Abstract:
A compact removable voice handset for an integrated palmtop computer system/mobile phone is presented. The present invention is used in conjunction with a personal digital assistant (PDA). The PDA comprises electronics for wireless communications and a contact information database and a means for coupling the handset to the PDA. The present invention is compact such that when coupled to the PDA, there is minimal increase to the overall size and weight of the PDA. The present invention comprises a microphone and a speaker, and is communicatively coupled, via either a wireless connection or a wired connection, to the PDA. The handset comprises control elements such that the handset can be operated independent of the PDA. In one embodiment, the handset comprises a display and control elements configured for accessing the contact information database of the PDA, adjusting the volume of the handset, and for initiating or ending wireless communications.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application is a Continuation of commonly-owned patent application Ser. No. 09/855,250, filed on May 14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,054,659 entitled “COMPACT REMOVABLE VOICE HANDSET FOR AN INTEGRATED PORTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM/MOBILE PHONE,” by Gioscia et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of portable electronic devices such as palmtop computer systems and cellular telephones. Specifically, the present invention relates to a device combining portable computer system technology and cellular telephone technology. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As the components required to build a computer system have reduced in size, new categories of computer systems have emerged. One of the more recent categories of computer systems is the portable or “palmtop” computer system, or personal digital assistant (PDA). A palmtop computer system is a computer that is small enough to be held in the hand of a user and is thus “palm-sized.” As a result, palmtops are readily carried about in a briefcase or purse, and some palmtops are compact enough to fit into a person&#39;s pocket. By virtue of their size, palmtop computer systems are also lightweight and so are exceptionally portable and convenient. 
     The emergence of the cellular phone technology in the last few years has revolutionized the telecommunications industry. Where in the past telephones were largely confined to homes, offices, and other stationary structures, cellular phone technology has made it possible for phones to be truly portable and exist nearly anywhere there are people. 
     Recently, the technology behind both palmtop computer systems and cellular phones has advanced to the point where it is proposed to integrate cellular phone capabilities into a palmtop computer system. However, both types of devices possess different modes of operation. For example, palmtop computer systems are handheld devices providing primarily a visual experience while cellular phones are held to the head of a user and provide primarily an auditory experience. 
     Integrated palmtop computer systems/cellular phones present concerns regarding accessibility and immediacy. Typical integrated palmtop computer systems/cellular phones limit a user&#39;s accessibility to each distinct function of the device. For example, a user is required to hold a cellular phone to their face, thereby restricting the use of the PDA functions, which require a user to be able to look at the device. 
     Furthermore, a cellular phone requires an immediate response to an incoming call, or the user risks missing the call. For example, a caller will only wait a matter of seconds for a person to answer their call, otherwise they will hang up. If a user is using the PDA function of an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone and receives an incoming call, the user must stop using the PDA functionality in order to answer the call. 
     In some integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phones, a user may not be able to operate the two devices at the same time. For example, a user operating the device as a cellular phone may desire to write a note or make an appointment on the PDA. At a minimum, the user will be forced to pause the phone call. However, the user may not be permitted to operate the PDA functionality while the device is being operated as a cellular phone, thus limiting the accessibility of the PDA functionality. 
     The form factor of the device plays a crucial role in whether or not users are comfortable operating the device. For example, manufacturers believe that some cellular phone users may be hesitant to use a cellular phone that is in the shape of a palmtop computer system. Likewise, a typical cellular phone display does not offer the size or interface functionality that a palmtop computer system does. The users of palmtop computer systems and cellular phones desire the benefits of each of the respective devices, and are unlikely to sacrifice these benefits if forced to compromise the form factor of the device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a need exists for an electronic device that is both a palmtop computer system and a cellular phone. Furthermore, a need exists for the above electronic device to allow for the immediacy required for answering a phone call and still allowing for the accessibility of applications running on the palmtop computer system. A need exists for the above electronic device to provide the benefits of both a palmtop computer system and a cellular phone in one integrated device by allowing for common operations and functionality without compromising the form factor of either device. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a compact removable voice handset for an integrated palmtop computer system/mobile phone. The present invention may be used in conjunction with a palmtop computer system (e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA)). The PDA comprises electronics for wireless communications and a contact information database and a receiving slot for storing the handset. 
     In one embodiment, the handset is the overall length dimension of the PDA and is compact such that when placed in the receiving slot, there is minimal increase to the overall size and weight of the PDA. The present invention comprises a microphone and a speaker, and is communicatively coupled, via either a wireless connection or a wired connection, to the PDA. In one embodiment, the wireless connection is established by means of a Bluetooth transceiver located in both the handset and the PDA. 
