Patent Publication Number: US-2016233707-A1

Title: Power Adapter with Charging Data Display

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62112874 filed Feb. 6, 2015 and entitled Power Adapter with Charging Data Display, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a power adapter with charging data display. More so, a power adapter with charging data display connects to a power source to provide power to a battery in a communication device, and through detection of the current and voltage applied to the battery, displays a power transfer rate, an estimated recharge time, and a completed charge time for the battery. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     It is known that a recharging is a process to restore power or charge to a power storage device, such as a battery. The recharger is a device used to put energy into a secondary cell or rechargeable battery by forcing an electric current through it. A power adapter 
     Typically, electrical devices are in abundance in everyday life. These range from small, handheld entertainment devices to operational necessities, such as computers, copiers, printers and the like. All require periodic or continuous attachment to a power source through a wall outlet. 
     One common solution to the above is extension cords. These are usually constructed as an elongate cord of predetermined, fixed length having an adapter end with one or more sockets. While useful, the typical extension cord limits how far one can extend the power cord, and creates a potential hazard due to unintentional tangling of the cord. 
     Another common solution includes power strips having a plurality of receptacles. These usually implement a protective power surge mechanism. These are also useful, since they provide the convenience of multiple, additional outlets and added protection features. However, most do not have different socket configurations for different types of electrical devices, or a means of controlling power to individual sockets, especially at a time when energy conservation is a worldwide concern. 
     However, most electrical devices require a battery and the battery is rechargeable in one way or the other. For example, many electrical devices are equipped with rechargeable batteries and are available with matching battery recharger units. The electrical device batteries can be recharged rather than disposed of when their energy has been depleted, thus reducing expenditures for batteries. 
     Generally, rechargeable batteries are used in a variety of portable electrical devices, including laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, digital media players, cameras, etc. The rechargeable battery in such devices is typically charged using power supplied from a power adapter connected to an external power source. The power adapter may also be configured to provide power to run the device, in conjunction with charging the internal battery. 
     Often, the power adapter is uniquely adapted to accept a particular electrical device and to make the necessary electrical connections with the electrical device to recharge the batteries while they are still in the electrical device. Also, if the electrical device is infrequently used, it can be stored with its batteries kept at full charge. The user simply plugs the electrical device into the recharger between uses. 
     Typically, for proper recharging of such systems, the electrical device and power adapter must mate together in a secure electrical connection. Therefore, most conventional recharger units must be securely attached to a mounting surface so the electrical connection can be made when the electrical device is attached and detached. The need for a secure mounting reduces the mobility of the electrical device because the recharger cannot be easily transported. 
     For example, a power adapter and other similar recharger units are frequently mounted to a wall or to a secure bracket in a car or truck. If the electrical device is needed at a different location, the power adapter must be left behind or an additional power adapter must be obtained. The electrical device can run out of charge while it is being used at the different location if no other power adapter or recharger is available. In addition, once the electrical device batteries run out of charges, the electrical device must be plugged back into the power adapter and cannot be used. 
     Other proposals have involved recharging batteries and electrical devices. The problem with these rechargers id that they do not efficiently display the amount of current and voltage in the battery. Even though the above cited rechargers meets some of the needs of the market, a power adapter with charging data display connects to a power source to provide power to a battery in a communication device, and through detection of the current and voltage applied to the battery, displays a power transfer rate, an estimated recharge time, and a completed charge time for the battery is still desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a power adapter with charging data display. In some embodiments, the power adapter with charging data display is configured to provides power to a battery of a communication device. The power adapter displays numbers and a progressive lighting system, such as LED lights, to indicate a power transfer rate, an estimated recharge time, and a completed charge time of the battery. In this manner, the charging status of the battery is made known, and the battery will not be overcharged, causing damage to the battery. 
     In another embodiment, the power adapter includes a current detecting circuit that detects a charging current passing through the battery, and derives a detected current signal. A voltage detecting circuit detects a charging voltage generated at the battery, and derives a detected voltage signal. Software calculates the power transfer rate, estimated recharge time, and completed charge time of the battery based on the detected voltage signal and detected current signal. A label panel includes apertures and labels that identify each of the charging data. 
