WO2005096164A1 - Device for connecting to a computer provided with an adapter - Google Patents

Device for connecting to a computer provided with an adapter Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005096164A1
WO2005096164A1 PCT/NL2005/000202 NL2005000202W WO2005096164A1 WO 2005096164 A1 WO2005096164 A1 WO 2005096164A1 NL 2005000202 W NL2005000202 W NL 2005000202W WO 2005096164 A1 WO2005096164 A1 WO 2005096164A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plug
electronic appliance
foregoing
computer
purpose plug
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2005/000202
Other languages
French (fr)
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Sebastiaan Richard Peersmann
Leonardus Jozephus Van Oord
Original Assignee
Yousp B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yousp B.V. filed Critical Yousp B.V.
Publication of WO2005096164A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005096164A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
    • G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
    • G06F13/40—Bus structure
    • G06F13/4063—Device-to-bus coupling
    • G06F13/409—Mechanical coupling
    • G06F13/4095—Mechanical coupling in incremental bus architectures, e.g. bus stacks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
    • G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
    • G06F13/382—Information transfer, e.g. on bus using universal interface adapter

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for connecting to a computer, comprising: a multipurpose plug for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer, and at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug.
  • a further drawback is that the combined data/power supply ports are usually situated at locations which are difficult to access, such as for instance at the rear of a PC in stationary position, which makes coupling and uncoupling of peripherals more difficult.
  • Another drawback is that it must usually be possible to connect the peripheral equipment to mains voltage (optionally via a transformer), so that it is also necessary to provide sufficient mains connections.
  • the object of the present invention is to increase the options for, and the convenience of use in, connecting electronic equipment to a computer.
  • the present invention provides for this purpose a device for connecting to a computer, comprising: a multi-purpose plug for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer, at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug and an electronic appliance likewise connected to the multi-purpose plug, which electronic appliance is supplied with energy via the multi-purpose plug.
  • a device for connecting to a computer, comprising: a multi-purpose plug for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer, at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug and an electronic appliance likewise connected to the multi-purpose plug, which electronic appliance is supplied with energy via the multi-purpose plug.
  • a connecting element such as a cable or cord
  • the sockets can thus be placed for instance on a desk-top or table-top, or in a readily accessible holder (housing), which considerably simplifies coupling or uncoupling of peripherals.
  • the number of connection options (ports) available for peripherals can moreover be increased.
  • the functionality of the device according to the invention is moreover increased still further in that at least one electronic appliance connected to the multi-purpose plug is integrated with the plurality of sockets.
  • This electronic appliance is supplied with energy via the multi-purpose plug, whereby a separate power supply, such as for instance in the form of a connection to mains voltage (usually via a transformer), is absent.
  • a speaker set for instance a memory for data storage (for instance a hard disk or memory stick), a radio, a clock, a player for sound carriers, a player for image material, photo equipment, a printer, a PDA, a scanner, measuring equipment, a heating element, a fan, a desk lamp, a telephone, a calculator, a telephone charger, a telephone signal indicator, a camera and/or other active electronic equipment.
  • a memory for data storage for instance a hard disk or memory stick
  • a radio for instance a radio, a clock, a player for sound carriers, a player for image material, photo equipment, a printer, a PDA, a scanner, measuring equipment, a heating element, a fan, a desk lamp, a telephone, a calculator, a telephone charger, a telephone signal indicator, a camera and/or other active electronic equipment.
  • a power of the electronic appliance must remain limited to the maximum power supply capacity of the port (ports) to which the electronic appliance is connected.
  • connection to a single USB port 1,1 this is for instance a maximum of 250 mA and in the case of a connection to a single USB port 2,0 this is for instance a maximum of 500 mA.
  • the equipment will usually be provided with operating means. It thus becomes possible to combine the functionality of a plurality of sockets with one or more other electronic appliances in a common housing. A multiple socket of generally less attractive design can thus be incorporated in a functional appliances and thereby form an object with an aesthetically less unattractive appearance. It is even more advantageous that the functionality of equipment already coupled to a computer, such as for instance speakers, is provided with the extended functionality of a multiple socket.
  • this latter can be adapted for control by means of information . supplied via the multi-purpose plug.
  • the thus required data or information can after all be supplied by the plug connecting onto the combined data/power supply port of the computer. It is also possible (optionally in combination with the above stated external control of the appliance) to transport data or information in the opposite direction.
  • the electronic appliance is adapted for this purpose to generate information, which information is outputted via the multi-purpose plug.
  • the electronic appliance prefferably be adapted for energy production, which energy is outputted via the multi-purpose plug.
  • the generated energy can thus be supplied by the plug to the connected computer.
  • the at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug are adapted for co-action with plugs of the multi-purpose plug type adapted for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer.
  • sockets of different types being provided in the device so as to thus increase the coupling options of various types of plug to a computer.
  • the combined data/power supply plug can preferably be embodied as a USB plug (Universal Serial Bus plug) or a firewire plug (at the moment a plug with greater data transfer capacity than a USB plug).
  • USB plug Universal Serial Bus plug
  • firewire plug at the moment a plug with greater data transfer capacity than a USB plug.
  • figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention
  • figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment variant of the device according to the invention
  • figure 3 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment variant of the device according to the invention
  • figure 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment variant of the device according to the invention which is connected to a computer.
  • FIG. 1 shows a device 1 provided with a USB plug 2 in which four tracks 3 are available for transfer of data and voltage.
  • USB plug 2 is connected via a cable 4 to a housing 5 which accommodates a clock 6 with operating buttons 7. Also arranged in housing 5 are ports 8 (sockets) into which USB plugs of other equipment (not shown) can be inserted.
  • Figure 2 shows a device 10 with two plugs 11 which are connected via a cable 12 to a unit 13 in which speakers 14 are accommodated.
  • ports 15 to which data/power supply plugs (not shown) can be connected.
  • operating means such as a volume button 16 and other controls 17 for operating speakers 14 and/or the operation of ports 15. It is noted here that the capacity of ports 15 is limited in respect of both electric power (to for instance 250 mA or 500 mA) and the maximum data-processing capacity (to for instance 200 Mbit or 400 Mbit).
  • FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment variant of a device 20 according to the invention.
  • a player 21 for information carriers (such as for instance DVDs or CDs) is connected via a cable 22 to two plugs 23, 24.
  • Operating elements 25 are arranged on player 21 and there are also a number of ports 26 to which further peripheral equipment can be coupled.
  • Figure 4 finally shows a computer 30 with a monitor 31, keyboard 32 and a mouse 33.
  • a plug 35 is placed into one of the data/power supply ports 34 arranged in computer 30 such that a unit 36 is connected to computer 30.
  • Unit 36 is provided with three ports 37, into one of which is inserted a memory stick 38.
  • Unit 36 is also provided with a radio and a sensor for measuring temperature which are not further illustrated in the figure. The temperatures measured with the sensor are transferred to computer 30 via a

