`(11) Patent Number:
`United States Patent 15
`Jul. 28, 1998
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Janky
`
`
`[54] GPS AND CELLPHONE UNIT HAVING ADD-
`ON MODULES
`
`I
`
`M.
`
`. Los Altos.
`tor:
`Los
`Janky.
`James
`Inventor:
`[75]
`Altos. C
`[73] Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited.
`Sunnyvale, Calif.
`
`Calif.
`
`[56]
`
`5/1996 Dayan vrcsssenncmnentneemnne 455/89
`5,517,682
`Primary Examiner—Thomas H.Tareza
`Assistant Examiner—Dao L. Phan
`:
`:
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Patrick T. King
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`
`A GPSunit and a cellular telephone unit each have add-on
`modules for providing additional functionality. A battery
`powered hand-held GPS unit has a battery power module
`with a built-in cellular telephone. The controls on the GPS
`unit are used to control cellular telephone operations. The
`GPS controlled cellular telephone transmits position loca-
`tion information obtained by the GPS unit. Alternatively, a
`battery powered hand-held cellular telephone unit has a
`battery power module with a built-in GPS device. The
`controls on the cellular telephone portion are used to control
`GPS device operations. The cellular telephone portion is
`able to transmit position location information obtained by
`the GPS device. The GPS and a cellular telephone device
`can function with either a standard battery module. or with
`a battery module havinga cellular telephone or a GPS device
`_‘Duilt into the battery module.
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1036
`
`(21] Appl. No.: 339,990
`.
`[22] Filed:
`Nov. 14, 1994
`
`CS ccocccccccccccccccccsscsssssosscecesssesvacenssesseseees
`LV]
`Tan,
`018 5/02
`342/357: 342/weSe L:
`132] us a
`ee
`,
`455189
`,
`58)
`Field of Search
`342/357. 419:
`Field
`...........seesFi. 31 50 8%
`[58]
`of
`Searchr
`55/33.1,
`90,
`A
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`aren eee Parnelleta eee
`5,334,824
`8/1994 Martimez sssssscsssenssssesntene 235/380
`5,408,513
`4/1995 Busch etal. ....
`«. 379/59
`5,479,479 12/1995 Braitberg et al.
`......ssssscsseseees 379/58
`
`
`
`14 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`APPLE 1036
`
`1
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`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`Jul. 28, 1998
`
`5,786,789
`
`Figure 1B (Prior Art)
`
`2
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 28, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
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`5,786,789
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`
`(@o—
` OOO00OlolekonaeOO0O00O
`
`Figure 2 (Prior Art)
`
`3
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 28, 1998
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
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`5,786,789
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`Figure 3A
`
`Figure 3B
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`4
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
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`5,786,789
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`
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`Figure 4B
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`5
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`5,786,789
`
`Jul. 28, 1998
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
` POWER/BATTERY
`
`CELLULAR TELEPHONE
`
`Figure 5
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`6
`
`
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`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 28, 1998
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
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`5,786,789
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`64
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`DOWN- 1 33MHz/
`CONVERTER
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`66
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`PROCESSOR
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`78
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`50
`POWER/
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`BATTERY
`Po |
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`Figure 6
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`7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 1998
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`Sheet 7 of 9
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`5,786,789
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`Figure 7A
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`Figure 7B
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`8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 1998
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`Sheet 8 of 9
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`5,786,789
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`120
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`Figure 8
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`9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 1998
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`Sheet 9 of 9
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`5,786,789
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`;
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`!
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`126
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`SPEAKER|DISPLAY !
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`KEYBOARD
`!
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`128
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`MICROPROCESSOR
`POWER!
`f—145
`140
`GPS
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`
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`Pe 4
`Figure 9
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`10
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`5.786.789
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`1
`GPS AND CELLPHONE UNIT HAVING ADD-
`ON MODULES
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This invention relates to GPS and cellular telephone
`devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to hand-
`held GPS and cellular telephone units.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`2
`above object has been achieved by a GPS device and a
`cellular telephone device having add-on modules.
