Abstract:
A portable electronic device includes a body having pivotally joined front and back sections such that an interior space is defined therebetween. At least one receptacle is formed in the body for releasable connection of a viewing device therein. At least one receptacle is formed in the body for releasable connection of a storage device therein. The device includes means for communicating electrical signals between the at least one viewing device and the at least one storage device and means for communicating between the at least one viewing devices and at least one peripheral device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/619,673 filed on Oct. 18, 2004. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0003]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     The invention relates generally to the field of portable electronic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to portable electronic devices having interchangeable sub-systems such that the device can be used for a plurality of different purposes.  
         [0005]     2. Background Art  
         [0006]     At the present time, a variety of mobile electronic devices exist. For example, portable CD players, portable radios, portable computers and mobile telephones are a few of the portable electronic devices available today.  
         [0007]     Generally, these devices are limited to a single function and cannot be readily expanded to perform additional functions. In addition, existing devices also must be carried in the user&#39;s hands or attached to a belt loop. As such, mobile devices are limited to a relatively lightweight.  
         [0008]     Also, existing devices typically cannot communicate or interact with an external device that may attempt to communicate with the mobile device. For example, a mobile phone cannot automatically print a coupon for a soft drink when the owner passes a convenience store. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved mobile electronic devices.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved mobile electronic devices.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0010]     One aspect of the invention is a portable electronic device including a body having pivotally joined front and back sections such that an interior space is defined therebetween. At least one receptacle is formed in the body for releasable connection of a viewing device therein. At least one receptacle is formed in the body for releasable connection of a storage device therein. The device includes means for communicating electrical signals between the at least one viewing device and the at least one storage device and means for communicating between the at least one viewing devices and at least one peripheral device.  
         [0011]     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating devices that can be used in conjunction with the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a reverse plan view of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side plan view of the present invention in the closed position with the straps retracted.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side plan view of the present invention seen in  FIG. 3  with the straps extended to allow a user to carry the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is side plan view of the present invention in the open position.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a front plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a front plan view another alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with multiple view screens.  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with multiple view screens located in alternative positions.  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the ability of the present invention to communicate wirelessly with a variety of external devices, including, but not limited to, keyboards, headphones, joysticks and remote controls.  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the ability of the present invention to communicate wirelessly with an external device, such as wireless node in a store.  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the ability of the present invention to communicate wirelessly with an external device, such as a voting booth.  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is a front plan view of two of the present invention illustrating the ability of the present invention to communicate wirelessly with other Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Devices.  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 15A  is a front plan view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating devices that can be used in conjunction with the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 16  is a reverse plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is a side plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the straps retracted.  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  is a side plan view of the present invention seen in  FIG. 17  with the straps extended to allow a user to carry the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 19  is side plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the open position.  
         [0033]      FIG. 20  is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the ability of the present invention to communicate wirelessly with a variety of external devices, including, but not limited to, keyboards, headphones, joysticks and remote controls.  
         [0034]      FIG. 21  is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the ability of the present invention to communicate wirelessly with an external device, such as wireless node in a store.  
         [0035]      FIG. 22  is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the ability of the present invention to communicate wirelessly with an external device, such as a voting booth.  
         [0036]      FIG. 23  is a front plan view of two of the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrating the ability of the present invention to communicate wirelessly with other Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Devices. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment of an Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device, shown generally at  10 , according to various aspects of the invention. The Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  includes a view screen  20 , speakers  32  and  34  and body  40 . The view screen  20  may be a flat screen liquid crystal video display, a conventional cathode ray tube display, or any type of computer or video display device known in the art. Preferably, the view screen  20  may be readily detachable from the body  40  of Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 . The view screen  20  may be detachable for purposes of replacing it with another, different type of viewing screen, or the view screen  20  may be detached to serve as a cordless view screen to allow the user to watch conventional broadcast television, or to watch playback of DVD&#39;s or similar media, as seen in  FIG. 1A . The view screen  20  may thus include a wireless communication device (not shown) for communicating signals to corresponding circuitry in the body (explained below with reference to  FIG. 1A ), or may include conventional television receiver circuitry or a DVD player (not shown separately). Speakers  32  and  34  are used to play the audio portion of any media played by the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 .  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 1A , typically, the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  will also include a slot  60  to receive various media playback or storage devices (explained further below). Speakers  32  and  34  may be detachable for purposes of replacing them with other speakers or speakers  32 ,  34  may be detached to serve as wireless speakers to allow the user to obtain better sound quality, or the speakers  32 ,  34  may be hard-wired to the circuitry in the body  40 . In addition, the view screen  20  may be a view screen for a game or to display a signal from a remote source.  
