KR20070022878A - Appliance cover and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover 202A with built-in functionality is provided to add functionality to the device. The cover is associated with a cover 202A and connects to a peripheral port of the device, and one or more built in the cover 202A and supplements the operation of the device using the connection 206. Electronics and logic to operate and provide functionality, and a mechanism 204 to removably connect the cover to the device.

Description

Cover for device and manufacturing method {APPLIANCE COVER AND METHOD}

The present invention relates to a portable electronic device.

Portable electronic devices are designed to be smaller and more portable than general purpose desktop computers or laptop computers. Interfaces with these devices are installed around one or several buttons coupled to a combination display and a touch-sensitive screen. Applications running on the device use buttons and touch-sensitive screens differently depending on their function or purpose.

As dependence on using these devices instead of general-purpose computers increased, they began to affect their portability and ease of use. Instead of carrying a laptop computer, many users may need to carry various other devices. Each device is typically dedicated to performing one or possibly two or more conventional functions. For example, a user may work with a cell phone and a personal digital assistant (PDA) instead of a laptop computer. Occasionally, users purchase a hybrid device that combines the functionality of a personal digital assistant (PDA) device (ie, basic calendar, address book and calculator) with a telephone capable of voice communication. These hybrid devices are usually more expensive and larger than very basic PDA devices.

Instead of using larger hybrid devices, some users purchase expansion components that slide on the back of the PDA to provide additional slots for memory or other functions that are not installed in the PDA. The manufacturer of such a PDA also makes the extension component out of the accessories or allows a third party to manufacture the extension component for the PDA. For example, a case that slides around the back of a PDA may have slots and electronics for integrating flash memory into the PDA to add memory and storage capabilities. In addition, there is a case that slides around the back of the PDA, which provides slots for PCMCIA or other existing pluggable card functionality technology. Unfortunately, these cases are bulky and also make PDA devices less portable and less desirable.

Current accessories for PDAs also tend not to work together. Typically, the cases supplied with a new PDA will not fit a PDA with an expansion battery or the aforementioned expansion components slide behind the PDA. Because of this incompatibility, PDAs equipped with these accessories can damage the PDA device and result in emergency repairs. For example, combination displays and touch screens exposed on PDAs are easily damaged if dropped or hit hard objects.

There is a need to address these and other concerns associated with increased portability, functionality and reliability of portable electronic devices.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system having a device and a smart cover designed according to an embodiment of the invention,

2 (a) to 2 (e) are schematic diagrams illustrating various smart cover designs implemented in accordance with the present invention;

3 (a) to 3 (d) are different perspective perspective views of a smart cover designed according to an embodiment of the invention,

4 is a flowchart for manufacturing a smart cover designed according to an embodiment of the present invention,

5 is a schematic diagram of smart covers and components used in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

A feature of the invention features a cover that adds functionality to the device. The cover includes a connection having a cover that connects to a peripheral port of the device, electronics and logic built into the cover to operate and provide one or more functions to supplement operation of the device, and the cover can be removed from the device. It includes a mechanism for making the connection.

Features of the present invention are advantageous in at least one of the following ways. Covers for devices with electronics protect the device and increase its functionality. The electronics and logic do not significantly increase the volume of existing devices when embedded inside the protective cover. In most cases, a cover is an item provided at the time of purchase of the device or purchased immediately after purchase to protect the device. Embodiments of the present invention provide a cover for a device that adds functionality without significantly increasing the size or volume of the device.

In addition, a cover designed in accordance with the present invention may be replaced with another cover designed to provide different functionality (or functions) to the device. Depending on the situation, the user may exchange one cover and function with another cover having another function according to the present invention. The device is adapted for a specific use by exchanging covers and functions rather than purchasing additional devices. Instead of carrying multiple devices, the appropriate covers and features are combined with the basic device to create a useful custom device.

Embodiments of the invention are also advantageous because they do not necessarily require a separate battery or storage. In one embodiment, a cover designed in accordance with the present invention is connected to the device to facilitate sharing the battery or power, storage and other resources of the device. By sharing power and other resources with the device, additional features installed on the cover reduce the weight and volume of the device. Alternatively, embodiments of the present invention may use a battery inside the cover, thus making the uptime of both the cover and the device with the cover longer.

Another advantage of the present invention is the proximity of the electronics in the cover with respect to the device device. Isolating the electronics in the cover further from the device reduces potential interference from electromagnetic waves and wireless communications. Separation between the cover and the device during operation eliminates the need for extra shielding material, reducing cost and weight. This allows the expansion and test electronics to be installed in the cover faster because the combination of electronics and equipment in the cover is less likely to cause undesirable interference patterns. For example, an electronic device associated with the compass may be implemented in accordance with the present invention without an additional calibration routine to describe the device electronics. In addition, satellite navigation systems (GPS) and other radio / satellite-based electronics can better position the position of the communication antenna at one of several angles, such as a target satellite, base station or other signal source that communicates with the electronics in the antenna and cover. It can facilitate communication with the

Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 having a device 104 and a smart cover 118 designed according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the system 100 includes a device 104 with a smart cover 118 removable. In this example, the smart cover 118 includes a hinge for hanging on the device 104 and a connection that connects the smart cover 118 to a peripheral port of the device 104. The device 104 and smart cover 118 can be seen and operated by an observer 102 looking from the interface area of each component.