     One aspect of a power adapter with recharge data display, comprises: 
     a power adapter, the power adapter defined by a housing, the housing having a charging end and a display end, the power adapter configured to enable recharging; 
     a power transfer cable, the power transfer cable configured to connect to the charging end of the housing, the power transfer cable configured to carry current from the charging end of the housing for recharging; 
     a current detecting circuit, the current detecting circuit configured to enable detection of a charging current during recharging; 
     a voltage detecting circuit, the voltage detecting circuit configured to enable detection of a charging voltage during recharging; 
     a processor, the processor configured to derive at least one charging data based on the charging current and the charging voltage; 
     a plurality of displays, the plurality of displays disposed to position on the display end of the housing, the plurality of displays configured to display the at least one charging data; and 
     a label panel, the label panel disposed to at least partially overlay the display end of the housing and the plurality of displays, the label panel comprising at least one label, the at least one label configured to identify the at least one charging data on the plurality of displays, the label panel further comprising a plurality of apertures, the plurality of apertures configured to enable viewing of the at least one charging data, 
     wherein the at least one label correlates with a respective at least one charging data. 
     In another aspect, the power adapter is an AC/DC wall adapter. 
     In another aspect, the power adapter is generally rectangular or circular shaped. 
     In another aspect, the power transfer cable is a USB cord. 
     In another aspect, the power adapter recharges a battery on a communication device. 
     In another aspect, the battery includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a lithium polymer battery, a lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium battery, and a nickel metal hybrid battery. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of displays includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a digital screen, a seven-segment display, a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, a progressive lighting system, and a series of LED lights. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of apertures are configured to substantially match the shape of the plurality of displays. 
     In another aspect, the power adapter further comprises a switch circuit, the switch circuit configured to regulate current from a power source. 
     In another aspect, the at least one charging data includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a power transfer rate, an estimated recharge time, and a completed charge time of the battery. 
     In another aspect, the processor comprises an algorithm, the algorithm configured to calculate the charging data based on the detected voltage signal and detected current signal. 
     In another aspect, the processor comprises a timer, the timer configured to progressively indicate the rate of recharging and termination of recharging. 
     One objective of the present invention is to provide a power adapter that helps identify the efficiency of a recharging cable by displaying at least one charging data. 
     Another objective is to save money because the power adapter enables differentiation between efficient and non-efficient cables 
     Another objective is to provide a power adapter that is universal for charging eclectic types of communication devices, including phones. 
     Another objective is to provide a processor that calculates at least one charging data based on charging current and charging voltage during recharging of a communication device. 
     Another objective is to provide a label panel that securely fastens onto the label end of the power adapter. 
     Yet another objective is to provide at least one label that is indicative of each charging data. 
     Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive and easy to operate power adapter that both recharges a communication device and indicates recharging data pertinent to the battery in the communication device. 
     Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is directed to a 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary power adapter with charging data display connected to an exemplary communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary power adapter with charging data display having a substantially rectangular shape, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary power adapter with charging data display having a substantially circular shape, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary power adapter with charging data display connected to an exemplary battery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a block diagram depicting an exemplary client/server system which may be used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention presented in  FIGS. 1-5 , a power adapter  100  with charging data display operatively connects to a power source  130  to provide power to a battery  132  for a communication device  138 . The power adapter  100  also serves to display at least one charging data  110  that is pertinent to the recharging of the battery  132 . Specifically, the power adapter  100  displays numbers, progressive lighting, and a series of LEDs to indicate a power transfer rate, an estimated recharge time, and a completed charge time of the battery  132 . In this manner, the charging status of the battery  132  is made known, and the battery  132  is prevented from overcharging, which may cause damage to the battery  132 . Additionally, the efficiency of a power transfer cable  118 , which carries power from the power adapter  100  to the battery  132 , is also made known since the charging data  110  provides a reference for charging capacities and rates. 
     In one embodiment, the power adapter  100  includes an AC/DC wall adapter that couples to a power source  130 . A power transfer cable  118 , such as a USB cable, carries current form the power adapter  100  to the battery  132  in the communication device  138 . The power adapter  100  comprises a current detecting circuit  120  that detects a charging current passing through the battery  132  during recharging, and derives a detected current signal therefrom. The power adapter  100  further comprises a voltage detecting circuit  122  that detects a charging voltage generated at the battery  132  during recharging, and derives a detected voltage signal therefrom. The power adapter  100  may also utilize a processor  126  having an algorithm. The algorithm is configured to calculate the charging data  110  based on the detected voltage signal and detected current signal. The algorithm may include a software program that 
     In one exemplary calculation of the charging data by the algorithm, a relationship exists between current and sensor output voltage. A current sensor and a voltage sensor are integrated in the housing  102 . The current sensor is supplied with 8 Volts DC from an on board regulator. There is no current flow at this point, however the current sensor simply divides its supply voltage in half (8V divided by 2=4.0 Volts output). However, for every amp that flows through the wire, the voltage output from the sensor increased about 0.033 Volts. The algorithm may further use a formula to convert from Volts to Amps is as follows: Measured Current=(Vsensor−4.0)/0.033. So for example if the sensor puts out 5 Volts, then the measured current could be: (5V−4V)/0.033=30 Amps. 
