US20080169943A1 - Integrated removable faceplate for portable computing system - Google Patents
Integrated removable faceplate for portable computing system Download PDFInfo
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- US20080169943A1 US20080169943A1 US12/006,582 US658208A US2008169943A1 US 20080169943 A1 US20080169943 A1 US 20080169943A1 US 658208 A US658208 A US 658208A US 2008169943 A1 US2008169943 A1 US 2008169943A1
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- faceplate
- electronic device
- housing
- buttons
- electrical contacts
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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
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
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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
- G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
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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
-
- 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
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1662—Details related to the integrated keyboard
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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
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
- G06F1/1698—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
- G06F3/0238—Programmable keyboards
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/770,979 filed Feb. 2, 2004 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/844,558 filed Apr. 27, 2001, which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- As the components required to build a computer system have reduced in size, new categories of computer systems have emerged. One of the new categories of computer systems is the “palmtop” computer system. A palmtop computer system is a computer that is small enough to be held in the hand of a user and can therefore be “palm-sized.” Most palmtop computer systems are used to implement various Personal Information Management (PIM) applications such as an address book, a daily organizer and electronic notepads, to name a few. Palmtop computers with PIM software have been know as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Many PDAs have a small flat display screen associated therewith one or more buttons or keys that can be pressed by a user.
- In addition to PDAs, small flat display screens and push buttons have also been implemented within other portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, electronic pagers, remote control devices and other wireless portable devices.
- User convenience and device value are very important factors for portable electronic devices. Typically, portable electronic devices are employed while the user is on the run, e.g., in business meetings, on business travel, personal travel, in a vehicle, on foot, etc. Because the user may be occupied or busy while using the portable electronic device, the number of user steps or user tasks required in order to access information from an electronic device (or to store information into the electronic device) is crucial for producing a commercially successful and useful product. That is, the more difficult it is to access data from an electronic device, the less likely the user will perform those tasks to obtain the information. Likewise, the easier information is to obtain, the more likely the portable electronic device will be used to obtain that information and the more likely the portable electronic device will become a part of the user's everyday activities.
- Similarly, the more useful the device, the more the device will be used and acquired. Accordingly, the more the device can be flexible and specialized for particular uses that are important to users, the higher the likelihood that the device will be employed.
- One way to personalize or specialize a portable electronic device is to alter the appearance of its faceplate or front cover. Today, many cell phones offer removable faceplates which can be attached to the device. The faceplates have button holes that are adapted fit around existing buttons that are integrated with the cell phone body. The faceplates can alter the overall appearance (e.g., color, pattern, etc.) of the device to fit a user's taste or personal preference. These prior art faceplates, while altering the cosmetic appearance of the device, do not alter the functionality or placement of the underlying buttons which are integrated with the body of cell phone device.
- Other faceplates have been offered that not only provide cosmetic changes to the device, but also add some special key designations or key types to the existing buttons of the underlying device. However, the existing buttons of the underlying device are still needed. For instance, some faceplates provide mechanical buttons that are designed to contact and fit over the existing buttons on the device's body. When the mechanical button on the faceplate is depressed, so is the underlying device's button. The mechanical buttons of these prior art faceplates can alter the designations of the existing buttons or add new button types. For instance, a joystick key type (on the faceplate) can be added over a group of existing keys of the device's body. When the joy stick is moved, different keys of the key group are then activated. However, since these prior art faceplates make use of the existing keys of the device, they are limited in their potential key placements, key functionalities and key types. These faceplates may also add significant size and weight to the overall device since their keys are additive to the underlying keys.
- The present invention relates to the field of data entry devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to removable faceplates for a portable computer system or other portable electronic device.
- Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, e.g., a cell phone, portable computer system, PDA, electronic pager, etc., having a removable functional faceplate. The removable functional faceplate provides additional keys and key functionality that are in addition to any underlying keys of the electronic device (if it has any at all). For instance, removable faceplates can add extended keyboards, gaming controls, etc. The new keys and key functionality can be placed in any location on the faceplate and may be of any key type without restriction to the underlying keys of the electronic device (if it has any at all). Additionally, the functional faceplates may provide circuits which add functionality to the electronic device other than, or in addition to, new keys, e.g., increased memory capacity, increased power capacity, music playing capacity, measurement devices, etc. The faceplates are removable, and in one embodiment, designed to be readily removed and installed by the user. By providing the ability to add new keys to the faceplate, the present invention provides an electronic device that may be substantially customized for a particular user or for a particular and specialized use. The present invention provides these advantages and others not specifically mentioned above but described in the sections to follow.
- An integrated removable functional faceplate is described herein for a portable computer system. The removable functional faceplate employs specially located electrical contacts or pads that mate with similarly located electrical contacts mounted on predetermined positions of the portable computer system, e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other electronic device. The electrical contacts of the functional faceplate carry signals that are responsive to the pressing of physical buttons which may be placed in any location on the functional faceplate. This allows individual faceplates to be developed that are specialized for a particular purpose, e.g., extended keyboards, adapted for gaming, adapted for music playing, adapted for email, paging, etc. The functional faceplates may have specialized button types that are adapted for a particular use and are also located in custom positions that reflect the particular use employed. When the functional faceplate is removed from the portable computer system, it may have no buttons or it may provide a standard PDA button group.
- An identification circuit may be employed on the functional faceplate to indicate its button group and signaling characteristics. Alternatively, the functional faceplate may also include a data generation device, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) or electronic thermometer, a music player, a smart card, etc. In this case, one or more of the electrical contacts are adapted to receive data signals from this data generation device. Alternatively, the functional faceplate may also include an auxiliary power supply (e.g., battery, solar power, etc.). In this case, one or more of the electrical contacts are adapted to receive a power signal from this auxiliary power source.
- The removable integrated functional faceplate of the present invention permits a user to add additional specific functionality to its PDA, for instance gaming (e.g., controls, four way control, joystick, etc.) and email (e.g., a keyboard). In order to lessen the size and weight of the PDA, in one embodiment, the functional faceplates may become an integrated part of the PDA and not an add-on accessory. In one implementation, the faceplates may be molded in plastic and removably attached to the PDA via a hook and snaps combination, although any attachment mechanism can be used, e.g., rail and slot, screws, etc. It is appreciated that the faceplate does not need to be of the same size as the PDA, but could be larger depending on the type of use intended.
- More specifically, an embodiment of the present invention includes a faceplate for an electronic device comprising: a housing adapted to be removably secured onto the electronic device; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the housing and operable to mate with corresponding electrical contacts of the electronic device when the housing is secured onto the electronic device; and a plurality of buttons disposed on the housing and, when activated, for causing signals to be generated over the electrical contacts indicating which buttons were activated and when activated. Embodiments include the above and further comprising a code generation device responsive to activation of the plurality of buttons and coupled to the electrical contacts of the faceplate, the code generation device for generating the signals over the electrical contacts which indicate which buttons where activated and when activated.
- Embodiments include the above and further comprising an identification unit disposed on the housing and coupled to the electrical contacts of the faceplate, the identification unit for identifying the faceplate to the electronic device. Embodiments include the above and further comprising an auxiliary power supply disposed on the housing and coupled to the electrical contacts of the faceplate, the auxiliary power supply for supplying power to the electronic device.
- Embodiments include the above and further comprising a data signal generation device disposed on the housing and coupled to the electrical contacts of the faceplate, the data signal generation device for supplying data signals to the electronic device wherein the data signal generation device may be a music player or an environmental measuring device or a memory card or a global positioning system (GPS).
- Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
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FIG. 1 is a logical block diagram of components of an exemplary portable computer system, e.g., personal digital assistant, that can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is a front view of a portable computer system of one embodiment of the present invention having its removable faceplate removed thereby exposing its button bezel region which has multiple electrical contacts disposed therein. -
FIG. 2B is a front view of a portable computer system of another embodiment of the present invention having its removable faceplate removed thereby exposing its button bezel region which has multiple electrical contacts disposed therein along with some fixed-position integrated buttons. -
FIG. 3 is a side view of a portable computer system of another embodiment of the present invention having its electrical contacts mounted along the side edge of the device. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portable computer system having its removable faceplate attached thereto in accordance with embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a portable computer system having snapped thereon a basic removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a portable computer system having snapped thereon a basic removable faceplate with a slot for receiving a removable memory device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable computer system having snapped thereon an extended removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having freely positioned buttons and specially located electrical contacts. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portable computer system having snapped thereon a gaming removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having an identification code installed therein. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable computer system having snapped thereon a special function removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having a data generation device installed therein. -
FIG. 12 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having an auxiliary power source installed therein. -
FIG. 13 illustrates the back side of a removable faceplate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having a receiving slot (for a memory card) and associated chipset installed therein. - In the following detailed description of the present invention, an integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable computer system or other intelligent device, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
- Although the functional faceplate of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of different electronic systems such as a pager, a cell phone, a remote control device, etc., one exemplary embodiment includes the integration of the faceplate with a portable electronic device or PDA.
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FIG. 1 illustrates circuitry of an exemplaryportable computer system 100.Computer system 100 includes an address/data bus 99 for communicating information, acentral processor 101 coupled with thebus 99 for processing information and instructions, a volatile memory 102 (e.g., random access memory RAM) coupled with thebus 99 for storing information and instructions for thecentral processor 101 and a non-volatile memory 103 (e.g., read only memory ROM) coupled with thebus 99 for storing static information and instructions for theprocessor 101. - Computer system 110 also includes an optional data storage device 104 (e.g., thin profile removable memory) coupled with the
bus 99 for storing information and instructions.Device 104 can be removable.Device 104 may also be an SDROM card reader or equivalent removable memory reader. - Also included in
computer system 100 ofFIG. 1 is analphanumeric input device 106 which in one implementation is a handwriting recognition pad (“digitizer”) and may include integrated push buttons in one embodiment.Device 106 can communicate information (spatial data and pressure data) and command selections to thecentral processor 101. Thedigitizer 106 records both the (x, y) coordinate value of the current location of the stylus and also simultaneously records the pressure that the stylus exerts on the face of the digitizer pad. The coordinate values (spatial information) and pressure data are then output on separate channels for sampling by theprocessor 101. In one implementation, there are roughly 256 different discrete levels of pressure that can be detected by thedigitizer 106. Since the digitizer's channels are sampled serially by the processor, the stroke spatial data are sampled “pseudo” simultaneously with the associated pressure data. The sampled data is then stored in a memory by theprocessor 101 for later analysis. - System 110 of
FIG. 1 also includes an optional cursor control or directingdevice 107 coupled to the bus for communicating user input information and command selections to thecentral processor 101. In one implementation,device 107 is a touch screen device (also a digitizer) incorporated withscreen 105.Device 107 is capable of registering a position on thescreen 105 where the stylus makes contact and the pressure of the contact. The digitizer of 106 or 107 can be implemented using well known devices, for instance, using the ADS-7846 device by Burr-Brown that provides separate channels for spatial stroke information and pressure information. -
