Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for configuring a human-machine interface according to a user's relative preference, or weighting, of a set of utility factors, such that a user can customize a human-machine interface in the absence of the direct selection of interface parameters. In some example embodiments, a total utility function (associated with overall utility of a human-machine interface) is calculated based on the sum of a set of weighted utility functions, with each utility function being weighted according to a respective user-tunable weight, and with each user-tunable weight prescribing a relative importance of a respective utility factor to the total utility function. A set of parameters of the human-machine interface that optimize the overall utility function for a selected set of user-tunable weights is determined and employed to configure the human-machine interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing wireless communication for a portable computer system. In one embodiment, the present invention is a wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication apparatus is adapted to be communicatively coupled to a portable computer system. In the present embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of a PCB (printed circuit board). It is noted that the PCB of the present invention is separate from and in addition to the PCB of the portable computer system to which it is coupled. The apparatus is further comprised of an antenna, coupled to the PCB adapted to transceive a specific radio frequency band. The apparatus is further comprised of a passive radiator coupled to the PCB. The passive radiator is adapted to provide an omindirectional radiation pattern for the wireless communication apparatus.

Abstract: An antenna system for a communication card provides wireless or radio frequency (RF) communication with other networks or communication systems. The antenna system includes an antenna attached to a retractable platform that is selectably movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When wireless communication is desired, the retractable platform is located in the extended position and the antenna is substantially disposed outside of the body of the communications card. When wireless communication is not desired, the retractable platform and antenna are stored inside the body of the communications card in the retracted position. Desirably wireless communication is automatically available when the retractable platform is in the extended position, and wireless communication is automatically unavailable when the retractable platform is in the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses antenna structures for portable digital devices that continuously receive radio signals in both the extended and the retracted antenna positions. In addition, the disclosed antenna structures tune the antenna based on the position of the antenna to achieve good impedance matching, which is particularly useful in reducing the noise and interference, while maximizing the available power for radiation from the portable digital devices. More specifically, a multiple position stylus antenna is disclosed that incorporates an antenna into a stylus for use with a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The stylus antenna uses one radiating element tuned for optimal performance in the extended position and synthesizes a compensation impedance to match the impedance of the feeding transmission line in the retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the various placement of an antenna within a wireless transceiver device such as a wireless personal data assistant is presented. Such an apparatus enables the relocation of an antenna device in accordance with a user preferred configuration. The relocation of the antenna device does not effect the overall performance and does not require further termination of unused antenna configurations. Such an apparatus facilitates the preferred placement of an antenna in accordance with a user's hand preference (e.g., right handedness verses left handedness).