Portable information device and system and method for downloading executable instructions from a computer to the portable information device
First Claim
1. A portable information device configured to receive executable instructions from a computer via a PCMCIA port, the portable information device comprising:
- a protective encasing having a form factor compatible with the PCMCIA port, the encasing being insertable into and removable from the PCMCIA port;
I/O connectors positioned at one end of the encasing to interface with corresponding connectors provided in the PCMCIA port of the computer;
an input mechanism accessible from an exterior of the protective encasing to permit a user to enter information when the encasing is removed from the PCMCIA port, the input mechanism being within the form factor of the protective encasing;
a memory provided within the protective encasing;
a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the I/O connectors, the processor receiving executable instructions and/or data from the computer via the PCMCIA port when the encasing is inserted into the PCMCIA port, the processor loading the executable instructions and/or data into the memory; and
the processor also being coupled to receive the information entered by the user on the input mechanism when the encasing is removed from the PCMCIA port, the processor operating on the information according to the executable instructions stored in the memory.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system is provided to exchange information between a computer and a programmable portable information device (PID) using a standard memory drive, such as a 3.5" disk drive or a PCMCIA port. The PID has a protective encasing with a form factor that is physically compatible with the computer memory drive. In one embodiment, the portable information device has the form factor of a 3.5" memory diskette, while in another embodiment, the portable information device has a form factor of a PCMCIA card. The portable information device includes a keypad and a flat panel display provided on the exterior of the protective encasing, but within the form factor so as not to interrupt the insertion of the portable information device into the memory drive. The uniquely configured portable information device can be inserted into or removed from a standard computer memory drive. When inserted, communication between the portable information device and computer is automatically initiated. The PID receives executable instructions and/or data from the computer via the computer memory drive and transfers other data back to the computer in the same way. This permits the computer and PID to simultaneously update each other'"'"'s data with the most recent scheduling information. When removed, the PID has its own power supply and is operable to organize tasks, remind the user of important dates, and perform any other functions of a personal organizer. The user can enter information using the keypad, or read scheduling information on the flat panel display.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A portable information device configured to receive executable instructions from a computer via a PCMCIA port, the portable information device comprising:
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a protective encasing having a form factor compatible with the PCMCIA port, the encasing being insertable into and removable from the PCMCIA port; I/O connectors positioned at one end of the encasing to interface with corresponding connectors provided in the PCMCIA port of the computer; an input mechanism accessible from an exterior of the protective encasing to permit a user to enter information when the encasing is removed from the PCMCIA port, the input mechanism being within the form factor of the protective encasing; a memory provided within the protective encasing; a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the I/O connectors, the processor receiving executable instructions and/or data from the computer via the PCMCIA port when the encasing is inserted into the PCMCIA port, the processor loading the executable instructions and/or data into the memory; and the processor also being coupled to receive the information entered by the user on the input mechanism when the encasing is removed from the PCMCIA port, the processor operating on the information according to the executable instructions stored in the memory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A portable information device configured to receive executable instructions from a computer via a PCMCIA port, the portable information device comprising:
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a protective encasing having a form factor compatible with the PCMCIA port, the encasing being insertable into and removable from the PCMCIA port; I/O connectors positioned at one end of the encasing to interface with corresponding connectors provided in the PCMCIA port of the computer; a memory provided within the protective encasing; a flat panel display visible from an exterior of the protective encasing, the flat panel display being within the form factor of the encasing; a processor operatively coupled to the memory, the I/O connectors, and the flat panel display, the processor receiving executable instructions and/or data from the computer via the PCMCIA port when the encasing is inserted into the PCMCIA port and loading the executable instructions and/or data into the memory, the processor performing operations according to the executable instructions stored in the memory when the encasing is removed from the PCMCIA port and outputting any resultant information to the flat panel display for display to a user. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification