Abstract:
A modular digital imaging system adapted to transfer digital images. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of modules which are stackable to form a customizable unit. A first one of the plurality of modules provides a first function and has a first electrical connector and at least one attachment member. A second one of the plurality of modules provides a second function different than the first function and has a second electrical connector matable with the first electrical connector. The second module further comprises at least one attachment feature complementing the attachment member whereby the at least one attachment member mates with the at least one attachment feature to securely attach the first and second modules when the first and second modules are stacked. The electrical connector is employed to transfer the digital images between modules when securely attached.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   Priority is claimed from Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 60,367,586 filed on Mar. 26, 2002, entitled “MODULAR DIGITAL IMAGING SYSTEM”. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to digital imaging, and more particularly, to a digital imaging system. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Digital imaging systems are well known and include, for example, digital image capture devices, digital cameras, digital displays, camcorders, digital video recorders, computers, and kiosks. 
   Current digital cameras can connect to a host computer by means of a dock in order to transfer digital data to a computer. This digital data can include digital still images (e.g., JPEG files) as well as motion video files (e.g., Quick Time files). One example is the Kodak EasyShare DX3600 digital camera, which is sold with an optional docking unit. The camera captures digital still images and motion video segments, and stores the images using Flash EPROM memory. The still images and motion video files can be downloaded from the digital camera to the computer using the docking unit. 
   While such a digital camera has achieved a certain degree of success in its particular applications, there is a need for a digital imaging system which is modular, transportable, and which can be employed to share/transmit/archive/print/display digital images with or without the use of a computer. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a digital imaging system which is modular, transportable, and can share digital images with or without the employment of a computer. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide integrated encasements to protect the delicate electronic components of the system. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a variety of modular components that can be combined by a user to form a custom product that has the appearance and function of an integrated system. Additionally, the invention provides a manner of reducing the wires and complexity of external connection means between components. 
   These objects are given only by way of illustrative example. Thus, other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved by the disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined by the appended claims. 
   According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular digital imaging system adapted to transfer digital images. The system includes a plurality of modules which are stackable to form a customizable unit. A first one of the plurality of modules provides a first function and has a first electrical connector and at least one attachment member. A second one of the plurality of modules provides a second function different than the first function and has a second electrical connector matable with the first electrical connector. The second module further comprises at least one attachment feature complementing the attachment member whereby the at least one attachment member mates with the at least one attachment feature to securely attach the first and second modules when the first and second modules are stacked. The electrical connector is employed to transfer the digital images between modules when securely attached. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular digital imaging system adapted to transfer digital images. The system includes a plurality of modules, which are stackable to form a customizable unit. A first one of the plurality of modules provides a first function and includes a first electrical connector and at least one locating member. A second one of the plurality of modules provides a second function different than the first function and includes a second electrical connector matable with the first electrical connector. The second module further comprises at least one locating feature complementing the locating member whereby the at least one locating member mates with the at least one locating feature to position the first and second modules in a stack. The electrical connector is employed to transfer the digital images between modules when stacked. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular digital imaging device, comprising: a body including a first side having a first shape and a second side having a second shape, the first shape being complementary to the second shape; a functional member disposed within the body providing a function accessible from a third side different than the first and second side; an electrical connection portion adapted to support electrical operation of the modular imaging device and electrically connect the modular imaging device to another modular imaging device; and at least one alignment member disposed on the first side for aligning the modular imaging device with another modular imaging device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a display device in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a display module in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a digital imaging system in accordance with the present invention comprising the display device shown in  FIG. 1  and the display module shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a CD module. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a printer module. 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a modular digital imaging system in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  shows a top view of the digital imaging system of  FIG. 6  when the display device is folded back into a display recess. 
       FIG. 8  shows a front view of the digital imaging system shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an alternate arrangement of the support member within the display module. 
       FIG. 10  shows a side view of a module in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  shows a top view of the module of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of the module of  FIG. 10  with the module being in an unlocked position. 
       FIG. 13  shows a bottom view of the module of  FIG. 10  with the module being in a locked position. 
       FIG. 14  shows a side view of several modules in a stacking arrangement. 
       FIG. 15  shows a backside of the modular digital imaging system of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of the display device in a display mode. 
       FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the display device with the cover member covering the display. 
       FIG. 18  shows a front view of a hinge mechanism hinging the cover member to the display device. 
       FIG. 19  shows a side view of  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a side view of the display device with the cover member covering the display. 
       FIG. 21  shows a side view of the display device with the cover member folded back away from the display so as to be positioned adjacent a side opposite the display. 
       FIG. 22  shows the cover member supporting the display device in the display mode. 
       FIG. 23(   a ) through ( g ) shows the movement of the cover member relative to the display device. 
       FIG. 24  shows a top view of a cover member comprising a transparent portion and an opaque portion. 
       FIG. 25  shows a perspective with of the display device illustrating the hinged mechanism and a USB port location. 
       FIG. 26  shows a front view of the display device and cover member employing a hinged mechanism comprising a clutch. 
       FIG. 27  shows a side view of  FIG. 26 . 
       FIGS. 28–31  show a perspective view of roller bearing elements. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures. 
   Reference is made to commonly assigned application U.S. Ser. No. 10/287,728 entitled “A SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING AND ARCHIVING MOTION VIDEO SEGMENTS”, filed on Nov. 4, 2002 and provisionally filed on Mar. 26, 2002 in the names of Manico et al, and which is assigned to the assignee of this application. 
     FIG. 1  shows a display device  10  in accordance with the present invention. Display device  10  comprises an image display  12  for displaying a digital image, and a receiving port  14  for receiving a digital data storage device  16 . In  FIG. 1 , receiving port  14  is configured as a slot/aperture adapted to receive a digital storage device  16 , such as a floppy disk, memory card, memory stick or CD. Image display  12  can be a color LCD, an organic light emitting display (OLED), or the like, as known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, display device  10  can display motion video images and still digital images. Display device  10  preferably comprises at least one speaker  13 . 
   Display device  10  can comprise a cover member  17 , which is shown in  FIG. 1  as being folded back away from display  12  to abut a side of display device  10  opposite display  12 . 
   Display device  10  further comprises at least one selection member  18  for selecting and manipulating (e.g., zoom, crop, delete) a digital image displayed on display  12 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a plurality of selection members, shown as buttons, arrows, and a four-way selection button, which can be employed to provide instructions to display device  10  to display a digital image on display  12 . Display  12  can be configured as a touch screen. Accordingly, a physical contact with display  12  would be used to select or provide instructions to display device  12 . The physical contact with display  12  can be accomplished, for example, by a finger contacting display  12 , or a stylus. A stylus can be provided with display device  10  and stored in an aperture  20  disposed in display device  10  for ready access by a user. 
   It is recognized that display device  10  can be an image capture device, such as a digital camera, video recorder, or camcorder, adapted to capture digital images, sound, and motion video images in addition to displaying digital images and motion video images. If display device  10  is configured as an image capture device, display device  10  would further comprise a flash member or other illumination device  22  as well as a lens and an activation member for activating display device  10  to capture an image. Still further, it is understood that display device  10  would then further include elements employed for image capture and image processing, such as an image sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS), analog-to-digital converter, and digital image processor. An example of a digital camera which could be employed as display device  10  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,218, issued Sep. 18, 2001, titled “Electronic camera for initiating capture of still images while previewing motion images”, by Parulski et al, herein incorporated by reference. 
   Display device  10  can further comprise a communication port  24  for communicating with another device. Communication port  24  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a USB connection disposed on a lower edge  26  of display device  10 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of a first module referred to, for ease of discussion, as a display dock or display module  30 . Display module  30  comprises a body  32  and a support member  34  pivotably connected to body  32  so as to pivot in a direction as shown by arrow A in  FIG. 2 . The pivoting operation may be achieved by manual manipulation by the user or by a motor (not shown). Support member  34  comprises a recess  36  adapted to receive and support display device  10 . When display device  10  is positioned in recess  36  and pivoted in a full horizontal position, display device  10  is encased by display module  30  in a display recess  62  and is protected by display module  30 . Display module  30  can further comprise an electrical connector  37 . 
     FIG. 3  shows display device  10  disposed within display module  30  to define a digital imaging system  35  in accordance with the present invention. As shown, lower edge  26  is inserted into recess  36  such that the portion of display device  10  adjacent lower edge  26  is supported within support member  34 , permitting an unobstructed view of display  12  of display device  10 . That is, an image displayed in displayed  12  can be viewed while display device  10  is docked within display module  30 ; display  12  is not obstructed from a user&#39;s view. Similarly, speakers  13  are unobstructed by support member  34  so as not to interfere with sound reproduction. Alternatively, display module  30  and support member  34  may be designed to incorporate sound directing ports and/or baffles to enhance the quality of the sound. Display module  30  acts as a holder or support for display device  10 . Support member  34  can be pivoted to provide a preferred viewing angle of display  12  by a user. In a preferred embodiment, selection members  18  are accessible when display device  10  is supported by display module  30 . 
   If display module  30  is provided with electrical connector  37 , display module can be configured as a power source for display device  10  or as a charger for a power supply (e.g., battery) disposed within display device  10 . Additionally, display recess  62  in display module  30  may incorporate an additional connector for charging additional batteries. 
   Disposed within recess  36  is a communication connector (not shown) which can be matingly connected with communication port  24  of display device  10  when display device  10  is docked within display module  30 . When docked, a communication network is established by connecting communication port  24  and the communication connector, thereby permitting the transfer of digital data. For example, display module  30  can comprise a modem and a telephone connector  38  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), whereby digital data can be transmitted by means of a telephone connection. It is recognized that other communication networks known to those skilled in the art can be employed in addition to a wired communication network, for example, a cellular or wireless communication network. An example of a wireless communication network is a radio frequency transponder and receiver disposed with display device  10  and display module  30 . 
   Display module  30  is one example of a module that can be employed with display device  10 . Additional modules can be employed with display device  10 . A compact disc (CD) module  40  is shown in  FIG. 4  as having an opening  42  through which to receive a CD for reading or writing to the CD, and a printer module  50  is shown in  FIG. 5  for providing a hardcopy print  52  through a delivery aperture  54 . 
   Each module is configured to have a complementary shape such that when the modules abut, a modular system is provided.  FIG. 6  generally illustrates a perspective view of a modular digital imaging system  55  in accordance with the present invention comprising display module  30  and at least one other module. The particular digital imaging system  55  shown in  FIG. 6  comprises display module  30 , CD module  40 , printer module  50 , and another module  60 . Examples of other modules  60  include a DVD module for reading or writing DVDs, a telecommunication module (cellular, wired, or wireless), a videophone module, a stereo module for providing amplified stereo sound and high quality speakers, a battery pack module (for example, comprising a heavy duty battery for providing extended operation of the digital imaging system without recharging or connection to an electrical outlet), a hard drive module, a modem module, a television turner module, a digital tape drive module, computer connection module, illumination module, digital projector, film writer, film or print scanner, and an additional memory module. 
   Module  60  can be a “dummy” module. That is, it can be a decorative, functional, or non-functional module. For example, it can be a storage module having a recessed area for storage for batteries, cabling, manuals, print media, memory cards, CDs, or the like. Alternatively, the dummy module may serve as a base to raise the digital imaging system to a particular height for preferred viewing by a user. Alternatively, a transformer for providing electrical power can be disposed within a dummy module. 
   As configured, the modules are docking docks. That is, when a module is docked with another module, a system of docks is formed. The complementary shapes of the modules provides for an interlocking arrangement of the modules, which in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, provides a physically robust digital imaging system. 
   The modules can be arranged in a vertical orientation, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, the modules can be arranged in a horizontal orientation with display device  10  being disposed on top of or adjacent to one of the modules. 
   With a modular system, the order of the modules is not relevant; any order can be employed, though in a preferred embodiment display device  10  is disposed on top for optimal viewing. 
   Access to the modules (e.g.,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60 ) is preferably in the same direction (i.e., on the same side) of digital imaging system  55 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Preferably, opening  42  of CD module  40  and delivery aperture  54  of printer module  50  are directed toward the viewer, so as to provide ready access to the modules. Likewise, display  12  is preferably arranged so as to be viewed forward regardless of lens orientation, in the same direction as the access to the modules, for viewing an image through display  12  when display device  10  is docked in display module  30 . It may be preferred to orient the lens toward the user whenever the display device is inserted in display module  30  to facilitate two way visual communication. Similarly, access for any media (i.e., paper for printer module  50 ) would preferably be obtained from the same forward direction. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 6 , display module  30  comprises a display recess  62 . Support member  34  can be pivoted toward display recess  62 , in the direction shown by arrow B, such that display device  10  is fully housed within display recess  62  with display  12  facing outward.  FIG. 7  shows a top view of digital imaging system  55  when display device  10  is housed within display recess  62 , and  FIG. 8  shows a corresponding front view of digital imaging system  55 . In this position, display device  10  is protected from being bumped or jarred, and could be transported in this configuration. 
