Transferable core computer

ES 2 235 293 T3

DESCRIPTION

Computer with portable base.

Field and background of the invention

The present invention relates to a computer system comprising at least two cooperating structures.

EP-A-0.827.060 describes and claims a computer system comprising a base computer having a separate and detachable mobile computer unit. The base computer and the mobile computer of this system can work when the mobile computer unit is separated from the base computer. Both the base computer and the mobile of the EP-A-0.827.060 system have all the components of a general-purpose computer (“conventional computer”), that is, a processor, a memory, an internal storage medium. , a trigger device, a video display controller, an input / output controller and external connection parts.

Patents US 5,305,244 and EP-A-0,767,417 of the same holder describe a mobile computer that the user can carry, the computer having means to couple the computer and the screen or only the screen to the user. This user-wearable computer described in these applications or patents is marketed under the trademark "Mobile Assistant", a registered trademark of Xybernaut Corporation of Fairfax, VA. The Mobile Assistant is very light, versatile, effective, can be attached to the user and has acoustic activation, thus leaving the user's hands free to repair or carry out the work they are doing.

Various systems are known for using detachable modules which are in turn used in other computers or structures. These modules normally have a single function and do not constitute a fully functional standalone computer. Dockable mobile computers are also known which function entirely like computers that can be inserted into a docking station to enhance their functions. It is important that these state-of-the-art dockable computers are fully functional computers independent and separate from their docking stations. Some of the systems are described in US patents 5,488,572, 5,526,493, 5,608,608, 5,627,974 and 5,632,020, and in PCT patent publications, WO 94/1637, WO 93/00627 and WO 90 / 11628. In the US 5,488,572 (Belmont) a notebook computer that is fully functional prior to docking, docks into a motorized expansion base unit. Before docking occurs, the notebook computer communicates with the expansion base unit through a detection signal. This notebook computer and the docking station are specifically designed to work together and interact with each other. The notebook computer is not a universal computer that can be used with other docking stations indiscriminately. At Belmont, if the expansion base unit determines that the notebook computer is in a proper state to dock, it activates its motor to charge the notebook computer. It is a very specifically designed system where the notebook computer and the docking station must also be structured specifically to accept each other. The docking station cannot accept other computers that are not compatible.

US Patent 5,526,493 (Shu) describes another docking system for extending computers. With the Shu system the computer user does not have to manually disconnect the laptop before docking it in the docking station. Here again, Shu's laptop 12 is a fully functional computer before it is docked into the docking station 14.

US Patent 5,608,608 (Flint) describes the use of two shells and a cartridge that have separate functional components that are connected to each other over a common bus. The Flint cartridge has only one processor and memory combined with a second bus and at least one slot to house a communication module that is docked on a second bus. The cartridge is for use in notebook, notebook, and sub-notebook computers. The Flint cartridge does not process the functions normally required in a general purpose computer, namely the data storage medium, operating systems and software, and the video display interconnect electronics found within the Flint chassis. , not on the cartridge. Thus, the cartridge relies on at least one of two scaffolds for video and software interconnection and operation software application data retrieval, all of which are required for the entire computer to function fully. As described later, the present invention contains the memory, processing, video interconnect and software in the base unit, allowing this base to be used with any case without having to worry about the operating software version. , the software application or the video setting. In Flint, these settings must fit properly for the computer to work. Furthermore, Flint requires three separate components (two frames and the cartridge) while the present invention requires only two components.

US Patent 5,627,974 to Watts provides a computer docking system with docking devices for connecting a laptop to a docking station and means to allow a docking station microprocessor to talk to auxiliary software using the docking station. laptop central processing. The Watts laptop is fully functional before and after docking; it can carry out the functions of a normal computer without having to be docked.

Gephardt US 5,632,020 describes a pluggable computer system that can be hot or warm coupled, in which the bus arbiter offers exclusive preferential access to the coupling agent buses which can cause the bus to stop working (idle). of the mobile computer and the docking station in response to a warning signal. All of the PCT publications listed above describe conventional inter-docking stations that accept a mobile computer to become an active desktop computer.

WO 92/18924 describes a computer system comprising a computer module containing the data processing components and a docking station incorporating a power source.

