INFORMATION DEVICE

• US 20110009077A1
• Filed: 09/09/2010
• Published: 01/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Original Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Application Number:
  US12/878,615
• Publication Number:
  US 20110009077A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/90.3
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/66 Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/60 Network streaming of media packets
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/06 specially adapted for file transfer, e.g. file transfer protocol [FTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/568 Storing data temporarily at an intermediate stage, e.g. caching

Abstract

A device for obtaining, storing and displaying information from a remote server, the device has a modem for establishing communication sessions with the remote server. A memory coupled to the modem stores the obtained information, and a display is coupled to the memory for displaying the stored information. The device automatically and periodically communicates with the remote server for obtaining the information.

Claims

1. A device for docking and powering a handheld unit having a connector, and for coupling the handheld unit to wiring connected for carrying digital data, said device comprising:

a cradle comprising a mechanical adapter for docking the handheld unit thereto, said cradle including a first electrical connector mating with the connector of the handheld unit, said first electrical connector being provided for providing an electrical connection to the handheld unit when the handheld unit is mounted on the cradle;

a first transceiver coupled to said first electrical connector for digital data communication with the handheld unit;

a second electrical connector for connecting to the wiring;

a second transceiver coupled to said second electrical connector for transmitting digital data to, and receiving digital data from, the wiring;

a power port connectable to a power source;

a power supply comprising a voltage converter, said power supply being coupled to said power port for being powered from the power source; and

a single enclosure housing said cradle, said first and second electrical connectors, said first and second transceivers, said power port and said power supply,

wherein said power supply is coupled to said first electrical connector for DC powering at least part of the handheld unit when the handheld unit is docked on said cradle, and

wherein said first transceiver is communicatively coupled to said second transceiver for coupling the handheld unit to digital data carried by the wiring.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or a cellular telephone handset.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device has a digital data network address uniquely identifying said device in a data network.

4. The device according to claim 3, further comprising a non-volatile memory for storing the digital data network address.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the digital data network address identifies said device in a Local Area Network (LAN).

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the digital data network address identifies said device in a Wide Area Network (WAN).

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein the digital data network address identifies said device in the Internet.

8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the digital data network address is either a MAC address or an IP address.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is configured for wall mounting in a residential building.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said single enclosure has dimensions and an appearance of a conventional flat, wall-mountable framed picture.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard picture frame;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard picture frame for hanging on a wall; and

a shape to at least in part substitute for a standard picture frame.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein communication with the handheld unit via said first electrical connector is carried out using a serial digital data stream.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein communication with the wiring via said second connector is carried out using a serial digital data stream.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

said power port is an AC connector for connecting to an AC power outlet; and

said power supply comprises an AC to DC converter for DC powering at least part of said device.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the handheld unit has a battery and said device is operative to be connected to charge the battery when the handheld unit is docked on said cradle.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a DC power source;

and said power supply comprises a DC to DC converter for DC powering at least part of said device.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the wiring is connected for concurrently carrying a power signal and an information signal over the same wires; and

said power port is coupled to said second electrical connector so that said device is further operative to be at least in part powered from the power signal.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein:

the wiring is a telephone wire pair; and

said second electrical connector is a telephone connector.

19. The device according to claim 1, further comprising firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said first and second transceivers.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein said processor is one of:

a microprocessor; and

a microcomputer, and said device further comprises at least one user operated button or switch coupled to said processor, for user control of operation of said device.

21. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the wiring is a telephone wire pair;

said second electrical connector is a telephone connector; and

said second transceiver is a telephone line modem.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein:

communication with the wiring is based on HomePNA standard; and

said telephone line modem is HomePNA compliant modem.

23. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the wiring is AC power wiring;

said second electrical connector is an AC power connector; and

said second transceiver is a powerline modem.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein:

communication with the wiring is based on HomePlug standard; and

said powerline modem is a HomePlug compliant modem.

25. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the wiring is a coaxial cable;

said second electrical connector is a coaxial connector; and

said second transceiver is a cable modem.

26. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the wiring is a Local Area Network (LAN) wiring;

said second electrical connector is a LAN connector; and

said second transceiver is a LAN transceiver.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein:

communication with said wiring is based on IEEE802.3 standard; and

said LAN transceiver is an Ethernet compliant modem.

28. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a display for visually presenting information, said display being coupled to be powered from said power supply.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein said display comprises a flat screen that is based on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology.

