality for
the device 100, such as tilt sensing, rotating one or more user
interface elements displayed on display 106 or any other suitable
function as one skilled in the art would understand. While the one
or more sensors 112 are shown in a particular location on mobile
computing device 100 in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the
embodiments are not limited in this respect. Other embodiments are
described and claimed.
[0037] Mobile computing device 100 may include an enclosure 102 in
some embodiments. Enclosure 102 may comprise an enclosure, housing,
case or other device suitable to support, surround, protect or
enclose one or more computing components for computing device 100.
For example, enclosure 102 may comprise a rigid plastic or metal
body that surrounds or supports one or more computing components
108 for computing device 100. In various embodiments, enclosure 102
may comprise the body or main portion of a tablet computer and may
additionally include, support or comprise memory, one or more
wireless transceivers operative to enable wireless communications
for the computing device using one or more wireless communication
protocols, one or more energy storage modules 110, display 106 or
any other suitable component of computing device 100. Other
embodiments are described and claimed.
[0038] In some embodiments, enclosure 102 may be designed to have a
thin and sleek form factor in accordance with many modern computing
system designs. In various embodiments enclosure 102 may
additionally include or comprise cylindrical portion 104.
Cylindrical portion 104 may comprise a portion of enclosure 102
that is formed as part of enclosure 102, integrated into enclosure
102 or attached to enclosure 102 in various embodiments. For
example, cylindrical portion 104 may be seamlessly integrated along
at least one edge or side of enclosure 102 as shown in FIG. 1.
While shown on only one side in FIG. 1, it should be understood
that cylindrical portion 104 could be formed or arranged on more
than one side of enclosure 102 and still fall within the described
embodiments. For example, in some embodiments an additional
cylindrical portion 104 may be arranged on a second side of
enclosure 102 opposite the side shown in FIG. 1 to include the
cylindrical portion. Other embodiments are described and
claimed.
[0039] Cylindrical portion 104 may have an outer diameter that is
larger than a thickness of the enclosure 102 and a cavity 105
defined by an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer
diameter. In some embodiments, the cavity 105 may be arranged to
support the one or more energy storage modules 110. In various
embodiments, the cavity 105 may be arranged to support
substantially cylindrical batteries 110 that may be more energy
efficient than flat batteries that are often used in modern
computing devices. The cavity 105 may comprise a cylindrical
opening that extends along the entire length of the cylindrical
portion 104 in some embodiments which may allow for the placement
of one or more energy storage modules 110 and/or any other suitable
component (e.g. 108 and the like) in the cavity 105. In other
embodiments, the cavity 105 may be arranged to extend along the
interior of the cylindrical portion 104 for only a portion that is
required to allow for the components (e.g. 110, 108 and the like)
that will be arranged inside the cavity 105. Other embodiments are
described and claimed.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a
back side view 200 of a mobile computing device that may be the
same or similar to mobile computing device 100 of FIG. 1 in various
embodiments where like elements are similarly numbered. As shown in
FIG. 2, the back side 202 of mobile computing device 100 may
comprise or form part of the enclosure 102, protective casing or
housing. While not shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that
back side 202 may include one or more user interface elements, a
secondary display or any other suitable component and still fall
within the described embodiments. For example, mobile computing
device 100 may include a display on back side 202 and a display 106
on the opposite side of the computing device 100 as shown in FIG. 1
to implement a dual display computing device. Other embodiments are
described and claimed.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a
bottom end view 300 of a mobile computing device that may be the
same or similar to mobile computing device 100 of FIG. 1 in various
embodiments where like elements are similarly numbered. In some
embodiments, FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiments
of a top end view 400 of a mobile computing device that may be the
same or similar to mobile computing device 100 of FIG. 1 in various
embodiments where like elements are similarly numbered. As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the cylindrical portion 104 may be smoothly
integrated into or formed as part of enclosure 102. While certain
dimensions and proportions of the cylindrical portion 104 are shown
with respect to a thickness of the enclosure 102, it should
understand that the embodiments are not limited in this respect. It
should also be understood that the cylindrical portion 104 need not
be exactly cylindrical to fall within the described
embodiments.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom end of the cylindrical
portion 104 of mobile computing device 100 may comprise or include
one or more input/output (I/O) ports arranged on an end of the
cylindrical portion. In some embodiments, one or more I/O ports may
be communicatively coupled to the one or more processor circuits
108 to allow for communication with one or more peripheral devices
coupled to the one or more I/O ports. In various embodiments, the
one or more I/O ports may comprise one or more of an Ethernet
interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a
Thunderbolt.RTM. interface, a DisplayPort interface, a
MiniDisplayPort (mDP) interface and/or the like. Other embodiments
are described and claimed.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the top end of the cylindrical portion
104 of mobile computing device 100 may comprise or include one or
more one or more integrated input devices such as one or more
buttons or switches arranged on an end of the cylindrical portion
and communicatively coupled to the one or more processor circuits
108. For example, in some embodiments the computing device 100 may
include only one button or switch that is discretely located on an
end of the cylindrical portion 104 as shown in FIG. 4. In various
embodiments, the single button or switch may be operative to turn
the computing device 100 on and off and may also control various
other functionality, including operating as a home screen button.