ES 2 235 293 T3 power and means for connecting to peripheral equipment. Brief description of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a base computer unit that does not have the above disadvantages.

In accordance with the present invention, a computer system is provided comprising at least two separate structures, a first structure which is a mobile base unit that has all the normal components of a general purpose computer that is in a single housing except for a screen. and a source of energy, a second structure that is a box that can enclose at least a part of said first structure and that interacts with it, neither the first structure nor the second structure mentioned functioning as a computer unless they are in electrical contact with each other through an electrical connector, said first and said second structure having mating connectors configured in a compatible manner, said second structure comprising a connection of energy with said first structure through an electrical connector, said electrical connector being the only means of communication with the internal standard components of said first structure, characterized in that said first structure is devoid of peripheral connection ports while said second structure comprises peripheral connection ports and wherein all the mentioned components of said Base unit casing are absolutely encased inside and cannot be disassembled.

Thus, the invention provides a standardized mobile base unit that has universal use in a plurality of standard boxes.

It is a feature of this invention to provide a base unit that can be moved from one box to another while providing various levels of security.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a transportable base unit that will not function unless used in combination with a box.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a uniquely designed standalone base unit that works in the box in its environment or can be used completely differently in a second environment.

Yet another feature of this invention is to provide a base unit that is simple to use adapted for use by a layman with little or even no computer skills.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a uniquely designed freestanding base unit which, when removed from the first box and inserted into a second box, continues to function in the same way or in a completely different way.

Yet another feature of this invention is to provide a base computer unit that can be easily removed from one box to insert into a second, different box, or that can be permanently installed in a box.

Yet another feature of this invention is to provide a base computer unit that can operate in any box or environment while keeping data safe.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a uniquely designed laptop base unit to fit into a uniquely designed box, for example boxes for office equipment, homes, cars, televisions and other boxes.

In general, these and other features of the present invention are achieved by what is called a portable, mobile, portable base computer unit that is included in a single housing. The base unit of this invention is simple, uncomplicated, and is transported in a single closed housing, only to be easily removed and tucked into a box that fits. The base unit of this invention preferably has a specially configured connector that mates with a power connection source or actuator in a box. All other components, except the connector, of the base unit are sealed and cannot be removed from the base case. This same connector also provides communication or carries information on a bus or wirelessly. In the base unit, all components of the computer remain intact unlike the state of the art where, for example, the CPU is removed and replaced by a second CPU or other components. Base unit security is provided only by structured mating connectors that connect to a male connector in the box. In case of loss or misplacement of the base unit, its data could not be used, read or printed by others since it can only be activated by connecting with a single matching connector that is in the box. Also for security reasons, the base unit is housed in a completely enclosed casing so that no component of the computer can be removed, copied or tampered with.

Throughout this description and in the claims, the terms "box", "closed" or "enclose" are intended to mean that the base unit is connected to or at least partially housed in the box. By the term "communication trigger" is meant a wireless transmission or communication, by radio, mobile telephone and the like. The term "stand-alone" is intended to mean a conventional general-purpose computer with conventional computer components (except the power source and the display) but with a box that also has built-in capability to connect to external data sources and information. Furthermore, the standalone base computer of the present invention has a single means for electrically connecting with a plurality of equally unique and different boxes, as do other computers including mobile, laptop and base computers, cars, household appliances, televisions, home systems such as alarms, electrical and heating systems, office units, and equipment such as faxes, copiers, telephones, Dictaphones and the like or any other suitable box. The base unit of this invention, although it has all the components of a conventional computer, does not function as such unless it is fitted into a matching case.

US 5,608,608 (Flint) describes the use of two shells and a cartridge that have separate functional components that interface with each other over a common bus. Flint cartridge has unique 3

ES 2 235 293 T3 caly a processor and memory combined with a second bus and at least one slot for housing a communication module that is coupled on a second bus. The cartridge is for use in notebook, notebook, and sub-notebook computers. The Flint cartridge does not process the functions normally required in a general purpose computer, namely data memory, operating systems, software and video display interface electronics found within the Flint chassis, not the cartridge.