     In one embodiment, the handset comprises control elements allowing it to be operated independent of the PDA. In one embodiment, a control element is used to control the volume of the speaker. In another embodiment, a control element is used to access a contact information database located in the PDA. In another embodiment, a control element is used to initiate or terminate wireless communications. In another embodiment, a control element is used to switch between volume control and database access activities. 
     In one embodiment, the handset comprises a display. In one embodiment, the display is operable to display record information of the contact information database stored in the PDA. In another embodiment, the display is operable to indicate the volume level of the handset. In another embodiment, the display is operable to indicate whether there is an incoming phone call. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a portable computer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a front view of a compact removable voice handset for use with an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of a compact removable voice handset with a wireless transceiver for use with an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is a block diagram of a compact removable voice handset with a wired connection to an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective views of exemplary compact removable voice handset for use with an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone comprising a receiving port and a compact removable voice handset in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone comprising a receiving port and a compact removable voice handset comprising spring-loaded locking tabs in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a front view of an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone comprising magnets and a compact removable voice handset comprising metal plates in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of exemplary integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone and exemplary compact removable voice handsets in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a front view of a Bluetooth-enabled integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone and a Bluetooth-enabled compact removable voice handset communicatively coupled by a wireless connection in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a front view of an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone and a compact removable voice handset communicatively coupled by a wired connection in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
     Palmtop Computer System Platform 
       FIG. 1  illustrates circuitry of exemplary computer system  100 , some of which can be implemented on a board located inside a palmtop computer system. Computer system  100  includes an address/data bus  115  for communicating information, a central processor  101  coupled with the bus for processing information and instructions, a volatile memory  102  (e.g., random access memory, RAM) coupled with the bus  115  for storing information and instructions for the central processor  101  and a non-volatile memory  103  (e.g., read only memory, ROM) coupled with the bus  115  for storing static information and instructions for the processor  101 . In one embodiment, non-volatile memory  103  comprises a contact information database, wherein the contact information database comprises user-entered contact information (e.g., telephone numbers and email addresses). Computer system  100  also includes an optional data storage device  104  (e.g., memory stick) coupled with the bus  115  for storing information and instructions. Device  104  can be removable. Computer system  100  also contains a display device  105  coupled to the bus  115  for displaying information to the computer user. 
     The board can contain the processor  101 , the bus  115 , the ROM  103  and the RAM  102 . Computer system  100  also includes a signal transmitter/receiver device  108 , which is coupled to bus  115  for providing a physical communication link between computer system  100  and a network environment. 
     Computer system  100  also includes a voice handset transmitter/receiver  112 , which is coupled to bus  115  for providing a physical communication link between computer system  100  and a voice handset (e.g., compact removable voice handset  200  of  FIG. 2A ) for use in wireless communications. In one embodiment, voice handset transmitter/receiver  112  receives signals over a wireless connection (e.g., system  600  of  FIG. 6A ). In another embodiment, voice handset transmitter/receiver  112  receives signals over a wired connection (e.g., system  650  of  FIG. 6B ). 
     In one embodiment, computer system  100  includes a communication circuit  109  coupled to bus  115 . Communication circuit  109  includes an optional digital signal processor (DSP)  120  for processing data to be transmitted or data that are received via signal transmitter/receiver device  108 . Alternatively, processor  101  can perform some or all of the functions performed by DSP  120 . 
     Also included in computer system  100  of  FIG. 1  is an optional alphanumeric input device  106  that in one implementation is a handwriting recognition pad (“digitizer”). Alphanumeric input device  106  is a user interface device and can communicate information and command selections to processor  101 . In one embodiment, alphanumeric input device  106  is incorporated into display device  105 . In one embodiment, a stylus is used to interact with alphanumeric input device  106 . 
     Computer system  100  also includes an optional cursor control or directing device (on-screen cursor control  107 ) coupled to bus  115  for communicating user input information and command selections to processor  101 . In one implementation, on-screen cursor control device  107  is a user interface device and is a touch screen device incorporated with display device  105 . On-screen cursor control device  107  is capable of registering a position on display device  105  where the stylus makes contact. The display device  105  utilized with computer system  100  may be a flexible dual-sided display, a liquid crystal display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a field emission display device (also called a flat panel CRT) or other display device suitable for generating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to the user. In the preferred embodiment, display device  105  is a flexible dual-sided display. 
     With reference still to  FIG. 1 , computer system  100  also includes wireless communication electronics  110 , which is coupled with bus  115 . In one embodiment, wireless communication electronics  110  comprises a microphone and a speaker. 
