Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Generic control system – apparatus or process – Optimization or adaptive control
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-09
2001-02-27
Beausoliel, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 2184)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Generic control system, apparatus or process
Optimization or adaptive control
C700S001000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06195589
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to personal data assistants (PDAs) and, more specifically, PDAs or adapters therefor capable of operating remote-controllable devices.
2. Present State of the Art
In our rapidly advancing electronic era, consumers are obtaining increasing numbers of remote-controllable devices such as stereos, televisions, and VCRs. Each of theses separate devices comes with its own remote control. Unfortunately, remote controls are often difficult to operate and are frequently lost. These problems are compounded by the fact that consumers must locate and learn to operate a number of remote controls that usually have different configurations and operating instructions.
Another electronic apparatus that is increasing in popularity is the personal data assistant (hereinafter “PDA”). PDAs are small, substantially hand-sized computers that are used for storing, manipulating, and retrieving a defined amount of data. One example of a PDA is the PalmPilot® manufactured by 3Com. The PalmPilot® functions primarily as an electronic day planner and address recorder. Although PDAs are useful, they provide another electronic device that the consumer must learn to master.
OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide PDAs and/or adapters for PDAs that can operate remote-controllable devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide PDAs and/or adapters for PDAs that can operate a plurality of remote-controllable devices.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide PDAs and/or adapters for PDAs that can consolidate or limit the number of remote controls to operate a variety of different remote-controllable devices.
To achieve the foregoing objectives, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an adapter for a PDA is provided. The adapter has a substantially L-shaped housing that can be physically and electrically coupled with a conventional PDA. Disposed within the housing of the adapter is a micro processor and a light source which are energized by enclosed batteries. In one embodiment, the light source is a laser. In another embodiment, the light source is a light emitting diode.
The light source emits a light beam which can be converted into a digital signal. This can be accomplished by using a switch which turns the light source on and off. Alternatively, a liquid crystal display (LCD) can be positioned in front of the light source which can then be selectively turned on and off to block the light beam.
When it is desired to download the data stored on the PDA, the micro processor in the adapter transmits a corresponding series of digital pulses using the light source. These pulses are received by a photo detector of a host computer. The photo detector is coupled with a processor which receives, processes, and stores the data stream. The adapter can thus be used to download information from the PDA to a host computer without effecting a physical electrical connection therebetween.
The adapter can also be used to operate remote-controllable devices such as stereos, televisions, and VCRs. By loading appropriate software in the PDA or adapter, the light source can be operated by the microprocessor to emit low speed pulses to a remote-controllable device for remotely controlling the device. For example, by accessing software on the PDA for a television, depressing a select control button on either the PDA or the adapter generates a low speed pulse that turns the television on or off. Of course other functions such as volume or channels can also be selectively changed. Likewise, by selecting other programs loaded on the PDA, a single PDA can be used to remotely operate a variety of different remote-controllable devices.
Accordingly, by using a single PDA, a variety of different remote-controllable device can be operated. As a result, the consumer does not need to purchase separate remote control devices and need only learn how to operate a single device in order to know how to operate a variety of different remote-controllable devices.
In other embodiment, the electronics of the adapter can be integrally formed within the PDA so that it performs the above functions. In this embodiment, the separate adapter is not required.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5537463 (1996-07-01), Escobosa et al.
patent: 5895906 (1999-04-01), Danielson et al.
patent: 6008735 (1999-12-01), Chiloyan et al.
patent: 6014705 (2000-01-01), Koenck et al.
patent: WO 94/22242 (1994-09-01), None
3Com Corporation
Beausoliel, Jr. Robert W.
Workman & Nydegger & Seeley
Ziemer Rita
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