Processing device peripheral with integral network interface circuitry

A peripheral connectable to a processing device includes a housing and network interface circuitry at least partially enclosed within the housing, the network interface circuitry being utilizable by the processing device to establish a connection between the processing device and a network. The peripheral further includes peripheral circuitry disposed within the housing and adapted to perform at least a portion of at least one of an input function and an output function for the processing device in a manner unrelated to utilization of the network interface circuitry by the processing device. In an illustrative embodiment, the network interface circuitry comprises a wireless local area network (LAN) interface card, module or access point, the processing device comprises a computer, and the peripheral comprises a keyboard, monitor, speaker, docking station or other peripheral connectable to the computer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to peripherals for use with computers and other types of information processing devices, and more particularly to techniques for providing network interface cards or other types of network interface circuitry in conjunction with such processing device peripherals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional computer system configuration, a network interface card, such as a wireless local area network (LAN) interface card for supporting communication in accordance with the well-known IEEE 802.11b standard, is often incorporated into the computer itself. For example, a typical configuration involves insertion oft he card into a designated slot within the computer housing.FIG. 1shows a conventional desktop computer system100configured in this manner. The computer system100includes a computer102having attached thereto a number of peripherals including a monitor104and a keyboard106. A wireless network interface card110is embedded within the computer102, via insertion in an appropriate card slot or otherwise, and communicates with the computer over an internal bus interface such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus. A problem with this type of configuration is that the network interface card is immersed in the internal environment of the computer, such that it is subject to radio frequency (RF) noise. Since the network interface card is itself a wireless RF device, placing it within the computer in this manner can negatively impact the performance of the card. For example, the data throughput of the card may be reduced.

Another possible configuration involves attaching the network interface card to the computer as an external stand-alone peripheral. The connection between the computer and the peripheral may be made using a conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or Ethernet connection.FIG. 2shows a conventional arrangement of this type. A computer system200includes computer202, monitor204and keyboard206arranged as shown. A network interface card is attached to the computer202as a stand-alone peripheral210. The connection between computer202and the stand-alone network interface card peripheral210is made via a cable212which, as indicated above, may represent a USB or Ethernet connection.

In theFIG. 2configuration, the network interface card peripheral is a stand-alone peripheral, separate from other common computer peripherals such as keyboards, monitors, speakers, docking stations and so on. Unfortunately, the requirement of an additional peripheral to provide the network interface card unduly increases the number of peripherals and associated connections, thereby complicating the system configuration.

It is also known in the art to connect certain computer peripherals to the computer via a wireless link. For example, a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth may be used as a “wire replacement” in systems such as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. This means that instead of a keyboard or mouse using a cable to connect to the computer, these peripheral devices would connect to the computer over a wireless Bluetooth link. Similarly, some existing computers have infrared links to keyboards or other peripherals. A typical example of such an arrangement is the wireless keyboard disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,359 entitled “System for RF Communication Between a Computer and a Remote Wireless Data Input Device.” These and other existing wireless interface arrangements, however, fail to address the problems identified above regarding conventional stand-alone network interface card peripherals.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that what is needed is an improved arrangement for incorporating network interface circuitry into a computer system or other system comprising one or more information processing devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a computer peripheral or other information processing device peripheral having integral network interface circuitry. Unlike a conventional stand-alone network interface peripheral, a peripheral in accordance with the present invention includes, in addition to the network interface circuitry, peripheral circuitry for performing an input or output function unrelated to the network interface.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a peripheral connectable to a processing device includes a housing and network interface circuitry at least partially enclosed within the housing. The network interface circuitry is utilizable by the processing device to establish a connection between the processing device and a network. The peripheral further includes peripheral circuitry disposed within the housing and adapted to perform at least a portion of at least one of an input function and an output function for the processing device in a manner unrelated to utilization of the network interface circuitry by the processing device.

