US20060103642A1 - Charging and communication cable system for a mobile computer apparatus - Google Patents
Charging and communication cable system for a mobile computer apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20060103642A1 US20060103642A1 US11/241,796 US24179605A US2006103642A1 US 20060103642 A1 US20060103642 A1 US 20060103642A1 US 24179605 A US24179605 A US 24179605A US 2006103642 A1 US2006103642 A1 US 2006103642A1
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- Prior art keywords
- computer system
- handheld computer
- charging
- communication
- interface
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/266—Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of mobile computer systems.
- the present invention discloses a charging system that is designed for both desktop usage and usage while traveling.
- Handheld computer systems have become a standard business tool for traveling professionals. Handheld computer systems allow traveling professionals to access large amounts of personal information such as an address book, a personal calendar, and a list of to-do items. In particular, handheld computer systems based upon the PalmOS® from Palm Computing, Inc of Santa Clara, Calif. have become the de facto standard of handheld computer systems. Most handheld computer systems are designed to synchronize information with a larger computer system such as a personal computer system.
- handheld computer systems The various owners of handheld computer systems use their handheld computer systems in different manners. Some handheld computer system users work mainly with a desktop personal computer system but bring their handheld computer system when attending meetings. Other handheld computer system users constantly travel and rarely ever work in one place.
- handheld computer system users vary widely. Most handheld computer system users also use a desktop personal computer system. However, many use notebook personal computers. Some handheld computer system users use computer workstations such as those produced by Sun Microsystems, Inc. Other handheld computer system users do not use any other computer system at all.
- a charging and communication cable system for a handheld computer system includes a first interface for connecting to the handheld computer system, a second interface for connecting to another computer system, and a third interface for coupling to a charger system.
- the third interface used to couple to a charger system is the same as the interface on the handheld computer system such that the charger may be coupled to the charging and communication cable system or directly to the handheld computer system.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a prior mobile computer system with an open external peripheral interface.
- FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of a prior mobile computer system with an open external peripheral interface.
- FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of an integrated stylus-based handheld computer and cellular telephone system.
- FIG. 2B is a rear isometric view of an integrated keyboard-based handheld computer and cellular telephone system.
- FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a USB Charger/Communication cable system.
- FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of a USB Charger/Communication docking cradle system.
- FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a serial data-communication/charger system.
- FIG. 4B illustrates a serial docking cradle Charger/Communication system.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a USB data-communication/charger cable with an associated docking cradle
- FIG. 5B illustrates a serial data-communication/charger cable with an associated docking cradle
- FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a USB Charger/Communication cable system that uses an off-the-shelf power supply.
- FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a USB Charger/Communication docking cradle system that uses an off-the-shelf power supply.
- FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a serial Charger/Communication cable system that uses an off-the-shelf power supply.
- FIG. 7B illustrates an embodiment of a serial Charger/Communication docking cradle system that uses an off-the-shelf power supply.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiment of charging circuitry for a handheld computer system.
- FIG. 9A illustrates an improved embodiment of charging circuitry for a handheld computer system.
- FIG. 9B illustrates a conceptual diagram of the charging circuitry of FIG. 9A that explains how leak current may power the LED.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a typical handheld computer system 100 .
- the mobile computer system includes a display area 120 for displaying information.
- the display area 120 is covered with a digitizer panel for entering information into the mobile computer system 100 using a stylus.
- the mobile computer system 100 further includes a set of external buttons 130 that may also be used to enter user input.
- the handheld computer system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is provided as an example only. Many different variations of handheld computer system exist. For example, other handheld computer systems may have built-in wireless digital network communication systems, large keypads, or may be combined with cellular telephone circuitry.
- the handheld computer system 100 has an external interface 180 as illustrated in FIG. 1A .
- the external interface 180 may be used for communicating with external devices. Most current handheld computer systems use such an external interface 180 to communicate with a personal computer system. In this manner, the owner of handheld computer system 100 can share data between the handheld computer system 100 and the personal computer system.
- the external interface 180 may also be used for supplying power to the handheld computer system 100 .
- the handheld computer system 100 may include an internal battery for powering the handheld computer system 100 . If power is supplied to the handheld computer system 100 through external interface 180 , the handheld computer system 100 may use the power from the external interface 180 instead of power from an internal battery. If the internal battery is rechargeable, the handheld computer system 100 may charge the battery when power is supplied to the handheld computer system 100 through external interface 180 .