30. A device for coupling a handheld unit to AC power wiring, the AC power wiring being connected for carrying an AC power signal at an AC power frequency and a digital data signal in a digital data frequency band that is distinct from, and higher than, the AC power frequency, said device comprising:

an AC power connector for connecting to the AC power wiring;

a powerline modem coupled to said AC power connector for transmitting digital data to, and receiving digital data from, the AC power wiring;

a cradle for docking the handheld unit, said cradle including an electrical connector for connecting to the handheld unit when the handheld unit is mounted on said cradle;

a power supply comprising an AC to DC converter connected to said AC power connector for being powered by the AC power signal and for supplying DC power for powering at least part of said device; and

a single enclosure housing said AC power connector, said powerline modem, said cradle and said power supply;

wherein said power supply is coupled to said electrical connector for DC powering the handheld unit when the handheld unit is mounted on said cradle, and wherein said electrical connector is coupled to said powerline modem for coupling the digital data signal to the handheld unit when the handheld unit mounted on said cradle.

31. The device according to claim 30, further comprising a first memory coupled to said powerline modem for storing digital data received from the AC power wiring.

32. The device according to claim 30, further comprising a display for visually presenting information, said display being coupled to said electrical connector for displaying information received from the handheld unit when the handheld unit mounted on said cradle.

33. The device according to claim 30, wherein said single enclosure has dimensions and an appearance of a conventional flat, wall-mountable framed picture.

34. The device according to claim 30, wherein said device has a Local Area Network (LAN) address.

35. The device according to claim 30, further operative for communicating with a first remote information server via the Internet through the AC power wiring for receiving the information therefrom.

36. The device according to claim 35, wherein said device is operative for automatically and periodically communicating with the first remote information server at all times when said device is in operation.

37. The device according to claim 35, wherein communication with the first remote information server is based on Internet protocol suite.

38. The device according to claim 37, wherein communication with the first remote information server is based on TCP/IP.

39. The device according to claim 35, wherein said device has a digital address, and further is operative to send the digital address and a request for information to, and to obtain and display the received information from, the first remote information server in response to the sent request for information.

40. The device according to claim 30, wherein communication over the AC power wiring is substantially based on HomePlug standard.

41. The device according to claim 30, wherein said device is always actively connected to the AC power wiring.

42. The device according to claim 30, wherein the AC power wiring is part of a Local Area Network (LAN).

43. The device according to claim 30, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard picture frame;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard picture frame for hanging on a wall; and

a shape to at least in part substitute for a standard picture frame.

44. The device according to claim 30, further comprising firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said powerline modem.

45. The device according to claim 44, wherein said processor is one of:

a microprocessor; and

a microcomputer, and said device further comprises at least one user operated button or switch coupled to said processor, for user control of operation of said device.

46. The device according to claim 45, wherein the user control of operation of said device comprises at least one of:

turning said device on and off;

resetting said device to default values;

changing the contrast of a display;

changing the brightness of a display;

changing the zoom of images presented on a display;

selecting a language; and

selecting the information to be presented on a display.

47. The device according to claim 44, wherein said firmware includes at least part of a web client for communication with, and accessing information stored in, a first remote information server.

48. The device according to claim 47, wherein the first remote information server is organized as a web site having a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and including web pages as part of the World Wide Web (WWW), and is further identified by said device using the web site URL.

49. The device according to claim 30, further comprising a second memory for storing a digital address uniquely identifying said device in at least one of:

a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), and the Internet.

50. The device according to claim 49, wherein the digital address is either a MAC address or an IP address.

51. The device according to claim 30, wherein said device is further operative to store and play digital audio data.

52. The device according to claim 30, wherein communication with the handheld unit via said electrical connector takes place using a serial digital data stream.

53. The device according to claim 30, wherein the handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or a cellular telephone.

54. The device according to claim 30, further operative as a clock for maintaining and displaying the current hour, minute and second.

55. The device according to claim 54, further operative to display the current year, the current month and the current day of the month.

56. The device according to claim 30, further comprising a digital to analog converter coupled to said electrical connector for converting digital data from the handheld unit into an analog signal.

57. The device according to claim 56, wherein the analog signal is an analog video signal for connecting to an analog video display.

58. The device according to claim 57, wherein the analog video signal is an S-Video signal or a composite video signal in a PAL or NTSC format.

59. A device for displaying information stored in a unit, said device comprising:

an adapter for mechanically attaching to the unit, said adapter including a connector for electrically connecting to the unit when mechanically attached thereon;

a transceiver coupled to said connector for serial digital data communication with the unit;

a display for visually presenting information, said display being coupled to said transceiver for displaying information received from the unit;

a power port for connecting to a power source for receiving a power signal from the power source;

a power supply connected to said power port for being powered by the power signal, said power supply being coupled to supply DC power to said transceiver and said display; and

a single enclosure housing said adapter, said transceiver and said display,

wherein said power supply is coupled to said connector for DC powering the unit when the unit is connected to said connector.

