Abstract:
A single storage device includes both a data storage unit and a power supply. The storage device is adapted to connect to a portable device to which data is sent and/or from which data is received, such as a digital camera or a personal digital assistant. The storage device preferably provides primary power to the portable device to which it is connected. A reader is provided for connecting to the storage device and reading data from and/or transmitting data to the data storage unit of the storage device. The reader is also adapted to recharge the power supply of the storage device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to data storage and power supply accessories for devices that process data, including but not limited to, digital cameras and personal digital assistants. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable digital devices such as digital cameras and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have revolutionized the capture of information and its movement across the Internet. Digital cameras capture images in extremely high resolution and store those images in a format that can be rapidly transferred without degrading quality. PDAs provide access to a palm size computer to perform simple tasks, such as storing phone numbers, as well as more complicated tasks, such as logging onto the Internet and downloading files from remote processors. 
     The extraordinary ability of these portable devices to process information comes at the price of significant power and memory consumption. The problem of power consumption is more apparent with digital cameras than PDAs. Digital cameras often use a flash. Digital cameras typically also consume significant computing power, hence significant electrical power, to process data-heavy images. When a digital camera or PDA exhausts its power-source, the user must replace or replenish the power source in order to continue operating the portable device. Some portable devices may be recharged, but many digital cameras and PDAs still require batteries that cannot be recharged. Thus, users must frequently locate and purchase new batteries for the portable device. 
     Some portable devices use interchangeable memory storage devices such as flash memory or removable hard disks to store data collected by those portable devices. However, one byproduct of such removable memory is that the batteries for the portable device are frequently depleted before the removable memory storage device is filled. Such depletion is inconvenient for the user and can interfere with his or her use of the portable digital device. Further, the need to switch batteries as well as memory storage devices leads to the need to have a number of different storage media on hand, and the concomitant need for some kind of organizer or the like to ensure that those media are accessible and that they are not lost. Such a need to carry storage media and media organizers obviates the convenience of the portable digital device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to data storage and power supply accessories for devices that process data, including, but not limited to, digital cameras and PDAs. 
     In one aspect of a preferred embodiment, a storage device includes both a data storage unit and a power supply. The data storage unit of the storage device is adapted to connect to a device to which data is sent and/or from which data is received, such as a digital camera or PDA. The power supply of the storage device provides primary power to the device to which it is connected. By combining the data storage unit and the power supply, battery replacement is obviated, and downtime of the device is reduced. 
     In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, a reader is provided for connecting to the storage device and reading data from and/or transmitting data to the data storage unit of the storage device. The reader is also adapted to recharge the power supply of the storage device. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings illustrate the design and utility of preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which similar elements are referred to with common reference numerals. 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a storage device. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a reader with the storage device connected to it, wherein the storage device is shown schematically by dashed lines for clarity. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a reader with a wireless data and power interface. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a reader containing a slot for accepting a storage device. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, data storage capacity and power storage capacity are combined in a single storage device for portable devices that process data, including but not limited to, digital cameras, PDAs, wireless telephones, and laptop computers. 
     FIG. 1 shows a storage embodiment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage device is a chip card  50  with a rechargeable battery pack. The chip card  50  includes a body  54 , a data interface  58 , a power interface  62 , a power supply  66 , and a data storage unit  68  that includes memory for storing information. The body  54  is preferably constructed of PVC or other plastic, but may be constructed of other materials such as metal or the like. In preferred embodiments, the body  54  is molded into a shape that encloses the internal components of the chip card  50  and accommodates use of the storage device with a portable device such as a digital camera, PDA, wireless telephone, or laptop computer. In the illustrated embodiment, the body  54  is shaped in the form of a thin card. However, the configuration of the body  54  is not critical, and the body  54  of the storage device may take a variety of shapes, such as a cartridge, rod, or non-symmetrical shape. 
     The data storage unit  68  within the chip card  50  preferably includes rewriteable memory for data storage, which is more convenient and cost effective for users. Examples of rewriteable memory include, but are not limited to, SRAM, DRAM and EEPROM memory, which are standard in the art. The data storage unit  68  preferably also includes circuitry for operating the memory and for interfacing with the portable device via the data interface  58  and the power interface  62 . 