`In accordance with this and other objects of the invention,
`a hand-held communication device is provided which
`includes two functions: a position-locating function and a
`cellular telephone function. The communication device
`includes a core module and a removable add-on module.
`Two functions are provided according to the invention. The
`core module provides one function and the add-on module
`provides the other function. The core module has means.
`Hand-held GPS devices, such as the Scout by Trimble
`such as a keypad and display screen. for entering and
`Navigation, Ltd. and hand-held cellular telephone devices,
`displaying information. The core module providesafirst
`such as the Micro Tac flip-phones by Motorola. Inc. are both
`function. The core module also includes a removable add-on
`well known in the prior art. Such devices are battery
`module. The removable add-on module is removably
`powered by a battery pack whichis attached either to the
`coupled to the core module and includes a power unit for
`hand-held GPS device or to the cellular telephone device.
`providing power to thefirst function in the core module. The
`Whenthe batteries are discharged. a charged battery pack is
`removable add-on module also has a second meansintegral
`attached to the hand-held GPS device or to the cellular
`therewith for providing a second function. Thefirst function
`telephone device. Hand-held GPS devices and hand-held
`and the second function include a GPS function and a cell
`cellular telephone devices operate in different frequency
`phone function. Power as well as control and information
`regimes and function independently of each other. Typical
`signals are removably coupled between the core module and
`hand-held GPS devices do not have cellular telephone
`the removable add-on module. In addition, the core module
`capability, and, typical cellular telephone devices do not
`includes meansfor controlling the second function provided
`have GPS capability.
`by the removable add-on module.
`Prior Art FIG. 1A showsa perspective view of a small,
`In one embodiment of the invention, a battery powered
`battery powered, hand-held GPS receiver 10. With reference
`hand-held GPSunit has a main GPS unit which is structured
`next to Prior Art FIG. 1B, a bottom view of GPS receiver 10
`such that a battery power module can be attached to and
`is shown. Receiver 10 includes a battery portion 12. Battery
`removed from the hand-held GPS portion.
`In this
`portion 12 can be a cover plate disposed over batteries such
`embodiment, a battery pack power module, which is attach-
`as, for example. 4 AA batteries, or may be the outline of, for
`able to or removable from the hand-held GPS portion.
`example, a rechargeable power supply. In the Prior Art.
`includes a built-in cellular telephone unit. The display and
`receiver 10 functions only as a GPS receiver. That is.
`button controls on the main GPSunit are then used to control
`receiver 10 has no cellular telephone capabilities. Thus.if a
`standard cellular telephone operations. The GPS controlled
`user wishes to relay his or her position information to a
`cellular telephone unit transmits position location informa-
`remote station, the user must first locate suitable communi-
`tion obtained by the GPSunit. In so doing, the consumer can
`cation facilities.
`purchase a GPS device which has a standard appearancebut
`which is capable of being upgraded to a combination GPS
`and cellular telephone unit. which is operated by the display
`and controls of the GPS unit.
`
`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
`
`Prior art FIG. 2 shows a combined GPS and cellular
`telephone device 20. The combined GPS andcellular tele-
`phone device 20 is, for example. a “remote unit”as set forth
`USS. Pat. No. 5.043.736 to Darnell et al. The Darnell remote
`unit includes an RF L-bandreceiver for a global positioning
`system and a cellular phone system. The GPS andcellular
`telephone systems of the Darnell reference are permanently
`combined and integrated into a single unit.
`While combination GPS and cellular telephone devices
`are known, the additional expense, bulk, and complexity
`associated with such combination devices may not appeal to
`a consumer at the time of purchase. The consumer may
`desire only the functionality of a GPS device or the func-
`tionality of a cellular phone and later may want to add
`additional functionality.