- Many handheld computer systems are sold with a docking cradle that mates with the external interface 180 of the handheld computer system and connects to a desktop personal computer.
- the docking cradle is then coupled to a personal computer system using one of the popular personal computer system interfaces. Possible computer system interfaces include IEEE 1394, universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the older RS-232 serial interface.
- the docking cradle may also be used to charge the internal batteries of the handheld computer system by drawing power from the personal computer system or an external power supply.
- More recent handheld computer systems incorporate wireless communication circuitry such that the handheld computer systems become personal communication devices that are carried with the user.
- Such wireless communication enabled handheld computer systems may act as a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, an Internet browsing terminal, an email terminal or all of these things.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of an integrated handheld computer and cellular telephone system 200 .
- the integrated handheld computer and cellular telephone system 200 includes a keyboard 230 such that the user may easily enter names, addresses, phone numbers, and email messages into application programs running on the integrated handheld computer and cellular telephone system 300 .
- FIG. 3A illustrates a first embodiment of a Charger/Communication cable system.
- a handheld computer system 310 has an electrical interface 311 for receiving electrical power and data communication signals.
- a charger and communication cable system is provided.
- the charger and communication cable system consists of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) data-communication/charger cable 320 and a charger cable 330 .
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- the USB data-communication/charger cable 320 has been designed to couple the handheld computer system 310 to another computer system (not shown).
- the USB data-communication/charger cable 320 couples the electrical interface 311 on the handheld computer system 310 to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface on another computer system (not shown).
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- interface connector 321 on USB data-communication/charger cable 320 couples.
- Interface connector 321 may include a synchronization button 322 that can be used to indicate when a user wishes to have the handheld computer system 310 synchronize its databases with another computer system (not shown) coupled to USB connector 325 .
- the charger cable 330 comprises a power supply 331 and an interface connector 337 for coupling the power supply 331 to the handheld computer system 310 .
- the power supply 331 may be comprised of a transformer and other electronics necessary to covert a local AC line current into a desired DC power current for the handheld computer system 310 .
- Many different types of charger cable 330 embodiments may be created to adapt for the different AC line currents in different countries (i.e. 120 Volt/60 Hz or 220 Volt/50 Hz) and the different physical AC connectors used by different countries around the world.
- charger cable 330 can provide power to the handheld computer system 310 .
- interface connector 337 of charger cable 330 may be coupled to interface 329 on electrical power connector 327 of USB data-communication/charger cable 320 .
- Interface 329 on electrical power connector 327 of USB data-communication/charger cable 320 carries power from power supply 331 to the handheld computer system 310 .
- the user of the handheld computer system 310 may elect to travel only with the charger cable 330 since the USB data-communication/charger cable 320 will not be needed. In such a circumstance, the user may connect the charger cable 330 to the handheld computer system 310 by coupling interface connector 337 directly to the electrical interface 311 of handheld computer system 310 .
- the charger cable 330 carried by the traveling user may have different adapters and settings to allow it to operate with the different AC line currents in different countries and the different physical AC connectors used by different countries.
- USB data-communication/charger cable 320 a user may inappropriately connect the interface connector 321 end of data-communication/charger cable 320 to the electrical power connector 327 end of USB data-communication/charger cable 320 .
- interface 329 of electrical power connector 327 only contains conductors for electrical power such that no damage will occur if a user connects interface connector 321 to the electrical power connector 327 even if the USB connector 325 is connected to an operating personal computer system (not shown).
- FIG. 3B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the Charger/Communication cable system of FIG. 3A .
- a serial docking cradle 353 is provided to allow the handheld computer system 310 to rest in the serial docking cradle 353 .
- the electrical interface 311 of handheld computer system 310 mates with the electrical interface 351 of serial docking cradle 353 . This connection allows data communication with USB connector 355 and the power input through electrical power connector 327 .
- FIGS. 4A and 4B provide a serial communication port versions of the Charger/Communication cable system.
- FIG. 4A provides a serial data-communication/charger cable 420 that is similar to the USB data-communication/charger cable 320 of FIG. 3A .