     The data interface  58  is connected to the data storage unit  68 . The outer surface of the data interface  58  is preferably substantially flush with the surface of the body  54  of the chip card  50 . However, other configurations of the data interface  58  are possible. When the chip card  50  is inserted into a portable device (not shown), the data interface  58  preferably comes into contact with the portable device such that the portable device and the chip card  50  can exchange information. While the data interface  58  is preferably an electrical contact, the data interface  58  may also be contactless. In another embodiment, a physical contact is not provided, and the data interface  58  may provide communication between the chip card  50  and the portable device by wireless signals, including but not limited to, radio frequency (RF) signals, optical signals such as infrared signals, signals over a PCS or cellular telephone transmission, or capacitive and inductive coupled signals. Further, the data interface  58  may be an optical contact rather than an electrical contact. 
     The power supply  66  is preferably a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery. However, any other suitable power source may be used, such as a conventional non-rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell. Additionally, the power supply  66  may include a number of separate batteries or other power sources, connected serially, in parallel, or in another configuration. Further, the power supply  66  preferably stores enough power to allow a user sufficient operating time to fill the memory of the chip card  50  in applications where the chip card  50  is used to collect data. For example, if the chip card  50  stores fifty digital images for a digital camera, and an average user spends four hours operating the camera to take fifty images, the power supply  66  stores at least four hours worth of power. If the chip card  50  is used to replay data rather than collect data, the capacity of the power supply  66  is chosen to support the use of the data card  50  for a reasonable period of time. As another example, if the chip card  50  stores a number of digital music files, the power supply  66  may be adapted to store enough power to replay those files at a normal volume for at least ten hours. 
     The power interface  62  is connected to the power supply  66 , which provides power to the portable device into which the chip card  50  is inserted or connected. When the chip card  50  is connected to the portable device, the power interface  62  makes an electrical connection with a corresponding power terminal (not shown) on the portable device. The power interface  62  may be an electrical or optical contact with the portable device, or a wireless interface, such as a capacitive and an inductive coupled signal, as described above. Because the power interface  62  also connects to the power supply  66 , the power interface  62  provides primary power to the portable device when the chip card  50  is inserted into or connected to the portable device. In other words, the chip card  50  provides the main source of power consumed by the portable device. Thus, the portable device may also utilize a secondary power source, such as a battery, which maintains certain data functions of the portable device. For example, the secondary power source may maintain a clock and user settings on the portable device. However, the chip card  50  preferably provides the bulk of the power consumed by the portable device. If the portable device is a digital camera, the chip card  50  as the primary power source preferably provides power to a flash, a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, and the computer components used to capture and process an image—that is, all of the components required to take a digital photograph—on the digital camera. The secondary power source may, for example, power a clock within the digital camera so that removing the memory chip card  50 , i.e., the primary power source, does not cause the digital camera to lose date or time information. However, the secondary power source is optional and may be omitted. The power supply  66  in the chip card  50  also preferably powers the chip card  50  itself. 
     The chip card  50  may optionally include a display  70  which shows a measure of the utilized or available memory in the chip card  50 . When the chip card  50  is used with a digital camera, the display  70  may indicate the number of photos left that the data storage unit  68  can accommodate or the number of photographic images stored within the chip card  50 . The chip card  50  may also include a switch, or accept input from the portable device with which the chip card  50  is used, which a user may utilize to switch the display  70  between a setting where the space remaining in storage is shown and a setting where the space filled with data is shown. Preferably, the display  70  is an LCD film that maintains an image, when the power is disconnected. In this way, the chip card  50  can extend the power supply  66  by not requiring power to continue maintaining the information on the display  70 . The display  70  may also include a back light powered by the power supply  66 , such that a user may see the display  70  in low light conditions. In another embodiment, the display  70  is adapted to show an image or other data stored within the chip card  50  at the request of the user. 