     FIG. 9  shows an alternate arrangement wherein support member  34  is pivoted in a direction shown by arrow C, such that when display device  10  is fully housed within display recess  62 , display  12  is facing inward. In this position, display device  10  and display  12  are protected from being bumped or jarred, such as during transport. In a further embodiment, support member  34  may be translated between the two positions shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9  so that a user can alternate housing display device  10  within display recess  62  with display  12  facing inward or outward. 
   As aforementioned, the order of the modules is irrelevant since they are configured to be interchangeable. Referring now to  FIGS. 10 through 14 , the configuration of the modules (i.e.,  40 ,  50 ,  60 ) is described with regard to their interchangeability. For ease of discussion reference is made to CD module  40  though, as indicated,  50 ,  60  have the same configuration. Note that the configuration for the modules need only be the same at the interface, and may be different in thickness and shape as necessary to accommodate their function.  FIG. 10  shows a front view of CD module  40 .  FIG. 11  shows a top view of CD module  40 .  FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of CD module  40  with the module being in an unlocked position. While  FIG. 13  shows a bottom view of CD module  40  with the module being in a locked position. 
   CD module  40  comprises a plurality of support members or footers  70  disposed on a bottom side  72 , as well as a female electrical connection portion  74 . Disposed on a top side  75  of CD module  40  is a male electrical connection portion  78  adapted to mate with female portion  74  of an abutting module (for the particular example, display module  30 , best shown in  FIG. 14 ). Also disposed on top side  75  of CD module  40  are a plurality of footer receiving areas or detents  78  adapted to receive footers  70  of the abutting module (for the particular example, display module  30 , as best shown in  FIG. 14 ). The footers therefore provide both a locating and locking feature/function. Additionally, the footers may be constructed of an elastic material such as polyurethane capable of compression and capable of providing high friction. The compression may aid in the locking mechanism by providing spring action. The function of the footers when docked is to provide alignment and shock absorption. When not docked, the footers provide non-slip contact with the other surfaces and shock absorption. Further disposed on top side  75  is at least one attachment member  80  adapted to secure the modules. Attachment member  80  of CD module  40  mates with an attachment opening  82  disposed in bottom side  72  of an abutting module (for the particular example, display module  30 , best shown in  FIG. 14 ). Attachment members  80  can comprise an engagement surface for the locking mechanism to make contact against. 
   In a preferred embodiment, attachment opening  82  and female portion  74  are protected by a cover from dust/dirt/debris when not being employed. When the module is to be docked with another module, the cover is moved to provide access to attachment opening  82  and female portion  74 .  FIG. 12  shows a lever  84  in an open position wherein attachment opening  82  and female portion  74  are accessible.  FIG. 13  shows lever  84  in a closed position wherein attachment opening  82  and female portion  74  are not accessible for docking. However, once docked with another module, lever  84  can be moved to the closed position to secure/capture the module with another module.  FIG. 15  shows a backside of digital imaging system  55  illustrating a plurality of levers  84  in the closed position. 
   Once docked, the electrical connection of the module is made with the other modules, particularly display module  30  which provides an interface to display device  10 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the user interface for digital imaging system  35 ,  55  is not contained with module  40 ,  50 ,  60 . Rather, user control would be provided by display device  10  or display module  30 . Accordingly, each time a module  40 ,  50 ,  60  is docked, software for the module would be uploaded or accessed by display device  10  or display module  30 . This software may be uploaded from firmware within the modules or via the communications link  38  or via the removable digital memory device  16 . As such, a cumulative user interface is provided. The user interface can be designed with a consistent look and feel for all modules added to the system. 
   Further, with such an arrangement, the user interface of digital imaging system  35 ,  55  could be changed/modified by changing a display/screen of display device  10 . That is, different features could be accessible or not accessible depending on the display/screen of display device  10 . For example, for a new user of a digital camera, a limited feature set could be provided whereas for a professional photographer, a more advanced feature set could be provided. In another example, display device  10  provides zoom and crop features only when a particular display/screen is used. 
   With the modules docked, the modules can be monitored and managed. For example, power management can be monitored, and power shifted to different modules as required. For example, printing images may be suspended during the time a CD is being written. In another example, memory can be shared between modules as required for example for queuing a large number of images or long segment of video. 
   Display module  30  can comprise more than one support member  34  to accommodate more than one display device  10 . For example, it may be desired to charge more than one display device  10  at one time. Indeed, support member  34  (i.e., display module  30 ) can be configured to accept/receive more than one type/model of display device. Additionally, display devices  10  may be able to share data when connected to display module  30 . 
   When display device  10  is docked within support member  34  of display module  30 , CD module  40  can be configured to automatically download to a CD all new images stored on digital storage device  16  or newly transmitted images to display device  10  by means of a communication network. Printer module  50  can be likewise configured so that new images are automatically printed. The modules may store the filenames or other identification of digital data files that have been stored or printed so as to facilitate the identification of new digital data files for storage or printing. This technique may also be used for sharing images by means of the communications link  38 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , display device  10  operates in a display mode when docked in display module  30 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 16 , cover member  17  can be employed as a stand or support device so that display device  10  can be supported without the use of display module  30 . Alternatively, cover member  17  can be moved to partially or completely cover display  12 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , thereby providing protection, shock absorption, and/or shielding of display  12 , such as may be desired during transport or shipping. 
