Core computer unit

• US 5,999,952 A
• Filed: 01/20/1998
• Issued: 12/07/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/15/1997
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: XYBERNAUT CORPORATION
• Inventors: Jenkins, Michael D., Moynahan, John F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Palys, Joseph E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): OMAR, OMAR B
• Application Number:
  US09/009,206
• Time in Patent Office: 686 Days
• Field of Search: 395/325, 395/800, 364/708.1, 361/686, 361/683, 312/265.3, 312/265.4, 312/265.6, 312/223.2, 367/684, 392/390, 708/100
• US Class Current: 708/100
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/183 Internal mounting support structures, e.g. for printed circuit boards, internal connecting means for buses G06F13/409

Abstract

This invention provides a core computer unit that contains all of the components of a conventional computer however will not function unless it is positioned in an enclosure. The enclosure dictates the computer function, the core unit supplies the computer components. The core unit remains dormant and non-functional until it is positioned in a compatible enclosure.

Claims

1. A core computer unit comprising in combination a completely enclosed housing, internal core components in said housing, and an external core connector, said internal core components comprising, except for a display, all of the components of a conventional computer, including internal non-volatile mass storage means, all in electrical connection with said external core connector, said core computer unit having power connection means via said external core connector for electrical connection to an enclosure, without attachment to said enclosure said core computer unit is dormant and non-functional as a computer, said core computer unit not originally a component of a computer but a free standing unit originally not part of a computer, with said electrical connection said core computer unit supplying any desired computer function dictated by a plurality of different enclosures, said core devoid of any peripheral ports but having means to cooperate with said enclosure to supply a computer function to peripherals which are only in direct communication with said enclosure, said core computer unit having means to retain stored information even when separated from said enclosure, said stored information usable in said core computer unit with said plurality of different enclosures, said external core connectors having means adapted to cooperate with a connector in said enclosure to provide said electrical connection between said core computer unit and said enclosure, and wherein all of said internal core components in said core housing are completely enclosed therein and may not be removed, said core computer unit having means to be used interchangeably with a plurality of different type and structured enclosures and not being a removable or replacement portion or component of a computer.

2. The core computer unit of claim 1 wherein said unit has means via said enclosure to communicate with a function selected from the group consisting of a U.S.B., communication serial ports, floppy discs, video graphic adapters, P.C.I. Bus, head mounted displays, audio input/output means, power means, IRDA means, PCMCIA cards, activation means and mixtures thereof.

3. The core computer unit of claim 1 wherein said unit has means via said enclosure to communicate with PCMCIA cards connected to said enclosure.

4. The core computer unit of claim 1 wherein said unit has means via said enclosure to communicate with and function off an activation means selected from the group consisting of mouse activation, keyboard, audio activation, eye tracking activation means, pen activation means, electroencephalography activation means and mixture thereof.

5. The core computer unit of claim 1 wherein said unit has means for communicating with ports located in said enclosure.

6. The core computer unit of claim 1 wherein said core computer unit has means when connected to said enclosure to provide built-in capacity to interface with external sources of data and information.

7. The core computer unit of claim 1 wherein said core housing permanently encloses a processor, memory means, internal storage means, activation means, video display controller means, input/output controller means, and means for communication with outside sources of data and information.

8. The core computer unit of claim 1 wherein said power connection means comprises a connector in electrical connection to all of said internal core components and having means for only mating with a compatible connector means for said enclosure, each of said power connection means and connector means for said enclosure being specifically structured to only function with each other.