Universal infrared coupling device
First Claim
1. An apparatus for holding an electronic device, said electronic device including an infrared (IR) port arranged to receive IR signals, said apparatus comprising:
- means for holding the electronic device in place relative to said apparatus; and
a movable IR port, said movable IR port being selectively movable relative to said electronic device for positioning said movable IR port relative to said IR port of said electronic device whereby said movable IR port is enabled to transmit IR signals to said IR port of said electronic device.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A handheld device cradle for holding a handheld device in a fixed position relative to the cradle includes a movable IR coupling transceiver selectively connected to a keyboard and selectively movable relative to the cradle to align with the IR port of a handheld device mounted on the cradle. A reflective element of the cradle apparatus is arranged to facilitate a satisfactory alignment of a handheld device with the cradle IR transceiver regardless of the location of the IR port on the handheld device. In an example, a full-sized keyboard is used to provide input to a handheld device which is mounted within the exemplary cradle apparatus to maintain IR port alignment between the cradle IR port and the handheld device IR port.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus for holding an electronic device, said electronic device including an infrared (IR) port arranged to receive IR signals, said apparatus comprising:
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means for holding the electronic device in place relative to said apparatus; and
a movable IR port, said movable IR port being selectively movable relative to said electronic device for positioning said movable IR port relative to said IR port of said electronic device whereby said movable IR port is enabled to transmit IR signals to said IR port of said electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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- 3. The apparatus as set forth in claim wherein said movable IR port is connected to a terminal port of said apparatus, said terminal port being arranged for connection to an external input system whereby input from said external input system is transmitted from said movable IR port to said IR port of said electronic device.
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11. A system comprising:
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an electronic device capable of receiving infrared (IR) signals; and
an apparatus for holding said electronic device, said apparatus comprising;
means for holding said electronic device in place relative to said apparatus; and
a movable IR port, said movable IR port being selectively movable relative to said electronic device for positioning said movable IR port relative to said IR port of said electronic device whereby said movable IR port is enabled to transmit IR signals to said IR port of said electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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Specification