Abstract:
Presented is a control system for augmenting a portable touch screen device having integral processing capability. The control system includes an enclosure configured for housing the portable touch screen device, an internal docking connector configured for communicatively mating with the portable touch screen device, and hard buttons. At least one of the hard buttons is functionally configured for use with an application program running on the portable touch screen device. The control system further includes first and second cameras disposed on the enclosure. The control system further includes a processor configured for converting button actuations into a digital format, and a first facility for communicating the digital format to the portable touch screen device via the internal docking connector. The application program is configured such that, during operation, the application program communicates the status of the one hard button to at least one external device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to hand-held electronic touch screen devices such as smart phones, electronic book readers, and tablet personal computers, and more particularly to augmenting these devices with various external manual hard buttons and/or actuators and indicators for controlling remote devices. 
     2. Background Art 
     Touch screen smart phones, electronic book (eBook) readers, and tablet computers have become ubiquitous. Many such touch screen devices employ a touch screen interface along with generic manual controls and/or actuators, while other touch screen devices employ a touch screen interface alone. 
     The generic manual controls employed on a touch screen device are typically configured to operate of the touch screen device itself or configured to operate specific applications executing on the touch screen device, and are unavailable for controlling remote devices. 
     Although some touch screen interfaces are relatively sophisticated and incorporate advanced touch screen features such a multi-touch and gesturing features, touch screen interfaces are simply not appropriate for all applications. For example, existing touch screen devices do not provide dedicated volume control buttons that can be used to control the volume of remote devices. 
     While such dedicated buttons for controlling remote devices could be provided in the form of soft buttons via a graphical user interface on the touch screen device, such soft buttons would occupy a significant amount of on-screen area, and thus reduce the on-screen area available for other applications. 
     Further, using a touch screen interface for repetitive remote control functions, such as changing channels (i.e., channel surfing), for example, is awkward and uncomfortable, provides significant stress to a user&#39;s fingers, and can cause repetitive stress injuries (RSI). Despite these drawbacks, because of the graphic flexibility of the touch screen interface, remote controls are increasingly being equipped solely with touch screens. 
     Additionally, although users typically desire a remote control with a large display, the size of the touch screen is limited because the user needs to be able to hold the remote with one hand and input commands with the other, free hand. Remote controls with lame touch screens, such as with tablet remote controls, are difficult to hold with one hand while inputting commands with the other hand. Typically, these large devices must be placed on a table or other surface to be operated properly. Users have a natural inclination to grasp tablet devices with each hand in an open precision grip, with the user&#39;s thumb finger above the top side of the tablet and the remaining four digit fingers on the bottom side supporting the tablet. 
     In view of the above-described issues, there is a need to integrate a relatively low-cost portable smart touch screen device with a specialized control device employing hard buttons to produce a remote control with the graphic flexibility of a touch screen interface and the ergonomic benefits of physical control buttons, and which may be easily operated while being held naturally by a user. 
     Additionally, there is a need for such a specialized control device to include a dedicated power supply and independent wireless networking capability in order to avoid usage limitations based on the limitations of the associated touch screen device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is to be understood that both the general and detailed descriptions that follow are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the invention involves a control system for a portable touch screen device that has integral processing capability. The control system includes an enclosure that includes a front clam shell portion and a rear clam shell portion. The enclosure is configured for housing the portable touch screen device. The control system further includes an internal docking connector that is configured for communicatively mating with the portable touch screen device, and a plurality of hard buttons. At least one of the hard buttons is functionally configured for use with an application program running on the portable touch screen device. The control system further includes a processor configured for converting button actuations into a digital format, a first camera disposed on the front clam shell portion and a second camera disposed on the rear clam shell portion, and a first facility for communicating the digital format to the portable touch screen device via the internal docking connector. The application program is configured such that, during operation, the application program communicates a status of the at least one hard button to at least one external device. 
     In one embodiment, the control system further includes a radio transceiver configured for communicating with an external cordless telephone base station. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes a microphone, and at least one speaker. 
     In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes a biometric reader configured for communicating biometric data to the processor. 
     In still another embodiment, the control system further includes a liquid crystal display disposed on the front clam shell portion. The LCD is configured for displaying the status of the external device. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes an accelerometer configured for communicating the physical orientation of the portable touch screen device and enclosure to the processor. 
     In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes a phone application executing on the processor or the portable touch screen device. The phone application is configured to establish communication with a cordless phone base station using the radio transceiver. 
     In still another embodiment, the control system further includes an infrared emitter configured for transmitting a unique presence signal to an external infrared sensor, and an infrared digital interface in communication with the infrared emitter and the processor. The unique presence signal is transmitted from the infrared emitter to the external infrared sensor at a data rate of between 400 and 9600 baud. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes a wireless digital interface configured for receiving a location signal identifying a current physical location of the portable touch screen device and the enclosure. 
     In yet another embodiment, after receiving the location signal, the portable touch screen device is configured to display a graphical user interface associated with the current physical location of the portable touch screen device. 
     In still another embodiment, after receiving the location signal, the processor is configured to program at least some of the plurality of hard buttons to execute functions associated with the current physical location of the enclosure. 
     In another aspect, the invention involves a control system for a portable touch screen device. The control system includes an enclosure that includes a front clam shell portion and a rear clam shell portion. The enclosure is configured for housing the portable touch screen device. The control system further includes one or more hard buttons disposed on the enclosure, a processor configured for converting hard button actuations into a digital format, a first camera disposed on the front clam shell portion and a second camera disposed on the rear clam shell portion, and a communication path between the control system and the portable touch screen device. The communication path is configured for communicating control information. 
     In one embodiment, the control system further includes a radio transceiver configured for communicating with an external cordless telephone base station. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes a microphone, and at least one speaker. 
     In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes a biometric reader configured for communicating biometric data to the processor. 
     In still another embodiment, the control system further includes a liquid crystal display disposed on the front clam shell portion. The LCD is configured for displaying the status of an external device. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes an accelerometer configured for communicating the physical orientation of the portable touch screen device and enclosure to the processor. 
     In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes a phone application executing on the processor or the portable touch screen device. The phone application is configured to establish communication with a cordless phone base station using the radio transceiver. 
     In still another embodiment, the control system further includes an infrared emitter configured for transmitting a unique presence signal to an external infrared sensor, and an infrared digital interface in communication with the infrared emitter and the processor. The unique presence signal is transmitted from the infrared emitter to the external infrared sensor at a data rate of between 400 and 9600 baud. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes a wireless digital interface configured for receiving a location signal identifying a current physical location of the portable touch screen device and the enclosure. 