- the principal difference between serial data-communication/charger cable 420 and USB data-communication/charger cable 320 is that serial data-communication/charger cable 420 connects a serial port on handheld computer system 410 to a serial port on a personal computer system (not shown) using a serial connector 425 .
- FIG. 4B illustrates a serial docking cradle 453 for serial data communication and charging of a handheld computer system.
- the principal difference between serial docking cradle 453 and serial docking cradle 353 of FIG. 3B is that serial docking cradle 453 connects a serial port on handheld computer system 410 to a serial port on a personal computer system (not shown) using a serial connector 455 .
- FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate alternate embodiments that combine the advantages of the previous embodiments. Specifically, FIGS. 5A and 5B provide both a docking cradle for normal office usage and a travel data-communication/charger cable for use while traveling.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a USB data-communication/charger cable 520 that includes a connector 522 for coupling directly to a handheld computer system (not shown).
- a handheld computer system When a handheld computer system is coupled to connector 522 , the handheld computer may communicate with a personal computer system (not shown) coupled to connector 525 and receive power from charger 560 coupled to connector 529 .
- the user may obtain docking cradle 583 .
- Connector 522 of USB data-communication/charger cable 520 couples with interface 582 on the docking cradle 583 .
- Interface 582 carries the electrical signals from connector 522 to an interface 581 on the docking cradle such that a user may easily couple a handheld computer system (not shown) to a personal computer and a charging system 560 by simply dropping the handheld computer system into the docking cradle 583 .
- FIG. 5B illustrates the same arrangement as FIG. 5A except that the USB data-communication/charger cable 520 has been replaced with a serial data-communication/charger cable 550 .
- USB data-communication/charger cable 520 has been replaced with a serial data-communication/charger cable 550 .
- serial connector 555 In this manner users that do not have a personal computer system with USB support can instead use a serial port connected to serial connector 555 .
- the same docking cradle 583 may be used with both the USB data-communication/charger cable 520 and the serial data-communication/charger cable 550 .
- the handheld computer system may be sold with either the USB data-communication/charger cable 520 or the serial data-communication/charger cable 550 .
- the purchasers of either those systems that desire a docking cradle may purchase the same optional docking cradle 583 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an USB embodiment that uses an off-the-shelf power supply 660 .
- the power supply connects to the USB connector 625 to supply power to a USB data-communication/charger cable 620 .
- FIG. 6B illustrates a docking cradle embodiment that uses an off-the-shelf power supply 660 .
- a user may purchase an optional docking cradle 583 such that connector 621 of USB data-communication/charger cable 620 may be coupled to interface 582 of docking cradle 583 .
- FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate serial interface embodiments similar to the USB embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B .
- a user with the serial data-communication/charger cable 720 of FIG. 7A may also use docking cradle 583 to obtain cradle functionality.
- the handheld computer system To charge a rechargeable internal battery in a handheld computer system, the handheld computer system usually contains dedicated charging circuitry.
- the charging circuitry monitors various battery conditions and determines when a charge is needed and when the battery is fully charged.
- FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of charging circuitry for a handheld computer system.
- an external electrical interface V dock 830 is connected to a charging control circuitry 820 .
- charging control circuitry 820 detects a charging voltage on electrical interface V dock 830 and begins to charge the battery 860 .
- the charging control circuitry 820 informs processor 810 such that the system may make necessary user interface adjustments.
- charging control circuitry 820 detects a charging voltage on electrical interface V dock 830 and informs the processor 810 . Processor 810 then determines that the battery 860 needs to be charged and instructs charging control circuitry 820 to charge the battery 860 if necessary.
- the charging control circuitry 820 charges battery 860 by activating transistor 850 which supplies current from the external charging voltage on electrical interface V dock 830 to battery 860 .
- the charging control circuitry 820 charges the battery 860 over a three hour period.
- the charging begins a constant current “fast charge.”
- the charging control circuitry 820 slows the charging current down and uses a constant voltage “trickle charge.”
- the charging current also lights Light Emitting Diode (LED) 880 to inform the user that the battery is being charged.
- the processor 810 may control LED 880 during charging using transistor 890 .
- the processor 810 may cause LED 880 to blink by consecutively turning on and off transistor 890 during the main charging phase. This informs the user that the battery is being charged.
