The present invention relates generally to wearable computers and, more specifically, to methods and arrangements for facilitating the connection of auxiliary components therewith.
As miniaturization of computer products continues, the problem of adequate space for connections of input and output devices (I/O) continues to grow. The minimum size of many computer products are now being defined by the number and type of connectors used, especially on the highly integrated devices of the type used in wearable computer technology. In other words, since it is the case that a minimum amount of space must typically be allocated for accommodating connectors or connecting interfaces in the environment of a wearable computer, it has been found that further efforts towards miniaturization in the context of wearable computers has been hampered.
A need has thus been recognized in connection with facilitating further miniaturization in the context of wearable computers by reducing the amount of space associated with connectors, connection interfaces or other connecting elements.
In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a single docking-type connector is provided on a computer system unit, and distributes the I/O connectors required for a given task, into the harness (wearing device) of the computer. The docking connector preferably has enough pins to carry all of the I/O signals, power and grounds for the computer.
Successful wearable computers will offer flexible configurations of I/O and wearing possibilities. Because the system unit has all of the possible I/O signals, different types of harnesses (as variously illustrated by way of example in the drawings) allow for many configurations. The harnesses with the cabling are relatively inexpensive compared to the system unit.
Generally, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, problems relating to the space taken up by connectors are solved by essentially exchanging the multiple connectors required for I/O on a system unit for a single docking connector. By redistributing the individual connectors into various harnesses and docking stations, the system unit is greatly reduced in size and can achieve. attendant advantages as discussed herein.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a connector system for a computer, the connector system comprising: a docking connector which interfaces with a system unit; a plurality of leads in communication with the docking connector; and a plurality of connecting elements associated with the plurality of leads, the connecting elements each being adapted to interface with at least one external component.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a harness system for supporting a portable computer, the harness system comprising: a harness which accommodates a system unit; a docking connector which interfaces with the system unit; a plurality of leads in communication with the docking connector; and a plurality of connecting elements associated with the plurality of leads, the connecting elements each being adapted to interface with at least one external component.
For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.