   If display device  10  is a digital camera (i.e., is adapted to capture images), then cover member  17  would be positioned as shown in  FIG. 1  during the capture of an image. 
   As such, cover member  17  has three positions for three modes of operation: a camera mode (shown in  FIG. 1 ), a display mode (shown in  FIG. 16 ), and a protection/closed mode (shown in  FIG. 17 ). 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 18 through 22 , cover member  17  comprises a dual hinged mechanism for movement between the three modes. Hinged mechanism  90  comprises a hinge  92  pivotally connected to display device  10  along a first hinge edge  94  and pivotally connected to cover member  17  along a second hinge edge  96 . A connection portion  98  of display device  10  pivotally connected to hinge  92  along first hinge edge  94  is configured to rotate/pivot about an axis directed along first hinge edge  94 . Similarly, cover member  17  is configured to rotate/pivot about an axis directed along second hinge edge  96 . Each hinge can be operated independent of the other. 
   Hinged mechanism  90  provides for the movement of cover member  17  between the three modes.  FIGS. 20 through 22  show a side view of display device  10  with cover member  17  disposed in the three modes. As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the thickness of display device  10  remains constant when cover member  17  is disposed on either side of the display device. As such, display device  10  can be positioned within support member  34  of display module  30  when cover member  17  is in the positions shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . When cover member  17  is placed adjacent a support surface, display  12  is viewable by a user. The angle α formed between display  12  and cover member  17  can be adjusted by a user for optimal viewing of display  12  by the user. 
   Cover member  17  may comprise a coating on one or more sides. For example, as shown in  FIG. 22 , one side of cover member  17  includes a coating  95 . In the display mode shown in  FIG. 22 , coating  95  provides a non-skid, non-slip feature to secure display device  10 . When cover member  17  is in the closed mode ( FIG. 20 ), the same coating  95  provides shock absorption and protection for display  12  as well as a moisture shield. When cover member  17  is in the camera mode ( FIG. 21 ), the same coating  95  provides a gripping, non-slip feature for grasping display device  10 . 
   Materials which are suitable for use as coating  95  are known to those skilled in the art, and can comprise polymers, non-slip polymers, rubber materials, polyurethane materials, non-transfer adhesives. 
     FIGS. 23(   a ) through ( g ) provide another illustration of the movement of cover member  17  relative to display  12 , and positioning display device  10  into the three modes of operation. 
   Cover member  17  is shown as being opaque, such as being comprised of a metal or rigid plastic. However, portions of or all of cover member  17  may be transparent, whereby display  12  would be visible when cover member  17  is disposed in front of display  12 . For example,  FIG. 24  generally illustrates cover member  17  having an opaque portion  97  and a transparent portion  101 , such as comprised of a transparent plexiglass or rigid plastic. Transparent portion  101  may be configured such that the display  12  remains at least partially visible. During capture mode, cover member  17  can protect display  12  while being used as a viewfinder. 
   The position of cover member  17  can automatically provide the mode of operation of display device  10 . That is, automatic mode detection can be determined by the position of cover member  17 . For example, moving cover member  17  to the camera mode would automatically activate the power of display device  10 . Similarly, when cover member  17  is moved to the closed mode, display device  10  may be automatically powered down. Likewise, when cover member  17  is moved to the closed mode, other features of display device  10  may automatically powered down or moved/rotated to a “closed/off” position. For example, flash member  22  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be moved/rotated to a covered/shut position when cover member  17  is moved to the closed mode. 
   Other arrangements for hinged mechanism  90  may be known to those skilled in the art. For example,  FIG. 25  shows cover member  17  in the closed mode, wherein a portion of cover member  17  is hinged, thereby permitting a stationary USB connection  99  to be disposed along a stationary (non-rotatable) bottom edge of display device  10 . 
     FIGS. 26 through 31  show alternate arrangements for hinged mechanism  90 . As illustrated, a clutch is employed comprising a clutch pad  110 , spring  112 , thumbwheel  114 , threaded shaft  116 , and a nut/cavity  118 . Thumbwheel  114  is loosened or tightened for spacing of clutch pad  110 . Clutch pad  110  can be comprised of Teflon or similar materials. Detents  120  and ball probe  122  can be employed to provide discrete movement of the cover member, as shown in  FIGS. 28 through 31 . 
   Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of clutches can be employed, for example, pressure clutches, magnetic clutches, friction clutches, and interference fit. 
   A computer program product may include one or more storage medium, for example; magnetic storage media such as magnetic disk (such as a floppy disk) or magnetic tape; optical storage media such as optical disk, optical tape, or machine readable bar code; solid-state electronic storage devices such as random access memory (RAM), or read-only memory (ROM); or any other physical device or media employed to store a computer program having instructions for controlling one or more computers to practice the method according to the present invention. 
   The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. 
   PARTS LIST 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               10 
               display device 
               72 
               bottom side 
             
