Transferable core computer

• US 6,029,183 A
• Filed: 08/15/1997
• Issued: 02/22/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• 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:
  US08/911,642
• Time in Patent Office: 921 Days
• Field of Search: 395/325, 395/800, 364/686, 364/683, 367/681, 312/265.3, 312/265.4, 312/265.6, 312/223.2, 392/390, 708/100
• US Class Current: 708/100
• 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: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613

Abstract

A computer system is disclosed having two structures, a mobile core unit and an enclosure capable of enclosing and cooperating with the core unit. The core unit has all of the components of a general purpose computer except for a display and source of power. This core unit by itself is non-functional as a computer unless it is in electrical contact with the enclosure. The enclosure has several connector ports for attachment of peripherals to the system.

Claims

1. A computer system comprising at least two separate compatible structures, a first structure or core unit and a second structure or enclosure, at least one first structure or core unit being a single completely closed housing having internally therein components of a fully functional conventional general purpose computer including internal non-volatile mass storage means, said first structure not originally being an integral component of a computer but a free standing independent structure, said first structure or core unit not functional as a computer when standing alone, said first structure having means for connection to said second structure or enclosure, said first structure having means to retain stored information, even when separated from said second structure, said first structure devoid of any ports while only said second structure comprises peripheral connector ports to cooperate with said first structure, said first structure having means to be used with totally new and different type structured enclosures than said second structure, neither said first nor second structure operable as a computer without combination or electrical contact with the other, wherein all of said components in said core housing are completely enclosed therein and may not be removed, and wherein said second structure is always a part of another third structure.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said first structure has means for connection with a mobile user supported computer.

3. 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, display means, audio input/output means, power means, IRDA means, PCMCIA cards, activation means and mixtures thereof.

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

5. 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 mixtures thereof.

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. A computer system comprising at least two separate compatible structures, a first structure or core unit and a second structure or enclosure, at least one first structure or core unit being a single completely closed housing having internally therein components of a fully functional conventional general purpose computer including internal non-volatile mass storage means, said first structure not originally being an integral component of a computer but a free standing independent structure, said first structure or core unit not functional as a computer when standing alone, said first structure having means for connection to said second structure or enclosure, said first structure having means to retain stored information, even when separated from said second structure, said first structure devoid of any ports while only said second structure comprises peripheral connector ports to cooperate with said first structure, said first structure having means to be used with totally new and different type structured enclosures than said second structure, neither said first nor second structure operable as a computer without combination or electrical contact with the other end and wherein all of said components in said core housing are completely enclosed therein and may not be removed, wherein said second structure is always a part of another third structure and wherein said third structure is selected from the group consisting of an airplane, a home, a vehicle, a car, office equipment, medical or other test equipment, other structures where private data communication is desired, and mixtures thereof.