While not shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, some embodiments may
include one or more power adapter ports on an end of the
cylindrical portion 104 as discussed in more detail with reference
to FIG. 12. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0044] In various embodiments, the one or more energy storage
modules 110 may be removable. For example, one or more ends of the
cylindrical portion 104 may include a screw cap or other mechanism
that may allow for the exchange or replacement of the one or more
energy storage modules 110. In this manner, additional or spare
batteries may be carried by a travel who desires to use the
computing device 100 for an extended period of time that may exceed
the life of just one set of the one or more energy storage modules
110. The embodiments are not limited in this respect.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a
right side view 500 of a mobile computing device that may be the
same or similar to mobile computing device 100 of FIG. 1 in various
embodiments where like elements are similarly numbered. In some
embodiments, FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiments
of a left side view 600 of a mobile computing device that may be
the same or similar to mobile computing device 100 of FIG. 1 in
various embodiments where like elements are similarly numbered. As
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cylindrical portion 104 may have a
diameter or dimension 504 that is larger than a thickness or width
502 of enclosure 102. While certain dimensions and proportions of
the cylindrical portion 104 are shown with respect to a thickness
of the enclosure 102, it should understand that the embodiments are
not limited in this respect. It should also be understood that the
cylindrical portion 104 need not be exactly cylindrical to fall
within the described embodiments.
[0046] As similarly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cylindrical portion
104 may have a dimension or diameter 504 that is larger than a
thickness or dimension 502 of the enclosure 102. In some
embodiments, this arrangement may allow for components such as one
or more energy storage modules 110 to be removed from behind
display 106 and relocated into the cavity 105 of the cylindrical
portion 104. This unique design may allow for a decrease in the
thickness 502 of the main body of the enclosure 102 as the
batteries and/or other components are been extracted into the
cylindrical portion 104. In various embodiments, this may result in
an improved computing device 100 design. For example, from a user
experience perspective, this design may provide the user with
something to hold onto (e.g. the cylindrical portion 104) when they
are using the device. Additionally, from a technology perspective,
cylindrical batteries 110 that may be incorporated into the cavity
105 of the cylindrical portion 104 are one of the most efficient
ways to store charge currently available, which may result in
improved battery life, performance and other advances for the
computing devices 100 described herein.
[0047] While the computing device 100 described above is fully
functionally as, for example, a tablet computing device, one or
more removable input devices may assist in capturing the full
potential of the device and allow for a more robust user
experience. For example, the addition of a keyboard and/or trackpad
or other pointing device may allow for use of the computing device
100 as a more traditional personal computer or laptop computer.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a system 700. System
700 may comprise a combination or hybrid computing device in some
embodiments. For example, the hybrid computing device 700 may
comprise or include a combination of computing device 100 that may
be the same or similar to computing device 100 of FIG. 1 and an
input device 702 that may be removeably coupled with computing
device 100, where like elements are similarly numbered throughout.
Other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, the hybrid computing device 700 may
include but is not limited to mobile computing device 100 that
includes an enclosure 102 including a cylindrical portion 104
integrated on at least one side of the enclosure 102. In various
embodiments, the cylindrical portion 104 may be arranged to have an
outer diameter that is larger than a thickness of the enclosure and
a cavity defined by an inner diameter as described with reference
to FIGS. 1-6. In some embodiments, one or more energy storage
modules may be arranged inside the cavity. For example, one or more
cylindrical batteries may be arranged inside the cavity.
[0050] In various embodiments, an input device 702 may be
removeably coupled to the cylindrical portion 104. For example, the
input device 702 may comprise a removable or detachable keyboard
704 and/or trackpad or pointing device 706. The keyboard may
comprise a QWERTY keyboard for example. Unlike many "after-thought"
tablet computing solutions currently available with an accessory
keyboard, the hybrid computing device 700 comprises a fully
integrated design solution that provides the touch-screen
interaction and capabilities of a tablet computing device and the
touch-typing experience of a clamshell, laptop or netbook computer
in a compact, practical and aesthetically pleasing platform.
