GB2523121A

GB2523121A - Modular Computer

Info

Publication number: GB2523121A
Application number: GB1402480.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Oliver Koh
Original assignee: KOH TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Current assignee: KOH TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-12
Filing date: 2014-02-12
Publication date: 2015-08-19
Also published as: GB201402480D0

Abstract

A housing for a modular computer comprises recesses 120a-120f for components where the components and recesses have complementary connectors, and the recess connectors 130a-130f are interconnected. The housing may comprise a base housing with recesses for the following components: a motherboard, a feature (e.g. PCI card), memory, storage, and an external port. The housing may provide an aerial to connect to an optional feature component; and may provide cooling for the motherboard and/or feature component. The components may have cases with a connector mounted thereon. A component may have both a battery component and communication functionality. The external ports may be data, power, audio and/or display preferably with indicators for displaying computer status. The components may also be a screen or projector; or a touch-sensitive pad/button and/or motion sensor. The computer may be a tablet or a laptop modular computer. Also disclosed is an input/output housing with a recess for an input/output component such as a keyboard or directional input.

Description

MODULAR COMPUTER

[001] The present invention relates to a modular computer having a housing into which a plurality of computer components may be docked wherein the housing provides connectors for connecting the components wherein the connectors are interlinked to ensure that the computer functions.

[002] The market place for computer products is changing. Consumers are moving away from traditional desktop computers towards laptop, tablet and hybrid computers, which are computer products which are difficult to repair, impossible to upgrade and unrecyclable. At the same time, there are fears that known sources of the rare metals needed to make computer products are near 1 0 the end of their workable lives. A further need in the market place which is not currently being met is for a more environmentally friendly computer which is repairable, upgradable and/or recyclable.

[003] A way of ameliorating these problems has been sought.

[004] According to the invention, there is provided a housing for a modular computer which housing forms a plurality of recesses for receiving a modular computer component having a 1 5 component connector wherein each recess is provided with a recess connector for engaging with the component connector and wherein the recess connectors are interconnected.

[005] The invention provides a computer which is repairable, upgradable and recyclable because when a component of the computer stops working or has a performance level which is affecting the overall functionality of the computer, that component may easily be disconnected from the housing and replaced, effectively allowing the computer to be recycled whereas in the past, the whole computer would have been discarded with a much higher proportion of waste. A further advantage of the invention is that it is possible to customise the hardware easily. Some businesses remove optical drives and use software to disable USB ports in an attempt to prevent data loss or distribution onto removable media. However such software can be circumvented and so physical removal of the ports from the computer would reduce the risks significantly. Another advantage is that any component can be repaired or upgraded within minutes without any tools and without computer knowledge.

[006] According to the invention, there is further provided a modular computer component having at least one component connector for connecting to a recess connector of a housing according to the invention.

[007] According to the invention, there is also provided a modular computer comprising a housing according to the invention and a plurality of modular computer components according to the invention.

[008] According to the invention, there is further provided a method of modifying a modular S computer according to the invention which method comprises the steps of: a. Providing a modular computer according to the invention; b. Selecting a modular computer component of the modular computer to be modified and removing it from the modular computer to create a vacant recess; and c. Selecting a replacement modular computer component and inserting it in the vacant 1 0 recess.

[009] According to the invention, there is further provided an input and/or output housing which housing forms a recess for an input and/or output component.

[0010] In some embodiments, the modular computer component according to the invention may have a casing for protection. In some embodiments, the recesses of the housing according to the 1 5 invention may be shaped to receive the casing of the modular computer component.

[0011] In some embodiments, the modular computer component according to the invention may be one or more of a: (a) motherboard component; (b) optional feature component; (c) memory component; (d) storage component; (e) power supply component; (f) external port component; (g) case component; (h) display component; (i) keyboard component; (j) directional input component and (k) camera component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the housing may be a base housing for a modular computer wherein the base housing forms recesses for the following modular computer components: a motherboard component; a feature component; a memory component; an optional storage component; and an external port component.

[0013] In some embodiments, the modular computer may be a base modular computer comprising a base housing, a motherboard component, optionally a feature component) a memory component, a storage component and an external port component.

[0014] In some embodiments, the housing may be a processing housing for a processing modular computer wherein the processing housing comprises a base housing and additionally forms a recess for a case component.

