Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant. The additional functionality includes the ability to automatically change the function of one or more of the application buttons on the personal digital assistant upon the attachment of the adapter unit.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/912,195 filed Jul. 24, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,014 entitled, “ADAPTER UNIT FOR A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT HAVING AUTOMATICALLY CONFIGURABLE APPLICATION BUTTONS”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/263,438 filed Jan. 23, 2001, entitled, “ADAPTER FOR A PORTABLE HAND HELD COMPUTER”. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/999,004 filed Oct. 24, 2001, entitled, “ADAPTER UNIT HAVING AN ERGONOMIC GRIP FOR A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/790,367 filed Mar. 1, 2004, entitled, “ADAPTER UNIT HAVING AN ERGONOMIC GRIP FOR A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/912,162 filed Jul. 24, 2001, entitled, “ADAPTER UNIT HAVING AN ERGONOMIC GRIP FOR A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT”. The entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF USE 
   The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Personal digital assistants (“PDA”) or hand-held computers have limited functions. These devices typically include internal memory for storing application programs and a local database. PDAs also include external connector used during synchronization procedure (“hot-sync”) with an external database located in a local or remote PC. The PDA is typically inserted into a “hot-sync” cradle, which is tethered to a desktop PC. The PC has a second database, which is similar to the local PDA database. During the “sync” operation both databases get updated with any information that was added to either one or the databases since the last synchronization procedure. While these devices can have various application programs running on them, they still have limited functionality. For example, a typical PDA may not have a detachable scanner or a detachable radio or a combination of both. 
   The iPAQ PDA manufactured by Compaq Computer Corporation has an expansion connector for interconnecting with different compatible modules, such as a scanning module. The expansion slot does not replace the “sync” connector, but is provided in addition to it. Thus, the iPAQ has to have two separate connectors to accommodate expanded functionality and “sync” operation. Once a scanning module is connected to the IPAQ, the expansion connector is occupied and no other module can be interconnected with the iPAQ. In addition, the combined device is not rugged enough to be used in industrial environment. Other then interconnecting to the PDA via an electrical connector, the module is not well secured to the PDA and upon drop or vibration the two elements may break or come apart, this rendering the system inoperative. 
   While the modules are able to provide additional functions to the personal digital assistant, such benefits come at a price. One of the advantages to the personal digital assistants is their portability. These units are designed to fit in a user&#39;s hand or palm. In many module designs, the depth and/or width of the combination personal digital assistant and module is considerably larger than originally designed by the personal digital assistant manufacturer. The combination of the two devices becomes difficult for a typical user to grasp. 
   As additional functions are added to the PDA, there is a greater need to change the functionality of the application buttons on the PDA. Presently, in order to change the function of an application button a user must input data on a series of screens on the PDA indicating the function the user would like to assign to the button. This process requires a certain amount of training on the use of the PDA, can be time consuming and is prone to human errors. 
   The PDA includes volatile memory such as RAM. Information stored in the volatile memory may be lost if the power level of the PDA&#39;s battery falls below a certain level. 
   Therefore, a need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter having additional functionality for a hand-held computer such as a PDA. A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter having scanning functionality for a hand-held computer, such as a PDA. 
   A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter having wireless communication functionality for a hand-held computer, such as a PDA. 
   A need exists to provide a detachable adapter having scanning and wireless communication functionality for a hand-held computer, such as a PDA. 
   A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter having scanning functionality and a user accessible PCMCIA slot for a hand-held computer, such as a PDA. 
   A need exists to provide an adapter having additional electronic functionality for a hand held computer such as a PDA. 
   A need exists to provide an adapter having additional electronic functionality for a hand held computer such as a PDA, wherein the combination PDA and adapter connects to a communications cradle in order to communicate with a PC. 
   A need exits to automatically change the functionality of one of the application buttons on the PDA in a manner that is seamless to the user. 
