U.S. patent application number 14/448863 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-24 for modular device and methods therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Motorola Mobility LLC. Invention is credited to Christopher A. Arnholt, Daniel T Berg, Carl A. Cepress, Max K. Yoshimoto.
Application Number | 20150271307 14/448863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65138321 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150271307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berg; Daniel T ; et
al. |
September 24, 2015 |
Modular Device and Methods Therefor
Abstract
A device (1400) includes an electronic device (100) with one or
more processors (501), one or more memory devices (508), a display
(101), and a first electrical connector (206). An electronic
accessory module (600) includes a second electrical connector
(806). A housing (1100) receives the electronic accessory module at
a first end of the housing and receives the electronic device at a
second end of the housing. The housing biases the first electrical
connector and the second electrical connector together and couples
to both the electronic device and the electronic accessory module
to secure the electronic device and the electronic accessory module
within the housing.
Inventors: |
Berg; Daniel T; (Gilroy,
CA) ; Arnholt; Christopher A.; (Highland Park,
IL) ; Cepress; Carl A.; (Chicago, IL) ;
Yoshimoto; Max K.; (Sunnyvale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Motorola Mobility LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65138321 |
Appl. No.: |
14/448863 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61968726 |
Mar 21, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/556.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1698 20130101;
H04B 1/088 20130101; H04B 1/3833 20130101; G06F 1/1686 20130101;
H04M 1/0264 20130101; H04M 1/72575 20130101; G06F 2200/1635
20130101; G06F 1/1635 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101; H04M 1/0254
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/02 20060101
H04M001/02; H04B 1/3888 20060101 H04B001/3888; G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A device, comprising: an electronic device comprising one or
more processors, one or more memory devices, a display, and a first
electrical connector; an electronic accessory module, operable with
the one or more processors of the electronic device, the electronic
accessory module comprising a second electrical connector; and a
housing to: receive the electronic accessory module at a first end
of the housing; receive the electronic device at a second end of
the housing; bias the first electrical connector and the second
electrical connector together; and couple to both the electronic
device and the electronic accessory module to secure the electronic
device and the electronic accessory module within the housing.
2. The device of claim 1, the electronic device comprising a
wireless communication device to communicate with a network.
3. The device of claim 1, the electronic accessory module
comprising an imager operable with the one or more processors of
the electronic device.
4. The device of claim 1, the electronic accessory module
comprising an audio transducer operable with the one or more
processors of the electronic device.
5. The device of claim 1, the electronic accessory module
comprising a user interface operable with the one or more
processors of the electronic device.
6. The device of claim 1, the electronic accessory module
comprising an energy storage device to deliver power to the one or
more processors of the electronic device.
7. The device of claim 2, the electronic accessory module one of an
audio device, a fitness device, a scanning device, an imaging
device, a user input device, a haptic device, a memory device, or a
display device.
8. The device of claim 1, the one or more processors to send one or
more of audio data, display data, or haptic data through the first
electrical connector and the second electrical connector to the
electronic accessory module.
9. The device of claim 1, the one or more processors to receive one
or more of image data, audio data, sensor data, or power through
the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector
from the electronic accessory module.
10. The device of claim 1, the housing comprising a head bay at the
first end of the housing and a toe bay at the second end of the
housing.
11. The device of claim 10, the display disposed along a front side
of the electronic device, the front side defining a rabbet, the
rabbet to engage the toe bay when the electronic device is disposed
within the housing.
12. The device of claim 11, the electronic accessory module to
engage the head bay when the electronic accessory module is
disposed within the housing.
13. The device of claim 12, the housing comprising one or more
sidewalls, at least one sidewall comprising a retention mechanism
to retain the electronic device within the housing.
14. The device of claim 10, further comprising one or more caps to
attach to an exterior of one or more of the head bay or the toe
bay.
15. The device of claim 1, a rear side of the electronic device
defining a rabbet, the electronic accessory module defining a
complementary rabbet, the rabbet to engage the complementary rabbet
when the electronic device and the electronic accessory module are
disposed within the housing.
16. The device of claim 15, the first electrical connector disposed
on a surface of the rabbet, the second electrical connector
disposed on an end of the electronic accessory module.
17. A device, comprising: an electronic device comprising one or
more processors, one or more memory devices, a display, and a first
electrical connector; an electronic accessory module, operable with
the one or more processors of the electronic device, the electronic
accessory module comprising a second electrical connector; and a
first housing and a second housing, the first housing to receive a
portion of the electronic device, the second housing to receive the
electronic accessory module and another portion of the electronic
device; the first housing and the second housing to couple together
to bias the first electrical connector against the second
electrical connector and to secure the electronic device and the
electronic accessory module within the first housing and the second
housing.
