United States Patent
`Jenkins et al.
`
`[19]
`
`111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006029183A
`Patent Number:
`Date of Patent:
`
`[11]
`
`[45]
`
`6,029,183
`*Feb.22,2000
`
`[54] TRANSFERABLE CORE COMPUTER
`
`[56]
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Michael D. Jenkins, Manassas; John F.
`Moynahan, Fairfax, both of Va.
`
`[73] Assignee: Xybernaut Corporation, Fairfax, Va.
`
`[ *] Notice:
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis(cid:173)
`claimer.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/911,642
`
`[22]
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 15, 1997
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,264,992 11/1993 Hogdahl et al.
`5,305,244
`4/1994 Newman et al.
`5,313,596
`5/1994 Swindler et al.
`5,384,686
`1/1995 Mesfin et al.
`5,708,840
`1/1998 Kikinis et al.
`Primary Examiner-Joseph E. Palys
`Assistant Examiner-Dmar A. Omar
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-James J. Ralabate
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`
`367/681
`364/708.1
`395/325
`361/686
`395/800
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`[63] Continuation-in-part of application No. 08/705,247, Aug.
`29, 1996.
`
`H05K 7/10
`Int. CI?
`[51]
`708/100; 361/686
`[52] U.S. CI.
`395/325, 800;
`Field of Search
`[58]
`364/686, 683; 367/681; 312/265.3, 265.4,
`265.6, 223.2; 392/390; 708/100
`
`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.
`
`10 Claims,S Drawing Sheets
`
`5
`
`5
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 1
`
`

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`Feb. 22, 2000
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 2
`
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`Feb. 22, 2000
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 3
`
`

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`u.s. Patent
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`Feb. 22, 2000
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`6,029,183
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 4
`
`

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`u.s. Patent
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`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
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`6,029,183
`
`23
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`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 5
`
`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
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`6,029,183
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 6
`
`

`

`6,029,183
`
`1
`TRANSFERABLE CORE COMPUTER
`
`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 applica(cid:173)
`tion is a continuation-in part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/705,247
`filed Aug. 29, 1996.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`5
`
`2
`notebook computer and docking station are specifically
`designed to work together and interact. The notebook com(cid:173)
`puter is not a universal computer that can be used with other
`docking stations indiscriminately. In Belmont if the expan-
`sion base unit determines that the notebook computer is in
`a proper state for docking, it activates its motor to load the
`notebook computer. This is a very specifically designed
`system where the notebook computer and the docking
`station must be specifically structured to accept each other.
`The docking base unit cannot accept other computers not
`10 intended to be compatible therewith.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,493 (Shu) discloses another docking
`system for computer expansion. The Shu system relieves a
`computer user of the task of manually placing the portable
`computer in the suspend mode prior to docking with the
`15 docking station. Here again the portable computer 12 of Shu
`is a fully functional computer before docked with docking
`station 14.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,608 (Flint) discloses the use of two
`chassis and a cartridge having separate functional compo-
`20 nents that interface with one another over a common bus.
`Flint's cartridge has only a processor and memory combined
`to a second bus and at least one slot for housing a commu(cid:173)
`nication module that
`is coupled to a second bus. The
`cartridge is intended for use in laptops, notebook and
`25 sub-notebook computers. The cartridge of Flint does not
`process the functions generally required in a general purpose
`computer, specifically storage means for data, operating
`systems and software, and video display interface
`electronics, both of which are contained in the chassis of
`30 Flint, not the cartridge. Therefore, the cartridge is dependent
`on at least one of the two chassis for data retrieval, operating
`software, application software and video interface, all of
`which are needed for full functionality of the computer as a
`the
`whole. As will be described later in this disclosure,
`35 presently described invention contains all of the storage,
`processing, video interface, and software in the core unit,
`which allows this core to be used with any closed housing
`the version of operating software,
`without concern for
`application software or video setting. In Flint, these settings
`40 must all match properly for the computer to function. In
`addition, Flint requires three separate components (two
`chassis and the cartridge) while the invention herein requires
`only two components.
`Watts U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,974 provides a computer dock-
`45 ing system having connection means for connecting a por(cid:173)
`table computer to a docking station, and means for allowing
`a microprocessor in the docking station to talk to underlying
`software using the central processing unit of the portable
`computer. The portable computer of Watts is fully functional
`50 before and after docking; it can perform the usual computer
`functions without being docked.
`Gephardt U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,020 discloses a dockable
`computer system capable of hot or warm docking, the bus
`arbiter grants exclusive non-preemptive access to the buses
`55 to the docking agent which is capable of quieting (rendering
`inactive) the bus of the portable computer and docking
`station in response to a notice signal. All of the PCT
`publications noted above disclose conventional
`inter(cid:173)
`docking stations which accept a mobile computer to become
`60 with the mobile computer an active desktop computer unit.
`None of the above prior art discloses the concept of a
`standardized mobile core unit that has universal usage in a
`plurality of standard enclosures.
`
`The parent application Ser. No. 08/705,247 discloses and
`claims a computer system comprising a base computer with
`a detachable self-contained mobile computer unit. The base
`computer and the mobile computer in that system each are
`fully functional when the mobile computer unit is detached
`from the base computer. Each of the base and mobile
`computers in the system of Ser. No. 08/705,247 have all of
`the components of a general purpose computer
`("conventional computer") i.e. a processor, memory means,
`internal storage means, activation means, video display
`controller, input/output controller means, as well as external
`connector parts. Thus by "self contained" as used throughout
`this disclosure and claims is meant a general purpose
`conventional computer with conventional computer compo(cid:173)
`nents (except for power and display) but when in an enclo(cid:173)
`sure also has built-in capacity to interface with external
`sources of data and information. Also the self-contained core
`computer of this present invention has unique means to
`electrically connect to a plurality of equally unique different
`enclosures, such as other computers including mobile,
`laptop, or base computers, cars, appliances,
`televisions,
`home systems, such as alarms, electrical and heating
`systems, office units and equipment such as fax machines,
`copiers, telephones, dictating equipment and the like, or any
`other suitable enclosure. The core unit of this invention,
`while it has all of the components of a conventional
`computer, will not function as such unless it is attached to a
`mating enclosure.
`In commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,244 and U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 08/538,194 and its continuation
`application (filed May 22, 1997) a mobile user supported
`computer apparatus is disclosed having means for attach(cid:173)
`ment of the computer and display or just the display to a
`user. The user supported computer disclosed in these appli(cid:173)
`cations or patent is commercialized under the trademark
`"Mobile Assistant", which is a registered mark of Xybernaut
`Corporation of Fairfax, Va. The Mobile Assistant is very
`lightweight, versatile, efficient, can be attached to a user and
`is voice activated thereby leaving the user's hands free to
`repair or otherwise carryon the work being done.
`There are known various systems for using removable
`modules for use in other computers or structures. These
`modules typically have only one function and are not a fully
`functional independent computer. Also known are remov(cid:173)
`able dockable mobile computers that are fully functional
`computers that may be inserted onto a docking station to
`further enhance their functions. It is important to note that
`these prior art dockable computers are fully functional
`computers independent from and apart from their docking
`stations. Some of the systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
`5,488,572; 5,526,493; 5,608,608; 5,627,974; 5,632,020; and
`various PCT publications WO 94/1637; WO 93/00627 and
`WO 90/11628. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,572 (Belmont) a
`notebook computer which is fully functional before docking
`is docked on a motorized expansion base unit. Before the 65
`docking event occurs, the notebook computer communicates
`with the expansion base unit via a sense signal. This
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a core
`computer unit devoid of the above noted disadvantages.
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 7
`
`