Therefore, the Flint cartridge relies on the two data recovery frameworks, operating software application and video and software interconnection, all of which are necessary for the entire computer to function fully. As described later, the invention contains the memory, processing, video interconnect and software in the base unit, allowing this base to be used with any case without having to worry about the operating software version, software application or video setting. In Flint, these settings must fit properly for the computer to work. Furthermore, Flint requires three separate components (two frames and the cartridge) while the present invention requires only two components. Furthermore, Flint allows the user to configure the cage while the base unit of the present invention does not.

Finally, the Flint cartridge allows external peripheral devices or ports (eg PCMCIA) to become an integral part of the cartridge. In contrast, the present invention does not allow any peripheral device or external peripheral port to form an integral part of the base unit as the base unit (base unit) has components in a fully enclosed housing thus providing a tamper resistant base unit. The only communication with the internal components of the base unit is through its connector.

The base unit of this invention is used in a two-part system. The first part, the base, houses all the components normally found in notebook or desktop computers with the exception of any peripheral connection ports, display and power. The second part is the box that houses any necessary peripheral connectors (for example PCMCIA, serial, parallel, etc.) and that also provides power to the base unit. It is anticipated that this energy is only passing through. The power actually comes from an external battery or AC source (alternating current power supply). The purpose of the base / enclosure design is to minimize the size of the entire system so that the enclosure or enclosure can always be the smallest size. Second, the base can be moved from box to box without having to worry about device setup.

According to a well known practice, to keep the memory active, a battery, usually a rechargeable battery, can be included in the base unit. This does not constitute a power source in the sense that it is used in this application, for example a power source external to the base unit and supplied only through a box.

The base unit of this invention is small, compact, and self-contained. Each of the boxes that the base unit can be inserted into can have its own group of different peripheral devices or peripheral connection ports to perform a single or multiple functions. For example, if a factory technician has responsibility for inventory control, the base unit would be inserted into a box that has specific connector ports to perform inventory functions (for example, a port for a code scanner bars and communications with a remote computer). If the same technician has the responsibility to repair and maintain the equipment in that function, he can remove the base unit from the inventory box, insert the same base computer into a different box that has, again, different peripheral devices or ports specific connector connectors to perform maintenance functions (for example a 1553 interface to perform equipment tests, the non-obtrusive head shield port, and a digital multimeter to take electrical readings) and therefore function as a repair and maintenance computer. When security is important, an additional security means can be inserted into the technician base unit so that only the technician has access to the boxes or systems.

The technician himself may also have an office and need to access and operate from a laptop. The host computer used in the above examples can also be inserted into a laptop case where the peripheral connector ports, embedded peripheral devices (for example a CR-ROM reader) and a means for providing power are a box that looks like a laptop. When the base unit is inserted into a laptop case, the unit functions like a normal laptop.

The above examples show the versatility of the base computer to be used in different environments and situations without any of the three different computers having to perform the different functions (inventory control device, test equipment and computer, and laptop).

By keeping the base unit and its interface standard, users can make a single investment for the base computer and allow the boxes to dictate the function. As the functions or procedures differ from company to company, a company can determine at that time which functions are necessary to carry out its mission (for example, inventory control, repair and maintenance, normal office computers) and manufacture its storage boxes. according to them.

Each of the boxes into which the base unit can be inserted, at least partially, has its own peripheral external connection ports; For example, if the base unit is removed from a computer that is in an office or other box, it can be inserted into the console of a car where the console has externally connected ports so that the functions of the car can be monitored for the vehicle safety: brakes, engine, transmission, telephone, geographic information systems and the like. When the car is brought in for repair, you simply have to remove the base unit and give it to the mechanic who inserts it into his diagnostic kit with a mating connector to determine the cause of the car problem. The base unit would act in this case as a “Black Box” (as in airplanes)