[0015] In some embodiments, the modular computer may be a processing modular computer S comprising a processing housing, a motherboard component, optionally a feature component, a memory component, a storage component, an external port component and a case component.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing may be a processing and display housing for a processing and display modular computer wherein the processing and display housing comprises a base housing and forms recesses for a case component and a display component.

1 0 [0017] In some embodiments, the modular computer may be a processing and display modular computer comprising a processing and display housing, a motherboard component, optionally a feature component, a memory component, a storage component, an external port component, a case component and a display component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processing and display modular computer may have a touch 1 5 sensitive display component. In some embodiments, the processing and display modular computer may form a recess for a battery component. In some embodiments, the processing and display modular computer may have a touch sensitive display component and comprise a battery component such that the processing and display modular computer may be a tablet modular computer. In some embodiments, the processing and display housing may form a recess for a camera component.

[0019] In some embodiments, the housing may be a laptop housing for a laptop modular computer wherein the laptop housing comprises two housings linked together by a hinge wherein a first housing comprises a base housing and forms recesses for the following modular computer components: a battery component, a keyboard component; and a directional input component; and a second housing forms a recess for a display component. In a second embodiment of the laptop housing, the laptop housing comprises two housings linked together by a hinge wherein the first housing forms recesses for a keyboard component; and a directional input component; and a second housing comprises a base housing and forms recesses for a battery component and a display component.

[0020] In some embodiments, the modular computer may be a laptop modular computer comprising a laptop housing, a motherboard component, optionally a feature component, a memory component, a storage component, a battery component, an external port component, a display component, a keyboard component and a directional input component.

[0021] In some embodiments, the laptop modular computer may comprise a touch sensitive display component. In some embodiments, the recess formed by the second housing of the laptop housing may be rotatably mounted within the second housing such that, in use, the display component recess and its touch sensitive display may be rotated within the second housing such that the display is outwardly facing when the laptop modular computer is closed such that the 1 0 laptop modular computer may function in the same way as a tablet computer in that its touch sensitive display is providing both input and output functions. Alternatively, the link between the first and second housings of the laptop modular computer may be arranged so that the second housing may be slid over the first housing such that the display component faces outwards and the laptop modular computer becomes a tablet modular computer. In some embodiments, the hinge 1 5 may allow rotation of one housing relative to the other such that the laptop modular computer may adopt a tent orientation.

[0022] In some embodiments, the housing may be a hybrid housing for a hybrid modular computer wherein the hybrid housing comprises two housings detachably linked together by a hinge wherein a first housing forms recesses for the following modular computer components: a keyboard component; optionally an external port component and a directional input component; and a second housing comprising the base housing and which forms recesses for the following modular computer components: a battery component and a touch sensitive display component.

[0023] In some embodiments, the modular computer may be a hybrid modular computer comprising a hybrid housing, a motherboard component, optionally a feature component, a memory component, a storage component, a battery component, an external port component, a touch sensitive display component, a keyboard component and a directional input component.

[0024] In some embodiments, the modular computer component according to the invention may have a component casing on which there is mounted a connector. In some embodiments, the component casing may comprise an optionally sealed resilient shell for protection of the modular computer component from physical shock. In some embodiments, the component casing may comprise internal padding to help protect the modular computer component from physical shock.

In some embodiments, the component casing may provide electromagnetic shielding for the modular computer component. In some embodiments, a housing according to the invention comprises padding to help protect one or more of the components from physical shock.

[0025] Common to the five embodiments of the modular computer according to the invention are the following modular computer components: a motherboard component; a feature component; a memory component; and an external port component. In some embodiments, the shape of each of these modular computer components may be the same such that a modular computer component from one embodiment may be swapped into the corresponding modular computer component 1 0 recess in another embodiment.

[0026] In some embodiments, the input and/or output housing may form a recess for an input component (such as a keyboard component or a directional input component), for an output component (such as a display component) and/or for an input/output component (such as a touch sensitive display component). The advantage of the input and/or output housing is that it allows a 1 5 user to use input and/or output components from a modular computer according to the invention independently of the housing for that modular computer. In an office environment, a user may have space for one or more separate housings for input and/or output components which housings may be formed ergonomically for ease of use. The input and/or output housing may form a recess for a battery component and/or a feature component (for example a feature component having communication functionality such as Bluetooth or wireless communication). In some embodiments, the input and/or output housing may form a recess for an external port, for example for a USB connector, for example to provide communication functionality and/or for recharging of the battery component.