`

`6,029,183
`
`5
`
`20
`
`3
`Another object of this invention is to provide a core unit
`that is transferable from one enclosure to another, while
`providing various levels of security.
`A further object of this invention is to provide a self(cid:173)
`contained uniquely designed core unit that will either con-
`tinue to function in its current enclosure environment or can
`be used in an entirely new way in its second environment.
`Still a further object of this invention is to provide a
`simple-to-use core unit adapted for easy use by the layman
`with little or no computer training.
`A further object of this invention is to provide a self(cid:173)
`contained uniquely designed core unit
`that will, when
`removed from the first enclosure and inserted into a second
`enclosure, either continue to operate in the same manner or
`operate in an entirely new way in its second enclosure 15
`environment.
`Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a core
`computer unit that is easily removed from one enclosure to
`be inserted into a second different enclosure, or can be
`permanently installed in an enclosure.
`A still further object of this invention is to provide a core
`computer unit that can operate in any enclosure or environ(cid:173)
`ment while maintaining security for the data.
`Another object of this invention is to provide a portable 25
`computer core unit that can be uniquely designed so as to fit
`in any equally uniquely designed enclosure, such as office
`equipment, homes, cars, televisions, or other enclosures.
`These and other objects of this invention are accom(cid:173)
`plished generally speaking by a transferable, removable and 30
`portable computer core unit, included in a single housing
`which is critical to this invention. The core unit of this
`invention is simple, uncomplicated and is carried in a single
`closed housing, only to be easily removed or inserted as a
`unit into a mating enclosure. The core unit of this invention 35
`has preferably only one uniquely configured connecting
`means which mates with or fits against a power connector
`source or activating means in an enclosure. Other than this
`connecting means, all of the components of the core unit are
`sealed and not removable from the core housing. This same 40
`connecting means also provides communication or transfer
`of information over a bus or in a wireless fashion. In the core
`unit all of the computer components stay intact unlike the
`prior art where for example the CPU is removed and
`replaced with a second CPU or other components. The 45
`security offered by the core unit is provided by uniquely
`structured mating connection means which connect to a
`mate connector in the enclosure. In the event that the core
`unit is lost or misplaced, it's data cannot be used, read or
`printed out by others because it can only be activated by 50
`connection to an equally unique mating connector in the
`enclosure. Also for security reasons, the core unit is in a
`completely closed housing so that no computer component
`may be removed, copied or tampered with. This feature is
`critical to this invention.
`By "enclosure,""enclosed" or "enclosing" is meant
`throughout this disclosure and claims, that the core unit is
`connected or at least partially housed by the enclosure. By
`the term "communication activation means" is meant wire(cid:173)
`less transmission or communication,
`radio, cellular 60
`communication, and the like.
`As above noted, the core unit of the present invention is
`entirely different than the computer devices of the prior art;
`in particular, the cartridge unit of U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,608
`earlier discussed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,608 (Flint) discloses 65
`the use of two chassis and a cartridge having separate
`functional components that interface with one another over
`
`4
`a common bus. Flint's cartridge has only a processor and
`memory combined to a second bus and at least one slot for
`housing a communication module that is coupled to a second
`bus. The cartridge is intended for use in laptops, notebook
`and sub-notebook computers. The cartridge of Flint does not
`process the functions generally required in a general purpose
`computer, specifically storage means for data, operating
`systems and software and video display interface
`electronics, both of which are contained in the chassis of
`10 Flint, not the cartridge.
`Therefore, the cartridge of Flint is dependent on the two
`chassis for data retrieval, operating software application,
`software and video interface, all of which are needed for full
`functionality of the computer as a whole. As will be
`described later in this disclosure,
`the presently-described
`invention contains all of the storage, processing, video
`interface and software in the core unit which allows this core
`to be used with any housing without concern for the version
`of operating software, application software or video setting.
`In Flint,
`these settings must all match properly for the
`computer to function. In addition, Flint requires three sepa-
`rate components (two chassis and the cartridge) while the
`invention herein requires only two components.
`Furthermore, Flint allows the chassis to be user configurable
`whereas the core unit of the present invention does not.
`Finally, the cartridge of Flint permits external peripheral
`devices or ports (e.g. PCMCIA) to be an integral part of the
`cartridge. Conversely, the present invention does not allow
`any peripheral devices or external peripheral ports to be
`integral in the core unit since it (core unit) has components
`in a completely closed housing thereby providing a secure
`tamper-proof core unit. The only communication with the
`interior components of the core unit is through its connec-
`tion means.
`The core unit of this invention is small, compact and
`self-contained. Each of the enclosures that the core unit can
`be inserted into can have its own set of distinct peripheral
`devices or peripheral connector ports for performing singu(cid:173)
`lar or multiple functions; for example, if a technician in a
`factory has the responsibility to perform inventory control,
`the core unit would be inserted into an enclosure that has
`connector ports that are specific to perform the inventory
`functions (e.g. port for a bar code scanner, and communi(cid:173)
`cations to a remote computer). If the same technician has the
`responsibility to repair and maintain equipment
`in that
`facility, the technician could remove the core unit from the
`inventory enclosure, insert the same core computer into a
`different enclosure that has, again, distinct peripheral
`devices or connector ports specific to performing mainte(cid:173)
`nance functions (e.g. 1553 interface for performing non-
`intrusive testing of equipment, head mounted display port,
`and a digital multi-meter for taking electrical readings) and
`therefore function as a repair and maintenance computer.
`55 Additional security means can be inserted into the techni(cid:173)
`cian,s core unit if security becomes important in use to allow
`only him or her access to enclosures or systems.
`The same technician might also have an office and need
`access to, and operate from, a laptop computer. The core
`computer used in the above examples could also be inserted
`into a laptop enclosure where all peripheral connector ports,
`embedded peripheral devices (e.g. CD-ROM reader), and a
`means for providing power are in an enclosure that looks
`like a laptop. When the core unit is inserted into the laptop
`enclosure the unit would function as a traditional laptop.
`The above examples show the versatility of the core
`computer to be used in a variety or different environments
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 8
`
`