     In yet another embodiment, after receiving the location signal, the portable touch screen device is configured to display a graphical user interface associated with the current physical location of the portable touch screen device. 
     In still another embodiment, after receiving the location signal, the processor is configured to program at least some of the plurality of hard buttons to execute functions associated with the current physical location of the enclosure. 
     In still another aspect, the invention involves a control system for a portable touch screen device having integral processing capability. The control system includes an enclosure comprising a front clam shell portion and a rear clam shell portion. The enclosure is configured for housing a portable touch screen device. The control system further includes an internal docking connector configured for communicatively mating with the portable touch screen device, at least one hard button functionally configured for use with an application program running on the portable touch screen device, a processor for configured for converting hard button actuations into a digital format, a first camera disposed on the front clam shell portion and a second camera disposed on the rear clam shell portion, a USB wired connection between the processor and the docking connector, and an Ethernet interface. 
     In one embodiment, the control system further includes a radio transceiver configured for communicating with an external cordless telephone base station. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes a microphone, and at least one speaker. 
     In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes a biometric reader configured for communicating biometric data to the processor. 
     In still another embodiment, the control system further includes a liquid crystal display disposed on the front clam shell portion. The LCD is configured for displaying the status of an external device. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes an accelerometer configured for communicating the physical orientation of the portable touch screen device and enclosure to the processor. 
     In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes a phone application executing on the processor or the portable touch screen device. The phone application is configured to establish communication with a cordless phone base station using the radio transceiver. 
     In still another embodiment, the control system further includes an infrared emitter configured for transmitting a unique presence signal to an external infrared sensor, and an infrared digital interface in communication with the infrared emitter and the processor. The unique presence signal is transmitted from the infrared emitter to the external infrared sensor at a data rate of between 400 and 9600 baud. 
     In another embodiment, the control system further includes a wireless digital interface configured for receiving a location signal identifying a current physical location of the portable touch screen device and the enclosure. 
     In yet another embodiment, after receiving the location signal, the portable touch screen device is configured to display a graphical user interface associated with the current physical location of the portable touch screen device. 
     In still another embodiment, after receiving the location signal, the processor is configured to program at least some of the plurality of hard buttons to execute functions associated with the current physical location of the enclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures further illustrate the present invention. Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to illustrative rather than limiting. 
       The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative front view of a portable touch screen device disposed within a clam shell enclosure that includes dedicated hard buttons, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustrative perspective rear view of the portable touch screen device and the inside of the front portion of the clam shell enclosure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an illustrative perspective rear view of the portable touch screen device and the front and rear portions of the clam shell enclosure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an illustrative rear view of the clam shell enclosure disposed in a docking station, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustrative block diagram of a plurality of remote control devices in communication with a home automation system, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shed enclosure, according to still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an illustrative perspective front view of a portable touch screen device encased within a circular clam shell enclosure that includes dedicated hard buttons, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustrative front view of a portable touch screen device disposed within a clam shell enclosure that includes a front camera, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustrative rear view of a portable touch screen device disposed within a clam shell enclosure that includes a rear camera, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is an illustrative front view of a portable touch screen device disposed within a clam shell enclosure that includes a microphone, speakers, an LCD display, an accelerometer, and a biometric scanner, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure, according to still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is an illustrative block diagram of a plurality of remote control devices in communication with a home automation system, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWING 
     The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings in numerical order.
           1  enclosure (enclosing portable touch screen device  5 )     1 ′ circular enclosure (enclosing portable touch screen device  5 )     2  charging docking station     3  remote control device     4  speaker     5  portable touch screen device     6  LCD display     7  accelerometer     8  biometric/fingerprint scanner     9  microphone     10  front clam shell portion (of enclosure  1 )     12  internal docking connector (mates with portable touch screen device  5 )     13  external USB connector (mounted on front shell portion  10 )     14  audio connector (mates directly to portable touch screen device  5 )     15  front camera     16  rear camera     17  IR emitter (to transmit commands to external devices)     18  external power connector     20  rear clam shell portion (of enclosure  1 )     21  external docking connector (mates with charging docking station  2 )     21 ′ external docking connector (mates with charging docking station  2 )     21 ″ external docking connector (mates with charging docking station  2 )     22  external docking connector (mates with charging docking station  2 )     31  hard button     31 ′ hard button     32  2-quadrant button (hard buttons)     32 ′ 2-quadrant button (hard buttons)     33  5-way thumb pad (hard buttons)     33 ′ 5-way thumb pad (hard buttons)     34  indicator lights     41  authentication coprocessor     42  USB switch     43  memory     44  POE interface     45  power supply     46  power supply (from POE)     47  power supply     50  processor     51  processor     52  processor     53  processor     54  processor     55  processor     63  Zigbee antenna     64  Zigbee interface     65  power supply (power from portable touch screen device  5 )     66  Wi-Fi interface     67  infrared (IR) interface     68  Wi-Fi antenna     70  home automation system     71  lighting equipment     72  HVAC equipment     73  security equipment     75  keypad     76  wireless Wi-Fi gateway     76 ′ wireless Zigbee gateway     77  home theater     78  home audio     79  radio transceiver     80  radio antenna     81  IR sensor     100  Internet     105  personal computer     131  first USB wired connection (to/from processor  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53 )     132  second USB wired connection (to/from USB connector  13 )     133  third USB wired connection (to/from internal docking connector  12 )     134  fourth USB wired connection     431  fast Ethernet channel wired connection (to/from microprocessor)     731  wired digital interface (between portable touch screen device  5  and processor  53 )       

     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. 
     MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     The present invention involves augmenting a portable smart touch panel with an external control system by disposing the portable smart touch panel device, such as an Apple® iPad™ tablet computer, an Apple® IPhone®, or a Motorola® DROID® phone, or the like, for example, within a protective enclosure (e.g., clam shell) that includes one or more dedicated hard buttons and one or more means for wireless communication, and thereby forming a remote control device. 
     The remote control device accepts user input and is capable of transmitting control commands to a plurality of controllable devices, such as audio and video components, lighting controls, and HVAC controls. In one embodiment, the remote control device transmits control commands independent of whether or not the touch panel device is on, or a particular application is executing on the touch panel device. In another embodiment, the smart touch panel device executes an application that complements the intended end-use of the remote control, such as a graphic user interface that functions as a control panel for an office or home automation system or home theater. 
