WO2001040916A1

WO2001040916A1 - Modularly configurable portable computing device

Info

Publication number: WO2001040916A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/041153
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nigel S. Keam; Michael P. Calligaro
Original assignee: Microsoft Corporation
Priority date: 1999-11-30
Filing date: 2000-10-12
Publication date: 2001-06-07
Also published as: GB2371391A; JP2003515836A; GB0209398D0

Abstract

A modular portable computing device is provided. The device includes a base unit and a modular unit. The base unit has at least one processor, memory, a display, and a power supply. The modular unit includes memory having a task-specific instruction set stored therein, and at least one input device. The modular unit is operatively fitted to the base unit, such that power is provided to the modular from the base unit, the task-specific instruction set in the memory of the modular unit is accessible by the processor in the base unit, and the input device of the modular unit provided is detectable by the processor in the base unit. A plurality of differently configured modular units can be used with the base unit to perform a wide variety of tasks.

Description

MODULARLY CONFIGURABLE PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to computing and, more particularly, to methods and arrangements that provide modular portable computing devices that can be configured to meet certain specific user requirements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable computing devices are becoming increasing popular due to technological increases and lower user costs. Portable devices or appliances are typically designed to perform a particular function. For example, calculators are designed to perform mathematical functions, cellular telephones are designed to provide mobile communications, game-playing devices are designed for entertainment, CD and MP3 players are designed to play music, schedule/calendar devices (e.g., personal digital assistant (PDAs)) are designed to replace appointment books and the like, database devices are designed to track shipments and inventories, GPS receivers are designed to determine geographical positioning data, and general handheld programmable computers are designed to operate in accordance with selected programs. As illustrated in the examples above, with perhaps the exception of general handheld programmable computers, most of the currently available portable computing devices are designed with only one or two functions in mind. Although these portable computing devices often share some hardware requirements, such as, for example, a display, a power supply (e.g., batteries), a processor, memory, and user input, their specific functionality defines different input and/or output requirements, software, etc. Making a single device with all of these capabilities generally results in an overly expensive solution for users requiring only certain functionality. For example, designing a general handheld programmable computer to provide all or most of the functionality of these various devices would be difficult and expensive, and might impact on the portability of the resulting device. Conversely, buying several different portable computing devices can be expensive and at some the physical stage portability of many different devices may overburden the user.

Consequently, there is need for improved methods and arrangements that can be employed to provide multiple-function portable computing devices. Preferably, these methods and arrangements provide users with the ability to selectively meet their existing needs at a significantly reduced cost when compared to currently available portable computing devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and arrangements that provide users with the ability to selectively meet their existing needs at a significantly reduced cost through a modularly configurable, multiple-function capable, portable computing device.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the portable computing device takes advantage of component redundancy found in many of the currently available portable computing devices to provide a modular arrangement that can be customized to meet the user's needs, upgraded, etc., at a reduced cost to the user.

Thus, for example, in accordance with certain implementations of the present invention, certain common multiple-use components are provided in a base unit. The base unit is configured to be operatively coupled to one or more task-specific modular units or cartridges. The modular units provide the additional components required to perform their specified task.

The result is that users can purchase the base unit and whatever the task- specific modular units they require. The cost to the user is reduced by eliminating the need to repurchase several common multiple-use components, such as, for example, a display, a processor, power supply, etc. Moreover, users can selectively purchase task-specific modular units to further avoid buying unwanted components. Overall portability is also enhanced by allowing the user to selectively carry only the base unit and those task-specific modular units required at a given time. The above stated needs are met, for example, by a modular portable computing device, in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. The device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has at least one processor that is coupled to a first memory, a display, and a power supply. The second portion, which is removably coupled to the first portion, includes a second memory that is selectively coupled to the processor and has a task-specific instruction set stored therein that is suitable for use with the processor in the first portion. The second portion also includes at least one input device that is also selectively coupled to the processor in the first portion.

In certain implementations the first portion is fitted within a first housing and the second portion is fitted within a second housing. The first housing and the second housing are configured to physically connect together by application of an external force resulting in the formation of a single substantially rigid portable device. For example, the second housing may plug at least partially into the first housing. When the first portion and the second portion are fitted together, they are operatively coupled together, such that at least the second memory can be accessed by the processor. This allows the set of instructions on the second portion to control the processor in the first portion. The input device on the second portion can also be operatively coupled to function within the processor and the set of instructions. The power supply in the first portion can provide the requisite power to the second portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the various methods and arrangements of the present invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: Fig.l depicts a base unit and a task-specific modular unit, in accordance with certain exemplary implementations of the present invention.

Fig. 2 depicts a portable computing device having the base unit and task- specific modular unit of Fig. 1 operatively coupled together.