60. The device according to claim 59 wherein the unit is a handheld unit.

61. The device according to claim 59, wherein said device is operative for communicating with a first remote information server via the Internet.

62. The device according to claim 61, wherein the communicating with a first remote information server is via the connected unit.

63. The device according to claim 62, wherein said device is operative for automatically and periodically communicating with the first remote information server at all times when said device is in operation.

64. The device according to claim 63, wherein said device is further operative for displaying, on said display, information received from the first remote information server.

65. The device according to claim 59, further comprising a first memory coupled to said transceiver for storing digital data received by said transceiver.

66. The device according to claim 59, wherein said single enclosure has dimensions and an appearance of a conventional flat, wall-mountable framed picture.

67. The device according to claim 59, further comprising a memory for storing a digital address uniquely identifying said device in a Local Area Network (LAN) or in a Wide Area Network (WAN).

68. The device according to claim 67, wherein the digital address is either a MAC address or an IP address.

69. The device according to claim 59, wherein the unit is a handheld Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or a handheld cellular telephone handset.

70. The device according to claim 59, wherein said display comprises a flat screen that is based on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology.

71. The device according to claim 59, wherein the information is digital video data, and wherein said display is a video display.

72. The device according to claim 71, wherein said device is further operative to receive and play television channels.

73. The device according to claim 72, wherein said device is further operative to receive High Definition (HD) video, and said display is a High Definition (HD) video display.

74. The device according to claim 73 wherein the High Definition (HD) video is High Definition Television (HDTV).

75. The device according to claim 59, further comprising a non-volatile first memory coupled to said transceiver for storing digital data received by said transceiver.

76. The device according to claim 75, wherein said non-volatile first memory is based on one of:

a Flash memory;

a DRAM memory; and

a RAM memory.

77. The device according to claim 59, wherein said power port is an AC power plug for connecting to an AC power outlet;

the power signal is an AC power signal; and

said power supply comprises an AC to DC converter for DC powering at least part of said device.

78. The device according to claim 59, further comprising firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said transceiver and said display.

79. The device according to claim 78, wherein said processor is one of:

a microprocessor; and

a microcomputer, and said device further comprises at least one user operated button or switch coupled to said processor, for user control of operation of said device.

80. The device according to claim 79, wherein the user control of operation of said device comprises at least one of:

turning said device on and off;

resetting said device to default values;

changing the contrast of said display;

changing the brightness of said display;

changing the zoom of images presented on said display;

selecting a language; and

selecting the information to be presented on said display.

81. The device according to claim 59, wherein said device is further operative to store and play digital audio data.

82. The device according to claim 59, wherein communication with the unit via said connector is provided by a serial digital data stream.

83. The device according to claim 59, wherein said device is further operative as a clock for maintaining and displaying the current hour, minute and second.

84. The device according to claim 83, wherein said device is further operative to display the current year, the current month and the current day of the month.

85. The device according to claim 59, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard picture frame;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard picture frame for hanging on a wall; and

a shape to at least in part substitute for a standard picture frame.

86. The device according to claim 59, further comprising:

an analog port for coupling an analog signal to an analog unit; and

a digital to analog converter coupled between said analog port and said transceiver for converting digital data received from the unit via said connector into the analog signal.

87. The device according to claim 86, wherein;

the analog signal in an analog video signal;

said analog port is an analog video connector; and

the analog unit is an analog video display.

88. The device according to claim 87, wherein the analog video signal is an S-Video signal or a composite video signal in a PAL or NTSC format.

89. A device for coupling to digital data stored in a unit, said device comprising:

a cradle configured to removably accept a unit storing digital data, said cradle including a connector for electrically connecting to the unit when the unit is mechanically attached on said cradle;

a transceiver coupled to said connector for serial digital data communication with the unit;

an analog port for coupling an analog signal to an analog unit;

a digital to analog converter coupled between said analog port and said transceiver for converting digital data received from the unit via said connector into the analog signal;

a power connector for connecting to a power source for receiving a power signal from the power source;

a power supply connected to said power connector for being powered by the power signal, said power supply being coupled to supply DC power at least to said transceiver; and

a single enclosure housing said cradle, said power connector, said analog port, said digital to analog converter and said transceiver,

wherein said power supply is coupled to said connector for DC powering the unit when the unit is connected to said connector.

90. The device according to claim 89, wherein:

the analog signal in an analog video signal;

said analog port is an analog video connector; and

the analog unit is an analog video display.

91. The device according to claim 90, wherein the analog video signal is an S-Video signal or a composite video signal in a PAL or NTSC format.

