WO2001048583A1

WO2001048583A1 - Personal mobile computer system

Info

Publication number: WO2001048583A1
Application number: PCT/RU2000/000137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexei Alexandrovich Gorchakov
Original assignee: Alexei Alexandrovich Gorchakov
Priority date: 1999-12-28
Filing date: 2000-04-19
Publication date: 2001-07-05
Also published as: AU4321700A

Abstract

A personal mobile computer system (PCA) comprises three units made in separate cases. A main unit comprises a display, a mother board with a processor, a random-access memory, video and audio subsystems, as well as a modem subsystem, a reserve power source, ports and outlets for peripherals. An integrator comprises a hard disk drive, a hard disk controller, a USB-HUB, and a power concentrator. A power unit contains storage batteries supplying the system. The system units are connected to each other by means of stubs made in the form of flexible stranded wires, via connectors provided on cases of the units. All three units have geometric dimensions comparable with those of a notebook. The system units may be located in various carrying modules: a case, a jacket pocket etc. The units are made movable with respect to each other during the system run. The system may be used in transportation means, out of doors etc. The system may comprise several power units and/or integrators to increase the service life, and peripherals.

Description

PERSONAL MOBILE COMPUTER SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of computers, and more particularly to mobile personal computers containing peripherals which may be used as a data processor, mobile office, communication means etc. The presently proposed personal computer system is a personal computer assistant (PCA).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There has been known a considerable number of mobile computer systems enabling easy transportation owing to small sizes and weight, such as laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet and palm-top computers.

A computer system of the first category (laptop computers) is comparable in its sizes with a small suitcase. Such computers are designed for a quick change in the location of a work station. In addition to conventional components: a liquid-crystal display, a processor, a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, a keyboard, it may also contain a printer, a modem, a cellular telephone etc. (US Patent No. 4,837,590 issued 06 January 1989, Int. Cl. G01D 15/00). All components of such computer are mounted on a common platform and located in a common case.

Computers of the second category (notebook computers) are smaller in size and weight. As a rule, they are made in the form of two hinged members in which a mother board with a central processor, a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, and a power unit are located. A flat display is generally located in one member, whereas a keyboard for data input is located in the other member. While in the computer's idle state, the members may be put together to form a common case. Minimal sizes of the notebook computer are comparable with those of a typical paperback book. Since a keyboard of small sizes is inconvenient for data input, a computer may be made with the possibility to input data by a special pen with which a user writes on a display screen. (US Patent No. 5,657,258 issued 12 August 1997, Int. Cl. G06F 001/16). A notebook may also comprise additional devices: a modem, a telephone, a module for switching and transmitting facsimile messages, a port for connecting to a telephone system. Functionally, a notebook type computer is similar to any present-day PC and on a par with the latter in terms of the processing power and capabilities. A set of routines enables it to carry out functions of a mobile office, namely database management, text origination and processing, electronic calendar, daily-book notebook, calculator, journal, telephone dialing, abonent networking etc.

Computers of the third category (palm-top computers, tablet computers etc.) are the most space-saving. The case of such a computer may have such sizes and weight that it is easy to operate while freely suspended in hand. As a rule, computers of this category provide data input using a special pen with which a user writes on a display screen. A computer allowing such method of data input (pen computer) may also have a keyboard for an alternative data input (US Patent No. 5,224,060 issued 29 June 1993, Int. Cl. G06F 1/00). Small sizes and weight of computer systems in this category are attained because they do not comprise hard disk drives. Programs required to a user are contained in a read-only memory (ROM). It impedes introduction and use of new program products and greatly reduces a range of possible functions and applications of such computers, as compared with conventional PCs and notebooks.

A common structural feature of the aforementioned computer systems consists in the fact that structural elements constituting a computer: a processor, a hard disk drive, a power unit, etc., are mounted in a common case or in hinged units. Therefore, a complete set of such computer systems, that is a set of peripherals, disk drives etc. is determined during its manufacture and can not be efficiently changed by the user. Replacement of obsolescent elements of a mobile computer system for up-graded elements is thus troublesome. In case of necessity for such replacement, the user generally has to purchase a new mobile computer system entirely.

There have been known mobile computer systems of a notebook type which grant the possibility of replacing the main structural elements in order to bring the system up to date and improve its capabilities. To this end, the main elements of a computer system are fabricated as separate modules.