18. The device of claim 17, the first housing defining a first
peninsular aperture, the second housing defining a second
peninsular aperture, the display visible through the first
peninsular aperture and the second peninsular aperture when the
first housing is coupled to the second housing.
19. A method of assembling a device, the method comprising:
inserting an electronic accessory comprising a first electrical
connector into a first end of a housing, toeing an end of an
electronic device into a second end of the housing, the electronic
device comprising a second electrical connector; pivoting the
electronic device to engage the first electrical connector with the
second electrical connector; and locking the electronic device into
the housing to retain the electronic accessory in the housing.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching one or
more caps to exteriors of one or more bays of the housing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/986,726,
filed Mar. 21, 2014.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure relates generally to devices, and more
particularly to electronic devices.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablet
computers, and the like, are becoming increasingly powerful
computational tools. These devices are also becoming more prevalent
in today's society. Not too long ago a mobile telephone was a
simplistic device capable of only making voice calls. Today,
"smart" phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, and
other portable electronic devices not only handle voice
communication, but also manage address books, maintain calendars,
play music and videos, display pictures, and surf the web.
[0006] As the capabilities of these electronic devices have
progressed, so too has consumer demand for customization. Many
users today view their smart devices not only as utilitarian tools,
but also as fashion statements as well. Other users demand niche
features in smart devices so the devices can be used with hobbies
or jobs. This demand for customization is in conflict with the
regulatory requirements such devices must meet before shipment.
While a manufacturer may like to have thousands of different SKUs
for electronic devices, this requires sending thousands of devices
through regulatory testing. Wireless communication, product safety,
product reliability, and other regulatory testing are expensive and
time consuming. It would be advantageous to be able to provide
customization options while mitigating device qualification
demands.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of one explanatory
electronic device configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear elevation view of one explanatory
electronic device configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one explanatory
electronic device configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of one
explanatory electronic device configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of one
explanatory electronic device configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of one explanatory
electronic accessory module configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of one explanatory
electronic accessory module configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of one explanatory
electronic accessory module configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates another perspective view of one
explanatory electronic accessory module configured in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates explanatory components of electronic
accessory modules configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view of one
explanatory housing configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of one explanatory
housing configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates another perspective view of one
explanatory housing configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory
device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates one step of an explanatory method in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 16 illustrates one step of an explanatory method in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 17 illustrates one step of an explanatory method in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 18 illustrates one step of an explanatory method in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 19 illustrates one explanatory device in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 20 illustrates an alternate device in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 21 illustrates an explanatory partial assembly in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 22 illustrates a rear elevation view of one explanatory
device in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 23 illustrates another rear elevation view of one
explanatory device in accordance with embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 24 illustrates another explanatory partial assembly in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure
[0031] FIG. 25 illustrates another rear elevation view of one
explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 26 illustrates another rear elevation view of one
explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0033] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in
accordance with the present disclosure, it should be observed that
the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps
and apparatus components related to a modular electronic device
that includes an electronic device and one or more interchangeable
electronic accessory modules. Accordingly, the apparatus components
and method steps have been represented where appropriate by
conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific
details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the
present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details
that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of the description herein.
[0035] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosure
described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional
processors and unique stored program instructions that control the
one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain
non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of
operation of the electronic device, the electronic accessory
module, or the two in combination. The non-processor circuits may
include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio
transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits,
and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted
as steps of a method to perform the operational functionality found
in each device. Alternatively, some or all functions could be
implemented by a state machine that has no stored program
instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of
certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of
course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Thus,
methods and means for these functions have been described herein.
Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding
possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by,
for example, available time, current technology, and economic
considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles
disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such
software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal
experimentation.
[0036] Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail.
Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts
throughout the views. As used in the description herein and
throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings
explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise: the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." Relational
terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be
used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity
or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also,
reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate
components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For
example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A
would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure
A.
[0037] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a customizable,
modular device that includes an electronic device and an electronic
accessory module. The electronic device and electronic accessory
module can be locked into a housing so that a first electrical
connector of the electronic device is biased against a second
electrical connector of the electronic accessory module so that the
two components can communicate to offer enhanced device
functionality. The housing is to couple both the electronic device
and the electronic accessory module to secure the two components
within the housing. A user can then customize and modify the device
by attaching different electronic accessory modules to the
electronic device to create new and changing devices with unique
features. Additionally, different housings can be used with the
electronic device to create customized device experiences.
[0038] In one or more embodiments, an electronic device can be
configured as a modular component that can be inserted into a
customized housing. For example, in one embodiment the electronic
device is configured as a transceiver module and includes device
components such as a display, wireless communication circuitry and
antenna(s), one or more processors for providing device
functionality, power management components, and so forth. The
electronic device, in one embodiment, is a standard component that
is customized by adding different electronic accessory modules.