`The need has arisen for a GPS and cellular phone com-
`bination which does not inherently add substantial expense,
`or bulk or to an originally purchased device. Additionally,
`the combined GPS and cellular phone device should not
`appear to be substantially more complex in operation than a
`single GPS or cellular telephone unit to avoid intimidating
`a potential consumer.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is therefore an objectof the present invention to provide
`a GPS and cellular phone combination which does not
`inherently add substantial expense, or bulk or to the device,
`and which does not intimidate a potential consumer by
`appearing to be substantially more complex than a single
`GPS orcellular telephone unit at the time of purchase. The
`
`45
`
`55
`
`In another embodiment of the invention. a battery-
`powered hand-held cellular telephone unit has a main cel-
`lular telephone unit which is structured such that a battery
`power module, or battery pack, can be attached to and
`removed from the cellular telephone portion.
`In this
`embodiment, a battery power module which is attachable to
`or removable from the cellular telephone portion includes a
`built-in GPS unit. The controls on the cellular telephone
`portion are then used to control the GPS unit operations. The
`cellular telephone portion is able to transmit position loca-
`tion information obtained by the GPS device. Thus. a
`combined GPS and cellular telephone unit is disclosed
`which can function as a telephone with a standard battery
`module, or with a battery module having a GPS device built
`into the battery module.
`Therefore,
`the present invention provides a GPS and
`cellular phone combination which does not inherently add
`substantial expense. or bulk or to the device, and which does
`not intimidate a potential consumer by appearing to be
`substantially more complex than a single GPS or cellular
`telephone unit at the time of purchase.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`65
`
`The accompanying drawings. which are incorporated in
`and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments
`of the invention and, together with the description, serve to
`explain the principles of the invention:
`11
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`11
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`5.786.789
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`3
`FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a Prior Art small. battery
`powered, hand-held GPS receiver.
`FIG. 1B is a bottom view ofthe Prior Art receiver of FIG.
`1A.
`FIG.2 is a front elevation view of a Prior Art combined
`single-unit GPS and cellular telephone device.
`FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
`GPS unit wherein the battery portion of GPS device 30 has
`been removed.
`FIG. 3B is a side view of the GPS unit of FIG. 3A.
`FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an add-on module
`including an integral cellular telephone removably attached
`to a GPS device in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 4B is a bottom view of add-on module including an
`integral cellular telephone removably attached to a GPS
`device as shown in FIG. 4A in accordance with the present
`invention.
`FIG. § is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the
`interconnections between a GPS device and an add-on
`module in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating features
`of a GPS device and the interconnections between a GPS
`device and an add-on module in accordance with the present
`invention.
`FIG. 7A is a front view of one embodimentofa cellular
`telephone device wherein the battery portion of a cellular
`telephone device has been removed in accordance with the
`present invention.
`FIG. 7B is a side view ofthe cellular telephone device of
`FIG. 7A in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an add-on module includ-
`ing an integral GPS removably attached to a cellular tele-
`phone device in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating features
`of a cellular telephone device and the interconnection of the
`cellular telephone device and a GPS add-on module.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`Reference will now be madein detail to the preferred
`embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illus-
`trated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention
`will be described in conjunction with the preferred
`embodiments,
`it will be understood that
`they are not
`intendedto limit the invention tc these embodiments. On the
`contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives,
`modifications and equivalents, which may be included
`within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
`appended claims.
`FIG. 3A showsa perspective view of one embodimentof
`a GPS device 30 wherein the battery portion of the GPS
`device 30 has been removed. GPS receiver 30 is, for
`example, the Scout GPS, available from Trimble Navigation
`Limited of Sunnyvale. Calif.
`FIG. 3B showsa side view of the device 30. A cavity 31
`exists where batteries or a battery pack would normally
`reside. Although GPS device 30 of FIGS. 3A and 3Bis, for
`example, the Scout GPS, the present invention is also well
`suited to use with numerous other GPS devices well known
`in the art.
