Abstract:
The present invention provides a solution to the dual problems of mobility and portability associated with using a portable telephone in combination with a portable computer. An interface module ( 40 ) has a first interface ( 44 ) for coupling to an interface ( 34 ) on a portable telephone ( 16 ) and a second interface ( 58 ) for coupling to an interface ( 68 ) on a portable computer ( 62 ). The interface module ( 40 ) facilitates a direct connection between a coupled interface module and portable telephone ( 60 ) to a portable computer ( 62 ). The interface module ( 40 ) electrically couples the portable telephone ( 16 ) to the portable computer ( 62 ) thus eliminating the need for a cable or tethered connection between the portable computer ( 62 ) and portable telephone ( 16 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to the fields of mobile telecommunications and portable computers. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interface module for a portable telephone that facilitates direct portable telephone/portable computer coupling. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the detailed description which follows, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a basic prior art cellular telephone network. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the cellular telephone network of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a prior art cellular telephone data communication system. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a prior art cellular telephone. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exposed side view of the telephone of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a prior art cellular telephone network for transmitting/receiving data. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an elevational view of an interface module, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an elevational view of a portable telephone having a means for electrically and mechanically coupling to the interface module of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an elevational view of the interface module from an angle 180 degrees opposite the view shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an elevational view of the interface module of  FIGS. 7 and 9  coupled to the telephone of  FIG. 8 , according a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cellular telephone network for transmitting/receiving voice and data signals, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a coupled portable telephone/interface module installed within a portable computer, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the coupled portable telephone/interface module partially removed from a portable computer. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a method of coupling contacts on the coupled portable telephone/interface module to electrical contacts on an interface in a computer, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a battery module that may be coupled to electrical contacts on an interface in a computer. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a partial elevational view of a computer having a void or cavity within which the coupled portable telephone/interface module may be inserted in order to interface with the computer, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a block diagram of a computer to which the coupled portable telephone/interface module may be coupled, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a block diagram of a computer to which the coupled portable telephone/interface module may be coupled, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a block diagram of a computer to which the coupled portable telephone/interface module may be coupled, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a block diagram of a portable telephone to which an interface module may be coupled, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a block diagram of an interface module coupling the portable telephone of  FIG. 20  to a portable computer, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a block diagram of a portable telephone to which an interface module may be coupled, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a block diagram of an interface module coupling the portable telephone of  FIG. 22  to a portable computer, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a block diagram of a portable telephone to which an interface module may be coupled, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a block diagram of an interface module coupling the portable telephone of  FIG. 24  to a portable computer, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIGS. 26–169  illustrate various embodiments of interface modules that facilitate coupling of a portable telephone to a portable computer. 
   

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The demands of modern life require many mobile workers, students and business people to carry at least one electronic device to perform their daily work. Some of the more commonly utilized electronic devices are the pager, personal digital assistant “PDA”, the cellular telephone, the portable computer and a modem for the portable computer. 
   Portable computers are available in various models, functionality and costs from companies like Compaq, Toshiba, and Texas Instruments. Cellular telephones are available in various sizes, shapes, functionality and cost from companies such as Motorola, Nokia and Erricson.  FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art cellular network  10  having a mobile cellular telephone exchange (MTX) switch  12  connected to a transceiver and antenna  14 . A transceiver is located in each cell of the cellular network and communicates with the MTX to effect transmission and reception of signals to and from the mobile/portable telephone  16 . The transceiver is typically connected to the cellular switch  12  via a leased or dedicated network line  18 . The cellular switch  12  is typically connected to the land-based destinations via telephone network  20 .  FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the telephone network of  FIG. 1 . The hierarchical architecture of cellular switch  12  includes a central processing unit  22 , memory  24 , data storage disk  26 , cellular interface  28  central office trunk interface  30  and a backplane or switching matrix  32 . 
   While hand held cellular telephones have become increasingly popular with the public over the last few years, very few hand held cellular telephones presently incorporate internal modems or ports for connecting to stand alone modems since cellular telephones have rarely been used to transmit data due to problems associated with transmitting data in a mobile environment. Numerous errors are induced into data transmission because of problems associated with cellular telephone communication. Echo and fading problems cause multiple bit errors in the data stream, and such problems occur frequently with a moving vehicle. For example, the transmitted signal may hit a building or other obstacle and bounce erratically or fade as the vehicle is shielded from the cell antenna. This high frequency of error in the data stream transmitted by cellular transmission renders the error correction protocol present in conventional wire line modems unsuitable for cellular use. Errors occur so frequently in a cellular environment that the number of repeat requests becomes large and data transmission efficiency is reduced below an acceptable amount. In some instances, errors may occur so often that a correct packet may never be received. Thus, the error correction protocol present in conventional telephone modems is unable to cope with problems presented in a cellular environment. 