For example, in a portable notebook computer system described in US Patent No. 5,557,562 issued 17 September 1996, Int. Cl. G06F 1/16, the upper surface of a main case of a computer system with a keyboard located thereon is made in the form of a flap board fastened on a hinged joint. While in a flap position, this board provides access to the places of fastening within the main case of a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive and a storage battery assembly all fabricated as separate modules.

A modular portable computer described in US Patent No. 5,539,616 issued 23 July 1996 to Dan Kikinis, Int. Cl. G06F 1/16, comprises a main case, a plurality of separate module bays in a common plane, each module bay comprising a walled cavity, each module bay is sized to receive within the cavity a functional module. A variety of function modules can be plugged into any one of the module bays. Function modules include CPU, power, floppy disk, hard disk, RAM memory, LAN communication, storage battery assembly, modem and other function elements each in the form of a separate module. A module case is provided with a multi-pin electrical connector mounted through an inboard wall of each module bay. This system provides a rather efficient change of the computer system configuration, its updating and expanded capabilities by replacing relevant modules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a personal mobile computer system of open architecture which would combine capabilities and processing power of a stationary personal computer with mobility and compactness of a palm-top computer suitable for operation in transportation means, out of doors etc.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the possibility for running a computer system directly in transit similar to that with audio players and cellular telephones. These properties of the system enable the user to establish a uninterrupted and rapid communication, as well as to continuously monitor physiological parameters of the human body for medical purposes. This object requires significant improvements in ergonomic properties of the system, that is convenience of use and transportation, as compared to presently known systems.

A further object of the present invention is to freely manipulate, at the user's will, a complete set of the system using peripheral devices.

Yet another object of the present invention is to efficiently increase the service life of the system by connecting, through stubs, additional single-type system units or additional peripherals. Such connection may be carried out under operating conditions without switching off or stopping the entire system.

Still another object of the present invention is to enable a non-professional user to upgrade and increase capabilities of the system by replacing a part of its components.

The presently proposed design of a mobile computer system enables a user to place the system in various carrying modules: a handbag, a case, a jacket pocket etc.

The present invention is not limited by the aforementioned objects. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and claims. A personal mobile computer system of the present invention is preferably

IBM-compatible. It comprises at least three units: a main unit, an integrator, and a power unit each made in a separate case.

The main unit comprises a display enabling one to input information by a special pen (a touch sensitive screen, for example a TFT-panel), a mother board with a processor, a random-access memory, video and audio subsystems, as well as a modem subsystem, a reserve power source, ports and outlets for peripherals. A case of the main unit is provided with connectors for connecting peripheral devices. Moreover, the case of the main unit is provided with connectors to supply a set of d. c. voltages necessary for operation of the mother board with the processor and all other elements of the main unit. Besides, the case of the main unit is provided with connectors to exchange data between the mother board and a hard disk drive.

An integrator comprises a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive controller, for example USB -E-IDE, a USB-HUB concentrator, and a power concentrator. The power concentrator functions to convert the power supply voltage into stabilized voltages necessary for operation of the mother board and other computer elements. A case of the integrator is provided with connectors for connecting stubs of data input and output and of power supply. Stabilized voltages are transferred through a flexible stub to the main unit containing all main elements of the computer system. This stub is also used for exchanging data between the mother board and the hard disk drive.

The power unit contains storage batteries or other power elements supplying the system. The power unit is connected to the integrator through a stub which transfers the power supply from a self-contained power source to the power concentrator. The power unit may also contain power supply converters designed for various external power sources.

All three system units are made in separate cases and have geometric dimensions comparable with those of a conventional notebook. The units are connected to each other by means of stubs made in the form of flexible stranded wires, shielded if need be, with their ends provided with connectors corresponding to mating connectors mounted in the unit cases. A described separation of the computer system elements into units makes it possible to provide a computer system comparable in its capabilities with a stationary personal computer while having mobility and compactness similar to a palm-top computer. Flexible connections of the units allows an independent mutual displacement of the units and in principle enable a user to operate only with the main unit with its optimum dimensions comparable to those of the hand. In so doing, the integrator and the power unit may be located in various carrying modules: a handbag, a case, a jacket pocket etc., and they do not require the user's handling. Such an accomplishment allows utilization of the computer system directly in transportation means, out of doors, that is in a way typical for the cellular telephone's everyday use.

Such an accomplishment increases reliability of the system run as compared to notebook computers, since during operation a user has to do with the main unit, whereas a hard disk drive - the system element which is the most sensitive and vulnerable to impacts and accelerations - may be found during operation in a more protected carrying module, for example in a case pocket.

Placement of a hard disk drive in a separate case excludes the influence of noises arising during its operation on an audio subsystem and results in improved sound quality.

The system enables one to plug-connect several single-type units, in particular power units and/or integrators, in order to increase the service life, that is the off-line run time and capacity of hard disk drives.

The system permits one to plug-connect peripherals such as external audio and video reproducers and recorders, printers, CD drives and floppy disks, a keyboard, a peripheral monitor etc.

The system makes it possible to be plug-connected to information devices and networks: a radio telephone, telephone lines, computer communication lines etc.

The use of a hard disk controller USB -E-IDE and a USB-HUB concentrator enables one to modify the system configuration and a set of peripherals in the "hot" mode, that is during the system run.

Such architecture of the system enables one to upgrade the system by replacing one or more units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a general view of a personal mobile computer system as an assembly.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a personal mobile computer system.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show possible embodiments of placing a personal mobile computer system in transit.

FIG. 5 shows possible elements for fastening units of a personal mobile computer system.

FIG. 6 shows one of possible lists of equipment of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a general view of a personal mobile computer system in accordance with the present invention. The personal mobile computer system in its minimum configuration comprises three units: a main unit (1), an integrator (2), and a power unit (3) each made in a separate case. The units are connected to each other by means of stubs (4) made in the form of flexible stranded wires, shielded if need be, with their ends provided with connectors (5) corresponding to mating connectors (6) mounted in cases of the units. Connectors (5) and mating connectors (6) are provided with detents (for example, spring-actuated) to prevent unintentional detachment of units of the running system. Each connector comprises a protective housing snug against a mating connector, thus contributing to additional increase in reliability of the fixture. The system also comprises a pen (7) for data input. In a case of the main unit, there are mounted a flat panel display, for example a touch-sensitive TFT-panel (8), which is a pen sensitive display enabling one to input information by a special pen. The maximum weight of the personal mobile computer system is preferebly below 1 kg.

The arrangement of each of the aforementioned units is shown in FIG. 2. In a case of the main unit (1), in addition to the display, there are mounted a mother board with a processor, a random-access memory, a video subsystem and an audio subsystem (9), as well as a modem subsystem and a network card (10), a reserve power source (11), ports (12) and outlets (13) for peripherals.

In a case of the integrator (2), there are mounted a hard disk drive (14), a hard disk controller (15), for example USB -E-IDE, a USB - HUB concentrator and a power concentrator (16).

The power unit (3) contains storage batteries or other power elements providing the system with a self-contained power supply.

In the state of operation, the units are connected in series (l)-(2)-(3) by means of stubs (4). The main unit (1) is connected to the integrator (2) by means of a stub that provides transfer of a set of stabilized voltages from the power concentrator (16) to the mother board and other elements of the main unit, as well as data exchange between the mother board and the hard disk drive (14). Two connectors of this stub may have a common protective housing, thereby forming a single module. At the same time, each connector has its own detent, thus further increasing reliability of the stub fixture. The integrator (2) is connected to the power unit (3) by means of a stub that transfers the power supply from a self-contained power source to the power concentrator (16). A touch-sensitive TFT-panel (8) offers functions of a display with its preferred dimensions of 5.5-8.4 US inches as measured diagonally and resolution of preferably

800x600.

The mother board (9) with a processor, preferably Intel Tillamook, Pentium III, Celeron, or AMD K6-III, comprises a 64-128 MB random-access memory, a video system with a memory of preferably 2-8 MB, a TFT-support and interface for a peripheral monitor, for example VGA, an audio subsystem enabling operation of internal and external loudspeakers and microphones, sound volume control, connection to a CD player and a telephone line.

The modem subsystem and the network card (10) are made so as to be connected to a telephone line and local area networks (LAN).

The reserve power source (11), which is preferably a lithium storage battery, is fabricated to enable operation of the unit for 5-10 minutes without the screen OFF and 20 minutes with the screen OFF in case of the emergency disconnection of stubs.

Ports (12) and outlets (13) are made so as to be connected to computer and telephone networks, to connect a peripheral monitor, a printer, removable disk drives, a scanner, a radio telephone, headphones, a microphone, a digital video camera and additional devices according to USB, IEEE 1394, IrDA, PCMCIA and other standards.

A case of the main unit (1) offering protective and heat-dissipating functions, may be made of a metal, preferably titanium, or light alloys. The case is provided with mating connectors (6) to connect the aforementioned devices, a built-in loudspeaker, a microphone, a switch for the screen and entire system, as well as several soft keys.

The hard disk drive (14) of at least 12 GB capacity, the hard disk controller (15), the USB-HUB concentrator, and the power concentrator (16) are mounted in a case of the integrator (2). The integrator case is made such as to offer heat-dissipating and vibration protective functions. Fixture of the drive to the hard disk ensures its protection against environmental effect.

The USB-HUB concentrator enables one to connect peripherals through mating connectors mounted on cases of the main unit and the integrator. A universal serial bus (USB) is designed to be connected to a computer system of peripherals in the hot mode, that is connection of a device gives rise to its automatic recognition and loading of relevant drivers. A USB controller enables connection of up to 127 devices. In so doing, it takes one interrupt regardless of the number of devices, and ensures their correct operation. This allows for several single-type units, for example integrators, to be connected to the system in series through the USB. The power concentrator (16) functions to convert the input voltage into stabilized supply voltages necessary for operation of all system elements. The input voltage may be fed from the power unit, vehicle-borne network, household power supply system etc. Stabilized supply voltages are fed to the main unit where they are utilized by the mother board, the display and other consumers.

The integrator thus ensures a required power service to all elements of the computer system, with its USB providing data exchange between all system elements and peripherals, and in fact integrates the system into a united whole.

The power unit (3) contains storage batteries, preferably lithium, affording the off-line mode of the system operation for at least 16 hours.

The above described separation of function elements into units makes it possible for all devices used by the operator when running the system be concentrated in one unit, that is the main unit (1). The hard disk drive, storage batteries and other elements requiring no control by the operator are carried away in cases of said integrator and power unit. A substantial reduction of sizes and weight of the main unit to be run by the operator is thus achieved.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show possible embodiments of placing the system units in various carrying modules: a handbag, a case, a special jacket or belt. Placement of the hard disk drive - the system element which is the most sensitive and vulnerable to impacts and accelerations, in the integrator case enables one to place it during the system run in a more protected carrying module, for example in a case pocket, thereby increasing reliability of the system operation. To firmly fasten the units in carrying modules, cases of the units are provided with fastening elements: clamps (see, FIG. 5, reference numeral 17), "stickers" etc.

Cases of the units are made of a metal or high-impact plastic. The cases are preferably made of titanium. A decorative coating may be applied to the surface. To avoid unintentional pressing of control keys (power switch-on, reset etc.) while the system is in transit in a carrying module and in use, cases of the units are fabricated with recesses to accommodate flush- mounted keys (see, FIG. 1, reference numeral 18).

The personal mobile system may be completed with several single-type units to increase its service life. To this end, cases of the main unit and integrator may be provided with mating connectors to connect additional integrators. Each integrator may be connected to one or more power units. Single-type units are connected either in series or in parallel through mating connectors specially adapted for this purpose. FIG. 6 shows the system completed with two integrators, one of which is connected to three power units. Such an arrangement results in increase of the capacity of a read-only memory accessible for use, since it is possible to employ two hard disk drives. At the same time, the off-line run period is extended due to increase in a total storage battery capacity. The described accomplishment of the system enables one to connect and disconnect additional integrators and power units, without breaking the system operation, thereby indefinitely increasing the off-line run period and capacity of the read-only memory.

The personal mobile system may be coupled to information networks of any type. It may also be completed with any additional peripherals of both portable and stationary type. Connection and disconnection of additional peripherals do not generally require the system breaking. The system configuration and a set of its functions desired to a user are thus realized efficiently.

The system up-grade may be carried out in a conventional way - by replacing the mother board, the processor, HDD etc. or by replacing the main unit or the integrator entirely.

