Interface module for a portable telephone that facilitates direct portable telephone/portable computer coupling

• US 7,107,072 B1
• Filed: 02/20/1996
• Issued: 09/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Inventors: Smith, Ronald L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Orgad, Edan
• Application Number:
  US08/603,669
• Time in Patent Office: 3,857 Days
• Field of Search: 455/550, 455/556, 455/557, 455/558, 455/575, 455/90, 455347-349, 455/351, 455/556.1, 455/556.2, 455/575.1, 455/90.3, 455/90.2, 364/709.1, 364/708.1, 395/822, 395/833, 419/945, 419/946, 361/686, 361/737
• US Class Current: 455/556.2
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/38 Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60

Abstract

The present invention provides a solution to the dual problems of mobility and portability associated with using a portable telephone in combination with a portable computer. An interface module (40) has a first interface (44) for coupling to an interface (34) on a portable telephone (16) and a second interface (58) for coupling to an interface (68) on a portable computer (62). The interface module (40) facilitates a direct connection between a coupled interface module and portable telephone (60) to a portable computer (62). The interface module (40) electrically couples the portable telephone (16) to the portable computer (62) thus eliminating the need for a cable or tethered connection between the portable computer (62) and portable telephone (16).

Claims

1. An interface module, comprising:

a first interface directly connectable to a portable telephone interface;

a second interface, coupled to said first interface, directly connectable to a computer interface, and a microcontroller coupling at least one electrical contact on said first interface to at least one electrical contact on said second interface;

wherein said interface module further comprises a protective case housing said first and said second interfaces;

wherein said interface module further includes an attachment mechanism for securing said interface module to said portable telephone when said first interface is connected to said interface on said portable telephone;

wherein said attachment mechanism comprises flexible arms for engaging corresponding receptacles in said portable telephone;

further including guide pins for engaging corresponding guide receptacles in said portable telephone.

2. The interface module of claim 1, wherein said first interface comprises a connector that mates with a corresponding connector on said portable telephone interface.

3. The interface module of claim 1, wherein said second interface comprises a connector that mates with a corresponding connector on said computer interface.

4. The interface module of claim 1, where in said first and second interfaces are on opposing surfaces of said protective case.

5. The interface module of claim 4, further including a mechanism on said protective case that facilitates attachment of said interface module to said portable computer.

6. The interface module of claim 1, further including an antenna lead coupling at least one electrical contact on said first interface to said second interface.

7. The interface module of claim 1, further including leads coupling electrical contacts on said first interface to electrical contacts on said second interface, said leads facilitating the transfer of power signals between said first and second interfaces.

8. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of voice signals between said first and second interfaces.

9. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of data signals between said first and second interfaces.

10. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of voice and data signals between said first and second interfaces.

11. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of voice signals from said first interface to said second interface.

12. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of voice signals from said second interface to said first interface.

13. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of data signals from said first interface to said second interface.

14. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of data signals from said second interface to said first interface.

15. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of voice and data signals from said first interface to said second interface.

16. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of voice and data signals from said second interface to said first interface.

17. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead line coupling an electrical contact on said interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of an analog ground signal between said first and second interfaces.

18. The interface module of claim 1, further including a lead line coupling an electrical contact on said interface to an electrical contact on said second interface, said lead facilitating the transfer of a ground/reference signal between said first and second interfaces.

19. The interface module of claim 1, further including a codex circuit coupling an electrical contact on said first interface to said microcontroller.

20. The interface module of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a digital signal processor.