   A need exists to provide an adapter having additional nonvolatile memory that can store PDA applications and data when power is critically low. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an adapter unit that can be detachably secured to a hand-held computer, such as a portable digital assistant (“PDA”) computer presently available on the market. Examples of such computers are the iPAQ manufactured by Compaq Computer Corporation, the Palm series manufactured by Palm, Inc. and the Visor series manufactured by Handspring Inc. The invention includes an adapter that adds functionality and ruggedness to a commercially designed device for use in a more industrial environment. The adapter has a PDA connector for interconnecting to the PDA&#39;s expansion connector. A scanner, battery and radio functions may be integrated in the adapter. Specifically, the adapter may include a card for wireless local area communication such as the Spectrum24® card manufactured by Symbol Technologies Inc. and/or a card for wireless wide area network communication. The adapter may include additional memory for storing data. This memory may include nonvolatile memory such as flash memory for storing drivers that support the functions added by the adapter. For example, the memory may store drivers for a scanner or a wireless local area network. In an alternative embodiment the adapter has a separated expansion connector for accommodating various functional modules. In certain cases, the adapter may also have its own sync connector, allowing it to be directly inserted into the PDA cradle. 
   In a preferred embodiment the invention includes an adapter unit that connects to PDA via the PDA&#39;s expansion connector. The adapter unit enhances mechanical ruggedness of the PDA and protects the PDA during drop and vibration. The adapter easily slides on the PDA and may incorporate a retainer clip to lock the adapter and the PDA together. Electronics in the adapter add bar code scanning, imaging capability, additional power, wireless and other PC card support. 
   In another preferred embodiment the invention includes an adapter unit having a gripping surface that enhances the ergonomics of the adapter and helps prevent the adapter from slipping out of a user&#39;s hand. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the function of one or more of the application buttons on the PDA automatically changes upon the attachment of a device to the PDA. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the invention, when the PDA&#39;s battery is critically low, information stored in the PDA&#39;s volatile memory is automatically stored in a nonvolatile memory. 
   A strap can also be added on the back of the adapter for ergonomic and comfort reasons. 
   In an alternative embodiment a handle is added to the design, such that a handle supports the adapter, and the PDA/adapter combination is held as a gun-shaped terminal in the hand of a user. Batteries, both rechargeable and disposable, chargers and control systems can be added to the adapter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1   a  is a side view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   b  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   c  is a back view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   d  is a bottom view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   e  is a front view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   f  is another side view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   g  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2   a  is a side view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention illustrating release of the PDA retaining mechanism; 
       FIG. 2   b  is a PDA of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2   c  is an illustration of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention connected to a PDA; 
       FIG. 3  is an electrical schematic of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention incorporating a scanner therein; 
       FIG. 4   a  is a drawing of a primary side view of a circuit board of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4   b  is a drawing of a secondary side view of a circuit board of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an adapter and a hand strap according to the invention; 
       FIG. 6  shows compartment for a rechargeable battery located inside the adapter; 
       FIG. 7  shows an adapter with a handle grip; 
       FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  show a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b;    
       FIG. 10  shows a top view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b;    
       FIG. 11  shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b;    
       FIG. 12  shows a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b;    
       FIG. 13  is a view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein an adapter is attached to the PDA; 
       FIG. 15  shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for another preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein an adapter is attached to the PDA; 
       FIG. 16  shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for a preferred embodiment wherein an adapter is removed from the PDA; and 
       FIG. 17  shows a flowchart representing a memory backup system for a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1   a  represents a side view of a preferred embodiment of the adapter  100  of the present invention.  FIG. 1   b  shows the sled adapter from a top perspective view.  FIG. 1   g  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , the sled-type adapter includes a cover  104  and a carrier  106 . The carrier  106  includes a bottom wall  108  and two sidewalls  110  extending from bottom wall  108 . An interface circuit board and a scanner, a radio, RFID tag reader, global positioning system, telephone, and/or some other module, is housed between the cover  104  and the bottom wall  108  of the adapter. The adapter of  FIG. 1   a  includes an integrated radio with a hidden antenna and an interface board that allows connection to the PDA.  FIG. 1   e  is a front view of the adapter.  FIG. 1   e  shows an adapter having an integrated scanner located behind the scanning window  120 . Sidewalls  110  of carrier  106  are curved in such a way that they surround the PDA on both sides and protect the PDA from side-to-side movement and side impact. Sidewalls  110  prevent the adapter from being pulled off the PDA.  FIG. 1   c  is a back view of the adapter of the present invention. It shows the edges of curved sidewalls  110  and the adapter connector  124  extending from the circuit board. A wall portion  106  of the adapter overlaps sidewalls  110 , thus creating a seam overlap between the different portions of the adapter. The overlap helps the user to more easily hold the adapter/PDA combination device.  FIG. 1   d  is a view of the adapter from the bottom, exposing the bottom wall  108  of the carrier from underneath. It shows four fasteners  109  that attach carrier  106  to cover  104 , enclosing the electronics between carrier  106  and cover  104 . Carrier  106  can be attached to the cover  104  and the electronics by snap-in features, screws or glue. It is preferable to make the adapter as thin and as small as possible in order to make it low profile and enhance its ergonomics. When, as in the presently illustrated case, the sidewalls are designed to protect the sides of the PDA, the height of the sidewalls is dictated by the height of the PDA to which the adapter attaches. In other designs the sidewalls may only partially cover the sides of the PDA. 