The device 104 may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless voice communication device, or a pocket computer. For example, wireless voice communication devices include digital cellular phones, push-to-talk phones, and any other device that can facilitate voice communication. In the illustrative example, the device 104 has four buttons, not shown, a central toggle button, a combined display and touch screen, a peripheral port for accommodating flash memory storage, and a receiving area of the hinge of the smart cover 118. There is this. Other embodiments of the device 104 may include any combination and arrangement of buttons and screens. Such other embodiments may use different types of screens, no-buttons, other types of buttons, and many other types of interfaces.

In addition to being removable and replaceable, the smart cover 118 incorporates electronics and logic within the cover to provide one or more additional functions 106. For example, the function 106 may be a music device 108 capable of recording and playing music and / or voice, an image or video camera 110, a wireless function 112, navigational functionalities 114, Auxiliary power source 116, and many other functions. The wireless function 112 includes Bluetooth, CDMA, WiFi, GSM, TDMA, APMS, Infrared, Radio Frequency (RF) and other wireless technologies. The navigation function 114 includes satellite navigation systems (GPS) using satellites and other types of positioning systems that operate using land instead of satellite systems.

2A-2E are schematic diagrams illustrating various smart cover designs implemented in accordance with the present invention. The smart cover is removably attached to the cover surface of the device using a slidable hinge or other attachment mechanism that provides a mechanical connection point with the device. In FIG. 2A, the smart cover 202A of one embodiment includes a hinge 204, an antenna 205 for wireless communication, a connection 206, a peripheral electronics 208, and a peripheral software 210. Include. In the illustrated example, the hinge 204 extends at the bottom of the smart cover 202A, which provides a mechanical connection point with the device being covered. Hinge 204 provides a mechanism for removably connecting smart cover 202A to the device in a location that protects the operable surface of the device. For example, the smart cover 202A covers the operating surface of the top of the device to protect the surface of the screen and buttons of the device. Another embodiment of the present invention is not limited to using the hinge 204 as the mechanical connection point because the mechanical connection point is only one example of attaching the smart cover 202A of the present invention to the surface of the device device.

In the illustrated example, the connection 206 has leads and has a shape compatible with Secure Digital (SD) form factor. The connection then allows the smart cover 202A to transmit data and potentially receive power through the peripheral port of the device designed for use with the SD device form factor. Optionally, the smart cover 202A is connected to a power source through a separate connection (not shown), rather than including an internal power source or through the connection 206. Alternatively, the connector 206 may be designed to be compatible with other flash disk formats, including memory sticks (MS), compact flashes (CF), or smart media. Other types of connections 206 may also be made using various versions of Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial port, parallel port, Firewire and Bluetooth technology. The connector 206 can also be used to increase the mechanical connection between the smart cover 202A and the device, as well as to provide power rather than data.

Peripheral device electronics 208 include the electronics, logic, and circuitry necessary to provide the specified functions to smart cover 202A. Typically, smart cover 202A includes an electronic device that is not included in the device and shares these functions with existing portions of the device. Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention electronics and logic embedded in the cover uses the connection 206 to operate and provide one or more functions that complement the operation of the device. For example, the peripheral electronics 208 may include electronics and hardware for performing a satellite navigation system (GPS) function. GPS information generated from the positioning system supplements the address database within the device by finding an address on the map and providing a route to an address based on the currently identified location. In contrast, the peripheral electronics 208 include a voice communication function that replenishes the phone number database within the device by finding a phone number in the phone number database and calling the phone number in response to a voice command. In these and other examples, the cost associated with the smart cover 202A is reduced by eliminating the screen as illustrated and instead using the touch screen on the device to display information and receive user input information and data.

As with hardware, peripheral software 210 is specifically customized to perform one or more specific functions associated with smart cover 202A. For example, peripheral software 210 provides a user interface for processing and displaying information through a display and controlling the information through one or more soft buttons on the display. In addition, peripheral software 210 may also provide processing support for various types of images, voice, audio, compression, encoding, and other types of processing required to facilitate certain functions provided through smart cover 202A. have.

