Palm, Incorporated

Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.P.

Palmone, Incorporated

Wayne Hile

Michael Cortopassi

Thomas Robinson

Eric Fuhs

Edward Endejan

James B Henrie

A handheld computer includes a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and at least one light-emitting device that emits visible light as a visual indicator of an occurrence of a designated event. The processor is programmed to selectively activate the visual indicator in response to an occurrence of a designated event to provide the visual indicator to a user of the handheld computer. The processor is programmed to monitor for occurrence of two or more different types of designated events. The processor varies the visual indicator based on the type of the event for which occurrence is being signaled by that visual indicator, such that a different visual indicator is associated with each type of event for which the processor is programmed to monitor.

Method and apparatus for visual silent alarm indicator

One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes implementing a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a wireless personal identification mechanism. Specifically, the wireless identification mechanism can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit which is incorporated on the inside of the rear housing (e.g., plastic) of the personal digital assistant. Once the radio frequency identification integrated circuit has been implemented with an authorized security code, the personal digital assistant in accordance with the present embodiment is capable of functioning as a 'key' enabling entry into restricted areas which are secured with non-contact radio frequency security systems such as corporate campuses, buildings, and/or laboratories. In this manner, an authorized person does not have to carry around a separate radio frequency keycard in order to gain access to restricted areas.

Techniques for providing a personal identification security feature to a portable computing device

An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.

Method and system for providing a personal identification security feature to a portable computing device

A sound generator apparatus configured to improve sound quality for a sound generator that includes a processing device and a memory coupled to the processing device. The sound generator apparatus also includes a sound generator coupled to the processing device. Further, the sound generator apparatus includes a program residing in memory and configured to be run on the processing device that is configured to vary the output amplitude of the sound generator depending on the sound generator frequency. A method of improving sound quality for a sound generator that includes providing a signal indicative of a sound frequency to be generated. The method includes calculating volume adjustment information according to the sound frequency to be generated. Further, the method includes providing the current volume setting and adjusting the volume based on the volume adjustment information.

Sound generator circuit pre-filter system and method

A sound generator circuit configured for a handheld computer is disclosed. A method of producing a tone with a sound generator and handheld computer is also disclosed. The sound generator circuit includes a low pass filter having an input and an output. The input is coupled to a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal line. The sound generator circuit also includes a switching circuit coupled to the output of the low pass filter and being controlled by the output of the low pass filter. Further, the sound generator circuit includes a sound generator having a first and a second terminal. Further still, the sound generator circuit can include a high-pass filter coupled across the first and second terminals.

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Round Lake Park, IL, United States of America

Wayne Hile