[0051] Like a conventional clamshell, laptop or netbook computing
device, the hybrid computing device 700 may comprise or include a
main portion 102/104, which contains a main logic board, barrel
batteries and other components, and a separate input device section
702. In various embodiments, the unique socket mechanism comprising
the combination of the cylindrical portion 104 and a cylindrical
recess 710 allows the computing device 100 to be attached to the
input device 702 at least two different ways. For example, the
computing device 100 could be attached such that the display 106 is
facing inward or outward with respect to the keyboard 704. In some
embodiments, this unique mechanism may allow for the hybrid
computing device 700 to be used in multiple modes, such as a laptop
mode, tablet mode, movie mode, closed mode or different clamshell
modes. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0052] In various embodiments, the input device 702 may include a
recess portion 710 arranged to receive the enlarged or cylindrical
portion 104 of the computing device 100. For example, the recess
portion 710 may comprise a cylindrical channel that is arranged to
have a shape and size that substantially matches that of the
cylindrical portion 104. In this manner, the cylindrical portion
104 may fit snuggly within the cylindrical recess portion 710 when
the computing device 100 and input device 702 are coupled together.
In some embodiments, the fit between the cylindrical portion 104
and the cylindrical recess portion 710 may be tight and may be
arranged to apply a mechanical or friction force to the cylindrical
portion 104 to partially restrict movement of the computing device
100 with respect to the input device 702 when the two are coupled
together.
[0053] In some embodiments, one or more electrical and/or
mechanical connectors or other coupling mechanisms 712/714 may be
included on one or more of the cylindrical portion 104 and the
cylindrical recess portion 710. For example, one or more magnetic
portions, pulley portions, gear portions or connector portions may
be arranged to align and couple the computing device 100 and the
input device 702. In various embodiments, the connectors or
coupling mechanisms 712/714 may help to secure the computing device
100 and the input device 702 together to form the hybrid computing
device 700. The one or more connectors or coupling mechanisms
712/714 may also or alternatively comprise electrical connectors
arranged to communicatively couple the computing device 100 and the
input device 702 in some embodiments. For example, the one or more
connectors or coupling mechanisms 712/714 may provide an electrical
or other communication connection between the keyboard 704 and/or
trackpad 706 of the input device and the processor 108 or other
suitable component of computing device 100.
[0054] In various embodiments, the one or more connectors 714 on
the cylindrical portion 104 may be arranged to align with the one
or more connectors 712 disposed or arranged in the cylindrical
recess portion 710 of the input device 702 when the input device
702 is coupled to the computing device 100. For example, the one or
more connectors 714 on the cylindrical portion 104 may be arranged
to share a magnetic attraction with the one or more connectors 712
disposed or arranged in the cylindrical recess portion 710. In this
manner, a user who is inserting cylindrical portion 104 of the
computing device 100 into the cylindrical recess 710 of the input
device 702 will be guided and the coupling will occur smoothly and
in the correct position to ensure a positive user experience.
[0055] The one or more connectors 712/714 may comprise mechanical
connectors and may be arranged to provide mechanical resistance
between the cylindrical portion 104 and the cylindrical recess
portion 710 to maintain a position of the computing device 100 with
respect to the input device 702 in some embodiments. For example,
the one or more connectors 712/714 may comprise magnetic
connectors, pulley connectors, gear connectors, hinge connectors or
male-female connectors or the like the provide mechanical
resistance to maintain the computing device 100 in a desired
position but still able to be moved and adjusted by a user with
minimal effort. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0056] While described herein as including an electrical connection
to enable communication between the computing device 100 and the
input device 702, it should be understood that any suitable
communication technology could be used and still fall within the
described embodiments. For example, the computing device 100 and
the input device 702 may be equipped with Bluetooth or another
suitable wireless technology to allow wireless communication
between the devices in some embodiments. Other embodiments are
described and claimed.
[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a system 800. The
system 800 may comprise a hybrid computing device 800 that may be
the same or similar to hybrid computing device 700 of FIG. 7 where
like elements are similarly numbered. In some embodiments, hybrid
computing device 800 may illustrate an embodiment where computing
device 100 and input device 702 have been coupled together in a
clamshell or laptop mode or configuration. For example, as shown in
FIG. 8 the input device 702 may be arranged to support the
computing device 100 such that a display 106 of the computing
device 100 and a plurality of keys, keyboard 704 or trackpad 706 of
the input device 702 are accessible and operable in a clamshell or
laptop configuration.
[0058] In various embodiments, with the display 106 in the
configuration shown in FIG. 8, the hybrid computing device 800 may
be operable as a clamshell or laptop computer, enabling a user 802
to interact with the touch-sensitive display 106 and also to
control the device 100 or enter data using the keyboard 704 or
trackpad 706 of the input device 702. In some embodiments, the
keyboard 704 may comprise an 18.5 mm pitch full size keyboard that
provides a traditional touch-typing experience. The embodiments are
not limited in this respect.
[0059] The one or more connectors 712/714 are shown in FIG. 8 in
their coupled position. This coupling may provide mechanical
resistance to secure the computing device 100 with respect to the
input device 702 and may also communicatively couple the computing
device 100 or one or more components of the computing device 100
and the input device 702. Despite the applied mechanical
resistance, the position of the computing device 100 may be
adjustable as shown and described in more detail with respect to
FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0060] In various embodiments, the location of the one or more
energy storage modules 110 in the cavity 105 of the cylindrical
portion 104 of the computing device 100 may assist in maintaining
the computing device 100 in a desired clamshell or laptop mode
configuration as shown in FIG. 8. For example, moving the one or
more energy storage modules 110 from a position behind the display
106 where they are typically found in a traditional computing
device to a position in the cylindrical portion 104 as described
herein may improve the balance or weighting of the device in the
hybrid configuration as shown. Other embodiments are described and
claimed.
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a system 900. The
systems 900 may comprise a hybrid computing device 900 that may be
the same or similar to hybrid computing device 700 of FIG. 7 and/or
hybrid computing device 800 of FIG. 8 where like elements are
similarly numbered. In various embodiments, the computing device
100 may be arranged to freely rotate around a pivot point defined
at the center axis of the cylindrical portion 104 and the
cylindrical recess portion 710. In this manner, the angle of the
computing device 100 with respect to the input device 702 can be
freely adjusted.
[0062] In some embodiments, the input device 702 may be sized and
arranged to align with and substantially conceal a display 106 or
substantially an entire side of the enclosure 102 of the computing
device 100 in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 9. In these
embodiments the input device 702 may be arranged to be inoperable
and the input device 702 may be arranged to protect the display.
The closed configuration shown in FIG. 9 may also provide for a
compact and secure device design making the device easy to
transport.
[0063] In various embodiments, because the computing device 100 is
removable from the input device 702, other configurations may be
possible as well which result in a highly configurable and dynamic
device design. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a
system 1000. The system 1000 may comprise a hybrid computing device
1000 that may be the same or similar to hybrid computing device 700
of FIG. 7, hybrid computing device 800 of FIG. 8, hybrid computing
device 900 of FIG. 9A and/or hybrid computing device 950 of FIG. 9B
where like elements are similarly numbered. As shown in FIG. 10,
the input device 702 may be arranged to support the computing
device 100 such that a display 106 of the computing device 100 is
accessible and operable and a plurality of keys, keyboard 704
and/or trackpad 706 of the input device 702 are not accessible and
the input device is inoperable in a movie-mode configuration. As
shown in FIG. 10, the movie-mode or second clamshell configuration
may allow for the input device 702 to act as a stand for the
computing device 100. Other embodiments are described and
claimed.
[0064] FIG. 11A illustrates one embodiment of a system 1100. The
system 1100 may comprise a hybrid computing device 1100 that may be
the same or similar to hybrid computing device 1000 of FIG. 10
where like elements are similarly numbered. As shown in FIG. 11A,
from the movie-mode configuration, the computing device 100 may be
further rotated such that the input device 702 is arranged to
substantially align with a back side 202 of the computing device
100 to substantially conceal a plurality of keys, keyboard 704
and/or trackpad 706 of the input device 702 in a tablet
configuration. In various embodiments, the input device 702 may be
arranged to be inoperable in the tablet configuration. In the
configuration shown in FIG. 11A, with the display 106 flipped
upside-down to face outward, the computing device may be operable
to function as a tablet computing device with the barrel-shaped
socket mechanism or cylindrical portion 104 severing as an ideal
grip or holding location. In this mode, the keyboard 704 is stowed
behind the display 106 and the input device may provide additional
protection to the back side 202 of the computing device 100.
