United States Patent [19J
`Ditzik
`
`I 1111111111111111 11111 111111111111111 IIIII IIIII 1111111111 111111111111111111
`US005983073A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,983,073
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`[54] MODULAR NOTEBOOK AND PDA
`COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR PERSONAL
`COMPUTING AND WIRELESS
`COMMUNICATIONS
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Richard J. Ditzik, 3143 Carnegie Ct.,
`San Diego, Calif. 92122
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/832,923
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Apr. 4, 1997
`
`Int. Cl.6
`....................................................... H04B 7/15
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl. ......................... 455/11.l; 455/556; 455/557;
`455/569
`[58] Field of Search .................................... 455/11.1, 556,
`455/557, 575, 568, 572, 90, 569; 364/705.05
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,008,927
`5,127,041
`5,189,632
`5,196,993
`5,200,913
`5,327,486
`5,440,449
`5,459,458
`5,490,284
`5,570,389
`5,592,491
`5,628,055
`5,634,080
`
`............................ 379/364
`4/1991 Weiss et al.
`6/1992 O'Sullivan .............................. 455/557
`2/1993 Paajanen et al.
`....................... 364/379
`3/1993 Herron et al.
`.......................... 361/248
`4/1993 Hawkins et al. ........................ 364/340
`7/1994 Wolff et al. ............................. 379/379
`8/1995 Scheer ..................................... 361/686
`10/1995 Richardson et al. . ... ... .... ... ... ... 340/364
`2/1996 Itoh et al.
`.............................. 455/11.1
`10/1996 Rossi ....................................... 455/557
`1/1997 Dinkins .................................. 455/11.1
`5/1997 Stein ......................................... 455/90
`5/1997 Kikinis et al. .......................... 455/575
`
`8/1997 Hidaka .................................... 455/575
`5,659,890
`5,675,629 10/1997 Raffel et al. ............................ 455/561
`5,701,515 12/1997 Gradeler .................................. 395/834
`
`Primary Examiner-Edward F. Urban
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A small light weight modular microcomputer based com(cid:173)
`puter and communications systems, designed for both port(cid:173)
`ability and desktop uses. The systems make use of a relative
`large flat panel display device assembly (2), an expandable
`hinge device (10), battery power source (9), keyboard
`assembly (16), and wireless communications devices (32,
`51). The systems are capable of bi-directional realtime
`communications of voice, audio, text, graphics and video
`data. Both wire-based or wireless communications methods
`and devices are implemented. Wireless communications
`devices may include one or more telephone-like handsets
`(14) and/or earset (34). The wireless communication devices
`may include one or more antennae (32). Systems can be
`configured in a portable arrangement similar to conventional
`notebook computers, but can be quickly and easily disas(cid:173)
`sembled and re-assembled for office desktop uses. Systems
`may consist of a base computer unit (100) comprising
`wireless communication devices may act as a relay station
`relaying voice and other data between the handset or earset
`and external wide area communications networks. The sys(cid:173)
`tem may be capable of performing, personal digital assistant
`(PDA), cellular telephone, conventional notebook computer,
`desktop computer functions.
`
`9 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`43
`
`VIDEO
`SOURCE
`
`10A
`
`108
`
`14
`
`EXT WIDE AREA
`COMMUNICATION
`NET.WORK(S)
`
`32
`
`33
`
`53
`
`NOTEBOOK UNIT
`WIRELESS COMM.
`MEANS
`
`51
`
`WIRE BASED
`EXT. COMM.
`MEANS
`
`SMART CARD
`INTERFACE
`
`EARSET
`UNIT
`
`46
`
`48
`
`34
`
`62
`
`EXT.COMM.