ES 2 235 293 T3 for cars and could also exactly reproduce a complete office environment. This same base unit could then be inserted into, for example, a household electrical control box to regulate the lights on and off, the home's air or heating system. Naturally, the boxes need to have a connector with a unique and special structure to accept the base unit with a mating connector. Therefore, the special connector base unit of this invention can be used as a single portable unit that provides or replaces office computers, car computers that control backup memory, information reading, temperature of seats, etc. The domestic light, heat, air and TV regulators can be inserted as a total base computer in any laptop or fixed computer. The specially designed base computer unit of this invention can be easily transported from one box to another and works in any environment. The personal computer is truly universal since the user can take it anywhere and use it in any environment. In a preferred embodiment, each box has its own screen or monitor and its power source; for example, the car box can have a small screen on the dashboard, a mobile computer (for example the Mobile Assistant®) can have the screen to mount on the head, wrist, shoulder or glasses, the monitoring system home can use the TV screen as a screen, etc. Obviously, if desired and suitable, the box can be used without a screen. The power source obtainable in the car, home or personal computer, for example a battery or electrical system, is used to provide power to the base unit of this invention. The base unit must be housed in a matching box before it can function as a computer. In this invention and claims, the term "housed" means that the base unit is at least partially within said box or in electrical or physical contact with the box. The base unit of this invention can be activated with an activator that is connected to the case, for example a mouse, the keyboard, acoustic activation, by eye tracking, by electroencephalography, by pen and combinations thereof.

The components for the universal base unit of this invention may be similar to those described in US Patent 5,305,244. The CpU can be, for example, an 80286, 80386SX, 80486, or a Pentium microprocessor that can be purchased from Intel. The boxes include different interconnects and controllers for use with other types of peripherals such as for example Cardbus, other communication devices or the like. Circuit boards, for example those obtained from Dover Electronics Manufacturing of Longmont, Co and Ampro Computers of Sunnyvale, CA, can be used in the base unit, if desired. If the base unit is voice activated, it may contain a voice recognition machine that can be purchased from Dragon Systems, Newton, Mass, and used in connection with a sound card. Other components that are used in the base unit of this invention are not among the components that can be purchased, for example those described in US patents 5,305,244 and EPA-767,417. The base unit is different in that it cannot function as a computer until it is inserted into a special box that only accepts base units with a single connector, which can provide very secure systems.

The standard transportable and mobile base computer of this invention includes a single permanently enclosed housing that has the normal characteristics of a standalone general purpose computer. The box unit has at least one electrical connector for connecting to a bus connection and a power source that is outside the box. It only works from or through the power supply provided by a box and does not function as a standalone unit if directly attached to a power source. The box comprises peripheral connection ports or devices for cooperating with said base computer when said base unit is placed inside and the base computer unit has means for cooperating with a plurality of different boxes when inserted into said boxes either in an original place or moved from another box. The base computing unit has an activation device that interacts with the desired activation device. Triggering device is selected from the group consisting of acoustic triggering device, communication triggering device, pen triggering device, brain wave triggering device, eye tracking triggering device, mouse activation, a keyboard activation device, and combinations thereof. Obviously, any suitable triggering device can be used. The base unit does not have removable components and does not function as a computer without such a box.

The base computer unit of this invention can be taken out of a laptop case and inserted into a body-wearable mobile case making it a mobile computer as another use example. This type of use is important because the base unit of this invention can be used interchangeably in an infinite number of boxes that match a mating connector. Such a box may have means to enable it to monitor all the functions of an office, a box in a car, for example on the armrest console or dashboard, a box in any other type of vehicle, a box in a household appliance or a home system, for example an alarm or a heating system or an electrical system, in a box of a test equipment, television and the like. Each box is specially structured to accept the base unit of this invention which is also specially structured. Thus, if desired, the same base unit can be used in several matching boxes on the same day or period. The memory of the base computer and the storage medium can, for example, move a project from the office to the home to ensure its continuity, while at the same time, as mentioned before, it can provide optional security since it only works in a suitable matching box and may employ a means that limits the specific boxes that a base unit or base unit type can work with. The base unit may have such an additional security means included. The base unit itself can be used sequentially, for example in the office, and in the car while going home and at home. Each box has ports for va5