Fig. 3 depicts a view of the base unit in Fig. 1 from perspective AA, as identified in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 depicts a view of the task-specific modular unit in Fig. 1 from perspective BB, as identified in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 depicts a view of the task-specific modular unit in Fig. 1 from perspective CC, as identified in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a block diagram depicting functions/components of a base unit, in accordance with certain exemplary implementations of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram depicting functions/components of a modular unit, in accordance with certain exemplary implementations of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Fig.1 depicts a portable computing device 20 as having two discrete housing portions, a base unit 22 and at least one task-specific modular unit 24, in accordance with certain exemplary implementations of the present invention. It is recognized that other implementations of the present invention can take on many different shapes and sizes. It its further recognized that the physical, mechanical, and/or operative coupling of base unit 22 and modular unit can be different, depending upon the requirements and available technology. The following examples are not meant to limit such implementations. With this in mind, as shown in Fig. 1 base unit 22 includes at least one display 26. Display 26 can include a color or monochrome screen that is capable of displaying graphical user interface (GUI). For example, in certain exemplary implementations, display 26 includes a 240 pixel by 160 pixel passive color screen. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the type and size of display 26 will depend on the overall requirements for portable computing device 20.

Base unit 22 provides a port 28 that is configured to receive modular unit 24. In this example, tongues 30 extend into port 28 from base unit 22. Tongues 30 are configured to mechanically guide and/or otherwise physically engage corresponding grooves 70 ( see Fig. 4) in modular unit 24 when base unit 22 and modular unit 24 are coupled or otherwise fitted together as depicted in Fig. 2. Thus, as indicated by the directional arrows in Fig. 1, in this exemplary implementation, modular unit 24 is slidably fitted into base unit 22 by applying an appropriate physical force to one or both housing portions.

In this example, a connector 32 extends at least partially into port 28. Connector 32 is configured to provide operative coupling between base unit 22 and modular unit 24. Thus, for example, connector 32 may provide a path for electrical and/or optical signals. As shown in Fig. 4, modular unit 24 has a corresponding connector 32. These connectors may take on various shapes. For example, unlike that which is shown, connector 32 of base unit 22 may be recessed within the housing portion, while connector 32 of modular unit 24 may extend outwardly. Furthermore, in certain implementations, additional mechanical coupling between base unit 22 and modular unit 24 may be provided by connector 32.

As shown in the Fig. 1, modular unit 24 provides at least one input device

36. In this example, modular unit 24 is associated with a game playing task. As such, three user input devices 36A-C are depicted. Input device 36A is a conventional multi-directional rocker switch. Input devices 36B and 36C are each push type buttons.

One of the features of the present invention is that base unit 22 can support a plurality of differently configured modular units 24. Each modular can be designed to perform one or more specific tasks with the support of base unit 22. As described in later sections, therefore, a variety of different input devices 36 can be employed within different modular units 24.

Fig. 2 depicts portable computing device 20 of Fig. 1 , after having base unit 22 and modular unit 24 operatively coupled together. The resulting combination allows input devices 36A-C to be used in a manner that alters the GUI on display 26.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which depicts a view of base unit 22 in Fig. 1 as seen from perspective AA. As shown, base unit 22 includes a top side 40, a bottom side 42, a right side 44, and a left side 46. Port 28 (see Fig. 1) is substantially defined by a port floor 34, a left port wall 50, a right port wall 52, and a back port wall 54. Port 28 has a width 48 formed between left port wall 50 and right port wall 52. A tongue 30 extends inwardly into width 48 from left port wall 50 and from right port wall 52. Connector 32 also extends inwardly into port 28 (see Fig. 1) from back port wall 54. In this example, connector 32 includes a plurality of conductors 56 that are configured to operatively coupled to opposing conductors on module unit 24. Fig. 4 depicts a view of modular unit 24 in Fig. 1 as seen from perspective

BB. Modular unit 24 includes a back side 60, a top side 62, a bottom side 64, a left side 66 and a right side 68. Grooves 70 are depicted as extending inwardly along a longitudinal length (perpendicular to the page) of left side 66 and right side 68. Grooves 70 are configured to correspond to tongues 30, as previously described. Grooves 70, in this example, do not run the full length of the longitudinal length of left side 66 or right side 68. Instead, grooves 70 are of sufficient length to properly engage with tongues 30 (see Fig. 1). In this example, when base unit 22 and modular unit 24 are fitted together, port floor 34 of base unit 22 contacts and supports bottom side 64 of modular unit 24. In Fig. 4, input devices 36A-C are depicted as extending outwardly from top side 62. This need not always be the case. For example, certain input devices may be completely contained within modular unit 24 (and may not be accessible to the user), others may be recessed, and still others may be removable or otherwise physically detachable from modular unit 24. A connector 34 is depicted as being accessible through back side 60.