In an illustrative embodiment, the network interface circuitry comprises a wireless local area network (LAN) interface card, module or access point, configured in accordance with the IEEE 802.11b standard or other wireless network standard. The processing device may comprise a computer, and the peripheral may comprise a keyboard, monitor, speaker, docking station or other peripheral connectable to the computer. The invention in this embodiment may thus involve modification of an existing computer peripheral, which is configured to support one or more input or output functions for the computer, to incorporate network interface circuitry that the computer can use to establish a connection with a network.

Advantageously, a peripheral with integral network interface circuitry configured in accordance with the techniques of the invention allows physical separation between the network interface circuitry and its associated computer or other processing device, thereby overcoming the noise problems associated with conventional incorporation of network interface circuitry directly into the processing device. Moreover, such a peripheral in accordance with the invention does not take up additional space on a desk or other work surface, and therefore results in a reduced-complexity system configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be illustrated herein in conjunction with exemplary computer systems in which a network interface card, module or other type of network interface circuitry is incorporated as an element of an otherwise conventional computer peripheral such as a keyboard, monitor, speaker or docking station. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to use in computer systems, and is more generally applicable to any processing device which can utilize network interface circuitry and is connectable to a peripheral. For example, the invention can be used in conjunction with a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a video game console or other type of processing device. Moreover, the invention does not require the use of any particular configuration of network interface circuitry, and such circuitry may be implemented as a network interface card, a network interface module, or in a wide variety of other types of configurations.

FIG. 3shows a computer system300configured in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The computer system300includes a computer302having a number of peripherals attached thereto. The peripherals shown in this embodiment include a monitor304and a keyboard306. The keyboard306is coupled via a conventional keyboard cable308to the computer302.

In accordance with the invention, the keyboard306is also configured to include network interface circuitry comprising a wireless local area network (LAN) interface card310. The interface card310may be configured in accordance with IEEE Standard 802.11b, Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) specifications: Higher-Speed Physical Layer Extension in the 2.4 GHz Band, http://ieee802.org/11, which is incorporated by reference herein, although the invention does not require the use of any particular wireless network standard. The wireless network interface card310is coupled to the computer302via a cable or other connection312. The network interface card310is preferably fully incorporated within the housing oft he keyboard306, but may alternatively be partially incorporated within the housing, e.g., may be mounted on or otherwise attached to the housing.

TheFIG. 3embodiment thus incorporates a network interface card into an otherwise conventional computer peripheral, in this case the keyboard306. This is in contrast to the conventional approach ofFIG. 1, in which the network interface card is incorporated into the computer itself. It is also in contrast to the conventional approach ofFIG. 2, in which the network interface card is implemented as a stand-alone peripheral, that is, a peripheral which performs substantially no input or output functions for the computer other than those associated with the network interface. As will be described in greater detail below, the network interface card310incorporated into the keyboard306is utilized by the computer302in a conventional manner, that is, to establish a connection between the computer302and a wireless network external to the computer302.

The incorporation of the wireless network interface card310into the keyboard306as illustrated inFIG. 3provides a number of significant advantages over the conventional techniques previously described. For example, the network interface card310inFIG. 3is physically removed from the interior of the computer302, which protects it from internal radio frequency (RF) noise generated by the computer302. This physical separation can improve the RF performance of the network interface card310. Another advantage is that the network interface card310does not take up additional desk or work surface space because it is at least partially incorporated into the keyboard housing.

The cable or other connection312which connects the network interface card310to the computer302may be a conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Ethernet connection. Other types of connections suitable for use between network interface card310and computer302include, by way of example, fiber optic cable and IEEE 1394 wired connections. In theFIG. 3embodiment, element312may be configured to run in tandem with keyboard cable308, e.g., as a pair of distinct cables, as separate cables contained within a common single shielding or sheath, etc.

Power can be supplied to the wireless network interface card310through one or more wires in the cable or other connection312, or from a power source installed within the keyboard306, or using other techniques, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a single cable or other single interconnection interface can be shared by the keyboard306and the network interface card310. For example, a single USB cable can be used to connect both the keyboard306and the network interface card310to the computer302. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous in that newer keyboards and other peripherals often already include a USB connection, and this connection can be shared with the network interface card310in accordance with the techniques of the invention. This arrangement reduces system complexity by eliminating a cable, and facilitates peripheral upgrades by providing a “plug and play” configuration.