   At the extreme case, when no side protection of the PDA is needed, the sidewalls may be replaced by a pair of rails that mate with the corresponding guides on the PDA. However, when the sidewalls are eliminated, the overall ruggedness of the adapter/PDA-combined device is reduced. 
     FIGS. 1   f - g  are additional views of the adapter when it is placed upside down. 
   When adapter  100  is connected to the PDA, sidewalls  110  restrict the side-to-side movements of the PDA with respect to adapter  100 . Adapter connector  124  restricts movement of the PDA in one direction along the length of adapter  100 . In order to restrict the movement of the PDA in the other direction along the length of adapter  100 , and to fully secure adapter  100  to the PDA, a retainer clip  112  is provided as part of adapter  100 . Retainer clip  112  is shown in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  1   f  and  1   g . Retainer clip  112  secures the PDA to adapter  100  and prevents accidental disconnects between the two devices upon vibration or drop. In alternative embodiments the retainer can be replaced by snap fasteners, interference-fit, or detent features designed into the PDA and the adapter. 
     FIGS. 2   a - c  illustrate the method of attachment of a PDA  50  to adapter  100  of the present invention. PDA  50  includes an expansion connector  52 . First, retainer clip  112  is pushed out of the path of PDA  50  that is being inserted into the adapter. Second, PDA  50  is fully inserted into adapter  100  and the PDA&#39;s expansion connector  52  is mated with the corresponding adapter connector  124 . Third, retainer clip  112  is pushed back to its original position, fully securing PDA  50  within adapter  100  and preventing accidental separation of adapter  100  from PDA  50 . Thus, when PDA  50  is inserted into adapter  100  of the preferred embodiment, adapter  100  protects PDA  50  on five of the PDA&#39;s six surfaces. The only PDA surface that remains exposed is the PDA&#39;s display surface. 
     FIG. 3  is an electrical schematic of the interface board of the adapter of the present invention. The interface board includes circuitry for communicating with a bar code scanner via connector JP 1 . Alternatively, the interface board could include circuitry for an imager such as a charged coupled device (CCD) or similar technology known to those of skill in the art. 
     FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show the primary and secondary sides, respectively, of a printed circuit board of the adapter according to the present invention. Connector JP 1  interfaces electronics on the circuit board with a scanner module. An external connector JH 1  interfaces electronics on the circuit board with the iPAQ PDA. A 68-pin connector JH 2  interfaces electronics on the circuit board with a PC card having radio or other functionality. Thus, the adapter integrates both the scanner module and the radio module, together with an antenna, inside it. Some of the electronic components between the two modules can be shared. 
   In another alternative embodiment, the modules are not be integrated inside the adapter, but are selectively plugged into the adapter. For this, either the JP 1  or JH 2 , must also be an external connector. For example, if the adapter has a PCMCIA compatible connector, any PCMCIA compatible module can be plugged into the adapter, thus expanding system flexibility even further. Module compatible interface connectors, other than the PCMCIA interface connectors are envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention. 
   As can be gathered from the above description, while the adapter must have a PDA compatible connector for interfacing to the PDA, the expansion module connector is optional. 
     FIGS. 8-13  are drawings of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The adapter  200  includes a cover  204  and a carrier  206 . The carrier  206  includes a bottom wall  208  and two sidewalls  210  extending from bottom wall  208 . Curved portions  211  of sidewalls  210  of carrier  206  are curved in such a way that they partially cover the sides of the PDA. Curved portions  211  protect the PDA from side-to-side movement and side impact. Curved portions  211  also prevent adapter  200  from being pulled off the PDA and protect the PDA from front impact. An interface circuit  227  board and a scanner, a radio, RFID tag reader, global positioning system, telephone, or some other module, is housed between the cover  204  and the bottom wall  208  of the adapter. The adapter of  FIG. 8   a  shows an adapter having an integrated scanner located behind the scanning window  220 . 