`CONTROL
`
`54
`
`PC CARD
`I/F
`
`60
`
`INTERNAL 1/0 BUS
`
`MASS MEMORY
`DEVICE
`
`MICROPROCESSOR
`CPU AND 1/0 SUPPORT
`
`MAINIC
`MEMORY
`
`KEYBOARD
`
`CUSOR CONTOL
`DEVICES
`
`42
`
`38
`
`40
`
`16
`
`56
`
`44'=--~---,
`DISPLAY
`CONTRLLOR
`CIRCUIT
`
`2
`
`FLAT PANEL
`DISPLAY DEVICE
`
`TOUCH PANEL
`& PEN INPUT
`DEVICE(S)
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`N0V.9,1999
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 0f9
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`5,983,073
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`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - EX. 1006, p. 2
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 9, 1999
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`Sheet 2 0f 9
`
`5,983,073
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`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - EX. 1006, p. 3
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`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`N0V.9,1999
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 0f9
`Sheet 3 of 9
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`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - EX. 1006, p. 4
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`N0V.9,1999
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 0f9
`Sheet 4 of 9
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`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - EX. 1006, p. 5
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`N0V.9,1999
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`Sheet 5 0f9
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`5,983,073
`5,983,073
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`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - EX. 1006, p. 6
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 6
`
`

`

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`
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`FIG.6A
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`N0V.9,1999
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`Sheet 6 0f9
`Sheet 6 of 9
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`5,983,073
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`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - EX. 1006, p. 7
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 7
`
`

`

`43
`
`VIDEO
`SOURCE
`
`10A
`
`SPKR.
`
`10B
`
`SPKR.
`
`14
`
`HANDSET
`UNIT
`
`EXT. WIDE AREA
`COMMUNICATION
`NETWORK(S)
`
`32
`
`33
`
`53
`
`NOTEBOOK UNIT
`WIRELESS COMM.
`MEANS
`
`51
`
`WIRE BASED
`EXT. COMM.
`MEANS
`
`SMART CARD
`INTERFACE
`
`DSP
`CO-PROCESSOR
`
`EARSET
`UNIT
`
`46
`
`48
`
`34
`
`62 --1 I 1/0
`PORT
`
`60
`
`INTERNAL 1/0 BUS
`
`EXT.COMM. 1 - - - - - - '
`CONTROL
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`54
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`PC CARD
`1/F
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`7
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`I
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`DISPLAY
`CONTRLLOR
`CIRCUIT
`
`2
`
`FLAT PANEL
`DISPLAY DEVICE
`
`TOUCH PANEL
`& PEN INPUT
`DEVICE(S)
`
`9
`
`MASS MEMORY
`DEVICE
`
`MICROPROCESSOR
`CPU AND 1/0 SUPPORT
`
`MAINIC
`MEMORY
`
`KEYBOARD I I CUSOR CONTOL
`DEVICES
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`42
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`38
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`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`5,983,073
`
`60~
`
`STANDBY
`PROWER ON
`
`62
`
`6
`
`RUN POWER
`MANAGEMENT
`
`68
`
`SELF DIAGNOSTIC
`TEST, HARDWARE
`
`FAIL
`
`FAILURE
`REPORT
`
`66
`
`FIG. BA
`
`PASS
`
`RUN OS
`
`WAIT FOR INCOMIENG
`DATANOICE CALLS
`
`SELECT COMPUTING AND
`COMMUNICATION MODE(S)
`
`70
`
`72
`
`76
`
`78
`
`ENTER CONVENTIONAL
`COMPUTING MODE
`
`80
`
`ENTER WIRELESS
`DATA COMM
`MODE
`
`ENTER WIRELESS
`VOICE COMM
`MODE
`
`82
`
`81
`
`?S BASE UNIT-EXTERNAL
`COMM. CONTROL
`
`BASE UNIT(cid:173)
`HANDSET/EARSET
`COMM. CONTROL
`
`83
`
`84
`
`RUN TELEPHONY
`PROGRAMS
`
`86
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`PRODUCTIVITY
`PROGRAMS
`
`RUN EN-MAIL
`PROGRAMS
`
`RUN INTERNET 90
`PROGRAMS
`
`A
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`5,983,073
`
`CONTROL MULTIPLE
`PROGRAM & MODE ACTIVITY
`
`96
`
`CONTROL MOBILE RELAY
`COMMUNICATIONS FUNCTIONS
`
`98
`
`10
`
`EXIT APPLICATION
`PROGRAM(S)
`
`STANDBY
`POWER - - - PWR OFF
`
`FIG. BB
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 10
`
`

`

`5,983,073
`
`1
`MODULAR NOTEBOOK AND PDA
`COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR PERSONAL
`COMPUTING AND WIRELESS
`COMMUNICATIONS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`5
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates to portable personal computer sys(cid:173)
`tems with external communication means, which can be
`used by an individual in both desktop and mobile environ(cid:173)
`ments. The computer system involves a relatively large color
`flat panel display, conventional microcomputer system, and
`a plurality of human interface means. In particular, it relates
`to a computer unit, having a light weight thin notebook-like
`computer structure that is capable of performing personal
`digital assistants (PDA) like functions and wireless external
`communications of voice, text, graphic and image data.