ES 2 235 293 T3 other functions, for example connection with a head or display equipment. The base unit comprises a CPU, a memory, a permanent internal storage medium, a trigger device, a video, an I / O interface and a support circuit. The base unit does not function as a computer unless it is in electrical contact with a specifically designed matching box. The box provides the display when needed, the power supply (wake-up) for the base unit and also the ports for external peripheral connections, for example connection to a display or printer. The box and base unit are configured with mating connectors only to supply power and allow base-to-box communication. When the box does not have a CPU, it relies on the base to carry out the functions of a general-purpose computer. The boxes supply the system being described with power and connections to peripherals, for example a display, sensors and controls, etc. The boxes are inactive like a computing device until the base unit is inserted into the boxes, although unlike state-of-the-art post-docking systems, the base unit does not function and is not activated outside of the box. The case and base unit have all the components of a conventional computer except the display and the power supply. It is always activated only by a single connection or connections to a box. By the term "conventional computer" is meant a single, completely closed case comprising a CPU, a memory, an internal permanent storage medium, an activation device, a video, an I / O interface and a support circuit. . A uniquely designed connector connects to the box's power source. Preferably, the box is part of another structure (instead of being alone), for example it is part of a computer, a telephone or a local network system, a car, a test equipment, a electrical system of a building, etc. The box has a uniquely designed electrical connector that only fits or mates with the uniquely designed mating connector on the base unit. However, such a coupling can take various designs.

As described above, the base unit and box must have unique or specifically designed connectors to function and for safety reasons. There are many different unconventional connectors that can be used, especially tongue and groove connectors, dovetail connectors, bar connectors, slot and boss connectors, etc. The more exclusive the communication or the connectors, the better the security of the base unit. Obviously, if desired, in the system of this invention, any other security means can be incorporated to improve the security thereof.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is described below, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base unit and a box, before inserting the base unit into the box.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base unit after it has been inserted into the box.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a single type of connector on the base unit and the case.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another type of mating connector on the base unit and the case.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a different embodiment of a mating connector on the base unit and the case.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a base unit plug connector having mating openings in the case.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a box that is part of an element of a test equipment of any type. A matching base unit is also illustrated.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a box that is part of a wearable computer such as a Mobile Assistant^®; and a matching base unit is also shown.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a box that is part of a work table; and a matching base unit is also shown.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a base unit showing fully the power and bus connectors that can be mated with a connector in a box.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a box that forms part of an armrest of a car or another vehicle; having the box several parts for other functions of the car.

Figure 12 is a flow chart of the internal components and external connectors of the base unit of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

In figure 1 a base unit 1 is shown before inserting it into a box 2. As mentioned before, the base unit contains all the components of a conventional computer except a display and a power source. Therefore, base unit 1 does not function as a computer unless it is inserted into box 2. By itself, base unit 1 is completely inactive and no information or data can be extracted from it unless it is docked into a box using a compatible connector. Base unit 1 connector 3 is a metal bar that can be configured to any design as long as it is compatible with box connector 4

two. For security reasons, the more unique the mating connectors 3 and 4 are configured, the higher the degree of security of the contents of the base unit that can be achieved. The structure of the connectors in Figure 1 is kept relatively simple for illustrative purposes only, to show how they fit together. Obviously, custom connectors that have single-type structures with, for example, security codes offer optimal security. Base Unit 1 does not have its own display and relies on Box 2 to provide the same. This is achieved through the peripheral ports 5 that are on either side of the box 2; These ports connect to the display or any other required connection. Base unit 1 connections to these ports are not shown in the drawings for clarity. Obviously, any electrical circuit or connection can be used. Box 2 is always directly or indirectly connected to a structure 6, for example a car console, a test rig, the electrical system of a

ES 2 235 293 T3 home, other computers, etc. Once unit 1 has been positioned as shown in figure 2, electrical connectors 3 and 4 are coupled together and at that moment base unit 1 is activated and functions as a computing unit with box 2. As shown As mentioned earlier, the only communication with the internal components of base unit 1 of the computer is via connector 3. No PCMCIA or other ports are found on base unit 1. The monitor or display is connected by cables 7. Other ports or interconnects 5 in box 2 can be used to connect other peripheral functions. If base unit 1 shown in figure 1 is lost or misplaced, it is rendered useless by anyone other than the owner of matching box 2. With a custom connector on base 1 and box 2, third parties cannot access the information on the base unit unless they also have the matching box (s). Safety can be increased with a control program or by a pre-program before distribution, whereby a given base unit 1 can only cooperate to produce an operating system with one or more designated boxes 2. Base unit 1 itself is idle like box 2. A base unit 1 of one user cannot be exchanged for a base unit 1 of another user; each one has a custom design.