- the processor 810 may cause turn on LED 880 by turning on transistor 890 .
- the processor 810 blinks the LED 880 during the “fast charge” phase and then turns on LED 880 for a steady output during the “trickle charge” phase. If the user unplugs the charger before the trickle charge is complete, the user interface will calibrate itself to use the current charge status as the 100% charged state.
- Processor 810 may use control LED 880 after charging is complete by using transistor 890 . In this manner, processor 810 may use LED 880 to output information to the user.
- the system software may be modified to allow the user to select a “silent alarm” mode. In the silent alarm mode, the operating system of the handheld computer system will not emit audible alerts when programs request an alarm to be generated but will instead generate a “silent alarm” by blinking LED 880 . In this manner, the handheld computer system will be able to notify the user of an event without emitting a disruptive audible alarm during a meeting.
- charging control circuitry 820 when charging control circuitry 820 has fully charged battery 860 , then charging control circuitry 820 will turn off transistor 850 such that LED 880 begins to drain battery 860 . Thus, battery 860 begins to discharge even though external power is available through electrical interface V dock 830 . To prevent such discharging, the processor may turn off transistor 890 .
- such an implementation would provide ambiguous feed back to the user. Specifically, the user would not know if the charging is complete or if the charger system was not properly plugged into an AC outlet.
- FIG. 9A illustrates an alternate charging circuitry embodiment.
- the power source of LED 980 has been moved above transistor 950 .
- charging control circuitry 920 will turn off transistor 950 such that LED 980 is powered by the external power available through electrical interface V dock 930 .
- LED 980 does not drain battery 960 after it has become charged.
- processor 910 can still control LED 980 during charging using transistor 990 .
- the system of FIG. 9A provides all the same features as the system of FIG. 8 during charging. However, it might appear slightly less useful than the system of FIG. 9A when the handheld computer system is disconnected from the charging source and operating on battery 960 power. Specifically, it might appear that LED 980 cannot be used when operating only from battery power. However, this is not true due to the design of transistor 950 . Specifically, transistor 950 is implemented with a transistor that contains a diode across the drain and the source such as Motorola's MGSF1P02LT1 P-Channel enhancement-mode TMOS MOSFET transistor.
- FIG. 9B illustrates a diagram of such an embodiment.
- current may flow from battery 960 , up through diode 955 , through LED 980 , and down through transistor 990 . Therefore, even though transistor 950 has been turned off, processor 910 can control LED 980 using transistor 990 .
- LED 980 is only powered by the power received from electrical interface V dock 930 during charging. But when there is no charging voltage on electrical interface V dock 930 , then LED 980 is powered by the battery 960 . In either case, processor 810 can control LED 980 by controlling transistor 990 .
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a divisional of, and claims priority under 35 USC § 121 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/977,867, filed Oct. 14, 2001, entitled “Charging and Communication Cable System for a Mobile Computer Apparatus”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/668,123, filed Sep. 21, 2000, entitled “Method And Apparatus For Organizing Addressing Elements,” the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. It is noted that this divisional application arises from a restriction requirement from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- The present invention relates to the field of mobile computer systems. In particular the present invention discloses a charging system that is designed for both desktop usage and usage while traveling.
- Handheld computer systems have become a standard business tool for traveling professionals. Handheld computer systems allow traveling professionals to access large amounts of personal information such as an address book, a personal calendar, and a list of to-do items. In particular, handheld computer systems based upon the PalmOS® from Palm Computing, Inc of Santa Clara, Calif. have become the de facto standard of handheld computer systems. Most handheld computer systems are designed to synchronize information with a larger computer system such as a personal computer system.
- The various owners of handheld computer systems use their handheld computer systems in different manners. Some handheld computer system users work mainly with a desktop personal computer system but bring their handheld computer system when attending meetings. Other handheld computer system users constantly travel and rarely ever work in one place.
- Furthermore, the personal computer systems owned by various handheld computer system users vary widely. Most handheld computer system users also use a desktop personal computer system. However, many use notebook personal computers. Some handheld computer system users use computer workstations such as those produced by Sun Microsystems, Inc. Other handheld computer system users do not use any other computer system at all.
