Client device for cellular telephone as server
A new class of thin client called a trans client for operation with a smart cellular telephone as its server does not contain its own user interface (UI) and operating system (OS) and has no capability to run user programs as a standalone apparatus. Its purpose and capability is to display remote content and to provide user input interface. It is built with the slowest processing and lowest power consumption possible with the lowest cost and has security features to assure integrity of operations.
1. A client apparatus for providing an enhanced user interface for a cellular telephone operative as a server comprising:
a low-power embedded microprocessor operative under control of a relatively slow system clock;
USB Host-type ports;
embedded operating system as a single nonextendable image;
nonexpandible random access memory;
nonexpandible persistent memory;
an internal hardware-based video display engine; and
firmware incorporating data processing protocols to limit usage of said CPU, such that said apparatus is dependent upon the cellular telephone for functionality;
wherein the operating system has no file system, has no user shell that would permit independent operation and is incapable of loading application programs.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus includes at least one of the following features:
a battery connection to provide for long period and/or portable operation;
an embedded display; an internal QWERTY keyboard;
a Bluetooth port; and
a touch pad.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nonexpandible random access memory is in an amount less than or equal to 32 MB.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said persistent memory is in an amount of less than or equal to 2 MB of flash memory.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a computer video output port.