Said differently, each device "kit" includes the electronic device
as a standard, single unit. The inclusion of components such as
wireless communication circuitry into a base device that is used in
many different combinations simplifies regulatory approval as it
provides a singular configuration for Federal Communications
Commission and other regulatory approvals.
[0039] The electronic device is operable with one or more
electronic accessory modules. In one embodiment, the electronic
accessory module has an electrical connector to interface with the
electronic device. Each electronic accessory module can be
customized with components to offer different features and
functionality to devices that use the common electronic device with
a customized electronic accessory module. Examples of electronic
accessory modules include audio devices, gaming devices, fitness
devices, scanning devices, imaging devices, user input devices,
haptic devices, memory devices, or display devices. This list is
explanatory only, as other types of electronic accessory modules
will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure.
[0040] The electronic device and a corresponding electronic
accessory module are coupled together, in one embodiment, by a
housing. The housing, like the electronic accessory module, can be
customized as desired by the user. Housings can be manufactured
with different mechanical features, different cosmetic styles and
form factors, different feature sets, in different colors, and from
different materials. The ability of a user to choose one or more
electronic accessory modules and one or more housings, each
operable with a common electronic device, allows the user to
purchase a single electronic device and customize it in a myriad of
different ways.
[0041] In one embodiment, the housing provides several different
functions for a resulting device. The housing is to receive the
electronic accessory module at a first end of the housing and
receive the electronic device at a second end of the housing. When
both the electronic device and the electronic accessory module are
disposed within the housing, in one or more embodiments the housing
is to bias a first electrical connector of the electronic device
and a second electrical connector of the electronic accessory
module together so that the two devices can communicate and provide
device functionality. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the
housing is to further couple to both the electronic device and the
electronic accessory module to secure the electronic device and the
electronic accessory module within the housing.
[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 1-4, illustrated therein is one
embodiment of an electronic device 100 configured in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment,
the electronic device 100 is constructed as a sealed unit, with a
display 101 disposed along a front side of the electronic device
100 and component casing 201 disposed on a rear side of the
electronic device 100. For example, the electrical components of
the electronic device 100 can be potted, sealed, or otherwise
disposed within the component casing 201 so that the electronic
device 100 effectively becomes a unitary solid-state unit The
component casing 201 can be manufactured from an injection-molded
thermoplastic material disposed about a periphery of the display
101 so that the electronic device is a single, rugged, sealed
unit.
[0043] Turning briefly to FIG. 5, illustrated therein are some of
the components that can be included in the electronic device 100.
Note that the explanatory electronic device 100 is shown as a smart
phone for ease of illustration. However, it will be obvious to
those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure that other portable electronic devices may be
substituted for the explanatory smart phone. The electronic device
100 may be configured as a palm-top computer, a tablet computer, a
gaming device, wearable computer, a remote controller, a media
player, laptop computer, portable computer, or other electronic
device.
[0044] In one embodiment, the display 101 is disposed along the
front surface of the electronic device 100. In one embodiment, the
display 101 is configured to provide visual output, images, or
other visible indicia to a user. In one embodiment, the display 101
comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) device. In one
embodiment, the display 101 comprises a touch sensor to form touch
sensitive display configured to receive user input across the
surface of the display 101. The display 101 can also be configured
with a force sensor. Where configured with both a touch sensor and
force sensor, one or more processors 501 of the electronic device
100, operable with the touch sensor and the force sensor, can
determine not only where the user contacts the display 101, but
also how much force the user employs in contacting the display
101.
[0045] In FIG. 5, the electronic device 100 is shown illustratively
with a schematic block diagram 502. In this embodiment, the
electronic device 100 includes a user interface 503, which can
include the display 101. The illustrative electronic device 100
also includes a communication circuit 504 that can be configured
for wired or wireless communication with one or more other devices
or networks. The networks can include a wide area network, a local
area network, or personal area network as well. Examples of wide
area networks include GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, CDMA-2000, iDEN, TDMA, 2.5
Generation 3GPP GSM networks, 3rd Generation 3GPP WCDMA networks,
3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, and 3GPP2 CDMA
communication networks, UMTS networks, E-UTRA networks, and other
networks. The communication circuit 504 can include wireless
communication circuitry, one of a receiver, a transmitter, or
transceiver, and one or more antennas 505.
