Patent · US Active

Passive interface and software configuration for portable devices

US8165633B2 · kind B2 · utility

15Cited by
15References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 2, 2008
Grant dateApr 24, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 5, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F13/102
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A universal passive interface for connecting external systems to smart devices such as cell phones and PDAs. The passive system includes a cradle for receiving a compatible smart device that connects the functionality of the smart device to a wide variety of external systems (e.g., printers, large display, input devices, etc.). The passive interface includes a USB hub, network port, and other common connector ports for peripherals and other systems. The smart device can connect to the passive system via the cradle slot, a tether, and/or wirelessly. The external systems to which the passive system serves at the interface to the smart device include, but are not limited to, large displays (e.g., television), external monitors, input devices such as mice and keyboards, external storage devices, and networks (wired and/or wireless). A wizard allows the user to configure the external systems to work with the smart device.

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