In Figures 3 to 6, connectors with different configurations are shown, only to illustrate, not to limit the concept. A cable from a power source or other medium 7 is shown in electrical contact with each box 2. In figure 3, a dovetail connector 8 attached to a base unit 1 is shown, sliding into a slot for dovetail 9 from box 2 when base unit 1 is inserted into box 2 as shown in figure 2. Ports 5 can be placed on either side of box 2; For example, in figure 3 the ports are placed in a rear part of the box 2 while in figure 4, the ports 5 are placed in a front side part of the box 2. In figure 4 a triangular connector 10 of a base unit 1 fits into a slot or triangular recess 11 of box 2. All electrical connectors shown in all figures 1 to 6 are conductive connectors that are used to activate the computing functions of base unit 1. Unit 1 may have an activatable activator as described in EP-A -0.827.060. Once activated, a data or information read from the base unit (or print) can be obtained via the cable connections 7 which can be connected to a monitor, a printer or any other desired structure. Obviously, each of the connectors in Figures 3-6 connects to a base unit 1 which is not shown in Figures 3-6 for the sake of clarity. These connectors have to extend from the side of the unit 1 like the connector 3 of figure 1. In figure 5, a rectangular connector 12 of the base unit is shown when it is to be fitted into a rectangular slot 13 of the face. inside of the box 2. All slots or recesses have conductive coatings so there is electrical communication when each base unit connector is inserted into them. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment with single connectors, where conductive plug-type connectors 14 or others, to be attached to the base unit 1 are prepared to be inserted into conductive coupling housings 15 located in the box 2. Although uniquely configured electrical connectors are preferred for the safety of the base unit 1, obviously, if desired, conventional electrical connectors may be used in conjunction with or instead of mechanical connectors of a single type. In other words, a conventional electrical connector can be used in conjunction with a dedicated mechanical connector. In this case, safety can be compromised and conventional interchangeable connectors would allow for more universal use. In either case, the box 2, as mentioned above, is part of a larger structure 6 for example an airplane, a house, a car, an office equipment, a medical equipment or other test equipment and from any other structure where private data communication is desired.

Unlike the systems of the state of the art where interchangeable modules having a single primary module function are known, in the present invention, the base unit 1 is a fully functional computer with a display and a power source that are inactive. until they are combined with a box (es) 2. The capacity and speed of each base unit can be made compatible with state-of-the-art computer science and the boxes that are used. The present invention provides a system other than the state of the art computer coupling systems where the computer to be coupled (in the state of the art) is fully functional uncoupled and in a coupled state. The computer base unit 1 is never functional until it is inserted into box 2.

Figure 7 shows a part of a medical, analytical, mechanical, electrical or any other test equipment 17 that has a port 18 to connect with a printer, a port 19 to connect with a multimeter reader and an output 20 to connect with a source of energy. A docking unit 1 is shown before it is inserted into box 2. Note that the connector 3 of the base unit is located opposite the front side of the box which is completely closed. Once inserted into box 2, connector 3 makes and maintains contact with connector 4 on the box, thus supplying the power to operate the computer in base unit 1. Connecting base 1 and box 2 also provides communication or information transfer on a bus located in box 2. The test equipment 17 has a monitor 22 and controls 21. As mentioned before, the test equipment 17 can be of any type. The user can customize connectors 3 and 4 so that they are unique and test results can be kept confidential (eg medical results).

In Figure 8, a mobile computer 23, such as a Mobile Assistant, may have a case that is an integral part thereof. The computer 23 does not function by itself as a computer unless the base unit 1 is inserted into electrical contact with the box 2. A power port 25 is located in the computer 23 for connection with a battery. The uniquely configured base unit connector 3 is shown on the longitudinal side of the base unit 1. However, connectors 3 and 4 can be located anywhere on the base housing and case 2. A port 24 is provided on the computer.