     The remote control, in various embodiments, utilizes communication methods known in the art to transmit control commands (e.g., key/button presses) either directly to the controllable devices or indirectly through an intermediate device. For example, the remote control may transmit control commands as infrared (IR) or wireless radio frequency (RF) signals. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, an illustrative front view of a portable touch screen device  5  disposed within a protective clam shell enclosure  1  and thus forming a remote control device  3  is shown. The clam shell enclosure  1  includes a front clam shell portion  10  and a rear clam shell portion  20  (see  FIG. 3 ). The front portion  10  of the enclosure  1  includes a viewing screen access opening  11  which is dimensioned and arranged to fit around the viewing screen of the touch screen device  5  so that the touch screen can be seen while disposed in the enclosure  1 . In other words, the front clam shell portion  10  and the rear clam shell portion  20  are fastened together to form an housing or enclosure around the portable touch screen device  5 . 
     The front clam shell portion  10  further includes dedicated hard buttons  31 ,  32 , a five-way thumb pad  33 , indicator lights  34 , an external universal serial bus (USB) connector  13 , and an infrared (IR) emitter  17 . In other embodiments, more or less hard buttons, lights, and communication ports can be included. In addition to the dedicated hard buttons  31 ,  32 , in various embodiments, the enclosure  1  includes one or more optical finger navigation buttons and/or trackballs. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an illustrative perspective rear view of the portable touch screen device  5  and the inside of the front portion  10  of the clam shell enclosure  1  are shown An internal docking connector  12  is disposed on the inside surface of the front portion  10 . The docking connector  12  is configured for electrically connecting mating to a connector (not shown) disposed on the portable smart touch screen device  5  and enables a communication and power transfer path between the enclosure  1  and the touch screen device  5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an illustrative perspective rear view of the portable touch screen device  5 , the front portion  10  and the rear portion  20  of the clam shell enclosure  1  are shown. The front portion  10  further includes an audio connector  14  disposed on an inside surface. The audio connector  14  is configured to electrically connect to a complementary audio port on the touch screen device  5 . In some embodiments, speaker holes are disposed in an area of the enclosure  1  that is proximate to a speaker on the touch screen device  5  so that sound from the touch screen device can pass through the enclosure  1  without being muffled. The rear portion  20  includes a connector  21  that electrically mates with a docking station  2 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The docketing station  2  provides a means for charging rechargeable batteries disposed in the enclosure  1  and the touch screen device  5 . The docking station  2  also provides a communication link with the office or home automation system or home theater (see  FIG. 9 ), and is discussed in detail below. 
     The front portion  10  and the rear portion  20  engage each other along common mating edges and are held together using spring retention or pod clips (i.e., clips). The front portion  10  and the rear portion  20  are molded preferably of a high strength plastic material for both high impact strength and natural decorative effect. The cups are formed of high-strength stainless steel material for resilience and springiness. The front portion  10  and the rear portion  20  are thus tightly held together and securely hold the touch screen device  5  without the need for additional fasteners or connectors or adhesive. The enclosure  1  may be easily detached and interchanged with components of different colors and textures for aesthetic purposes, or for the servicing of components or batteries within the enclosure  1  or touch panel  5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , as mentioned above, the rear portion  20  includes a connector  21  that electrically mates with the docking station  2 . The docketing station  2  provides a means for charging rechargeable batteries disposed in the enclosure  1  and the touch screen device  5 . The docking station  2  also provides a communication link with the office or home automation system, and is discussed in detail below. The docking station  2  further acts as a mounting stand capable of suspending the touch screen device  5  (enclosed in the enclosure  1 ) in space at one of a plurality of angles, which allows a user to view and operate the touch screen  5  easily. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, a block diagram of a plurality of remote control devices  3  in communication with a home automation system  70  is shown. The home automation system  70  is in communication with, and controls, lighting  71 , HVAC  72 , security  73 , a home theater system  77 , and a home audio system  78 . The home automation system  70  can be configured and controlled via a personal computer  105 , a keypad  75 , and/or, as described in detail below, the remote control device  3  via a wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76  and/or a wireless Zigbee gateway  76 ′, or the remote control device  3  disposed in the docking station  2 , which is in wired communication with the home automation system  70 . In some embodiments, the remote control device  3  can be used to connect to the internet  100  via the home automation system  70  through either wired or wireless communication. In other embodiments the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76  and the wireless Zigbee gateway  76 ′ are combined into a single wireless gateway device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1  is shown. The electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1  include a processor  50 , a memory  43 , a USB switch  42 , a power supply  45 , the external docking connector  21 , which includes connections for USB communication and power, and the internal docking connector  12 , which also includes connections for USB communication and power. 
     The processor  50  includes general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfaces that are in communication with one or more keypad matrices, which are in communication with the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33 . The processor  50  further includes a USB interface in communication with the USB switch  42  via a USB wired connection  131 . The processor  50  is also in communication with the indicator lights  34  and the memory  43  (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM). In other embodiments, the processor  50  includes an on-board memory. The USB switch  42 , which is controlled by the processor  50 , is in communication with the internal docking connector  12  via a USB wired connection  133 , and the external clocking connector  21  via a USB wired connection  132 . The external docking connector  21  is also in communication with the power supply  45 . In other embodiments, the USB interface on the processor  50  is a USB on-the-go (USB-OTG) interface. 
     The power supply  45  includes a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit known to those skilled in the art and supplies power to all the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1 . The power supply  45  (i.e., battery) can be recharged via the external docking connector  21  when connected to the docking station  2 . The power supply  45  also allows a charging current from the docking station  2  (and passing through the external docking connector  21 ) to pass through to the internal docking connector  12  and charge a battery disposed in the portable touch screen device  5 . Further, the power supply  45  can also draw power from the battery disposed in the portable touch screen device  5  (through the internal docking connector  12 ) to charge the battery in the power supply  45  and supply power to the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , one part or component of a software application (first application component) for controlling a home or office automation system (e.g., automation system  70 ) is stored in the memory  43  or in a memory on the processor  50  and executes on the processor  50 . Additionally, another part or component of the software application (second application component) for controlling the automation system  70  resides and executes on the portable touch screen device  5 . The first and second components of the automation system control application execute independent of any other application that may be executing on the touch screen device  5 . Further, the first and second application components execute independent of each other. 
     The first application component executing on the processor  50  interprets input from the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33 , converts the hard button actuations into digital signals, and transmits the input (digital signals) to the touch screen device  5  or directly to the automation system  70 , as described below. In various embodiments, at least some of the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33  are dedicated control buttons with fixed functions, such as volume up/down, channel up/down, lights on/off, home, guide, info, exit, and/or mute, for example. These hard buttons execute theft respective control functions upon being pressed by a user regardless of the state of the touch screen device  5 . In other words, these hard buttons execute theft respective control functions without the user having to navigate through control menus, or without the touch screen device  5  being involved in any way. 