         [0039]     The body  40  is preferably made of a material such as a hard, impact resistant plastic, glass fiber reinforced plastic or any similar material that will resist damage from impact that may occur when a user is carrying or transporting the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 .  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIG. 1A , slot  60  allows a user to insert therein a selection of media readers, such as DVD player  150  or a CD player  160 . In addition, slot  60  could also be used to engage a coupon printer  120  or a line printer  122 . It is within the scope of the present invention for the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  to include a plurality of such slots. If the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  includes more than one such slot  60 , the user can use multiple, similar devices simultaneously.  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  includes a hand strap  70 . The strap  70  allows the user to comfortably lift and transport the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 . Preferably, the strap  70  is sufficiently strong and fastened to the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  so that it will not detach, and will allow the user to accidentally drop Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  without breakage.  
         [0042]      FIG. 1A  shows additional components that may be included in some embodiments of the Device  10 . A bus controller  11 , which may be any integrated microprocessor based controller, such as one sold under product designation 80486 by INTEL Corp., and is used to transfer signals and data between the various components forming part of the Device  10 . For example, the controller  11  may be hard-wired to a connector  12 A for the view screen  20 . The controller  11  may also include suitable digital to analog processing circuitry such that output connections, at  12 C, may be provided for the Speakers  32 ,  34 . The speaker connections  12 C may be hard wired such as through cables  34 A, or the speaker connections  12 C may be wireless. Wireless speaker connections known in the art include frequency modulation (FM) transmitter/receiver pairs, among other such wireless connections. The controller  11  may also be operatively connected to a wireless broadband (Internet) transceiver, shown generally at  13 . The transceiver  13  may be coupled to an antenna  99  for communication with various remote devices as will be further explained below. The controller  11  may also be coupled to a corresponding connector  12 B in the slot  60  to make power and signal connection to the various mass storage/media devices when inserted in the slot  60 . Alternatively, each such mass storage/media devices may themselves include wireless telemetry for communication with the controller  11 . Accordingly, the exact configuration of electrical power and signal communication between the various devices when disposed in or near the body  40  is not a limitation on the scope of this invention.  
         [0043]      FIGS. 2 and 4  show the reverse side of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 . Straps holders  82 ′ and  84 ′ connect to strap connection points  82  and  84  respectively using straps  86 . The cushions  92  and  94  are positioned on the body  40  to maximize the user&#39;s comfort when transporting Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  using shoulder straps  86 .  
         [0044]     The Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  may include a support stand  88 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The support stand  88  helps support the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  in an upright position when the user desires to operate the Device  10  in such fashion.  
         [0045]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  can be opened to allow a user access to the interior of the body  40 . The body  40  has a front portion  42 , a rear portion  44 , an internal support  46 , webbing  48  and a storage space  49 . The front  42  and back  44  may open and close along pivots  42 A disposed on one side thereof. The front  42 , back  44 , internal support  46  and webbing  48  cooperatively the define storage space  49 . The storage space  49  may be used to store CD&#39;s, DVD&#39;s or other items. The storage space  49  also may contain a battery [not shown] or other power device for the various circuits in the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 . Preferably, the battery (not shown) is rechargeable. In addition, the storage space  49  may hold a video game (not shown separately). The video game may be operated wirelessly or by plugging in the slot ( 60  in  FIG. 1A ), and displayed on the viewing screen  20  when operated.  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  showing alternative positions for the view screen  20  and the speakers  32  and  34 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  showing alternative positions for the view screen  20  and the speakers  32  and  34 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  includes additional speakers  36  and  38 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 8  illustrates another alternative embodiment of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  showing alternative positions for the view screen  20 . The embodiment of  FIG. 8  has only a single speaker  32 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  that includes two view screens  20  positioned side by side.  
         [0050]      FIG. 10  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  with dual view screens  20  positioned vertically.  
         [0051]      FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  showing a number of peripheral devices that may be used with various implementations of the Device  10 , including a game controller  112 , headphones  114 , a remote control  116  and a keyboard  118 . The game controller  112 , the headphones  114 , the remote control  116  and the keyboard  118  could be cable or wirelessly connected to, and communicate with, the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 . An example of a game controller  112  would be a joystick. In addition,  FIG. 11  illustrates the previously described antenna  99 . In the present embodiment, the antenna  99  is positioned on the body  40  such that at least a portion of the antenna  99  extends outside the body  40 , such that the antenna  99  can readily send and receive a signal from a remote source S or from any external device. The antenna  99  enables the Mobile Electronic Device  10  to communicate wirelessly, by receiving and sending signals through the transceiver ( 13  in  FIG. 1A ).  