The above-described example single-cable embodiment could be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, the keyboard and network interface card could be configured as a combination USB target having a single software driver. As another example, the keyboard and network interface card could be configured as a USB hub having two separate attached devices. The latter implementation has the additional advantage that the software drivers required would be the standard driver for a USB keyboard and the standard driver for a USB attached wireless network interface card.

In other single-cable embodiments, a single cable could include separate sets of wires for the keyboard and the network interface card. For example, the single cable may include at least one wired connection associated with the keyboard and at least one additional wired connection associated with the network interface card.

More generally, as mentioned previously, the keyboard306and network interface card310may at least partially share a common interconnection interface with the computer302. This common interconnection interface may be a USB interface.

As indicated above, power for both the keyboard and network interface card in the single-cable or single-interface embodiments can be supplied via the respective cable or interface, or using other suitable techniques familiar to those skilled in the art.

It is preferable to orient the wireless network interface card310in a manner that maximizes its RF coverage and performance within the system300. The particular orientation best suited for a given application will typically depend upon a number of application-specific factors, and may thus vary from platform to platform. It may also be a function of the particular type of antenna that is included within the wireless network interface card. However, the invention does not require any particular orientation, and techniques for ensuring an appropriate orientation for a given embodiment are well within the purview of the skilled artisan.

The term “network interface circuitry” as used herein should be understood to include not only a wireless LAN interface card such as card310in theFIG. 3embodiment, but also any other type of card, module or other circuitry that is utilizable by the computer302in establishing a connection between the computer302and a network. For example, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the network interface circuitry may comprise a wireless LAN access point (AP), such as an IEEE 802.11b access point, in place of or in addition to a network interface card. Although an access point is typically a more complex device than a network interface card, such devices are continually shrinking in size and power consumption, and thus can be integrated into existing computer peripherals using the techniques of the invention.

It should be understood that the particular arrangement of system elements shown inFIG. 3is by way of illustrative example only. For example, as previously noted, the invention can be implemented in peripherals attachable to other types of processing devices, and can use other arrangements of network interface circuitry.

FIG. 4shows a more general embodiment of the invention, in the form of an information processing system400which includes a processing device402having a peripheral404attached thereto. The peripheral404includes peripheral circuitry406coupled to the processing device402via a connection408, and network interface circuitry410coupled to the processing device402via a connection412. The peripheral circuitry406and the network interface circuitry410are each preferably incorporated within a housing of the peripheral404. Examples illustrating the incorporation of the network interface circuitry within the housing of a peripheral will be described in conjunction withFIGS. 5,6and7below.

The network interface circuitry410, which as indicated above may comprise at least one of a network interface card and an access point, is utilizable by the processing device402to establish a connection between the processing device402and a network415. The network415may represent, by way of example and not limitation, a wireless LAN, a metropolitan area network (MAN), the Internet, an intranet or extranet, or any other type of network as well as portions or combinations of such networks.

The peripheral circuitry406performs at least a portion of at least one of an input function and an output function for the processing device402in a manner unrelated to utilization of the network interface circuitry410by the processing device402. For example, in a case in which the processing device402comprises a computer and the peripheral404comprises a keyboard, the peripheral circuitry406may comprise internal circuitry oft he keyboard, such as the keyboard switch matrix, which is used in performing data entry to the computer via the keyboard.

A number of other examples of peripherals with integral network interface circuitry in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 5,6and7. Each of the peripherals shown in these figures represents an example of the peripheral404ofFIG. 4, and is connectable to a processing device402typically in the form of a computer. Moreover, each of these example peripherals includes, in addition to network interface circuitry for establishing a connection between the processing device and a network, peripheral circuitry for performing at least a portion of at least one of an input function and an output function for the processing device in a manner unrelated to utilization of the network interface circuitry by the processing device. For simplicity of illustration, wires, cables or other means for connecting data and power lines to the network interface circuitry are not shown in these figures. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such connections may be implemented in a straightforward manner.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a computer monitor500comprises a housing502and a network interface module504incorporated within the housing502. The monitor500may be a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, or other type of monitor. The network interface module504may comprise a wireless network interface card, an AP, or other type of network interface circuitry.