     Other of the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33 , are user configurable to control various external devices (e.g., stereo, temperature, light dimmer, etc) and/or system control functions. In some embodiments, one or more of the other hard buttons are programmed to interact with a graphical user interface displayed on the touch screen device  5 , or control another application executing on the touch screen device  5 . 
     The second application component provides the optional graphical user interface displayed on the touch screen device  5 , and includes soft buttons used for controlling additional components, devices, and/or functions. The second application component also receives input (digital signals from hard button actuation) from the first application component and transmits the status of the actuated hard button (e.g., pressed) and/or control instructions to the automation system or to a particular external device in communication with the automation system via a wired or wireless communication link. The second application component also returns response/status signals (via the docking connector  12 ) that are used to control (i.e., turn on/off) the indicator lights  34  disposed on the enclosure  1 . 
     In one embodiment, during an initial device configuration and set-up operation, the enclosure  1  is seated in, and in communication with, the docking station  2 . The processor  50  then controls the USB switch  42  to establish a communication link between the processor  50  and the external docking connector  21 . In this configuration, the processor  50  communicates with an external computing device (not shown) through the docking connector  21  and the docking station  2 . This external computing device initially loads the first and second application components into memory  43 . Thereafter, the processor  50  controls the switch  42  to establish a communication link between the processor  50  and the internal docking connector  12 . The processor  50  then installs the second application component on the touch screen device  5 . In other embodiments, the second application component is installed directly onto the touch screen device  5  by means known to those skilled in the art. 
     In normal wireless operation/mode (i.e., the enclosure  1  is not disposed in the docking station  2 ), the enclosure  1  is powered by the power supply  45 . Further, the processor  50  controls the USB switch  42  to establish the communication link between the processor  50  and the touch screen device  5  via the internal docking connector  12 . 
     When a user wishes to control a function of a device that is in communication with the automation system  70 , such as muting the audio of the home theater  77 , for example (see  FIG. 4 ), the user simply presses the appropriate hard button  31 ,  32 ,  33  that is dedicated to, or programmed for, muting the audio. The processor  50  executing the first application component captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to the mute audio command created by the user pressing the mute hard button (e.g., hard button  31  or  32 ) to the touch screen device  5  (via the connector  12 ). The second application component transmits the mute audio command via a wireless communication link (e.g., wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 ) to the automation system  70 , which in turn transmits the mute audio command to the home theater  77 . 
     Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to the automation system  70 . The automation system  70  then wirelessly transmits the response signal to the touch screen device  5  via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 . The second application component executing on the touch screen device  5  transmits the response/status signal to the first application component executing on the processor  50 . The processor  50  uses the received response/status signal to illuminate an indicator light  34  corresponding to audio muting being activated. 
     In normal wired operation/mode, the enclosure  1  is disposed in the docking station  2  and powered by an external power supply. Further, the processor  50  controls the USB switch  42  to establish the communication link between the processor  50  and the external USB docking connector  21 . In this configuration, the processor  50  executing the first application component bypasses the touch screen device  5  and communicates directly with the automation system  70 . In other words, all commands from the enclosure  1  are transmitted directly (via the docking connector  21 ) to the automation system  70 . Likewise, all response signals are transmitted directly to the processor  50 . Consequently, the enclosure  1  is capable of controlling external devices even if the touch screen device  5  is turned off. 
     In diagnostic mode, the processor  50  controls the USB switch  42  to establish a communication link between the processor  50  and the external docking connector  21 . In this configuration, the processor  50  communicates with an external computing device (not shown) through the docking connector  21 . This external computing device emulates the operation of the second application component, which normally executes on the touch screen device  5 . In this configuration the digital signals transmitted by the processor  50  can be observed and first application component can be debugged. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in another embodiment, an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1  is shown. The electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1  include a processor  51 , an authentication coprocessor  41 , the memory  43 , the USB switch  42 , a power supply  46 , a power over Ethernet (POE) interface  44 , the external USB connector  13 , an external docking connector  21 ′, which includes connections for Ethernet communication and power, and the internal docking connector  12 , which includes connections for USB communication and power. 
     The processor  51  includes general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfaces that are in communication with one or more keypad matrices, which are in communication with the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33 . The processor  51  further includes a USB interface in communication with the USB switch  42  via a USB wired connection  131 . The processor  51  further includes an inter-integrated circuit (I 2 C) (i.e., a digital bus) in communication with the authentication coprocessor  41  described below. In other embodiments, the USB interface on the processor  51  is a USB on-the-go (USB-OTG) interface. 
     The processor  51  still further includes a fast Ethernet channel (FEC) in communication over the FEC wired connection  431  with the POE interface  44 , which is in communication with the power supply  46  and the external docking connector  21 ′. When the external docking connector  21 ′ is connected to the docking station  2 , the POE interface  44  allows the processor  51  to communicate with an external device over an Ethernet connection. 
     The processor  51  is also in communication with the indicator lights  34  and the memory  43  (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM). In other embodiments, the processor  51  includes an on-board memory. The USB switch  42  is in communication with the internal docking connector  12  via a USB wired connection  133 , and the USB connector  13  via a USB wired connection  132 . 
     The power supply  46  includes a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit known to those skilled in the art and supplies power to all the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1 . When the enclosure  1  is disposed in the docking station  2 , the POE interface  44  allows current from the Ethernet connection to pass to the power supply  46  and charge the battery therein. The POE interface  44  also allows current from the Ethernet connection to pass to the touch screen device  5  (via the internal docking connector  12 ) to charge a battery disposed therein. Further, the power supply  46  can also draw power from the battery disposed in the portable touch screen device  5  (through the internal docking connector  12 ) to charge the battery in the power supply  46  and supply power to the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1 . 
     The external USB connector  13  functions as a diagnostic port. When the second application component residing and executing on the touch screen device  5  needs to be installed, updated, or debugged, an external diagnostic computer is connected to the external USB connector  13 , and the processor  51  switches the USB switch  42  to establish a connection between the external diagnostic computer and the touch screen device  5  (through the internal docking connector  12 ). The external diagnostic computer can then install or update the second application component. The external diagnostic computer can also emulate the signals produced by the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33  and the first application component executing on the processor  52  in the enclosure  1 , and transmit these signals to the touch screen device  5 , and receive responses from the touch screen device  5 . In this way, the second application component can be debugged. 
