CA2750668A1

CA2750668A1 - Modular computer units

Info

Publication number: CA2750668A1
Application number: CA 2750668
Authority: CA
Inventors: Archie Gillis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: 3290255 Nova Scotia Ltd
Priority date: 2011-08-26
Filing date: 2011-08-26
Publication date: 2013-02-26
Also published as: CA2979012A1

Abstract

The present invention describes a modular computerized system that includes the ability to magnetically attach to another similar or identical unit, integrates both male and female ports into each unit so that when two or more units are attached side by side the ports become functional and do not require external cables. Other elements of the invention include; the integration of one or more data splitters into the computerized unit, the integration of one or more power splitters into the computerized unit, and a computer screen that displays content very close to at least one of the edges of the visual display, so that when two or more units are engaged without an external cable the content can be displayed in a screen sharing situation where there is very little or no interruption in the displayed content. The present invention also provides the ability to charge more than one computerized unit with only one cable attachment and the ability to share data quickly and easily between more than one computerized unit without the use of cables, wi-fi or through the air transmission methods.

Description

industry Industri 9 AlPe9~u, Canada Canada CPO OPiC E001261780 Patent Application of John Archie Gillis For TITLE: Modular Computer Units CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not Applicable FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH Not Applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular computer components and systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to modular computer components and systems. Most computer units include a visual display that is based on LED or LCD
technology. Many are all-in-one units, such as the iMac, iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Samsung Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry PlayBook, Cisco Cius HP Slate 500, Toshiba Libretto, ViewSonic ViewPad 100, ASUS Eee Pad, Lenovo IdeaPad UlHybrid, Archos 10.1, Toshiba Folio 100, LG Android tablet, MSI WindPad 100, Notion Ink Adam, NEC
LifeTouch, ExoPC Slate, Motion J3500, Viliv X70 EX, Nefonie WeTab, Augen Gentouch78, etc.

Other such devices are made up of separate and changeable components. In rarer instances the computerized units do not have a visual display and focus on audio output, such as a musical instrument effects pedal.

Computer units with there integrated displays are often set up for screen sharing through networking or attaching the display units together via a cable. One of the problems with this method of screen sharing is that current computer screens have large edges. Due to these large edges, it is more common that shared or multiple displays shows different content or tile the content, so that all the monitor displays are the same. If more than one monitor is used to display one picture over numerous displays, the monitor edges greatly interrupt the visually displayed content as current display units have a border around the screen portion, which creates gaps in the pictures when set up beside each other. We see this when a number of computer display units are set up beside each other. It has been determined by the present inventor that there is a need in the art for a display unit that can easily be attached to another display unit and provide a picture very close to the edge of the display screen so that interruption by material that does not display content is very minimally, or non existant.

Another problem is that even though these computer units and there integrated displays can be set up beside each other in a number of different ways, they generally require an external means of attachment. An example of one of these systems is the Foldable System for Supporting Multiple Computer Monitors found in US 2010/0116961.
These types of systems are unfortunately not integrated into the display units and are sold as separate components to the display screen.

It has been determined that there is a need in the art for a display unit that can quickly and easily attach or assist with the attachment of one computer display unit with one or more other computer display units. It has been determined that in the preferred embodiment of the present invention that the method for attachment of the one or more display units be integrated into the units themselves.

Another drawback of the current computer display systems is that a cable is often required to attach one visual display unit to another. Thus if someone wants to try and place more than one display unit together to watch content on multiple displays, the cables get in the way or are an extra annoyance. A great example of this is the MacBook Pro. If I wanted to watch content on two separate screens of a set of MacBook Pros, the cable for connecting the two devices would be very troublesome and get in the way of the picture on Computer 1 being as close as possible to the display of picture 2.

Some existing computer display units display content pretty close to their edges and there is currently rumors on the Internet that the iPhone 5 will incorporate an edge to edge display however none of these units are capable of attaching themselves to another unit of a similar nature for modular screen creation and none of these units are set up to magnetically attach to each other for screen sharing. They are designed to be stand-a-lone devices rather than a component of a larger modular system.

An interesting device described in United States Patent 7,311,526 to Rohrbach, et al.
December 25, 2007 describes a magnetic connector for an electronic device.
An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one or both of the plug and receptacle can be a magnet, which is preferably a permanent rare earth magnet although electromagnets may also be used. The magnetic element on the plug or receptacle that does not include a magnet is composed of ferromagnetic material. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.
This device is great for preventing accidental damage to a power cable and computing device and provides a successful means for supplying a single computerized unit with power and data, but this type of cable is not used for connecting two display units together magnetically. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention this type of technology is directly integrated into computerized units, such as iPads, both for attachment purposes and/or for electrical signal transfer that does not require the use of an external cable unless desired.

In computer hardware, a port serves as an interface between the computer and other computers or peripheral devices. Physically, a port is a specialized outlet on a piece of equipment to which a plug or cable connects. Electronically, the several conductors making up the outlet provide a signal transfer between devices. The requirements for cables to be used on computer display units have made it impossible to design a practical modular display system that provides uninterrupted content and that can quickly and easily be assembled in a very short period of time.

The United States Patent Application titled "Magnetic Connector with Optical Signal Path", to John C. Di Fonzo, Chris Ligtenberg and Michael Culbert, describes circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection.
This invention will reduce the number of cables required for running a computer system in many instances, however it does not address any methods for joining one or more computer units together or a means for supplying more than one unit with power and data tranfer.

Mobile computing devices have recently become popular for their portability, and as replacements for traditional computers, such as desktops. Many existing computing devices require numerous connections to the device; one for power and one for data transmission. These two connections generally require the use of cables that can be frustrating and quickly become unpleasant when the user trips or becomes entangled with one of these cables and accidentially pulls the laptop or device to the ground.

Patent number US 7,841,776 B2 to DiFonzo et al. describes circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a power and data transfer system that can supply both power and data to a laptop or other mobile computing device using a single connection.
Again this patent application does not address any methods for joining one or more computer units together for display sharing or a means for supplying more than one unit with power and data transfer. This method is limited due to the fact that it can supply power and data transfer to only one device at any given time.

SUMMARY
The present invention describes a method of creating a modular computer.
Described is a method of attaching a plurality of computerized units with integrated visual displays that display content very close to the device edge, is designed for modularity and attached by magnetism. The computerized units incorporate at least one magnetic component for attaching to at least one other magnetic component on each additional unit.

The invention also provides a connector system that can transfer power and data to and from the computerized units. The units do not require cables to interact, however a cable is used for charging the units or if modularity is not desired.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 - This figure shows a single modular unit wherein two edges of the device are capable of displaying content near the edge of the device (1) so that when attached to a similar unit, a larger screen is created. Figure 1 then provides an example of two modular units attached together (2) and also three modular units attached together (3).

Figure 2 - This figure shows a single modular unit wherein three edges of the device are capable of displaying content near the edge of the device so that when attached to a similar unit, a larger screen is created.

Figure 3 - This figure provides an example of where the magnets may be positioned for attaching one device to another.

Figure 4 - This figure shows three computer display units each with the ability to send and receive electrical signals and power supplies to and from each other via an integrated port system that requires no cables.

Figure 5 - This figure shows a port connector and a power supply connector.

Figure 6 - This figure provides an example of how a splitter sends power or data to both an outgoing port and provides power and data to each unit.

Figure 7 - This figure provides an example of how the system can be used with or without a cable for attaching each additional unit.

DRAWINGS - REFERENCE NUMERALS
1 - A single modular display unit

2 - Two modular display units attached together

3 - Three modular display units attached together

4 - A single modular display unit with a screen that is visible to the edges of three different sides - Four modular display units with a screen that is visible to the edges of three different sides and being held together with magnetism.
6 - A magnet positioned in the device for attaching to another magnet positioned in another device, so that when the two are put in contact a magnetic force attracts the two separate devices.
7 - Power and data splitter 8 - Battery, circuits and apparatus 9 - Power and data output port - Integrated port system 11 - Cable for non-modular attachment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the preferred embodiment the present invention seeks to provide a computer that can be magnetically attached to another computer. This method of attachment is very useful as it creates the opportunity for two or more units to work as one. The units may be networked wirelessly or through a cable, but the preferred means of attachment is via magnetic connectors that are integrated into the units for both receiving and sending power and data. Integrating these connectors into the unit rather than using cables to connect one device to another creates a set of devices that can be easily assembled together and perceived as a larger device which can be perceived as a practical replacement for desktop computing systems.

To provide an example imagine a family of four that each have their own portable tablet devices with a screen l Ox 10 inches in diameter. Throughout the day they each take their device to work or school, however when they get home they connect their units and watch a movie together on a 40x40 inch screen. Another scenario is a group of three kids in the back seat of a car each with their own portable cellular phone unit.
These screens are frequently too small to comfortably watch a video i.e. 2x5in, however if three units were connected to watch a movie on their long trip they could create a screen 6x15 inches in size, which would make the experience more enjoyable.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the modular display units will be integrated with one or more magnetically connecting ports that do not require cables. A
cable will be used to supply a first device with power. These ports will transfer power, data and electrical signals, such as audio and visual content and will rely on magnetic force to maintain contact. In United States Patent #7,841,776 B2 to DiFonzo et al., circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection are described. In the preferred embodiment it is methods such as these that are used to transfer power and data. One of the main differences between the system described in United States Patent #7,841,776 B2 to DiFonzo et al. is that the ports in the present invention are integrated into the device, so that when brought into contact with one another they will magnetically attach and transfer electrical signals along with the power and data required for screen sharing, power and data splitting and audio/video content transfer.

The magnetic element on one or both of the integrated connecting ports can be a magnet, which is preferably a permanent rare earth magnet although electromagnets may also be used. The magnetic element on a port that may not include a magnet is composed of ferromagnetic material. When the electrical signaling transferring ports are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.

Another element and benefit of the present invention is that only one electrical outlet is required to charge numerous devices if they are connected together. Power can flow through each unit, charge the batteries and run the unit. Power and data splitters are integrated into the computer units for power and data transfer to each additional unit.
This avoids numerous cable requirements and will free up the power outlets that would have been required to charge and/or power each extra individual unit.

