Claims:1. A rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer comprising:
a display assembly comprising a first set of floating board connectors; and
a computing assembly adapted to be removably coupled to the display assembly, the computing assembly comprising:
a processing card comprising one or more processors;
a second set of floating board connectors; and
one or more interfaces adapted to be configured at predefined positions on the computing assembly;
wherein the first set of floating board connectors are configured to be operatively coupled with the second set of floating board connectors such that the display assembly and the computing assembly operate as a single device.
2. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display assembly comprises a first guide means, and the computing assembly comprises a second guide means, and wherein the first guide means and the second guide means facilitates operative coupling of the first set of floating board connectors with the second set of floating board connectors, which enables coupling of the display assembly and the computing assembly to operate as the single device.
3. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first guide means is configured to be locked with the second guide means, to enable coupling of the display assembly and the computing assembly to operate as the single device
4. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computing assembly comprises one or more plates adapted to positioned at the predefined positions on one or more surfaces of the computing assembly in one or more directions, and wherein the one or more plates are configured to accommodate the one or more interfaces.
5. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predefined positions on the one or more surfaces of the computing assembly is selected from any or a combination of top side, left side, bottom side, right side, rear side top, rear side front, rear side left, and rear side right side bottom.
6. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display assembly is having a predefined display size ranging from 15 to 24 inches, and wherein the display assembly is selected from an LCD, LED, AMOLED, QLED, OLED, and touch screen display devices.
7. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer is configured to be converted into a monitor upon removal of the processing card.
8. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operative coupling of the first set of floating board connectors with the second set of floating board connectors enables electrical coupling of the processing card of the computing assembly with the display assembly.
9. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of floating board connectors comprises four sets of first floating boards configured in a square or rectangular shape arrangement on the surface of the display assembly, and the second set of floating board connectors comprises four sets of second floating boards configured in a square or rectangular shape arrangement on the surface of the modular computing assembly.

10. The rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon coupling of the display assembly with the computing assembly, each of the four sets of first floating boards of the display assembly electrically couples to one of the four sets of second floating boards of the computing assembly.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of computing and display devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a modular convertible customizable panel computer, which can be used in various applications to work as a computing platform as well as standalone display, for computing and graphical applications.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Computing devices such as computers, laptop, mobile phones, tablets, and the likes, generally includes a processing unit connected a display unit to enable and facilitate users to perform various applications. Depending on the type of computing device, the processing unit, and the display unit can either be configured as a single module or they can be two separate components being connected to each other via wired or wireless media.
[0004] In the case of modular computing devices, the display unit remains attached to the processing unit, and they are then electrically connected using wires. Further, these modular computing devices are provided with interfaces or connectors being fixedly positioned on a specific position on these modular computing devices, which facilitates electrical coupling of the modular computing devices with peripherals and other components such as power source, printers, speakers, microphones, and likes.
[0005] The Brazilian Patent Application BRPI0918292A2 discloses a customizable rugged computer system comprising: a processing control unit, an external object, and means for operably connecting the processing control unit to the external object, the processing control unit introducing intelligence on the external object, thus leading the external object to perform intelligence functions. The processing control unit preferably comprises: (a) a wrap module comprising a main support chassis having a plurality of wall supports and a plurality of junction centers containing means for supporting a computer component there, a support plane dynamic that provides support for connecting peripheral and other computing components directly to the system bus without the need for an interface, means for enclosing a main support chassis and providing access to the inside of the wrap module; (b) one or more computer processing components disposed within the junction centers of the wrap module; and (c) means for cooling the interior of the wrap module.
[0006] The cited prior art provides a custom computer processing system that performs computing and has a wrap module that allows connection and support for peripherals and other computing components to the computer processing system. However, the fixed positioning of the wrap module on the surface of the computer processing system limits the cited prior art to allow connection of the peripheral and other computing components at the specific positions on the surface of the computer processing system only, which might make it inconvenient and sometimes impossible for the user to connect the peripheral to the interface (wrap module) of the invention.
