Abstract: A system for reducing electromagnetic interference between two or more co-located antennas is described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a first antenna for transmitting a first signal within a first frequency band, and a second antenna for operating within a second frequency band during transmission of the first signal. The first and second frequency bands may be substantially identical, or may occupy overlapping or nearby channels within the radio frequency spectrum. The system also includes an apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus is positioned proximate to the second antenna for intercepting the electromagnetic energy radiated from the first antenna during transmission of the first signal. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be positioned proximate to the first antenna for intercepting the electromagnetic energy radiated from the second antenna during transmission of a second signal.

Abstract: A stylus input device, a stylus input device with display, and a method for entering input into a computer system are provided. The stylus is preferably used as a pointer that points to a particular region on an electronic display, and one or more buttons on the stylus can be used to scroll, modify or select that region. The buttons can be programmed in various ways to perform different functions, or one button can be programmed to perform a sequence of functions. The tip of the stylus need not contact the display surface to either render the stylus position or to select the region of the display shown by the stylus cursor. The input device and system thereby operates in a contactless and wireless environment to leave the display area unencumbered to viewers of the display screen, and to allow more than one stylus to concurrently operate upon the display.

Abstract: Various computer-implemented methods are provided. One method for signature recognition includes identifying a vertical element of a signature and determining a tilt angle of the vertical element. Tilt angle is defined by a line that is approximately parallel to the vertical element. In addition, the method includes determining a tilt factor. Tilt factor is defined as a horizontal offset between the tilt angle and a reference tilt as a function of distance from a signature baseline. The method further includes altering the signature using the tilt factor and comparing the altered signature to known signature(s) to determine if the altered signature matches one of the known signature(s). Another method includes altering the signature using a predetermined tilt factor and comparing the altered signature to known signature(s). If the altered signature does not match one of the known signature(s), these steps may be repeated with different predetermined tilt factors.

Abstract: A portable computer that is ergonomic and solvent resistant is disclosed. The computer may have an exterior surface that is made from a soft polymer, so that it will shield a user from exposure to heat while providing a positive tactile feel and shielding the computer from impact. The computer may comprise a number of input output devices with distinct controls arranged about the body of the computer so that a user may comfortably operate each the devices with one hand. The housing of the computer may be sealed, so that it will be resistant to liquid and particulate infiltration, and may be easily wiped clean and disinfected.

Abstract: A portable computer having multiple modes of connectivity is disclosed. The portable computer may be configured to communicate using several wireless transmission protocols, including WWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The portable computer may also receive input from multiple devices, including a bar code scanner, camera, RFID reader, fingerprint reader, digitizer, and an audio subsystem. The portable computer may also contain an accelerometer, and may be configurable to automatically park its hard drive disk when acceleration of a predetermined magnitude is detected.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and system is provided for detecting an incoming wireless signal and selecting the power state and performance of one or more interface units that are adapted to receive the wireless signal. Depending on which interface unit recognizes the incoming signal, that unit may be supplied full power and maximum performance, whereas all other interface units are powered down or placed in a lower performance state. User preferences can be input into the device and used to manually select certain interfaces. The user preferences can be overridden by the automatic detection mechanism or vice-versa. The detection and user preferences are affected by the network characteristics, and the location, traffic, and interrogation/acknowledge signals sent across the network in order to optimize the automatic selection and user preference capability.

Abstract: A palette for a pen tablet computer that facilitates secure gripping of the computer by the user and operation thereof. One edge of the palette includes a palm swell on one side, function buttons on the opposing side, and a thumb hole extending between the two sides. A support arm engagement region extends from the one edge diagonally to the opposite, parallel edge. In one form, the computer can be selectively attached and detached from the palette.

Abstract: A system for reducing electromagnetic interference between two or more co-located antennas is described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a first antenna for transmitting a first signal within a first frequency band, and a second antenna for operating within a second frequency band during transmission of the first signal. The first and second frequency bands may be substantially identical, or may occupy overlapping or nearby channels within the radio frequency spectrum. The system also includes an apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus is positioned proximate to the second antenna for intercepting the electromagnetic energy radiated from the first antenna during transmission of the first signal. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be positioned proximate to the first antenna for intercepting the electromagnetic energy radiated from the second antenna during transmission of a second signal.

Abstract: A device is provided which comprises (a) a portable computer (13) having first and second major opposing surfaces and having a display (31) disposed on the first major surface, and (b) a protective cover (11) adapted to releasably engage the computer in a first orientation in which it covers the display. The cover has a removable battery pack (37) disposed therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the electromagnetic interference between two or more co-located antennas is described herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus is positioned proximate to a second antenna for intercepting electromagnetic energy radiated from a first antenna during transmission of a signal. To reduce interference at the second antenna, the apparatus includes a plurality of resonant circuit elements, each being configured to resonate at or near a carrier frequency of the transmitted signal for redirecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy away from the second antenna. A method for reducing the electromagnetic interference between two or more antennas coupled to a wireless communication device is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet computer and a docking station assembly. This docking station includes a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer. A support member couples the docking assembly to an expansion base. The base includes a number of ports for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base. A flexible printed circuit (FPC) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board and to the data connector. The tablet computing device has a plurality of contact or touch points positioned on the right and left edges of the tablet to facilitate aligning the tablet to the docking assembly in either a landscape or portrait mode.

Abstract: A modular keyboard (12) for a tablet personal computer (10) provides a cover on an outer side (16) for covering the base unit (14) screen (18) and an inner side (46). A key array (44) for key-based data entry into the base unit (14) mounts integrally to the inner side (46). A back support (48) supports the base unit (14) in a raised position relative to the key array (44) and presents the base unit (14) for monitoring data entry from the key array (44). The back support (48) is retractable to a recess (90) that is substantially parallel to the inner side (46). Side support arms (54) cooperate with the back support (48) for supporting the base unit (14) and holding the base unit (14) securely relative to the back support (48). The side support arms (54) are retractable to a recessed position substantially parallel to the inner side (46). A bus connector (78) connects and communicates key-based data between the key array (44) and the base unit (14).

Abstract: A modular keyboard (12) for a tablet personal computer (10) provides a cover on an outer side (16) for covering the base unit (14) screen (18) and an inner side (46). A key array (44) for key-based data entry into the base unit (14) mounts integrally to the inner side (46). A back support (48) supports the base unit (14) in a raised position relative to the key array (44) and presents the base unit (14) for monitoring data entry from the key array (44). The back support (48) is retractable to a recess (90) that is substantially parallel to the inner side (46). Side support arms (54) cooperate with the back support (48) for supporting the base unit (14) and holding the base unit (14) securely relative to the back support (48). The side support arms (54) are retractable to a recessed position substantially parallel to the inner side (46). A bus connector (78) connects and communicates key-based data between the key array (44) and the base unit (14).