     In addition to or instead of the display  70 , the chip card  50  may optionally include a speaker  72  that produces an audible signal, depending on the amount of memory left on the chip card  50 . For example, in the case of a digital camera used with the chip card  50 , the speaker  72  may produce a sound when only three pictures remain on the chip card  50 . This would help avoid a mistake where a user wanted to take a series of pictures, but was unaware that the chip card  50  memory had been filled. Once the user hears the signal, the user may swap the chip card  50  for another chip card  50  or instead may overwrite the images stored on the chip card  50 . The chip card  50  need not itself provide any information to the user regarding its storage capacity, but instead may provide data related to its available memory to the portable device in which the chip card  50  is used. The portable device itself may display the available memory to the user, or may simply utilize that information internally, if at all. 
     The chip card  50  may also optionally include a write-protect switch  69 . A user may protect information stored on the chip card  50  by engaging switch  69 , thereby preventing the portable device from overwriting the information stored on the chip card  50 . The switch  69  may also be disengaged, thus allowing the portable device to overwrite the information stored on the chip card  50 . The switch  69  may implement the write-protection function mechanically or electronically. In one embodiment, the switch  69  is mechanical, such that the portable device includes a mechanism for detecting the position of the switch  69  and thus enabling or disabling write operations based on the position of the switch  69 . In another embodiment, the switch  69  may electronically disconnect the memory within the data storage unit  68  to prevent data stored within the memory from being overwritten by the portable device. 
     The body  54  of the chip card  50  is shaped in such a way as to detachably connect to the portable device (not shown), such as a digital camera or a PDA. The portable device may include a slot into which a chip card  50  may be inserted, bringing the data interface  58  and the power interface  62  into contact with corresponding contacts in the portable device. While the chip card  50  is in communication with the portable device, the chip card  50  is adapted to provide primary power to the portable device. As the user operates the portable device and generates information, that information may be transferred through the data interface  58  and stored on the chip card  50 . If the data interface  58  and/or the power interface  62  are wireless, the chip card  50  need not be placed in direct physical contact with the portable device, but may instead be placed in sufficient proximity to the portable device to allow power and data to be transmitted as described above. 
     FIG. 2 shows a reader  100  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The reader  100  is adapted to transmit data to and receive data from the chip card  50 . The reader  100  includes a body  104 , a first power connector  108 , a first data connector  112 , and a reader power supply  128 . In one embodiment, the reader  100  is adapted to physically receive the chip card  50 , and the first power connector  108  and the first data connector  112  are positioned on the reader  100  to correspond to the positions of the data interface  58  and the power interface  62  on the chip card  50 . The first power connector  108  is adapted to connect to the power interface  62  and transfer power to the chip card  50  via the power interface  62 . The first power connector  108  is electrically connected to a second power connector  124 , which in turn is connected to the reader power supply  128 . The reader power supply  128  preferably includes a transformer adapted for connection to a standard AC power socket as in a residence or business. The reader power supply  128  may also include a regulator and/or a charge controller, as well as other hardware adapted to convert standard AC power to a form useful for transmission to the chip card  50 . However, the reader power supply  128  may be a transformer or a direct connection attached to a DC power source, such as a cigarette lighter in an automobile. Power supplies  128  for both AC and DC power are standard and commercially available. 
     The first data connector  112  is adapted to connect to the data interface  58  on the chip card  50  and transfer data between the reader  100  and the chip card  50 . In one embodiment, the first data connector  112  is electrically connected to a second data connector  116 , which in turn connects to an external device  120 , such as a computer, a data storage device, or a communications network. In this embodiment, the reader  100  acts as a pass-through device, wherein data is transferred between the external device  120  and the chip card  50  at the control of the external device  120  or the chip card  50 , the reader  100  acting primarily as an adapter for receiving the chip card  50 . 
