Socket Communications, Inc.

Socket Mobile, Inc.

Sandisk Corporation

Kevin J Mills

Michael Gifford

Micheal L Gifford

James William Rebello

Leonard L Ott

Vanessa Esther Lindsay

Robert F Wallace

Robert C Miller

Yoram Cedar

Wesley G Brewer

Vincent J Coli

Puay Hian Goh

Cj Silver

John E Brandon

Martin Croome

James Lopez

Edward Raphael Toro

Debasish Bhattacharya

David A Holmes

Peripheral for wireless data exchange

Cordless hand scanner

Cordless peripheral for wireless data exchange

Convenience, ease of use, efficiency, and economy are some of the benefits of a cordless hand-held device implementing both a scanner and a stylus (active or passive) within a common housing. In an illustrative embodiment, the combined scanner/stylus device is ergonomically shaped and sized for extended comfortable use. During scanning, the device is generally held and aimed at a scan target using one hand as one would hold and aim a small flashlight. The long-axis of the device is thus kept generally parallel with an extended thumb, a scan button being positioned such that the thumb naturally rests atop it for selectively initiating a scan. To write on or tap on the input area of a PDA or Tablet PC, a user of typical coordination can, with the one hand holding the device, spin (rotate) the device to a position common for holding a writing implement.

Cordless scanner and stylus

Individual wireless devices communicate amongst each other exchanging identity information, authentication-state or both, thereby forming a collaborative-collection of wireless devices. This collaborative-collection of wireless devices offers improvements over individual wireless devices in three areas. First, device functions are affected by the group of devices that are active-members of the collaborative-collection, enabling improved functionality. Second, the times-of-membership and times-of-non-membership of the devices in the collaborative-collection are monitored and this information is used to affect the function of individual devices in the collaborative-collection, including improved security and authorization policies. Third, the authentication-state of the active-member devices in the collaborative-collection affects the function of the active-member devices in the collaborative-collection, also adding to improved security.

Functionality and policies based on wireless device dynamic associations

Very small non-volatile memory cards are modified to include a connector to which a connector on a separate data input-output card electrically and mechanically mates when pushed together. The input-output card transfers data directly between an external device and the non-volatile memory, without having to go through the host to which the memory card is connected. The input-output card communicates with the external device through a wired or a wireless communication channel.

Cooperative interconnection and operation of a non-volatile memory card and an input-output card

The utility and operation of portable hosts, such as PDAs and other portable computers, is enhanced by methods and devices employing a first-level removable module adapted to receive a second-level removable module with subscriber services information. The first-level removable module processes received messages and services based at least in part on the contents of the subscriber services module.

Removable wireless expansion card having a removable subscriber information module

The functionality provided to electronic devices by application specific removable modules is enhanced by viewing the removable modules as first-level removable modules and providing them with at least one second-level removable slot for selectively nesting second-level removable modules having particular external I/O capabilities. The functionality provided to the electronic devices by such a first-level removable module can thus be provided in part by the application specific circuitry within the removable module and further in part by the type of external I/O of the second-level removable module.

Removable modules with external I/O flexibility via an integral second-level removable slot

An improved way to add a wireless peripheral to existing digital systems is taught. A small adapter is suitable for use suspended inline with the cables attached to it. The adapter has an embedded wireless port for receiving data from a wireless peripheral. The adapter further has an input connector for communicating with an existing wired peripheral and an output connector for communicating with the existing system unit. To add a wireless peripheral, the adapter is merely inserted between a wired peripheral and the system unit. The adapter may be plugged directly into the system unit where the cable of the wired peripheral formerly attached. Compared to prior art solutions, the concepts taught ease the installation of the wireless peripherals, lower the cost of the addition, and expand the placement freedom for the wireless peripheral's charging cradle.

Y-adapter with embedded wireless port

Methods and apparatus for closed-case removable expansion cards having a removable memory enhance the utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs. In both a first and second embodiments the closed-case removable expansion cards preferably use a Type II CompactFlash form factor. In the first embodiment the removable memory is in combination with an external-I/O connector or attached external-I/O device, providing both I/O and memory functions in a single closed-case removable expansion card. This increases the expansion functional density for portable computer hosts, such as PDAs. That is, it increases the amount of functionality that can be accommodated within a given volume allocation for expansion devices. In the second embodiment the removable memory is a private memory for application specific circuitry within the closed-case-removable expansion card. This enhances the utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs, as universal chassises for application specific uses. The standard CompactFlash physical and electrical interface couples the application specific card to the host, which provides user interface functions for the application. The cards include a top located slot and an internal connector for accepting a MultiMediaCard as the private removable memory. In addition, the application specific card will generally have some manner of I/O to required external devices, such as scanning devices, sensors, or transducers. Otherwise, all functionality for the application specific function is self-contained within the application specific card.

Nested removable-removable expansion modules

The utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs (or handhelds), is enhanced by methods and apparatus for removable expansion modules () having application specific circuitry, a second-level-removable memory (), and optional I/O (), in a number of illustrative embodiments. In addition to providing greater expansion utility in a compact and low profile industrial design, the present invention permits memory configuration versatility for application specific expansion modules, permitting easy user field selection and upgrades of the memory used in conjunction with the expansion module. Finally, from a system perspective, the present invention enables increased parallelism and functionality previously not available to portable computer devices.

High-density removable expansion module having I/O and second-level removable expansion memory

Portable computing hosts, such as PDAs, are customized for use in diverse applications, such as media and game players, through use of a first-level removable expansion module having player-specific circuitry and a slot for a second-level removable module, such as a removable memory. For example, in combination with a connected or attached user interface device (e.g., earphones), these modules provide a host with external-interface circuitry and/or application-specific functions as well as second-level removable memory functions. The removable memory may be used to store and playback digitally encoded media such as music, audio, or video. The removable memory may also be used directly or predominantly by the player's application specific circuitry within the first-level removable expansion module. In illustrative embodiments, an industry standard physical and electrical interface couples the application specific module to the portable computing host, which provides user interface functions for the application.

Nested removable-removable modules with game and media-player applications

The utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs (or hand-helds), is enhanced by methods and apparatus for removable expansion cards having application specific circuitry, a second-level-removable memory, and optional I/O, in a number of illustrative embodiments. In addition to providing greater expansion utility in a compact and low profile industrial design, the present invention permits memory configuration versatility for application specific expansion cards, permitting easy user field selection and upgrades of the memory used in conjunction with the expansion card. Finally, from a system perspective, the present invention enables increased parallelism and functionality previously not available to portable computer devices.

Growing community of inventors

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Kevin J Mills