System for Modular Expansion of Mobile Computer Systems

Abstract

A system is provided, in which a mobile computing system in a wristwatch form factor incorporates a computing element, a display element, and a belt or strap-like band. A method is proposed, making use of the strap element as a base for expanding the functionality of the system by providing both a mechanical and a data interface between the base system and the expansion module(s).

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of modular elements for mobile computing systems, more specifically of a wristwatch form-factor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile computing systems, especially wrist-carried systems, have to balance between the conflicting goals of weight and size reduction with increasing functionality and modularity. Most designs reflect a compromise achieved through a rigid design to conserve space and reduce size. The system proposed here would allow designers to create a compact basic system that can increase functionality through modules that use the band as a mechanical base, a data interface, and a power source. The system also enables the manufacturer and the users to “mix and match” parts with different designs and colors to create new appearances and to allow to users to make these changes over time after the initial purchase.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system is proposed where a mobile, wrist-carried system is comprised of a display of either rigid or flexible type, a processing portion, and a band of either rigid or flexible material. The band portion functions as a mechanical base and a data-interface.

In another embodiment, the band portion includes a power source, such as a battery or a solar panel that can provide power to the base system and the expansion modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of an example of a system with a rigid display, as described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of an example of a system with a flexible display, as described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of an example of a modular system with a rigid display, as described in the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of an example of a modular system with a flexible display, as described in the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of an example of a modular system with a rigid display and for which the band is the battery, as described in the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of an example of a system with a flexible display and for which the band is the battery, as described in the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

In preferred embodiments, the present invention employs a mobile, wrist-carried system that is comprised of a display of rigid 1230 or flexible type 1240, a processing portion 1200, and a band 1000 of either rigid or flexible material. The band or band-like portion's 1000 main function is to attach said system to various parts of the user's body, limbs or other objects. The proposed system also is using the band portion 1000 as an interface to share data and, in some embodiments, power between various expansion modules and as a mechanical base for attaching said modules.

Various embodiments are disclosed herein that allow the construction of the system at a relatively low cost for a wide variety of environments and applications. These include the use of a rigid or flexible display and the use of a rigid or flexible band. In most embodiments, the band is used as an interface 1100 allowing data signals and optionally power to be shared between the base system, including the main display and processing portion, and any attached expansion module(s).

In another embodiment, the band portion also includes a power source 1500, such as a battery, a rechargeable battery or a solar panel, which can provide power to the base system and the expansion modules.

A first embodiment of the system can use a rigid display 1230 (as shown by example in FIG. 1) or flexible display 1240 (as shown by example in FIG. 2) together with a band 1000 that can be either flexible or rigid. The base module 1200, which includes the display portion and the processing portion of the system, and the band portion 1000 constitute one unit. The band portion 1000 is used to create an expandable system by attaching various modules 1210, 1220 to it. The modules physically attach to the band to access the data and power lines embedded in the band to interface with the base system 1200 and (optionally) the power source 1220. The modules can be attached by any mechanical means including the use of magnets.

In some embodiments, the system can use a rigid display 1230 (as shown by example in FIG. 3) or flexible display 1240 (as shown by example in FIG. 4) together with a band 1000 that can be either flexible or rigid. The base module 1200, which includes the display portion and the processing portion of the system, is in a detachable module that attaches to any compatible band in order to form a complete system. The band portion 1000 is used to create an expandable system by attaching various modules 1210,1220 to it. The modules physically attach to the band to access the data and power lines embedded in the band to interface with the base system and (optionally) the power source. The modules can be attached by any mechanical means including the use of magnets.

In some embodiments, the system can use a rigid display 1230 (as shown by example in FIG. 5) or flexible display 1240 (as shown by example in FIG. 6) together with a band 1000 that can be either flexible or rigid. The band in these embodiments includes the power source 1500 for all modules. The power source can be a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery (contact-charging or contactless charging), a solar panel, a mechanical system to generate electricity by movement, or any other power source. The band portion 1000 is used to create an expandable system by attaching various modules to it. The modules physically attach to the band to access the data and power lines embedded in the band to interface with the base system and (optionally) the power source. The base system 1200, which includes the display portion and the processing portion of the system, is in a module that attaches to any compatible band in order to form a complete system. The modules can be attached by any mechanical means including the use of magnets.

Claims

1. A mobile computing system in a wrist-watch form factor or any other configuration designed to attach to the user's body, limbs, or any other objects that is comprised of: a. A flexible or rigid display portion,b. A processing portion with a processor and optional memory, communication portion, power source, etc.c. A band or band-like portion whose main function is to attach said system to various parts of the user's body, limbs, or other objects. The band portion also is used to attach expansion modules for various functions. The band portion also provides an interface to carry data signals between modules.

2. A system of claim 1 where the processing module also is a detachable module that can be attached and detached from the band portion.

3. A system of claim 1 where the band also includes the power source that supplies power to the attached modules. The power source can be a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery, a solar panel, a mechanical system to generate electricity or any other power source.

4. A mobile computing system in a wrist-watch form factor or any other configuration designed to attach to the user's body, limbs, or any other objects that is comprised of: a. A flexible or rigid display portion,b. A processing portion with a processor and optional memory, communication portion, power source, etc.c. A band or band-like portion whose main function is to attach said system to various parts of the user's body, limbs, or other objects. The band portion also is used to attach expansion modules for various functions. The band portion also provides power for the modules by means in or on the band.

5. A mobile computing system in a wrist-watch form factor or any other configuration designed to attach to the user's body, limbs, or any other objects that is comprised of: a. A flexible or rigid display portion,b. A processing module with a processor and optional memory, communication portion, power source, etc.c. A band or band-like portion whose main function is to attach said system to various parts of the user's body, limbs, or other objects. The band portion is used to attach expansion modules for various functions. The band portion also provides a touch or gesture input to enable user interaction with the system.