   Sidewalls  210  include a gripping surface  213  for improved ergonomics. As electronic components are added to the adapter, the overall thickness of adapter may increase. Users with small hands may have difficulty wrapping their fingers all the way around to the curved portion of the sidewalls. Gripping surface  213  provides a surface for these users to place their fingertips allowing them to grasp the adapter in a secure manner. Users with larger hands may choose to place their fingertips either on the side of the PDA or on gripping surface  213 . When viewing the adapter from a horizontal position, the gripping surface  213  has a portion that is below bottom wall  208  and a portion that is above bottom wall  208 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , gripping surface  213  has a portion that radiates in an outward direction relative to a vertical axis  270 . An angle α is formed along vertical axis  270  and the gripping surface  213 . Angle α may change depending on where along gripping surface  213  it is measure. An angle β is formed along vertical axis  270  and a side section  215  above the gripping surface  213 . Side section  215  consists of portions of carrier  206  and cover  204  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ).  FIG. 13  shows a seam  217  where carrier  206  meets cover  204 . Alternatively, the side section could consist of portions of only the carrier or only the cover. Gripping surface  213  and side section  215  meet to form a ridge  260 . Ridge  260  improves the ergonomics of adapter  200  and helps prevent a user&#39;s fingers from slipping off gripping surface  213 . 
     FIG. 10  shows a notch  270  where a tether or strap (not shown) can be attached to adapter  200 . The tether allows the operator to carry the device without worrying about dropping it. Tether is preferably attached to the top of adapter  200  so if adapter  200  hangs from the tether the PDA would be in an upright position and less likely to slip out of the adapter. 
   Adapter  200  shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 8-13  does not have a retainer clip. In an alternative embodiment adapter  200  could include a retainer clip to lock the adapter and the PDA together as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  1   e ,  1   f  and  1   g . When adapter  200  is connected to the PDA, curved portions  211  restrict the side-to-side movements of the PDA with respect to adapter  200 . Adapter connector  224  restricts movement of the PDA along the length of adapter  200 . 
   A connector interface  205  is flexibly secured to adapter  200 . Connector interface  205  may be secured by a spring or similar arrangement to allow it to move in an orthogonal direction relative to the bottom wall  208 . The connector interface  205  has ribbed members  205   a  that engage with a receiving receptacle on the PDA (not shown). When the PDA is inserted into adapter  200 , connector interface  205  is forced down until the PDA&#39;s receiving receptacle engages ribbed members  205   a . At this moment ribbed members  205   a  springs up into the PDA&#39;s receiving receptacle creating an audible click. The audible click notifies the user that adapter  200  is fully secured to the PDA. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates an adapter having a hand strap  130 . Hand strap  130  is attached to the top of the adapter and allows the operator to carry the device without worrying about dropping it. The adapter, which is typically made out of plastic material, can have a rubber over-mold with a finger grip designed into it. 
     FIG. 6  shows compartment for a rechargeable, or a disposable, battery located inside the adapter. The battery is accessed via a battery door  140  that forms a part of the adapter&#39;s top cover. 
     FIG. 7  shows an adapter having a handle grip  150  extending from the surface of the adapter. Handle grip  150  may be detachable from the adapter. In addition, handle grip  150  includes a trigger mechanism  152  for triggering (“energizing”) the module that is integrated inside the adapter. Handle grip  150  has a battery compartment  154  inside it, such that the device can be operated for longer periods of time. As an alternative, the adapter may not have any batteries inside, and would receive its power from handle grip  150 . Handle grip  150  also includes a wrist tether  156  allowing the operator to carry the device without having to grip it. 
   Changing Functionality of Application Buttons 
   In one embodiment of the present invention a user can change the functionality of one or more of the application buttons on the PDA in a manner that is seamless to the user. For example, one of the buttons on the PDA may be dedicated to functioning as an audio recording button. When a user attaches an adapter that has scanning capability, the user may want to use that button to trigger a scanning operation instead of audio recording. According to a preferred embodiment, by attaching the adapter to the PDA, the functionality of the button may be reconfigured to a scanning function without any additional steps by the user. 