         [0052]      FIG. 12  illustrates the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  receiving a signal from a remote signal source S. For example, the remote signal source S could be inside a store located near the user&#39;s position. The store&#39;s remote signal source S could send a signal to the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  directing the controller ( 11  in  FIG. 1A ) to communicate print commands to the coupon printer  120  to print a promotional coupon for a particular product. Because the storage space ( 49  in  FIG. 5 ) could contain a hard drive or similar accessible storage medium, the store computer (not shown separately) can collect information about whether the user has redeemed earlier promotional coupons by accessing a database (not shown separately) containing information about earlier coupon usage.  
         [0053]      FIG. 13  illustrates other possible uses for the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 . For example, the user could indicate his preferences for particular items. A specific example is a dirigible orbiting over a sporting event. The dirigible can send a signal to all energized Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Devices  10  querying which soft drink or brand name each user preferred. Preference information could be stored on the hard drive in each Device  10  and can be used to cause generation of a promotional coupon.  
         [0054]     It is within the scope of this invention for an Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  to allow the user to vote during an election. The ballot for the election may be transmitted from a polling place  112 A and would be displayed on the view screen  20 . The user would then cast his or her ballot by selecting the candidates name using the keyboard ( 118  in  FIG. 11 ), the hand controller ( 112  in  FIG. 11 ) or activating suitable portions of the view screen  20  when the view screen is a touch sensitive screen.  
         [0055]     It is also within the scope of the present invention for the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  to communicate with another, similar Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  when certain preselected criteria are matched. For example, a first user would enter certain criteria into his Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  indicating that the first user would like to contact any other Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  user that shares a common interest, for example, fly fishing or visiting museums to view impressionist art. When the first user came within communication distance of a second user having such Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 ′, the two Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Devices  10 ,  10 ′ would communicate the shared interest and each would print out a picture of the other user or similar personal data. If the two users then chose to meet personally, they could readily locate one another using the photographs or other personal data. Alternatively, each Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 ,  10 ′ could include a global positioning satellite system (“GPS”) receiver  11 A to determine geodetic position of the Device  10  and communicate such position to the other Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 ′. Alternatively, the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10  could print out a telephone number, wireless or other, of the user of Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  10 ′ and the first user could telephone the second user to establish contact.  
         [0056]      FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 . The Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  in  FIG. 15  includes a view screen  220 , speakers  232  and  234  and a body  240 . The view screen  220  may be a flat-panel liquid crystal display television receiver, or any type of viewable screen, substantially as explained above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 1 A. In addition, the view screen  220  may be detachable from the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 . The view screen  220  may be detachable for purposes of, among others, replacing it with another viewing screen, or the view screen  220  may be detached to serve as a wirelessly connected display to allow the user to watch television, DVD&#39;s or similar media. The speakers  232  and  234  are used to play the audio portion of any media played by the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 . Typically, the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  will also include a slot  260 . The speakers  232  and  234  may be detachable from the body  40  for purposes of replacing them with other speakers, or the speakers  232 ,  234  may be detached from the body  40  to serve as wired- or wirelessly connected speakers to enable the user to obtain better sound quality.  
         [0057]     The view screen  220  may be a conventional broadcast television receiver or may be a touch-sensitive interface screen. In addition, the view screen  220  may be a video display for a video game or computer monitor.  
         [0058]     The body  240  is preferably made from an impact resistant material such as a hard plastic, glass fiber reinforced plastic or any similar material that will resist damage from any impact that may occur when a user is carrying or transporting the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 .  
         [0059]     The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 15 A may include controller and bus hardware substantially as shown in and explained with reference to  FIG. 1A .  
         [0060]     As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 15 A, slot  260  allows the user exchange a media reader, such as DVD player  350 , with another media reader, such as a CD player  360 . In addition, slot  260  could also hold a coupon printer  320  or a printer  322 . It is within the scope of the present invention for the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  260  to include a plurality of such slots. If the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  includes more than one such slot, the user could use a plurality of media reader/mass storage devices ( 320 ,  322 ,  350  or  360 ) simultaneously.  
         [0061]     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  includes hand strap  270 . The strap  270  allows the user to comfortably lift and transport the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 . Preferably, the strap  270  is sufficiently strong and is fastened to the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  so that it will not detach from the body  240 , and resists breakage if the user accidentally drops the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 16  shows the reverse side of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 . Strap holders  282 ′ and  284 ′ connect to strap connection points,  282  and  284  respectively, using straps ( 286  in  FIG. 18 ). Cushions  292 ,  294  and  296 [not shown] may be positioned on the body  240  to maximize the user&#39;s comfort when transporting the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  using the shoulder straps ( 286  in  FIG. 18 ).  
         [0063]     The Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  may include a support stand,  288 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . The support stand  288  helps support the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  in an upright position when the user so desires to operate the Device  200  in such position.  