In FIG. 2B, the smart cover 202B includes the features of the smart cover 202A described in FIG. 2A, to provide navigation location information 208 and electronic compass 210 as illustrated. It is further configured. The electronics in the smart cover 202B provide navigation location information 208 using satellite or terrestrial base stations or fixed wireless loop devices in buildings or campuses. If distance information is available at the device, the smart cover 202B shown in FIG. 2 (b) is sufficient to enable map display and turn-by-turn information to a particular destination. Provide navigation location information. In contrast, smart cover 202B does not include a display and instead displays navigation location information 208 using a display and other resources already available on the device. Another embodiment of this smart cover 202B is designed to be more cost effective and lighter because it shares additional resources with the device.

2 (c) shows a smart cover 202C designed and configured to operate as an image or video camera device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the smart cover 202C illuminates an object captured by the lens 218 and the lens 218 that captures the image and video together with the features of the smart cover 202A described in FIG. 2 (a). It includes a light source 220 to. Smart cover 202C uses a display on the device as a view display to view image samples. Images captured by the smart cover 202C may be stored locally in the smart cover 202C or transferred wirelessly to the device via the connection 206 or using Bluetooth or other wireless connection protocol.

2 (d) shows a smart cover 202D designed and configured to operate as a music recording and playback device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the smart cover 202D includes digital signal processing and amplification functions for reproducing, recording, and amplifying sound along with the features of the smart cover 202A described in FIG. 2 (a). The interface used in FIG. 2 (d) includes a music display area 212 that displays statistical trajectories associated with recording and playback of sound. The button 214 of the smart cover 202D may be a physical button or may be created as a "soft" button displayed on the combined display and touch screen. The controller 216 of the smart cover 202D illustrated in this example operates the volume and balance of the sound generated by the music device. In another embodiment, the smart cover 202D does not include a display and instead displays the music display area 212 using that display and other resources already available on the device. Like the smart cover 202B, the other embodiments of this smart cover 202D are designed to be more cost effective and lighter in weight because they share additional resources with the device.

2E is a smart cover 202E designed and configured to operate as a media adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the smart cover 202E includes the physical connections that are adapted to various other flash memories and other media types in addition to the features of the smart cover 202A described in FIG. In this example, smart cover 202E includes a memory stick (MS) slot 224, a digital protector (SD) slot 226, and a compact flash / smart media slot 228. The function provided by smart cover 202E allows an existing device to be easily connected to smart cover 202E for storage and addition of other functions.

3 (a) to 3 (d), there are shown various other side views of a smart cover designed according to an embodiment of the invention. 3 (a) shows a side view of the smart cover 304 attached to the device 302 in an open or partially open state. In this example, the smart cover 304 includes an antenna 306, a media slot 308 for flash memory or other storage elements, an adjustment slider 309 for volume control or other similar functions, a jack for headphones or earphones ( 310, hinge 312 between smart cover 304 and device 302. The connection 314 and power cable 316 connect the smart cover 304 to the device 302 and an optional external battery pack 318 connected to the device 302. 3B illustrates a side view of the smart cover 304 except that the smart cover 304 is in a closed state to cover and protect the device 302.

3C is another side view seen along the short edge of the smart cover 304 in a state of covering the device 302. In this figure, the hinges 312 are listed along the width direction of the smart cover 304 and the device 302. 3 (d) provides another side view along the width direction of the smart cover 304 rather than the front width of the device. In FIG. 3D, antenna 306 is shown as being adjacent to media slot 320 for flash memory or other compatible device above external battery pack 318. Pen slots 322 are available for storing pens to select elements of the user interface displayed on the combination display and touch screen.

4 is a flowchart for manufacturing a smart cover designed according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the manufacturer connects the cover to the peripheral port of the device 402 by connecting the connection to the cover. As described above, one can assume that the connection is a form factor associated with one of many other flash memory devices. For example, the flash memory form factor may be selected from a group of flash memory form factors including a memory stick (MS), a compact flash (CF), a digital protection (SD) card or a smart media card. Other forms of connection 206 can also be made using various versions of universal serial bus (USB), serial port, parallel port, Firewire, and Bluetooth technology. The connection may be a flexible connection that allows the smart cover to bend when opened or closed or may be a rigid connection with a mechanical hinge embedded in the cable.

The manufacturer then embeds the electronics and logic in a cover that operates using the connection (step 404). In particular, the specific electronics and logic embedded in the cover depend on the functionality provided by the smart cover. In one embodiment, a manufacturer makes this feature of the invention using a flexible IC circuit that implements an electronic device or logic.

The manufacturer then attaches a mechanism to the cover (step 406) that releasably connects the cover to the device in a position that protects the operable surface of the device. As previously described and described in FIG. 2 (a), the cover may be removably attached to the cover surface of the device using a slidable hinge mechanism or other mechanism that provides a mechanical connection point to the device. Hinge 204 provides a mechanism for removably connecting smart cover 202A to the device in a position that protects the device's operable surface. For example, smart cover 202A protects the surface of the screen and buttons of the device from damage or exposure by covering the operable surface of the top surface of the device. Since this is only one example of attaching the smart cover 202A of the present invention to the surface of the device device, it is intended that other embodiments of the present invention are not limited to using the hinge 204 as a mechanical connection point. The hinge mechanism is typically a lightweight or strong durable metal or synthetic material. For example, the material may be a synthetic material reinforced with various metals including titanium, aluminum, lightweight steel, fiberglass or other suitable materials.

