United States Patent [19]
`Nelson et ale
`
`[54] PERSONAL COMPUTER MODULE SYSTEM
`AND METHOD OF USING
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Richard Nelson, Butte, Mont.; Frank
`Liebenow, Greer, S.C.
`[73] Assignee: NCR Corporation, Dayton, Ohio
`[21] Appl. No.: 157,247
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Nov. 22, 1993
`
`[56]
`
`Int. Cl.6
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl
`[58] Field of Search
`
`G06F 1/00; G06F 3/00
`3641708.1; 3641709.1
`364/705.06, 708.1, 709.01,
`364/709.02, 709.07-709.11
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,002,892 1/1977 Zielenski
`4,143,417 3/1979 Wald et al
`4,361,877 11/1982 Dyer et al
`4,523,297 6/1985 Ugon et al
`4,683,550 7/1987 Jindrick et al
`
`364/708.1
`360/55
`364/464.04
`364/709.1
`364/709.1
`
`111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US005436857A
`Patent Number:
`Date of Patent:
`
`[11]
`
`[45]
`
`5,436,857
`Jul. 25, 1995
`
`3641708.1
`273/460
`3641708.1
`
`4,769,764 9/1988 Levanon
`4,890,832 1/1990 Komaki
`5,126,954 6/1992 Morita
`Primary Examiner-Roy N. Envall, Jr.
`Assistant Examiner-Emmanuel L. Moise
`Attomey, Agent, or Firm-Albert L. Sessler, Jr.
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A computer system includes a processor/memory/disk
`module which is selectively mated with anyone of a
`number of associated computer base units, such as a
`portable PC base unit and a desktop PC base unit. The
`processor/memory/disk module incorporates essential
`elements, including a processor, a disk and a memory, of
`the components required for operation of a computer.
`The processor/memory/disk module is readily remov(cid:173)
`able from a base unit so as selectively to be coupled to
`any desired base unit for operation of that base unit, or
`to be removed and put away for security purposes.
`
`12 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`,12
`
`28
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1004 - Page 1
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`

`

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`FIG. I
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`\ . - - - - - - - - - - - - - . . "
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`jf12
`
`SYSTEM
`CONTROLLER
`
`30---.
`
`31
`
`FLOPPY DISK
`CONTROLLER
`IINTERFACE
`
`26,
`
`1/0
`CONTROLLER
`r 34
`AT SLOTS I
`
`L28
`
`KEYBOARD
`CONTROLLER
`
`LCDICRT
`CONTROLLER
`
`33
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1004 - Page 2
`
`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`July 25, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`5,436,857
`
`38
`
`,36
`
`FIG. 2
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1004 - Page 3
`
`

