Abstract: A notebook computer includes physical security apparatus for locking a display and system unit together in a `clamshell` configuration. The security apparatus also prevents removal of peripheral devices and disables inputs from the computer keyboard and mouse. In some modes of operation the security apparatus also prevents powering up the computer and undocking of the computer from a docking station. A single user action results in locking the clamshell, locking the peripheral units in place and disabling the keyboard and mouse. Similarly, a user single action results in turning off the security measures (e.g., unlocking the clamshell, unlocking the peripheral units and enabling the keyboard and mouse).

Abstract: An information service provider is disclosed which transmits wireless information having address data and message data. The information service provider, such as a computer operatively coupled to a transmitter capable of transmitting wireless information, transmits the wireless information to electronic devices such as watch receivers, stand-alone pagers, palmtop computers with receiver cards, pen based personal digital assistants, notebook computers, and the like. The information service provider sets a encoding rate to be an address rate, then transmits the address data of the electronic device(s) for which the message is intended at the address rate. The information service provider then adjusts the encoding rate to be a message rate different than the address rate, where the message rate corresponds to the address. This technique allows the information service provider to transmit, and the electronic device to process, different types of messages at different rates.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed which processes wireless information having address data and message data. The electronic device, such as a computer equipped with a receiver card or other device capable of receiving wireless information, receives the wireless information. The electronic device sets a decoding rate to be an address rate, then reads the address data at the address rate. The device then determines that the address data matches an address of the electronic device. The device then adjusts the decoding rate to be a message rate different than the address rate, where the message rate corresponds to the address. This technique allows the information service provider to transmit, and the electronic device to process, different types of messages at different rates.

Abstract: An information retrieval device displays portions of a dynamically modifiable document requested by a user. The information retrieval device has a controller connected to a display screen, input selector switches, such as buttons, and memory, such as non-volatile flash memory. One or more documents, such as a newspaper or magazine, is stored in the memory. A receiver, such as a pager, modem, or FM radio receiver, is connected to and dynamically updates the memory. When the device is turned on, a first portion of a document is displayed on a display screen. When the user wants to see a different portion of the document, or a different document altogether, she presses one of the buttons. Upon detection that a button was enabled, an action is performed that changes the display on the display screen.

Abstract: A cellular phone has, in addition to an antenna, speaker and microphone, a device interface capable of transmitting electronic information between the cellular phone and an electronic device, such as a computer or modem, when the device is physically connected to the cellular phone. The cellular phone also has a battery pack. The battery pack has, in addition to a battery for powering the cellular phone, an infrared port for transmitting infrared information between the cellular phone and an electronic device with infrared capability. The infrared port is connected to an infrared converter, which is connected to the device interface. The infrared converter converts electronic information to infrared information for transmission between the cellular phone and the device over the infrared port.

Abstract: The apparatus allows the connection of two peripherals to a host device through one port and switching between them. The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing a data signal from the second peripheral device and a switch responsive to the sensor. The switch in a default, first state connects the first peripheral device to the host device and in a second state disconnects the first peripheral device therefrom. If a second peripheral device is connected to the apparatus, the sensor senses a data signal from the device and communicates this sensing to the switch. The switch responds by disconnecting the first device from the host device, leaving the second device solely connected to the host device. If the second peripheral device is disconnected from the apparatus, the switch reconnects the first peripheral device to the host device.

Abstract: A touch screen includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a viewing surface through which light passes into and out of the display and a back surface comprising a transflector such as transflective film. The transflector reflects some of the light back through the display and viewing surface and transmits some of the light. An array of light dependent resistors (LDRs) or equivalent light detecting devices underlie the transflector and detect a change in the transmitted light caused by a touching of the viewing surface. The light detecting array may be integrated into a keyboard interface. Keys are then displayed on the viewing surface opposite LDRs in the array to indicate where the viewing surface must be touched to actuate a key.

Abstract: A paging accessory (10) for portable computing devices (12) such as calculators, electronic notebooks, calendars or the like. The paging accessory (10) includes a board (14) on which are mounted a receiver (32) for receiving page signals and a microprocessor (34) for identifying and decoding a page signal intended for the accessory (10). The board (14) includes connectors (16) for inserting the accessory (10) into a port (15) of a portable computing device (12). Alternatively, receiver (32) may be incorporated directly into a device (12). The device (12) is programmed to compare information in its memory. For example, it can compare a received phone number against a list of phone numbers to identify the person to be called in response to the page.

Abstract: Apparatus that enables an optical transceiver (14) to communicate data as a bar code reader or by way of modulated light. A lens assembly (22) adjusts the focal distance of the optical transceiver (14) to enable it to communicate in these multiple modes. A control circuit (16) and microprocessor (12) are coupled to the optical transceiver (14) and are responsive to the focal distance setting of the lens assembly (22) for selecting the appropriate communication mode. The apparatus is of particular value in low-power, portable environments, such as in calculators or other portable computing devices.