The personal mobile system allows the use of a specialized software designed to solve tasks chosen by a user and its efficient replacement when changing a specific task. For example, software and business, accounting etc. information may be stored on a hard disk of one integrator, software and multimedia, music etc. information - on a hard disk of another integrator, mathematical software - on a hard disk of yet another integrator, etc. When starting the personal mobile system with a required integrator, a user gets a specialized computer provided with a most favorable operating system (MS Windows, OS/2, Linux etc.), peripherals' drivers, etc. The user is thus granted the possibility to efficiently create, in addition to a general-purpose computer system, a specialized system to solve varied tasks, for example time control, training, monitoring of a human body's parameters for medical purposes etc. The transfer from one system to another consists in its triggering with a required integrator.

Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as further defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A personal mobile computer system comprising: at least three units: a main unit, an integrator, and a power unit made in separate cases, and at least two flexible stranded stubs, each unit case is provided with mating connectors, each stub end is provided with connectors corresponding to said mating connectors, so as during the computer system run all three units could move with respect to each other within the length of the stubs; wherein the main unit offers functions of data processing, its visual representation on a screen, data input and output, said unit comprising at least a display, a mother board, and a processor; the integrator comprises at least a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive controller, a USB- HUB, and a power concentrator used to convert the power supply voltage into stabilized voltages necessary for operation of the mother board and other computer elements located outside the integrator; the power unit offers functions of a self-contained power source; the main unit is connected to the integrator through a stub providing the transfer of a set of stabilized voltages from the power concentrator to the mother board and other elements of the main unit, as well as data exchange between the mother board and the hard disk drive; the integrator is connected to the power unit through a stub providing the transfer of the power supply from the self-contained power source to the power concentrator.

2. A personal mobile computer system of claim 1 comprising a touch sensitive screen.

3. A personal mobile computer system of claim 2 wherein a case of the main unit is provided with connectors for connecting a peripheral monitor and/or connectors for connecting to peripheral information networks.

4. A personal mobile computer system of claim 3 wherein cases of the units are sized and shaped to allow placement of the system elements in pockets of a case and/or a handbag, and/or a jacket, and/or fastening of said elements on a waist belt and operation of the system in this state.

5. A personal mobile computer system of claim 3 comprising plugged video and/or audio devices, and/or printers, and/or scanners, and/or removable disk drives.

6. A personal mobile computer system of any one of claims 1-5 further comprising one or more integrators with at least one connected to one or more power units.

7. A main unit of the personal mobile computer system comprising a mother board, a processor, a random-access memory, a video system, and a display all located in a common case, wherein the case is provided with connectors for connecting stubs providing a set of stabilized voltages necessary for operation of the mother board and other elements of the main unit, data exchange between the mother board and a hard disk drive located outside the main unit and possibility to move the main unit during its operation with respect to the hard disk.

8. A main unit of claim 7 comprising a touch sensitive screen.

9. A main unit of claim 8 further comprising a video subsystem carrying out functions of an audio card, a built-in loudspeaker, and a microphone.

10. A main unit of claim 9 wherein its case is further provided with connectors for connecting video and/or audio devices, and/or printers, and/or scanners, and/or removable disk drives.

11. A main unit of claim 10 further comprising a modem subsystem and connectors mounted in the case, said connectors providing data exchange with peripherals and connection to peripheral information networks.

12. A main unit of claim 11 further comprising a reserve power source.

13. A main unit of claim 12 wherein its case is provided with connectors for connecting peripherals, in particular a keyboard, a radio telephone, a microphone, loudspeakers, headphones, biometric transducers.

14. A main unit of claim 13 wherein the case is made of a metal, preferably titanium, or light alloys.

15. An integrator for the personal mobile computer system comprising a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive controller, a USB-HUB, and a power concentrator all located in a common case, said power concentrator is used to convert the power supply voltage into stabilized voltages necessary for operation of a mother board and other computer elements located outside the integrator, wherein a case of the integrator is provided with connectors for connecting stubs of data input and output and of power supply, said stubs offering the possibility to move the integrator during its operation with respect to the mother board.

16. An integrator of claim 15 wherein its case is provided with connectors for a self- contained power supply.

17. An integrator of claim 16 wherein its case is further provided with connectors for an external power supply.

18. An integrator of claim 17 wherein its case is provided with connectors for connecting at least one additional integrator.

19. An integrator of claim 18 wherein its case is made of titanium.

20. N integrator of any one of claims 15-19 wherein its case is further provided with connectors for connecting peripherals.