- It is impossible to accommodate the particular needs of all these different types of users with a single packaged handheld computer system product. However, it would be desirable to provide handheld computer system package that accommodates the needs of most of the potential purchases with additional extra packages available for those users with less common requirements.
- A charging and communication cable system for a handheld computer system is disclosed. The charging and communication cable system includes a first interface for connecting to the handheld computer system, a second interface for connecting to another computer system, and a third interface for coupling to a charger system. In one embodiment, the third interface used to couple to a charger system is the same as the interface on the handheld computer system such that the charger may be coupled to the charging and communication cable system or directly to the handheld computer system.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of present invention will be apparent from the company drawings and from the following detailed description.
- The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the following detailed description in which:
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FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a prior mobile computer system with an open external peripheral interface. -
FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of a prior mobile computer system with an open external peripheral interface. -
FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of an integrated stylus-based handheld computer and cellular telephone system. -
FIG. 2B is a rear isometric view of an integrated keyboard-based handheld computer and cellular telephone system. -
FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a USB Charger/Communication cable system. -
FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of a USB Charger/Communication docking cradle system. -
FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a serial data-communication/charger system. -
FIG. 4B illustrates a serial docking cradle Charger/Communication system. -
FIG. 5A illustrates a USB data-communication/charger cable with an associated docking cradle -
FIG. 5B illustrates a serial data-communication/charger cable with an associated docking cradle -
FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a USB Charger/Communication cable system that uses an off-the-shelf power supply. -
FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a USB Charger/Communication docking cradle system that uses an off-the-shelf power supply. -
FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a serial Charger/Communication cable system that uses an off-the-shelf power supply. -
FIG. 7B illustrates an embodiment of a serial Charger/Communication docking cradle system that uses an off-the-shelf power supply. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiment of charging circuitry for a handheld computer system. -
FIG. 9A illustrates an improved embodiment of charging circuitry for a handheld computer system. -
FIG. 9B illustrates a conceptual diagram of the charging circuitry ofFIG. 9A that explains how leak current may power the LED. - A method and apparatus for constructing a portable computer system that can easily be expanded to handle many new add-on peripherals is disclosed. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present invention. For example, the present invention has been described with reference to the Handspring™ Springboard™ peripheral interface. However, the same techniques can easily be applied to other types of peripheral interfaces.
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FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a typicalhandheld computer system 100. As illustrated inFIG. 1A , the mobile computer system includes adisplay area 120 for displaying information. Thedisplay area 120 is covered with a digitizer panel for entering information into themobile computer system 100 using a stylus. Themobile computer system 100 further includes a set ofexternal buttons 130 that may also be used to enter user input. - The
handheld computer system 100 illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B is provided as an example only. Many different variations of handheld computer system exist. For example, other handheld computer systems may have built-in wireless digital network communication systems, large keypads, or may be combined with cellular telephone circuitry. - The
handheld computer system 100 has anexternal interface 180 as illustrated inFIG. 1A . Theexternal interface 180 may be used for communicating with external devices. Most current handheld computer systems use such anexternal interface 180 to communicate with a personal computer system. In this manner, the owner ofhandheld computer system 100 can share data between thehandheld computer system 100 and the personal computer system. - The
external interface 180 may also be used for supplying power to thehandheld computer system 100. For example, thehandheld computer system 100 may include an internal battery for powering thehandheld computer system 100. If power is supplied to thehandheld computer system 100 throughexternal interface 180, thehandheld computer system 100 may use the power from theexternal interface 180 instead of power from an internal battery. If the internal battery is rechargeable, thehandheld computer system 100 may charge the battery when power is supplied to thehandheld computer system 100 throughexternal interface 180. - Many handheld computer systems are sold with a docking cradle that mates with the
external interface 180 of the handheld computer system and connects to a desktop personal computer. The docking cradle is then coupled to a personal computer system using one of the popular personal computer system interfaces. Possible computer system interfaces include IEEE 1394, universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the older RS-232 serial interface. The docking cradle may also be used to charge the internal batteries of the handheld computer system by drawing power from the personal computer system or an external power supply. - More recent handheld computer systems incorporate wireless communication circuitry such that the handheld computer systems become personal communication devices that are carried with the user. Such wireless communication enabled handheld computer systems may act as a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, an Internet browsing terminal, an email terminal or all of these things.