`2. Description of Prior Art
`There are several shortcomings with prior art notebook
`computers, PDAs and wireless telephone units. Notebook
`computers have a relatively large flat panel display device,
`a full alphanumeric keyboard and battery power. PDAs are
`small handheld units with a small LCD display, small key
`pad and touch pen. PDAs are designed to be placed in one's
`pocket or purse for maximum portability. A problem arises
`when customers desire large high resolution color display
`for both portable and desktop applications. To use a com(cid:173)
`puter system for both portable and desktop uses, the cus(cid:173)
`tomer must purchase multiple systems. The cost of color flat 30
`panels are still too expensive for most customers to by two
`display monitors, one display for desktop and one for the
`portable applications. Many customers require functionality
`of a desktop computer, notebook computer and PDA, but it
`is much too expensive to purchase multiple CPUs, displays, 35
`and keyboards.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,632 of Paajanen et al disclosed a hand
`held computer unit with an antenna and wireless RF com(cid:173)
`munication capability, small flat panel display and a
`keyboard, in a partial clam shell type structure. However, 40
`they do not teach expandable hinge means, base station for
`handset relay functions, or cover latching function. U.S. Pat.
`No. 5,327,486 of Wolff et al teach a conventional laptop
`computer with antenna and RF communications to a radio
`network and local exchange telephone network. However, 45
`they fail to teach expandable hinge means, edge hinge
`means, handset means or base station relay functions. U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,459,458 of Richardson et al teach a virtual pager
`and data terminal system. However, they do not teach
`notebook like computers, base unit station or personal/PDA 50
`computing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,927 of Weiss et al teach a
`computer and telephone system with a display screen on a
`conventional telephone structure keyboard unit. However
`they fail to teach notebook like structure, wireless commu(cid:173)
`nication or handset relay functions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,993 55
`of Herron et al teach a laptop computer with a removable flat
`panel display with built-in support feet for desktop support.
`However, they fail to each expandable hinge means, exterior
`communications functions, cover latching functions or com(cid:173)
`puter display assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,913 of Hawkins 60
`et al teach a laptop computer with flat panel display and pen
`input means. However, they fail to teach expandable hinge
`means, edge mounted hinge or latching functions.
`Wireless hand held computer devices, such as cellular and
`Personal Communication System (PCS) telephones, have
`limited display capabilities. Piror art wireless computer units
`have display screens that are small (1.5-2.5" diameter), and
`
`10
`
`15
`
`2
`they lack interactive capabilities to be successful for text,
`graphic and video applications. Some prior art notebook and
`laptop computers have integrated wireless communication
`means, but they are too large and bulky to be successful for
`in mobile uses. Prior art wireless devices do a poor job of
`providing voice, data and video communication functions.
`Typical wireless computer systems have display screens that
`are too small and have limited computing power. Prior art
`laptop and notebook computers are too heavy to carry for
`long periods. Inventions herein solve these problems by
`embodying a unique relatively thin notebook-like computer
`system that is capable of: being: (1) opened like a notebook,
`(2) quickly disassembled and re-assembled, (3) used for
`handset/earset communications relay operations and ( 4)
`used in a wide variety of computing, collaboration, com(cid:173)
`munications and conferencing applications.
`Inventions described herein are based on several Disclo(cid:173)
`sure Documents submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark
`Office, including Document Nos. 353691, 363753, 368165,
`20 and 377365. Inventions herein solve several prior art
`shortcomings, resulting in new modular integrated computer
`systems. The inventions as described below can be quickly
`configured to desktop, notebook, wireless and/or PDA
`embodiments. Thus, the user will be able to purchase a
`25 single computer system and pay much less money than
`conventional systems.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`An object of this invention is to provide a modular
`multiple function display-computer system, where one can
`use the same relatively high resolution color flat panel
`display in both a desktop and mobile environments.