`

`1
`
`5,436,857
`
`5
`
`35
`
`PERSONAL COMPUTER MODULE SYSTEM AND
`METIlOD OF USING '
`
`2
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a processor, hard drive
`and memory module and an associated PC base unit;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portable PC
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`base unit and an associated processor, hard drive and
`The present invention relates t~ a personal comp~ter
`memory module positioned to be placed in a receptacle
`module system and method of usmg and ~ore ?articu-
`of said portable PC base unit; and
`larl~ relates to such a system and method m which two
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a desktop PC
`e~vrronments, namely desktop and portable, are pro- 10 base unit and an associated processor, hard drive and
`VIded for a common processor and memory module.
`memory module positioned to be placed in a receptacle
`In the field of personal computers (PCs), there are
`of said desktop PC base unit.
`two broad categories, namely portable PCS and desktop
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`PCs. Each of these categories has certain advantages
`Shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer
`over the other. For example, the portable PC has the 15
`system, such as a personal computer, for example,
`advantages that it can be taken with the user on business
`which comprises a module 10 and a base unit 12. The
`trips, can be used in areas where standard household
`module 10 contains a subset of the main computing
`current is not available, and is relatively small and light
`power of a PC that can be used in many different envi-
`in weight. On the other hand, the desktop PC is not
`dependent on a battery having a limited life, normally 20 ronments. The base unit 12 can take many different
`forms. For example, it can comprise a portable PC or a
`has a larger display, has an easier-to-use keyboard and
`desktop PC. It will be noted that the customary func-
`"mouse", can be permanently connected to a network
`tional components of a PC are divided between the
`which includes a printer and other desirable peripheral
`module 10 and the base unit 12. One suitable arrange-
`units, and may have higher capabilities in terms of such
`25 ment is for the module 10 to include a processor 14, a
`things as memory, processing power, etc.
`In the past, there have been attempts to combine the
`memory 16, a hard disk unit 18 and a system controller
`20. In addition, the module 10 contains an interface 2~
`functions of portable PCS with those of desktop PCS.
`These have generally been docking station or cable
`to enable the module. 10 to be c0t.Ipled to the base urnt
`management concepts which usually lead to clumsy and
`12, and a bus 24 for mterconnectmg the other compo-
`30 ?ents 14, 16,.18,20 and 2~ of the ~odule 10. ~e module
`expensive interconnections and wasted desk space.
`There is accordingly a need for a system which pro-
`IS I?ackag~d m a case ~hich pro:ndes mechamcal.modu-
`vides the advantages of both portable PCS and desktop
`lanty ~hich enables ~t to ~ mstalled and optionally
`PCS without the attendant disadvantages of increased
`locked mto a host deVIce which may be, for example, a
`portable PC o~ a d~ktop PC.
`cost and wasted desk space.
`.
`.
`The base urnt 12 mcludes an mterface 26 which en-
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`gages the interface 22 of the module 10 to couple the
`module 10 to the base unit 12. A bus 28 in the base unit
`The computer system of the present invention pro-
`12 is coupled to the interface 26 and is also coupled to
`'d
`I ality f '
`ts'
`I din fi
`I
`th
`th
`ts
`f th b
`'t 12
`hi h
`y
`VI es a p ur
`0 envrronmen ,mc u
`g or examp e
`e 0 er componen
`0
`e ase urn
`,w c ma
`bl
`k
`hard
`fi
`des top and porta e, or a common processor,
`40'
`I d
`d' k
`t
`11
`30 an I/O co toller
`fl
`mc u e a oppy IS con ro er
`n r
`,
`I
`I
`th
`.
`dri
`ul Th
`ve and memo~ mod e.
`e user slDlP.y p u~s
`31, a keyboard controller 32, an LCD/CRT controller
`e
`33 and a plurality of slots 34 which enable the addition
`processor, hard dnve. and memory module mto el!her a
`po~ble PC ?ase urnt or a d~ktop ~C base urnt, en-
`of other desired components to the base unit 12, such as
`abling opera!i0n of the combmed ~ts as ~ complete
`various peripherals, expanded memory, etc., in a man-
`data processmg sys!em. The module IS ~eadily remov- 45 ner which is well-known. It will be recognized that the
`a~le to be plugged mto another b~ urnt or to be car-
`specific elements included in the module 10 and the base
`ned ~lsewher~ or to be I?ut away m a sec~e ar~'
`unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 are shown for illustrative pur-
`It ~ accordingly an object of the pres.ent mvention to
`poses only, and that different components could be
`included in the module 10 and the base unit 12 if de-
`prOVIde a detachable processor, hard drive and memory
`module which can be combined with one of several 50 sired.
`'
`types of base uni~ .t? provide a plurality of different
`FIG. 2 illustrates one way in which the module 10
`types of PC c~pab?ities.
`.
`can be removably inserted into a portable PC 36 which
`Another object IS to prOVIde a computer system hav-
`includes electronic components comprising the base
`unit 12. The portable PC 36 includes such standard
`ing both desktop and portable. capabilities employing a
`detachable processor, hard drive and memory module. 55 features as a display 38 and a keyboard 40 and also
`includes a receptacle 42 which is appropriately config-
`Another object is to provide a computer system com-
`ured to receive the module 10. As represented by the
`prising a processor, hard drive and memory module, a
`desktop PC base unit and a portable PC base unit.
`double-headed arrow 44 in FIG. 2, the module 10 may
`Another object is to provide a method for supplying
`-readily be moved into and out of the housing of the
`data processing capability selectively in either a station- 60 portable PC 36, with the interface 22 of the module 10
`moving into and out of operative coupling with the
`ary data processing device or a portable data processing
`interface 26 of the base unit 12 which is included in the
`device using a common module.
`Additional benefits and advantages of the present
`portable PC 36.
`invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
`FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 and illustrates one way in
`art to which this invention relates from the subsequent 65 which the module 10 can be inserted into a desktop PC
`description of the preferred embodiment and the ap-
`46 which includes electronic components comprising
`the base unit 12. The desktop PC includes such standard
`pended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompa-
`features as a monitor 48 and a keyboard SO and also
`nying drawings.
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1004 - Page 4
`
`

