PDA television module

#The present invention generally relates to consumer electronics equipment and, more particularly, to an accessory for use with a personal digital assistant (PDA) which provides television programs on the display of the PDA.

#Handheld computers, or personal digital assistants (PDA's) have become increasingly more popular. An emerging feature of these devices is the ability to add modules that increase the functionality past the standard use of the PDA. These modules have included the functionality of a digital camera, a modem, paging modules, etc. PDA's are employed by users for a variety of tasks. These tasks include storing contact information, schedules/itineraries and other useful information. Because of the many functions of a PDA, users become reliant on carrying the PDA on their person. It would be advantageous to therefore provide increased capabilities for the PDA while using the capabilities already provided by the PDA.

#It would therefore be advantageous to employ a module capable of receiving and playing television programs on a PDA screen.

#The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments now to be described in detail in connection with accompanying drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is front view of an exemplary handheld computer in accordance with the prior art;

#FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an illustrative expansion slot adapted to receive a module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

#It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the invention.

#The present invention provides an apparatus, which improves the functionality of a personal digital assistant (PDA), hand-held computer or lap top computer. The present invention provides a plug-in module, which permits the PDA or other device to receive and display television programs. The present invention preferably takes advantage of the PDA's pixel display management capabilities, battery storage and memory to provide needed television without redundant hardware. Since a user typically carries a PDA, the user only needs to carry an additional plug-in television module to have television viewing capabilities.

#It is to be understood that the present invention is described in terms of a personal digital assistant; however, the present invention is much broader and may include any handheld or portable computer device, which includes a display and is capable of receiving a television plug-in module. It should also be understood that the elements shown in the FIGS. may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software or combinations thereof. Preferably, these elements are implemented in a combination of hardware and software on one or more appropriately programmed general-purpose devices, which may include a processor, memory and input/output interfaces.