Patent Publication Number: US-7724235-B2

Title: Input mechanism for front panel of portable computing device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/832,411, filed Apr. 10, 2001, entitled “Portable Computer With Removable Input Mechanisms,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,788,285. The aforementioned priority application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the field of handheld computers. In particular, the invention relates to input mechanisms for handheld computers. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Handheld computers use buttons as one means for receiving user-input. In particular, personal digital assistants (PDAs) use application buttons for making selections and launching programs, and scroll buttons to scroll displayed output. 
     Typically, handheld computers such as PDAs operate core functions for maintaining calendars, to-do lists, phone books, memos and electronic scrap books. The buttons provided with handheld computers are often optimized to carry out the core functions. Sometimes the buttons are labeled with icons to indicate a certain purpose. They may also be assigned to certain applications. For example, a memo button may be used to launch the memo application. 
     Due to its popularity and advancements in processing resources, handheld computers are increasingly used for more diverse applications. The additional processing resources and expansion slots have provided users with a medium to add applications requiring more interaction, such as for example, games. For PDAs, users must play games using the same button configuration for operating the core functions. While previous core functions may require users to press the buttons sporadically, games may require prolonged and intense use of the buttons. 
     In general, the buttons on the handheld computer are integrated into the housing. If the buttons break, the user is required to open the handheld computer, and often must send the handheld computer away for repair. Often, it is easier for the user to replace the handheld computer rather than repair the buttons. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention include a removable or attachable set of user-input mechanisms for a handheld computer. The handheld computer may be configured to provide input mechanisms that are decoupleable from its housing. These user-input mechanisms may include buttons positioned on a surface of the handheld computer. Embodiments of the invention enable the buttons to be replaced with other buttons. 
     Alternatively, a set of the user-input mechanisms may be mounted over existing buttons and controls of the handheld computer. For example, attachable button sets may be provided on cartridges or other forms of housings. The cartridges may couple to a portion of the handheld computer&#39;s housing. 
     Among other advantages, the handheld computer and attachable button sets enable users to replace buttons on the handheld computer if they break. The user may also swap buttons on the handheld computer to operate an application on the handheld computer that requires intense button use, or is more suited for a different button configuration. 
     In addition, users may use analog controls with a handheld computer operated to receive digital user inputs. For example, a handheld computer may be coupled to a joy stick or joy pad having 8 possible directional movements. 
     With removable and attachable button sets, joy sticks and pads, users may be provided with the ability to optimize the controls on the handheld computer for different applications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a handheld computer being combined with a removable attachment carrying a set of user-input mechanisms, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the attachment in  FIG. 1 , under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view cut along lines A-A of  FIG. 2 , under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front isometric view of an attachment carrying another set of user-input mechanisms, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front isometric view of a handheld computer equipped with buttons and other input mechanisms that are individually removable, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a timing diagram for operating digital and analog input mechanisms with a handheld computer, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front isometric view of an attachable device providing user-input mechanisms overlaid onto a handheld computer with existing user-input mechanisms, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front isometric view of the attachable device in  FIG. 7 , under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a back view of the attachable device in  FIG. 7 , under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a front isometric view of an other attachable device providing user-input mechanisms, including a multi-directional control, overlaid onto a handheld computer with existing user-input mechanisms, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of an attachable device overlaid onto existing input mechanisms of a handheld computer, where the attachable device includes a multi-directional pad, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of an attachable device overlaid onto existing input mechanisms of a handheld computer, where the attachable device includes a multi-directional member, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a front isometric view of an attachable device for a handheld computer, the attachable device including an analog wheel input mechanism, under an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a front isometric view of an attachable device for a handheld computer, the attachable device including a splitter coupled to two multi-directional input mechanisms, under an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A. System Overview 
     Embodiments of the invention provide a removable set of input mechanisms for users to operate a handheld computer. The removable set of input mechanisms may be replaced by other sets of input mechanisms. As a result, the versatility of the handheld computer is enhanced. In particular, the handheld computer may operate a diverse range of programs, and be equipped to provide input mechanisms that are better suited for select applications, as needed. 
     Other embodiments of the invention provide for an attachable device having one or more input mechanisms that may be overlaid onto an existing set of input mechanisms for a handheld computer. The attachable device may be used to alter the configuration of the existing input mechanisms, so as to match a preference of the user. In particular, certain configurations for input mechanisms may facilitate use of some applications. For example, a handheld computer may be operated with a game, and an attachable button set may place buttons in proximity one another to enable the user to play the game better. 