In general, it is preferable to arrange the network interface module504at as high as possible a position in the computer monitor500. This will help to provide improved transfer of the RF signals associated with the module by elevating the module above interfering objects or other potentially interfering elements. In addition, the network interface module504should be physically separated from other components which generate RF noise. This means the module should be as far away as possible from radiating elements such as crystals, oscillators, CRT guns or processors.

The network interface module504as shown inFIG. 5includes a pair of external antenna elements506and508, arranged to support receiver diversity. The elements are illustratively shown as extending from opposing sides oft he module. Alternatively, such elements can be integrated onto an internal printed wiring board (PWB) of the module or otherwise incorporated into the module itself. It should be understood, however, that the invention does not require any particular configuration of antenna elements.

In theFIG. 5example, the computer monitor500includes peripheral circuitry, not specifically shown in the figure, for performing an output function for the associated computer or other processing device in a manner unrelated to utilization of the network interface module504by the processing device. The output function in this case may involve the processing of video data for display on the monitor.

It should be noted with regard to theFIG. 5embodiment that many existing monitors incorporate a USB hub. This USB hub can be used to provide an interface that can be shared between monitor circuitry and integral network interface circuitry in accordance with the techniques of the invention, in a manner similar to that described above in conjunction withFIG. 3.

FIG. 6shows a peripheral comprising a speaker600that is connectable to a computer or other processing device. The speaker includes a housing602having a network interface module604incorporated therein. Again, the module604may represent a wireless LAN interface card, an AP module, or other type of network interface circuitry. As in theFIG. 5example, the module604in this example is arranged near the top of the peripheral housing, and includes a pair of antenna elements606and608.

In theFIG. 6example, the speaker600includes peripheral circuitry, not specifically shown in the figure, for performing an output function for the associated computer or other processing device in a manner unrelated to utilization of the network interface module604by the processing device. The output function in this case may involve the amplification or other processing of audio data for output via the speaker.

TheFIG. 7example shows a peripheral comprising a computer docking station700which includes a housing702having a network interface module704incorporated therein. The docking station700is configured to receive a portable computer, which is not shown in the figure, for docking. The module704, which as in the other examples may represent any type of network interface circuitry, is arranged in an upper portion of the housing702. In this example, it is assumed that the antenna elements are incorporated within the module704or arranged elsewhere within the housing702.

Like the previous examples, the docking station700in theFIG. 7example includes peripheral circuitry, not specifically shown in the figure, for performing at least one of an input function and an output function for an associated docked computer or other processing device in a manner unrelated to utilization of the network interface module704by the processing device. The input and output functions in this case may involve the processing of data for delivery to the docked computer and the processing of data received from the docked computer, respectively.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative only. For example, although the illustrative embodiments are directed to computer peripherals, such as a keyboard, a monitor, a speaker or a docking station, having an integrated network interface card, module or other type of network interface circuitry, the invention is not restricted to use with computer peripherals, and can be used with peripherals attachable to other types of processing devices, such as mobile telephones, PDAs, etc. In addition, the invention is not limited as to the particular type of peripheral in which the network interface circuitry is incorporated. Alternative peripherals that can be configured to include network interface circuitry in accordance with the techniques of the invention include, again by way of example and not limitation, printers, cameras, scanners, mice, joysticks, PDA cradles, projectors, MP3 players, stand-alone storage devices, etc. Also, with regard to the single-cable or single-interface USB embodiments described above, any type of USB device, such as a USB mouse or a USB hub, can be configured to incorporate a network interface card in the manner described. These and numerous other alternative embodiments within the scope of the following claims will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.