[0007] In addition, the above-cited prior art may allow connection of a display device to it so as to work as a single device having a computing device with a display, but the cited prior art fails to provide a modular convertible customizable configuration, which can work as a computing platform as well standalone display, for computing and graphical applications as required.
[0008] The United States Patent Application US8208245B2 discloses a tablet computer that is composed of a tablet component and a keyboard component. The tablet component houses all of the essential hardware of tablet computer including the central processing unit (CPU), the memory, the power Supply, and a touch screen display. The keyboard component is a simple peripheral device that offers no computing functionality unless connected with the tablet component. The tablet component and keyboard component can mate to form a note book-type computer. The tablet component and keyboard references cited component can mate in an orientation allowing use of only a tablet computing user interface. The tablet component is removable from the keyboard component and functions independently as a tablet computing device. The keyboard component has a counterbalance armature to oppose the moment of inertia due to the changing center of mass of the tablet computer as the tablet component is moved from a closed to an open position.
[0009] The above-cited prior art provides a compact design having the CPU and touch screen display on the same tablet. However, due to the configuration of both the CPU and touch screen display in the same housing, the invention of the cited prior art fails to operate as a stand-alone computing device or a display device, when required, and the two will always operate in tandem. In addition, the cited prior art also fails to allow positioning and connection of different peripherals and computing components at multiple positions on the surface of the tablet as required by users.
[0010] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a modular convertible customizable panel computer that can be used in various applications to work as a computing platform as well as standalone display, for computing and graphical applications, and which also allows easier positioning of interfaces at different positions on the panel computer to facilitate easier and efficient connection of peripheral and other components to the panel computer as required.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0011] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a modular convertible customizable panel computer that can be used in various applications to work as a computing platform as well as standalone display, for computing and graphical applications.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a modular convertible customizable panel computer that allows easier positioning of interfaces at different positions on the panel computer to facilitate easier and efficient connection of peripheral and other components to the panel computer as required.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a computing unit that has interfaces that can be configured at different positions and directions on the surface of the computing unit as required.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a modular convertible customizable panel computer that can be quickly converted into a monitor for graphical applications.
[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a modular convertible customizable panel computer that allows the easier and efficient connection of display units of various sizes to a computing unit of the panel computer.
[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a modular convertible customizable panel computer that allows the easier and efficient connection of display unit to the computing unit with no or minimal use of electrical wires or cables.
[0018] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a connection arrangement that allows the easier and efficient connection of a display unit to a computing unit, which not only electrically couples the display unit to the computing unit, but also rigidly couples and locks the two.

SUMMARY
[0019] The present disclosure relates to the field of computing and display devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a modular convertible customizable panel computer, which can be used in various applications to work as a computing platform as well as standalone display, for computing and graphical applications.
[0020] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer (also referred to as MCC panel computer, hereinafter). The panel computer may comprise a display assembly comprising a first set of floating board connectors. Further, the MMC panel computer may comprise a modular computing assembly (also referred to as computing assembly, hereinafter) adapted to be removably coupled to the display assembly. The computing assembly may comprise a processing card comprising one or more processors, a second set of floating board connectors, and one or more interfaces adapted to be configured at predefined positions on the computing assembly. The first set of floating board connectors may be configured to be operatively coupled with the second set of floating board connectors such that the display assembly and the computing assembly operates as a single device
[0021] In an aspect, the MMC panel computer may comprise a first guide means, and the computing assembly may comprise a second guide means. The first guide means and the second guide means may facilitate operative coupling of the first set of floating board connectors with the second set of floating board connectors, which may enable coupling of the display assembly and the computing assembly to operate as a single device.
[0022] In an aspect, the first guide means may be configured to be locked with the second guide means, to enable coupling of the display assembly and the computing assembly to operate as a single device.
[0023] In an aspect, the computing assembly may comprise one or more plates adapted to positioned at the predefined positions on one or more surfaces of the computing assembly in one or more directions, where the one or more plates may be configured to accommodate the one or more interfaces.