     B. Handheld Computer With Removable Input Mechanisms 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a handheld computer  100  configured to receive a removable attachment  200  having a plurality of input mechanisms, under an embodiment of the invention. The handheld computer  100  includes a housing  110 . A display  120  is provided on a front panel  112  of housing  110 . A portion of display  120  includes a display input area  124 . The display input area  124  includes a handwriting recognition area for receiving handwritten gestures as input. The display input area  124  may be a digital display area of display  120 , or a non-displayed portion of display  120 . The handheld computer  100  has a length defined by a top  102  and bottom  104 , and a width extending between lateral sides  105 ,  105 . 
     Adjacent to display  120  is an input section comprising a plurality of interactive input mechanisms for receiving user-input. Examples of interactive input mechanisms include buttons used to enter data and make selections on the handheld computer. Other examples of interactive mechanisms include scroll buttons for manipulating the output provided on display  120 . Still further, input mechanisms may include joysticks, push-buttons, glide pointers, and wheel button sets. 
     The front panel  112  may be positioned into segments that include attachment  200 . On handheld computer  100 , a platform  140  is formed where attachment  200  is to be received and coupled. The platform  140  includes a pair of opposing coupling structures  145 , rising vertically from platform  140 . In an embodiment, each coupling structure  145  includes a rail slot  146 , having a divot  148 . Each divot  148  is to retain corresponding structures on attachment  200 . 
     A plurality of conductive contacts  155 ,  156  are formed on platform  140 . In an embodiment shown, four button contacts  155  extend a length across platform  140 . A pair of scroll contacts  156  are positioned towards the middle of the four button contacts, and are distributed along a direction perpendicular to the length. The button contacts  155  and scroll contacts  156  provide actuation signals when contacted by other conductive elements, such as provided on attachment  200 . Ground contacts  158  are also provided for each of the plurality of contacts  155 ,  156 . 
     The attachment  200  includes a front panel surface  212  that forms the remaining portion of front panel  112  when attachment  200  is joined with handheld computer  100 . When joined, front panel surface  212  is flush with the remaining portion of front panel  112  on handheld computer  100 . The attachment  200  includes a first button  210 , a second button  220 , a scroll button  230 , a third button  240 , and a fourth button  250 . The scroll button  230  includes a top scroll button  232  and a bottom scroll button  234 . In one exemplary use, buttons  210 ,  220 ,  240  and  250  are to launch programs and make selection on entries being displayed on display  120 . The scroll button  230 , including top scroll button  232  and bottom scroll button  234  are to scroll what is being displayed upward and downward, respectively. 
     The attachment  200  includes coupling slots  245 ,  245 , positioned to be engageable with corresponding coupling structure  145  on handheld computer  100 . A shape of each coupling slot  245 ,  245  matches a shape of the corresponding coupling structure  145 . A thickness of attachment  200  matches a distance between platform  140  and front panel  112  of handheld computer  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom end view of removable attachment  200 . As shown, each slot  245  includes an exterior lateral side  242  and an interior lateral side  244 . A rail  246  extends inward from exterior lateral side  242  of each slot. Each slot  245  slideably receives coupling structure  145 . The rails  246  engage rail slots  146  of handheld computer  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of removable attachment  200 , cut along lines A-A of  FIG. 2 . The rail  246  (extending from exterior lateral side  242 ) may include a protrusion  248  to engage divot  148  of coupling structure  145 . The same construction may be used for the opposite rail  246 . 
     In another embodiment, protrusion  248  may be replaced with a biased member or latching mechanism. For example, a latch member may extend along a portion of a length of rail  246  and at an acute angle. The latch member may be moved upwards to a biased position when engaged with rail slot  146  coupling structure  145 . The latch member may return to an unbiased original position when the latch member engages divot  148 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment for a removable attachment  300 . The attachment of  FIG. 4  differs from previous embodiments in that the configuration of the input mechanisms now include 2 buttons  310  and a joy stick  320 . The joy stick  320  may be an analog device, using scroll contacts  156  and two of the button contacts  155  on platform  140  (see  FIG. 1 ). Alternatively, additional contacts may be provided on platform  140  for use with joystick  320 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment in which one or more input mechanisms on handheld computer  400  are individually removable. All or select input mechanisms may be configured to be removable and interchangeable. The handheld computer  400  includes a plurality of input mechanisms, including a first button  410 , second button  420 , scroll buttons  430 , third button  440  and fourth button  450 . Each input mechanism may be provided as a removable attachment  460 . In the example shown, a third button  440  is provided on an individual attachment  460 . The attachment  460  is adjacent on each side to a coupling structure  445 . The coupling structure  445  may use concepts described with coupling structure  145  of  FIG. 1 , including a rail slot and divot. The coupling structure  445  may be provided on lateral sides of adjacent input mechanisms, or on separate structures extending vertically from platform  438 . For example, with third button  440 , coupling structures  445  may be included on scroll button  430  and fourth button  450 , or between scroll button  430  and third button  440 , as well as between third button  440  and fourth button  450 . Furthermore, each input mechanism that is provided as a removable attachment may include the slot  445  and rail configuration  446 , shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     C. Protocol for Removable Input Mechanisms 
     Embodiments of the invention include a protocol for enabling removable and interchangeable input mechanisms for use with handheld computer  100  (see  FIG. 1 ). Reference to numerals of other figures is intended to illustrate exemplary components for use with embodiments of the invention. 