System 100 also contains a flatpanel display device 105 coupled to thebus 99 for displaying information to the computer user. Thedisplay device 105 utilized with thecomputer system 100 may be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube (CRT), field emission device (FED, also called flat panel CRT) or other display device suitable for creating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to the user. Any of a number of display technologies can be used, e.g., LCD, FED, plasma, etc., for theflat panel display 105. In one embodiment, thedisplay 105 is a flat panel multi-mode display capable of both monochrome and color display modes. -
Signal communication device 108, also coupled tobus 99, can be a serial port (or USB port) for communicating with a cradle. In one embodiment, theserial communication interface 108 is a serial communication port, but could also alternatively be of any of a number of well known communication standards and protocols, e.g., parallel, SCSI, Firewire (IEEE 1394), Ethernet, etc. In addition todevice 108, wireless communication links can be established between thedevice 100 and a host computer system (or another portable computer system) using aBluetooth wireless device 360, aninfrared device 355, aGSM radio device 240, or a CDMA device, or a W-CDMA device or a 802.11 device.Device 100 may also include awireless modem device 240 and/or a wireless radio, e.g., a GSM wireless radio with supporting chipset. Thewireless modem device 240 is coupled to communicate with theprocessor 101 but may not be directly coupled toport 108. - In one implementation, the Mobitex wireless communication system may be used to provide two way communication between
system 100 and other networked computers and/or the Internet, e.g., via a proxy server. In other embodiments, TCP protocol can be used or SMS can be used.System 100 ofFIG. 1 may also contain batteries for providing electrical power. - Also shown in
FIG. 1 are a group of electrical contacts orpads 220 that are disposed on the portable computer system and made available for mating with a removable faceplate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Theseelectrical contacts 220 are internally coupled tobus 99. In one embodiment, these electrical contacts are exposed when the removable faceplate is removed from thedevice 100. Depending on the particular embodiment, as discussed below, some of thepads 220 are used to carry different signal types that may be generated from the faceplate, e.g., they are used (1) to carry code signals used by theprocessor 101 to differentiate between which buttons are pressed on the faceplate and when; (2) to carry power; (3) to carry an identification code of the faceplate; and (4) to carry data signals from a data signal generation device on the faceplate. -
FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of aportable computer system 100 a in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention with its faceplate removed. In this example,system 100 a may be a hand-held computer system or PDA but could be any portable electronic device (e.g., pager, cell phone, etc.). Flatpanel display screen 105 is located in the central portion. Arecess 210 may be cut out for receiving a button region from a removable faceplate (not shown). Also shown are theelectrical contacts 220 which are disposed within therecess 210 in this embodiment and are exposed. There may be as few as twoelectrical contacts 220 in accordance with the present invention. Theelectrical contacts 220 are for mating with contacts from a removable faceplate. These electrical contacts orpads 220 allow the removable faceplate to communicate signals with thedevice 100 a, e.g., button selection signals and other data, and/or power signals. In the example 100 a shown inFIG. 2A , there are no keys or buttons located on the face ofdevice 100 a with the faceplate removed. In this particular embodiment, thedevice 100 a requires a faceplate for full functionality. -
FIG. 2B illustrates anotherembodiment 100 b of the present invention.FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of aportable computer system 100 b with its faceplate removed. As inFIG. 2A ,electrical contacts 220 ofFIG. 2B are also located withinregion 210 ofdevice 100 b. In this example, there is somebasic button functionality 230 ondevice 100 b even when the faceplate of the present invention is removed.Buttons 230 are located withinrecess 210 and are integrated within the body ofdevice 100 b. Any faceplate that is to be attached todevice 100 b will generally have cut-outs to accommodate the existingbuttons 230 and may also add other, additional, buttons which communicate usingpads 220 as described further below. -
FIG. 3 illustrates anotherembodiment 100 c of the present invention. In this example,device 100 c is shown in side-view and itselectrical contacts 220 are located along the side of thedevice 100 c. It is appreciated that the electrical contracts may be located withinregion 210 of the device as well as along the edge of the device. Provided electrical contacts are located along the edge of the device, corresponding mating contacts would be required along the back side of the edge of any removable faceplate adapted for attaching todevice 100 c. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of afaceplate 250, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and also aportable computer system 100 a adapted to receive thefaceplate 250. In one embodiment, thefaceplate 250 is removably attached todevice 100 a by pressure and by snap fitting hooks and mechanisms. In this way, thefaceplate 250 can readily be removed fromdevice 100 a and replaced. The front side of thefaceplate 250 is shown and is made of a housing (e.g., molded plastic) that bearsbuttons 270 or “keys.” - The
