Method of interconnecting of a hand-held auxiliary unit, a portable computer and a peripheral device
US6504710B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2200/1635
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A pen-based portable computer, or pen-tablet computer, for use with a vehicular docking station that allows for the exchange or replacement of components thereof without the need for returning the computer to the manufacturer. The computer utilizes a main or primary housing for the major components of the computer, and a separate, independent, auxiliary expansion unit having its own housing for mounting a replaceable radio module that is connected to the main computer via a multi-pin connector, whereby the replacement or exchange of the radio module for a different one is easily and readily achieved, and where auxiliary or expansion devices may be connected to the main computer thereby, and where the auxiliary device itself serves as a handle for holding the main computer. Also provided is a vehicular docking station for the combined main computer and auxiliary unit, which vehicular docking station is provided with a multi-pin connector for receiving thereby a multi-pin connector of the auxiliary unit when the computer is connected to the auxiliary unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.