     In an embodiment, a protocol requires four signal lines from processing resources of handheld computer  100 . The four signal lines include data, clock, power (+3V), and ground. The four signal lines may be used to enable handheld computer  100  to be compatible with digital and analog input mechanisms. As such, handheld computer  100  is provided the versatility to be operated with joy sticks and other devices that use analog values. 
     An input device may be coded as digital or analog. Each time one of the buttons is pressed, a “frame” is sent over the data line. The first byte of the frame uses two bits to identify the device as either analog or digital. In the example provided, digital is provided by 1,1, and analog is provided by 1,0. Further, a multi-directional analog input devices may be identified as two (and possibly more) digital input devices, with one device being equated for each of two directional axes (i.e. X and Y). Each input device identified for an analog input device signals data sequentially. 
     Each input device is provided an identification (ID). For analog input devices, each axis is provided an identification, as it is considered to be a separate digital input device. The contacts  155 ,  156  ( FIG. 1 ) detect values for each input device. For analog input devices, the contacts may be used to associate analog values with each of the digital input devices. The analog value may be determined by internal components of the input mechanism, which convert the analog value to a digital format for the handheld computer. Alternatively, analog values may correspond to a duration over a clock cycle. 
     A joystick or pad that can be operated in 8 directions may include 8 analog input device ID&#39;s. Since each analog input device is defined by 2 digital input device ID&#39;s,  16  total bit are used to identify input mechanisms. The joystick or pad would require all 16 identifications for its use. 
     Values for digital input devices may be coded differently for analog input devices. If an input device is identified as digital, 1 bit is used to identify the value provided from the input mechanism. If an input device is identified as analog, 8 bits are used to identify the analog value for that input device. 
     In addition, start and stop sequences may be used to differentiate information from input devices. Each start and stop sequence may be composed of the first 2 bits in the first byte signaled with the frame. In the example provided, the start and stop sequence is in the form of 1,0. When the start and stop sequence is encountered, the processing resources of handheld computer  100  identify the next sequence as a new input device. For a joystick, that may correspond to a different axis of the existing joystick position, or a new position for the joystick. 
       FIG. 6  is a signal diagram illustrating processing values from a digital input device and an analog input device. A clock signal  610  provides a differentiating signal for use with identifying the input device on the data line. The diagram illustrates a frame signaled when one of the input mechanisms is actuated. The frame includes a frame start sequence, button type, button identifier, button value and frame end sequence. A data pin signal  620  carries the frame when the input mechanism is actuated. In a first 2-bit sequence, the type of input device is identified (1,1 for digital; 1,0 for analog). 
     A subsequent 4-bit signal identifies the input device. If the input device is a digital type, the ID may identify its position on the platform  140  of handheld computer  100  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the ID may identify its position on conductive contacts  155 ,  156  of platform  140  (see  FIG. 1 ). The next bit is the digital value of that input device, shown to be 0. Each input mechanism (button, joystick etc.) includes hardware to signal the input mechanism&#39;s identification with the frame upon being actuated. The hardware for each input mechanism may also be used to identify the mechanism&#39;s type and its value when actuated. 
     If the input device is analog, the ID may identify a directional component. For example, for an 8-directional joystick, analog IDs may be assigned according to, for example, a configuration in which north=1, north-east=2, east=3, south-0 east=4 etc. The digital input device ID may provide a value for the east direction of a joystick movement. For example, with the digital input device=3, the subsequent analog value may be for the east component, in instances when the analog ID of the joystick may be 2, 3 or 4. The analog value is assigned the next 8-bits of the clock cycle. In one embodiment, the analog input mechanism includes hardware for determining an analog value when actuated. The hardware includes an analog-digital converter to signal the analog value in digital format to the processing resources  710  see  FIG. 1  of the handheld computer. 
