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  Method, system, and computer peripheral for docking a handheld computerUSPTO Application #: 20070222758Title: Method, system, and computer peripheral for docking a handheld computer Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer peripheral, is provided with 1) a human input interface; 2) a first computer interface; 3) a data link to provide data connectivity between the human input interface and first computer interface; and 4) a docking port to substantially encase a handheld computer engaged with the first computer interface. (end of abstract) Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP - Denver, CO, US Inventors: Michael R. Mulcahy, Marc A. Mulcahy, Matthew R. Mulcahy USPTO Applicaton #: 20070222758 - Class: 345168000 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070222758. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] Handheld computers are common electronic devices primarily functioning to provide a user with mobile computing services. Early handheld computers were limited to basic calendaring and phonebook applications. Now handheld computers are capable of nearly the same tasks as desktop or laptop computers, although memory capacity and processing speed may be limited. [0002] Handheld computers are often used in conjunction with a docking station to synchronize data files with a host computer and recharge the batteries of the handheld computer. These docking stations facilitate the connection of the handheld and host computer. A cradle or wired plug provides the electrical and structural elements of the docking station to dock a handheld computer. Once docked, data connectivity is established between the host and handheld computer. Optionally, an electrical connection is established to recharge the handheld computer's batteries. Other handheld computers utilize infrared or radio, particularly cellular telephone signals, to perform data exchanges with a host computer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] In one embodiment, a computer peripheral comprises: 1) a human input interface; 2) a first computer interface; 3) a data link to provide data connectivity between the human input interface and the first computer interface; and 4) a docking port to substantially encase a handheld computer engaged with the first computer interface. [0004] In another embodiment, a method for communicating with a handheld computer comprises: 1) docking a handheld computer with a computer peripheral, the docking A) communicatively connecting the handheld computer with the computer peripheral and B) substantially encasing the handheld computer within the computer peripheral; and 2) forwarding input signals from a human input interface of the computer peripheral to the handheld computer. [0005] In another embodiment, a computer system comprises: 1) a handheld computer; and 2) a computer peripheral comprising, A) a human input interface, B) a computer interface to communicate with the handheld computer, C) a docking port having a form factor to substantially encase the handheld computer within the docking port while the handheld computer is engaged with the computer interface, and D) a data link, communicatively connecting the human input interface to the computer interface. [0006] Other embodiments are also disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which: [0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary computer peripheral; [0009] FIG. 2 illustrates the computer peripheral shown in FIG. 1 with a docked handheld computer; [0010] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate side elevations of the computer peripheral shown in FIG. 1, wherein the computer peripheral's wristrest is shown in different positions; [0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary port structure for the computer peripheral shown in FIG. 1; [0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation of an alternate embodiment of the computer peripheral shown in FIG. 1; and [0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method for communicating with a handheld computer via a computer peripheral. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0014] As a preliminary manner, it is noted that, in the following description, like reference numbers appearing in different drawing figures refer to like elements/features. Often, therefore, like elements/features that appear in different drawing figures will not be described in detail with respect to each of the drawing figures. [0015] Computer peripherals provide a function to an attached computer. The function may be an alternate or auxiliary function of the computer (e.g., additional data storage, input/output devices), connectivity to other computers or computer systems (e.g., local area network, Internet, peer-to-peer direct connection), or other function. Computer peripherals provide functionality to the computer that may not be desired full-time. For example, a user may connect a laptop computer to computer peripherals, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) and full sized keyboard, to improve usability. The user may then disconnect such computer peripherals to improve portability. [0016] In recent years, the handheld computer has become more powerful and capable of executing most software applications found on personal computers, although the handheld versions of many software applications may have dissimilar functionality due to the specifications of the handheld computer (e.g., reduced memory, reduced storage space, different input and output capabilities) when compared to a full-functioning personal computer. [0017] Computers, such as handheld computers, are often used in conjunction with a docking station (e.g., cradles and/or cables) to connect the handheld computer to a host computer or peer computer. Connections to the host computer provide a means to synchronize data files, recharge batteries of the handheld computer, and communicate with other computers via the host computer's network connection. Peer-to-peer connections are generally limited to data transfer. [0018] Handheld computers and computer peripherals provide users with the ability to perform a variety of computing tasks. A computer peripheral which is connectable to a handheld computer that is encased within the computer peripheral, provides options not available in the prior art. A handheld computer can be utilized as a stand-alone device and, if a user so desires, placed in a computer peripheral to encase the handheld computer. The user then interacts with the handheld computer via the computer peripheral. [0019] Encasing a handheld computer within the computer peripheral is particularly well suited to those handheld computers not requiring the user's direct interaction with the handheld computer itself. For example, handheld computers for the visually impaired may not have a display screen and, therefore, not have their usability impaired while the handheld is encased within the computer peripheral. As another example, the human interface of a handheld computer is made redundant by the human interface of the computer peripheral, while the handheld computer is encased within the computer peripheral. [0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary computer peripheral 100. A handheld computer is placed in dock 108 to engage first computer interface 104. While the handheld computer is engaged with first computer interface 104 it is substantially encased within computer peripheral 100. A substantially encased handheld computer is at least 50% within the computer peripheral and preferably at least 75% within the computer peripheral. In another embodiment, the handheld computer, while engaged with first computer interface 104, is entirely encased within computer peripheral 100. As a further embodiment, computer peripheral 100 employs a user operable catch to retain the handheld computer within dock 108 until a user releases the catch. Continue reading... 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