-
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of an integrated handheld computer andcellular telephone system 200. The integrated handheld computer andcellular telephone system 200 includes akeyboard 230 such that the user may easily enter names, addresses, phone numbers, and email messages into application programs running on the integrated handheld computer and cellular telephone system 300. - With such wireless mobile communication abilities, a user will likely carry the handheld computer system around all the time. Thus, the need for more portable charging and synchronization systems exists.
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FIG. 3A illustrates a first embodiment of a Charger/Communication cable system. Referring toFIG. 3A , ahandheld computer system 310 has anelectrical interface 311 for receiving electrical power and data communication signals. To provide power to theelectrical interface 311 ofhandheld computer system 310, a charger and communication cable system is provided. The charger and communication cable system consists of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) data-communication/charger cable 320 and acharger cable 330. - The USB data-communication/
charger cable 320 has been designed to couple thehandheld computer system 310 to another computer system (not shown). The USB data-communication/charger cable 320 couples theelectrical interface 311 on thehandheld computer system 310 to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface on another computer system (not shown). Specifically,interface connector 321 on USB data-communication/charger cable 320 couples. USB signals to aUSB connector 325 on data-communication/charger cable 320.Interface connector 321 may include asynchronization button 322 that can be used to indicate when a user wishes to have thehandheld computer system 310 synchronize its databases with another computer system (not shown) coupled toUSB connector 325. - The
charger cable 330 comprises apower supply 331 and aninterface connector 337 for coupling thepower supply 331 to thehandheld computer system 310. Thepower supply 331 may be comprised of a transformer and other electronics necessary to covert a local AC line current into a desired DC power current for thehandheld computer system 310. Many different types ofcharger cable 330 embodiments may be created to adapt for the different AC line currents in different countries (i.e. 120 Volt/60 Hz or 220 Volt/50 Hz) and the different physical AC connectors used by different countries around the world. - When USB data-communication/
charger cable 320 is coupled to theinterface 311 onhandheld computer system 310,charger cable 330 can provide power to thehandheld computer system 310. Specifically,interface connector 337 ofcharger cable 330 may be coupled to interface 329 onelectrical power connector 327 of USB data-communication/charger cable 320.Interface 329 onelectrical power connector 327 of USB data-communication/charger cable 320 carries power frompower supply 331 to thehandheld computer system 310. - If the user of the
handheld computer system 310 is traveling with out his personal computer, the user may elect to travel only with thecharger cable 330 since the USB data-communication/charger cable 320 will not be needed. In such a circumstance, the user may connect thecharger cable 330 to thehandheld computer system 310 by couplinginterface connector 337 directly to theelectrical interface 311 ofhandheld computer system 310. Thecharger cable 330 carried by the traveling user may have different adapters and settings to allow it to operate with the different AC line currents in different countries and the different physical AC connectors used by different countries. - If there is a manner in which a user may misuse a device, such a misuse will generally eventually occur. With regard to USB data-communication/
charger cable 320, a user may inappropriately connect theinterface connector 321 end of data-communication/charger cable 320 to theelectrical power connector 327 end of USB data-communication/charger cable 320. To prevent damage,interface 329 ofelectrical power connector 327 only contains conductors for electrical power such that no damage will occur if a user connectsinterface connector 321 to theelectrical power connector 327 even if theUSB connector 325 is connected to an operating personal computer system (not shown). -
FIG. 3B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the Charger/Communication cable system ofFIG. 3A . In the embodiment ofFIG. 3B , aserial docking cradle 353 is provided to allow thehandheld computer system 310 to rest in theserial docking cradle 353. Whenhandheld computer system 310 rests inserial docking cradle 353, theelectrical interface 311 ofhandheld computer system 310 mates with theelectrical interface 351 ofserial docking cradle 353. This connection allows data communication withUSB connector 355 and the power input throughelectrical power connector 327. - Serial Interface