5 is a smart cover 500 (hereinafter referred to as system 500), and components, used in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system 500 includes a memory device 502 (typically a random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM) such as flash RAM) that holds an executable program, a display device driver capable of interfacing and driving a display or monitor device. 504, processor 506, peripheral electronics 508 providing hardware support for smart cover functionality, network communication port 510 for data communication, storage 512, and interconnect 516. And an input / output (I / O) port 514 having an I / O controller operatively connected together via < RTI ID = 0.0 > The smart cover 500 described above typically uses the device's display and / or touch screen and does not include additional displays to reduce cost, weight and power consumption requirements. For example, display device driver 504 may interface with a display associated with the device and does not require a screen integrated into smart cover 500. The smart cover 500 may be programmed into a ROM, for example using field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology or other source (eg, floppy disk, CD-ROM). Or by loading a program from another computer). In addition, the system 500 may be implemented using application specific semiconductors (ASICs).

In one embodiment, the memory 502 includes a peripheral module 522 that manages resources associated with the peripheral user interface component 518, the peripheral application component 520, and the smart cover 500. In operation, peripheral user interface component 518 presents a user interface on a combination display and a touch screen. The user operates a specific function of the smart cover 500 through the user interface. For example, the peripheral user interface component 518 presents a button to control the operation of the MP3 music playback device. Commands and requests are processed and executed by the peripheral application component 520. Depending on how the peripheral user interface component 518 and the peripheral application component 520 are implemented, each different smart cover 500 operates differently and at different levels of information.

Although examples and embodiments have been described, they should not be used to limit any feature of the invention. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or computer hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The apparatus of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product implemented in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor; The method steps of the present invention may be executed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to execute the functions of the present invention by operating on input data and generating output. The present invention provides a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device coupled to receive data and instructions from a data storage system and to pass the data and instructions to the data storage system. It is advantageous to be implemented in one or more computer programs executable in. Each computer program may be implemented in a highly procedural or object oriented programming language, or assembly or machine language, if necessary; In either case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, for example, both general purpose and special purpose microprocessors. Typically, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory and / or random access memory. Typically, a computer will include one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; Such devices include magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; Magneto-optical disks; And optical disks. Storage devices suitable for executing computer program instructions and data include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; Magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; Magneto-optical disks; And all types of nonvolatile memory including CD-ROM disks. All of the foregoing can be complemented by or integrated into the ASIC.

While specific embodiments have been described herein for illustrative purposes, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but instead is defined in the claims in light of the scope of the equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

In the device cover 202A apparatus, A connection portion 206 associated with the cover 202A for connecting the cover to a peripheral port of the device; An electronic device and logic 208 embedded in the cover 202A for operating and providing one or more functions to supplement the operation of the device using the connection 206; Mechanism 204 for removably connecting the cover to the device Cover for the device comprising a. The method of claim 1, The cover (202A) can be arranged to protect the operating surface of the device. The method of claim 1, The device is a cover for a device selected from a set of devices including a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless voice communication device and a pocket computer. The method of claim 1, The mechanism (204) for removably connecting the cover is selected from the set comprising a hinge mechanism and a slider cover mechanism. The method of claim 1, Connections 206 associated with the cover include a group of connections including flash storage devices, power cables, various Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial ports, parallel ports, Firewire, Bluetooth technology and mechanical connections. Cover for the device selected from among them. The method of claim 1, One or more of the functions provided above are for a device that includes a music device 108, an image camera 110, a video camera 110, a wireless capability 112, a navigation system 114, a media adapter, and a power supply 116. cover. The method of claim 6, Wherein the wireless capability comprises one or more wireless connections selected from a set of wireless connections including Bluetooth, CDMA, Wi-Fi, GSM, TDMA, AMPS, Infrared, and Radio Frequency (RF). The method of claim 1, At least one function provided by the electronics and logic (208) embedded in the cover is a function to supplement one or more operations to the device. In the method of manufacturing the cover for the device, Associating a connector 206 with the cover 202A to connect the cover 202A to a peripheral port of the device, Embedding electronics and logic 208 in the cover 202A capable of activating and providing one or more functions that complement the operation of the device using the connections; Attaching a mechanism 204 to the cover that can be used to removably connect to the device Method of manufacturing a cover for the apparatus comprising a. The method of claim 9, The cover (202A) may be arranged to protect the operating surface of the device.

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