Modular architecture sensing and computing platform
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Abstract
A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted. Larger systems are capable of supporting more sophisticated processing. A scaled up version of the modular platform provides an outdoor weather resistant community computing server.
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Citations
193 Claims
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1-170. -170. (canceled)
- 171. A hand held modular sensing and computing platform comprising a computer, a keyboard, a display screen, a curser control device for selecting screen icons, a battery, a radio transmitter, a radio receiver, an interchangeable memory module connector for attaching added storage memory inserts, and a GPS receiver.
- 180. A handheld modular computer and communications platform comprising parent communications servers wherein said parent communications servers are first hop radio interface nodes serving a handheld modular computer, said nodes being connected to local and/or wide area networks and said servers relaying communications packets addressed to and from said platform, said platform comprising an end fitting for attaching accessory modules connecting said attachments to a platform computer bus, said platform also comprising a power supply and a control protocol for communicating with platform computer accessory modules.
- 183. A handheld computing and communications platform comprising a digital camera, a flashlight, a digital memory, a Radio Frequency transceiver, a communications controller, a button, a switch, and a battery functioning together to provide a digital camera configured to store a picture in said memory when said button is depressed, and which transports said picture stored in said memory to a remote receiver by activating said transmitter.
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193. A method of customizing a handheld computing and communication platform comprising attaching an end fitting to a handheld computing and communication platform, said end fitting providing electrical and mechanical connection means, said connection means serving to facilitate incorporation of accessory modules, said modules comprising sensors and detection transducers that extend the operational functionality of the platform to include embedded computing systems within a module, said embedded systems independently operating to provide a platform function, wherein a module communicates with any other module also connected to said platform and modules installed on said platform make requests or provide service to any other module installed on said platform, said modules further comprising identification means to represent said module identity to be detected by said platform operating software so that said platform can incorporate any said module into platform operations, and accessory module functionality extends to sensors and detection transducers, radio modules, disk memory, ancillary processors, digital signal processors, cameras, audio transport, power supplies, actuators, GPS, generators, fuel cells, gas detectors, or computer controlled accessories,
said platform also comprising an operator interface wherein said operator may use a platform keyboard with display interface or a radio interface for said operator to gain platform access and provide control from a wireless network node.
Specification