United States Patent [19J
`Dit:zik
`
`lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`US005983073A
`5,983,073
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Nov. 9, 1999
`
`[54] MODULAR NOTEBOOK AND PDA
`COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR PERSONAL
`COMPUTING AND WIRELESS
`COMMUNICATIONS
`
`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
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Richard J. Ditzik, 3143 Carnegie Ct.,
`San Diego, Calif. 92122
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/832,923
`
`[22]
`
`[51]
`[52]
`
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`Apr. 4, 1997
`Filed:
`....................................................... H04B 7/15
`Int. Cl.6
`U.S. Cl . ......................... 455/11.1; 455/556; 455/557;
`455/569
`Field of Search .................................... 455/11.1, 556,
`455/557, 575, 568, 572, 90, 569; 364nos.o5
`
`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
`
`............................ 37<!/364
`4/1991 Weiss et a!.
`6/1992 O'Sullivan .............................. 455/557
`2/1993 Paajanen et al.
`....................... 364/379
`3/1993 Herron et a!.
`.......................... 361/248
`4/1993 Hawkins el al ......................... 364/340
`7/1994 Wolff et al. ............................. 379/379
`8/1995 Scheer ..................................... 361/686
`10/1995 Richardson et al. .................... 340/364
`2/1996 ltoh et al.
`.............................. 455/11.1
`10/1996 Rossi ....................................... 455/557
`1/1997 Dinkins .................................. 455/11.1
`5/1997 Stein ......................................... 455i90
`5/1997 Kikinis et al. .......................... 455/575
`
`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 fiat 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 arc 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
`
`LG Electronics, Inc. et aL
`EXHIBIT 1011
`IPR Petition for
`U.S. Patent No. 7,149,511
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 9, 1999
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`Sheet 1 of9
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`5,983,073
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`mm
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 9, 1999
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`Sheet 2 of9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 9, 1999
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`Sheet 3 of9
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`14C
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`Fig. 3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 9, 1999
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`Sheet 4 of9
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`FIG.4
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`Nov. 9, 1999
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`Sheet 5 of9
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`FIG. 5
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 9, 1999
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`Sheet 6 of9
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`5,983,073
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`FIG. 6B
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`FIG. 6A
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`10
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 9, 1999
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`Sheet 7 of9
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`5,983,073
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 9, 1999
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`Sheet 8 of9
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`5,983,073
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`,
`STANDBY _
`60% PROWER ON A 62
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`66m‘ MANAGEMENT
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`68% TEST, HARDWARE —’ REPORT \_/'\ 66
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`N0v.9,1999
`
`Sheet 9 of9
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`5,983,073
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`@ II
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`T 96
`CONTROL MULTIPLE
`PROGRAM & MODE ACTIVITY
`
`CONTROL MOBILE RELAY ”\/ 98
`COMMUNICATIONS FUNCTIONS
`
`100/\_ EXIT APPLICATION
`PROGRAM(S)
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`102m’ EXIT 05
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`104/\/
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`
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`STANDBY POWER
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`FIG. 8B
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`

`
`1
`MODULAR NOTEBOOK AND PDA
`COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR PERSONAL
`COMPUTING AND WIRELESS
`COMMUNICATIONS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates to portable personal computer sys
`tems With external communication means, Which can be
`used by an individual in both desktop and mobile environ
`ments. The computer system involves a relatively large color
`?at 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 ?at 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
`puter system for both portable and desktop uses, the cus
`tomer must purchase multiple systems. The cost of color ?at
`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,
`and keyboards.
`US. Pat. No. 5,189,632 of Paajanen et al disclosed a hand
`held computer unit With an antenna and Wireless RF com
`munication capability, small ?at panel display and a
`keyboard, in a partial clam shell type structure. HoWever,
`they do not teach expandable hinge means, base station for
`handset relay functions, or cover latching function. US. 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,
`they fail to teach expandable hinge means, edge hinge
`means, handset means or base station relay functions. US.
`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
`computing. US. 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
`nication or handset relay functions. US. Pat. No. 5,196,993
`of Herron et al teach a laptop computer With a removable ?at
`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
`puter display assembly. US. Pat. No. 5,200,913 of HaWkins
`et al teach a laptop computer With ?at 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
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`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
`munications and conferencing applications.