     The authentication coprocessor  41  is an encryption chip licensed from Apple, Inc., that is included in devices that are officially licensed to communicate with Apple® products. Consequently, if the portable touch screen device  5  were an Apple® iPad™ or Apple® iPod™, then the enclosure  1  would need an authentication coprocessor  41  to function correctly with the iPad. In operation, after the portable touch screen device  5  (i.e., iPad) and the clam shell enclosure  1  were connected together (via the internal docking connector  12 ), the portable touch screen device  5  would interrogate the clam shell enclosure  1  to verify (by communicating with the authentication coprocessor  41 ) that the enclosure  1  was a product officially licensed to communicate with the portable touch screen device  5 . In this embodiment, the external USB connector  13  functions as a sync port through which the iPad or iPod can sync with Apple® iTunes™. 
     In one embodiment, during an initial device configuration and set-up operation, the enclosure  1  is seated in, and in communication with, the docking station  2 . In this configuration, the processor  51  communicates with an external computing device (not shown) through the docking connector  21 ′ and the docking station  2 . This external computing device initially loads the first and second application components into memory  43 . Thereafter, the processor  51  controls the switch  42  to establish a communication link between the processor  51  and the internal docking connector  12 . The processor  51  then installs the second application component on the touch screen device  5 . 
     In another embodiment, the processor  51  can control the USB switch  42  to establish a communication link between the internal docking connector  12  and the external USB connector  13 . In this configuration, the touch screen device  5  communicates with an external computing device (not shown). This external computing device installs the second application component onto the touch screen device  5 . In still another embodiment, the second application component is installed directly onto the touch screen device  5  by means known to those skilled in the art. 
     In normal wireless operation/mode (i.e., the enclosure  1  is not disposed in the docking station  2 ), the enclosure  1  is powered by the power supply  46 . Further, the processor  51  controls the USB switch  42  to establish the communication link between the processor  51  and the touch screen device  5  via the internal docking connector  12 . 
     When a user wishes to control a function of a device that is in communication with the automation system  70 , such as muting the audio of the home theater  77 , for example (see  FIG. 4 ), the user simply presses the appropriate hard button  31 ,  32 ,  33  that is dedicated to, or programmed for, muting the audio. The processor  51  executing the first application component captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to the mute audio command created by the user pressing the mute hard button (e.g., hard button  31  or  32 ) to the touch screen device  5  (via the connector  12 ). The second application component transmits the mute audio command via a wireless communication link (e.g., wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 ) to the automation system  70 , which in turn transmits the mute audio command to the home theater  77 . 
     Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to the automation system  70 . The automation system  70  then wirelessly transmits the response signal to the touch screen device  5  via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 . The second application component executing on the touch screen device  5  transmits the response signal to the first application component executing on the processor  51 . The processor  51  uses the received response signal to illuminate an indicator light  34  corresponding to audio muting being activated. 
     In normal wired operation/mode, the enclosure  1  is disposed in the docking station  2  and powered by an external power supply. In this configuration, the processor  51  executing the first application component bypasses the touch screen device  5  and communicates directly with the automation system  70  via the Ethernet connection on the external docking connector  21 ′. In other words, all commands from the enclosure  1  are transmitted directly (via the docking connector  21 ′) to the automation system  70 . Likewise, all response signals are transmitted directly to the processor  51 . In this configuration, since controlling the external device does not involve using the touch screen device  5 , the enclosure  1  can control the external device even if the touch screen device  5  is turned off. 
     Alternatively, the processor  51  can control the USB switch  42  to establish the communication link between the processor  51  and the external docking connector  21 ′. In this configuration, the processor  51  and the touch screen device  5  function as described above with respect to normal wireless mode. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , in still another embodiment, an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1  is shown. The electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1  include a processor  52 , the authentication coprocessor  41 , the memory  43 , the USB switch  42 , a power supply  65 , a Zigbee interface  64  in communication with a Zigbee antenna  63 , the USB connector  13 , the internal docking connector  12 , which also includes connections for USB communication and power, and an external docking connector  21 ″, which includes connections for power. 
     The processor  52  includes general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfaces that are in communication with one or more keypad matrices, which are in communication with the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33 . The processor  52  further includes a USB interface in communication with the USB switch  42  via a USB wired connection  131 . The processor  52  further includes an inter-integrated circuit (I 2 C) (i.e., a digital bus) in communication with the authentication coprocessor  41 . The processor  52  still further includes a serial peripheral interface (SPI) in communication with the Zigbee interface  64 . In other embodiments, the USB interface on the processor  52  is a USB on-the-go (USB-OTG) interface. 
     The processor  52  is also in communication with the indicator lights  34  and the memory  43  (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM). In other embodiments, the processor  52  includes an on-board memory. The USB switch  42  is in communication with the internal docking connector  12  via a USB wired connection  133 , and the USB connector  13  via a USB wired connection  132 . The authentication coprocessor  41  and the external USB connector  13  both function as previously described above with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The power supply  65  includes a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit known to those skilled in the art and supplies power to all the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1 . When the enclosure  1  is disposed in the docking station  2 , current passes to the power supply  65  (via connector  21 ″) and charges the battery therein. Current also passes to the touch screen device  5  (via the internal docking connector  12 ) to charge a battery disposed therein. The power supply  65  can also draw power from a battery disposed in portable touch screen device  5  (through the internal docking connector  12 ) in order to recharge the battery (in power supply  65 ) and supply power to the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , a wired connection to the automation system  70  is not envisioned. Therefore, during the initial device configuration and set-up operation, an external computing device (not shown) wirelessly communicates (via the Zigbee gateway  76 ′) with the processor  52  (via the Zigbee interface  64 ) to load the first and second application components into memory  43 . Thereafter, the processor  52  controls the USB switch  42  to establish a communication link between the processor  52  and the internal docking connector  12 . The processor  52  then installs the second application component on the touch screen device  5 . 
     In another embodiment, the processor  52  can control the USB switch  42  to establish a communication link between the internal docking connector  12  and the external USB connector  13 . In this configuration, the touch screen device  5  communicates with an external computing device (not shown). This external computing device installs the second application component onto the touch screen device  5 . In still another embodiment, the second application component is installed directly onto the touch screen device  5  by means known to those skilled in the art. 
     In normal wireless operation/mode (i.e., the enclosure  1  is not disposed in the docking station  2 ), the enclosure  1  is powered by the power supply  65 . Further, the processor  52  controls the USB switch  42  to establish the communication link between the processor  52  and the touch screen device  5  via the internal docking connector  12 . 