     Thus, the calculated charging data  110  is indicative of the status of the charging and, on a broader scale, the efficiency of the power transfer cable  118 . In one embodiment, the at least one charging data  110  includes: power transfer rate, an estimated recharge time, and a completed charge time of the battery  132 . The power transfer rate indicates the amount of current passing through the battery  132  and the voltage generated at the battery  132  during recharging. The estimated charging time is a calculation of the estimated charging capacity of the battery  132  based on the current and voltage generated at the battery  132  during recharging. The completed charging time is a timing that utilizes an internal timer  128  to indicate the charging status of the battery  132 , and consequently stops the timer at the moment that the battery  132  is fully charged. However, in other embodiments, additional types of charging data  110  may be derived and displayed for the battery  132 . 
     The at least one charging data  110  is displayed through a plurality of displays  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c  on the power adapter  100 . The displays  108   a - c  may include a digital space that displays a number, and a progressive lighting system, such as a series of LED lights. A label panel  112  overlays the plurality of displays  108   a - c . The label panel  112  is configured to identify each individual display accordingly. The label panel  112  comprises at least one label  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c  that mark each display  108   a - c  according to the charging data  110 . The label panel  112  also comprises a plurality of apertures  114   a - c  that enable viewing of the recharging data  110  from the underlying displays  108   a - c.    
     For example, without limitation, an aperture  114   a  that enables viewing of the power transfer rate data has an adjacent Power Display marked on the label  116   a . The aperture  114   b  that enables viewing of the completed charge time has an adjacent Time Display marked on the label  116   b . The aperture  114   c  that enables viewing of the progressive lighting system for the estimated charging time has an adjacent Power Display by LED Lights marked on the label  116   c . In this manner, the power transfer rate, the estimated recharge time, and the completed charging time are quickly identifiable. The capacity to identify the charging data  110  can be efficacious for selecting an efficient power transfer cable  118 . 
       FIG. 1  references the power adapter  100  with recharge data display. The power adapter  100  is configured to enable recharging of a battery  132  on a communication device  138  and display at least one charging data  110  pertinent to the battery  132 . The power adapter  100  is defined by a housing  102 , a charging end  104 , and a display end  106 . The power adapter  100  may include a rectangular or circular shape. However, in other embodiments, any number of shapes and sizes may be used. 
     The housing  102  contains the components necessary to carry current, calculate recharging data  110 , and display the recharging data  110 . The charging end  104  includes an inlet terminal  134 , such as a pair of power prongs that are configured to mate with a power source  130 . A switch circuit  124  operatively connects to the inlet terminal  134  to regulate current from the power source  130 . The housing  102  may also have an outlet terminal  136  that connects with a power transfer cable  118  that carries current form the power source  130  to the battery  132 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the power adapter  100  may include, without limitation, an AC/DC wall adapter, an AC adapter, an AC/DC convertor, a power charger, and the like. The power adapter  100  may operatively connect to the battery  132  in the communication device  138  through a power transfer cable  118 . The power transfer cable  118  is configured to carry current from the charging end  104  of the power adapter  100  to the battery  132  for recharging. The power transfer cable  118  may include, without limitation, a USB cable with Type A terminal plugs ( FIG. 1 ). The power adapter  100  is effective for determining the efficiency of the power transfer cable  118  by deriving and displaying the recharging data  110  associated with the power transfer cable  118 . In one embodiment, the power transfer cable  118  is included with the power adapter  100 . However in other embodiments, the power adapter  100  is universal, working with a variety of different power transfer cables  118 . 
     The battery  132  may receive power for a predetermined period, and at a rate that is consistent with the power source  130  and the power adapter  100  supplying the power. The battery  132  may include, without limitation, a lithium polymer battery, a lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium battery, and a nickel metal hybrid battery. The communication device  138  may include, without limitation, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, and an electrical device. 