`With reference next to FIG. 4A, a perspective view is
`shown of a GPS device 30 with an attached add-on module
`32 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in
`FIG. 4A, in the present embodiment of the invention, the
`
`4
`add-on module 32 is inserted into the cavity 31 of the GPS
`device 30. In addition to supplying power to GPS device 30
`via. for example, a battery pack, the add-on module 32 also
`includes a built
`in cellular telephone.
`In the present
`invention, the GPS device 30 is adapted to receive either a
`standard battery supply or a combined power source and
`cellular telephone as embodied in add-on module 32.
`With reference next to FIG. 4B. a bottom view of an
`add-on module 32 attached to GPS device 30 is shown. As
`shown in FIG. 4B. add-on module 32 includes a microphone
`34 and earphone 36. Thus. add-on module 32 allows a user
`to perform standard speaking and listening operations.
`Furthermore.
`the present invention can transmit position
`location information obtained from GPS device 3@. In so
`doing, a user of GPS device 30 can havehis or her position
`location information transmitted by the cellular telephone
`portion of add-on module 32 to an interested party. The
`present invention is also well suited to having position
`location information obtained from GPS device 30 auto-
`matically transmitted. via the cellular telephone portion of
`add-on module 32, to an interested party.
`With referencestill to FIGS. 4A and 4B, GPS device 30
`is modified to include circuitry for controlling standard
`cellular functions necessary to operate the cellular telephone
`portion of add-on module 32. That is, functions such as but
`not limited to dialing. sending. scrolling. ending. etc. are
`selected and controlled using control buttons. or keys.
`typically shown as 38 anda display screen 40 present on the
`GPS device 30. Thus. the present invention provides an
`independent GPS device 30 which is easily upgraded to
`include complete cellular telephone functions. A GPS device
`30 of the present invention would not intimidate potential
`consumers by appearing overly complex or bulky. Also. the
`GPS device of the present invention does not necessarily
`have the increased cost associated with prior art devices in
`which the GPS and cellular telephone are permanently
`combined in a single structure. Rather.
`in the present
`invention, purchase costs can be spread between GPS device
`30 and add-on module 32.
`With reference next to FIG. 5, a simplified schematic
`diagram illustrating the interconnections between a GPS
`device 3@ and an add-on module 32 is shown. The add-on
`module 32 includesa cellular telephone circuit 46, a modem
`circuit 48, and a power/battery source 50. The interconnec-
`tions between the GPS device 30 and the add-on module 32
`are completed in the present embodiment through a control
`bus 52, an I/O data bus 54, and power bus 56. As shown in
`FIG. 5, the control connection between the GPS device 30
`and the add-on module 32 is accomplished using two
`UARTs 58 and 60. Control bus 52 connects the keyboard of
`the GPS device 30 to the cellular telephone portion 46 of
`add-on module 32. In this manner. the standard functions
`necessary to operate the cellular telephone portion 46 of the
`add-on module 32 are controlled through the keys of the
`GPS device 30. I/O data is transferred between the GPS
`device 30 and the add-on module 32 via the modem circuit
`andthe I/O data bus 54. Data is transferred in suitable format
`from either the GPS device 30 to the add-on module 32, or
`from the add-on module 32 to the GPS device 30.
`Additionally, the power bus 56 provides power from the
`power/battery source 50 to the GPS device 30. Power/
`battery source 50 also provides power to the cellular tele-
`phoneportion 46 of add-on module 32 as shown in FIG.5.
`FIG. 6 shows a more detailed schematic diagram illus-
`trating the features of the GPS device 30 and more detailed
`interconnections between the GPS device 30 and the add-on
`module 32. The GPS device 30 typically includes such
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`5
`features as a down converter 64, a signal processor 66, ROM
`68. RAM 70. a keyboard 72. a display manager74, a display
`76, and a standard microprocessor 78. The GPS device 30
`also includes a UART 86 for transferring signals between the
`microprocessor 78 of the GPS device 3@ and a modem
`circuit 82 of the add-on module 32. Although the present
`embodiment shows UART 80 separate from microprocessor
`78, the present invention is also well suited to directing
`signals into a microprocessor which has a UART contained
`therein.