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Power Sources (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for connecting to a computer, comprising: a multi­purpose plug for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer, and at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug. The object of the present invention is to increase the options for, and the convenience of use in, connecting electronic equipment to a computer.

Description

Device for connecting to a computer provided with an adapter
The invention relates to a device for connecting to a computer, comprising: a multipurpose plug for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer, and at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug.
Large-scale commercial and private use is made of computers. Here can for instance be envisaged personal computers (PCs), laptops, game computers, network connections (thin clients) and so on. In order to allow co-action of electronic peripherals with one or more computers, temporarily or otherwise, such peripherals can be releasably connected to a data port (connection for data exchange) forming part of the computer. Particularly the use of USB ports (Universal Serial Bus) and Fire Wire ports (IEEE 1394 Standard, ILink) has become widespread. A drawback of the increasingly larger scale use of such combined data/power supply port is that the possibilities of connecting peripherals to combined data/power supply ports are limited because of the small number of such connections with which computers are usually equipped. A further drawback is that the combined data/power supply ports are usually situated at locations which are difficult to access, such as for instance at the rear of a PC in stationary position, which makes coupling and uncoupling of peripherals more difficult. Another drawback is that it must usually be possible to connect the peripheral equipment to mains voltage (optionally via a transformer), so that it is also necessary to provide sufficient mains connections. These drawbacks place obstacles in the way of releasable (optionally temporary) connection of electronic peripherals to a computer.
The object of the present invention is to increase the options for, and the convenience of use in, connecting electronic equipment to a computer.
The present invention provides for this purpose a device for connecting to a computer, comprising: a multi-purpose plug for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer, at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug and an electronic appliance likewise connected to the multi-purpose plug, which electronic appliance is supplied with energy via the multi-purpose plug. Such a device increases the number of data/power supply ports so that a plurality of peripherals can be connected simultaneously to a computer. Provided the multi-purpose plug and the at least two sockets connect to the electronic appliance via a connecting element (such as a cable or cord), the sockets can also be displaced relative to the computer port to a more accessible location or an otherwise more advantageous location. The sockets can thus be placed for instance on a desk-top or table-top, or in a readily accessible holder (housing), which considerably simplifies coupling or uncoupling of peripherals. The number of connection options (ports) available for peripherals can moreover be increased.
The functionality of the device according to the invention is moreover increased still further in that at least one electronic appliance connected to the multi-purpose plug is integrated with the plurality of sockets. This electronic appliance is supplied with energy via the multi-purpose plug, whereby a separate power supply, such as for instance in the form of a connection to mains voltage (usually via a transformer), is absent. It is possible here to envisage for instance a speaker set, a memory for data storage (for instance a hard disk or memory stick), a radio, a clock, a player for sound carriers, a player for image material, photo equipment, a printer, a PDA, a scanner, measuring equipment, a heating element, a fan, a desk lamp, a telephone, a calculator, a telephone charger, a telephone signal indicator, a camera and/or other active electronic equipment. It is noted that the power of the electronic appliance must remain limited to the maximum power supply capacity of the port (ports) to which the electronic appliance is connected. In the case of a connection to a single USB port 1,1 this is for instance a maximum of 250 mA and in the case of a connection to a single USB port 2,0 this is for instance a maximum of 500 mA. The equipment will usually be provided with operating means. It thus becomes possible to combine the functionality of a plurality of sockets with one or more other electronic appliances in a common housing. A multiple socket of generally less attractive design can thus be incorporated in a functional appliances and thereby form an object with an aesthetically