   One solution to the problem of transmitting data in a vehicle mounted cellular telephone environment is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,281 to O&#39;Sullivan, herein incorporated by reference. The patent describes a cellular telephone data communication system and method involving the use of a mobile data processing interface and a cooperating static data processing interface to effectively transmit data over a cellular telephone system. Each data processing interface includes a processor which operates in the transmitting mode to add an error control correction data format to data received from an external data source. The data is divided into packets and provided to a modem which is uniquely operated to eliminate the action of the modem scramble system and remain active in spite of a carrier signal loss. The modem is deactivated or disconnected by a disconnect signal from the processor, and when carrier signal loss occurs, this disconnect signal is provided only after the lapse of a delay period without the resumption of the carrier signal. The error control correction data format causes a receiver to evaluate the received data for error and to retransmit an acknowledgment signal, the processor will again provide a data packet of received data. In the absence of an acknowledgment signal, the processor will again provide a data packet to the modem for retransmission. Also, the processor will determine the frequency of error in the received data from the acknowledgment signals and subsequently adjust the data packet size in accordance with this error frequency. 
   The portable computer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,281 is connected to the mobile data programming interface via a cable connected to an RS 232 interface in the mobile data programming interface, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The cable or tethered connection is fine as long as there is little movement between the portable computer and the mobile data programming interface and as long as the cable does not interfere with movement of a cellular telephone user. The problems of mobility and portability be more accurate it when the mobile phone is a hand held or portable cellular unit. Mobility is inhibited since a user of the hand held or portable cellular telephone can only move up to the distance of the cable or tethered connection from the portable computer, and when moving, the user must separately carry the portable telephone and the portable computer. Portability is inhibited since the cable or tethered connection must be removed and reattached each time the components are separated a distance greater than the cable or tethered connection. Additional problems include tripping over the cable or tethered connection, catching the cable or tethered connection on furniture, cut cables or tethered connections and worn out cable connections. 
   The same can be said for a telecommunications system that uses a cellular telephone, tethered to a portable computer, to transmit data.  FIG. 4  illustrates a portable telephone  16  (cellular in the present case) having an external interface  34  that facilitates external electrical access to portable telephone  16 .  FIG. 5  illustrates an exposed side view of portable telephone  16 . External interface  34  provides external electrical access to individual or various combinations of voice signal line(s), data signal line(s), command and/or control signal line(s), etc., depending upon the design and capability of the portable telephone  16 . And while the external interface  34 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , is a fourteen contact connector on the bottom surface of portable telephone  16 , it could just as easily be located at a different location on the telephone, have fewer or more electrical contacts, or be an assortment of individual electrical contacts not part of a connector. The electrical contacts of interface  34  can be accessed individually (typically by test equipment or as a whole with a mating connector when coupling portable telephone  16  via an electrical cable  36  to another apparatus, such as a portable computer  38 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
   Thus, while the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,281 and the telecommunications system illustrated in  FIG. 6  offer partial solutions problems associated with transmitting data in a cellular telephone environment, they fail to remedy mobility and portability problems caused by a cable or tethered connection between a portable telephone and a portable computer. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a solution to the dual problems of mobility and portability associated with using a portable telephone in combination with a portable computer. The invention comprises an interface module for a portable telephone that facilitates direct portable telephone/portable computer coupling. The interface module has an external case having a first interface for directly coupling to an interface of a portable telephone and a second interface for directly coupling to an interface of a portable computer. Electrical contacts on the interface module couple with electrical contacts on the portable telephone&#39;s external interface. The interface module may further comprise guide pins for mating with corresponding guide receptacles in the portable telephone and/or attachment prongs for mating with correspondence attachment receptacles in the portable telephone. The interface module also includes electrical contacts for coupling with corresponding electrical contacts in an interface of a portable computer. 
