Abstract:
A customizable portable computer system comprising a portable computer chassis. A door is detachably attached to the chassis so as to substantially cover an aperture through a wall of the chassis. The door is operable to support an electronic module. The portable computer system also comprises a cable having a first end that is coupled to the computer system and a second end that is accessible through the aperture and operable to couple to the electronic module.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Portable computer systems are available with many different electronic modules, such as communication and security modules, as optional accessories. Many of these optional electronic modules are often only available as factory installed accessories, which results in manufacturing and assembly processes that have to be able to supply a variety of system configurations. The supply of a variety of system configurations from a single production line can result in a complex ordering, manufacturing, and logistics system that has to ensure that the customized system for a particular customer is delivered to that customer. 
     These factory-installed modules may also limit customer flexibility. For example, most factory-installed modules are permanently installed and can not be moved between different systems. Similarly, upgrading an existing system to incorporate modules with different functions or upgraded features may also be difficult, or impossible, with factory installed optional modules. Therefore, as can be appreciated, there is a need for a portable computer system that can be easily customized with optional electronic modules. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The problems noted above are solved in large part by a customizable portable computer system comprising a portable computer chassis. A door is detachably attached to the chassis so as to substantially cover an aperture through a wall of the chassis. The door is operable to support an electronic module. The portable computer system also comprises a cable having a first end that is coupled to the computer system and a second end that is accessible through the aperture and operable to couple to the electronic module. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an exploded perspective partial view of a portable computer system in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective partial view of the portable computer system of  FIG. 1  showing a partially installed electronic module; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective partial view of the portable computer system of  FIG. 1  showing electronic module coupled to the computer system; and 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective partial view of the portable computer system of  FIG. 1  showing an installed electronic module. 
     
    
    
     NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, computer companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct electrical connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct electrical connection, or through an indirect electrical connection via other devices and connections. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the invention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a customizable portable computer assembly  10  is shown comprising main chassis  12 , display  14 , and door  20 , which interfaces with portal  22 . Electronic module assembly  16  comprises electronic module  18  and mounting screws  30 . Module  18  comprises connector  24 , which interfaces with plug  26 , to provide communication with computer assembly  10  via cable  28 . Module  18  mounts to door  20  via mounting screws  30  connecting with threaded mounts  32  on door  20 . Door  20  is aligned with portal  22  by tabs  38  and attached to chassis  12  via screw  34 , which is held on the door by retainer  36 . 
     To install module  18  into assembly  10 , the module is attached to door  18 . Referring now to  FIG. 2 , module  18  is shown attached to door  20  via mounting screws  30 . Screw  34  is held by retainer  36  such that the screw remains connected to door  20  even when not attached to chassis  12 . Connector  26  interfaces with module  18  to provide communication with the computer system via cable  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Module  18  may also be attached to door  20  via other mechanical attachment systems, such as pins, latches, and clips. 
     Once module  18  is attached to door  20  and connector  26 , the door can be connected to chassis  12 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . With door  20  attached to chassis  12 , module  18  is enclosed within the chassis. Module  18  is positioned relative to chassis  12  by door  20 . Module  18  is coupled to computer system  10  by cable  28 . This configuration of attachment and coupling provides a flexible installation scheme that does not require tight tolerances on the manufacturing of module  18  or chassis  12 . 
     Door  20  may be constructed of injection molded plastic or any other suitable material. Tabs  38  align door  20  to chassis  12  and enable the single screw  34  to attach the door to the chassis. Door  20  may be configured such that, when installed, door  20  appears to be integral to chassis  12 , without any protruding features or significant interruptions in the surface of the chassis. Screw  34  is held by retainer  36  such that the screw can not be lost. Door  20  may also be attached to chassis  12  by other mechanical connectors, such as spring loaded latches, slide latches, and multiple screws. 
     Cable  28  and plug  26  may be a pin-type connector providing power and two-way communication between the computer system and module  18 . Cable  28  extends far enough from chassis  12  to allow access for manual engagement of plug  26  and connector  24 . The other end of cable  28  is coupled to the system board of the computer. 
     Module  18  may be any cable-connectable electronic module for use with computer assembly  10 . For example, module  18  may be a Bluetooth communications module such as Hewlett-Packard Part No. 348276-001. Other cable-connectable communication modules, such as a modem or an infrared module, may also be used. Cable-connectable security modules may also be used. Module  18  may be keyed such that it can only be installed onto door  20  in one orientation to prevent improper installation. 
     One exemplary electronic module is a Bluetooth communications module. The integration of Bluetooth modules into portable computer systems has proved problematic because of previous needs to have the antenna on the outside of the system. One Bluetooth module produced by Hewlett-Packard (P/N 348276-001) enables the module to be housed within the portable computer chassis and is equipped with an integral antenna that is specifically tuned to be placed flat against a piece of plastic. The integral antenna of the Bluetooth module is designed and tuned so as to properly operate when disposed at a set distance from a flat, plastic surface. The antenna interacts with the plastic surface to send and receive signals. Thus, in order to operate properly the Bluetooth module must be tightly attached parallel to a flat surface at a set distance. 
     Providing the removable door assembly, as shown in  FIG. 1 , provides an alternate arrangement that allows the user to install the Bluetooth module  18  after delivery. Door  20  can be constructed of a suitable injection-molded plastic. Mounting screws  30  and mounts  32  provide tight attachment of door  20  and module  18  at the set offset distance. The portable computer system  10  could be delivered with the injection-molded plastic door  20  installed to effectively act as a cosmetic cover substantially covering aperture  22  in chassis  12 . System  10  also ships with cable  28  and plug  26  installed and retained behind door  20 . 
     The Bluetooth module can be provided as an accessory including module  18  and mounting screws  30 . Screw  34  is loosened to remove door  18  from chassis  12 , opening aperture  22 . Screw  34  is captured in door  18  by retainer  36  so that it is not easily lost. Module  18  is keyed to door  18  so that it only installs in one orientation and the integral antenna is placed in the proper relationship with the door. Module  18  is then affixed to door  18  by mounting screws  30 . Plug  26  is then coupled to connector  24 . Plug  26  and connector  24  may be keyed so as to allow for easy, foolproof insertion. 
     Door  20 , supporting module  18 , may then be reattached to chassis  12 . Tabs  38  align door  20  and aperture  22 . Screw  34  is tightened to securely attach door  20  to chassis  18 . Once attached, door  20  substantially covers aperture  22  and may provide a relatively uninterrupted surface for the outside of chassis  12 . Bluetooth module  18  is now fully coupled to portable computer system  10  and the system is ready for software installation. 
     Having a cable-connectable module allows for flexibility in configuration and construction of the portable computer systems. A large number of systems can be built to standardized specifications and individual users can easily add desired modules after receiving their systems. Because a standardized system can be built, manufacturing costs can be reduced and inventory tracking can be simplified. An easily installed module also gives users the option to upgrade and interchange modules as needed to provide desired functionality. 
     By attaching the module to the door the module only interfaces with the computer system via the cable and provides a loose alignment to the other system boards and the chassis. The module is fixed relative to the door in order to provide a stable attachment, which may be useful in certain applications. Many existing products having user installable components utilize connectors fixed to the system boards of the computer and associated alignment mechanisms to ensure the installable components properly engage the connectors. By eliminating the hard alignment of fixed connectors and their alignment mechanisms, cable-connectable modules allow for looser manufacturing tolerances and more flexible packaging design. 
     The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the size of the door and aperture may be selected so as to support installation of a variety of cable-connectable modules of any desired size. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.