[0046] The electronic device 100 includes one or more processors
501, which can have one or more control circuits. The one or more
processors 501 are responsible for performing the various functions
of the electronic device 100. The one or more processors 501 can be
a microprocessor, a group of processing components, one or more
Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), programmable
logic, or other type of processing device. The one or more
processors 501 can be operable with the user interface 503 and the
communication circuit 504, as well as various peripheral devices,
ports, or connectors 506 that can be coupled to the electronic
device 100 via interface connections. As will be described in more
detail below, in one embodiment the electronic device 100 includes
at least one electrical connector 507 to couple with an electronic
accessory module when the electronic device 100 and the electronic
accessory module are disposed within a housing.
[0047] The one or more processors 501 can be configured to process
and execute executable software code to perform the various
functions of the electronic device 100. A storage device, such as
memory 508, stores the executable software code used by the one or
more processors 501 for device operation. The executable software
code used by the one or more processors 501 can be configured as
one or more modules 509 that are operable with the one or more
processors 501. Such modules 509 can store instructions, control
algorithms, and so forth. The instructions can instruct processors
or one or more processors 501 to perform the various functions of
the electronic device 100, including interacting with and/or
controlling an electronic accessory module as described below.
[0048] In one embodiment, the one or more processors 501 are
responsible for running the operating system environment of the
electronic device 100. The operating system environment can include
a kernel, one or more drivers, and an application service layer,
and an application layer. The operating system environment can be
configured as executable code operating on one or more processors
501 or control circuits of the electronic device 100.
[0049] The application layer can be responsible for executing
application service modules. The application service modules may
support one or more applications or "apps." Examples of such
applications shown in FIG. 5 include a cellular telephone
application 510 for making voice telephone calls, a web browsing
application 511 configured to allow the user to view webpages on
the display 101 of the electronic device 100, an electronic mail
application 512 configured to send and receive electronic mail, a
photo application 513 configured to permit the user to view images
or video on the display 101 of electronic device 100, and a camera
application 514 configured to capture still (and optionally video)
images. These applications are illustrative only, as others will be
obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of
this disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the one or more
processors 501 are responsible for managing the applications and
all data communications of the electronic device 100. The
applications of the application layer can be configured as clients
of the application service layer to communicate with services
through application program interfaces (APIs), messages, events, or
other inter-process communication interfaces.
[0050] Turning now back to FIGS. 1-4, many of the mechanical
features of one illustrative electronic device 100 are shown. While
electronic devices configured in accordance with embodiments of the
disclosure can be configured with a wide variety of mechanical
features and form factors, those shown in FIGS. 1-4 are
advantageous in some embodiments in that they facilitate reliable
coupling to both the housing and to the electronic accessory
modules that will be described below with reference to FIGS.
6-9.
[0051] In one embodiment, the display 101 is wider than the main
portion 202 of the component casing 201. In one or more
embodiments, the main portion 202 houses various components such as
the one or more processors (501) of the electronic device 100, the
memory devices (508), communication circuits (504), antennas (505)
and so forth. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 104, the width
203 of the display 101 is greater than the width 204 of the main
portion 202 of the component casing 201. Additionally, in one
embodiment the length 102 of the display 101 is greater than the
length 205 of the main portion 202 of the component casing 201.
[0052] In one embodiment, the component casing 201 surrounds the
display 101 and further defines one or more coupling mechanisms
301,302,401,402 disposed about the periphery of the electronic
device 100. In one embodiment, the one or more coupling mechanisms
301,302,401,402 comprise protrusions extending from the sides of
the electronic device 100 that are to couple with corresponding
recesses in a housing. In other embodiments, the one or more
coupling mechanisms 301,302,401,402 comprise recesses into the
sides of the electronic device 100. Corresponding protrusions in a
housing can then couple to the one or more coupling mechanisms
301,302,401,402. Other coupling mechanisms, including ramps, snaps,
detents, and so forth will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0053] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 is configured
with a first rabbet 303 and a second rabbet 403. The first rabbet
303 can be formed by the component casing 201 extending beyond a
bottom 103 of the display 101. A second rabbet 403 can be formed by
a step-shaped recess being defined into the rear side of the
electronic device 100 along the component casing 201. As will be
described below, the first rabbet 303 can be toed into a housing to
help retain the electronic device 100 within the housing. The
second rabbet can form a match to an edge or tongue of a rabbet
found on an electronic accessory module so that an electrical
connector 206 of the electronic device 100 can be biased against a
corresponding electrical connector of an electronic accessory
module. In this illustrative embodiment, rabbet 303 is defined by
step 304 and display side edge 305. Rabbet 403 is defined by step
404 and side edge 405. Side edge 405 extends from step 404 at an
obtuse angle, which is about 105 degrees in this embodiment.
[0054] Disposed along side edge 405 is electrical connector 406. As
will be described in more detail below, the one or more processors
(501) of the electronic device 100 are to send one or more of audio
data, display data, or haptic data through the electrical connector
406 to an electronic accessory module in one or more embodiments.