[0027] In some embodiments, where a user may wish to use the input and/or output components independently of a modular computer according to the invention but where it is not practical to provide or to carry an input and/or output housing according to the invention, the input and/or output components may comprise a battery component and have communication functionality such that they are independent input and/or output components.

[0028] In some embodiments, the motherboard component provides computer processing functionality. For example, the motherboard component may comprise a computer processing unit (CPU). The motherboard component may provide graphics processing functionality by an integrated graphics processor or by a separate graphics processing chip.

[0029] In some embodiments, the motherboard component may have the functions typically found in a motherboard of any regular laptop computer currently on the market with the exception that all of the external ports, which are usually soldered directly onto the motherboard, will be absent and there will be no sockets to plug components directly into on the motherboard itself. The external ports will be provided by corresponding external port components.

[0030] In some embodiments, the optional feature component may provide feature functionality which may need to be upgradeable independently of the motherboard component. Examples of feature functionality include one or more of communication functionality, storage functionality, GPS functionality, motion detection functionality, motion processing functionality, haptic response 1 0 functionality and/or graphics processing functionality. Examples of communication functionality include wireless (for example 802.lln, 802.11AC, 802.11A, 802.11B, 802.11G protocol or a protocol that a skilled person would identify as being suitable for use with a modular computer), Bluetooth (for example Bluetooth version 3.0 or 4.0 or a version which a skilled person would identify as being suitable for use with a modular computer), and/or WAN (such as 3G or 4G or a communication 1 5 functionality which a skilled person would identify as being suitable for use with a modular computer) functionality. In some embodiments, the optional feature component may have a connector which is in the form of a MiniPCl or MiniPCl express connector. In some embodiments, the optional feature component may have a connector which allows connection to an aerial.

Examples of storage functionality include SSD storage.

[0031] In some embodiments, the memory component may comprise a RAM functionality (for example a standard DDR3 204-pin RAM SODIMM module may be used). Typically, the memory component provides high speed access to a storage functionality which does not retain stored data after the modular computer has been switched off. The memory component may comprises one or more RAM chips, each storing 1GB or 2GB of RAM such that the amount of storage is an integral number from 1 to 256GB, or to 128GB RAM, for example or an amount of RAM which a skilled person would identify as being suitable for use with a modular computer.

[0032] In some embodiments, the storage component may be a hard disk drive (HDD) and/or a solid state drive (SW). Typically, the storage component provides a lower speed access to storage functionality which does retain stored data after the modular computer has been switched off. For example, the storage component may have a principal dimension of 2.5 inches and may have a SATA connector (for example a SATA 3.0 connector or a SATA connector of a type suitable for use with a modular computer). In some embodiments, the storage component may be an optical drive which may optionally be provided in a separate housing.

[0033] In some embodiments, the power supply component may comprise a battery component.

For example a battery component may be a standard capacity battery or a high capacity battery.

[0034] In some embodiments, the external port component may provide one or more of the following connection ports: data (for example a USB, Ethernet, Thunderbolt, optical or other S connection port suitable to transfer data), power, audio (for example a headphone, microphone or other connection port suitable for transferring audio), and/or display (for example DVI, VGA, HDMI or another connection port suitable to output a display for example a video display). In some embodiments, the external port component may comprise one or more indicators (for example a LED or light indicator) for displaying the status (for example a status to indicate whether it is 1 0 switched on) of the modular computer.

[0035] In some embodiments, the case component provides a removable protective cover for the housing. In some embodiments, the case component may encapsulate the housing. In some embodiments, the case component may protect the modular computer from water ingress. For example, the case component may give water resistance or water protection to the modular 1 S computer. In some embodiments, the case component may be lockable.