`

`6,029,183
`
`5
`and situations without the need for three different computers
`to perform the various functions (inventory control device,
`test equipment and computer, and laptop computer).
`By keeping the core unit and its interface standard, users
`can make one-time investment in the core computer and
`allow enclosures to dictate the function-likewise, functions
`or procedures differ from company to company, therefore a
`company can now determine what enclosure functions are
`necessary to perform their missions (e.g. inventory control,
`repair and maintenance, general office computers) and build
`their enclosures accordingly.
`Each of the enclosures in which the core unit can be at
`least partially inserted into will have their own peripheral
`external connecting ports; for example, if the core unit is
`removed from an office located computer or other enclosure,
`it can be inserted into a console of a car where the console
`has externally connected ports to car functions to be moni(cid:173)
`tored such as disability function for security, brakes, motor,
`transmission, telephone, geographical information systems,
`and the like. When the car is taken in for repairs, the core
`unit is simply removed and given to the mechanic who will
`then insert it into his diagnostic equipment with a suitable
`mating connector to determine the cause of the car problem.
`This would act in this instance as a "Black Box" (as used in
`airplanes) for cars and could also replicate a complete office
`environment. This same core unit can then be inserted, for
`example, into a home electrical control enclosure to regulate
`the on-off lights, air or heating system of the house.
`Naturally,
`the enclosures need to have special uniquely
`structured connector means so as to accept the core unit with
`a mating connector. Therefore, the special connector core
`unit of this invention can be used as a single portable unit
`that will supply or replace office computers, car computers
`that regulate the memory for security, information read out,
`seat's temperature, etc. Home regulators of light, heat, air,
`and t.v., and can be used as a total core computer insert to
`any mobile or stationary computer. The specially designed
`core computer unit of this invention can easily be carried
`from one enclosure to another and will operate in any
`environment. It is truly the universal-personal computer in
`that it can go wherever the user goes; to be used in whatever
`environment he or she finds themselves in. Each enclosure
`in a preferred embodiment will have its own display or
`monitor and power source; for example, the car enclosure
`can have a small display on the dashboard, a mobile wear(cid:173)
`able computer (such as the Mobile Assistant) can have a
`head, wrist mounted, shoulder or eyeglass mounted display,
`the home monitoring system can use the t.v. screen as a
`display, etc. Obviously, if desirable and suitable, the enclo(cid:173)
`sure can be used without a display. The power source
`available in a car, home or mobile computer such as a battery
`or electrical system will be used to power the core unit of
`this invention. The core unit must be housed in a mating
`enclosure before it could function as a computer. The termed
`"housed" throughout this disclosure and claims means that
`the core unit is at least partially contained in said enclosure
`or in electrical or physical contact with the enclosure.
`The components for the universal core unit of this inven(cid:173)
`tion can be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`5,305,244 which is incorporated by reference into this
`for example can be an 80286,
`disclosure. The CPU,
`80386SX, 80486, or Pentium microprocessor available from
`Intel. The enclosures will include different interfaces and
`controllers for use with other types of peripherals such as
`Cardbus, other communication devices, or the like. Circuit
`cards such as those obtained from Dover Electronics Manu(cid:173)
`facturing of Longmont, Colo. and Ampro Computers of
`
`6
`Sunnyvale, Calif. can be used in the core unit, if desired. If
