Removable modules with external I/O flexibility via an integral second-level removable slot
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The functionality provided to electronic devices by application specific removable modules is enhanced by viewing the removable modules as first-level removable modules and providing them with at least one second-level removable slot for selectively nesting second-level removable modules having particular external I/O capabilities. The functionality provided to the electronic devices by such a first-level removable module can thus be provided in part by the application specific circuitry within the removable module and further in part by the type of external I/O of the second-level removable module.
105 Citations
71 Claims
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1-20. -20. (canceled)
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21-62. -62. (canceled)
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63. A first removable module for use in conjunction with an electronic device and a second removable module, the electronic device having a first removable module slot, the second removable module having external I/O of one of a plurality of types, the first removable module comprising:
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a mechanical assembly and an electrical interface, each adapted to enable the first removable module to operatively nest in the first removable module slot;
application specific circuitry for a predetermined application; and
a second removable module slot adapted to there within operatively nest the second removable module;
wherein when the second removable module is operatively nested in the second removable module slot and the first removable module is operatively nested in the first removable module slot, the electronic device is provided with functionality at least in part based on the predetermined application and based at least in part on the external I/O type of the second removable module. - View Dependent Claims (64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70)
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71. A method of establishing at least part of the functionality available to an electronic device having a first removable module slot, comprising:
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providing a first removable module adapted to operatively nest in the first removable module slot, the first removable module further having application specific circuitry for a predetermined application and a second removable module slot;
operatively nesting the first removable module in the first removable module slot; and
operatively nesting a second removable module in the second removable module slot, the second removable module having external I/O of one of a plurality of types;
wherein the functionality available to the electronic device is established at least in part based on the predetermined application and established at least in part on the external I/O type of the nested second removable module.
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Specification