   The interface module is dimensioned physically such that it may be attached electrically and physically to a portable telephone and must be capable of coupling to an interface located on or in a computer. In one embodiment of the invention, the interface module is dimensioned to fit within a cavity in a portable computer so as to be able to couple with an interface located within the computer (such as a cavity that otherwise accepts a battery pack—like the front loading battery pack for the Texas Instruments TM-5000 portable computer—or other device when not utilized as a portable telephone port). The interface module (and indirectly the portable telephone which is physically connected to the interface module) is physically connected to the portable computer by a latching mechanism. Physically and electrically connecting the portable telephone to the portable computer via the interface module eliminates the need for a cable or tethered connection between a portable telephone and a computer. 
   The interface module may be used in embodiments of a telecommunications system wherein a portable telephone serves as a portable computer&#39;s modem and function while coupled to computer. The interface module may also be used in embodiments of a telecommunications system wherein the portable computer (and not the portable telephone), contains the modem that is utilized for telephonic data communications. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the interface module may be used in an embodiment of a telecommunications system wherein a modem may be omitted altogether omitted when the portable telephone is designed to operate in a completely digital telephone network. An operator of the coupled portable telephone/interface module also has the option of using the portable telephone for voice transmission independently of the computer, or, when coupled to an interface on the computer, may enjoy hands free voice operation by using the portable computer&#39;s internal speaker and microphone. Some embodiments of the interface module facilitate portable telephone operation on the computers internal battery/power system while installed in the portable computer and on it&#39;s own battery (charged while in the portable computer) when used independently of the portable computer. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 7  illustrates an interface module  40  for a portable telephone  16  that facilitates direct portable telephone/portable computer coupling. The interface module has an external case  42  (manufactured out of plastic in the present embodiment of the invention) having an interface  44  for directly coupling to an external interface  34  of a portable telephone  16 . Interface  44  is illustrated as having 14 pins, but could have any number of pins  46  or other type of electrical contacts so longs as they provide a mechanism for coupling with the electrical contacts  47  of external interface  34 . Interface module  40  further comprises guide pins  48  for mating with corresponding guide receptacles  50  in portable telephone  16  and attachment prongs  52  for mating with correspondence attachment receptacles  54  in portable telephone  16 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     FIG. 9  illustrates an interface  56 , comprising electrical contacts  58 , that facilitates direct coupling of interface module  40  and an electrical interface of a portable computer. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 9 , interface  56  is on a surface of interface module  40  opposite interface  44 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a coupled portable telephone  16  and interface module  40 , generally at  60 . Attachment prongs  52  secure interface module  40  to portable telephone  16  when attachment prongs  52  engage with attachment receptacles  54 . 
   The size and thickness of the coupled portable telephone/interface module  60  can be dimensioned to make it ideally suited to fit within a cavity in a portable computer  62  (such a cavity in the Texas Instruments TM-5000 portable computer, the cavity otherwise accepting a battery pack when not being utilized as a portable telephone port). Interface  56  mates with a corresponding electrical interface within portable computer  62 . The resulting coupled portable computer/interface module/portable telephone  64  is illustrated in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 12  illustrates an enlarged view of the portable computer/interface module/portable telephone combination  64  (A portable telephone, an interface module attached to the portable telephone and Texas Instruments Inc.&#39;s TM-5000 portable computer), as shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13  illustrates the portable telephone/interface module  60  partially removed from portable computer  62 . 
   Electrical contacts  58  in interface  56  mate with corresponding electrical contacts  66  in interface  68  in portable computer  62 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 14 , electrical contacts  66  are individual curved contacts each soldered or otherwise electrically and physically connected to a circuit board  70  within the portable computer. Contacts  66  provide an electrical connection and a spring tension force against electrical contacts  58  when either portable computer/interface module/portable telephone  64  or battery  72 , illustrated in  FIG. 15 , is fully inserted within a cavity  76 , illustrated in  FIG. 16 , in portable computer  64 . The spring tension force makes removal of the interface module/portable telephone  60  or battery  72  easier when a latch within the cavity is released from latch locking bracket  74 . And while electrical contacts  58  have been shown as individual contacts being formed in the bottom of interface module  40 , and electrical contacts  66  have been shown as being curved individual contacts electrically and physically connected to a circuit board in portable computer  64 , commercially available or customized electrical connectors can be used in lieu of the electrical contacts disclosed. 
     FIG. 17  is a block diagram of one embodiment of portable computer  62 . Portable computer  62  is a color portable notebook computer based upon the Intel Pentium microprocessor. Operating speed of the Pentium is 75 Mhz internal to the processor but with a 50 Mhz external bus speed. A 50 Mhz oscillator is supplied to the ACC Microelectronics 2056 core logic chip which in turn uses this to supply the microprocessor. This 50 Mhz CPU clock is multiplied by a phase locked loop internal to the processor to achieve the 75 Mhz CPU speed. the management features of the present invention may cause the CPU clock to stop periodically to conserve power consumption which reduces CPU temperature. The processor contains 16 KB of internal cache and 256 KB of external cache on the logic board. 
   The 50 Mhz bus of the CPU is connected to a VL to PCI bridge chip from ACC microelectronics to generate the PCI bus. The bridge chip takes a 33.333 Mhz oscillator to make the PCI bus clock. The Cirrus Logic GD7542 video controller is driven from this bus and this bus has an external connector for future docking options. The GD7542 video controller is driven from this bus and this bus has an external connector for future docking options. The GD7542 video controller has a 14.318 Mhz oscillator input which is uses internally to synthesize the higher video frequencies necessary to drive an internal 10.4″ TFT panel may be operated at the same time as the external analog monitor. For Super VGA resolutions only the external CRT may be used. 
   Operation input to portable computer  62  is made through the keyboard. An internal pointing device is imbedded in the keyboard. External connections are provided for a parallel device, a serial device, a PS/2 mouse or keyboard, a VGA monitor, and the expansion bus. Internal connections are made for a Hard Disk Drive, a Floppy Disk Drive, and additional memory. Portable computer  62  contains 8 Megabytes of standard memory which may be increased by the user up to 32 Megabytes by installing optional expansion memory boards. The first memory expansion board can be obtained with either 8 or 16 Megabytes of memory. With the first expansion board installed another 8 Megabytes of memory may be attaches to this board to make the maximum amount. The two batteries  72  for portable computer  62  are Lithium Ion and have internal controllers which monitor the capacity of the battery. These controllers use a 4.19 Mhz crystal internal to the battery. 
   Portable computer  62  also has two slots for PCMCIA cards. These slots may be used with third party boards to provide various expansion options. Portable computer  62  also has an internal sound chip set which can be used to generate or record music and/or sound effects. An internal speaker and microphone built into the notebook. In addition, three audio jacks are provide for external microphones, audio input, and audio output. Block diagrams of other embodiments of portable computer  62  are illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . 
   Portable telephones are available in various sizes, shapes, functionality and costs from companies such as Motorola, Nokia and Erricson. Cellular telephones are presently the most popular type of portable telephones. A block diagram of one embodiment of a cellular telephone  16  is illustrated in  FIG. 20 . The cellular telephone of  FIG. 20  includes a transceiver  70  which transmits and/or receives voice and/or data signals in the radio frequency range by means of an antenna  72 . Voice and/or data signals transmitted by the antenna  72  are received by an antenna connected to a transceiver located in a specific cell area of a cellular telephone network (see  FIG. 3 ). The cellular telephone network transceiver is connected to the cellular land line equipment which is operative to transmit the received signal over conventional telephone lines. Voice and/or data signals from the telephone lines may also be transmitted by the cellular telephone network transceiver and a corresponding antenna back to the antenna  72  to and through the transceiver  70  of the portable telephone  16  which is connected to the transceiver by means of a cellular telephone bus  74 . 
   A cellular interface  76  renders the programming interface function of the portable telephone compatible with the cellular bus  74 . For example, with AMPS compatible cellular telephones, the cellular interface  76  would consist of an eight bit parallel I/O, port party line drivers and receivers, operational amplifiers providing differential driving and receiving analog conversion between the −20 dbV signal on the cellular bus and the defined levels required by an analog switch and condition system  78 . Cellular interfaces of this type are known, commercially available items, as exemplified by cellular interfaces sold by Motorola Corporation of Schaumberg, Ill. or Oki of Japan. 
   The analog switch and conditioning system  78  is implemented using currently known switching technology. The system may incorporate CMOS analog switches operative in response to microprocessor generated control signals to switch the state of signal processing operational amplifiers. Basically, this analog switch and condition system operates to selectively connect various components of the cellular phone to the cellular interface  76 . Microprocessor  80  provides control functions for the cellular interface  76  and analog switch and conditioning system  78  as well as for other portions of the cellular phone. Microprocessor  80  may be a conventional 8/16 bit microprocessor, such as the Intel 8088 manufactured by Intel Corporation, or a digital signal processor “DSP”, such as the TMS 320C52 manufactured by Texas Instruments Incorporated. The microprocessor includes random access (RAM), read only (ROM) memory, and flash memory storage systems which contain the control and data error programs necessary to adapt computer data for cellular telephone transmission. 
