Multi-directional infrared port and methods of using same

A system for providing multi-directional infrared transmission coverage, said system comprising:

• a computing configuration having a slot therein;
• a communications card matable with said slot, said communications card having:
• an upper and lower planar surface;
• a retractable access portion capable of being retracted into and extended from between said upper and lower planar surface of the communications card, wherein the retractable access portion conforms to the size of a PC card when in the retracted position;
• at least two infrared transmitter and receiver pairs configured about said retractable access portion, wherein one of the at least two infrared transmitter and receiver pairs is disposed on the top planar face of the retractable access portion, and wherein one of the at least two infrared transmitter and receiver pairs is disposed on the bottom planar face of the retractable access portion such that said infrared transmitter and receiver pairs are substantially confined within said upper and lower planar surfaces of the communications card when said retractable access portion is in a retracted position and are substantially exposed when said retractable access portion is in an extended position;
• and
• an electrical connection means for electrically coupling said retractable access portion to a fixed portion, said fixed portion being capable of electrically communicating with said computing configuration, said at least two infrared transmitter and receiver pairs being electrically coupled to said electrical connection means;
• and
• a peripheral device having an infrared port, said infrared port configured for transmission of infrared signals to said infrared transmitter and receiver pairs and for reception of infrared signals emanating from said infrared transmitter and receiver pairs.

A multi-directional infrared transmission apparatus for providing an infrared port to a computing system configuration having a communications card slot therein, comprising:

• a PCMCIA type II architecture styled communications card matable with said communication card slot having:
• an upper and lower planar surface;
• a retractable access portion capable of being retracted into and extended from between said upper and lower planar surface of the communications card, wherein the retractable access portion comprises a top planar face and a bottom planar face, and wherein the retractable access portion conforms to the size of a PC card when in the retracted position;
• at least two infrared transmitter and receiver pairs configured about said retractable access portion, wherein one of the at least two infrared transmitter and receiver pairs is disposed on the top planar face of the retractable access portion, and wherein one of the at least two infrared transmitter and receiver pairs is disposed on the bottom planar face of the retractable access portion such that said infrared transmitter and receiver pairs are substantially confined within said upper and lower planar surfaces of the communications card when said retractable access portion is in a retracted position and are substantially exposed when said retractable access portion is in an extended position;
• and
• an electrical connection means for electrically coupling said retractable access portion to a fixed portion, said fixed portion being capable of electrically communicating with said computing system configuration, said at least two infrared transmitter and receiver pairs being electrically coupled to said electrical connection means.