`the core unit is voice activated, it could contain a voice(cid:173)
`recognition engine available from Dragon Systems, Newton,
`Mass. used in connection with a sound card. Other compo-
`S nents used in the core unit of this invention are off the
`shelf-presently available components such as those dis(cid:173)
`closed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,244 and U.S. patent applica(cid:173)
`tion Ser. No. 08/538,194 and its continuation application
`filed May 22, 1997. The core unit is different in that it cannot
`10 operate as a computer until inserted into a special enclosure,
`which will only accept core units with a unique connector
`means, thus a very secure system may be provided.
`The transferable and removable standardized core com(cid:173)
`puter unit of this invention includes a single housing com-
`15 prising therein standard features of a self-contained general
`purpose computer. The enclosure unit has at
`least one
`electrical connector means for connection to a bus connec(cid:173)
`tion and to a source of power outside the enclosure. It will
`only work off the source of power provided by or through an
`20 enclosure and will not function as a stand-alone unit if
`directly attached to a power source. The enclosure comprises
`peripheral connector ports or devices to cooperate with said
`core computer unit when said core unit is placed therein, and
`the core computer unit has means to cooperate with a
`25 plurality of different enclosures when inserted into said
`enclosures in either an original placement or transferred
`from another enclosure. The core computer unit has activa(cid:173)
`tion cooperation means for interaction with the desired
`activation means. The activation means are selected from the
`30 group consisting of audio activation means, communication
`activation means, pen activation means, brain activation
`means, eye-tracking activation means, mouse activation
`means, a keyboard activation means and mixtures thereof.
`The core unit has no removable components and will not
`35 function as a computer without said enclosure.
`The core computer unit of this invention can be removed
`from a laptop enclosure and inserted into a mobile body
`worn enclosure to become thereby a mobile body-worn
`computer as another example of its use. This type of usage
`40 is important since the core unit of this invention can be
`interchangeably used in an infinite number of conforming
`enclosures with mating connector. Such an enclosure could
`have means to allow it to monitor all office functions, an
`enclosure(s) in a car, such as in the console in an arm rest or
`45 dashboard, an enclosure in an vehicle, an enclosure in a
`home appliance or a house system, such as an alarm or
`heating system or an electrical system, in an enclosure in test
`equipment, television, and the like. Each enclosure is spe(cid:173)
`cifically structured to accept the equally specifically struc-
`50 tured core unit of this invention. Thus the same core unit can
`be used if desired in several mating enclosures in the same
`day or period. The core computer's memory and storage
`means can for example carryover a project from the office
`to the home to ensure continuity of a project, while as above
`55 noted providing optional security since it will only function
`in a properly mating enclosure and can employ a means that
`limits the specific enclosures that one, or one type of, core
`unit can operate with. The core unit can have such further
`security means included therewith. It (same core unit) can be
`60 used sequentially, for example, in the office, in the car while
`traveling home or at home. Each enclosure will have ports
`for various functions such as connection to a head set or
`display means. The core unit will comprise a CPU, memory
`means,
`internal non-volatile storage means, activation
`65 means, video, I/O interface and support circuitry. The core
`unit will not function as a computer unless it is in or on or
`in electrical contact with a specifically designed mating
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1005 - Page 9
`
`

