Palm, Incorporated

Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Palmone, Incorporated

Rich Gioscia

Masamichi Udagawa

Francis James Canova, Jr

Lawrence K Lam

Maaike Louise Evers

David Christopher

Grace Tseng

Victor Heldt

Udagawa Masamichi

A compact removable voice handset for an integrated palmtop computer system/mobile phone is presented. The present invention is used in conjunction with a personal digital assistant (PDA). The PDA comprises electronics for wireless communications and a contact information database and a means for coupling the handset to the PDA. The present invention is compact such that when coupled to the PDA, there is minimal increase to the overall size and weight of the PDA. The present invention comprises a microphone and a speaker, and is communicatively coupled, via either a wireless connection or a wired connection, to the PDA. The handset comprises control elements such that the handset can be operated independent of the PDA. In one embodiment, the handset comprises a display and control elements configured for accessing the contact information database of the PDA, adjusting the volume of the handset, and for initiating or ending wireless communications.

Compact removable voice handset for an integrated portable computer system/mobile phone

The present invention is a compact personal digital assistant (PDA) and cellular telephone with foldable dual-sided display. By utilizing flexible display technology, both a PDA and a cellular telephone are incorporated into one device. In a closed state, in one embodiment, the present invention corresponds to the form used for typical cellular telephone use (e.g., candy bar size). In an open state, in one embodiment, the present invention corresponds to the form used for typical PDA use by providing an enlarged viewing area. The present invention provides the benefit of two distinct devices in one device by allowing for common operations and functionality without compromising the respective form factor of either device.

Compact palmtop computer system and wireless telephone with foldable dual-sided display

Cover for a handheld computer

An apparatus for providing an energy source for portable computer systems. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a front flip cover having integrated therewithin a flat rechargeable battery. The front flip cover is adapted to be removably attached to a portable computer system. In the present embodiment, the front flip cover includes a hinge. The front flip cover further has a first electrical connector coupled to the hinge. The front flip cover further has a second electrical connector coupled to the front flip cover. A renewable energy source or battery is coupled with the front flip cover and is disposed integral of the front flip cover. The renewable energy source or battery provides operating power to the portable computer system. In one embodiment, the flip cover also has a communication port attached thereto for allowing synchronization and recharging functions when inserted into a cradle.

Flip cover with battery for portable computer system

A foldable display device coupled to a non-rigid support mechanism movable between an unfolded and a folded position. In one embodiment, the e-ink display device is dual sided and both sides can display information as well as accept touch screen commands. One side of the display device is used in the unfolded position and the opposite side is used in the folded position. In the unfolded position, the display device has a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) form factor, and the entire area of one side of the display device is viewable. The display device is supported within the non-rigid support mechanism such that it lies in a flat plane in the unfolded position, and there is no loss of viewable area due to folding of the display device. The two sides of the non-rigid support mechanism are coupled for movement between a folded and an unfolded position and the display device is folded in a bend radius that precludes any disruption to the display area. Moving the support mechanism from the unfolded position to the folded position folds the display device about an axis that divides the display device into two equal rectangles. In the folded position, the display device has a candy bar form factor useful in cell phone applications, and the viewable area is about one half that of the PDA form factor used in the unfolded position. The non-rigid support mechanism holds the viewable area of the display device in a flat plane in the folded position.

Non-rigid mounting of a foldable display

Growing community of inventors

Santa Clara, CA, United States of America

Rich Gioscia