[0036] In some embodiments, the display component may be a screen (for example a touch sensitive screen) or a projector. A screen for use as the display component may be a high definition (HD) screen. A suitable touch screen may be a capacitive type screen or a resistive type screen. In some embodiments, the display component may comprise a camera; for example a camera suitable for use as a web camera or video conferencing camera; the camera may be capable of taking stills and/or video images. The display component may further comprise a flash for the camera. A projector for use as the display component may be a device which comprises a light source (such as a LED or laser) and one or more lens to project images, for example onto a surface. In some embodiments, the camera component comprises a camera suitable for use as a web camera or video conferencing camera; the camera may be capable of taking stills and/or video images. The camera component may further comprise a flash for the camera. A camera for use with the display component and/or the camera component may optionally be an autofocus camera.

[0037] In some embodiments, the keyboard component may provide a keyboard generally used for input with a computer, for example a OWERTY or AZERTY keyboard and a number pad, a OWERTY or AZERTY keyboard and/or a limited OWERTY or AZERTY keyboard suitable for use with a modular computer. A person of skill in the art would be aware of what keyboard to use depending on the size of the keyboard component and the country in which the modular computer is to be used.

[0038] In some embodiments, the directional input component may be a touch sensitive pad (for example a mouse pad or track pad), a touch sensitive button and/or a motion sensor capable of S detecting movement by the user of the modular computer.

[0039] In some embodiments, the housing of the modular computer provides an aerial functionality for connection to an optional feature component. For example aerial functionality may be an aerial formed in the housing. In some embodiments, the housing of the modular computer provides cooling functionality for the motherboard component and/or an optional feature 1 0 component. For example, the housing may form a recess for a coolant fluid pump component and the housing may form one or more ducts for transmitting a flow of coolant fluid from the coolant fluid pump component to other components. The one or more ducts may form an exhaust duct or the external ports component may comprise an exhaust duct. In some embodiments, the motherboard component may comprise a cooling block for transfer of heat from the motherboard 1 S to the coolant fluid. Where the coolant fluid is a liquid (for example water), the one or more exhaust ducts connect the one or more ducts to a reservoir of coolant liquid. Where the coolant fluid is air, the one or more exhaust ducts are vents.

[0040] In some embodiments, the housing is formed from a resilient material such as carbon fibre (for example light carbon fibre), carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, an impact resistant plastic (for example) or a metal (for example aluminium, magnesium alloy).

[0041] In some embodiments, the component connector may have one or more redundant connections included. In some embodiments, the component connector may have a releasable locking mechanism for locating the connector and for securing it. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be secured by a key. The component connector may be a standard connector for the component to be connected. For example, for a memory component, the component connector may be a 204-pin clip for DDR3 RAM or a 256 pin clip for DDR4 RAM; for a storage component, the component connector may be a SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) connector has been in use since 2003 which is a PIN style connector with 22-pins; for a display connector, a LCD video cable, a DVI or HDMI connector may be used; for a feature component connector, a Mini PCI, PCI express 52 pin connector or mini PCI express 26 pin connector may be used.

[0042] The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, in which: FIGURE 1 shows a schematic plan view of a base housing according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a processing housing for a processing modular computer according to a second embodiment of the invention; S FIGURE 3 shows a schematic plan view of modular components according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a processing and display modular housing according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a laptop housing according to a fifth 1 0 embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a hybrid housing according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an input housing according to the invention; 1 5 FIGURE 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an input housing according to the invention; and FIGURE 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an output housing according to the invention.

[0043] The first embodiment of the invention is a base housing indicated generally at 100 illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings which has a rectangular body 110 formed from a resilient material such as impact resistant plastics or metal such as aluminium. In rectangular body 110, a plurality of recesses 120a,120b,120c,120d,120e,120f is formed. Recess 120a is suitable for receiving a motherboard component, recess 120b is suitable for receiving one or more feature components, recess 120c is suitable for receiving a memory component) recess 120d is suitable for receiving a storage component, recess flOe is suitable for receiving a coolant fluid pump component and recess 120f is suitable for receiving an external port component. Each recess 120a,lZOb)120c)lZOd,120e,120f is provided with a connector 130a,130b)130c,130d,130e,130f. The rectangular body 110 forms ducts 105 for receiving cabling to provide connection (for example electrical and/or optical connection) between the connectors 130a,130b, 130c)130d130e,130f.

