Personal processor module and docking station for use therewith

Abstract

A highly portable personal processor module (PPM) for use in a variety of docking stations, each of which can be connected to the personal processor via a standard connector, the personal processor and docking station when so connected defining a complete computer system, the personal processor containing a microprocessor, magnetic storage and memory, and the docking station providing at least a power supply, a cooling system for the PPM, a keyboard and a display. The personal processor is loaded with a user's personalized operating system and software so that the user can carry their preferred computing environment with them. The personal processor module also includes control software that reads and recognizes a type code provided by each docking station and configures the PPM accordingly. For the situation when the PPM cannot identify the docking station to which it is connected, the PPM provides a default configuration routine. The PPM also tracks the number of connections made to docking stations so as to determine the remaining life of the PPM's connector. The docking station includes a power coupling controller that locks the PPM into the docking station and will not allow power to be withdrawn from the PPM other than in response to a positive user command, thus preventing inadvertent data loss from the PPM's memory.