faceplate keys 270, in accordance with the present invention, may be placed in any location and are not limited in position to the locations of any keys that are integrated ondevice 100 a (if any). In the example shown inFIG. 4 , thedevice 100 a does not have any keys on its face. The front side offaceplate 250 illustrates a cut-outregion 260 for positioning arounddisplay 105. When attached to thedevice 100 a, contacts (not shown) on the rear side of thefaceplate 250 will come into physical contact withelectrical pads 220 located on thedevice 100 a. In this way, thefaceplate 250 may communicate with the electronics ofdevice 100 a. It is appreciated that the exterior ofdevice 100 a may include a recess of roughly the same area and size as thefaceplate 250 and this recess may be used to accept thefaceplate 250 therein. In this way, the overall size of the PDA with the attached faceplate is reduced and thefaceplate 250 becomes integrated with thePDA 100 a. -
FIG. 5A illustrates oneexample device 310 a in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example,faceplate 250 a is attached to and integrated withdevice 100 a. Thisfaceplate 250 a is roughly the same width and length as thedevice 100 a but could be larger in size. Thefaceplate 250 a is a housing that contains multiplestandard buttons 270 for PDA access, e.g., six buttons are shown. Thisfaceplate 250 a is contemplated as being a basic or base faceplate that would be shipped with thePDA 100 a. Not shown are internal electrical contacts on the rear side of thefaceplate 250 a that make contact with corresponding electrical contacts of the front side ofdevice 100 a when the two components are snapped together. Thesecontacts 222 are shown inFIG. 7 . In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A , user selections ofbuttons 270 are translated into coded signals which are generated over the electrical contacts and processed bydevice 100 a. Using these coded signals, thedevice 100 a can determine which buttons where pressed and when. -
FIG. 5B is analogous toFIG. 5A except theportable computer system 310 b has snapped thereon a basic removable faceplate with aslot 312 for receiving a removable memory device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates oneexample device 320 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention using an extended faceplate integrated with thedevice 100 a. In this example, anextended faceplate 250 b is attached todevice 100 a. Thisfaceplate 250 b is roughly the same width asdevice 100 a but is longer in length to accommodate an extended keyboard. The faceplate is a housing that contains the sixstandard buttons 270 for PDA access but also contains a fullalphanumeric keyboard 280 which may be used for text entering. Also included arefunction keys 272. Thisfaceplate 250 b can be used by any user requiring the particular key layout shown to customize the device to their particular needs and work. Not shown are internal electrical contacts on the rear side of thefaceplate 250 b that make contact with corresponding electrical contacts of the front side ofdevice 100 a when the two components are snapped together. In this embodiment, user selections ofbuttons device 100 a. Using these coded signals, thedevice 100 a can determine which buttons where pressed and when. - Importantly,
faceplates device 100 a depending on the user's needs. For instance, if a user performs a large degree of text data entering or responds to pages, he/she may want a pager-like interface with theirPDA 100 a. In this case,faceplate 250 b can be used to customize thePDA 100 a for this particular use. However, if the user wants a smaller footprint, e.g., they are traveling, then faceplate 250 a can be used. -
FIG. 7 illustrates the rear or back side view offaceplate 250 a (and can also represent the rear side view offaceplate 250 b). According to this embodiment,mechanical buttons 270 a-270 e are electrically connected to acode generation device 410 via ribbon cable (or “flex circuits”) 430 a and 430 b. Themechanical buttons 270 a-270 e are mounted onhousing 420 and may be placed in any location on thehousing 420 and are basically electrical switches with a mechanical key. In one embodiment, thehousing 420 is made of a molded plastic or resin or a flexible metal material. - The
code generator device 410 is disposed onhousing 420 is connected toelectrical contacts 222 via ribbon cable (“flex circuits”) 430 c. As discussed above,contacts 222 are operable to come into physical contact withelectrical pads 220 ofdevice 100 a whenfaceplate 250 a is attached todevice 100 a. Thecode generator 410 is responsive to signals fromcables code generator 410 is capable of generating a unique digital or analog signal (button code) overcontacts 222 indicating which button was pressed. It is appreciated that the button code is generated overcontacts 222 simultaneously with the button being pressed. It is appreciated that many well known code generators could be used for this function, including numerous different types of digital and/or analog code generators. - It is appreciated that the key or button layout of