[0044] The ducts 105 also provide fluid communication from the coolant fluid pump component to a component requiring cooling, for example a motherboard component and/or a feature component. Where the coolant fluid is air, the ducts 105 may form an exhaust duct (not shown) or the ducts 105 may communicate with the external ports recess if the external ports component has an exhaust port. Where the coolant fluid is water, the ducts 105 may form inlet and outlet connectors for connection to a water reservoir or the ducts 105 may communicate with the external ports recess if the external ports component comprises an inlet and an outlet for connection to a water reservoir.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, recesses 120a and 120c may be combined as a single larger 1 0 recess and the connector for the memory component may be provided on the motherboard component. In an alternative embodiment, the storage component 120d may be in the form of a feature component 12Db or may not be present at all e.g. in the case of a networked modular computer. In an alternative embodiment, particularly where the energy consumption of the components is low, the base housing may omit the coolant fluid pump component recess. In an 1 5 alternative embodiment, the external port component may be provided as a single component with a plurality of external ports or a plurality of external port components may be provided, each external port component having one external port.

[0046] The second embodiment of the invention is a processing housing indicated generally at 200 illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings which comprises a base housing 100 according to the first embodiment (where like features are identified with like reference numerals) and forms a recess for a case component 220g. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2 is taken across the line indicated by X-X' on Figure 1. Recess 220g is provided with a recess connector 230g which is connected to the connectors 130a,130b,130c,130d,130e,130f in the base housing by electrical wiring in the ducts 205 of the processing housing. In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown), there is provided a processing modular computer comprising a processing housing 200, a motherboard component 240a, one or more feature components 240b, a memory component 240c, a storage component 240d, a coolant fluid pump component 240e, an external port component 240f and a case component 240g.

[0047] The third embodiment of the invention provides modular components indicated generally at 300 illustrated in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings. The modular components comprise a motherboard component 340a having a motherboard connector 350a, one or more feature components 340b each having a feature connector 35Db, a memory component 340c having a memory connector 350c, a storage component 340d having a storage connector 350d, a coolant fluid pump component 340e having a pump connector 350e and an external port component 340f having an external port connector 350f.

[0048] The fourth embodiment of the invention is a processing and display housing indicated generally at 400 on Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings. Housing 400 comprises a base housing 100 as defined above in relation to Figure 1 and forms a recess 420h for a display component.

Recess 420h is provided with a display connector 430h which is connected to the connectors 130a,130b,130c,130d,130e,130f in the base housing by electrical wiring in the ducts 405 of the processing and display housing. In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown), there is provided a processing and display modular computer comprising a processing housing 400, a 1 0 motherboard component 440a, one or more feature components 44Db, a memory component 440c, a storage component 440d, a coolant fluid pump component 440e, an external port component 440f and a display component 440h. In an alternative embodiment, the display component may include a camera component. In a further embodiment) the base housing may form a recess for a camera component on an external surface, particularly a surface which opposes the side on which the 1 5 display component is provided. In an alternative embodiment, the processing and display housing comprises a stand for supporting the processing and display housing on a surface.

[0049] The fifth embodiment of the invention is a laptop housing indicated generally at 500 on Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings. Laptop housing 500 comprises two housings 506,508 linked together by a hinge 515. A first housing indicated generally at 506 comprises base housing 100 as defined above in relation to Figure 1 and forms recesses for a keyboard component 520i and a directional input component 520j. The keyboard component recess 520i has a keyboard connector 530i and directional input component recess 520j has a directional input component connector 530] which are connected to the connectors 130a,130b130c,130d,130e,130f in the base housing by electrical wiring in the ducts 505 of the laptop housing. A second housing 508 forms a recess for a display component 520h. The display component recess 520h has a display component connector 530h which is connected to the connectors 130a,130b,130c130d,130e,130f in the base housing by electrical wiring in the ducts 505 of the laptop housing. In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown), there is provided a laptop modular computer comprising a laptop housing 500, a motherboard component 540a, one or more feature components 54Db, a memory component 540c, a storage component 540d, a coolant fluid pump component 540e comprising a battery component, an external port component 540f, a display component 540h, a keyboard component 540i and a directional input component 540j. In an alternative embodiment, the display component 520h may include a camera component.