In other embodiments, the one or more processors (501) of the
electronic device 100 are to receive one or more of image data,
audio data, sensor data, or power through the electrical connector
406 from the electronic accessory module. Of course, the one or
more processors (501) can also send and receive data through the
first electrical connector 406 as well. In this illustrative
embodiment, the electrical connector 406 is a four terminal
connector defined by four conductive contacts being disposed along
the side edge 405 of the component casing 201 of the electronic
device 100.
[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 6-9, illustrated therein is one
embodiment of an electronic accessory module 600 configured in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one
embodiment, the electronic accessory module 600 is constructed as a
sealed unit, with a one or more module components 601,701 disposed
along a front side of the electronic accessory module 600, the rear
side of the electronic accessory module 600, or combinations
thereof. As with the electronic device (100), in one embodiment the
electronic accessory module 600 includes a component casing 702
disposed on a rear side of the electronic accessory module 600. The
component casing 702 can be manufactured from an injection-molded
thermoplastic material so that the electronic accessory module 600
is configured as a single, rugged, sealed unit.
[0056] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure, the electronic accessory module 600 can be configured
with different module components 601,701 so that when the
electronic accessory module 600 is coupled with an electronic
device (100) in a housing, the module components 601,701 provide
new, additional, enhanced, or auxiliary functions for the overall
resulting device. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, the
module components 601,701 are imaging devices, and in particular
camera devices, so that the electronic accessory module 600 works
as an imaging device. However, any number of different module
components 601,701 can be used with electronic accessory modules
configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
Turning briefly to FIG. 10, illustrated therein are a few
examples.
[0057] In one embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of the
electronic accessory module 1000 can be one or more microphones,
loudspeakers, or combinations thereof so that the electronic
accessory module 1000 is an audio device 1003. In another
embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of the electronic
accessory module 1000 can include accelerometers, biometric
sensors, or other devices so that the electronic accessory module
1000 functions as a fitness device 1004. In yet another embodiment,
the module components 1001,1002 of the electronic accessory module
1000 can include photo detectors or other devices so that the
electronic accessory module 1000 functions as a camera 1005.
[0058] In another embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of
the electronic accessory module 1000 can include scanning devices
so that the electronic accessory module 1000 functions as a barcode
scanner 1006. In another embodiment, the module components
1001,1002 of the electronic accessory module 1000 can include
devices so that the electronic accessory module 1000 functions as
a. In another embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of the
electronic accessory module 1000 can include radio frequency
identification (RFID) communication circuits and devices so that
the electronic accessory module 1000 functions as a RFID module. In
another embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of the
electronic accessory module 1000 can include image capture and data
recognition devices so that the electronic accessory module 1000
functions as a array imager 1008.
[0059] In another embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of
the electronic accessory module 1000 can include multiple image
capture devices so that the electronic accessory module 1000
functions as a stereo camera 1009. In another embodiment, the
module components 1001,1002 of the electronic accessory module 1000
can include high resolution image capture circuits devices so that
the electronic accessory module 1000 functions as a high definition
camera 1010.
[0060] In another embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of
the electronic accessory module 1000 can include an energy storage
device, such as a lithium-based rechargeable battery so that the
electronic accessory module 1000 functions as an auxiliary battery
1011 or power source for an attached electronic device (100). In
another embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of the
electronic accessory module 1000 can include additional memory
circuits and devices so that the electronic accessory module 1000
functions as an auxiliary memory 1012 for the one or more
processors (501) of the electronic device.
[0061] In another embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of
the electronic accessory module 1000 can include touch pads, touch
sensitive displays, keys, joysticks, or other control devices so
that the electronic accessory module 1000 functions as an auxiliary
user input 1013 for gaming or other applications. In another
embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of the electronic
accessory module 1000 can include feedback devices such as
piezoelectric or other tactile feedback devices so that the
electronic accessory module 1000 functions as a haptic module 1014
to provide a physical feedback experience to a user. In another
embodiment, the module components 1001,1002 of the electronic
accessory module 1000 can include light emitting diodes or other
emission devices so that the electronic accessory module 1000
functions as an auxiliary light 1015. In another embodiment, the
module components 1001,1002 of the electronic accessory module 1000
can include any number of sensors, including fingerprint sensors,
moisture sensors, biometric sensors, or environmental sensors so
that the electronic accessory module 1000 functions as a sensor
device 1016. In still another embodiment, the module components
1001,1002 of the electronic accessory module 1000 can include one
or more display devices so that the electronic accessory module
1000 functions as an auxiliary display. This explanatory list of
options set forth in FIG. 10 is illustrative only, as the
electronic accessory module 1000 can be configured as any number of
other devices as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0062] In one embodiment, the electronic accessory module 1000 is
operable with an electronic device (100). In one embodiment, the
module components 1001,1002 are directly responsive to the one or
more processors (501) of the electronic device (100). For example,
where the module components 1001,1002 are imaging devices, the one
or more processors (501) of the electronic device (100) may control
the imaging devices to capture pictures and other images. In other
embodiments, the electronic accessory module 1000 can include its
own processors 1018, memory devices 1019, and communication devices
1020 that are in communication with the one or more processors
(501) of the electronic device (100). In either configuration, the
module components 1001,1002 provide an enhanced feature set to the
electronic device (100) to which the electronic accessory module
1000 is coupled. Note that the module components 1001,1002 can be
disposed along the front side of the electronic accessory module
1000, the rear side of the electronic accessory module 1000, or
combinations thereof depending upon application.