ES 2 235 293 T3 mobile 23 for connection to a monitor or screen.

In Figure 9, a work table 16 is illustrated having a built-in box 2 located anywhere suitable on work table 16. Work table 16 is provided with a monitor 26 which becomes functional upon activation of the unit. base and cash system. The office worker may then need to move the base unit 1 from the work table 16 to the mobile computer of Figure 8. This office worker can continue with his office work that is inside base 1, in his car or on a mobile computer 23 using the same base unit 1 moved from box 2 of the work table to box 2 of the computer mobile. Once the base unit 1 is taken out of the workbench box 2, it can be used in a totally different place, in a car or on a mobile computer 23.

Figure 10 illustrates a fully closed unitary housing 27 having only one means of communication 3 with other structures. As mentioned before, the connector 3 can be on any external part of the unitary housing 27 of the unit 1. The connector 3 connects to a connector 4 that is in a box 2 for connection to the power supply and a bus between the two components 1 and 2. It is important that no computing component can be removed from drive 1.

The illustration in Figure 11 shows a base unit 1 before inserting it into a box 2 located in the armrest, console, dashboard or any other part 28 of a car or vehicle. Here, the connector 3 is located at the bottom of the base unit housing 27 which is fully closed. The armrest 28 (or any other part of the car) has ports 29, 30, 31 for connection with sensors in the car, GPS, a display and the communication system of the car, for example a mobile phone. The base unit 1 can monitor any or all functions of the car and can also be taken out and used on a workbench in a completely different location.

In Fig. 12, a flow chart of the internal components and the external connector 3 of the base unit 1 of this invention is shown. The base unit or base case 1 completely encloses all internal components of the units and is tamper resistant. On the other hand, the user cannot add any other components to the internal structure of the base unit 1 which is fully closed. The only external functional components of the base unit 1 are the connector 3 that coincides, and when it is functional, it comes into contact with the connector 4 of the box 2. The CPU or processor 38 is shown connected to the local BUS 39 which also provides communication with a Cache L₂ o Level 2 high speed cache 40. Also on the local BUS 39 is the system and memory controller 41 (with a host-PCI bridge). A computer memory 42 is in contact with the system controller 41. A second BUS 43 and a third BUS 44 are used as Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI). These BUS 33 and 34 are not local BUS as they do not connect directly with the microprocessor. These PCIs are typically a 32-bit bus running at a speed of 33 MHz. This produces an average processing capacity of 132 megabytes per second; or the PCI can be a 64-bit bus running at a speed of 66 MHz, however any suitable bus structure can be used. An audio encoder 45 or a decoder of the PCI audio controller of the audio encoder 45 and 47 is connected to the bus 43. Also connected to the BUS 43 is a video controller 46 that controls all the functions of the display. A power module 48 regulates and distributes power to the entire base unit system. A battery 37, for example a miniature rechargeable cell, provides power only to keep memory active when the base unit is not connected to a box. The PCMCIA controller 49 acts as a PCMCIA interface to the PC card subsystem. THE BASIC INPUT / OUTPUT SYSTEM or BIOS 20 provides low-level functions that are used to connect peripherals to the system. The input / output interface 51 provides all input / output functions for the system. Bridge 52 is the bridge for all capabilities between ISA and PCI. Permanent storage 53 provides non-rotating hard disk drive memory. Base connector 3 provides a means of connection to box 2 through box connector 4. The base unit 1 remains inactive until it is activated by connecting to box 2, at which time, with box 2, it functions as a computer. Connectors 3 and 4 (on base unit 1 and box 2) allow the connection of other devices or functions to the box. For example, connected to the box there may be ports for the USB (universal serial bus) 54, the COMI and COM2 (serial communication ports) 55, the floppy 56 for floppy connections, LPT, the parallel port 57, the VGA-Video graphics adapter 58, the peripheral connector interface-PCI 59, the HMD 60 (display to mount on the head when needed), the audio input / output part 61, the power port 62 for supplying power to activate and operate the base unit 1 through the power module 48, the IRDA 63 which is the infrared data association, the mouse 64 as the activation device for the system and the PCMCIA port 65 for the connection of any PCMCIA card or cards.