[0024] In an aspect, the predefined positions on the one or more surfaces of the computing assembly may be selected from any or a combination of top side, left side, bottom side, right side, rear side top, rear side front, rear side left, and rear side right side bottom.
[0025] In an aspect, the display assembly may have a predefined display size ranging from 15 to 24 inches, and wherein the display assembly may be selected from an LCD, LED, AMOLED, QLED, OLED, and touch screen display devices.
[0026] In an aspect, the MMC panel computer may be configured to be converted into a monitor upon removal of the processing card.
[0027] In an aspect, the operative coupling of the first set of floating board connectors with the second set of floating board connectors may enable electrical coupling of the processing card of the computing assembly with the display assembly.
[0028] In an aspect, the first set of floating board connectors may comprise four sets of first floating boards configured in a square or rectangular shape arrangement on the surface of the display assembly, and the second set of floating board connectors may comprise four sets of second floating boards configured in a square or rectangular shape arrangement on the surface of the modular computing assembly.
[0029] In an aspect, upon coupling of the display assembly with the computing assembly, each of the four sets of first floating boards of the display assembly electrically may couple to one of the four sets of second floating boards of the computing assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0031] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[0032] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary isometric front view and isometric rear view, respectively, of the proposed MMC panel computer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIGs. 1C and 1D illustrate an exemplary isometric front view and isometric rear view, respectively, of the proposed MMC panel computer when the computing assembly and the display assembly are detached, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 1E illustrates an exemplary view of connector plates of the computing assembly and the display assembly of the proposed MMC panel computer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the computing assembly having customizable connector plates, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate different positions of the connector plates and corresponding interfaces on the proposed MMC panel computer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates simplified isometric views of the proposed MMC panel computer showing the use of the same computing assembly to different sizes of the display assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0039] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0040] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0041] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0042] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0043] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0044] The present disclosure relates to the field of computing and display devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a modular convertible customizable panel computer, which can be used in various applications to work as a computing platform as well as standalone display, for computing and graphical applications.
[0045] According to an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a rugged modular convertible customizable panel computer (also referred to as MCC panel computer, hereinafter). The MMC panel computer can include a display assembly including a first set of floating board connectors. Further, the MMC panel computer can include a computing assembly adapted to be removably coupled to the display assembly. The computing assembly can include a processing card including one or more processors, a second set of floating board connectors, and multiple interfaces adapted to be configured at predefined positions on the computing assembly. The interfaces can help efficient and easier positioning and electrical coupling of various peripheral and components to the MMC panel computer.
[0046] In an embodiment, the first set of floating board connectors can be configured to be operatively coupled with the second set of floating board connectors such that the display assembly and the computing assembly operate as a single device. Otherwise, the display assembly and the computing assembly can operate as single stand-alone devices, for performing various computing and graphical applications
[0047] In an embodiment, the MMC panel computer can include a first guide means, and the computing assembly can include a second guide means. The first guide means and the second guide means can facilitate operative coupling of the first set of floating board connectors with the set of floating board connectors, which can enable coupling of the display assembly and the computing assembly to operate as a single device. The first guide means can be configured to be locked with the second guide means, to enable coupling of the display assembly and the computing assembly to operate as a single device.
[0048] In an embodiment, the computing assembly can include multiple customizable plates (also referred to as interface plates or connector plates, herein) adapted to be positioned at the predefined positions on surfaces of the computing assembly in one or more directions. The plates can be configured to accommodate the one or more interfaces such that the one or more plates and the interfaces can be positioned at the predefined positions on one or more surfaces of the computing assembly in one or more directions as required by a user to efficiently and easily position various peripheral and components to the MMC panel computer. The plates can allow the number of interfaces to be varied by simply changing interface PCB and the interface plates.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the predefined positions on the one or more surfaces of the computing assembly can be at 8 different positions selected from any or a combination of top side, left side, bottom side, right side, rear side top, rear side front, rear side left, and rear side right side bottom, but not limited to the likes.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the display assembly can have a predefined display size ranging from 15 to 24 inches. The display assembly can be selected from an LCD, LED, AMOLED, QLED, OLED, and touch screen display devices.