[0063] Turning now back to FIGS. 6-9, many of the mechanical
features of one illustrative electronic accessory module 600 are
shown. As with the electronic device (100) described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-4, while electronic accessory modules
configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can be
configured with a wide variety of mechanical features and form
factors, those shown in FIGS. 6-9 are advantageous in some
embodiments in that they allow an electronic device (100) to retain
the electronic accessory module 600 securely within a housing as
will be described in more detail below.
[0064] In one embodiment, the electronic accessory module 600 is
configured with a rabbet 801. In one embodiment, the rabbet 801 is
complementary in shape to the second rabbet (403) of the electronic
device (100) such that a tongue 802 of the rabbet 801 engages the
step-shaped recess of the second rabbet (403) of the electronic
device (100). As will be described below with reference to FIG. 14,
this allows the second rabbet (403) of the electronic device (100)
to sit atop the tongue 802 of the rabbet 801 of the electronic
accessory module 600 to retain the electronic accessory module 600
within the housing.
[0065] In this illustrative embodiment, rabbet 801 is defined by
step 803 and side edge 804. Disposed along end edge 805 of the
tongue 802 of the rabbet 801 is another electrical connector 806.
As will be described in more detail below, the one or more
processors (501) of the electronic device 100 are to send one or
more of audio data, display data, or haptic data through this
electrical connector 806 to the electronic accessory module 600 in
one or more embodiments. In other embodiments, the one or more
processors (501) of the electronic device 100 are to receive one or
more of image data, audio data, sensor data, or power through the
electrical connector 806 from the electronic accessory module 600.
In this illustrative embodiment, the electrical connector 806 is
complementary to the electrical connector (406) of the electronic
device (100) in that it is a four terminal connector defined by
four conductive contacts being disposed along the end edge 805 of
the tongue 802 of the rabbet 801. Additionally, end edge 805 is
oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the step 803 so as to be
complementary to the side edge 405 of the second rabbet (403) of
the electronic device (100). In this illustrative embodiment, the
obtuse angle is about 105 degrees.
[0066] Turning now to FIGS. 11-13, illustrated therein is one
explanatory housing 1100 configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the housing 1100
is manufactured from a pliable thermoplastic so that it can be
placed about an electronic device (100) and electronic accessory
module (600) to bias the first electrical connector (206) of the
electronic device (100) and the second electrical connector (806)
of the electronic accessory module (600) together. In one
embodiment, the housing 1100 couples to both the electronic device
(100) and the electronic accessory module (600) to secure the
electronic device (100) and the electronic accessory module (600)
module within the housing 1100.
[0067] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 11-13, the housing
1100 includes a rear surface 1300 and one or more sidewalls
1201,1202,1301,1302. In one embodiment, the interior 1101 of the
rear surface 1300 includes mechanical features 1102,1103,1104 that
are complementary in shape to the contours of the component casing
(201) disposed on the back side of the electronic device (100)
and/or the component casing (702) disposed on the back side of the
electronic accessory module (600).
[0068] In one embodiment, the one or more sidewalls
1201,1202,1301,1302 comprise one or more retention mechanisms
1203,1105 disposed about the periphery of the housing 1100. In one
embodiment, the one or more retention mechanisms 1203,1105
mechanisms comprise protrusions extending from the sides of the
housing 1100 that are to couple with one or more corresponding
coupling mechanisms (301,302,401,402) of an electronic device
(100). In other embodiments, the one or more retention mechanisms
1203,1105 comprise recesses into the sides of the housing 1100. One
or more coupling mechanisms (301,302,401,402) disposed along an
electronic device (100) can then couple to the one or more
retention mechanisms 1203,1105. As noted above, other retention
mechanisms, including ramps, snaps, detents, and so forth will be
obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of
this disclosure.
