Micropersonal digital assistant

• US 6,523,079 B2
• Filed: 02/15/2001
• Issued: 02/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/19/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Inpro II Licensing SARL
• Original Assignee: Elonex IP Holdings Limited
• Inventors: Dornier, Pascal, Seiller, William J., Kikinis, Dan
• Primary Examiner(s): COURTENAY III, ST JOHN
• Application Number:
  US09/785,574
• Publication Number:
  US 20010008000A1
• Time in Patent Office: 733 Days
• Field of Search: 709/310-320, 709/328-330, 709/200-253, 710/100, 710/300-304, 710/104-125, 710/305-317, 710/200-269, 713/1
• US Class Current: 710/303
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1635 Details related to the integration of battery packs and other power supplies such as fuel cells or integrated AC adapter
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/169 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes G06F1/1643 takes precedence; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/203 for portable computers, e.g. for laptops
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/206 comprising thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/409 Mechanical coupling back panels H05K7/1438
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/62 Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/73 by creating or determining hardware identification, e.g. serial numbers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2129 Authenticate client device independently of the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/445 Program loading or initiating bootstrapping G06F9/4401; security arrangements for program loading or initiating G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/275 implemented by means of portable electronic directories
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72415 for remote control of appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/725 Cordless telephones user interfaces specially adapted therefor H04M1/724
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/06 Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42314 : in private branch exchanges
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42323 : PBX's with CTI arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 : Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00236 : using an image reading or reproducing device, e.g. a facsimile reader or printer, as a local input to or local output from a computer image input to or image output from a computer via a network H04N1/00209
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00241 : using an image reading device as a local input to a computer input via network, e.g. network scanners H04N1/00225
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00326 : with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus G11B31/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00339 : with an electronic or magnetic storage medium I/O device RFID or the like H04N1/00342
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00411 : the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/107 : with manual scanning
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/195 : the array comprising a two-dimensional array or a combination of two-dimensional arrays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0049 : By wire, cable or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0051 : Card-type connector, e.g. PCMCIA card interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0053 : Optical, e.g. using an infrared link
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0063 : Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0081 : Image reader H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/06 : Airborne or Satellite Networks space-based or airborne stations H04B7/185
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0273 : having extensions for peripherals, e.g. LAN, antennas details of antennas H01Q1/2275

Abstract

A personal digital assistant module with a local CPU, memory, and I/O interface has a host interface comprising a bus connected to the local CPU and a connector at a surface of the personal digital assistant for interfacing to a bus connector of a host general-purpose computer, providing direct bus communication between the personal digital assistant and the host general-purpose computer. In an embodiment, the personal digital assistant also has a means for storing a security code. The personal digital assistant according to the invention forms a host/satellite combination with a host computer having a docking bay, wherein upon docking a docking protocol controls access by the host to memory of the personal digital assistant based on one or more passwords provided by a user to the host. In another embodiment the personal digital assistant has a compressed BIOS chip, and in yet another embodiment also has an expansion port connected to the local CPU, and expansion peripheral devices may be connected and operated through the expansion port.

Claims

1. A digital assistant module that interfaces with a host computer, comprising:

an on-board CPU that manages functions of the digital assistant module;

a memory connected to the CPU that stores data and executable routines;

a user-operable input apparatus;

a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) host interface adapted so as to provide communications between the digital assistant module and the host computer upon docking with the host computer; and

an enclosure that houses said CPU, said memory, said input apparatus, and said host interface, said enclosure having a form factor that is one of PCMCIA standard Type II or Type III.

2. A digital assistant module as in claim 1, wherein said host interface comprises a PCMCIA parallel bus interface adapted to fit a host docking bay of said host computer.

3. A digital assistant module as in claim 2, wherein said host interface comprises a bus structure that together with said PCMCIA parallel bus interface provides a CPU of said host computer with direct access to said memory and said on-board CPU under control of said CPU of said host computer when said digital assistant module is docked in said host docking bay of said host computer.

4. A digital assistant module as in claim 3, wherein said host interface cooperates with a host interface of said host computer whereby a user of said host computer may select pre-arranged software mixes for loading into said memory.

5. A digital assistant module as in claim 1, wherein, upon initiation by a user, the host interface negotiates synchronization of data structures of common identification with the host computer.

6. A digital assistant module as in claim 5, wherein said host interface causes data on the host computer, if carrying a later date and/or time stamp than corresponding data in the memory, to be automatically updated in the memory and causes data in the memory, if carrying a later date and/or time stamp than corresponding data in the host computer, to be automatically updated in the host computer.

7. A digital assistant module as in claim 1, further comprising an expansion bus interface comprising an expansion bus connected to the on-board CPU and to an external connector that connects the digital assistant module to a peripheral device.

8. A digital assistant module as in claim 7, wherein said expansion bus interface is adapted to connect to a serial port of said host computer.

9. A digital assistant module as in claim 1, further comprising a display on said enclosure.

10. A digital assistant module as in claim 9, wherein said input apparatus comprises a thumbwheel that provides directional input for control operations performed in conjunction with the display.

11. A digital assistant module as in claim 10, wherein the thumbwheel is implemented at one corner of said enclosure and controls scrolling through a menu on the display in accordance with control routines stored in said memory.

12. A digital assistant module as in claim 11, wherein said thumbwheel allows a user to pan a virtual keyboard displayed on said display in accordance with said control routines stored in said memory.

13. A digital assistant module as in claim 9, wherein said input apparatus comprises a touch-sensitive planar structure that overlays at least a portion of said display, said planar structure providing softkey input operation in conjunction with interactive control routines stored in said memory and operable on said CPU.

14. A digital assistant module as in claim 1, wherein said input apparatus comprises a four-way force-sensitive button on a surface of said enclosure.

