GB2186430A - Base unit for computers - Google Patents

Abstract

A base unit for a computer comprises a body or frame (c) to house a visual display unit (1) in an upper front part thereof, and one or more housings (10) in a lower part thereof for modular elements including a Central Processing Unit and one or more optional elements. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Base unit This invention relates to a base unit for computers of multiple application.

The majority of computers referred to as "home" computers are not computers as such, but are simply a "CPU" (Central Processing Unit} and a built-in keyboard. Consequently, in order to operate these as a computer, at least the following additional elements are generally necessary: a visual display unit which can act as a monitor, a unit to store data and programs usually on tape cassettes, and frequently an external power source. These additional elements often cause a tangle of cables on the working table, render the transfer of the computer from one location to another difficult, and moreover complicate installation.

Other computers, although incorporating the above elements in a single system, instead of using tape cassettesforthe storage of data and programs normally make use of more sophisticated units comprising magnetic discs. As a result, the price of these computers is generally beyond the range of home users. For this reason they have acquired the name "personal computers" or "management com- puters", and are principally intended for professional or general office use.

There is a need for computers which, while compact, are adaptable to various applications, ranging from the simplest home use as a machine for playing games to professional use, and which may be used forteaching purposes in any age group and on any subject, both for personal and commercial use.

Such computers should also have the capacityfor updating, in orderto avoid becoming obsolete within a short period.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a~ base unit for a computer of multipleapp- lications, which comprises a body or frame to house a visual display unit in an upper front partthereof, and one or more housings in a lower partthereoffor modular elements including a Central Processing Unit and one or more optional elements selected according to the application.

The base unit of the invention may be produced at low cost, and consequently it may have a low selling price, thus permitting wide distribution of this useful tool in the home and in teaching. The unit takes up little space on the worktable, the various components or modules being disposed in a compact mannerandoccupyingsubstantiallythesamevertical plane as the monitor, the audio system and the power source.

The unit also enables a simple and safe connection of the components, since all that is required for operational purposes is a simple mains plug, thus avoiding cumbersome multiple adaptors which have upto the present time been necessary for plugs, since in many instances one alone was insufficient. The unit thus gives tidy installation, not only for the reason described above but also because it houses all the components which are required to operate as a com puterinasingleunit; all the interconnected components remain fixed, thus avoiding the hitherto known sight of a table packed with items of equipment and cables interconnecting the various units.

Since the unit provides rapid and convenient use, it encourages the use of home computers. Thus, it has previously been found that the majority of home computers are only infrequently used, if at all, because of the difficulties of connecting together the individual components and the untidy appearance of the components when assembled.

The unit ofthe invention further allows for easy movement from one place to another. Even when the computer incorporates, for example, a monitor, a disc or cassette unit and a printer, it may be moved from one location to another by virtue of its compact physical form.

By incorporating a ticket printer module and a display module into an element which may form the handle of the base unit, it may be converted into a cash register according to the requirements of the customer. For example, the keyboard may be displayed on the screen.

Since each one of the elements housed in the base units is in modular form, including the Central Processing Unit itself, these can be replaced by others of more modern design as and when these are available. In this way, the invention may help to combat obsolescence.

An embodimentofthe invention is hereinafter particu larly described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a base unit of the invention; and Figure2 diagrammatically shows an anti-theftde- vice for use with the invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the embodiment provides a single item ofequipmentorframe (C) to house everything which is necessary in order to operate the system. Thus, the frame may accommodate a monitor (1 ) and a small audio amplifiertogetherwith an associated loud-speaker; the system mayfurtherin dude TV and/or FM tuner(s), which not only permit operation as auxiliaryThi or radio receiver in the home, but also permit operation as a receiver of TELETEXTtransmissions and -which is ofgreaterin- terest - may provide for receiving future transmissions of interactive audio-visual educational programs, that is to say that while, for example, a teacher is explaining a specific topic on the screen, data are being taken from the transmission to the Central Processing Unit to superimpose questions and correct any replies by the student viewer.

In the lower part of the frame (C), one or more longitudinal housings are provided for modular elements (9) e.g. constituting the Central Processing Unit. This allows for exchange of any of the elements for processing and storage of programs and data, since these are produced in the form of unitsofthe said elements. One or more expansion units for housings (10) can be added, in orderto expand the number of modules. This gives the advantage of being able to arrange the computer with modules (4) which are most appropriate for the application for which it is to be used. A rear cover (6) is provided for interconnection of the modules.

The system is also provided with a common power source for the monitor and the various optional modules; this reduces the cost and achieves a reduction in the size of the optional modules.

An application selector (2) is provided, which can act simultaneously as a switch and a command for selecting the particular application of the computer at any moment.

The system has a carrying handle (5), which also serves as a housing for a display, the said handle being formed in the frame itself.

Furthermore,this system has a plurality of control sensors or buttons (3); it may be provided with a conventional keyboard depending on its intended purpose, but a conventional keyboard is not essential in orderto operate the system, since, if this should be desired, the keyboard can be displayed in a lower partofthe monitor screen and data introduced by means of a special light pen (8),which can be used to touch the screen directly. The pen conveniently com prisestwo parallel tips, one of which, on exerting a pressure on the screen, informs the Central Processing Unit of the point on the screen at which it is situated, and the other one of which is the tip of a conventional ballpoint pen, in orderto be able without any need to release the pen -to write the resu Its or the resulting data on a sheet of paper. These arrangements are very useful in teaching, orwhen the computer is being used as a terminal for reference purposes, thereby saving more space on the table.

Finally, the system may include an anti-theftfast- ening,which is very useful when this computer is for public use, such as atteaching centres, exhibitions, automatic information stations in large stores or museums, etc. This anti-theft device simultaneously protects the base unit and the various modules.

The anti4heftdevice comprises a plurality of embedded rings or loops (11), which are situated in an external surface ofthe interconnecting coverforthe modules, as well as in the modules themselves at their rear surface, and through which a bar (7) may be passed, which fixes the system with a suitable locking means.

Claims (10)

1. A base unitfor a computerof multiple app lications,whichcomprisesa bodyorframetohouse a visual display unit in an upper front part thereof, and one or more housings in a lower partthereoffor modular elements including a Central Processing Unit and one or more optional elements selected according to the application.

2. A unit according to claim 1 wherein the optional elements are selected from means to store, interchange and print data, and one or more expansion units.

3. A base unit according to either of claims 1 and 2 which is provided with a carrying handle.

4. A base unitaccording to claim 3 wherein the carrying handle serves as a housing for a display means.

5. A base unit according to anyone of the preceding claims in theform of a register.

6. A base unit according to any one of the preceding claims provided with one or more control sensors/buttons and with one or more application selectors.

7. Abase unitaccording to anyone ofthe preceding claims provided with a rearcoverforinterconnected modules, having one or more loops on its external surface which can be traversed by a fixing bar, which may pass through one or more similar rings at the rear of the modules so as to act as an anti-theft device.

8. A base unit according to any one of the preced- ing claims wherein a keyboard may be displayed on at least a part of the visual display unit, which keyboard may be actuated by means having two parallel tips, one of which actuates the keyboard and the other of which acts as a writing instrument.

9. A base unit according to any one of the preceding claims substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

10. Each and every novel product, process, feature and combination of features substantially as herein disclosed.