   The modem  82  may be one of a number of conventional modems used for telephone wire line transmission which has test mode capabilities for deactivating certain modem functions. A particular commercially available modem suitable of use as the modem  82  is the AMI 3530 modem manufactured by Gould Advanced Semiconductors of 3800 Hemstead Road, Santa Clara, Calif. Modems of this type, when employed for data transmission over conventional telephone lines, will disconnect immediately in response to a carrier loss. When such modems sense a channel blanked status occasioned by a carrier loss, they provide a “break bit” output and disconnect. Also, for normal use such modems include a scrambler system which assures that the data modulated signal is continuously changing, and this signal change is used by the modem PLL circuitry to provide synchronization. A non-scrambled modulated signal may be interpreted by the telephone operating equipment as a valid switch command, and this is particularly true when the modem is in the static condition. Normally this scrambler system in the modem prevents this tactic condition where loss of synchronization by the PLL or the interpretation of the static signal as a switch command is most likely to occur. However, modems such as the AMI 3530 incorporate a test mode of operation wherein the modem is prevented from disconnecting in response to carrier loss and wherein the modem scrambler can be deactivated or defeated. Normally, such modems would be incapable of effective operation in this test mode, but it is the availability of this test mode that renders modems of this type suitable for use as the modem  82 . 
   The data stream from the microprocessor  80 , including error correction data from the microprocessor, is transmitted by the modem  82  through the analog switch  78  and cellular interface  76  to the transceiver  70 . This data is then transmitted as a radio frequency signal by the antenna  72  to an antenna connected to a transceiver located in a specific cell area of a cellular telephone network (see  FIG. 3 ). The cellular telephone network transceiver is connected to the cellular land line equipment which is operative to transmit the received signal over conventional telephone lines. Data signals from the telephone lines may also be transmitted by the cellular telephone network transceiver and a corresponding antenna back to the antenna  72  to and through the transceiver  70  of the portable telephone  16  which is connected to the transceiver by means of a cellular telephone bus  74 . 
   A serial data stream may be provided to the microprocessor  80  from an external computer  62 , and from the microprocessor  80  to an external computer  62 , by means of an interface module  40 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Interface module  40  will be described later in more detail. 
   Another embodiment of portable telephone  16  is illustrated in  FIG. 22 . A modem  64  is omitted in this embodiment of portable telephone  16  and is instead located in the computer  62  to which it may be coupled, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . The modem  64  located in the computer may also be one of a number of conventional modems used for telephone wire line transmission which has test mode capabilities for deactivating certain modem functions. The modem may be a separate board that is inserted into the portable computer as an integral part of the computer (as in the case of the Texas Instruments TM-4000E portable computer), or as part of a card insertable into the PCMCIA card slot in the portable computer (as in the case of the Texas Instruments TM-5000 portable computer). One modem suitable for use as modem  64  in devices having an internal modem option is the AMI 3530 modem manufactured by Gould Advanced Semiconductors of 3800 Hemstead Road, Santa Clara, Calif. As an example, the TM-4000E portable computer manufactured by Texas Instruments, Inc., has an internal modem (optional). The TM-5000 portable computer, on the other hand, does not. The TM-5000 can be modified for this modem function by using a PCMCIA modem card (such as the XJ2288 PCMCIA card available from Megahertz) and modifying it so that analog line connections are routed back into the notebook computer. Alternatively, the TM-5000 can be modified to contain an internal modem. Other suitable modems are commercially available. Modems of this type, when employed for data transmission over conventional telephone lines, will disconnect immediately in response to a carrier loss. When such modems sense a channel blanked status occasioned by a carrier loss, they provide a “break bit” output and disconnect. Also, for normal use such modems include a scrambler system which assures that the data modulated signal is continuously changing, and this signal change is used by the modem PLL circuitry to provide synchronization. A non-scrambled modulated signal may be interpreted by the telephone operating equipment as a valid switch command, and this is particularly true when the modem is in the static condition. Normally this scrambler system in the modem prevents this tactic condition where loss of synchronization by the PLL or the interpretation of the static signal as a switch command is most likely to occur. However, modems such as the AMI 3530 or modified Megahertz PCMCIA modem card incorporate a test mode of operation wherein the modem is prevented from disconnecting in response to carrier loss and wherein the modem scrambler can be deactivated or defeated. Normally, such modems would be incapable of effective operation in this test mode, but it is the availability of this test mode that renders modems of this type suitable for use as the modem  64 . 
