Modular portable computer with removable pointer device
First Claim
1. A modular computer comprising:
- a flat, rectangular case;
a plurality of module bays arranged in a common plane and opening to one or more edges of the case;
a multi-pin electrical connector at the inboard end of each module bay for engaging a mating electrical connector of a functional module;
an internal bus connected to each of the electrical connectors in the module bays;
a flat-panel display pivotally attached to the case of the modular computer;
an input apparatus connected to the case;
a compartment in the case adapted for enclosing a removable pointer device;
a pointer device having a user interface for providing positional input and adapted for storing in the compartment; and
a communication system coupling the pointer device to the computer, configured to pass positional input from the pointer device to the computer.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular computer has a framework with module bays for receiving CPU modules, power modules, and peripheral function modules such as floppy and hard disk drives. The framework has a built-in compressed bus and a variety of function modules which can be plugged into any one of the module bays. Function modules include, but are not limited to, CPU, power, floppy disk, hard disk, RAM memory, LAN communication, modem, FAX communication, and data acquisition. In some embodiments function modules are provided for communicating with separate input means, such as voice, keyboards, and pen-pads. In one aspect the module bays and the function modules are configured according to dimensional and connective standards of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. There are additionally pointer devices configured to be stored in compartments in the modular computer.
105 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A modular computer comprising:
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a flat, rectangular case; a plurality of module bays arranged in a common plane and opening to one or more edges of the case; a multi-pin electrical connector at the inboard end of each module bay for engaging a mating electrical connector of a functional module; an internal bus connected to each of the electrical connectors in the module bays; a flat-panel display pivotally attached to the case of the modular computer; an input apparatus connected to the case; a compartment in the case adapted for enclosing a removable pointer device; a pointer device having a user interface for providing positional input and adapted for storing in the compartment; and a communication system coupling the pointer device to the computer, configured to pass positional input from the pointer device to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification