Portable cart for mobile computer classrooms

• US 20040139571A1
• Filed: 12/23/2003
• Published: 07/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: National Central University
• Original Assignee: National Central University
• Inventors: Wang, Hsue-Yie, Chan, Tai-Wai, Liang, Jen-Kai, Deng, Yi-Chan, Chang, Li-Jie
• Application Number:
  US10/744,217
• Publication Number:
  US 20040139571A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/315
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 5/049 locking against movement by contacting the floor or a wall
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/08 providing for individual presentation of information to a plurality of student stations

Abstract

A portable cart for mobile computer classroom is disclosed, which installs a plurality of computers and electronic devices on a mobile vehicle so that a computer classroom can be set up anywhere. The portable cart includes a first computer, a plurality of second computers, a power supply device, a network hub, a projector, a central control computer, and a wireless network access point. The first computer is used by teachers for teaching, and the second computers are portable computers with wireless transmission capability. When the second computers are not in use, they are placed at a slot rack which is wired for electrical recharging. The power supply device further comprises a recharge device and a plug, wherein the plug can be plugged in the electrical power outlet to provide power to the first computer and the electronic devices installed in the portable cart, and can recharge the second computers through the recharge device. The network hub is used for connecting the first computer, the second computers, and other electronic devices. The projector is used to project the screen of the first computer or any specific second computers onto a screen. The central control computer is used to control the synchronous or asynchronous teaching. The wireless network access point provides the first computer and the second computers a wireless network access point.

Claims

1. A portable cart for mobile computer classroom, which is to install a plurality of computers and electronic devices on a mobile vehicle so that a computer classroom can be set up in an arbitrary space, said portable cart comprising:

a first computer adapted to be used by the teacher;

a plurality of second computers, which are portable computers with wireless transmission capability;

a power supply device, which comprises a recharge device and a plug, wherein said plug can be plugged into power outlet to provide power to said first computer and other electronic devices, as well as recharge said second computers;

a slot rack, for placing said second computers when not in use, and also connected to said power supply device to provide recharging to said second computers;

a network hub, for connecting said first computer, said second computers, and other electronic devices;

a projector, for projecting the screen of said first computer or a specific said second computer onto a large screen;

a central control computer, for controlling synchronous or asynchronous teaching activity; and

a wireless network access point, used to provide said first computer and said second computers with wireless network access.

2. The portable cart as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portable cart further comprising a slide table for supporting said first computer, and serving as a table for teacher when slide outwards.

3. The portable cart as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recharge device further comprising:

a plurality of relays, wherein each said relay is connected to a said second computer, so that said relay can control the current from said plug into said second computer;

a plurality of batteries, wherein each said battery is connected to a said second computer, so that said battery can store the power from said plug, and can adjust the output current to said second computer to enable recharge a plurality of second computer simultaneously; and

a programmable controller, used to control said relays so that said relays can be activated in a preset order.

4. The portable cart as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portable cart further comprises a slide-stop device, said slide-stop device comprising:

a slide-stop board, installed at the bottom of said portable cart, and when pushed downwards, said slide-stop board touches the ground, and prevents said portable cart from sliding; and

a slide-stop lever, for controlling the movement of the slide-stop board, wherein when pulled downwards, said slide-stop board was pushed downwards to prevent said portable cart from sliding, and when said slide-stop lever is in horizontal position, said slide-stop board is retracted so that said portable cart is mobile.