`Another object of this invention is to provide means to
`reduce the cost to the customer of owning several expensive
`computer systems, by combining in one system the capa(cid:173)
`bility of performing both office desktop and portable/mobile
`computing and communications applications. Thus the
`invention herein saves the user the expense of purchasing
`separate computer systems for desktop uses, notebook com-
`puter uses, PCS uses and PDA uses.
`Still another object of this invention involves means to
`quickly configure a modular notebook or PDA-like com(cid:173)
`puter system into a plurality of system configurations for
`personal computer and wide area communication opera-
`tions.
`Another object of this invention is to provide for a
`relatively thin and light weight computer unit to be carried
`under one's arm in a notebook-like fashion, yet have suffi(cid:173)
`cient computing power to execute a wide range of conven(cid:173)
`tional computer and communications applications.
`Still another object of this invention is to provide for
`bi-directional communication of voice, audio, text, graphics,
`image and/or video data to wide area communications
`networks where one or more users may communicate with
`other users with appropriate apparatus. The communication
`may realtime or store forward type communications.
`Another object of this invention involves hardware and
`program software to control cellular or PCS
`communications, combined with a light weight mobile note(cid:173)
`book or PDA like unit. The unit or system would act as a
`computing platform and base communications relay station.
`The system or unit may then relay voice and data to/from a
`handset unit or earset unit, where the base unit relays the this
`voice and data information to/from a wide area communi-
`65 cation network.
`Still another object of this invention involves means for
`quick disconnection or disassembly and subsequent connec-
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 11
`
`

`

`5,983,073
`
`3
`tion or assembly of key component of the system, such as
`battery power unit, communication adapters (modems) and/
`or wireless telephone units.
`A still further object of this invention is to use the same
`display-computer system assembly, comprising of relatively
`large high resolution color flat display panel and a powerful
`CPU with large memory, etc., and combining them in a
`modular fashion with a thin keyboard, battery power source,
`modem, and wireless communications means.
`Another objective of this invention is to provide means
`for integrated telephony functions on a portable computing
`platform, with powerful microprocessors running Windows
`operating systems for a wide range of computing and
`communication functions.
`A still further objective of this invention is to provide for
`full Internet access on a wireless mobile platform, where the
`user can access the world wide web and execute most of the
`available Internet browser functions and plug-ins. The com(cid:173)
`puter system would be capable of performing most of the
`Internet data access, download, upload and conferencing
`functions.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`10
`
`4
`disassembled from each other by the user. To avoid acci(cid:173)
`dental disassembly, means may be embodied where the user
`must simultaneously press two push buttons 5, for example
`one on each side of the structure, in order to disconnect the
`5 sections. The portable portable computer system may also
`have an inside protective sheet member 4A attached to the
`inside the fold of the computer system. FIG. 1 shows a
`partially open notebook-like structure, but it may be closed
`all the way shut and secured, by a securing strap means SA.
`This strap means may be secured to the other side of the
`display assembly 2 by Velcro like strips, for temporary
`securing and un-securing, with one's fingers. One purpose of
`this foldable embodiment is to provide the computer user
`with a handy portable notebook computer that: (1) when
`15 closed, one can easily carry, cradled in one hand under one's
`arm, and (2) easily opened for access to the computer
`indicators and controls.
`The flat panel display assembly 2 may be a monochrome
`or color liquid crystal displays (LCD), such as those manu-
`20 factured by Sharp Electronics, NEC Electronics, Toshiba
`Corporation or others. The display panels screen sizes may
`be 10 to 14 inches or more in diameter. The display pixel
`arrays may be 640 by 480 (VGA), 800 by 600 (SVGA), or
`1024 by 768 (XGA). Color depth should be six bits, and the
`response time should be 45 to 50 milliseconds (t0n+t011).
`Brightness of the screen should 70 Cd/m 2 and contrast ratio
`be at least 100: 1, where 250: 1 is be preferred.
`LCD panels from Sharp Electronics may be used in the
`embodiments. Applicable LCD Models include LQllDS0l,
`30 LQ12DS01, LQ12DX01 and LQ12X12. These panels have
`screen sizes of either 11.3 or 12.1 inches measure along their
`diagonal. Each panel is capable of a color depth of 6
`bits/sub-pixel, a response time of 80 ms, brightness of
`70---150 cd/m2 and a contrast ratio of 100:1. LCD panels
`35 from NEC may also be used, such as NL10276BC24-04,
`NL8060BC31-02, NL8060BC31-01, and NL8060BC29-01.