[0069] In one embodiment, the housing 1100 includes a head bay 1107
and a toe bay 1108. Each bay is configured as a recessed area to
enclose at least a portion of an electronic device (100) and an
electronic accessory module (106). In the illustrative embodiment
of FIGS. 11-13, the head bay 1107 is disposed at a first end of the
housing 1100 while the toe bay 1108 is disposed at a second end of
the housing 1100. The head bay 1107 and the toe bay 1108 assist the
housing 1100 in receiving the electronic accessory module (600) at
the first in of the housing 1100 and
[0070] One main advantage offered by embodiments of the disclosure
is the ability to build a device as a complete unit that is fully
customized in accordance with a user's functionality and stylistic
preferences. To wit, a user may obtain an electronic device (100),
select a desired electronic accessory module (600), and select a
desired housing 1100 that meets the stylistic and functional
preferences of the user. Turning now to FIG. 14, illustrated
therein is an exploded view of one such device 1400 in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 14, a user has selected an electronic
device 100, an electronic accessory module 600, and a housing 1100.
The electronic accessory module 600 could include any number of
components to provide a customized feature set for the device 1400.
Illustrating by example, in one embodiment the electronic accessory
module 600 comprises an imager operable with the one or more
processors (501) of the electronic device 100. In another
embodiment, the electronic accessory module 600 comprises an audio
transducer operable with the one or more processors (501) of the
electronic device 100. In another embodiment, the electronic
accessory module 600 comprises a user interface operable with the
one or more processors (501) of the electronic device 100. In yet
another embodiment, the electronic accessory module 600 comprises
an energy storage device to deliver power to the one or more
processors (501) of the electronic device 100. Other electronic
accessory modules will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the
art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0072] Once these three components are selected, the user may then
place the electronic accessory module 600 into the housing, toe in
the first rabbet 303 of the electronic device 100 into the toe bay
1108 of the housing, and pivot the electronic device 100 to engage
the second rabbet 403 of the electronic device 100 with the rabbet
801 of the electronic accessory module 600. The housing 1100 then
biases the first electrical connector (206) of the electronic
device 100 and the second electronic connector (806) of the
electronic accessory module 600 together. The housing 1100 thus
couples to both the electronic accessory module 600 and the
electronic device 100 to secure the electronic device 100 and the
electronic accessory module 600 within the housing 1100. This
modularity not only reduces the cost of the housing 1100 and
overall device, but reduces the cost of regulatory testing as well
in that a common electronic device 100 can be used in a multitude
of customized devices.
[0073] Embodiments of the disclosure provide additional advantages
over prior art devices as well. For example, in prior art
electronic devices, there can be multiple screws and multiple pins
that are required to hold a device together. Assembly therefore
takes a lot of time and allows many opportunities for error. With
embodiments of the disclosure, the internal components are a simple
"laminated lump." A housing simply snaps about the lump and its
corresponding accessory. This reduces manufacturing error and
provides the user with an enhanced experience.
[0074] The assemblage steps are shown illustratively as method
steps of FIGS. 15-19. Turning now to FIGS. 15-19, illustrated
therein is method of assembling a device (1400) in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 15, a
user first obtains a housing 1100. As shown at FIG. 16, the user
then obtains a desired electronic accessory module 600. As shown at
FIG. 17, the user then inserts the electronic accessory into a
first end of the housing 1100. The user here has inserted the
electronic accessory module 600 into the housing 1100 such that the
electronic accessory module 600 engages the head bay 1107 when the
electronic accessory module 600 is disposed within the housing
1100. Specifically, a portion of the electronic accessory module
600 is seated within the head bay 1107 as shown in FIG. 17.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 18, the user then obtains an electronic
device 100. The step shown in FIG. 18 is that of toeing an end of
an electronic device 100 into a second end of the housing 1100.
This causes the first rabbet (303) of the electronic device 100 to
engage the toe bay 1108 when the electronic device 100 is disposed
within the housing 1100. The user then pivots the electronic device
100 to engage the first electrical connector (206) with the second
electrical connector 806 so that the one or more processors (501)
of the electronic device can send one or more of audio data,
display data, or haptic data through the first electrical connector
(206) and the second electrical connector 806 to the electronic
accessory module 600 and/or receive one or more of image data,
audio data, sensor data, or power through the first electrical
connector (206) and the second electrical connector 806 from the
electronic accessory module 600. This pivoting 1800 also causes
rabbet 403 to engage complementary rabbet 801 when the electronic
device 100 and the electronic accessory module 600 are disposed
within the housing 1100. The resulting electronic device 1400 is
shown in FIG. 19, where the user has locked the electronic device
100 into the housing 1100 to retain both the electronic device 100
and the electronic accessory module 600 into the housing 1100.