     D. Overlaid Input Mechanisms 
     Embodiments of the invention may provide for a device including one or more input mechanisms that can be mounted over existing input mechanisms of a handheld computer  700 . The device may provide a new configuration for an input mechanism. For example, the new configuration may reposition input mechanisms for the handheld computer, alter the number of input mechanisms, and/or change the nature of one or more of the input mechanisms. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates handheld computer  700  coupled to an attachable device  710 . The handheld computer  700  includes a top  702 , a bottom and opposing lateral sides  705 . The device  710  includes a plurality of input mechanisms, including buttons  720 ,  722 ,  724  and  726 , a first scroll button  725  and a second scroll button  728 . The input mechanisms of device  710  may defer from the existing input mechanisms by, for example, size of the buttons  720 - 726 , or positioning of the buttons relative one another or relative to a front panel  712  of handheld computer  700 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrates the device  710  decoupled from handheld computer  700 . A bottom end  715  is encases the bottom of handheld computer  700 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , a pair of side-walls  730  slideably engage corresponding lateral sides  705  of handheld computer  700 . A latch mechanism or coupling structure (such as shown by  FIGS. 2-4 ) may be incorporated into the lateral side  705  and interior sides  732  of side-walls  730 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates handheld computer  700  with an attachable device  810  for providing a joy pad  820  and buttons  830 . In an embodiment, joy pad  820  may use adjacent buttons  720  and scroll buttons  725  and  728 . An example of how joy pad  820  may be integrated to cooperate with the existing input mechanisms of handheld computer  7800  is provided with  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment in which joy pad  820  is overlaid on input mechanisms for handheld computer  700 , including first button  720 , second button  722 , third button  724 , fourth button  726 , first scroll buttons  725  and second scroll buttons  728 . The joy pad  820  is provided a first (north) directional button  822 , a second (east) directional button  824 , a third (south) directional button  826 , and a fourth (west) directional button  828 . A first pivotal member  832  extends between the first button  822  and the third button  826 . The first pivotal member  832  also extends over the first scroll button  725  and second scroll button  728  of handheld computer  700  A second pivotal member  834  extends between the second button  824  and the fourth button  828 . The second pivotal member  834  also overlays second button  722  and third button  724 . 
     The directional buttons  822 - 828  can be pressed individually or in pairs to create  8  possible directions. Each button  822 - 828  being pressed causes one of the corresponding pivotal members  832 ,  834  to pivot downward in one of two positions. When pivoted downward, the pivotal members  832 ,  834  contact and cause one of the two corresponding input mechanisms on handheld computer  700  to be pressed. 
     In an example provided by  FIG. 11 , first directional button  822  pivots first member  832  into first scroll button  725 . The third directional button  826  pivots first member  832  into second scroll button  728 . The second directional button  824  pivots second member  834  into third button  724  of handheld computer  700 . The fourth directional button  828  pivots second member  834  into second button  722  on handheld computer  700 . 
     The combination of the first directional button  822  and second directional button  824  being pressed (for north east direction) causes first member  832  to pivot into first scroll button  725 , and second member  834  to pivot into third button  724 . The combination of the second directional button  822  and third directional button  824  being pressed (for south east direction) causes first member  832  to pivot into second scroll button  728 , and second member  834  to pivot into third button  724 . The combination of the third directional button  824  and fourth directional button  826  being pressed (for south west direction) causes first member  832  to pivot into second scroll button  728 , and second member  834  to pivot into second button  722 . The combination of the first directional button  822  and fourth directional button  828  being pressed (for south west direction) causes first member  832  to pivot into first scroll button  725 , and second member  834  to pivot into second button  722 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment in which a joy stick  910  is provided on device  900 . Similar to an embodiment with device  800 , device  900  is detachable coupleable to a bottom of handheld computer  700 . The joy stick  910  is a member extending orthanormally from front panel  712  of handheld computer  700 . 
     In an embodiment, joy stick  910  is coupled to first directional members  832  and second directional members  834 . As described with  FIG. 11 , joy stick  910  may be provided 8 directions of movement, each corresponding to one or two of the input mechanisms on handheld computer  700  being inserted. 
     The handheld computer  700  may be configured through programming to distinguish inputs where buttons  720 - 726  are pressed simultaneously with first scroll button  725  or second scroll button  728 . In particular, handheld computer  700  may be configured through programming to interpret simultaneous insertion of one of the buttons  720 - 726  with one of the scroll buttons  725 ,  728  in a manner described with  FIG. 6  and the accompanying disclosure. 
     E. Other Embodiments 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment including an attachable device  1010  coupleable to handheld computer  100  ( FIG. 1 ). The attachable device  1010  includes a two-directional analog control, called a wheel  1025 . The wheel  1025  is moveable upwards and downwards to cause handheld computer  100  to reconfigure or alter the display  120  ( FIG. 1 ). An analog value off wheel  1025  ma be associated with its rotation by the user. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment including an attachable device  1110  coupleable to handheld computer  100  ( FIG. 1 ), The attachable device  1110  includes an internal splitter to enable to control devices  1130  to be extended from it. Each control device  1130  includes an multi-directional analog control—the joystick  1135 , and digital buttons  1140 . The control devices  1130  may be used for playing games with two players. A protocol for the device  1110  may be established to enable one control  1130  to be active at a time. Each control  130  may be coupled to contacts  155 ,  156  on platform  140  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     F. CONCLUSION 
     The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and equivalent arrangements will be apparent.