`
`With reference again to FIG. 6, keyboard entries made at
`the keyboard 72 are used to operate a cellular telephone
`portion 86 of the add-on module 32. Pressing of the keys on
`the GPS device 30 simulates the pressing of keys on a
`cellular telephone. Therefore, commands entered at the GPS
`device 30 will drive a cellular telephonecircuit portion 86 of
`the add-on module 32.
`During typical operation, control signals are transmitted
`from microprocessor 78 of the GPS device 30 through a
`control bus 92 to UART 94.Lines 95, 96 between UART 94
`and a UART 98 each transmit digital data in only direction.
`Additionally, control bus 99 directs the data directly into a
`microprocessor 100 of the cellular telephone portion 86 of
`add-on module 32. Although the present embodiment shows
`the UART 94 separate from the microprocessor 78 and the
`UART 98 separate from the microprocessor 87, the present
`invention is also well suited to directing signals directly into
`the microprocessor of the GPS device and then directly into
`the microprocessor of the cellular telephone portion of the
`add-on module when both microprocessors have a UART
`contained therein. It is known in the art that each type of
`cellular telephone employs a different control protocol.
`Therefore, although the present invention describes inter-
`facing between a GPS device 30 and an add-on module 32,
`the actual coding of the commandsto be transferred over the
`control bus is different for each type of cellular telephone.
`Referring still to FIG. 6, the present invention teaches
`removably attaching an add-on module 32 containing a
`cellular telephone 86 to a GPS device. However, as the
`technology of cellular telephones advances,
`the present
`invention is also well suited to forming cellular telephone
`portion 86 of the present invention using cellular telephone
`chip sets within the add-on module on module 32.
`FIG. 7 showsa front view of a cellular telephone device
`120 which has the battery portion thereof removed.
`FIG. 7B shows a side view of the cellular telephone
`device 120 with a cavity 122 is where batteries or a battery
`pack would normally reside.
`FIG.8 showsa perspective view of an add-on module 124
`attached to the cellular telephone device 120 in accordance
`with the present
`invention. The add-on module 124 is
`inserted into the cavity 122 of the cellular telephone device
`120. The cellular telephone device 120 includes a keyboard
`having keys (typically shown as 123) and a display screen
`126. In addition to supplying powerto the cellular telephone
`device 120 via. for example, a battery pack, add-on module
`124 alsoincludesa built in GPS receiver device. The cellular
`telephone device 120 is adapted to receive either a standard
`battery pack or a combined power source and a GPS receiver
`as embodied in the add-on module 124. Thus, the add-on
`module 124 allows a user to obtain standard GPS position
`location information.
`the GPS receiver of the
`In the present embodiment,
`add-on module 124 has no controls or display screen. The
`cellular telephone keys (typically shown as 123) are used as
`control keys in combination with a display screen 126. All
`
`6
`of the GPS information is displayed on the display screen
`126 of the cellular telephone device 120. The present
`invention is also well suited to having such control and
`display features included in the add-on module 124. In the
`present invention, the cellular telephone device 120 can
`transmit position location information obtained from the
`GPSreceiver of the add-on module 124. In so doing. a user
`of cellular telephone device 120 has his or her position
`location information transmitted by cellular telephone
`device 120 to an interested party. The present invention is
`also well suited to having position location information
`obtained from the GPS receiver of add-on module 124
`automatically transmitted, via the cellular telephone device
`120, to an interested party.
`The cellular telephone device 120 is modified by the
`invention to include circuitry for controlling standard GPS
`functions necessary to operate the GPS receiver portion of
`the add-on module 124. That is. functions such as, but not
`limited to,
`indicating latitude. longitude. altitude, speed.