faceplate 250 a is very flexible in that keys or buttons can be placed in any position on thefaceplate housing 420. Further, thesekeys 270 a-270 e can be made available to thedevice 100 a as a result of thecontacts 222 which are positioned at predetermined locations for mating withcontacts 220 ofdevice 100 a. -
FIG. 8 illustrates oneexample device 330 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, afaceplate 250 c is attached to and integrated withdevice 100 a but is used with the PDA in such a way that it is held length-wise rather than width-wise. Thebuttons 274 are then placed on the left and right sides to facilitate gaming. Thisfaceplate 250 c is roughly the same width but longer in length than thedevice 100 a. The faceplate is a housing that containsspecial buttons 274 adapted for gaming applications (e.g., start, stop, reset, A/B, joystick, etc.). Thebuttons 274 are also positioned in places to provide the best gaming experience possible. Not shown are internal electrical contacts on the rear side of thefaceplate 250 c that make contact with corresponding electrical contacts of the front side ofdevice 100 a when the two components are snapped together. In this embodiment, user selections ofbuttons 274 are translated into coded signals which are generated over the electrical contacts and processed bydevice 100 a. Using these coded signals, thedevice 100 a can determine which buttons where pressed and when. - Importantly,
faceplates 250 a-250 c can interchangeably be attached todevice 100 a depending the way in which the user wants to use thedevice 100 a. For instance, if a user plays games, he/she may want a game-like interface with thePDA 100 a. In this case,faceplate 250 c can be used to customize thePDA 100 a for this particular use. Therefore, the removable integrated functional faceplates discussed herein permit the user to add additional specific functionality to their PDA such as gaming (oystick) and email (keyboard) or standard PDA use. Also, the faceplates of the present invention, when installed, become an integrated part of the PDA and are not necessarily an add-on accessory which potentially could add additional size to the device. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the rear or back side view offaceplate 250 c in block diagram form.Faceplate 250 c is similar tofaceplate 250 a (FIG. 7 ) except that the keys are laid out differently andfaceplate 250 c utilizes an optionalidentification code device 450.Identification code device 450 can be realized either using either electrical components or mechanical components.Identification code device 450 is coupled to anelectrical contact 222 and is able to communicate a code todevice 100 a indicating the identity or type of faceplate that it is. The identity code can help thedevice 100 a to interpret the coded signals generated by thecode generator 410. Using theidentification code 450, each faceplate adapted for coupling with thedevice 100 a would have its own ID code value. In one embodiment,identification code 450 can be realized using a programmed memory cell. -
FIG. 10 illustrates oneexample device 340 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that adds special functionality to the PDA in addition to buttons and button layouts. In this example, afaceplate 250 d is attached to adevice 100 a and adds global positioning system (GPS) functionality. Thisfaceplate 250 d is roughly the same size as thedevice 100 a but aGPS receiver 510 is mounted on the housing of thefaceplate 250 d. The faceplate also containsstandard PDA buttons 270 adapted for PDA applications. Not shown are internal electrical contacts on the rear side of thefaceplate 250 d that make contact with corresponding electrical contacts of the front side ofdevice 100 a when the two components are snapped together. In this embodiment, user selections ofbuttons 270 are translated into coded signals which are generated over the electrical contacts and processed bydevice 100 a. Using these coded signals, thedevice 100 a can determine which buttons where pressed and when. TheGPS device 510 also communicates withdevice 100 a using these contacts. -
Faceplates 250 a-250 d can interchangeably be attached todevice 100 a depending on the user's need. For instance, if a user needs GPS functionality, he/she may snap-onfaceplate 250 d. In this case,faceplate 250 d can be used to customize thePDA 100 a for this particular use. -
FIG. 11 illustrates the rear or back side view offaceplate 250 d in block diagram form.Faceplate 250 d is similar tofaceplate 250 a (FIG. 7 ) except thatfaceplate 250 d contains a datasignal generation device 460. The data signalgeneration device 460 in this example is a GPS device, but could be any module. The data signalgeneration device 460, includingdevice 510, is coupled toelectrical contacts 222 and is able to communicate data signals todevice 100 a in this fashion. GPS applications ondevice 100 a can then be used to present the data signals to the user. Other possible data signalgeneration devices 460 could include environmental measuring devices, such as an electronic thermometer, an electronic light meter, an electronic wind meter, an electronic sound meter, an electronic color meter, etc. Anoptional identification circuit 450 may also be employed. - Using data signal