[0076] FIG. 19 also includes an optional step. In one or more
embodiments, one or more caps 1901,1902 have been attached to the
head bay 1107 and toe bay 1108 of the housing 1100. Provision of
these optional caps 1901,1902 allows for additional customization
as the caps 1901,1902 can be manufactured in various colors,
include branding information, or include logos, symbols, or other
indicia desired by a user. Thus, in one embodiment, the method of
FIGS. 15-19 includes optionally attaching one or more caps
1901,1902 to exteriors of one or more bays of the housing 1100.
[0077] Turning now to FIG. 20, illustrated therein is an alternate
housing 2000 suitable for use with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure. In FIG. 20, the housing 2000 includes a first housing
2001 and a second housing 2002. The first housing is to receive a
portion of the electronic device 100, while the second housing 2002
is to receive the electronic accessory module 600 and another
portion of the electronic device. The first housing 2001 and the
second housing 2002 then couple together to bias the first
electrical connector (206) against the second electrical connector
(806) and to secure the electronic device 100 and the electronic
accessory module 600 within the first housing 2001 and the second
housing 2002. The resulting device 2100 is shown in FIG. 21. As
also shown in FIG. 21, the first housing 2001 defines a first
peninsular aperture 2101, while the second housing defines a second
peninsular aperture 2102. The display 101 is visible through the
first peninsular aperture 2101 and the second peninsular aperture
2102 when the first housing 2001 is coupled to the second housing
2002.
[0078] FIGS. 22-26 illustrate various ways that devices configured
in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can be customized.
These examples are illustrative only, as others will be readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit
of this disclosure.
[0079] Beginning with FIG. 22, the device 2200 has been configured
by coupling an electronic accessory 2201 having an imaging device
2202 with an electronic device (100). The housing 2203 has been
configured as a workman's case that is highly protective and is
suitable for protecting the device 2200 from drops, bumps, and hits
in harsh environments such as worksites. The rear side of the
housing 2203 has an aperture 2204 so that the imaging device 2202
can capture images from the rear side of the device 2200. The
housing 2203 of FIG. 22 is a "break buster" in that it protects the
electronic device (100) and the electronic accessory 2201 from
breaking in harsh environs.
[0080] Turning now to FIG. 23, the device 2300 has also been
configured by coupling an electronic accessory having an imaging
device 2302 with an electronic device (100). The housing 2303 has
been wrapped with pink faux leather so as to serve as a woman's
fashion accessory. One beauty part of embodiments of the disclosure
is that a user can change from pink faux leather to blue suede
simply by changing the housing 2303.
[0081] In FIG. 24, the electronic accessory 2401 includes a killer
acoustic amp 2405 and loudspeakers 2402,2403. When attached to an
electronic device 100, the resulting assembly 2400 bangs out enough
decibels to satisfy even the most hardcore rocker. As shown in FIG.
25, to ensure that the housing 2501 does not interfere with this
acoustic perfection, the housing 2501 includes apertures 2502 and
protrusions 2503 to allow the rock and roller to both hear the
music from the loudspeakers (2402,2403) and to hold on to the
device 2500 while moshing across a pit at their favorite show.
[0082] In FIG. 26, the device 2600 includes an electronic accessory
2601 that has two imagers 2602,2603 so as to function as a stereo
camera device. Such a device 2600 may be used, for example, by an
extreme curler to record videos of epic descents head first on a
curling sled. To provide the curler with suggestions of tearing
through fresh powder while sitting at the office, the housing 2604
of this embodiment includes decorative elements 2605,2606
configured as snow peaks. The decorative elements 2605,2606 give
the exterior of the housing 2604 the appearance of a mountain range
that serves as a mnemonic reminder of the videos of death defying
curling runs stored within the device 2600.
[0083] As will be appreciated from reviewing FIGS. 22-26,
embodiments of the disclosure provide advantages over prior art
designs not only in device functionality, but in device appearance
and aesthetic as well. In prior art designs, users frequently
purchase after market covers for their electronic devices. Instead,
embodiments of the disclosure provide the electronic device and
accessory module, and the let a purchaser--on a customized basis
even--pick the housing that they desire. The housing can even be
printed or decorated as desire. There are a variety of options for
building the electronic device. Embodiments of the disclosure can
completely eliminate the cost and the screws associated with prior
art designs. This is in addition to offering the user customization
options that were not available previously. Embodiments of the
disclosure allow for a "made to order" model for purchasing
electronic devices. A purchaser simply goes to a kiosk, store, or
on-line portal and picks the colors and patterns they want for the
housing, selects an appropriate accessory module, and builds a
customized device. Retailers or marketers can sell customized
devices as well. What's more, the user is free to change housings
and accessory modules at any time to re-customize their device.
[0084] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the
present disclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary
skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes
can be made without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred
embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described,
it is clear that the disclosure is not so limited. Numerous
modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents
will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the
following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential features or
elements of any or all the claims.
* * * * *