`heading etc. are selected and controlled using the control
`buttons, or keys. present on the cellular telephone device
`120. Thus, the present invention provides an independent
`cellular telephone device 120 which can be easily upgraded
`to include complete GPS functions. Therefore, cellular tele-
`phone device 120 of the present invention does not intimi-
`date potential consumers by appearing overly complex or
`bulky. Also, the cellular telephone of the present invention
`does not necessarily have the increased cost associated with
`prior art devices in which the GPS andcellular telephoneare
`permanently combinedin a single structure. Rather, in the
`present invention, purchase costs can be spread between the
`cellular telephone device 120 and removably attachable
`add-on module 124.
`FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the inter-
`connections between the cellular telephone device 120 and
`the add-on module 124 is shown. The cellular telephone
`device 120 typically includes such features as a display 126.
`a keyboard 128 with keys 123, a speaker 129, a microphone
`130. a microprocessor 132, a transmitter circuit 134. a
`receiver circuit 136, and a duplexer circuit 138.
`The add-on module 124 includes a GPS device 140
`including a microprocessor 142, a modemcircuit 144, and a
`power/battery source 146. The interconnections between the
`cellular telephone device 120 and the add-on module 124 are
`completed in the present embodiment through a control bus
`156, 152, /O data lines 154, 156, and a power bus 158.
`Power bus 158 provides power from the power/battery
`source 146 to GPS device 140. These power/battery source
`146 also provides power to the cellular telephone portion.
`The control connections between the cellular telephone
`device 120 and the add-on module 124 are accomplished
`using two UARTs 160, 162, control buses 150, 152 connect
`the Keyboard 128 of the cellular telephone device 120
`through the microprocessor 132 to the microprocessor 142
`of the GPS device 140. In this manner, the standard func-
`tions necessary to operate the GPS device 140 of the add-on
`module 124 are controlled through the keyboard 128 of the
`cellular telephone device 120. VO data is transferred
`between the cellular telephone device 120 and the add-on
`module 124 via the modem circuit 144 and the I/O data lines
`154, 156. In so doing, data can be transferred in suitable
`format from either the cellular telephone device 120 to the
`add-on module 124, or from the add-on module 124 to the
`cellular telephone device 120. The add-on module 124 also
`includes a UART 166 disposed between the microprocessor
`142 of the GPS device 140 and the modem 144 of add-on
`module 124. Although the present embodiment shows the
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`the
`UART 166 separate from the microprocessor 142,
`present invention is also well suited to directing signals into
`a microprocessor which has a UART contained therein.
`With reference still to FIG. 9, keyboard entries made at
`the keyboard 128 are used to operate the GPS portion 140 of
`the add-on module 124. Thatis. the pressing of keys on the
`cellular telephone device 120 simulates the pressing of keys
`on a GPS device. Therefore, commands entered at cellular
`telephone device 120 will drive the GPS device portion 140
`of the add-on module 124, During typical operation. control
`signals are transmitted from the microprocessor 132 of the
`cellular telephone device 120 throughthe control bus 156 to
`the UART 160. Lines 168 and 170 each transmit digital data
`in only one direction. Additionally, control bus 152 directs
`the data directly into the microprocessor 142 of the GPS
`device portion 140 of the add-on module 124, Although the
`present embodiment shows the UART 160 separate from the
`microprocessor 132 and the UART 162 separate from the
`microprocessor 142,the present invention is also well suited
`to directing signals directly into the microprocessor of the
`cellular telephone device and directly into the microproces-
`sor of the GPS device portion of the add-on module when
`both microprocessors have a UART contained therein.
`Additionally, it is known in the art that each type of cellular
`telephone employs a different control protocol. Therefore.
`although the present invention sets forth interfacing between
`a cellular telephone device 120 and an add-on module 124,
`the actual coding of the commands to betransferred over the
`control buses 150, 152 is different for each type of cellular
`telephone.
`Referring again to FIG. 9 in the present embodiment,
`interconnections between Lines 154, 156 of the add-on
`module 124 and the receiver 136 and the transmitter 134 are
`accomplished using switches 172, 174. Thatis, if data from
`GPS device 140 is to be transmitted to cellular telephone
`device 120, each of the switches 172, 174 contact point “D”.
