DE29511005U1 - Expandable multi-media device - Google Patents

Description

Expandable multi-media device

The present invention relates to an expandable multi-media terminal.

Expandable multi-media devices are known that are created by electrically connecting several device components. The electrical connection includes a large number of cables, which form an unsightly tangle of cables and are difficult for a non-expert to keep track of. The individual device components often do not fit together mechanically and therefore have to be housed in special frames.

The object of the present invention is to provide a multi-media terminal in which the mechanical and electrical connection of the device components is significantly simplified.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are characterized in the subclaims. . ' ■ ■ '

Deutsche Bank, Herne (BLZ 430 700 &oacgr;&Iacgr;) Account number: o.Vf5£.1O*· Bs^er. vlseiTisiptink Mlyrjerjeji (BLZ 700 202 70) Account number: 46 505

Postal check Munich (bank code 700 100 80) Account number: 227 &oacgr;$2 - 805

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below.

The multi-media terminal according to the invention comprises a basic model and expansion modules that can be plugged in in any combination and order without the basic model using plug connections. The basic model contains an operating unit, a CD drive, a processor unit and a power supply unit. In this form it already has the following functionality: CD audio, CDI, video CD (MPEG), karaoke, data CD, photo CD, DOS computer.

The basic module can also be equipped with a modem. This can be inserted into a slot provided for it on the back, for example. A handset can be connected to the modem, so that the basic device can also be used as a convenience telephone.

Easy stacking is ensured by three profiles that allow rough guidance. A higher level of precision is required to bring the electrical connectors together. This is ensured by guide elements that are attached directly to the connectors. The mechanical concept allows any number of expansion modules to be plugged in at any height.

The electrical connection is made via two bus systems. Connectors according to DIN 41612 are used. The digital bus is compatible with the ISA bus. It is routed via a 96-pin connector type C (three-row housing). The analog bus contains the audio and video signals. It is routed via a 48-pin connector type 1/2 C. Due to the large spatial distance between the analog and digital bus, any influence on the analog signals is excluded. Interference radiation from signals with high frequency components on the analog bus (ζ.β: synchronization signals) is

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additional ground lines are shielded. Female connectors (sockets) are used on the underside of the base module and the extension modules, and male connectors (plugs) are used on the top of the extension modules.

The concept allows the combination of different expansion modules. The software required to operate the expansion modules is provided in the module itself. Each module is therefore ready for use immediately after plugging in. Software installation is not necessary. The required software is stored in a ROM in the corresponding module. During the initialization phase, the system's BIOS searches the corresponding memory areas. If an expansion module is detected, the corresponding software is loaded automatically. The corresponding functions are made available on the user interface.

Alternatively, the operating software of an expansion module can be stored in a flash ROM or an EEPROM. The operating software, which also affects the appearance of the operating unit (LCD + softkeys) and the screen as well as the functionality, can then be updated using a data storage device. It is also possible to use the modem to load new operating software over a telephone line. This also allows charging (electronic cash) for paid updates or system extensions by entering a credit number. After loading, the device is ready for use with the new software.

The multimedia terminal can also be equipped with a virtual keyboard. A virtual keyboard is a keyboard replica on the screen. A virtual keyboard is anchored in the BIOS, i.e. the source code of the BIOS is modified accordingly. The keyboard is called up in the System Management Interrupt (SMI) and displayed on the screen.

projected onto the screen. Keyboard input is possible using any input device (mouse, infrared mouse), which is transferred to the standard keyboard buffer. The keyboard can now be called up from any application. The SMI can be triggered by an external infrared controller, so that even when the system is completely controlled by an application program, the virtual keyboard can be used at any time.

Claims (7)

- 5 Expandable Multi-Media Device Protection Claims 1. Expandable multi-media terminal, characterized by a modular structure with a basic module and at least one expansion module, wherein the housings of the modules are essentially identical in shape and can be electrically and mechanically connected by plug connectors. 2. Expandable multi-media terminal according to claim 1, characterized by guide elements which are attached directly to the connectors. 3. Expandable multi-media terminal according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical connection comprises an analog bus and a digital bus which are spatially separated from each other, the digital bus being compatible with the ISA bus and the analog bus containing the audio and video signals. 4. Expandable multi-media terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by female connectors and male connectors which electrically connect the undersides of the base module and the expansion modules to the top sides of the expansion modules. 5. Expandable multi-media terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each module is provided with a memory unit (ROM) in which the software necessary for operating the respective module is stored. 6. Expandable multi-media terminal according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the operating software of the expansion module is stored in a flash ROM or an EEPROM. 7. Expandable multi-media terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a virtual keyboard for keyboard input by means of a keyboard simulation on a screen.