- Not all personal computer systems have USB communication ports. Furthermore, some operating systems do not adequately support the USB communication ports available on personal computer systems. To allow users in such predicaments use a handheld computer system,
FIGS. 4A and 4B provide a serial communication port versions of the Charger/Communication cable system. -
FIG. 4A provides a serial data-communication/charger cable 420 that is similar to the USB data-communication/charger cable 320 ofFIG. 3A . The principal difference between serial data-communication/charger cable 420 and USB data-communication/charger cable 320 is that serial data-communication/charger cable 420 connects a serial port onhandheld computer system 410 to a serial port on a personal computer system (not shown) using aserial connector 425. -
FIG. 4B illustrates aserial docking cradle 453 for serial data communication and charging of a handheld computer system. The principal difference betweenserial docking cradle 453 andserial docking cradle 353 ofFIG. 3B is thatserial docking cradle 453 connects a serial port onhandheld computer system 410 to a serial port on a personal computer system (not shown) using aserial connector 455. - Combined Travel/Docking System
-
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate alternate embodiments that combine the advantages of the previous embodiments. Specifically,FIGS. 5A and 5B provide both a docking cradle for normal office usage and a travel data-communication/charger cable for use while traveling. -
FIG. 5A illustrates a USB data-communication/charger cable 520 that includes aconnector 522 for coupling directly to a handheld computer system (not shown). When a handheld computer system is coupled toconnector 522, the handheld computer may communicate with a personal computer system (not shown) coupled toconnector 525 and receive power fromcharger 560 coupled toconnector 529. - If the user wishes to use a docking cradle for normal office usage, the user may obtain
docking cradle 583.Connector 522 of USB data-communication/charger cable 520 couples withinterface 582 on thedocking cradle 583. Interface 582 carries the electrical signals fromconnector 522 to aninterface 581 on the docking cradle such that a user may easily couple a handheld computer system (not shown) to a personal computer and acharging system 560 by simply dropping the handheld computer system into thedocking cradle 583. -
FIG. 5B illustrates the same arrangement asFIG. 5A except that the USB data-communication/charger cable 520 has been replaced with a serial data-communication/charger cable 550. In this manner users that do not have a personal computer system with USB support can instead use a serial port connected toserial connector 555. - Note that the
same docking cradle 583 may be used with both the USB data-communication/charger cable 520 and the serial data-communication/charger cable 550. In this manner, the handheld computer system may be sold with either the USB data-communication/charger cable 520 or the serial data-communication/charger cable 550. The purchasers of either those systems that desire a docking cradle may purchase the sameoptional docking cradle 583. - System with Off-The-Shelf Power Supply
- To reduce the cost, an off-the-shelf power supply may be used instead of using a power supply with a special connector.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an USB embodiment that uses an off-the-shelf power supply 660. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6A , the power supply connects to theUSB connector 625 to supply power to a USB data-communication/charger cable 620. -
FIG. 6B illustrates a docking cradle embodiment that uses an off-the-shelf power supply 660. In another docking cradle embodiment (not shown), a user may purchase anoptional docking cradle 583 such thatconnector 621 of USB data-communication/charger cable 620 may be coupled to interface 582 ofdocking cradle 583. -
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate serial interface embodiments similar to the USB embodiments ofFIGS. 6A and 6B . A user with the serial data-communication/charger cable 720 ofFIG. 7A may also usedocking cradle 583 to obtain cradle functionality. - To charge a rechargeable internal battery in a handheld computer system, the handheld computer system usually contains dedicated charging circuitry. The charging circuitry monitors various battery conditions and determines when a charge is needed and when the battery is fully charged.
