BACKGROUND
The present specification relates to accessory devices and modules for portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, handheld computers. In particular, the present specification relates to a display module or other accessory that removably interfaces with a variety of host devices, especially a handheld computer.
Handheld computing devices, palmtops, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or handheld computers typically weigh less than a pound and fit in a pocket. These handheld computers generally provide some combination of personal information management, database functions, word processing, and spreadsheets. Because of the small size and portability of handheld computers, strict adherence to hardware constraints, such as input device hardware constraints and accessory device hardware constraints, must be maintained.
Further, it is desirable to include accessories for the handheld computer to further its functionality. Such accessory devices include memory devices, positioning devices, audio players, voice recorders, Bluetooth transceivers, digital cameras, tuners, network cards, pedometers, mobile telephone transceivers, and the like.
It is conventional to provide accessory devices that are connectable to an interface on the handheld computer. Because of the small size of handheld computers, the design of accessories connectable to the handheld computer are often a size and ergonomic issue.
To provide the user the benefits of interoperability, it is often necessary to provide mechanisms for sharing information and sharing hardware between devices. Accordingly, it is conventional to provide hardwired, infrared, or radio frequency communications for transferring data between devices. It is also known to transfer data between devices on a recordable accessory by recording information when the accessory is inserted in one host device and reading the information when the accessory is inserted in a second host device. It is further known to have such a recording accessory that seamlessly interfaces with a variety of host devices.
It may be desirable that such a seamless recording accessory also display data to the user. Furthermore, it may be desirable for the user to have the ability to input commands to control the information displayed, as well as to enter or change stored data. Further still, it may be desirable to provide an audible output for the user. An accessory device capable of information storage, display, input, and output may be needed that further mechanically couples to and transfers data with a variety of host devices, especially a handheld computer.
There is also a need to display information on a recordable accessory when the accessory is not inserted into an intelligent host device. This would permit the stand-alone operation. When operated in stand-alone mode, there is a need to retain certain key data customized by the user, and display, record, and/or manipulate the data.
In addition, there is a need for an accessory device capable of transferring data to and from a handheld computer and displaying data when coupled to a non-intelligent host device, such as a wearable watch wristband.
There is also a need to provide a recordable accessory with a display for sharing user-customized information among a variety of intelligent host devices. In addition to mechanical coupling, the interface between the recordable display accessory must provide for exchanging data with the coupled host device. Furthermore, handheld computer users need such a device that is of appropriate size to be ergonomically compatible with handheld computers.
Often, however, it is desirable to use a single display module with a variety of host devices. Further, it is often desirable to provide such display devices having a relatively small size.
It is known that modules can extend the functionality of a handheld computer. However, the user has certain customized preferences and key data that must be programmed into every electronic device. Preferably, the user should need to configure custom preferences and input key data only once and have that information shared with a variety of host devices.
Accordingly, there is a need for a display device module that includes a removably connectable interface for mechanically coupling to a host device. With regard to intelligent host devices, there is a further need to include a communication interface for interoperability and data sharing between the display module and the host device. Finally, there is a need for a system standard for removably coupling the display device module to a variety of host devices.
Further still, there is a need for a foldable accessory device that interfaces with a card slot in a portable electronic device when unfolded and may also attach to and be used with other electronic devices when folded. There is also a need for a foldable accessory device that can be folded to provide protection to the device and portability.
The techniques and structure described herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned needs.
SUMMARY
An exemplary embodiment relates to a display module for a handheld computer. The display module includes a display housing and a display incorporated into the display housing. The display module also includes an interface housing. Further, the display module includes an interface configured to be removably coupled to the handheld computer. The interface is incorporated into the interface housing. Further still, the display module includes a memory.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to an accessory module for a portable electronic device. The accessory module includes an accessory housing. The accessory module also includes an interface for making electrical connection between the accessory module and a host device, and an interface housing for supporting the interface. The interface housing is hinged to the accessory housing such that the interface housing can fold behind the accessory housing, and the interface housing can unfold to extend for insertion into an interface slot in a handheld computer.
Yet another exemplary embodiment relates to a portable display module for coupling to a host device. The portable display module includes a display housing and a display coupled to the display housing. The portable display module also includes an interface housing and an interface configured to be removably coupled to the host device. The interface is incorporated into the interface housing. Further, the portable display module includes a memory.
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