`

`6,029,183
`
`8
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a core unit showing fully
`the power and bus connector means, which will mate with
`a connector means of an enclosure.
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an enclosure which is part
`of the arm rest of a car or other vehicle; the enclosure having
`various parts to other car functions.
`
`5
`
`7
`enclosure. The enclosure supplies the display when needed,
`the power supply (activation) for the core unit and provides
`the ports for peripheral external connections, such as con(cid:173)
`nection to a display or printer. The enclosure and core unit
`have uniquely configured mating connection means for
`power and allowing communication of the core to the
`enclosure. The enclosures must rely upon the core for
`general computer functions. The enclosures supply to the
`system herein described, the power means and connections
`to peripherals, such as a display, sensors and controls, etc. 10
`The enclosures are inert as a general computing device until
`the core unit is inserted therein, but unlike the prior art
`docking systems,
`the core unit does not function or is
`activated apart from the enclosure and the core unit has all
`of the components of a conventional computer except a 15
`display and at
`least one connector
`to a direct power
`connection, and communication bus; it is always activated
`only by a unique connection or connections to an enclosure.
`This is critical to the present invention. By "conventional
`computer" is meant a single completely closed housing 20
`comprising a CPU, memory means, internal non-volatile
`storage means, activation means, video, I/O interface, sup(cid:173)
`port circuitry, and in this case a uniquely designed connector
`that also connects to an enclosure power source. The enclo(cid:173)
`sure is always part of another structure (never alone) such as 25
`part of a computer, telephone or local network system, car,
`part of test equipment, part of the electrical system of a
`building, etc.; it never is a stand-alone enclosure, such as the
`prior art docking stations unless that docking station is
`i.e. car. The 30
`ultimately connected to a second structure,
`enclosure has a uniquely designed electrical connector that
`only fits or mates with the uniquely designed mating con(cid:173)
`nector of the core unit, such a coupling, however, may take
`on a number of designs.
`As noted above, the core unit and the enclosure must have 35
`unique or specially designed connectors to both function and
`for security reasons. There are many different unconven(cid:173)
`tional connectors that can be used such as specially config(cid:173)
`ured tongue and groove connectors, dove tail connectors, bar
`connectors, slot and projection connectors, etc. The more 40
`unique the communication or connectors,
`the better the
`security of the core unit. Obviously, any other security
`means may be incorporated into the system of this invention
`if desirable to further enhance the security of the system.
`
`DETAILED DISCUSSION OF DRAWINGS AND
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`In FIG. 1 a core unit 1 is shown before it is inserted into
`an enclosure 2. As noted above, core unit 1 contains all of
`the components of a conventional computer except for a
`display. Also the core unit 1 will not function as a computer
`unless it is inserted into enclosure 2. By itself core unit 1 is
`totally inert and no information or data can be extracted
`therefrom unless it
`is mated with an enclosure with a
`compatible connector means. The connector means 3 of core
`unit 1 is a metal bar that can be configured in any design as
`long as it is compatible with the connector means 4 in the
`enclosure 2. For security reasons, the more unique mating
`connector means 3 and 4 are configured, the higher degree
`of security to the contents of core unit 1 will be afforded. The
`connector means in FIG. 1 are kept relatively simple in
`structure for illustration purposes only, i.e. to show how they
`mate with each other. Obviously customized connectors
`with one-of-a-kind structures with for example security
`codes would supply optimum security. The core unit 1 does
`not have its own display and must rely upon enclosure 2 to
`supply same. This is accomplished by peripheral ports 5 in
`any side of the enclosure 2; these ports connect to display
`means or any other extended connection required. The
`connections of the core unit 1 to these ports is not shown in
`the drawings for clarity purposes; any known conventional
`circuitry or electrical connections obviously can be used.
`The enclosure 2 is always connected either directly or
`indirectly to a structure 6 such as the console of a car, test
`equipment, house electrical system, other computers, etc.
`Once core unit 1 is in place as shown in FIG. 2, the electrical
`connector means 3 and 4 engage each other and the core unit
`1 is now activated and will function as a computer unit with
`enclosure 2. As noted earlier, the only communication with
`the interior computer components of core unit 1 is through
`connector means 3. No PCMCIA or other ports are found in
`core unit 1. This is important to the present invention. A
`45 monitor or display is connected thereto by cables 7, other
`ports or interconnectors 5 in enclosure 2 can be used for
`connection to other peripheral functions. The core unit 1
`shown in FIG. 1 if lost or misplaced would be useless to
`someone other than the owner of a matching enclosure 2.
`50 With customized connector means in the core 1 and enclo(cid:173)
`sure 2 third parties would not gain access to information in
`core unit unless they also possessed similarly the matching
`enclosure(s). Security can be further enhanced under pro(cid:173)
`gram control or by pre-programming before distribution.
`55 The core unit 1 by itself is inert as is the enclosure 2 by itself.
`A core unit 1 of a user is not interchangeable with a core unit
`1 of another user; each is a customized design.
`In FIGS. 3-6 different configured connector means are
`shown; however, these are merely shown to illustrate-not
`60 limit the concept. A power source cord or other means 33 is
`shown in electrical contact with each enclosure 2. In FIG. 3
`a dove-tail connector 8 is shown that would be attached to
`core unit 1 and would slide into dove-tail recess 9 of
`enclosure 2 when core unit 1 is inserted into enclosure 2 as
`65 shown in FIG. 2. The ports 5 can be located in any side of
`enclosure 2; for example, in FIG. 3 the ports 5 are located
`in a back section of enclosure 2 whereas in FIG. 4 the ports
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a core unit and enclosure
`before the core unit is inserted into the enclosure.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the core unit after insertion
`into the enclosure.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a