     When a user wishes to control a function of a device that is in communication with the automation system  70 , such as muting the audio of the home theater  77 , for example (see  FIG. 4 ), the user simply presses the appropriate hard button  31 ,  32 ,  33  that is dedicated to, or programmed for, muting the audio. 
     In one embodiment, the processor  52  executing the first application component captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to the mute audio command created by the user pressing the mute hard button (e.g., hard button  31  or  32 ) to the touch screen device  5  (via the connector  12 ). The second application component transmits the mute audio command via a wireless communication link (e.g., wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 ) to the automation system  70 , which in turn transmits the mute audio command to the home theater  77 . Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to the automation system  70 . The automation system  70  then wirelessly transmits the response signal to the touch screen device  5  via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 . The second application component executing on the touch screen device  5  transmits the response signal to the first application component executing on the processor  52 . The processor  52  uses the received response signal to illuminate an indicator light  34  corresponding to audio muting being activated. 
     In another embodiment, the processor  52  executing the first application component captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to the mute audio command directly to the automation system  70  via the Zigbee interface  64  and the wireless Zigbee gateway  76 ′. The automation system  70  then transmits the mute audio command to the home theater  77 . Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to the automation system  70 . The automation system  70  then wirelessly transmits the response signal to the touch screen device  5  via the wireless Zigbee gateway  76 ′. The second application component executing on the touch screen device  5  transmits the response signal to the first application component executing on the processor  52 . The processor  52  uses the received response signal to illuminate an indicator light  34  corresponding to audio muting being activated. 
     In still another embodiment, the processor  52  executing the first application component captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to the mute audio command directly to the automation system  70  via the Zigbee interface  64  and the wireless Zigbee gateway  76 ′. The automation system  70  then transmits the mute audio command to the home theater  77 . Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to the automation system  70 . The automation system  70  then wirelessly transmits the response signal directly to the processor  52  via the wireless Zigbee gateway  76 ′ and the Zigbee interface  64 . The processor  52  uses the received response signal to illuminate an indicator light  34  corresponding to audio muting being activated. In this configuration, since controlling the external device does not involve using the touch screen device  5 , the enclosure  1  can control the external device even if the touch screen device  5  is turned off. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in yet another embodiment, an illustrative block diagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1  is shown. The electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1  include a processor  53 , an authentication coprocessor  41 , the memory  43 , a power supply  47 , the USB connector  13 , a Wi-Fi interface  66  in communication with a Wi-Fi antenna  68 , an infrared (IR) interface  67 , the external docking connector  22 , which includes connections for Ethernet communication and power, and the internal docking connector  12 , which also includes connections for USB communication and power. 
     The processor  53  includes general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfaces that are in communication with one or more keypad matrices, which are in communication with the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33 . The processor  53  further includes an inter-integrated circuit (I 2 C) (i.e., a digital bus) in communication with the authentication coprocessor  41 . The processor  53  further includes a serial peripheral interface (SPI) in communication with the Wi-Fi interface  66  in communication with a Wi-Fi antenna  68 . 
     The processor further includes a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (DART) in communication with the IR interface  67 . The infrared (IR) interface  67  is in communication with the IR emitter  17  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In various embodiments, the IR interface  67  includes one of IrDA, RC-5, and a proprietary infrared protocol. 
     The processor  53  still further includes a transmit/receive (TX 1 /RX 1 ) interface in communication with the touch screen device  5  over a wired digital interface  731  through the internal docking connector  12 . In various embodiments, the wired digital interface  731  is one of a CAN bus, Ethernet, IEEE-1394 (Firewire), RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and USB. 
     The processor  53  still further includes a fast Ethernet channel (FEC) in communication over the FEC wired connection  431  with the external docking connector  22 . 
     The processor  53  is in communication with the indicator lights  34  and the memory  43  (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM). In other embodiments, the processor  53  includes an on-board memory. The USB connector  13  is in communication with the touch screen device  5  via a fourth USB wired connection  134  to the internal docking connector  12 . The authentication coprocessor  41  and the external USB connector  13  both function as previously described above with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
     The power supply  47  includes a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit known to those skilled in the art and supplies power to all the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1 . The power supply  47  can be recharged via the external docking connector  22  when connected to the docking station  2 . The power supply  47  also allows a charging current from the docking station  2  (through the external docking connector  22 ) to pass through to the internal docking connector  12  and charge a battery disposed in the portable touch screen device  5 . Further, the power supply  47  can draw power from the battery disposed in portable touch screen device  5  (through the internal docking connector  12 ) in order to supply power to the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure  1 . 
     In one embodiment, during an initial device configuration and set-up operation, the enclosure  1  is seated in, and in communication with, the docking station  2 . In this configuration, the processor  53  communicates with an external computing device (not shown) through the clocking connector  22  and the docking station  2 . This external computing device initially loads the first and second application components into memory  43 . Thereafter, the processor  53  then installs the second application component on the touch screen device  5  over the wired digital interface  731  via the docking connector  12   
     In another embodiment, during the initial device configuration and set-up operation, the external computing device (not shown) wirelessly communicates with the processor  53  via the Wi-Fi interface  66  to load the first and second application components into memory  43 . Thereafter, the processor  53  then installs the second application component on the touch screen device  5  over the wired digital interface  731  via the docking connector  12 . 
     In still another embodiment, the touch screen device  5  communicates with the external computing device (not shown) via the external USB connector  13  and the docking connector  12 . The external computing device installs the second application component onto the touch screen device  5 . In yet another embodiment, the second application component is installed directly onto the touch screen device  5  by means known to those skilled in the art. 
     In operation, when a user wishes to control a function of a device that is in communication with the automation system  70 , such as muting the audio of the home theater  77 , for example (see  FIG. 4 ), the user simply presses the appropriate hard button  31 ,  32 ,  33  that is dedicated to, or programmed for, muting the audio. 
     In one embodiment, in normal wireless operation/mode, the processor  53  executing the first application component captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to the mute audio command created by the user pressing the mute hard button (e.g., hard button  31  or  32 ) to the second application component executing on the touch screen device  5  (via the wired digital interface and the connector  12 ). The second application component transmits the mute audio command via a wireless communication link (e.g., wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 ) to the automation system  70 , which in turn transmits the mute audio command to the home theater  77 . Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to the automation system  70 . The automation system  70  then wirelessly transmits the response signal to the touch screen device  5  via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 . The second application component executing on the touch screen device  5  transmits the response signal to the first application component executing on the processor  53 . The processor  53  uses the received response signal to illuminate an indicator light  34  corresponding to audio muting being activated. 
     in another embodiment, the processor  53  executing the first application component captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to the mute audio command directly to the automation system  70  via the Wi-Fi interface  66  and the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 . The automation system  70  then transmits the mute audio command to the home theater  77 . Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to the automation system  70 . The automation system  70  then wirelessly transmits the response signal to the touch screen device  5  via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 . The second application component executing on the touch screen device  5  transmits the response signal to the first application component executing on the processor  53 . The processor  53  uses the received response signal to illuminate an indicator light  34  corresponding to audio muting being activated. 