less unattractive appearance. It is even more advantageous that the functionality of equipment already coupled to a computer, such as for instance speakers, is provided with the extended functionality of a multiple socket. No additions therefore have to be made to the equipment present on for instance a desk in order to obtain the increased functionality of the multiple socket. It is even an additional advantage here that separate provisions for power supply to the peripheral equipment (mains power supply, transformer, battery, accumulator and so on) is unnecessary. This makes installation of the device according to the invention simple, and servicing in the form of replacing batteries or charging an accumulator is also unnecessary. This measure also further contributes toward the device combining a great convenience of use with a minimal utilization of space and simple installation.
As already elucidated with reference to the above stated possible options in respect of the electronic appliance, this latter can be adapted for control by means of information . supplied via the multi-purpose plug. The thus required data or information can after all be supplied by the plug connecting onto the combined data/power supply port of the computer. It is also possible (optionally in combination with the above stated external control of the appliance) to transport data or information in the opposite direction. In a preferred variant the electronic appliance is adapted for this purpose to generate information, which information is outputted via the multi-purpose plug.
It is also possible for the electronic appliance to be adapted for energy production, which energy is outputted via the multi-purpose plug. The generated energy can thus be supplied by the plug to the connected computer.
In order to increase the number of ports suitable for connection of peripheral equipment and/or electronic accessories, it is recommended that the at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug are adapted for co-action with plugs of the multi-purpose plug type adapted for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer. Conversely, it is also possible to envisage sockets of different types being provided in the device so as to thus increase the coupling options of various types of plug to a computer.
The combined data/power supply plug can preferably be embodied as a USB plug (Universal Serial Bus plug) or a firewire plug (at the moment a plug with greater data transfer capacity than a USB plug). Such plugs are already applied on a large scale and therefore form a market standard.
The present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of the non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures, in which: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention, figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment variant of the device according to the invention, figure 3 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment variant of the device according to the invention, and figure 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment variant of the device according to the invention which is connected to a computer.
Figure 1 shows a device 1 provided with a USB plug 2 in which four tracks 3 are available for transfer of data and voltage. USB plug 2 is connected via a cable 4 to a housing 5 which accommodates a clock 6 with operating buttons 7. Also arranged in housing 5 are ports 8 (sockets) into which USB plugs of other equipment (not shown) can be inserted.
Figure 2 shows a device 10 with two plugs 11 which are connected via a cable 12 to a unit 13 in which speakers 14 are accommodated. Provided on the front side of unit 13 are ports 15 to which data/power supply plugs (not shown) can be connected. Also arranged on unit 13 are operating means such as a volume button 16 and other controls 17 for operating speakers 14 and/or the operation of ports 15. It is noted here that the capacity of ports 15 is limited in respect of both electric power (to for instance 250 mA or 500 mA) and the maximum data-processing capacity (to for instance 200 Mbit or 400 Mbit).
Figure 3 shows yet another embodiment variant of a device 20 according to the invention. A player 21 for information carriers (such as for instance DVDs or CDs) is connected via a cable 22 to two plugs 23, 24. Operating elements 25 are arranged on player 21 and there are also a number of ports 26 to which further peripheral equipment can be coupled.
Figure 4 finally shows a computer 30 with a monitor 31, keyboard 32 and a mouse 33. A plug 35 is placed into one of the data/power supply ports 34 arranged in computer 30 such that a unit 36 is connected to computer 30. Unit 36 is provided with three ports 37, into one of which is inserted a memory stick 38. Unit 36 is also provided with a radio and a sensor for measuring temperature which are not further illustrated in the figure. The temperatures measured with the sensor are transferred to computer 30 via a

