US 7,594,059 B2
Multi-interfaced accessory device for use with host computing systems
Karl Townsend, Los Altos, Calif. (US)
Assigned to Palm, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif. (US)
Filed on Mar. 02, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/681,722.
Prior Publication US 2008/0140902 A1, Jun. 12, 2008
Int. Cl. G06F 13/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 710—313  [711/115] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
13. A system for exchanging data, the system comprising:
(a) a device comprising:
a housing including a first end and a second end that opposes the first end;
a first plug connector extended from the first end of the housing, wherein the first plug connector (i) has a first form factor, (ii) is matable with a first type of communication port, and (iii) includes a first set of contact elements;
a second plug connector extended from the second end of the housing so as to extend in an opposite direction from the first plug connector, wherein the second plug connector (i) has a second form factor, (ii) is matable with a second type of communication port, and (iii) includes a second set of contact elements;
a data resource provided within the housing;
an integrated circuit component;
a plurality of signal lines that extend from each of the first and second set of contact elements to the integrated circuit component, wherein the first and second set of contact elements share at least some of the plurality of signal lines that connect to the integrated circuit component; and
wherein the integrated circuit component enables (i) a first computing system having the first communication port to access and use the data resource through the first plug connector and at least a first portion of the plurality of signal lines, and (ii) a second computing system having the second communication port to access and use the data resource through the second plug connector and at least a second portion of the plurality of signal lines;
(b) a computer connected to the electronic device through either (i) the first plug connector so as to be the first computing system, or (ii) the second plug connector so as to be the second computing system, wherein the connected computer comprises:
logic that is invoked or used with the device, wherein the logic causes the computer to perform one or more functions when connected to the device.