     In still another embodiment, the processor  53  executing the first application component captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to the mute audio command directly to the automation system  70  via the Wi-Fi interface  66  and the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76 . The automation system  70  then transmits the mute audio command to the home theater  77 . Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater  77  mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to the automation system  70 . The automation system  70  then wirelessly transmits the response signal directly to the processor  53  via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway  76  and the Wi-Fi interface  66 . The processor  53  uses the received response signal to illuminate an indicator light  34  corresponding to audio muting being activated. In this configuration, since controlling the external device does not involve using the touch screen device  5 , the enclosure  1  can control the external device even if the touch screen device  5  is turned off. 
     In yet another embodiment, in normal wired operation/mode, the enclosure  1  is disposed in the docking station  2  and powered by an external power supply. In this configuration, the processor  53  executing the first application component bypasses the touch screen device  5  and communicates directly with the automation system  70  via the Ethernet connection on the external docking connector  22 . In other words, all commands from the enclosure  1  are transmitted directly (via the docking connector  22 ) to the automation system  70 . Likewise, all response signals are transmitted directly to the processor  53 . In this configuration, since controlling the external device does not involve using the touch screen device  5 , the enclosure  1  can control the external device even if the touch screen device  5  is turned off. 
     Alternatively, the processor  53  and the touch screen device  5  can communicate control and response signals back and forth as described above with respect to normal wireless mode. 
     In still another embodiment, the processor  53  transmits control signals to the automation system  70  or directly to the individual devices (e.g., television, DVD player, etc) via the IR interface  67  and IR emitter  17 . In this embodiment, response or status signals are received by the processor  53  from the controlled devices by the various means described above. 
     As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the enclosure  1  includes one of IEEE-802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE-802.15.4 (Zigbee) wireless digital interfaces in communication with the processor  52 ,  53 . In other embodiments, the wireless digital interface in communication with the processor includes one of IEEE-802.15.1 (Bluetooth), infiNET™, and a proprietary protocol in the ultra high frequency band. 
     In still other embodiments, the wireless digital interface and/or the infrared interface  67  provides a communication link between the processor in the enclosure  1  and the touch screen device  5 . 
     In yet another embodiment, when the enclosure  1  is seated in, and mated with, the docking station  2 , the docking station  2  is configured for transmitting streaming media received from an external device to the touch screen device  5 . 
     In still another embodiment, when the enclosure  1  is seated in, and mated with, the docking station  2 , the docking station  2  transmits control signals received from the processor  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53  to an external device as Cresnet® control signals. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , in another embodiment, the portable touch screen device  5  is encased within a circular enclosure  1 ′ that includes dedicated hard buttons  31 ′,  32 ′,  33 ′. In this embodiment, the portable touch screen device  5  is envisioned to be a smart phone with a touch screen. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , in still another embodiment, the front clam shell portion  10  of the enclosure  1  includes a front camera  15 , and the rear clam shell portion  20  includes a rear camera  16 . In other embodiments, the enclosure  1  includes only the front camera  15  or the rear camera  16 . 
     The rear camera  16  is used for taking pictures or capturing video in a manner similar to a conventional digital camera. An image/video capture program executes on either the processor  50 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , or on a processor of the portable touch screen device  5 . When activated, the image/video capture program displays a real time view of the scene/subject area in the field of view of the rear camera  16  in a window on the display area of the portable touch screen device  5 . The user captures the image or starts and stops recording video by actuating one of the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33  disposed on the enclosure  1 , or a soft button on the portable touch screen device  5 . The captured image or video is stored in memory  43  or in memory on the portable touch screen device  5 . 
     The front camera  15  operates similar to the rear camera  16  and enables the user to capture pictures or video of himself. Again, an image/video capture program executes on either the processor  50 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , or on a processor of the portable touch screen device  5 . When activated, the image/video capture program displays a real time view of the scene/subject area (i.e., the user) in the field of view of the front camera  15  in a window on the display area of the portable touch screen device  5 . The user captures the image of himself or starts and stops recording video by actuating one of the hard buttons  31 ,  32 ,  33  disposed on the enclosure  1 , or a soft button on the portable touch screen device  5 . The captured image or video is stored in memory  43  or in memory on the portable touch screen device  5 . 
     Additionally, the front camera  15  also functions as a web camera for video chatting. In this embodiment, a video chat program executes on either the processor  50 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , or on a processor of the portable touch screen device  5 . When activated, the video chat program displays in the display area of the portable touch screen device  5  a chat window for text entry and real time streaming video of the person that the user is chatting with (assuming that the person has a connected and operating web camera). Simultaneously, the front camera  15  transmits real time streaming video of the user to the other person. The real time streaming video of the user can also be displayed in the display area of the portable touch screen device  5  in a separate window or in a picture-in-picture configuration with the real time streaming video of the other person. 
     In one embodiment, when the touch screen device  5  and enclosure  1  have been left on but not used for some predetermined period of time, the touch screen device  5  and the enclosure  1  switch to a power saving or “sleep” mode. In this sleep or hibernation mode, the front camera  15  functions as a motion sensor. When a user comes within a predetermined distance from the front camera  15 , the front camera  15  senses the motion of the user and sends a signal to the processor  50 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , and a processor of the portable touch screen device  5  to “wake up” or activate the portable touch screen device  5  and enclosure  1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in various embodiments, one or more speakers  4  and/or a microphone  9  are disposed in or on the front clam shell portion  10  and controlled by either the processor  50 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , or a processor of the portable touch screen device  5 . Additionally, an earphone/audio output jack is also disposed In or on the enclosure  1 . Further, the enclosure  1  includes an LCD display  6  and an accelerometer  7  in communication with the processor  50 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , or a processor of the portable touch screen device  5 . 
     The LCD display  6  is used display short status messages or provides feedback/confirmation that a function was successfully executed. For example, when a user presses a particular hard button to turn on a particular device, the words “device on” would appear in the LCD display  6 , or when a user presses a particular hard button to change a TV or radio station the selected station number will appear on the LCD display  6 . 