[0065] FIG. 11B illustrates one embodiment of a system 1150. The
system 1150 may comprise a hybrid computing device 1150 that may be
the same or similar to hybrid computing device 1100 of FIG. 11A
where like elements are similarly numbered. As shown in FIG. 11B, a
user 802 may be able to comfortably hold, clutch or grasp the
device 100 in an idea position by holding, clutching or grasping
the cylindrical portion of the device 100. In this manner, a user
may be able to comfortably hold onto the device while performing
any number of tasks, including reading for example. While one
holding position is shown in FIG. 11B, it should be understood that
any holding position or other configuration could be used and still
fall within the described embodiments.
[0066] As described elsewhere herein, when the computing device 100
is detached from the input device 702, the computing device 100 is
operable to function as a simple light-weight tablet computing
device by itself. The addition of the input device 702, however,
may improve the usability of the hybrid computing device. In
various embodiments, the unique detachability of the hybrid
computing device may allow for different types of input devices,
different keyboards or other suitable devices to be coupled
together. For example, an ultra-thin keyboard with dome switch
based keys may be available for portability or a conventional
scissor mechanism based keyboard may be available for the best
typing experience. The embodiments are not limited in this
respect.
[0067] FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a system 1200. The
system 1200 may comprise a hybrid computing device 1200 that may be
the same or similar to the hybrid computing devices described
elsewhere herein where like elements are similarly numbered. As
shown in FIG. 12, the hybrid computing device may include a power
connector 1202 on at least one end of the cylindrical portion 104.
The power connector 1202 may comprise any suitable power delivery
technology or port and may allow for the charging of the one or
more energy storage modules 110 arranged inside the cavity 105 of
the cylindrical portion 104. In some embodiments, the end of the
cylindrical portion 104 may additionally or alternatively include
one or more integrated input devices 1204, such as one or more
buttons or switches to control one or more operations of the
computing device 100, such as but not limited to turning the device
100 on or off Other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0068] Included herein are one or more flow charts representative
of exemplary methodologies for constructing or assembly one or more
aspects of the disclosed architecture. While, for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the one or more methodologies shown
herein, for example, in the form of a flow chart or flow diagram,
are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood
and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order
of acts, as some acts may, in accordance therewith, occur in a
different order and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown
and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will
understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be
represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as
in a state diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustrated in a
methodology may be required for a novel implementation.
[0069] FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a logic flow 1300. The
logic flow 1300 may be representative of a series of steps or
processes necessary to build or implement a hybrid computing device
as described elsewhere herein. A touch-sensitive display may be
arranged on a first side of an enclosure of a mobile computing
device at 1302 in some embodiments. For example, display 106 may be
arranged on a first side of enclosure 102. At 1304, a cylindrical
portion may be arranged on at least one side of the enclosure. For
example, a cylindrical portion 104 having an outer diameter that is
larger than a thickness of the enclosure 102 and a cavity 105
defined by an inner diameter may be arranged on at least one side
of enclosure 102. In various embodiments, one or more energy
storage modules may be arranged in the cavity at 1306. For example,
cylindrical batteries 110 may be arranged inside cavity 105 of
cylindrical portion 104 in some embodiments.
[0070] In various embodiments, an input/output (I/O) port may be
arranged on a first end of the cylindrical portion and one or more
integrated input devices may be arranged on a second end of the
cylindrical portion opposite the first end. For example, a USB port
302 may be arranged on a first end and a power button or power
connector port 402 may be arranged on an opposite end. In some
embodiments, one or more processor circuits or other platform
components may be arranged in the cavity. For example, processor
108 may be arranged inside cavity 105. Other embodiments are
described and claimed.
[0071] FIG. 14 is a diagram of an exemplary system embodiment. In
particular, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a system 1400, which may
include various elements. For instance, FIG. 14 shows that system
1400 may include a processor 1402, a chipset 1404, an input/output
(I/O) device 1406, a random access memory (RAM) (such as dynamic
RAM (DRAM)) 1408, and a read only memory (ROM) 1410, and various
platform components 1414 (e.g., a fan, a crossflow blower, a heat
sink, DTM system, cooling system, housing, vents, and so forth).
These elements may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware,
or any combination thereof. The embodiments, however, are not
limited to these elements.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 14, I/O device 1406, RAM 1408, and ROM 1410
are coupled to processor 1402 by way of chipset 1404. Chipset 1404
may be coupled to processor 1402 by a bus 1412. Accordingly, bus
1412 may include multiple lines.
[0073] Processor 1402 may be a central processing unit comprising
one or more processor cores and may include any number of
processors having any number of processor cores. The processor 1402
may include any type of processing unit, such as, for example, CPU,
multi-processing unit, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC), a
processor that have a pipeline, a complex instruction set computer
(CISC), digital signal processor (DSP), and so forth.