Connector 34 includes a plurality of conductors 56 that are significantly configured to match the same on base unit 22. It is recognized that one or more connectors may be included in both base unit 22 and/or modular unit 24. Furthermore, certain implementations may not require use of all available conductors 56. Conductors 56 may pass electrical, electromechanical, optical, thermal, mechanical, and/or other forms of energy. Fig. 5 depicts a view of modular unit 24 in Fig. 1 as seen from perspective CC. Here, the front side 74 of module unit 24 is shown. An optional input/output (I/O) port 76 is accessible through front side 74. I/O port 76 can be used to provide additional connectivity between portable computing device 20 (or just modular unit 24) and external devices. For example, I/O port 76 can provide connectivity to a printer or other peripheral device, or between two or more portable computing devices 20. I/O port 76 may pass electrical, electromechanical, optical, thermal, mechanical, and/or other forms of energy.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a block diagram depicting functions/components of an exemplary base unit 100 that can be implemented in the housing portion of base unit 22 of Fig. 1 , in accordance with certain exemplary implementations of the present invention.

Base unit 100 includes at least one processor 102 that is coupled through at least one bus 104 to a memory 106. In this example, memory 106 includes a read only memory (ROM) 108 and a random access memory (RAM) 110. Processor 102 is configured to access memory 106 and respond to instructions therein.

A module interface 112 is also coupled to processor 102 through bus 104. Module interface 112 is configured to provide connectivity between processor 102 and resources within a module unit. An optional network connector 1 14 is also depicted as being coupled to processor 102 via bus 104. Network connector 1 14 is configured to provide connectivity between processor 102 and other external computing resources.

Processor 102 is also coupled to at least one link or bus 116 (which may be the same as bus 104) that provide connectivity to at least one display 118. Display 118 is configured to receive data from processor 102 and to present a visual a output to the user. Additionally, processor 102 may be coupled through bus 116 to at least one speaker 120, and/or audio output 122, which would each be configured to receive audio signals from processor 102. A volume control 124 may also be provided to moderate the audio signals.

Base unit 100 includes a power supply 128 that is coupled, as necessary, to provide power to the various components within base unit 100. The power to the components may be controlled by the user, for example, through On/Off switch 126. Power supply 128 is further configured to provide power, as necessary, to provide power to various and/or selected components within a modular unit. Power to the modular unit can be passed through module interface 1 12, for example. Power supply 128 can include batteries, rechargeable devices, solar powered devices, adapters, and/or the like.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram depicting functions/components of a modular unit 130 that can be implemented in the housing portion of modular unit 24 of Fig. 1, in accordance with certain exemplary implementations of the present invention. Modular unit 130 is configured to be operatively coupled to base unit 100.

As shown, modular unit 130 includes a memory 140, a base unit interface 142, and at least one input device 144. Modular unit 130 may also include one or more optional support devices 146. Memory 140, input devices 144 and support devices 146 (as applicable) are coupled to base unit interface 142. Base unit interface 142 is configured to provide connectivity between these various functions/components and processor 102 in base unit 100. Memory 140 can include a ROM , a RAM, a disk drive, and/or the like. Memory 140 includes instructions for processor 102 that support the designated task associated with module 130. Thus, for example, a game program may be included in memory 140. Input devices 144 may include one or more switches, buttons, a keypad, a toggle, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, a pointer (e.g., a stylus, etc), a microphone, a digital camera, an optical sensor, a receiver, a feedback sensor, a position sensor, an accelerometer, a thermal sensor, or other type of function component that is designed to affect the operation of processor 102.

Support devices 146 can include other functions/components that are designed to support the operation of module unit 130. For example, I/O port 76

(see Fig. 5) may require a support device 146. Additionally, Support devices 146 can include a power supply, a supporting processor or other logic, and/or user input devices that are associated with the local operations of module 130.

Using the modularity provided by the preceding exemplary implementation, a wide variety of task-specific modular units can be implemented to customize the resulting portable computing device 20. By way of example, two-dimensional (2D) games, calculators, and multimedia players can be supported by a providing modular unit 24 having a applicably programmed ROM, RAM (if needed) and the necessary input devices (e.g., buttons). Three-dimensional (3D) games may be supported by providing additional RAM, at least one accelerometer, and associated support devices (e.g., a Freestyle Chip) in modular unit 24.

A pocket television may be supported by including an antenna/receiver/tuner and other supporting hardware in modular unit 24. Similarly, a modular unit can provide global positioning system (GPS) capabilities when implemented with the requisite GPS receiver hardware.