     In one embodiment, computer system  100  also includes a telephony chipset  111 . Telephony chipset  111  enables computer system  100  to provide the functionality of a wireless phone (e.g., cellular phone) by providing the telephony functionality to transmit and receive cellular communications. In one embodiment, telephony chipset  111  is adapted to operate under the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). GSM and GPRS are standards for wireless communications, and are common to the area of cellular communications. It should be appreciated that the present embodiment of telephony chipset  111  is well suited to be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, telephony chipset  111  operating under GSM/GPRS could be implemented as a modem. 
     Compact Removable Voice Handset for Use with an Integrated Palmtop Computer System/Cellular Phone 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a front view of a compact removable voice handset  200  for use with an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Handset  200  is communicatively coupled electronically to an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone (e.g., an integrated personal digital assistant (PDA)) by a wireless or wired connection (see  FIGS. 6A and 6B , infra). Handset  200  comprises a microphone  210  and a speaker  215  both residing within housing  205 . Handset  200  may be removably attached to the PDA when not in user by a user. 
     In one embodiment, handset  200  comprises a connect/disconnect button  220  for initiating and terminating wireless communications. For example, if a user were receiving an incoming phone call, the user would be connected to the phone call by activating connect/disconnect button  220 . Similarly, the user would disconnect the phone call by activating connect/disconnect button  220 . 
     In one embodiment, handset  200  comprises a menu button  225 , up button  230 , down button  235 , and display  240 . Menu button  225  allows a user to activate different functions of handset  200 . In one embodiment, menu button allows a user to toggle through commands for controlling the volume of speaker  215  and for accessing the contact information database residing in the non-volatile memory of the accompanying palmtop computer system (e.g., non-volatile memory  103  of computer system  100  of  FIG. 1 ). Certain record information from this database may be displayed within display screen  240 . 
     Upon activating the volume control function by activating menu button  225 , the volume level can be controlled by operating up button  230  and down button  235 . For example, to increase the volume, a user would activate up button  230  and to decrease the volume a user would activate down button  235 . In one embodiment, display  240  operates to display the volume level selected by a user. 
     Upon activating the function for accessing the contact information database by activating menu button  225 , the user can browse through the contact information database as shown on display  240 . In one embodiment, display  240  is a one-line display. By operating up button  230  and down button  235 , a user can toggle through the contact information database. In one embodiment, once a user has toggled through to the desired contact, the user can initiate wireless communications (e.g., a cellular phone call) with that contact upon activating connect/disconnect button  220 . 
     It should be appreciated that connect/disconnect button  220 , menu button  225 , up button  230 , and down button  235  are not limited to buttons. They can take the form of many different control elements, including, but not limited to: toggle switches, roller balls, seesaw switches, and other similar control elements or on-screen icons. It should be appreciated that connect/disconnect button  220 , menu button  225 , up button  230 , and down button  235  are defined by their respective functions, not their physical parameters. 
       FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of a compact removable voice handset  250  with a wireless transceiver  255  for use with an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, wireless transceiver  255  is coupled to microphone  210 , speaker  215 , display  240 , and control elements  260 . 
     In one embodiment, wireless transceiver  255  is a Bluetooth transceiver. In one embodiment, control elements  260  comprise a connect/disconnect control (e.g., connect/disconnect button  220  of  FIG. 2A ), a menu control (e.g., menu button  225  of  FIG. 2A ), a volume control, a database access control, and navigation controls (e.g., up button  230  and down button  235  of  FIG. 2A ). 
       FIG. 2C  is a block diagram of a compact removable voice handset  270  with a wired connection  275  to an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, wired connection  275  is coupled to microphone  210 , speaker  215 , display  240 , and control elements  260 . In one embodiment, control elements  260  comprise a connect/disconnect control (e.g., connect/disconnect button  220  of  FIG. 2A ), a menu control (e.g., menu button  225  of  FIG. 2A ), a volume control, a database access control, and navigation controls (e.g., up button  230  and down button  235  of  FIG. 2A ). 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective views of exemplary compact removable voice handsets for use with an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. With reference first to  FIG. 3A , compact removable voice handset  300  comprises speaker  305 , microphone  310 , connect/disconnect button  315 , up/down seesaw button  320 , and display  325 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3B , compact removable voice handset  350  comprises speaker  355 , microphone  360 , buttons  365 , up button  370 , and down button  375 , and display  380 . Buttons  365  are customizable, and may be configured to operate commands such as connecting and disconnecting wireless communications and for toggling between menu commands (e.g., volume control and accessing contact information database). 