`

`5,436,857
`
`3
`includes a receptacle 52 which is appropriately config(cid:173)
`ured to receive the module 10. As represented by the
`double-headed arrow 54 in FIG. 3, the module 10 may
`readily be moved into and out of the housing of the
`desktop PC 46, with the interface 22 of the module 10 5
`moving into and out of operative coupling with the
`interface of the base unit 12 which is included in the
`desktop PC 46.
`The system of the present invention offers a number 10
`of advantages over other systems currently on the mar(cid:173)
`ket. The cost of this system is lower than systems with
`duplicated CPU, memory and processing. Separate
`desktop and portable systems can each be tailored for
`optimal human interface, whereas other systems that 15
`attempt to combine these two types compromise display
`and keyboard location. The portability of the module 10
`provides added security, since the module can be locked
`up or carried on the person of the user. For large busi(cid:173)
`ness establishments, a system solution can be provided 20
`that offers desktop PCs for each employee plus a num(cid:173)
`ber of portable PCs that can be used for travelling or for
`work at home, with the employee being able to transfer
`the module 10 from one PC to the other, which is at(cid:173)
`tractive from a cost and convenience standpoint. Fi- 25
`nally, the system provides an elegant modular path for
`upgrades of elements such as the processor, the hard
`disk unit, etc.
`Although the invention has been described with par- 30
`ticular reference to a preferred embodiment thereof,
`variations and modifications of the present invention
`can be effected within the spirit and scope of the follow(cid:173)
`ing claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A data processing system, comprising:
`a first data processing base unit included in a first
`computer designed for portable use and having a
`receptacle for receiving a data processing module;
`a second data processing base unit included in a sec- 40
`ond computer designed for stationary use and hav(cid:173)
`ing a receptacle for receiving said data processing
`module; and
`a data processing module which can be placed in the 45
`receptacle of either the first or the second com(cid:173)
`puter and operatively engaged with the base unit of
`that computer to provide an operable data process(cid:173)
`ing device.
`2. The system of claim 1, in which the base unit of 50
`each computer includes a keyboard controller, a floppy
`disk controller, an interface for connection to the data
`processing module and a bus coupling said keyboard
`controller, said floppy disk controller and said interface.
`
`4
`3. The system of claim 2, in which said base unit of
`each computer also includes an I/O controller and an
`LCD/CRT controller coupled to said bus.
`4. The system of claim 1, in which said data process(cid:173)
`ing module includes a processor and a memory.
`5. The system of claim 1, in which said data process(cid:173)
`ing module includes a processor, a memory, a control(cid:173)
`ler, a hard disk unit, an interface for connection to a
`base unit and a bus coupling said processor, said mem(cid:173)
`ory, said controller, said hard disk unit and said inter(cid:173)
`face.
`6. The system of claim 1, in which the first computer
`comprises a portable PC.
`7. The system of claim 1, in which the second com(cid:173)
`puter comprises a desktop PC.
`8. A method for supplying data processing capability
`selectively to different types of data processing devices
`using a common module, comprising the following
`steps:
`(a) providing a first type of data processor base unit
`having some, but not all, of the functions necessary
`to perform data processing operations;
`(b) providing a second type of data processor base
`unit having some, but not all, of the functions nec(cid:173)
`essary to perform data processing operations;
`(c) providing a detachable data processing module
`having the remaining functions necessary to enable
`either the first or second type of data processor
`base unit to perform data processing operations;
`and
`(d) selectively coupling the detachable data process(cid:173)
`ing module to either the first or the second type of
`data processor base unit.
`9. The method of claim 8, in which the first type of
`35 data processor is a portable PC.
`10. The method of claim 8, in which the fIrSt type of
`data processor is a desktop PC.
`11. The method of claim 8, in which the first type of
`data processor is a portable PC and the second type of
`data processor is a desktop PC.
`12. The method ofclaim 8, in which at least one of the
`first and second types of data processing base units
`comprises a keyboard controller, a floppy disk control(cid:173)
`ler, an I/O controller, an LCD/CRT controller, an
`interface and a bus coupling these elements, in which
`the detachable data processing module comprises a
`processor, a memory, a controller, a hard disk unit, an
`interface and a bus coupling these elements, and in
`which the step ofselective coupling comprises coupling
`the two interfaces to provide a data processing system
`which comprises a coupled keyboard controller, floppy
`disk controller, processor, memory, controller and hard
`disk unit.
`
`*
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`*
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`*
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`*
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1004 - Page 5
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