Time-controlled variable-function or multi-function apparatus and methods

• US 20040181706A1
• Filed: 03/13/2003
• Published: 09/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Ip, Michael C., Chen, Yancy T.
• Application Number:
  US10/389,156
• Publication Number:
  US 20040181706A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/600
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements

Abstract

A variable function assembly having a computer configured to be coupled to a power source, and a variable function device having a microprocessor assembly including a generally fixed circuitry, a microprocessor, and a variable-function clock. The variable function assembly may also have at least one module coupled to the microprocessor assembly so that the variable function device may provide at least one function. A method of providing a function in a variable-function device comprising providing a variable-function device having a variable-function clock for changing an operative mode of a function-producing device (e.g. an entertainment computer) at a desired time with the assistance of the variable-function clock, removing a function (e.g. an entertainment function) from the function-producing device, and providing the removed function in the variable-function device.

Claims

1. A variable function assembly comprising:

a computer configured to be coupled to a power source;

a variable function device having a generally fixed circuitry and a variable-function clock coupled to the fixed circuitry for assisting in changing the operative mode of the computer at a desired time; and

a module coupled to the generally fixed circuitry so the variable function device may provide a desired function.

2. The variable function assembly of claim 1 wherein said computer comprises an entertainment computer having an audio and video generating system.

3. The variable function assembly of claim 1 wherein said variable function device includes microprocessor coupled to said variable-function clock.

4. The variable function assembly of claim 3 additionally comprising an audio volume controller coupled to the microprocessor, and at least one controller coupled to the microprocessor for controlling the microprocessor.

5. The variable function assembly of claim 4 additionally comprising a VCD-controlled device coupled to the variable function device.

6. The variable function assembly of claim 1 wherein said computer comprises a processor and a computer clock synchronized with the variable-function clock and coupled to the processor of the computer

7. A method of providing a function in a variable-function device comprising:

providing a variable-function device having a variable-function clock;

activating a function-producing device at a desired time with the assistance of the variable-function clock;

removing a function from the function-producing device; and

providing the removed function in the variable-function device.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the removed function comprises a function selected from the group consisting of an input-function, an out-put function, an entertainment function, an information resource function, a security function, a system display function, a system control function, a telephony function, a communication function, a notification function, a productivity function, a transaction function, a value-added service function, a logical window function for a computer, an education function, at least one of audio and visual control function, a device control function, and an advanced functionality function.

9. The method of claim 7 additionally comprising connecting the function-producing device to the variable function device through a communication link.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the communication link comprises a wired path.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the communication link comprises a wireless path.

12. The method of claim 7 wherein the variable-function device comprises a module capable of permitting and providing removal of a function from the function-producing device.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the function-producing device comprises an entertainment computer having a processor.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the module comprises:

an input stage for receiving an input; and

an input interface coupled to the input stage for processing the received input.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the input interface comprises a matrix switch.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the input stage comprises an element configured for selecting a desired input.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the input stage comprises a receiver configured to receive the input.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the input stage comprises a transceiver configured to receive the input.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein the input is generated by a communicative device.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the communicative device is configured to communicate with the variable-function device by wireless communication.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the communicative device is configured to communicate with the variable-function device by wired communication.

22. The method of claim 13 wherein the module includes a recording module for recording the removed function from the entertainment computer.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the output from the module is received and processed by a third device.

24. The method of claim 12 wherein the module comprises a hub.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the hub is configured for connecting to at least one peripheral device.

26. The method of claim 13 wherein the module comprises:

an output stage configured to generate output;

an output interface coupled to the output stage and configured to process the output to be generated by the output stage.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the output stage comprises a display screen.

28. The method of claim 26 wherein the output stage comprises a transmitter configured to transmit the output.

29. The method of claim 26 wherein the output stage comprises a transceiver configured to transmit the output.

30. The method of claim 7 wherein said function-producing device comprises a processor coupled to a function-producing clock, and said method additionally comprises synchronizing the function-producing clock with the variable-function clock.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein said synchronizing of the function-producing clock with the variable-function is prior to said activating the function-producing device at a desired time.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein said synchronizing comprises polling the processor of the function-producing device with a microprocessor of the variable-function device.

33. A variable function assembly comprising:

a computer means for producing a desired function;

means, coupled to the computer means, for receiving and producing at least one function from the computer means, and including a generally fixed circuitry and a variable-function clock coupled to the fixed circuitry for assisting in activating the computer means at a desired time; and

a module coupled to the generally fixed circuitry so the means for producing at least one function may provide a function.