The BOSS guitar pedal company, which is owned by Roland Corp. have a system for their effects pedal units wherein a first tuner foot pedal is plugged into the wall, but each additional pedal is connected to the first by externally attaching two or three extra cables to each unit. Each additional pedal receives power from the outlet through the tuner pedal, which can supply power for up to seven BOSS compact effects pedals. The present invention improves upon this system by integrating both the male and female connecting ports into the computerized devices so that no cables are required.
The present invention also provides a means to securely hold the units together through magnetism. Also in the present invention each unit will contain a battery for storing power.

Another element of the present invention is the collection of circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a power and data transfer system that can supply both power and data to more than one computerized unit or mobile computing device. This can be achieved using only a single connection. Sharing or splitting the data and power signals achieves this. As an example it is common in the art to split a signal to deliver content or power to more than one device. In the present invention power and data are delivered to a first computerized unit using methods found in the art that include circuits, apparatus, power and data splitters, but also includes a method for sending power and data to one or more outgoing ports of each computerized unit such that when a second computerized unit is attached to the first, power and data are supplied to the second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. units as well. This cycle continues, as each device is equipped with one or more incoming and outgoing data and power ports.

In the preferred embodiment a connecting system such as that found in Patent No. US
7,841,776 B2 to DiFonzo et al. will be used to supply the present invention with data and power, however in addition to this numerous data splitters and power dividers will be built into the computerized unit to enable it with the ability to supply one or more additional computerized devices with power and data from the first, second, third, etc.
Some of the main innovative elements of the present invention provided in this modular computerized unit include:

1. The ability of the unit to magnetically attach to another similar or identical unit.
2. The integration of both male and female ports into the unit so that when two or more units are attached side by side the ports become functional and do not require external cables.
3. The integration of one or more data splitters into the computerized unit.
4. The integration of one or more power splitters into the computerized unit.

5. A computer screen that displays content very close to at least one of the edges of the visual display, so that when two or more units are engaged without an external cable the content can be displayed in a screen sharing situation where there is very little or no interruption in the displayed content.

6. The ability to charge more than one computerized unit with only one cable attachment.

7. The ability to share data quickly and easily between more than one computerized unit without the use of cables, wi-fi or through the air transmission methods.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In alternative embodiments the methods of the present invention will also be used for attaching desktop and laptop style computers together as well as digital display signage for things such as advertising campaigns and roadside digital screens and the like.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention the described modular attachment method will be used in the attachment of musical instrument effects pedals.
By providing musical instrument effects pedals with an integrated power and data transferring system that uses magnetism for attachment and does not require external cables the set-up of a system of effects units for musical instruments can more easily and neatly be achieved.

As an example we could have a tuner pedal that is plugged into an electrical outlet powering itself and also delivering a power supply for each additional pedal.
In this alternative embodiment the additional pedals are magnetically attached to each additional pedal in the line and are fitted with the ability to use the power and data for their own operation and also to transfer power and data into each additional unit for the purpose of supplying the additional units with power and data and so on.

Effects units are electronic devices that alter how a musical instrument or other audio source sounds. Some effects subtly "color" a sound, while others transform it dramatically. Effects are used during live performances or in the studio, typically with electric guitar, keyboard and bass. While most frequently used with electric or electronic instruments, effects can also be used with acoustic instruments, drums and vocals.
Examples of common effects units include wah-wah pedals, fuzzboxes and reverb unit.
In another alternative embodiment the magnetic components that hold the units together will be separate from the locations where power and data transfer occur. This means that magnets will hold the devices in a desired position, but that contacting components of the ports may occur elsewhere on the device.

In yet another alternative embodiment one or more cables are provided to each unit so that in instances when it is not desired to have the units located directly side by side, but it is desired to maintain a connection the ports of the present invention offer up both possible options. This cable would have means capable of receiving outgoing power and/or data and means capable of also delivering incoming power and/or data to the

Claims

computerized unit.

CLAIMS: I claim:

1. A computer unit comprising a means for magnetically attaching one or more sides of said computer unit to one or more sides of one or more other computer units.

2. The computer unit of claim 1 wherein the unit is a mobile tablet.

3. The computer unit of claim 1 wherein the unit is a mobile phone.

4. The computer unit of claim 1 wherein the unit is a laptop computer.

5. The computer unit of claim 1 wherein the unit is a desktop computer.

6. The computer unit of claim 1 wherein the unit is a musical instrument effects unit.

7. A computer unit comprising a screen wherein one or more sides of said screen display content close to at least one screen edge so that when the one or more said computer units are fixedly attached together, they may be used to create a larger screen display that has little or no content interruption.

8. The computer unit of claim 7 wherein the screen displays content within 3mm of its edge.

9. The computer unit of claim 7 wherein said computer units are fixedly attached by magnetism.

10. A computer unit comprising circuits, apparatus, and methods capable of receiving power and data, and an integrated means of providing power and data output to one or more other computer units without the requirements for external cables and a means for each computer unit to be fixedly held to together.