`However. when the cellular telephone device 120 is oper-
`ating in normal voice mode, the switches 172, 174 contact
`point “V”. Although the present embodiment employs
`switches 172, 174, the present invention is also well suited
`to using other connection methods.
`The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
`present
`invention have been presented for purposes of
`illustration and description. They are not intended to be
`exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
`disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations
`are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments
`were chosen and described in order to best explain the
`principles of the invention and its practical application, to
`thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the
`invention and various embodiments with various modifica-
`tions as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is
`intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
`claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
`I claim:
`1. A hand-held communication device providing a
`position-locating function and a cellular telephone function,
`comprising:
`a hand-held core module having means for entering
`information including control information, means for
`displaying information, andfirst means for providing a
`first function;
`a removable add-on module containing a battery and
`removably fixed to said core module for providing
`power to said first means, said removable add-on
`module also having second means integral therewith
`for providing a second function;
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`wherein said first function and said second function
`includes a GES function anda cell phone function; and
`means for removably coupling power from the battery as
`well as control and information signals between said
`core module and said removable add-on module.
`wherein said core module includes means for control-
`ling the second function provided by the removable
`add-on module;
`whereby the hand-held core module and the removable
`add-on module are fixed together to provide an integral
`hand-held communication device containing a battery
`and having a position-locating function and a cellular
`telephone function.
`2. The communication device of claim 1 wherein thefirst
`means includes the GPS means and the second means
`includes the cell-phone means.
`3. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the first
`meansincludes the cell-phone means and the second means
`includes the GPS means.
`4. The communication device of claim 1 wherein means
`for entering information includes a keypad on said core
`module.
`5. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the
`meansfor displaying information includes a display screen
`on said core module.
`6. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the
`meansfor providing cell-phone functions includes a micro-
`phone and speaker.
`7. A hand-held device having position-locating and cel-
`lular telephone capabilities comprising:
`a hand-held position-locating unit,
`a removable battery power module, removably fixed to
`said hand-held position-locating unit to form an inte-
`gral hand-held device having position-locating and
`cellular telephone capabilities, wherein said battery
`power module includes a battery for providing power to
`said position-locating unit, wherein said battery power
`module includes a cellular telephone circuit integral
`therewith, and wherein the hand-held position-locating
`unit and the removable battery power module together
`form an integral hand-held unit; and
`means for removably coupling power as well as control
`and information signals between said position-locating
`unit and said removable battery power module.
`8. The device of claim 7 including control means. located
`on said position-locating portion of said hand-held position-
`locating unit and coupled to said cellular telephone circuit
`integral with said battery power module, for controlling said
`cellular telephone circuit.
`9. The device of claim 7 wherein said cellular telephone
`circuit includes means for transmitting position location
`information obtained by said position-locating unit.
`10. The device of claim 7 wherein said position-locating
`unit includes a GPS unit.
`11. A hand-held device having cellular telephone and
`position-locating capabilities comprising:
`a hand-held cellular telephone unit,
`a removable battery power module removably fixed to
`said cellular telephone unit to form an integral hand-
`held unit, wherein said battery power module includes
`means for providing power to said hand-held cellular
`telephoneunit and wherein said battery power module
`includes a position-locating device integral therewith;
`and
`means for removably coupling power as well as control
`and information signals betweensaid cellular telephone
`unit and said battery power module.
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`12. The device of claim 11 including control means.
`located on said cellular telephone unit and coupled to said
`position-locating device integral with said battery power
`module, for controlling said position locating device.
`13. The device of claim 12 wherein said cellular telephone 5
`portion includes means for transmitting position location
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`information obtained by said position-locating device inte-
`gral with said battery power module.
`14. The device of claim 11 wherein the cellular telephone
`unit includes a microphone and speaker.
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