[0051] In an embodiment, the MMC panel computer can be configured to be converted into a monitor upon removal of the processing card. This allows the display assembly and the computing assembly to operate as single stand-alone devices, for performing various computing and graphical applications.
[0052] In an embodiment, the operative coupling of the first set of floating board connectors with the second set of floating board connectors not only couples and locks the computing assembly with the display assembly, but can also enable electrical coupling of the processing card of the computing assembly with the display assembly.
[0053] In an embodiment, the first set of floating board connectors can include four sets of first floating boards configured in a square or rectangular shape arrangement on the surface of the display assembly, and the second set of floating board connectors can include four sets of second floating boards configured in a square or rectangular shape arrangement on the surface of the modular computing assembly.
[0054] In an embodiment, upon coupling of the display assembly with the computing assembly, each of the four sets of first floating boards of the display assembly electrically can couple to one of the four sets of second floating boards of the computing assembly.
[0055] Referring to FIGs. 1A to 1E, the proposed MMC panel computer 100 can include a computing assembly 102, and a display assembly 104 adapted to be removably to the computing assembly 102. The display assembly 104 can include a connector board 110 having a first set of floating board connectors 112-1, configured on the surface of the display assembly 104. The computing assembly 102 can include a processing card including one or more processors, which can act as a central processing unit (CPU) of the computing assembly as well as the MMC panel computer. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing card can include an intel core processor, but not limited to the like. The processing card can further include a memory operatively coupled to the one or more processor, where the memory is configured to store one or more instructions, executable by the one or more processors of the processing card to enable one or more operations by the computing assembly 102.
[0056] In an embodiment, the computing assembly 102 can further include a connector board 108 having a second set of floating board connectors 112-2, configured on the surface of the computing assembly 102, and multiple interfaces 106 adapted to be configured at predefined positions on the computing assembly 102. The second set of floating board connectors 112-2 and the interfaces 106 can be operatively coupled to the processing card of the computing assembly 102. Further, the interfaces 106 can help efficient and easier positioning and electrical coupling of various peripheral and components to the MMC panel computer 100 and the computing assembly 102.
[0057] In an embodiment, the first set of floating board connectors 112-1 can be configured to be operatively coupled with the second set of floating board connectors 112-2 such that the display assembly 104 and the computing assembly 102 operate as a single device. Otherwise, the display assembly 104 and the computing assembly 102 can be operated or used as single stand-alone devices, for performing various computing and graphical applications
[0058] As illustrated, in an embodiment, the display assembly 104 can include a first guide means, and the computing assembly 102 can include a second guide means. The first guide means and the second guide means can facilitate operative coupling of the first set of floating board connectors 112-1 with the second set of floating board connectors 112-2, which can enable coupling of the display assembly 104 and the computing assembly 102 to operate as a single device. The first guide means can be configured to be locked with the second guide means, to enable coupling of the display assembly 104 and the computing assembly 102 to operate as a single device.
[0059] In an embodiment, the operative coupling of the first set of floating board connectors 112-1 with the second set of floating board connectors 112-2 not only couples and locks the computing assembly 103 with the display assembly 104, but can also enable electrical coupling of the processing card of the computing assembly 102 with the display assembly 104, for exchange of control signals as well as data between the computing assembly 102 and the display assembly 104.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 1E, in an embodiment, the connector board 110 of the display assembly 104 can include four sets of first floating boards 112-1 configured in a square or rectangular shape arrangement, but not limited to the likes, on the surface of the display assembly 104, and the connector board 108 of the computing assembly 102 can include four sets of second floating boards 112-2 configured in a square or rectangular shape arrangement, but not limited to the likes, on the surface of the computing assembly 102.