In still other examples, an electronic chat can be supported by a modular unit 24 having supporting devices for communication to external devices, and/or through base unit 24. Similarly, a "photo chat" capability can be implemented when modular unit 24 is fitted with a digital camera (e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD) camera or the like). Other forms of mobile telecommunications may also be supported via a modular unit 24. Although some preferred embodiments of the various methods and arrangements of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular portable computing device comprising: a first portion having at least one processor, first memory coupled to the processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a power supply coupled to the processor; and a second portion removably coupled to the first portion and having second memory selectively coupled to the processor, a task-specific instruction set stored within the second memory and suitable for use with the processor, and at least one input device selectively coupled to the processor.

2. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the first portion is fitted within a first housing and the second portion is fitted within a second housing, and wherein the first housing and the second housing are configured to physically connect together by application of external force such that when connected together the first housing and the second housing form a single substantially rigid portable device.

3. The device as recited in Claim 2, wherein the second housing plugs at least partially into the first housing.

4. The device as recited in Claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are operatively coupled together as a result of being physically connected together, such that at least the second memory can be accessed by the processor.

5. The device as recited in Claim 4, wherein, when the first portion and the second portion are operatively coupled together, the power supply is operatively coupled to at least the second memory.

6. The device as recited in Claim 4, wherein, when the first portion and the second portion are operatively coupled together, the processor is further operatively coupled to the input device.

7. The device as recited in Claim 4, wherein, when the first portion and the second portion are operatively coupled together, the power supply is operatively coupled to at least the input device.

8. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the input device includes at least one input device selected from a group of input devices comprising a switch, a button, a keypad, a rocker switch, a toggle switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, a pointer, a microphone, a digital camera, an optical sensor, a receiver, a feedback sensor, a position sensor, an accelerometer, and a thermal sensor.

9. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the first portion further includes at least one network connector coupled to the processor.

10. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the first portion further includes at least one audio output interface coupled to the processor.

11. The device as recited in Claim 10, wherein the first portion further includes at least one user control operatively configured to control an output level associated with the at least one audio output interface.

12. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the first portion further includes at least one user control operatively configured to control the power supply.

13. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the first portion further includes a module interface coupled to the processor and the second portion further includes a corresponding base unit interface coupled to at least the memory, such that the second memory is selectively coupled to the processor through the module interface and the base unit interface.

14. The device as recited in Claim 13, wherein the first portion further includes at least one user control operatively configured to control an output level associated with the at least one audio output interface.

15. A method for use in providing a modular portable computing device, the method comprising: providing a first portion of the modular portable computing device having at least one processor, first memory coupled to the processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a power supply coupled to the processor; and removably coupling a second portion of the modular portable computing device to the first portion, the second portion having second memory that is selectively coupled to the processor, a task-specific instruction set stored within the second memory that is suitable for use with the processor, and at least one input device selectively coupled to the processor.

16. The method as recited in Claim 15, wherein the first portion is fitted within a first housing and the second portion is fitted within a second housing, and removably coupling the second portion of the modular portable computing device to the first portion further includes, applying force to at least one of the first or second housings to physically connect together the first housing and the second housing to form a single substantially rigid portable device.

17. The method as recited in Claim 16, wherein applying force causes the second housing to plug at least partially into the first housing.

18. The method as recited in Claim 16, wherein the first portion and the second portion are operatively coupled together as a result of being physically connected together, such that at least the second memory can be accessed by the processor.

19. The method as recited in Claim 18, wherein, when the first portion and the second portion are operatively coupled together, the power supply is operatively coupled to at least the second memory.

20. The method as recited in Claim 18, wherein, when the first portion and the second portion are operatively coupled together, the processor is further operatively coupled to the input device.

21. The method as recited in Claim 18, wherein, when the first portion and the second portion are operatively coupled together, the power supply is operatively coupled to at least the input device.

22. The method as recited in Claim 15, wherein the input device includes at least one input device selected from a group of input devices comprising a switch, a button, a keypad, a rocker switch, a toggle switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, a pointer, a microphone, a digital camera, an optical sensor, a receiver, a feedback sensor, a position sensor, an accelerometer, and a thermal sensor.

23. The method as recited in Claim 15, wherein the first portion further includes at least one network connector coupled to the processor.

24. The method as recited in Claim 15, wherein the first portion further includes at least one audio output interface coupled to the processor.

25. The method as recited in Claim 24, wherein the first portion further includes at least one user control that is operatively configured to control an output level associated with the at least one audio output interface.

26. The device as recited in Claim 15, wherein the first portion further includes at least one user control that is operatively configured to control the power supply.

27. The method as recited in Claim 15, wherein the first portion further includes a module interface coupled to the processor and the second portion further includes a corresponding base unit interface coupled to at least the memory, and removably coupling the second portion of the modular portable computing device to the first portion further includes operatively coupling the second memory to the processor through the module interface and the base unit interface.

28. The method as recited in Claim 27, wherein the first portion further includes at least one user control that is operatively configured to control an output level associated with the at least one audio output interface.