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.
This invention relates to a securable computer structure and more specifically to a transferable mobile core computer that can be used with compatible enclosures. This application is a continuation-in part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/705,247 filed Aug. 29, 1996.
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficient electronics positioning and connection systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, electronic components are inserted into a connection rack from the front such that connections face the front side of the connection rack. In another embodiment of the present invention, electronic components are inserted into a connection rack from a side such that connections face the front side of the connection rack. In one embodiment, a connection rack is positioned with the back side against a wall. In another embodiment two connection racks are positioned such that the back side of a first connection rack is against the back side of a second connection rack. In one embodiment, a power supply is positioned near the top of the connection rack. A common power line couples the power supply to the electronic components. Thus, the need for heat-producing power supplies in each component is eliminated. In one embodiment, the common power line has a contiguous connector (channel). This connector couples the common power line to electronic components without additional cable.
A computer system which includes a CPU for performing various processes by program control and storage elements which store at least one operating system and a BIOS, wherein upon starting a system, the CPU recognizes the system's own hardware configuration, and starts a selected one operating system stored in the storage elements in accordance with the recognized hardware configuration under the control of the BIOS.
A computer module includes a central processing unit capable of operating at a first performance level and capable of operating at a second performance level in response to configuration signals, and a control logic coupled to the central processing unit for receiving configuration signals and for generating the performance configuration signals, the performance configuration signals comprising a bus clock, a speed multiplier, and an operating voltage, the control logic having a clocked control for receiving the performance configuration signals and in response specifying the speed multiplier, clock configuration signals, and voltage configuration signals, a clock driver coupled to the clocked control logic for receiving the clock configuration signals and in response for outputting the bus clock, and a voltage converter coupled to the clocked control logic for receiving the voltage configuration signals and in response outputting the operating voltage.
A mobile computing device and associated base stations are disclosed. The mobile computing device includes a system-on-chip (SOC) device that includes a general purpose processor core and a plurality of peripheral cells suitable for controlling a plurality of peripheral units. The mobile computing device further includes a system memory and a base unit interface. The base unit interface is suitable for connecting the mobile computing device to a base unit that includes a display adapter suitable for controlling a video display. The SOC is connected to and enabled to control the display adapter when the mobile computing device is connected to the base unit. The base unit interface may comprise a PCI interface that connects the SOC device to the base unit via a PCI bus. The plurality of peripheral units may include an audio adapter, a flash device, a wireless suitable for transmitting and receiving wireless information, and a liquid crystal display suitable for displaying text messages. The mobile device preferably further includes a battery suitable for powering the mobile computing device. The base unit suitably includes an interface configured to connect to the base unit interface of the mobile computing device and a display adapter enabled to control a display. The display adapter is connected to the interface unit via a peripheral bus that is connected to the SOC when the mobile computing device and the base unit are connected. The base unit may comprise a desktop base unit that includes a hard disk adapter, a CD ROM drive, a floppy diskette drive, a network device base unit that includes a network adapter, controlled by the SOC, that enables the base unit to communicate with a network server, or an internet appliance base unit that includes a modem controlled by the SOC and configured to enable the system to connect to the internet.
The invention is a wearable computer system comprised of a transferable core computer module and an enclosure which has been constructed to be instrinsically safe according to Class 1, Divisions 1, 2 or both of the U.S. Electrical Code. According to the system of the present invention, workers may make use of this system in environments in which typical electrical devices may not be used due to the presence of ambient ignitable gases and vapors. The enclosure may also be designed to have the properties of water tightness, air tightness and shock absorbtion.