     It should be appreciated that compact removable voice handsets  300  and  350 , of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  respectively, are exemplary in nature, and are in no way intended to limit the features or combinations of features of any one compact removable voice handset. The present invention is understood to comprise any combination of the above features and control elements, and compact removable voice handsets  300  and  350  are only intended to be examples of possible combinations of features and functions. For example, a compact removable voice headset may not comprise a display or may not comprise the ability to access an information database. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a compact removable voice handset for use with an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone. The present invention offers typical telephone functionality, while also offering features utilizing the functionality of a PDA (e.g., allowing a user to access contact information through the compact removable voice handset). As such, the present invention enhances the functionality of an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone by allowing a user to operate each device concurrently. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of system  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System  400  comprises integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  405  and compact removable voice handset  410 , wherein integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  405  further comprises receiving port  419  and locking tabs  420 . In the present embodiment, compact removable voice handset  410  is placed into receiving port  419  and is removably locked into place by locking tabs  420 , thus connecting compact removable voice handset  410  to integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  405 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of system  430  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System  430  comprises integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  435  and a compact removable voice handset  440 . Integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  41  further comprises receiving port  445  and tab receiving ports  450 . Compact removable voice handset  440  further comprises spring-loaded locking tabs  455 . 
     In the present embodiment, when compact removable voice handset  440  is placed in receiving port  445 , spring-loaded locking tabs  455  extend into tab receiving ports  450 , thus locking compact removable voice handset  440  into place. In one embodiment, spring-loaded locking tabs  455  are rounded, permitting easy use in locking and unlocking compact removable voice handset  440 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a side view of system  470  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System  470  comprises integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  475  and a compact removable voice handset  480 . Integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  475  further comprises magnets  485 . Compact removable voice handset  480  further comprises metal plates  490 . 
     In the present embodiment, compact removable voice handset  480  is connected to integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  475  by lining up magnets  485  with metal plates  490 . When magnets  485  are lined up with metal plates  490 , compact removable voice handset  480  connects to integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  475 , held in place by the magnetic connection. In one embodiment, integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  475  further comprises a receiving port for receiving compact removable voice handset  480 . The receiving operates to line up magnets  485  with metal plates  490 , thus resulting in a magnetic connection. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of exemplary integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phones and exemplary compact removable voice handsets in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. With reference first to  FIG. 5A , system  500  comprises integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  510  and exemplary compact removable voice handset  520 , wherein integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  510  further comprises receiving port  530 . Compact removable voice handset  520  is placed in receiving port  530  for attaching compact removable voice handset  520  to integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  510 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5B , system  550  comprises integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  560  and exemplary compact removable voice handset  570 , wherein integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  560  further comprises receiving port  580 . Compact removable voice handset  570  is placed in receiving port  580  for attaching compact removable voice handset  570  to integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  560 . 
     It should be appreciated that systems  500  and  550 , of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  respectively, are exemplary in nature, regarding the means for attaching a compact removable voice handset to an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone. The present invention is understood to comprise any of the above described ways to attach a compact removable voice handset to an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone control elements, and systems  500  and  550  are only intended to be examples of possible ways for attachment. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a front view of system  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System  600  comprises integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  610  and compact removable voice handset  620  communicatively coupled by a wireless connection. 
     In one embodiment, integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  610  further comprises Bluetooth transceiver  630 . Additionally, compact removable voice handset  620  further comprises Bluetooth transceiver  640 . Bluetooth transceivers  630  and  640  are operable for transmitting and receiving data to and from each device. Bluetooth transceivers  630  and  640  are configured to transmit and receive voice data and contact information database data. In one embodiment, Bluetooth transceivers  630  and  640  reside within the housing of the respective device. 
     In one embodiment, Bluetooth transceiver  630  is coupled to the electronics resident in integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  610  (e.g., voice handset transmitter/receiver  112  of  FIG. 1 ). Likewise, Bluetooth transceiver  640  is coupled to the electronics resident in compact removable voice handset  620 . 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a front view of a system  650  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System  650  comprises integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  660  and compact removable voice handset  670  communicatively coupled by a wired connection over wire  680 . Wire  680  is configured to transmit and receive voice data and contact information database data. 
     In one embodiment, wire  680  couples the electronics resident in integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone  660  (e.g., voice handset transmitter/receiver  112  of  FIG. 1 ) to the electronics resident in compact removable voice handset  670 . 
     The wireless connection of  FIG. 6A  and the wired connection of  FIG. 6B  are for transmitting voice data and contact database information to and from an integrated palmtop computer system/cellular phone and a compact removable voice handset. 
     The present invention provides an electronic device that is both a palmtop computer system and a cellular phone offering the immediacy required for answering a phone call and still allowing for the accessibility of the palmtop computer system. The present invention provides the benefits of both a palmtop computer system and a cellular phone in one integrated device by allowing for common operations and functionality without compromising the form factor of either device. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention, compact removable voice handset for an integrated palmtop computer system/mobile phone, is thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the below claims.