Patent · US Expired

Portable electronic subscription device and service

US6494762B1 · kind B1 · utility

85Cited by
18References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 31, 2000
Grant dateDec 17, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 31, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA63H2200/00
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A portable computer is configured to receive programming that is automatically updated by a subscription service. The portable computer includes a facility to connect to one or more subscription services on or through a host computer. The portable computer identifies itself to the subscription service and automatically receives updates for any services registered to it. A log file records information and stimuli received by the portable computer. The subscription service uses the log file to update subscriptions. One embodiment of the portable computer is configured to fit within a shell representing a character or object associated with a subscription. The portable computer may include one or more interface ports allowing the portable computer receive stimulus from sensors in the shell and or to activate transducers in the shell. In one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer is coupled to a cellular telephone.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.