`Inventions described herein are based on several Disclo
`sure Documents submitted to the US. Patent and Trademark
`Of?ce, including Document Nos. 353691, 363753, 368165,
`and 377365. Inventions herein solve several prior art
`shortcomings, resulting in neW modular integrated computer
`systems. The inventions as described beloW can be quickly
`con?gured to desktop, notebook, Wireless and/or PDA
`embodiments. Thus, the user Will be able to purchase a
`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 ?at 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
`bility of performing both of?ce 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 con?gure a modular notebook or PDA-like com
`puter system into a plurality of system con?gurations 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 suf?
`cient computing poWer to execute a Wide range of conven
`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
`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
`cation netWork.
`Still another object of this invention involves means for
`quick disconnection or disassembly and subsequent connec
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`5,983,073
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`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 ?at 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
`puter system Would be capable of performing most of the
`Internet data access, doWnload, upload and conferencing
`functions.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 shoWs a perspective vieW of a portable computer
`With a notebook clamshell-like structure.
`FIG. 2 shoWs a perspective vieW of a modular portable
`computer system in desktop con?guration.
`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 PDA in a partial open state.
`FIG. 6(b) shoWs the notebook or PDA in a reversed open
`state.
`FIG. 7 shoWs block diagram of the computer system and
`associated elements.
`FIG. 8 shoWs a How 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
`book computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The
`computer system as disclosed herein typically comprises of
`a ?at panel display assembly 2, Which includes a display
`panel and screen 4 and other components described beloW.
`An expandable hinge means 10 connects the ?at panel
`display assembly and cover assembly (8, 9 and 16). Expand
`able hinge means 10 may be embodied many Ways including
`using ?exible 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 ?rst
`cover section 8, second cover section 9, and a keyboard
`section 16. One or more of the cover sections may be quickly
`
`4
`disassembled from each other by the user. To avoid acci
`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
`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 8A.
`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 ?ngers. One purpose of
`this foldable embodiment is to provide the computer user
`With a handy portable notebook computer that: (1) When
`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 ?at panel display assembly 2 may be a monochrome
`or color liquid crystal displays (LCD), such as those manu
`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+t0?).
`Brightness of the screen should 70 Cd/m2 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 LQ11DS01,
`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
`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
`LTM12C25S, Which are capable of 50 ms response, 70
`cd/m2 brightness and 100:1 contrast. Manufactures refer
`ences and manuals for each are hereby incorporated by
`reference.
`Several I/O slots and/or connectors may be embodied at
`one or more edges of the ?at panel display assembly 2. FIG.
`1 shoWs access slots to a ?oppy disk 28, external commu
`nication means 27, printer connector 31. Other external
`connection means may be embodied. Several connector
`means may be embodied, including auxiliary video
`connector, COM ports, and/or mouse/game ports. PCMCIA
`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
`to the ?at panel display assembly 2. The antenna and
`associated RF transceiver may be used for Wireless com
`munications to/from an external communication netWork.
`Many of the Well-knoWn notebook computer or personal
`computer I/O devices may be embodied.
`An important feature of this embodiment is the dimen
`sions of the computer-display unit. It may be made conve
`niently larger than a 8.5><11 inch sheet of paper, so that one
`can place one or more sheets of paper (or other relatively
`thin ?at objects) inside the closed clamshell like notebook
`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
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`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 ?at panel dis
`play assembly 2 may be placed at an inclined angle, With
`foldable leg support means 19A and 19B. the leg support
`means may fold relatively ?ush 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. Apair of short legs 3 may be placed near
`the front of assembly 2 that may also fold relatively ?ush
`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 ?nger input (touch
`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 ?xed to parts 2 and 9. The hinge
`means may be made of a relatively ?exible material, such as
`leather and vinyl. It may be corrugated as shoWn in the ?gure
`so it can bend easily and expand, as required. The hinge may
`have a number of attachment slots 12 for the quick dis
`attachment or disconnection from hook mechanisms 13.
`FIG. 2 shoWs the ?exible hinge means 10 removed from the
`other assemblies.
`Cover section 9 may contain a battery poWer unit con
`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
`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 ?exible 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
`cover section 8. The recess area is made slightly larger than
`the outside dimensions of the handset 14, so it can ?t inside
`the recess With a relatively snug ?t. It is important the
`handset be easily and quickly removed and replaced in the
`base unit. Alternatively, cover section 8 consist of the
`handset itself, so that a separate cover section With recess
`Would not be required.
