Hewlett-packard Company

Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Masahiko Muranami

Glen Allen Oross

Jacques H Helot

Michael D Derocher

Robert P Bliven

Gerald W Steiger

Guy E Lichtenwalter

Jaime Segura

Gregory J May

David A Williams

Charles S Stephens

Scott N Hickman

Preston D Brown

Terry G Bradley

Tuan Tran

Curtis Rose

This present invention is embodied in a system and method for ordering a consumer item (such as a product or a service) in an interactive computer environment. The system of the present invention includes a user interface that provides automatic and real-time updating of attributes and available options of the consumer item being ordered. Further, the user interface provides a true visual or audio representation of the consumer item as it is being ordered. The present invention also includes a method for ordering a consumer item using this system. The method includes separating the consumer item into intuitive portions that includes base components and categories of available options. The base components and options categories are presented to a consumer through the user interface and the consumer selects the available choices. The method of the present invention includes automatic and real-time updating of attributes and available options so as to provide the consumer with current information and ensure that the consumer cannot select an unavailable option.

System and method for ordering consumer items in electronic commerce

An input device functions as both a pointing device and a scanning device. The input device can have a switch with a first position in which the input device functions as a pointing device and a second position in which the input device functions as a scanning device. When operating as a scanning device, the input device can have two modes of scanning operation: a document scan mode and a virtual scan mode. In the document scan mode, the input device can scan an image on a document page. In the virtual scan mode, the input device can scan an image on an electronic page. The input device can include a multi-functional scanning system that can scan an image horizontally, vertically, or any angle diagonally relative to a document or electronic page.

Integrated multi-function computer input device

A docking station for a portable computer contains a platform and a movable guide bar connected to the docking station and extending over the platform. The guide bar is capable of guiding the portable computer into proper alignment with the docking station when the portable computer is placed on the guide bar and pressed downwardly into the platform. The guide bar may contain a thermally conductive guide protrusion capable of mating with a heat sink on the portable computer. Heat is transferred from the heat sink on the portable computer to the guide protrusion on the guide bar. The guide bar itself may also be thermally conductive, providing a further avenue for heat to be transferred from the portable computer to the docking station.

Alignment mechanism for a computer system having a portable computer and a docking station

A portable computer has a base housing attached to a top housing. A latch secures the top housing to the base housing. The portable computer has a card reader coupled to an electro-mechanical actuator which is further coupled to the latch. The card reader is capable of disengaging the latch to allow access to the portable computer.

Card enabled latch for a portable computer

The invention provides a single docking station structure which is usable for a set of different pieces of equipment having essentially similar interfaces, such as a manufacturer's line of portable (&ldquo;notebook&rdquo; or &ldquo;laptop&rdquo;) computer product models. A common first module supports interfaces with peripheral devices or the like. A model-specific second module, second from a set of second modules that correspond with various models from the line of portable computers, is coupled with the first module to support the portable computer. The second module supports the portable computer, so as to interface it directly with the interface on the first module. The second modules, preferably configured as trays for holding the portable computers, are very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The trays can be stored next to the docking station (like magazines on a bookshelf). An identification system, which labels the different trays and cross-references them to the corresponding portable computers, allows for future changes in the manufacturer's product line, in which a new model of portable computer requires either a new tray or one of the previously existing trays. The invention is advantageous to manufacturers because it reduces the number and variety of docking station products required for use with the manufacturer's portable computers.

Docking station having a plurality of adapter trays for a plurality of portable computers

A power adapter for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer, includes a speaker to generate low audio frequencies, such as below 150 Hz. The speaker can be mounted in a variety of arrangements, i.e. closed-box, bass-reflex, or a more intricate shape which adds resonance (poles and zeros) to the acoustic filtering properties of the enclosure. An exemplary bass-reflex mounting includes a driver with resonance at 140 Hz, a chamber size of 7.74 in,and a port determined by Thiele-Small equations. This gives a low frequency response beginning at 70 Hz. This low frequency component is combined in free space with the higher frequency components emanating from the portable electronic device's internal speaker(s). The audio signal connection can be made when the AC adapter is connected to the notebook computer by using two additional wires in the power cord. Since users generally carry their AC adapters with them, they can enjoy full harmonic sound without taking anything extra along. Alternatively, the AC adapter and electronic device can contain additional circuitry to provide wireless paths for either the power distribution path or audio interface or both.

Power adapter having a speaker for an electronic device

A security mechanism is provided, for use with portable equipment, such as a &ldquo;notebook&rdquo; type portable computer, which is to be coupled for use with stationary equipment, such as a port replicator or docking station. The security mechanism includes locking structures, located in complementary positions on the computer and the port replicator, for engaging each other to prevent theft by removal of the computer from the port replicator. The locking structures on the computer are standardized across a line of different computer models, so that the security mechanism is operative regardless of which of the different computer models is docked. Specifically, the locking structures of the various computers within the line of products are in corresponding positions on the computers, relative to the positions the computers occupy when docked. Therefore, the locking structures engage the same way, regardless of which computer of the line of products is docked. The security mechanism is manipulated by the presence of the computer being docked, so that the user is not required to manipulate the security mechanism separately from docking the computer.

Single retracting security hook of desktop port replicator providing security for dissimilar multiple portable computers

Grip for a portable computing device

A notebook computer includes physical security apparatus for locking a display and system unit together in a `clamshell` configuration. The security apparatus also prevents removal of peripheral devices and disables inputs from the computer keyboard and mouse. In some modes of operation the security apparatus also prevents powering up the computer and undocking of the computer from a docking station. A single user action results in locking the clamshell, locking the peripheral units in place and disabling the keyboard and mouse. Similarly, a user single action results in turning off the security measures (e.g., unlocking the clamshell, unlocking the peripheral units and enabling the keyboard and mouse).

Physical security system for portable computer

A battery charger is connected to a power source via an input cable. The battery charger has charge switching circuitry for delivering a charge to a battery under the control of a controller. The controller has state detection logic for detecting the current state of the battery, and charging logic for charging the battery by selectively enabling and disabling the charge switching circuitry based on the condition of the battery. An output cable is connected to the battery charger. The output cable delivers power from the power source to a second battery charger for charging a second battery for the electronic device. The output cable can be placed in a stowage position or a non-stowage position. The second battery charger may be external or internal to the electronic device. If the second battery charger is internal to the electronic device, two batteries can be charged at the same time the electronic device is being operated. The battery charger has the additional capability of detecting and correctly charging different battery types, and responding to error conditions detected during the charging operation.

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

Masahiko Muranami