[0050] The sixth embodiment of the invention is a hybrid housing indicated generally at 600 in Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings. Hybrid housing 00 comprises two housings 601,602 detachably linked together by a hinge 617. The first housing 01 is a housing 506 as defined above in relation to Figure 5 where like features are identified by like reference numerals and the second housing 602 is a housing 400 as defined above in relation to Figure 6 where like features are identified by like reference numerals. In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown), there is provided a hybrid modular computer comprising a hybrid housing 00, a motherboard component 640a, one or more feature components 64Db, a memory component 640c, a storage component 640d, a coolant fluid pump component 640e comprising a battery component, an external port 1 0 component 640f, a touch sensitive display component 40h, a keyboard component 640i and a directional input component 640j. In an alternative embodiment, the display component may include a camera component.

[0051] The seventh embodiment of the invention is a first embodiment of an input housing indicated generally at 700 in Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings. Input housing 700 forms 1 5 recesses 720b,720f,720j,7201 where recess 72Db is suitable for receiving a feature component 74Db, recess 720f is formed on an external surface of the input housing 700 and is suitable for receiving an external port component 740f, recess 720j is formed on an upper surface of the input housing 700 and is suitable for receiving a directional input component 740j and recess 7201 is suitable for receiving a battery component 7401. Each recess 720b,720f,720j,7201 is provided with a corresponding connector 730b,730f,730j,7301 which are connected by electrical wiring in ducts 705 of the input housing 700. In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a first embodiment of a modular input device comprising an input housing 700, a feature component 74Db, an external port component 74Df, a directional input component 740j and a battery component 7401.

[0052] The eighth embodiment of the invention is a second embodiment of an input housing indicated generally at 800 in Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings. Input housing 800 forms recesses 82Db,820f,820i,82D1 where recess 82Db is suitable for receiving a feature component 84Db, recess 820f is formed on an external surface of the input housing 800 and is suitable for receiving an external port component 840f, recess 820i is formed on an upper surface of the input housing and is suitable for receiving a keyboard component 840i and recess 8201 is suitable for receiving a battery component 8401. Each recess 820b,820f,820i,8201 is provided with a corresponding connector 830b,830f,83Dj,83D1 which are connected by electrical wiring in ducts 805 of the input housing 800.

In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a second embodiment of a modular input device comprising an input housing 800, a feature component 840b, an external port component 840f, a keyboard component 840i and a battery component 8401.

[0053] The ninth embodiment of the invention is a display housing indicated generally at 900 in Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings. Input housing 900 forms recesses 920b,920f920j,920l S where recess 92Db is suitable for receiving a feature component 940b, recess 920f is formed on an external surface of the display housing 900 and is suitable for receiving an external port component 940f, recess 920h is formed on an upper surface of the display housing and is suitable for receiving a display component 940h and recess 9201 is suitable for receiving a battery component 9401. Each recess 920b,920f,920j,9201 is provided with a corresponding connector 930b,930f,930j,9301 which 1 0 are connected by electrical wiring in ducts 905 of the input housing 900. In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a modular display device comprising a display housing 900, a feature component 94Db, an external port component 940f, a display component 940h and a battery component 9401. In an alternative embodiment, the display housing 900 comprises a stand for supporting the display housing on a surface. In an alternative embodiment, the display component 1 5 comprises a camera component.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A housing for a modular computer which housing forms a plurality of recesses for receiving a modular computer component having a component connector wherein each recess is provided with a recess connector for engaging with the component connector and wherein the recess S connectors are interconnected.
2. A housing as defined in Claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a base housing for a modular computer wherein the base housing forms recesses for the following modular computer components: a motherboard component; a feature component; a memory component; a storage component; and an external port component.

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3. A housing as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the housing comprises one or more of: a processing housing for a processing modular computer wherein the processing housing comprises a base housing as defined in Claim 2 and additionally forms a recess for a case component; a processing and display housing for a processing and display modular computer wherein 1 5 the processing and display housing comprises a base housing as defined in Claim 2 and forms recesses for a case component and a display component; preferably the processing and display housing forms a recess for a battery component; a laptop housing for a laptop modular computer wherein the laptop housing comprises two housings linked together by a hinge wherein a first housing comprises a base housing as defined in Claim 2 and forms recesses for a battery component, a keyboard component; and a directional input component; and wherein a second housing forms a recess for a display component; preferably the display component recess formed by the second housing of the laptop housing is rotatably mounted within the second housing; a second laptop housing wherein the laptop housing comprises two housings linked together by a hinge wherein the first housing forms recesses for a keyboard component; and a directional input component; and a second housing comprises a base housing as defined in Claim 2 and forms recesses for a battery component and a display component; and/or a hybrid housing for a hybrid modular computer wherein the hybrid housing comprises two housings detachably linked together by a hinge wherein a first housing forms recesses for a keyboard component; and a directional input component; and wherein a second housing comprises the base housing as defined in Claim 2 and which forms recesses for a battery component and a touch sensitive display component.
4. A housing as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the housing provides an aerial S functionality for connection to an optional feature component.
S. A housing as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the housing provides cooling functionality for the motherboard component and/or an optional feature component.
6. A housing substantially as hereinbefore defined and/or described with reference to one or more Figures of the accompanying drawings.