Claims

Claims
1. Device for connecting to a computer, comprising: a multi-purpose plug for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer, at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug, and an electronic appliance likewise connected to the multi-purpose plug, which electronic appliance is supplied with energy via the multi-purpose plug.
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the electronic appliance is adapted for control by means of information supplied via the multi-purpose plug.
3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic appliance is adapted to generate information, which information is outputted via the multi-purpose plug.
4. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electronic appliance is adapted for energy production, which energy is outputted via the multi-purpose plug.
5. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the at least two sockets connecting onto the multi-purpose plug are adapted for co-action with plugs of the multi-purpose plug type adapted for co-action with at least one combined data/power supply port of a computer.
6. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the plug is a USB plug.
7. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the plug is a fire wire plug.
8. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electronic appliance comprises a speaker set.
9. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electronic appliance comprises a memory for data storage.
10. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electronic appliance comprises a radio.
11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electronic appliance comprises a clock.
12. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electronic appliance is adapted to play a sound carrier.
PCT/NL2005/000202 2004-03-22 2005-03-17 Device for connecting to a computer provided with an adapter WO2005096164A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1025781A NL1025781C2 (en) 2004-03-22 2004-03-22 Device for connection to a computer provided with a distributor plug.
NL1025781 2004-03-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005096164A1 true WO2005096164A1 (en) 2005-10-13

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ID=34962178

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NL2005/000202 WO2005096164A1 (en) 2004-03-22 2005-03-17 Device for connecting to a computer provided with an adapter

Country Status (2)

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NL (1) NL1025781C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2005096164A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6211581B1 (en) * 1997-11-28 2001-04-03 Harvard M. Farrant Power bar with remote control
JP2002244795A (en) * 2001-02-20 2002-08-30 Pfu Ltd Usb device
US20030112159A1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-06-19 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. External input unit with ten-key pad connectable to computer main unit

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6211581B1 (en) * 1997-11-28 2001-04-03 Harvard M. Farrant Power bar with remote control
JP2002244795A (en) * 2001-02-20 2002-08-30 Pfu Ltd Usb device
US20030112159A1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-06-19 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. External input unit with ten-key pad connectable to computer main unit

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2002, no. 12 12 December 2002 (2002-12-12) *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL1025781C2 (en) 2005-09-26

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