[0074] Although not shown, the system 1400 may include various
interface circuits, such as an Ethernet interface and/or a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and/or the like. In some
exemplary embodiments, the I/O device 1406 may comprise one or more
input devices connected to interface circuits for entering data and
commands into the system 1400. For example, the input devices may
include a keyboard (physical or virtual/soft), mouse, touch screen,
track pad, track ball, isopoint, a voice recognition system, and/or
the like. Similarly, the I/O device 1406 may comprise one or more
output devices connected to the interface circuits for outputting
information to an operator. For example, the output devices may
include one or more displays, printers, speakers, and/or other
output devices, if desired. For example, one of the output devices
may be a display. The display may be a cathode ray tube (CRTs),
liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or any other type of display.
[0075] The system 1400 may also have a wired or wireless network
interface to exchange data with other devices via a connection to a
network. The network connection may be any type of network
connection, such as an Ethernet connection, digital subscriber line
(DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, etc. The network may be any
type of network, such as the Internet, a telephone network, a cable
network, a wireless network, a packet-switched network, a
circuit-switched network, and/or the like.
[0076] Numerous specific details have been set forth herein to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the
embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In
other instances, well-known operations, components and circuits
have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the
embodiments. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and
functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do
not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.
[0077] Various embodiments may be implemented using hardware
elements, software elements, or a combination of both. Examples of
hardware elements may include processors, microprocessors,
circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors,
capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits,
application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic
devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable
gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor device,
chips, microchips, chip sets, and so forth. Examples of software
may include software components, programs, applications, computer
programs, application programs, system programs, machine programs,
operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules,
routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, software
interfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets,
computing code, computer code, code segments, computer code
segments, words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof.
Determining whether an embodiment is implemented using hardware
elements and/or software elements may vary in accordance with any
number of factors, such as desired computational rate, power
levels, heat tolerances, processing cycle budget, input data rates,
output data rates, memory resources, data bus speeds and other
design, performance or cost constraints.
[0078] Some embodiments may be described using the expression
"coupled" and "connected" along with their derivatives. These terms
are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some
embodiments may be described using the terms "connected" and/or
"coupled" to indicate that two or more elements are in direct
physical or electrical contact with each other. The term "coupled,"
however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct
contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with
each other.
[0079] Some embodiments may be implemented, for example, using a
machine-readable or computer-readable medium or article which may
store an instruction, a set of instructions or computer executable
code that, if executed by a machine or processor, may cause the
machine or processor to perform a method and/or operations in
accordance with the embodiments. Such a machine may include, for
example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform,
computing device, processing device, computing system, processing
system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented
using any suitable combination of hardware and/or software. The
machine-readable medium or article may comprise a non-transitory
medium in some embodiments and may include, for example, any
suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory
medium, storage device, storage article, storage medium and/or
storage unit, for example, memory, removable or non-removable
media, volatile or non-volatile memory or media, erasable or
non-erasable media, writeable or re-writeable media, digital or
analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read Only Memory
(CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable
(CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, magneto-optical media,
removable memory cards or disks, various types of Digital Versatile
Disk (DVD), a tape, a cassette, or the like. The instructions may
include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled
code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code,
encrypted code, and the like, implemented using any suitable
high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and/or
interpreted programming language.
[0080] Unless specifically stated otherwise, it may be appreciated
that terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating,"
"determining," or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of
a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing
device, that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as
physical quantities (e.g., electronic) within the computing
system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly
represented as physical quantities within the computing system's
memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission
or display devices. The embodiments are not limited in this
context.
[0081] It should be noted that the methods described herein do not
have to be executed in the order described, or in any particular
order. Moreover, various activities described with respect to the
methods identified herein can be executed in serial or parallel
fashion.
[0082] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the
specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover
any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. It is
to be understood that the above description has been made in an
illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combinations of
the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically
described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reviewing the above description. Thus, the scope of various
embodiments includes any other applications in which the above
compositions, structures, and methods are used.
[0083] It is emphasized that the Abstract of the Disclosure is
provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b), requiring an
abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature
of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning
of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description,
it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a
single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.
This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than
are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive subject matter that lies in less than all
features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following
claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with
each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment.
In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are
used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms
"comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Moreover, the terms
"first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and
are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their
objects.
[0084] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
* * * * *