Networked personal audiovisual device having flexible housing

Abstract

A portable information device including a frame structure is disclosed herein. The device includes communications circuitry and a core electronics unit supported by the frame structure. The core electronics unit includes memory in which are stored instructions for one or more computer programs received by the communications circuitry and executed by a processor. A user interface in electrical communication with the core electronics unit is disposed to receive user instructions pertinent to execution of the one or more computer programs. The device also includes a flexible housing attached to the frame structure, the flexible housing at least partially defining a compartment containing the core electronics unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 805,830, entitled CONFIGURABLE PERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE FOR USE IN NETWORKED APPLICATION SHARING SYSTEM, to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 823,491, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING ELECTRONIC CONTENT TO NETWORKED PERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICES, to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 823,493, entitled NETWORKED PERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE HAVING FLEXIBLE HOUSING, to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 823,496, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY UPDATING THE SOFTWARE OF A NETWORKED PERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE, to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 945,900, entitled REGISTRATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERSONALIZED PORTABLE DEVICES, and to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 869,297, entitled SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR LOCATION...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] In summary, one aspect of the present invention relates to a portable information device including a frame structure. The device further includes communications circuitry and a core electronics unit supported by the frame structure. The core electronics unit includes memory in which are stored instructions for one or more computer programs received by the communications circuitry and executed by a processor. A user interface in electrical communication with

Problems solved by technology

As a result of the impracticality of installing Ethernet cable throughout a residence, RF-based wireless networking technology is becoming increasingly commonplace among consumers.

However, since many of these services are facilitated by a desktop or notebook PC capable of communication over a broadband Internet connection, users are forced to remain proximate to their respective computers in order to utilize such services.

Although other strategies to leverage the availability of broadband Internet connectivity within the home are currently being developed, many of these approaches involve creation of a relatively powerful, costly centralized communications “hub” (e.g., a PC with enhanced media capabilities, or a multi-purpose cable set-top box).

Unfortunately, this typically requires either the purchase of an expensive hardware device or extended subscription plan, and constrains the extent to which Internet-enabled entertainment or other services are enjoyed outside of the immediate vicinity of the centralized hub device.

Images