             
               12 
               display 
               74 
               female electrical 
             
             
               13 
               speaker 
                 
               connection portion 
             
             
               14 
               receiving port 
               75 
               top side 
             
             
               16 
               digital storage device 
               76 
               top side 
             
             
               17 
               cover member 
               76 
               male electrical 
             
             
               18 
               selection members 
                 
               connection portion 
             
             
               20 
               aperture; for stylus 
               78 
               footer receiving area; 
             
             
               22 
               flash member/ 
                 
               detent 
             
             
                 
               illumination device 
               80 
               attachment member 
             
             
               24 
               communication port 
               82 
               attachment opening 
             
             
               26 
               lower edge 
               84 
               lever 
             
             
               30 
               display module 
               90 
               dual hinged 
             
             
               32 
               body 
                 
               mechanism 
             
             
               34 
               support member 
               92 
               hinge 
             
             
               35 
               digital imaging system 
               94 
               first hinge edge 
             
             
               36 
               recess 
               95 
               coating 
             
             
               37 
               electrical connector 
               96 
               second hinge edge 
             
             
               38 
               telephone connector/ 
               97 
               opaque portion 
             
             
                 
               communications link 
               98 
               connection portion 
             
             
               40 
               CD module 
               99 
               USB connection 
             
             
               42 
               opening 
               101 
               transparent portion 
             
             
               50 
               printer module 
               110 
               clutch pad 
             
             
               52 
               hardcopy print 
               112 
               spring 
             
             
               54 
               delivery aperture 
               114 
               thumb wheel 
             
             
               55 
               digital imaging system 
               116 
               threaded shaft 
             
             
               60 
               other module 
               118 
               nut/cavity 
             
             
               62 
               display recess 
               120 
               detents 
             
             
               70 
               module support 
               122 
               ball probe 
             
             
                 
               members; footers