     The current traveling through the battery  132  and voltage generated at the battery  132  is detected with a current detecting circuit  120  and a voltage detecting circuit  122 . The current detecting circuit  120  is configured to detect a charging current during the recharging of the battery  132 . The voltage detecting circuit  122  is configured to detect a charging voltage on the battery  132  during recharging. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , the power adapter  100  comprises a processor  126 . The processor  126  may have circuitry, a timer  128 , algorithms, microchips, and other components known in the art of processors  126 . In one embodiment, the processor  126  is programmed with algorithm. The algorithm derives at least one charging data  110  based on the charging current and the charging voltage. In one embodiment, the algorithm reads the at least one charging data  110  and determines the amount of power being transferred through the power transfer cable  118 . The processor may further comprise a timer  128 . The timer  128  is configured to progressively indicate the rate of recharging and termination of recharging for the battery  132 . 
     In some embodiments, the display end  106  of the housing  102  comprises a plurality of displays  108   a - c . The displays  108   a - c  are configured to display the charging data  110 . In some embodiments, the displays  108   a - c  may include a digital space that displays  108   a - c  a number, and a progressive lighting system, such as a series of LED lights. For example, the displays  108   a - c  may include, without limitation, a digital screen, a seven-segment display, a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, a progressive lighting system, and a series of LED lights. The digital screen display indicates electrical units and time, such as “kWh” to indicate charge capacity of the battery  132 , “V” to indicate voltage, “Amps” to indicate current, and a timer  128  clock. The series of LED lights may include a progressive range of colors from green to red, whereby green indicates that the recharging is in process, and red indicates that the recharging is complete. 
     In one example of operation, the current detecting circuit  120  detects the charging current and supplies a detected signal for the charging current. The processor  126  actuates the timer  128  when the detected signal is received from the current detecting circuit  120 . At the same time, the progressive lighting system display illuminates to indicate the beginning and continuation of the charging operation under control of the power adapter  100 . For example, the progressive lighting system turns a green LED in an on-state. The timer  128  measures a predetermined time and supplies a charging completion signal for the processor  126  when the predetermined time lapses. The processor  126  turns the current detecting circuit  120  in response to the charging completion signal. Simultaneously, the processor  126  makes the progressive lighting system indicate a completion of the charge. For example, the progressive lighting system turns off the green LED or turns on a red LED. 
     In another example of operation, for determining the time required to recharge the battery  132 , the power transfer cable  118  is inserted into the outlet terminal  136  of the housing  102 . The algorithm reads and starts the timer  128  and displays the ongoing time on the digital screen display. When the recharge process is complete, the algorithm stops the timer  128  and the digital screen display stops changing times and displays the time at which the recharge was complete. Alternately, the algorithm, may read the recharge data from the communication device  138  or the power adapter  100  and display a countdown timer  128  on the digital screen display. 
     In some embodiments, the power adapter  100  may utilize a label panel  112 . The label panel  112  is disposed to overlay the display end  106  of the power adapter  100 . The label panel  112  may affix to the display end through various fastening means, including, without limitation, a magnet, a screw, frictional engagement, and an adhesive. The label panel  112  is defined by at least one label  116   a - c . The at least one label  116   a - c  is configured to identify the at least one charging data  110 . The label panel  112  further comprises a plurality of apertures  114   a - c . The apertures  114   a - c  are configured to enable viewing of the at least one charging data  110 . The apertures  114   a - c  are generally sized and dimensioned to match the shape of the corresponding display. Thus, each label  116   a - c  and adjacent aperture correlates with a respective charging data  110 . 
     For example, without limitation, an aperture  114   a  that enables viewing of the power transfer rate data has an adjacent Power Display marked on the label  116   a . The aperture  114   b  that enables viewing of the completed charge time has an adjacent Time Display marked on the label  116   b . The aperture  114   c  that enables viewing of the progressive lighting system for the estimated charging time has an adjacent Power Display by LED Lights marked on the label  116   c . In this manner, the power transfer rate, the estimated recharge time, and the completed charging time are quickly identifiable. The capacity to identify the charging data  110  can be efficacious for selecting an efficient power transfer cable  118 . 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the power adapter  100  is effective for saving money because the power adapter  100  indicates whether the power transfer cable  118  is efficient or inefficient. In this manner, the optimal power transfer cable  118  can be selected for use. Furthermore, there is value for the time saved in utilizing the power adapter  100 . The power adapter  100  may be bundled together with a high efficiency power transfer cable  118  when selling to the consumer market. This allows the immediate use of a qualified power rated power transfer cable  118  and immediate capability for efficient recharging. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram depicting an exemplary client/server system which may be used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. A communication system  500  includes a multiplicity of clients with a sampling of clients denoted as a client  502  and a client  504 , a multiplicity of local networks with a sampling of networks denoted as a local network  506  and a local network  508 , a global network  510  and a multiplicity of servers with a sampling of servers denoted as a server  512  and a server  514 . 