15. A digital assistant module as in claim 1, further comprising a nonvolatile storage device connected to said CPU and containing a code unique to the digital assistant module for uniquely identifying the digital assistant module to connected devices.

16. A digital assistant module as in claim 15, wherein said nonvolatile storage device is an EEPROM device.

17. A digital assistant module as in claim 1, further comprising a power supply system having a user-accessible well with electrical connections for a storage battery for powering functional elements of the digital assistant module.

18. A digital assistant module as in claim 17, wherein the power supply further comprises a solar energy conversion panel having electrical connections for attaching to and recharging the storage battery.

19. A digital assistant module as in claim 1, wherein said memory includes a first memory portion that stores a compressed BIOS code routine and an uncompressed portion configured for testing and initializing said memory on startup and a second memory portion comprising a decompression utility configured to decompress the compressed BIOS code routine.

20. A combination computer system, comprising:

a host computer having a host CPU, a host memory, and a first communication interface adapted for communication with a processing device connected to said first communication interface; and

a satellite digital assistant having an on-board CPU that manages functions of the digital assistant, a satellite memory connected to the on-board CPU that stores data and executable routines, a user-operable input apparatus, a second communication interface adapted so as to provide communications between the digital assistant and the host computer via said first and second communication interfaces upon docking with the host computer, and an enclosure that houses said on-board CPU, said satellite memory, said input apparatus, and said second communication interface,

wherein said enclosure has a form factor that is one of Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard Type II or Type III and said first and second communication interfaces are adapted to accept a PCMCIA form factor.

21. A combination computer system as in claim 20, wherein said host computer is one of a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and a palmtop computer.

22. A combination computer system as in claim 20, wherein said host computer is a vending machine that selectively downloads at least one of data and software to said satellite digital assistant.

23. A combination computer system as in claim 20, wherein said host computer is a computerized digital telephone that accesses data stored in said satellite memory for use in connection with placing a telephone call or a data connection via a wireless network.

24. A combination computer system as in claim 20, wherein said second communication interface comprises a PCMCIA parallel bus interface adapted to fit a host docking bay of said host computer.

25. A combination computer system as in claim 24, wherein said second communication interface comprises a bus structure that together with said PCMCIA parallel bus interface and said first communication interface provides said host CPU with direct access to said satellite memory and said on-board CPU under control of said host CPU when said satellite digital assistant is docked in said host docking bay of said host computer.

26. A combination computer system as in claim 25, wherein said host computer includes a user interface that permits a user of said host computer to (1) select pre-arranged software mixes for loading into said satellite memory via said first and second communication interfaces and/or (2) manage files and data in the satellite memory via said first and second communication interfaces.

27. A combination computer system as in claim 20, wherein, upon initiation by a user, the first and second communication interfaces negotiate synchronization of data structures of common identification between the host computer and the satellite digital assistant.

28. A combination computer system as in claim 27, wherein said first and second communication interfaces cause data on the host computer, if carrying a later date and/or time stamp than corresponding data in the satellite memory, to be automatically updated in the satellite memory and causes data in the satellite memory, if carrying a later date and/or time stamp than corresponding data in the host computer, to be automatically updated in the host computer.

29. A combination computer system as in claim 20, wherein the satellite digital assistant further comprises an expansion bus interface comprising an expansion bus connected to the on-board CPU and to an external connector that connects the satellite digital assistant to a peripheral device for operation by the on-board CPU and by the host CPU through the satellite digital assistant.

30. A combination computer system as in claim 20, wherein the satellite digital assistant further comprises a nonvolatile storage device connected to said on-board CPU, said nonvolatile storage device containing security identification data unique to the satellite digital assistant, whereby communication between the host computer and the satellite digital assistant is enabled by entry at the host computer of security identification data matching the stored security identification data when the satellite digital assistant is docked with the host computer.

31. A combination computer system as in claim 20, wherein the satellite digital assistant further comprises a storage cell power supply that powers the undocked satellite digital assistant, and a conductor of the second communication interface provides charging current from the host computer to the storage cell power supply of the satellite digital assistant when the satellite digital assistant is docked with the host computer.

32. A digital assistant module that interfaces with a host computer, comprising:

an on-board CPU that manages functions of the digital assistant module;

a memory connected to the CPU that stores data and executable routines;

a user-operable input apparatus;

a host interface adapted so as to provide communications between the digital assistant module and the host computer upon docking with the host computer, said host interface comprising a bus structure and a bus interface that together provide said host computer with direct access to said memory and said on-board CPU under control of said host computer when said digital assistant module is docked in said host computer; and

an enclosure that houses said CPU, said memory, said input apparatus, and said host interface.

33. A digital assistant module as in claim 32, wherein said bus interface is a PCMCIA parallel bus interface and, when said digital assistant module is docked in said host computer, the on-board CPU acts as a slave to a host processor of said host computer.

34. A digital assistant module that interfaces with a host computer, comprising:

an on-board CPU that manages functions of the digital assistant module;

a memory connected to the CPU that stores data and executable routines;

a display;

a user-operable thumb wheel that provides directional input for control operations performed in conjunction with the display;

a host interface adapted so as to provide communications between the digital assistant module and the host computer upon docking with the host computer; and

an enclosure that houses said CPU, said memory, said display, said input apparatus, and said host interface.

35. A digital assistant module as in claim 34, wherein the thumbwheel is implemented at one corner of said enclosure and controls scrolling through a menu on the display in accordance with control routines stored in said memory.

36. A digital assistant module as in claim 35, wherein said thumbwheel allows a user to pan a virtual keyboard displayed on said display in accordance with said control routines stored in said memory.