`These panels are capable of 6 bit color depth, 50 ms response
`time, 70 cd/m2 brightness and 150: 1 contrast. Toshiba panels
`that may embodied include: LTM11C016, LTM12C236, or
`40 LTM12C25S, which are capable of 50 ms response, 70
`cd/m2 brightness and 100:1 contrast. Manufactures refer(cid:173)
`ences and manuals for each are hereby incorporated by
`reference.
`Several 1/0 slots and/or connectors may be embodied at
`45 one or more edges of the flat panel display assembly 2. FIG.
`1 shows access slots to a floppy disk 28, external commu(cid:173)
`nication means 27, printer connector 31. Other external
`connection means may be embodied. Several connector
`means may be embodied, including auxiliary video
`50 connector, COM ports, and/or mouse/game ports. PCM CIA
`PC card 40 may be included for adding fax/modem, network
`interface (wire or wireless) external communications and/or
`added memory. An integrated built-in transmitter receiver
`and a retractable antenna 32 may be embodied, for example
`55 to the flat panel display assembly 2. The antenna and
`associated RF transceiver may be used for wireless com(cid:173)
`munications to/from an external communication network.
`Many of the well-known notebook computer or personal
`computer 1/0 devices may be embodied.
`An important feature of this embodiment is the dimen-
`sions of the computer-display unit. It may be made conve(cid:173)
`niently larger than a 8.Sxll inch sheet of paper, so that one
`can place one or more sheets of paper ( or other relatively
`thin flat objects) inside the closed clamshell like notebook
`65 structure in a folding or latching fashion. The user can safely
`carry papers from location to location without folding or
`wrinkling them. Thus the unit can act as a carrying device as
`
`FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portable computer 25
`with a notebook clamshell-like structure.
`FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a modular portable
`computer system in desktop configuration.
`FIG. 3(a) shows a notebook like portable computer in an
`open state.
`FIG. 3(b) shows the notebook like computer in a closed
`state.
`FIG. 3(c) shows a handset telephone unit and earset unit.
`FIG. 4(a) shows a notebook or portable computer with a
`protective covering material.
`FIG. 4(b) shows an electrical power source unit.
`FIG. 5 shows a PDA like unit with a roughly transparent
`cover half.
`FIG. 6(a) shows a notebook or PDAin a partial open state.
`FIG. 6(b) shows the notebook or PDAin a reversed open
`state.
`FIG. 7 shows block diagram of the computer system and
`associated elements.
`FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of the computer system
`programs and operations.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`FIG. 1 shows a computer system, to be operated by a
`person or user, where the unit has a conventional notebook
`clamshell-like structure. The computer system as used
`herein can also be referred to as a portable computer system,
`computer-display unit or base unit, and shall also include the
`terms: personal computer, notebook computer, sub- note(cid:173)
`book computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The
`computer system as disclosed herein typically comprises of
`a flat panel display assembly 2, which includes a display
`panel and screen 4 and other components described below.
`An expandable hinge means 10 connects the flat panel 60
`display assembly and cover assembly (8, 9 and 16). Expand(cid:173)
`able hinge means 10 may be embodied many ways including
`using flexible material that is corrugated, having its groves
`running parallel to the edge of the notebook structure. Cover
`assembly may consist of two or more sections, such as a first
`cover section 8, second cover section 9, and a keyboard
`section 16. One or more of the cover sections may be quickly
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 12
`
`

`

`5,983,073
`
`5
`
`5
`well as a notebook computer. The outside surfaces and edges
`of notebook computer may be covered with leather, vinyl of
`other type of soft material, for easy of hand carrying and
`surface protection. Other parts may be embodied including
`foldable short legs 9A and 9B, keyboard resting pads 16A
`and 16B, built-in audio speaker(s) 30.
`FIG. 2 shows the portable computer with several parts
`detached or disassembled. This embodiment may be used in
`desktop computer system environments. The flat panel dis(cid:173)
`play assembly 2 may be placed at an inclined angle, with 10
`foldable leg support means 19A and 19B. the leg support
`means may fold relatively flush to the backside of the
`assembly 2 (motion range A) when not in use, via a simple
`hinge 15. Vertical portions 19A and 19B may slide in and
`out, in a telescoping type arrangement, to allow wide range
`inclination angles. A pair of short legs 3 may be placed near 15
`the front of assembly 2 that may also fold relatively flush
`with the back of the assembly. Means may be included to
`place the screen at a vertical orientation. A pen or stylus
`input means may be associated with the display screen 4.