         [0064]     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  can be opened to allow a user access to the interior of the body  240 . The body  240  has a front portion  242 , a rear portion  244 ; webbing  248  and a storage space  249 . The front  242  and back  244  can be opened by being jointly moving corresponding ends by a pivot  242 A. The front  242 , back  244  and webbing  248  cooperatively define the storage space  249 . The storage space  249  may be used to store CD&#39;s, DVD&#39;s or other items. The storage space  249  also may contain a battery [not shown] or other power device for the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 . Preferably, the battery (not shown) is rechargeable. In addition, the storage space  249  may hold a video game (not shown). The video game (not shown) may be displayed on the viewing screen ( 220  in  FIG. 15A ). In the present embodiment, the front portion  242  and the rear portion  244  are held in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 18 , by a zipper. It is within the scope of the present invention that other equivalent fasteners, such as clips, fastening cloth such as sold under the trademark VELCRO or the like could be used to hold front portion  242  and rear portion  244  in close alignment. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the front portion  242  and the rear portion  244  can be opened and closed at will by the user. In other words, the front portion  242  and the rear portion  244  can be opened to reveal storage space  249  and then closed to conceal the storage space  249 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 20  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  showing possible peripheral devices such as a game controller  112 , headphones  114 , a remote control  116  and a keyboard  118 . The game controller  112 , the headphones  114 , the remote control  116  and the keyboard  118  could be connected to, and communicate with, the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  wirelessly, as explained above with reference to  FIG. 11 , or such peripheral devices could be hard wired to the Device  10 . An example of the game controller  112  would be a joystick.  FIG. 20  also illustrates an antenna  299 . In the preset embodiment, the antenna  299  is positioned on the body  240  such that at least a portion of the antenna  299  extends outside the body  240 , such that antenna  299  can readily send and receive signals to and from a remote source S, or any peripheral device.  
         [0066]      FIG. 21  illustrates the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  receiving a signal from a remote signal source S. For example, the remote signal source S could be inside a store located near the user&#39;s position. The store&#39;s remote signal source S would send a signal to the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  directing a coupon printer  320  (when such is in the slot) to print a promotional coupon for a particular product. Because the storage space  249  could contain a hard drive, or similar accessible storage medium, a computer (not shown) in the can collect information about whether the user has redeemed earlier coupons by accessing a database concerning information earlier coupon usage when such is stored on a hard drive in the Device  200 . It is within the scope of the present invention that the storage space  249  could contain a computer (not shown) with all the associated processing power associated with such a device. For example, the view screen  220  could be directly, or indirectly connected to such a computer, and the user could interact with the computer using the key board ( 118  in  FIG. 20 ), the game controller ( 112  in  FIG. 20 ) or the screen  220  itself if the screen  220  is a “touch screen” device.  
         [0067]      FIG. 22  illustrates other potential uses for the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 . For example, the user could indicate his personal preferences by voting. A specific example is a dirigible orbiting over a sporting event. The dirigible would send a signal to all energized Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Devices  200  with a query as to which soft drink or brand name each user preferred. Such preference information can be stored on the hard drive or computer and can be used to generate a promotional coupon.  
         [0068]     It is within the scope of the present invention for the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  to enable the user to vote during an election. The ballot can be transmitted from a polling place  112 A and is displayed on view screen  220 . The user would then cast the ballot by selecting the candidates using, for example, the keyboard ( 118 , in  FIG. 20 ) the game controller ( 112  in  FIG. 20 ) or the view screen  220  if the screen is a touch sensitive interface device.  
         [0069]     Referring to  FIG. 23 , it is also within the scope of the present invention for an Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  to communicate with another, similar Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 ′ when certain preselected criteria are matched. For example, a first user would enter certain criteria into Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  indicating that he would like to contact any other Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device user that shares a common interest, such as fly fishing or visiting museums to view impressionist art. When the first user came within communication distance of a second user using a similar Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 ′, the two Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Devices would communicate the shared interest and, for example, each Device  200 ,  200 ′ would print out a picture of the other user (if a printer is disposed in the slot). If the two users then chose to meet personally, they could readily locate one another using the photographs. Alternatively, each Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device could have a GPS receiver and communicate the geodetic position thereof to the other Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device. Alternatively, the Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200  could print out the telephone number of the user of the other Open Architecture Mobile Electronic Device  200 ′, and the first user could telephone the second user.  
         [0070]     Embodiments of a Mobile Electronic Device according to the invention can provide users with a readily reconfigurable, multiple use, broadband wireless device that enables transport of a plurality of different electronic entertainment and personal business devices, and enables exchange of information between such devices and/or between such devices and other wireless devices.  
         [0071]     While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.