generation devices 460, the faceplates of the present invention can add significant optional features and capabilities to thestandard PDA unit 100 a in a flexible and readily user-installable fashion. -
FIG. 12 illustrates the rear or back side view of anotherfaceplate 250 e which adds an auxiliarypower supply module 470 tohousing 420.Faceplate 250 e is similar tofaceplate 250 d except thatfaceplate 250 e contains the auxiliarypower supply module 470. The auxiliarypower supply module 470 is useful for providing extra power todevice 100 a for applications that consume large amounts of battery power, e.g., music playing applications and related electronics, etc. The auxiliarypower supply module 470 is coupled toelectrical contacts 222 and is able to provide power todevice 100 a in this fashion. It is appreciated thatmodule 470 may be a battery (replaceable or rechargeable) or may be a solar cell. Anoptional identification circuit 450 may also be employed. -
FIG. 13 illustrates the rear or back side view of anotherfaceplate 250 f which is similar tofaceplate 250 d except the data signal generation device is a data storage device rather than a data measurement device. In this example, thedata storage device 480 includes a memory slot to receive a memory card (e.g., flash, SDROM, Memory Stick, etc.), and associated chipset electronics. Thememory module 480 is useful for providing additional removable storage capability for thedevice 100 a (e.g., providedunit 104 is also a memory card slot) ormemory module 480 can be used to provide removable memory storage functionality for adevice 100 a not already having such functionality. Thememory module 480 is coupled toelectrical contacts 222 and is able to provide memory storage (e.g., data) fordevice 100 a in this fashion. Alternatively,device 480 could also be a music storage and playback device. Theidentification code device 450 is optional. - Other functionality that could be added by
unit 480 includes an expansion module connector or bus that is adapted for receiving standard sized electronic modules. Also possible are wireless communication devices, such as Bluetooth modules, IR modules, etc. Theunit 480 could also be an expanded display screen. An such device would be coupled tocontacts 222. - According to the various embodiments of the present invention, the
electrical contacts 222 may carry a number of different signal types. For instance, some contacts may be reserved for key code information relating to the buttons that were pressed. In addition, two contacts may be reserved to supplying auxiliary power to thedevice 100 a. Also, various contacts may be reserved for supplying an identification code todevice 100 a to indicate the faceplate type, e.g., standard PDA type, extended keyboard type, gaming type, GPS type, music type, etc. Other contacts can be reserved for supplying data signals (analog or digital) todevice 100 a. - The preferred embodiment of the present invention, an integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable computer system or other intelligent device, is thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the below claims.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/006,582 US20080169943A1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2008-01-02 | Integrated removable faceplate for portable computing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/844,558 US6747578B1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2001-04-27 | Integrated removable functional faceplate for portable computer system |
US10/770,979 US7315260B1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2004-02-02 | Integrated removable functional faceplate for portable computer system |
US12/006,582 US20080169943A1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2008-01-02 | Integrated removable faceplate for portable computing system |
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US10/770,979 Continuation US7315260B1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2004-02-02 | Integrated removable functional faceplate for portable computer system |
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US20080169943A1 true US20080169943A1 (en) | 2008-07-17 |
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US09/844,558 Expired - Lifetime US6747578B1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2001-04-27 | Integrated removable functional faceplate for portable computer system |
US10/770,979 Expired - Fee Related US7315260B1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2004-02-02 | Integrated removable functional faceplate for portable computer system |
US12/006,582 Abandoned US20080169943A1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2008-01-02 | Integrated removable faceplate for portable computing system |
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US09/844,558 Expired - Lifetime US6747578B1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2001-04-27 | Integrated removable functional faceplate for portable computer system |
US10/770,979 Expired - Fee Related US7315260B1 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2004-02-02 | Integrated removable functional faceplate for portable computer system |
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Also Published As
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US6747578B1 (en) | 2004-06-08 |
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