`The pen or stylus means may include finger input (touch 20
`panel) means, where one can write or point to area on the
`display screen. The expandable hinge means 10 may be
`removed from the assembly 2 and from the cover section 9
`by a quick disconnect or disassembly means 5. Alternatively,
`the hinge means may be fixed to parts 2 and 9. The hinge 25
`means may be made of a relatively flexible material, such as
`leather and vinyl. It may be corrugated as shown in the figure
`so it can bend easily and expand, as required. The hinge may
`have a number of attachment slots 12 for the quick dis(cid:173)
`attachment or disconnection from hook mechanisms 13. 30
`FIG. 2 shows the flexible hinge means 10 removed from the
`other assemblies.
`Cover section 9 may contain a battery power unit con(cid:173)
`taining one or more batteries and power circuit elements.
`The battery power unit may be embodied with several types
`of batteries, including Lithium- ion or NiCd batteries. The
`power unit may be a self contained battery package, having
`an easy to read charge indicator 22 that indicates the state of
`the battery's electrical charge. Because all batteries have a
`limited useful charge life, the package may be easily and
`quickly disconnected from the keyboard section 16 and
`replaced with another battery package. Spare battery pack(cid:173)
`ages and other spare parts could be carried in a separate
`traveling case (not shown). The keyboard section 16 may
`have a full size QWERTY keyboard with movable tactile
`keys. An electrical cable 20 may connect the keyboard to the
`computer-display assembly 2. Although short cable is
`shown, it may be a long cable or a flexible cable, so that the
`keyboard may be moved about if desired. Alternatively, a
`wireless electromagnetic link may be embodied such as
`infrared (IR) or RF links, which would replace electrical
`cables 20 and 26. The cover section 8 may contain a wireless
`handset 14, such as a cellular telephone transceiver. The
`handset may have retractable antenna, small speaker,
`keypad, built-in microphone and a battery source. This
`handset 14 may be capable of analog or digital cellular
`operation, including AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, PCS, CDPD,
`or equivalent types for communicating with wide area
`wireless communication networks. The wireless unit 14 can
`be easily removed from a cutout or recess area 34 in the 60
`cover section 8. The recess area is made slightly larger than
`the outside dimensions of the handset 14, so it can fit inside
`the recess with a relatively snug fit. It is important the
`handset be easily and quickly removed and replaced in the
`base unit. Alternatively, cover section 8 consist of the 65
`handset itself, so that a separate cover section with recess
`would not be required.
`
`6
`The portable computer system's flexible hinge and the
`cover sections should be made relatively thin so that when
`the two halves are folded (rotated) closed, it will not be too
`thick or heavy to carry with one hand. As shown in FIG. 1,
`legs 3, 5, 19A and 19B may be folded roughly flush with
`outside surfaces of the unit. The number cover sections are
`not limited to three. The cellular handset is shown in FIG. 2
`may be connected to the computer system by an optional
`electrical cable 26. A RF transceiver in the wireless tele(cid:173)
`phone would serve as the transceiver for the computer as
`well. This embodiment might be desirable to reduce the
`overall cost of the system. However, a wireless RF trans(cid:173)
`ceiver and modem may be located in the flat display panel
`assembly 2 for voice or data communications. An antenna
`may be embodied on the display assembly 2, with a retract(cid:173)
`able antenna 32. The display assembly may include the
`computer system located within the assembly housing. The
`advantage of this later embodiment is that the telephone 14
`and computer system could be operated independently.
`The portable computer system may also have means for
`connection to a non-battery power source, as shown in FIG.
`2, via a standard power line cord and plug 28. The system
`may also have means for connection to an external wire
`based wide area communications network 33, via cable 29.