     FIG. 14  shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step  302  represents a PDA having an application button that is assigned a certain function. In this preferred embodiment the adapter includes nonvolatile memory that includes a configuration program. The configuration program may include a program that includes routines for changing the functionality of one or more of the application buttons on the PDA. The configuration program changes application button mappings within the PDA to produce the desired functionality. When a device (such as an adapter) is attached to the PDA (and when the PDA is turned on) at  304 , the PDA will run the configuration program at  306 . At step  308 , the configuration program will change the application button mapping in the PDA to change the functionality of one or more of the application buttons from an original function to a reconfigured function. Thus, the change of function of the buttons is seamless to the user. The reconfigured function of the button will preferably be related to a function that was added by the attachment of the adapter to the PDA. 
     FIG. 15  shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step  312  represents the PDA having an application button with a certain function wherein the PDA has a configuration program stored in a memory. Alternatively, the configuration program could reside on a remote site that is accessible by the PDA. At step  314 , the PDA could poll its expansion connector to detect the presence of any attached devices. An attachable device (such as an adapter) may have associated with it an identification code. The identification code may include a portion that identifies a manufacturer and a portion that identifies a device. If the device is attached to the PDA, the PDA will check the identification code of the attached device at  316 . Once the PDA determines the identification code of the attached device, at  318  the PDA accesses configuration data that provides information for the PDA to change the functionality of the application buttons. The configuration data may be determined by accessing a look up table (stored either locally on the PDA or remotely). Alternatively, instead of having an identification code associated with the attached device, the device may store the reconfiguration data in the device&#39;s nonvolatile memory. At  319 , the configuration program may change the application button mapping in the PDA in order to change the functionality of one or more of the application buttons from an original function to a reconfigured function. Thus, the change of function of the buttons is seamless to the user. Again, the reconfigured function of the button will preferably be related to a function that was added by the attachment of the device to the PDA. 
     FIG. 16  shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for a preferred embodiment wherein the adapter is removed from the PDA. Step  322  represents the PDA having an application button with a certain reconfigured function. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the reconfigured function of the application button will revert back to the original function when the adapter is removed. The PDA may include a routine for polling the PDA&#39;s expansion connector to determine whether any devices are attached. At step  324  the PDA polls the expansion connector. If the polling routine determines that an adapter is no longer connected to the PDA, the configuration program may be activated at  326 . At step  328  the configuration program may change the application button mapping in the PDA in order to change the functionality of the application buttons from the reconfigured function back to the original function. Thus, when a user no longer needs to use the additional functions provided by the adapter unit, he does not have to input any data into the PDA to revert back to the original junction of the application buttons. The user can simply detach the adapter from the PDA, and the PDA could automatically reconfigure the application buttons. 
   Memory Feature 
   In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the adapter may include a memory backup system. The memory backup system helps prevent the PDA from losing information stored in the PDA&#39;s volatile memory in the event that the PDA&#39;s battery source is critically low. 
   PDA&#39;s typically include a battery monitoring circuit that monitors the PDA&#39;s battery source to determine an energy level. If the energy level falls below a certain shut down value, the PDA automatically shuts down. The manufacturer or programmer of the PDA sets the shut down value to be large enough so that some power is reserved to maintain the contents of the PDA&#39;s volatile memory. However, this system does not guarantee that the contents of the PDA&#39;s volatile memory will be preserved. The energy level may continue to decrease over time until the data stored in the volatile memory becomes irretrievable. 
     FIG. 17  shows a flowchart representing a memory backup system for a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step  332  represents a PDA having a volatile memory attached to an adapter. The adapter has a nonvolatile memory capable of storing data and application programs. The system measures the energy level of the battery source at  334  and compares the energy level to a certain backup value at  336 . If the energy level of the battery source falls below the backup value, at step  338  the data stored in the PDA&#39;s volatile memory is copied in the adapter&#39;s nonvolatile memory or to a remote storage area. The remote storage area may include a facility linked to a wide area network or a local area network. The backup value may be set to be equal to or different than the shut down value. If the data stored in the PDA&#39;s volatile memory is irretrievable because the energy level of the battery source is too low to maintain the memory, the data may be reconstructed by using the data stored in the adapter&#39;s nonvolatile memory.