-
FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of charging circuitry for a handheld computer system. In the charging circuitry ofFIG. 8 , an externalelectrical interface V dock 830 is connected to a chargingcontrol circuitry 820. When the handheld computer system is placed in a charging docking cradle or otherwise connected to a charging source, chargingcontrol circuitry 820 detects a charging voltage onelectrical interface V dock 830 and begins to charge thebattery 860. The chargingcontrol circuitry 820 informsprocessor 810 such that the system may make necessary user interface adjustments. - In an alternate embodiment, charging
control circuitry 820 detects a charging voltage onelectrical interface V dock 830 and informs theprocessor 810.Processor 810 then determines that thebattery 860 needs to be charged and instructs chargingcontrol circuitry 820 to charge thebattery 860 if necessary. - The charging
control circuitry 820charges battery 860 by activatingtransistor 850 which supplies current from the external charging voltage onelectrical interface V dock 830 tobattery 860. In one embodiment, the chargingcontrol circuitry 820 charges thebattery 860 over a three hour period. In a Lithium Ion battery embodiment, the charging begins a constant current “fast charge.” As the charging nears completion (ninety percent charged in one embodiment), the chargingcontrol circuitry 820 slows the charging current down and uses a constant voltage “trickle charge.” - The charging current also lights Light Emitting Diode (LED) 880 to inform the user that the battery is being charged. The
processor 810 may controlLED 880 during charging usingtransistor 890. In a preferred embodiment, theprocessor 810 may causeLED 880 to blink by consecutively turning on and offtransistor 890 during the main charging phase. This informs the user that the battery is being charged. Once the charging is complete (or near complete), theprocessor 810 may cause turn onLED 880 by turning ontransistor 890. In a preferred embodiment, theprocessor 810 blinks theLED 880 during the “fast charge” phase and then turns onLED 880 for a steady output during the “trickle charge” phase. If the user unplugs the charger before the trickle charge is complete, the user interface will calibrate itself to use the current charge status as the 100% charged state. - Silent Alarm
-
Processor 810 may usecontrol LED 880 after charging is complete by usingtransistor 890. In this manner,processor 810 may useLED 880 to output information to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the system software may be modified to allow the user to select a “silent alarm” mode. In the silent alarm mode, the operating system of the handheld computer system will not emit audible alerts when programs request an alarm to be generated but will instead generate a “silent alarm” by blinkingLED 880. In this manner, the handheld computer system will be able to notify the user of an event without emitting a disruptive audible alarm during a meeting. - One problem with the charging circuitry of
FIG. 8 is that when chargingcontrol circuitry 820 has fully chargedbattery 860, then chargingcontrol circuitry 820 will turn offtransistor 850 such thatLED 880 begins to drainbattery 860. Thus,battery 860 begins to discharge even though external power is available throughelectrical interface V dock 830. To prevent such discharging, the processor may turn offtransistor 890. However, such an implementation would provide ambiguous feed back to the user. Specifically, the user would not know if the charging is complete or if the charger system was not properly plugged into an AC outlet. - Revised Charging and LED Control Circuitry
- To remedy this situation,
FIG. 9A illustrates an alternate charging circuitry embodiment. InFIG. 9A , the power source ofLED 980 has been moved abovetransistor 950. In this manner, when the chargingcontrol circuitry 920 has fully chargedbattery 960, then chargingcontrol circuitry 920 will turn offtransistor 950 such thatLED 980 is powered by the external power available throughelectrical interface V dock 930. Thus,LED 980 does not drainbattery 960 after it has become charged. Note thatprocessor 910 can still controlLED 980 during charging usingtransistor 990. - The system of
FIG. 9A provides all the same features as the system ofFIG. 8 during charging. However, it might appear slightly less useful than the system ofFIG. 9A when the handheld computer system is disconnected from the charging source and operating onbattery 960 power. Specifically, it might appear thatLED 980 cannot be used when operating only from battery power. However, this is not true due to the design oftransistor 950. Specifically,transistor 950 is implemented with a transistor that contains a diode across the drain and the source such as Motorola's MGSF1P02LT1 P-Channel enhancement-mode TMOS MOSFET transistor. -
FIG. 9B illustrates a diagram of such an embodiment. In the embodiment ofFIG. 9B , when chargingcontrol circuitry 920 turns offtransistor 950, current may flow frombattery 960, up throughdiode 955, throughLED 980, and down throughtransistor 990. Therefore, even thoughtransistor 950 has been turned off,processor 910 can controlLED 980 usingtransistor 990. - Thus, in the embodiment of
FIG. 9B ,LED 980 is only powered by the power received fromelectrical interface V dock 930 during charging. But when there is no charging voltage onelectrical interface V dock 930, then LED 980 is powered by thebattery 960. In either case,processor 810 can controlLED 980 by controllingtransistor 990. - The foregoing has described a portable computer system that can easily be expanded to handle many new add-on peripherals is disclosed. It is contemplated that changes and modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the materials and arrangements of elements of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (6)
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/241,796 US20060103642A1 (en) | 2000-09-21 | 2005-09-30 | Charging and communication cable system for a mobile computer apparatus |
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US11/241,796 US20060103642A1 (en) | 2000-09-21 | 2005-09-30 | Charging and communication cable system for a mobile computer apparatus |
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