`The wire based wide area network may include one or more
`telephone networks, cable TV networks and/or computer
`LAN/WANs. Telephone networks may include POTS,
`ISDN, ATM or other equivalent types. Several computer
`interface connection means may be embodied, for example
`interface slots/connectors as shown (27, 31, and 38). These
`interfaces might include R/S 232, USE, IEEE 1394,
`PCMCIA, or other computer 1/0 (serial or parallel) connec(cid:173)
`tions. Useful connections may include a bus extender
`connection, so that the notebook computer can be interfaced
`35 to another more powerful computer. For portability reasons,
`it is desirable that the modem or digital terminal adapter be
`built into the computer system unit. Some means for soft(cid:173)
`ware loading should be included such as a floppy disk or
`smart card. Internal mass memory of the computer system
`40 could include ROM, flash memory, or other memory means.
`Means for accepting PCMCIA cards, ROM cards or other
`types of memory card may be implemented. Preferably, the
`system may be embodied with a very small light weight and
`low power mini hard disk. One or more IR communications
`45 interfaces may also be implemented.
`Other capabilities such as FAX send/receive, speech
`recognition, voice processing voice mail, telephony, and
`E-mail functions may be implemented in the computer
`system. A built-in microphone 36 and speaker 30 may be
`50 embodied to support speech input/output and multimedia
`functions. Preferably the display should be capable of full
`color with a wide viewing angle. If the display is back lit, the
`user should be allowed to switch the backlight"on", "off"
`and to a multiplicity of levels in between. The operating
`55 system of the notebook/PDA should be a GUI type such as
`Windows™ 3.1/95, Windows CE™, MagicCap or another
`suitable GUI based computer operating system. The system
`should can be designed to support wide range of commu-
`nication connectivity and software compatibility.
`FIGS. 3A and 3B show another embodiment of invention
`having a base unit or notebook computer system 100, a
`handset unit 14 and a earset 34. This embodiment shows a
`relatively thin flat display panel assembly 2 having a display
`screen 4. The system may also include a pen and/or finger
`input means 7. The base unit has an expandable hinge means
`10 physically connecting the display assembly to the other
`half of the base computer unit. The other half can be
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1006, p. 13
`
`

`

`5,983,073
`
`7
`comprised of several sub-assemblies including a battery
`power source section 9, keyboard assembly 16 and an
`electronics housing section 8. The keyboard assembly con(cid:173)
`tains a keyboard unit 16A, which may contain a full-size
`QWERTY keyboard unit. The housing section 8 may
`include a wireless modem or communications adapter
`means. The expandable hinge means 10 should have an easy
`access locking and unlocking means l0A, which can tem(cid:173)
`porarily lock the rotation of the two halves at the user's
`desired angle. Electronic housing section 8 may be attached
`edge wise to the keyboard assembly 16 by a quick attach and
`release connection means. As shown in the figures, several
`assemblies can be disassembled by pressing one or more
`finger access tabs 5. Likewise, a battery source section 9
`may be edgewise connected to the opposite edge of the 15
`keyboard, via similar quick attach and release connection
`mechanism having finger push tabs 5. The tabs may be
`located on each side of the assemblies for quick and easy, but
`safe, user disassembly. The connection means may include
`means for secure physical attachment and connection of 20
`electrical wires, located inside the subassemblies. Although
`the sections may be ridge, the attachment mechanisms may
`be may somewhat flexible, elastic or pliable, so that the
`combination of assemblies can bend slightly.
`Battery power source unit 9 may consist of one or more 25
`batteries with voltage regulation, AC/DC operation, power
`management circuits and charging circuitry. In a preferred
`embodiment the unit should be capable of accepting elec(cid:173)
`trical charge from an AC line. A important feature embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention is means for quickly interchanging an 30
`electrical power depleted battery power unit 9 with a freshly
`charged battery unit. This may be accomplish by a combi(cid:173)
`nation of finger push tabs 5, latches and hook means for
`quick disconnection and re-attachment. In one intended
`scenario a user may carry several spare battery packages in 35
`a separate briefcase. When the attached battery package is
`depleted, the user can quickly changed out the battery
`sections. The user can then plug the depleted battery pack(cid:173)
`age into an AC line for a built-in charging operation.
`It is preferable that each of the major assemblies and 40
`sub-assemblies be made relatively thin for easy carrying.
`The expandable hinge means should be made somewhat
`flexible, elastic or pliable so that the user may place rela(cid:173)
`tively thin flat objects inside the folded space of the note(cid:173)
`book like