     The accelerometer  7  senses the orientation of the enclosure  1  (e.g., landscape or portrait) and orients the display of the portable touch screen device  5  accordingly. In another embodiment, the enclosure  1  includes a biometric or fingerprint scanner  8 , which is used to identify the particular user by methods known to those skilled in the art. 
     In still other embodiments, the enclosure  1  includes one or more of a mini joysticks, knobs, mouse wheels, slide switches, touch pads, trackball&#39;s, or other positioning and control devices known to those skilled in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , in yet another embodiment, the enclosure  1  includes a radio transceiver  79  and antenna  30 , which are configured to communicate with a users home cordless phone base station. The radio transceiver  79  operates at one or more of the known cordless phone frequencies (e.g., 900 MHZ, 1.9 GHZ, 2.4 GHZ, 5.8 GHZ). A telephone (phone) application executes on the processor  50 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , or on a processor of the portable touch screen device  5 . 
     When a user wishes to make a call, the user activates a phone application graphical user interface and enters a phone number. The phone application instructs the radio transceiver  79  to establish communication with user&#39;s home cordless telephone base station/unit and dial the entered phone number just as if the user were making a call using a cordless handset. The user hears a dial tone, phone dialing sounds, phone ringing sounds, and the voice of the called party over the speakers  4 . The user transmits his/her voice to the called party via the microphone  9 . 
     When the user receives a call, the phone application graphical user interface appears on the screen of the portable touch screen device  5  to alert the user of an incoming call. The user has the option of answering or ignoring the call. If the user answers the call (by actuating an appropriate hard for soft button), a connection is established via the radio transceiver  79  and the phone application just as if the call was being received on a cordless handset. Alternatively, when the user receives a call, the phone application displays an incoming call indication on the LCD display  6 . The user answers the call as previously described. 
     In still another embodiment, the portable touch screen device  5  and the enclosure  1  are used to automatically configure a particular user&#39;s environment according to the particular user&#39;s preset preferences. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , in operation, the infrared (IR) interface  67  (see  FIG. 9 ) in conjunction with the IR emitter  17  (see  FIG. 1 ) communicates with one or more IR sensors  81  disposed throughout a home (or other building). The one or more IR sensors  81  are in communication with an automation system such as the home automation system  70 , for example. The IR sensors  81  inform the home automation system  70  of a particular user&#39;s presence in a particular room or zone of the home so that home automation system  70  can configure the particular room or zone according to the particular users preferences. The particular users preferences are either stored in a user profile database accessible by the home automation system  70  or transmitted to the home automation system  70  from the enclosure  1  or portable touch screen device  5  being used by the particular user. 
     For example, a particular user arrives at his home and turns on and/or logs on to the portable touch screen device  5  and the enclosure  1 . After the particular user logs on, the portable touch screen device  5  or the enclosure  1  transmits a unique presence code/signal associated with the particular user via the IR interface  67  and the IR emitter  17  to the IR sensor  81  disposed in the particular room or zone in which the particular user is located. The IR sensor  81  then transmits the user&#39;s unique presence signal to the home automation system  70 . The home automation system  70  then retrieves the particular user&#39;s environment preferences from the particular user&#39;s profile stored in a profile database. 
     The home automation system then configures the particular room according to the preferences stored in the particular user&#39;s profile. For example, the home automation system  70  will set/change room temperature (e.g., control heat or air conditioning), room light levels (e.g., fully, percentage dimmed), window shade and/or curtain positions (e.g., fully open, fully dosed, percentage open), room humidity; and play music or television. 
     If the particular user moves to a new location while carrying the portable touch screen device  5  with the enclosure  1 , the home automation system  70  detects the particular user&#39;s change in location (via the user&#39;s presence signal transmission from the IR emitter  17  to another IR sensor  81 ) and configures the user&#39;s new location according to the user&#39;s preferences. 
     A particular user&#39;s preferences may also include global preferences, such as raising/lowering the temperature and turning off lights in rooms/zones that are not in use, and/or turning on/off a security system at a certain time of day. 
     In another embodiment, after the IR emitter  17  transmits the particular user&#39;s unique presence signal to the home automation system  70 , the home automation system  70  wirelessly transmits (e.g., Wi-Fi, IR, Bluetooth) to the portable touch screen device  5  and the enclosure  1  a location signal that informs the portable touch screen device  5  and the enclosure  1  in which room the portable touch screen device  5  and the enclosure  1  are currently located. After receiving the location signal, the portable touch screen device  5  displays a screen and/or graphical user interface that is particular to the room in which the portable touch screen device  5  and enclosure  1  are currently located. Likewise, the hard buttons on the enclosure  1  are reconfigured to operate devices or execute particular functions that are associated with the room in which the portable touch screen device  5  and enclosure  1  are located. 
     For example, if the user is currently in his/her bedroom, the portable touch screen device  5  will display a graphical user interface that includes soft buttons to control the temperature, lighting, and window shade position in the bedroom. Additionally, the hard buttons on the enclosure  1  are configured to control a television set or stereo. When the user leaves the bedroom and enters a living room that includes a home entertainment center, for example, the portable touch screen device  5  will display a graphical user interface that includes soft buttons to control the temperature, lighting, and window shade position in the living room. Additionally, the hard buttons on the enclosure  1  are configured to control the home entertainment center components. 
     In one embodiment, a relatively high powered infrared signal at a low data rate (e.g., between 400 and 9600 baud) is used to transmit the users unique presence signal (and preferences) because such a signal has a reasonable range for use within a single room and is reasonably low-powered, especially if transmitted at a low duty cycle. 
     LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following is a list of the acronyms used in the specification in alphabetical order.
         A amperes   AV audio visual   CAN controller area network (data transfer protocol)   CPU central processing unit   DVD digital video disc   EPROM electronically programmable read only memory   FEC fast Ethernet channel   GPIO general purpose input/output   HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning   I 2 C inter-integrated circuit (digital bus)   IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers   IR infrared   IrDA Infrared Data Association (data protocol)   LCD liquid crystal display   OFN optical finger navigation   PC personal computer   POE power over Ethernet   RAM random access memory   ROM read only memory   RSI repetitive strain injury   RF4CE Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics   RX receiver   SEL select   SPI serial peripheral interface   TTL transistor-transistor logic (data transmission voltage level)   TX transmitter   UART universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter   UHF ultra-high frequency   USB Universal Serial Bus   USB-OTG USB on-the-go   V volt   VDC volts, direct current       

     ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS 
     Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, in alternative embodiments the first control button and the second control button may be joysticks. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention is a unique portable smart touch screen device disposed in, and in communication with, a clam shell enclosure that includes one or more dedicated hard buttons, processing, and communications.