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`The portable computer system’s ?exible 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 ?ush 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
`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
`ceiver and modem may be located in the ?at display panel
`assembly 2 for voice or data communications. An antenna
`may be embodied on the display assembly 2, With a retract
`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/WAN s. 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, USB, IEEE 1394,
`PCMCIA, or other computer I/O (serial or parallel) connec
`tions. Useful connections may include a bus extender
`connection, so that the notebook computer can be interfaced
`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
`Ware loading should be included such as a ?oppy disk or
`smart card. Internal mass memory of the computer system
`could include ROM, ?ash 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
`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
`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
`system of the notebook/PDA should be a GUI type such as
`WindoWsTM 3.1/95, WindoWs CETM, 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 ?at display panel assembly 2 having a display
`screen 4. The system may also include a pen and/or ?nger
`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
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`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
`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 10A, Which can tem
`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 ?gures, several
`assemblies can be disassembled by pressing one or more
`?nger access tabs 5. LikeWise, a battery source section 9
`may be edgeWise connected to the opposite edge of the
`keyboard, via similar quick attach and release connection
`mechanism having ?nger 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
`electrical Wires, located inside the subassemblies. Although
`the sections may be ridge, the attachment mechanisms may
`be may someWhat ?exible, elastic or pliable, so that the
`combination of assemblies can bend slightly.
`Battery poWer source unit 9 may consist of one or more
`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
`trical charge from an AC line. A important feature embodi
`ment of the invention is means for quickly interchanging an
`electrical poWer depleted battery poWer unit 9 With a freshly
`charged battery unit. This may be accomplish by a combi
`nation of ?nger 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
`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
`age into an AC line for a built-in charging operation.
`It is preferable that each of the major assemblies and
`sub-assemblies be made relatively thin for easy carrying.
`The expandable hinge means should be made someWhat
`?exible, elastic or pliable so that the user may place rela
`tively thin ?at objects inside the folded space of the note
`book like unit. These thin objects may include sheets of
`paper, cards, brochures, or similar relatively then ?at items.
`Linkages betWeen the sections may be made someWhat
`yielding, pliable, elastic and/or stretchable. Although the
`display device may be ridged, the other half of the notebook
`may be embodied With thin ?exible enclosures and other
`structural components. Also, the ?at panel display device
`and assembly 2, 4 may be made ?exible. Thin and ?exible
`keyboards are knoWn to those in the art. The other parts may
`be adapted to have thin and slightly ?exible mechanical
`features. The tWo halves can be closed by hand and secured
`by a ?ap and snap means 43 or equivalent means. As
`discussed above, the expandable hinge means 10 may be
`made ?exible and expandable by incorporating a multiplic
`ity of small folds or other equivalent means. If the user
`places thin objects betWeen the halves of the base unit, one
`or more sides could bulge out slightly, improving the physi
`cal object carrying capability of the notebook computer. This
`object carrying capability is an important feature for mobile
`users Who may be carrying the notebook almost everyWhere
`they go. The user may securely place and latch paper sheets,
`letters, memos, or other ?at objects inside the notebook clam
`shell structure. A base unit hinge locking and unlocking
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`45
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`8
`means 10A may also be embodied, so that the user can
`quickly and easily temporarily lock the tWo halves of the
`unit to a rotationally ?xed state (and later un-lock them).
`FIG. 3(a) also shoWs several other elements including a
`small CCD video camera 46, built into the display assembly
`for video conferencing and other uses. One or more built-in
`audio microphones 36 may be embodied in the base unit.
`Preferably one microphone should be located on the edge of
`the notebook, as shoWn, so that the user may be in voice
`communications With other While the unit is closed. One or
`more audio speakers 30 may be built into the base unit. One
`or more compartments 47 and 48 may be embodied at
`convenient locations to store attachments for use With the
`mobile computer system. A telescoping antenna 32 may be
`embodied into the base unit as shoWn, or it may be built-in
`the unit and not exposed. Although the base unit 100 can be
`a self-contained unit, it may Work With other optional
`attachments, such as a Wireless cellular-like handset 14 or
`earset 34. The handset 14 may operate roughly equivalent to
`conventional cellular telephone handsets With a built in
`poWer source, providing voice and/or data communications
`to Wide area communications netWorks. The earset 34 has a
`small loW poWer RF transceiver, audio microphone, audio
`speaker and small battery source, Which is capable of ?tting
`into the user’