[0061] In an embodiment, upon coupling of the display assembly 104 with the computing assembly 102, each of the four sets of first floating boards 112-1 of the display assembly 104 can be electrically coupled to one of the four sets of second floating boards 112-2 of the computing assembly 102. Further, the use of floating boards 112-1 and 112-2 can also compensate for any misalignment between the display assembly 104 and the computing assembly 102 during their coupling to form the MMC panel computer 100. As a result, this configuration can allow the user to couple the display assembly 104 with the computing assembly in four different orientations at 90-degree angles, but can further facilitate the user to efficiently and easily position and couple various peripheral and components to the interfaces of the MMC panel computer 100 and the computing assembly 102 from all four directions as required.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the computing assembly 102 can include multiple customizable plates 202-1, and connector assembly 203 adapted to be positioned at the predefined positions on surfaces of the computing assembly 102 in one or more directions. The connector assembly 203 (also referred to as interface assembly, herein) can include a connector plate 202-2 (also referred to as interface plate 202-2, herein) provided with holes, and can be configured to accommodate the interfaces or connectors 106, and corresponding connector PCB 204, and internal connectors (not shown), such that the connector assembly 203 allows user to efficiently and easily position various peripheral and components to the MMC panel computer 100. The connector PCB 204 can have the internal connectors that can be connected to a base board, the computing assembly 102, and power supply board of the MMC panel computer 100, via cables. The connector assembly 203 and plate 202-1 can be interchangeable for changing positions of the connector or interface 106 as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0063] In an embodiment, the plates 202-1 and 202-2 can be coupled to a body of the computing assembly 102 using a set of fastening means such as but not limited to screw, pin and clamps. The plates 202-1 and 202-2 can also be configured to be snap-fitted to the body of the computing assembly 102.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the connector assembly 203 and the interfaces 106 can be positioned and coupled on the computing assembly 102 at 8 different positions selected from any or a combination of top side, left side, bottom side, right side, rear side top, rear side front, rear side left, and rear side right side bottom, but not limited to the likes, thereby providing the user a wide range and flexibility to efficiently and easily position various peripheral and components to the MMC panel computer 100 and the computing assembly 102 as required.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, display assembly 104 of various sizes can be connected or configured with the same computing assembly 102 of the proposed MMC panel computer 100. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated, the display assembly 104 can have a predefined display size ranging from 15 to 24 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the display assembly 104 can be selected from an LCD, LED, AMOLED, QLED, OLED, and touch screen display devices, but not limited to the likes. The display assembly 104 can act as an output device as well as an input device for the computing assembly 102 and the MMC panel computer 100.
[0066] In an implementation, the MMC panel computer 100 can be configured to be converted into a display monitor upon removal of the processing card. This allows the computing assembly 102 and the display assembly 104 to operate as single stand-alone devices, for performing various computing and graphical applications, specifically in military applications, and the likes.
[0067] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0068] The proposed invention provides a modular convertible customizable panel computer that can be used in various applications to work as a computing platform as well as standalone display, for computing and graphical applications.
[0069] The proposed invention provides a modular convertible customizable panel computer that allows easier positioning of interfaces at different positions on the panel computer to facilitate easier and efficient connection of peripheral and other components to the panel computer as required.
[0070] The proposed invention provides a computing unit that has interfaces that can be configured at different positions and directions on surface of the computing unit as required.
[0071] The proposed invention provides a modular convertible customizable panel computer that can be quickly converted into a monitor for graphical applications.
[0072] The proposed invention provides a modular convertible customizable panel computer that allows the easier and efficient connection of display units of various sizes to a computing unit of the panel computer.
[0073] The proposed invention provides a modular convertible customizable panel computer that allows the easier and efficient connection of display unit to the computing unit with no or minimal use of electrical wires or cables.
[0074] The proposed invention provides a connection arrangement that allows the easier and efficient connection of a display unit to a computing unit, which not only electrically couples the display unit to the computing unit, but also rigidly couples and locks the two.