92. The device according to claim 89, further comprising a display for visually presenting information, said display being coupled to said transceiver for displaying digital data received from the unit.

93. The device according to claim 92, wherein said display comprises a flat screen that is based on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology.

94. The device according to claim 92, wherein the digital data received from the unit is digital video data, and said display is a video display.

95. The device according to claim 94, wherein said device is further operative to receive and play television channels.

96. The device according to claim 95, wherein said device is further operative to receive High Definition (HD) video, and said display is operative to display High Definition (HD) video.

97. The device according to claim 96, wherein the High Definition (HD) video is High Definition Television (HDTV).

98. The device according to claim 92, wherein said device is further operative as a clock for maintaining and displaying the current hour, minute and second.

99. The device according to claim 98, wherein said device is further operative to display the current year, the current month and the current day of the month.

100. The device according to claim 89, wherein the unit is a handheld unit.

101. The device according to claim 100, wherein said handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or a cellular telephone handset.

102. The device according to claim 89, wherein said device is operative for communicating with a first remote information server via the Internet.

103. The device according to claim 102, wherein communication with the first remote information server is via the connected unit.

104. The device according to claim 103, wherein said device is operative for automatically and periodically communicating with the first remote information server at all times when said device is in operation.

105. The device according to claim 103, wherein said device is further operative for displaying information received from the first remote information server on a display.

106. The device according to claim 89, further comprising a first memory coupled to said transceiver for storing digital data received by said transceiver.

107. The device according to claim 89, wherein said single enclosure has dimensions and an appearance of a conventional flat, wall-mountable framed picture.

108. The device according to claim 89, further comprising a memory for storing a digital address uniquely identifying said device in a Local Area Network (LAN) or in a Wide Area Network (WAN).

109. The device according to claim 108, wherein the digital address is either a MAC address or an IP address.

110. The device according to claim 89, wherein:

said power connector is an AC power plug for connecting to an AC power outlet;

the power signal is an AC power signal; and

said power supply comprises an AC to DC converter for DC powering at least part of said device.

111. The device according to claim 89, further comprising firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said transceiver.

112. The device according to claim 111, wherein:

said processor is one of;

a microprocessor; and

a microcomputer; and

said device further comprises at least one user operated button or switch coupled to said processor, for user control of operation of said device.

113. The device according to claim 89, wherein said device is further operative to store and play digital audio data.

114. The device according to claim 89, wherein communication with the unit via said connector is carried out using a serial digital data stream.

115. The device according to claim 89, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard picture frame;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard picture frame for hanging on a wall; and

a shape to at least in part substitute for a standard picture frame.

116. A portable device for coupling to a cellular network, said device comprising:

a cellular antenna for connecting to a cellular network over the air;

a cellular transceiver coupled to said cellular antenna for transmitting and receiving digital data in the cellular network;

an electrical connector connectable to a data unit for receiving DC power from the data unit for powering said device, said electrical connector being further coupled to said cellular transceiver for coupling the data unit to the cellular network; and

a single enclosure housing said cellular antenna, said cellular transceiver and said electrical connector,

wherein the device is powered only by the DC power.

117. The device according to claim 116, further comprising firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said cellular transceiver.

118. The device according to claim 116, further comprising a memory coupled to said cellular transceiver for storing digital data received from said cellular network.

119. The device according to claim 118, further comprising a display member coupled to said memory for displaying an image based on the digital data stored in said memory.

120. The device according to claim 116, wherein said device is further mechanically attachable to a surface.

121. The device according to claim 116, wherein cellular communication with the cellular network is based on spread spectrum modulation.

122. The device according to claim 121, wherein the spread spectrum modulation is a DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) modulation.

123. The device according to claim 116, wherein said cellular transceiver uses a licensed radio frequency band.

124. The device according to claim 123, wherein communication with the data unit carried out using a serial digital data stream.

125. The device according to claim 116, further comprising a memory storing a digital address for uniquely identifying said device in a digital data network.

126. The device according to claim 125, wherein the digital address identifies said device in the Internet.

127. The device according to claim 125, wherein the digital address identifies said device in the cellular network.

128. The device according to claim 125, wherein the digital address is either a MAC address or an IP address.

129. The device according to claim 125, wherein said device is further operative to send the digital address and a request for digital data to a first remote information server over the cellular network, and to obtain and display digital data received over the cellular network from the first remote information server in response to the sent request for information.

130. The device according to claim 129, wherein communication with the first remote information server is based on Internet Protocol (IP) suite.

131. The device according to claim 130, wherein communication with the first remote information server is based on TCP/IP.