   The data stream from the microprocessor in the computer, including error correction data from the microprocessor, is sent from modem  64  via interface  68  and interface module  40  and through interface  34  to modem  64 , through analog switch  56  and cellular interface  52  to the transceiver  36 . This data is then transmitted as a radio frequency signal by the antenna  38  to the antenna  40 , where it is converted by a transceiver and cellular land line equipment to a signal suitable for transmission over conventional telephone lines. 
   Yet another embodiment of a portable telephone  16  is illustrated in  FIG. 24 . This embodiment of a portable telephone utilizes digital transmitting/receiving radio frequency communication in contrast to the analog transmitting/receiving radio frequency communication of the previous embodiments of portable telephone  16 . The modem may be omitted when telephone  16  is to be used in a completely digital telephone network. 
   In the digital embodiment of the invention, illustrated in  FIG. 25 , data is sent directly from portable computer  62  through interface  68 , interface module  40  and interface  34 , and to microprocessor  80 . A data stream from the microprocessor  80 , including error correction data from the microprocessor, is sent via digital/analog converter  100  which converts digital to analog and analog to digital, and cellular interface  76  to the transceiver  70 . This data is then transmitted as a radio frequency signal by the antenna  72  to an antenna where it is converted by a transceiver and cellular land line equipment to a signal suitable for transmission over conventional telephone lines. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 26 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling the portable telephone to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 27 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 28 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 29 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 30 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 31 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 32 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 34 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; one signal line (voice input and output) for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 35 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 36 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; one signal line (voice input and output) for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 37 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 38 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; one signal line (voice input and output) for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 39 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 40 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; one signal line (voice input and output) for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 41 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention, illustrated in  FIG. 42 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 43 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 44 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 45 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 46 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 47 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 48 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 49 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 50 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); input and output command channel leads, a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and at least two input/output leads coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 51 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 52 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 53 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 54 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 55 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 56 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 57 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 58 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 59 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 60 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice input and output for operating in bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 61 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 62 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); and input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 63 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 64 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 65 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 66 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads, at least two input/output voice leads (input and output), a command channel lead (input/output) and a lead line for receiving a keyboard controller signal, to corresponding electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 67 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 68 ; interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads, at least two input/output voice leads (input and output), a command channel lead (input/output) and a lead line for receiving a keyboard controller signal, to corresponding electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 69 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention in  FIG. 70 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for changing the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; an analog ground lead line; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 71 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 72 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; an analog ground lead line; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 73 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 74 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two signal lines (voice/data input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling the portable telephone to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 75 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 76 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two signal lines (voice/data input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 77 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 78 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two signal lines (voice/data input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 79 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 80 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two signal lines (voice/data input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 81 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 82 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; one signal line (voice/data input and output) for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 83 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 84 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; one signal line (voice/data input and output) for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 85 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 86 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; one signal line (voice input and output) for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 87 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 88  interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; one signal line (voice/data input and output) for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 89 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention, illustrated in  FIG. 90 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two signal lines (voice/data input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 91 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 92 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two signal lines (voice input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 93 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 94 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two signal lines (voice/data input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 95 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 96 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two signal lines (voice/data input and output) for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 97 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 98 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice/data input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); input and output command channel leads, a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and at least two input/output leads coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 99 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 100 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice/data input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 101 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 102 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice/data input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 103 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 104 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice/data input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 105 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads may be omitted in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 106 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice/data input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 107 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 108 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice/data input and output for operating in bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 109 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 110 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice/data input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); and input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 111 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 112 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice/data input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 113 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 114 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice/data input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads, at least two input/output voice leads (input and output), a command channel lead (input/output) and a lead line for receiving a keyboard controller signal, to corresponding electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 115 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 116 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice/data input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads, at least two input/output voice leads (input and output), a command channel lead (input/output) and a lead line for receiving a keyboard controller signal, to corresponding electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 117 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention in  FIG. 118 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for changing the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice/data input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; an analog ground lead line; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 119 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 120 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; an analog ground lead line; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts  46  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  47  in portable telephone  16  and electrical contacts  58  for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 121 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 122 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two voice input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; two data input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 123 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 124 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two voice input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; two data input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 125 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 126 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two voice input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; two data input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 127 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 128 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two voice input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; two data input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 129 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads are not necessary in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 130 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; one voice input and output signal line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode and one data input and output signal line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 131 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 132 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; one voice input and output signal line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode and one data input and output signal line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 133 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads are not necessary in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 134 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; one voice input and output signal line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode and one data input and output signal line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 135 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 136 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; one voice input and output signal line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode and one data input and output signal line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 137 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads are not necessary in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention, illustrated in  FIG. 138 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two voice input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; two data input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 139 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 140 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two voice input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; two data input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having one input/output command channel lead line for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 141 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads are not necessary in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 142 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two voice input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; two data input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 143 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 144 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two voice input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; two data input and output signal lines for full duplex mode; a microcontroller having input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the leads to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 145 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 146 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (data input and output) to the digital signal processor; input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and at least two input/output leads coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 147 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 148 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (data input and output) to the digital signal processor; input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and at least two input/output leads coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 149 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 150 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (data input and output) to the digital signal processor; input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and at least two input/output leads coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 151 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 152 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a digital signal processor (DSP); two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (data input and output) to the digital signal processor; input and output command channel leads; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and at least two input/output leads coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 153 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. Power leads are not necessary in embodiments of the invention where computer charging of the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) is not desired. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 154 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (data input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and the input/output lead coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 155 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 156 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (data input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and the input/output lead coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 157 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 158 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (data input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and the input/output lead coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 159 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 160 , interface module  40  comprises: an analog ground lead line; a ground/reference signal line; a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (voice input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); a codex circuit for coupling a signal line (data input and output for operating in a bi-directional half duplex mode) to a digital signal processor (DSP); an input and output command channel lead; a signal line (optional) for coupling to an antenna integrated in the computer; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads and the input/output lead coupled to the DSP, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 161 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 162 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (data input and output) to the microcontroller DSP; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads, at least two input/output voice leads (input and output), a command channel lead (input/output) and a lead line for receiving a keyboard controller signal, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 163 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 164 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (data input and output) to the microcontroller DSP; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads, at least two input/output voice leads (input and output), a command channel lead (input/output) and a lead line for receiving a keyboard controller signal, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  164 , as illustrated in  FIG. 165 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 166 , interface module  40  comprises: power leads for charging the portable telephone&#39;s battery(s) while connected to the computer; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (data input and output) to the microcontroller DSP; an analog ground lead line; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads, at least two input/output voice leads (input and output), a command channel lead (input/output) and a lead line for receiving a keyboard controller signal, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 167 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 168 , interface module  40  comprises: a ground/reference signal line; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (voice input and output) to a microcontroller DSP; two codex circuits for coupling two signal lines (data input and output) to the microcontroller DSP; an analog ground lead line; transmit, receive and control internal/external audio signal lines coupled to the microcontroller DSP; and electrical contacts for coupling the power leads, at least two input/output voice leads (input and output), a command channel lead (input/output) and a lead line for receiving a keyboard controller signal, to corresponding electrical contacts  66  in portable computer  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 169 . In this case the power for the interface module is provided by the power source in the portable phone. 
   It should be noted that while specific key layouts of interface modules, portable telephones and portable computer have been shown herein, the preferred embodiments illustrated could have many different key layouts, as would be known to one skilled in the art. This is particularly true in the present case since there are many different manufacturers of portable telephones and computers, none of which are completely uniform in function or capability with the function and capability of competing products. As an example, it is presently unlikely that cellular telephones manufactured by two different companies will have an interface (if at all), at the same location on their respective telephones and having the same interface  44  having the same number and type of pins  46 . Similarly, the interfaces  68  on portable computers vary in type, function, location and number of pins, depending upon the age, capabilities and manufacturer of the portable computer. 
   The interface module of the present invention provides portable telephone and/or computer manufacturers an efficient and cost effective method of directly coupling different types and/or models of portable telephones to different types and/or models of computers. The mechanical and electrical design of the interface module ultimately used will depend on such factors as the types of interfaces  34  and  68  located in the portable telephone and portable computer, respectively, the coupling type used, if any, the number of pins used, the functionality of the portable computer and the functionality of the portable telephone to be utilized, etc. The invention encompasses any modifications or alternative embodiments that fall within the scope of the Claims.