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7. A modular computer component having at least one component connector for connecting to a recess connector of a housing as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. A component as defined in Claim 7 which is one or more of a: motherboard component; optional feature component; memory component; storage component; power supply component; external port component; case component; display component; keyboard component; and 1 5 directional input component.
9. A component as defined in Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein the component has a component casing on which there is mounted a connector.
10. A component as defined in any one of Claims 7 to9 wherein the component has a battery component and communication functionality.
11. A component as defined in any one of Claims 7 to 10 which is an external port component which provides one or more of the following connection port functionalities: data) power, audio, and/or display; preferably the external port component comprises one or more indicators for displaying a status of the modular computer.
12. A component as defined in any one of Claims 7 to 10 which is a display component which is 2 5 a screen or a projector; preferably the display component comprises a camera.
13. A component as defined in any one of Claims 7 to 10 which is a directional input component which is a touch sensitive pad, a touch sensitive button and/or a motion sensor capable of detecting movement by the user of the modular computer.
14. A modular computer component substantially as hereinbefore defined and/or described with reference to one or more Figures of the accompanying drawings.
15. A modular computer comprising a housing as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 6 and a plurality of modular computer components as defined in any one of Claims 7 to 14.
16. A modular computer as defined in Claim 15 wherein the modular computer is: a base modular computer comprising a base housing) a motherboard component, optionally a feature component) a memory component, a storage component and an external port component; a processing modular computer comprising a processing housing, a motherboard 1 0 component, optionally a feature component, a memory component, a storage component, an external port component and a case component; a processing and display modular computer comprising a processing and display housing, a motherboard component) optionally a feature component) a memory component, a storage component) an external port component) a case component and a display component; 1 5 preferably the processing and display modular computer has a touch sensitive display component and a battery component such that the processing and display modular computer is a tablet modular computer; a laptop modular computer comprising a laptop housing) a motherboard component, optionally a feature component, a memory component, a storage component, a battery component, an external port component) a display component) a keyboard component and a directional input component; preferably the laptop modular computer comprises a touch sensitive display component; preferably the display component is rotatably mounted; or a hybrid modular computer comprising a hybrid housing) a motherboard component, optionally a feature component, a memory component, a storage component, a battery component, an external port component, a touch sensitive display component) a keyboard component and a directional input component.
17. A modular computer substantially as hereinbefore defined and/or described with reference to one or more Figures of the accompanying drawings.
18. A method of modifying a modular computer as defined in any one of Claims 15 to 17 which method comprises the steps of: a. Providing a modular computer; b. Selecting a modular computer component of the modular computer to be modified and removing it from the modular computer to create a vacant recess; and c. Selecting a replacement modular computer component as defined in any one of Claims 7 to 14 and inserting it in the vacant recess.
19. A method substantially as hereinbefore defined and/or described with reference to one or more Figures of the accompanying drawings.

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20. An input and/or output housing which housing forms a recess for an input and/or output component; preferably the input and/or output housing forms a recess for an input component which is preferably a keyboard component or a directional input component, for an output component preferably a display component and/or for an input/output component preferably a touch sensitive display component; preferably the input and/or output housing forms recesses for 1 5 an external port component, a battery component and optionally a feature component; preferably the feature component has communication functionality.
21. An input and/or output housing substantially as hereinbefore defined and/or described with reference to one or more Figures of the accompanying drawings.
22. A modular input and/or output device comprising a housing as defined in Claim 20 or Claim 21 and an input and/or output component; preferably the device comprises an external port component, a battery component and optionally a feature component.