     In another embodiment, the reader  100  may also include an information handling unit (not shown) capable of directing the transfer of data to and from the reader  100 . The information handling unit may also be capable of storing data for transfer to or from the chip card  50 . In this embodiment, the reader  100  may be used as a standalone device for transferring data to and from the chip card  50 . The information handling unit preferably includes or is connected to one or more memory chips or other memory storage structures, such as SRAMs, DRAMs or EEPROMs, or a disk drive. The information handling unit also may be used in applications where the reader  100  is connected at least intermittently to an external device  120  via a second data connector  116 , in which case the information handling unit may be used as a memory buffer, or may serve another function useful in the transfer of data to or from the chip card  50 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, the chip card  50  is illustrated with a dashed line so as not to obscure the operable components of the reader  100 . The body  104  may include a lip  132  that secures a chip card  50  when the chip card  50  is placed on a top bed  136  of the body  104 . A portion of the chip card  50  may be placed underneath the lip  132  and rotated down towards the top bed  136  of the body  104 . Alternatively, the chip card  50  may be slid along the surface of the top bed  136  until a portion of the chip card  50  comes to rest underneath the lip  132 . Once the chip card  50  is on the top bed  136 , the first power connector  108  and the first data connector  112  come into contact with the data interface  58  and power interface  62  of the chip card  50 . The reader  100  then may supply recharging power from the reader power supply  128  to the chip card  50  through the first and second power connectors  108  and  124 . 
     The reader  100  may also include a light  138  or other indicator or display associated with the transfer of data to or from the reader  100 . The light  138  is preferably a light emitting diode (LED), but may also be an incandescent or fluorescent bulb, or any other suitable illumination device. After the reader  100  retrieves all of the information from the chip card  50 , the light  138  illuminates, indicating that all of the information has been retrieved from the chip card  50 . In an embodiment in which the reader  100  is connected to an external device  120  via a second data connector  116 , the light  138  is preferably controlled by the external device  120 , and is preferably connected to the external device  120  via the second data connector  116  or a bus or other electrical wiring connected to the second data connector  116 . In this way, the external device  120  monitors the status of a data transfer operation and activates the light  138  when it is complete. In an embodiment in which the reader  100  includes an information handling unit, the light  138  preferably is electrically connected to the information handling unit, which monitors the status of a data transfer operation and activates the light  138  when it is complete. 
     The reader  100  may further include another light  139  to indicate that the chip card  50  has been fully charged. The light  139  is preferably an LED, but may also be an incandescent or fluorescent bulb, or any other suitable illumination device. In one embodiment, the light  139  is connected to the reader power supply  128 . In this embodiment, circuitry associated with the reader power supply  128  controls the light  139 , such that the light  139  is switched on when power substantially ceases flowing from the reader power supply  128  to the chip card  50 . In another embodiment, the external device  120  monitors the flow of power from the reader power supply  128  to the chip card  150  and is electrically connected to the light  139  via the second data connector  116 . In this embodiment, the external device  120  activates the light  139  when the chip card  50  has been fully charged. 
     In other embodiments, both lights  138  and  139  may be integrated into a single light that illuminates when both data retrieval and power recharging are complete. In further embodiments, a sound source (not shown) such as a speaker or piezoelectric device may be used in conjunction with, or in lieu of, the lights  138  and  139 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, a wireless reader  140  is shown, in which the wireless reader  140  has a wireless power and data interface with a chip card  50 . This embodiment operates in the same manner as the embodiment described above in regard to FIG.  2 . The wireless reader  140  may function in conjunction with an external device  120  through a second data connector  116 , or as a standalone reader  100  having an information handling unit. The chip card  50  which is utilized with the wireless reader  140  has components adapted for wireless data and/or power transfer. The chip card  50  preferably need not be placed in direct physical contact with the wireless reader  140  for data and power transfer to occur. For convenience, the chip card  50  may be placed on top of the wireless reader  140 . Operation of the wireless reader  140  preferably is handled in the same manner as the reader  100 , with the only difference preferably being the use of a wireless data interface  58  and/or power interface  62  in the chip card  50 , in conjunction with a corresponding wireless first power connector  108  and first data connector  112 . The wireless transmission of data and/or power is handled as described above. 
     Another configuration for a reader  144  is depicted in FIG.  4 . This embodiment of the reader  144  contains a slot  148  into which the chip card  50  may be inserted. Within the slot  148 , the reader  144  contains the necessary contacts to retrieve information from the chip card  50  and supply power to the chip card  50 . The reader  144  of this embodiment preferably operates in a manner similarly to the reader  100  described above. 
     A preferred data and power storage device, and many of its attendant advantages, has thus been disclosed. It will be apparent, however, that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the forms hereinbefore described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof. Therefore, the invention is not to be restricted or limited except in accordance with the following claims and their legal equivalents.