     Client  502  may communicate bi-directionally with local network  506  via a communication channel  516 . Client  504  may communicate bi-directionally with local network  508  via a communication channel  518 . Local network  506  may communicate bi-directionally with global network  510  via a communication channel  520 . Local network  508  may communicate bi-directionally with global network  510  via a communication channel  522 . Global network  510  may communicate bi-directionally with server  512  and server  514  via a communication channel  524 . Server  512  and server  514  may communicate bi-directionally with each other via communication channel  524 . Furthermore, clients  502 ,  504 , local networks  506 ,  508 , global network  510  and servers  512 ,  514  may each communicate bi-directionally with each other. 
     In one embodiment, global network  510  may operate as the Internet. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that communication system  500  may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of forms for communication system  500  include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired telephone networks, wireless networks, or any other network supporting data communication between respective entities. 
     Clients  502  and  504  may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of clients  502  and  504  include personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones and smartphones. Client  502  includes a CPU  526 , a pointing device  528 , a keyboard  530 , a microphone  532 , a printer  534 , a memory  536 , a mass memory storage  538 , a GUI  540 , a video camera  542 , an input/output interface  544  and a network interface  546 . 
     CPU  526 , pointing device  528 , keyboard  530 , microphone  532 , printer  534 , memory  536 , mass memory storage  538 , GUI  540 , video camera  542 , input/output interface  544  and network interface  546  may communicate in a unidirectional manner or a bi-directional manner with each other via a communication channel  548 . Communication channel  548  may be configured as a single communication channel or a multiplicity of communication channels. 
     CPU  526  may be comprised of a single processor or multiple processors. CPU  526  may be of various types including micro-controllers (e.g., with embedded RAM/ROM) and microprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., RISC or SISC based, or CPLDs and FPGAs) and devices not capable of being programmed such as gate array ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors. 
     As is well known in the art, memory  536  is used typically to transfer data and instructions to CPU  526  in a bi-directional manner. Memory  536 , as discussed previously, may include any suitable computer-readable media, intended for data storage, such as those described above excluding any wired or wireless transmissions unless specifically noted. Mass memory storage  538  may also be coupled bi-directionally to CPU  526  and provides additional data storage capacity and may include any of the computer-readable media described above. Mass memory storage  538  may be used to store programs, data and the like and is typically a secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will be appreciated that the information retained within mass memory storage  538 , may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated in standard fashion as part of memory  536  as virtual memory. 
     CPU  526  may be coupled to GUI  540 . GUI  540  enables a user to view the operation of computer operating system and software. CPU  526  may be coupled to pointing device  528 . Non-limiting examples of pointing device  528  include computer mouse, trackball and touchpad. Pointing device  528  enables a user with the capability to maneuver a computer cursor about the viewing area of GUI  540  and select areas or features in the viewing area of GUI  540 . CPU  526  may be coupled to keyboard  530 . Keyboard  530  enables a user with the capability to input alphanumeric textual information to CPU  526 . CPU  526  may be coupled to microphone  532 . Microphone  532  enables audio produced by a user to be recorded, processed and communicated by CPU  526 . CPU  526  may be connected to printer  534 . Printer  534  enables a user with the capability to print information to a sheet of paper. CPU  526  may be connected to video camera  542 . Video camera  542  enables video produced or captured by user to be recorded, processed and communicated by CPU  526 . 
     CPU  526  may also be coupled to input/output interface  544  that connects to one or more input/output devices such as such as CD-ROM, video monitors, track balls, mice, keyboards, microphones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, magnetic or paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, of course, other computers. 
     Finally, CPU  526  optionally may be coupled to network interface  546  which enables communication with an external device such as a database or a computer or telecommunications or internet network using an external connection shown generally as communication channel  516 , which may be implemented as a hardwired or wireless communications link using suitable conventional technologies. With such a connection, CPU  526  might receive information from the network, or might output information to a network in the course of performing the method steps described in the teachings of the present invention. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.