Adapter unit for a personal digital assistant having automatically configurable application buttons
First Claim
1. A method for automatically changing the functionality of an application button on a personal digital assistant (PDA) from a first function to a second function, the personal digital assistant having a processor and an expansion connector, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an adapter unit having a housing configured to be detachably secured to the personal digital assistant and an adapter connector for engaging with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant;
b) storing in said adapter a configuration agent containing information related to changing the functionality of the application button from the first function to the second function;
c) securing said adapter unit to the personal digital assistant, wherein said expansion connector engages said adapter connector allowing said information stored in said configuration agent to be communicated to the personal digital assistant;
d) processing in the PDA'"'"'s processor said information stored in said configuration agent; and
e) automatically changing the functionality of the application button from said first function to said second function after the PDA'"'"'s processor processes said information stored in said configuration agent.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant. The additional functionality includes the ability to automatically change the function of one or more of the application buttons on the personal digital assistant upon the attachment of the adapter unit.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for automatically changing the functionality of an application button on a personal digital assistant (PDA) from a first function to a second function, the personal digital assistant having a processor and an expansion connector, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) providing an adapter unit having a housing configured to be detachably secured to the personal digital assistant and an adapter connector for engaging with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant;
b) storing in said adapter a configuration agent containing information related to changing the functionality of the application button from the first function to the second function;
c) securing said adapter unit to the personal digital assistant, wherein said expansion connector engages said adapter connector allowing said information stored in said configuration agent to be communicated to the personal digital assistant;
d) processing in the PDA'"'"'s processor said information stored in said configuration agent; and
e) automatically changing the functionality of the application button from said first function to said second function after the PDA'"'"'s processor processes said information stored in said configuration agent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for automatically configuring the functionality of an application button on a personal digital assistant from a first function to a second function, the personal digital assistant having an expansion connector, the system comprising;
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a) an adapter unit having a housing configured to be detachably secured to the personal digital assistant and an adapter connector configured for engagement with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant; and
b) a configuration agent that stores information related to changing the functionality of the application button, said configuration agent is accessible by the PDA'"'"'s processor; and
c) a communications link between the personal digital assistant and the adapter unit wherein the personal digital assistant can access said information related to changing the functionality of the application button and wherein the functionality of the application button automatically changes from said first function to said second function. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for automatically changing the functionality of an application button on a personal digital assistant, the personal digital assistant having an expansion connector for communicating with an adapter unit, said adapter unit having a housing configured to be detachably secured to the personal digital assistant and an adapter connector for engaging with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) storing in said personal digital assistant a polling agent for polling said adapter unit and a configuration agent for changing the functionality of the application button;
b) storing in said adapter unit an identification code associated with said adapter unit;
c) securing said adapter unit to the personal digital assistant;
d) polling said adapter unit wherein the personal digital assistant can access said identification code;
e) automatically changing the functionality of the application button to a function associated with said identification code. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification